At their November 5 meeting, the Lanesboro City Council discussed the possibility of eventually combining the public works, ambulance, and fire departments into one large building. Representatives from each of those departments were present at the meeting to be included in the discussion. “As things grow and change, we just want to make sure we’re looking at what’s best for the future,” Lanesboro City Administrator Michele Peterson said. She noted that the facilities that the departments are using now are sufficient for the time being, but as plans are being made for the future of Lanesboro, this is something that needs to be considered. “We’re all trying to work together as a team. I think that (a combined facility) would solidify that,” Peterson commented. She believes that there may be grant funding opportunities for such a project from FEMA or the USDA.
“We want to make the right choices for such a facility if that actually does happen,” Council member Jason Resseman said. Peterson noted that a project of that size may be too big to be viable, but that the council wanted to visit the possibility to see if it was feasible.
“It’s more economical to put everything together in one site,” Ambulance Director Deane Benson pointed out, adding that doing so would allow the departments to share resources. The public works and fire departments were also in favor of the concept.
The council asked each of the departments to put together information on their needs from a facility for the council to consider at their January meeting.
A public hearing was opened to discuss the Park Road improvement project. No one was present for the hearing and so it was closed with no discussion.
The Public Works department asked permission to purchase a snow pusher that could be used on their backhoe or tractor. The pusher would be used instead of the bucket, which would allow them to plow the snow in fewer passes. This would increase efficiency and decrease operator time. “What they’re proposing would make a night and day difference,” Resseman said. The funds are available in the budget and so the council approved the purchase.
The Park Board had approved the purchase of a lightweight plow that would be installed on the park pickup truck. Currently, the plowing is done with an attachment on a lawn mower, leaving the operator exposed to the elements. The Park Board asked the council to approve the purchase as well, which they did.
High Court Pub owner Paul Hamann asked the council for permission to block off three parking spots for their annual Turkey Bowling event on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The funds raised from the event go towards the Lanesboro high school’s senior class trip. The council approved the request.
One of the appointed election judges ended up being a candidate on the ballot so Council member Tom Smith was appointed as a replacement.
City financial advisor Mike Bubany presented rates for a midi loan for the design of a wastewater treatment facility. He noted that the rate is better than one he showed the council a month ago. The council passed a resolution approving the loan.
The council reviewed the proposed utilities fee schedule for Ordinance 54.06. Council member Tom Smith was not in favor of the new rates. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said. “I think the costs are getting way too high.”
“The revenue is not sufficient to cover expenses,” Peterson commented. “This is the seventh option I’ve ran and presented to the Utilities department.” She noted that the Utilities Commission had approved the new rates. The council approved the ordinance with the new utility rates.
A final pay request from Generation X was approved as the proper documentation was provided by the contractor to the city.
The next Lanesboro City Council meeting will be held on December 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Leave a Reply