Ostrander City Council members wondered aloud whether Tuesday’s city council meeting set a record for the shortest ever after they briefly wrapped up business for November 14. Topics covered included liquor license approval, payment delinquency, water rates and sow removal hires.
The meeting opened with brief statements from City Maintenance and the fire chief. A cleanout of the Ostrander lift station was performed, and pumps were inspected at the lift station and water treatment plant. Plans are in motion to replace pumps at the water treatment plant. No calls were made to the Ostrander fire department this month.
The impending 2024 Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department contract was also briefly discussed. The price set before the council was $61 per hour, or $22,265 per year. The council was directed to make their final decision regarding the contract in December.
The meeting’s first order of new business was liquor license approval; the council approved a motion to grant 2024 liquor licenses to Susie’s Roadhouse and Wolf’s Den, two Ostrander Main Street restaurants. Wolf’s Den’s license was approved “contingent on proper insurance coming.”
Next, an Ostrander resident has been notified of a pending assessment due to the delinquency in payment of property care in the amount of $3,000. City Treasurer Wendy Brinks requested that the amount go to the individual’s taxes. The individual will have the opportunity to discuss the assessment at the next city council meeting, December 12.
A worker’s compensation plan was approved for city staff, including city council members, treasurer, city maintenance staff, and the fire department in the case of an injury that should occur during city business. The plan is purchased through League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, and the premium costs $5,181.
The council also approved a motion to increase the water billing rate. The water base rate per dwelling will go from $38.19 a month to $40.10. The water per thousand gallons used will go from $5.51 a month to $5.79. The sewer base rate per dwelling will remain $52.43. The water rates will begin the increase in the January billing cycle.
Finally, the council approved a motion to hire council member DJ Start and his father Lloyd to help with snow removal this winter. The contract price is to be determined but will be less than $10,000 for each individual. It was noted within the contract that it is not one that is required to be competitively bid.
The next Ostrander City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the community center, 410 N. Main St.
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