At the May 4 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council reviewed the closures of public spaces. Council member Tom Smith made a motion that the campground bathhouse and visitor’s center bathrooms be re-opened. Mayor Jason Resseman noted that there was a recommendation from the governor that those type of facilities be open to allow recreational activities. The council approved the motion and also decided to send back the portable bathrooms that were placed around Lanesboro except for the one at the Bass Pond. The campground will remain closed until the governor allows campgrounds to reopen. The park amenities such as the ball field, the tennis courts, and the playground will be opened, but the basketball hoops will not be put up yet.
Mayor Resseman and City Administrator Michele Peterson worked to put together a COVID-19 employee preparedness plan including continuity of operations in case there is an emergency relating to the virus. The plan includes sanitizing measures, social distancing with six feet between employees, etc. Council member Bridget Harvey noted that sometimes the staff has to be closer than six feet while they’re working on certain projects. Mayor Resseman recommended that they wear protective gear in those situations. “We will let those guys work at their discretion to maintain these safety protocols,” he said. The council approved the preparedness plan.
Police Chief Blaise Sass gave the council an update. The department is looking for a 2020 Dodge Durango to purchase for Deputy Tim Melver to replace his current vehicle as it has a lot of miles on it and is needing a lot of repairs. Chief Sass noted that he has received questions on the department’s response to COVID-19. The patrols have stayed the same, and the only change has been to stay out of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They have also been trying to handle matters over the phone or outdoors whenever possible. Mayor Resseman asked if there had been any reports of violations of the stay-home order. “For the most part, I think people have done a pretty good job following that order,” Chief Sass replied.
Lanesboro Public Library Director Tara Johnson said that she is hoping to increase the curbside service from twice a week to three times a week, but is waiting until the library receives more cleaning supplies first. The Summer Reading Program will be changed to include virtual storytimes and will hopefully also include some small groups towards the end of June into July. “It’s all up in the air,” Johnson said. “We’re looking at what the governor’s suggesting and what the levels of infection are in the area and hoping we can move ahead.”
Johnson noted that people have been using the wifi in the library parking lot and that the library is looking into a grant to obtain one or two wireless hotspots to install in different locations in Lanesboro to give more people access to the internet.
Darla Taylor reported that an insurance claim had been turned in for snow damage on the community center. The Park Board has been taking a lot of calls from people who have events planned in the park this summer, and they are working to help create new ideas and plans for events based on CDC Guidelines.
The council reviewed and approved the 2019 audit presentation which received a clean report.
A request was received from Roger and Diane Perry for the council to review the condition of their driveway as there is some damage from a recent project. Mayor Resseman observed that there is a spot that needs to be fixed. A motion was passed approving the repair.
A $500 donation to SMIF was approved.
The council discussed a proposed contract with the City of Whalan that would allow the Lanesboro City Office to also be used as the Whalan City Office as the community does not currently have a physical office location for residents to visit and obtain information. Lanesboro City Administrator Michele Peterson was hired by Whalan and will be working for them as well. “We agree that working together in a cooperative manner will benefit both cities,” Mayor Resseman said. The contract was approved and will be renewed annually.
ICON Construction needs to move approximately 800 yards of fill temporarily. A location was found near the ball field by the bluff and it will need to be there for about two months. A motion was approved allowing ICON to store the 800 cubic yards of fill in that spot providing they install a fence around it and seed it with rye or oat grass. They will also need to present a flood preparedness plan to the city before moving any of the dirt and will be liable for any damages to the road during transport.
The next Lanesboro City Council meeting will be held on June 1 at 6 p.m. via teleconference.
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