The Hokah City Council met on Tuesday, October 3, at the Hokah Fire Station. Council members present included Mayor Lee Tippery, City Clerk Lindsey Martell, and Council Members Mike Walsh, Jerry Martell and Tom Bernsdorf. Not present was Corey Lorenz.
Mayor Tippery called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the September 5, 2023, meeting minutes; bills payable through October 3, 2023; and the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2023.
Library Report
City Clerk Martell reports that new computers have been ordered for the library.
Police Report
Chief Schuldt said that September had been a typical month with 60 calls for service. He also reported that as a result of applying to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to the Center for Resuscitation Medicine at the University of Minnesota the City will receive two Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). One will be deployed at the city center and the other in the Hokah police patrol vehicle. These devices can provide emergency care in the event of cardiac arrest even before EMS personnel arrive on scene.
Chief Schuldt also reported that the patrol car needs new, high-speed rated tires. He will get bids on tires.
Water/Wastewater/City Engineer Report
The city received two bids on the tractor that was put up for sale in September. Motion seconded and carried to award the sale to David Lakebert for the purchase price of $2725.
City Maintenance employee Dalton Kerns will be attending CDL training and exam.
The council approved the request to spend up to $2500. for the purpose of pouring a concrete floor in the city’s cold storage building.
The city’s small Allis-Chalmers tractor is running, although not well. It also needs tires. The council has tabled action including potential sale of the tractor until a full appraisal of its running condition and functionality is completed.
Streets and Maintenance Report
There are various projects being completed around town. It was also noted that there are two large damaged/rotted trees in the city park that need to be taken down.
New Business
City Clerk Lindsey Martell discussed review of the city of Hokah Ordinances, some of which were created in the late 1800s and early 1900s and remain as part of the city’s code. She recommended that the City of Hokah retain American Legal Publishing to put together a proposal for review of Hokah’s city ordinances. Among the services American Legal Publishing provides is complete review of ordinances, updating where needed, update terminology, and align the city’s code with applicable State and Federal laws. The council will review the situation and establish a committee to pursue this activity.
Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
In the past when the city held Board of Appeal meetings few, if any, residents appeared to appeal property valuations. As a result, the Hokah City Council voted to no longer hold Board of Appeal meetings and will instead establish an open book policy whereby residents can view valuations at the city offices.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Tippery noted that he had received phone calls regarding increased water bills. He noted that once the reasons for the increases were explained – the need for the upgraded city water system – residents understand the need for increased rates to pay for the water upgrades.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. The next meeting of the Hokah City Council will be at 6 p.m. on November 7, at the Hokah fire station.
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