The Wykoff City Council met on the evening of April 10. The meeting began at 7 p.m. with Mayor Ryan Breckenridge leading in the pledge of allegiance. Also present at the meeting was Lyle Morey, Barb Fate, and Jeff Hare; Kaleb Himli was absent. Two additions were made to the agenda – discussion of forming an EDA and Jeff Hare’s news from a realtor he’d met with. The consent agenda was unanimously approved. No guest speakers were present.
Reports
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Rick Whitney gave his report to the council, saying that the Minnesota Department of Health’s inspection went over mostly well. The inspector brought up the state of the fluoride break box, which is used to dose fluoride into the town’s water supply. Whitney requested approval for the following purchases: $260 for a new fluoride break box, $9,000 for a new pump, and $62.50 for a new rain gauge. The rain gauge and breaker box were voted on and the purchases were approved. Some discussion was had on the pump, with it being a larger purchase. The pump would be wider and allow for more water to move through the plant. According to Whitney, they had two months before the price of the pump would go up, so they could table the issue if needed. The council unanimously approved the purchase of the new pump.
Fire department – Fire Chief Wade Baker was present, making a case for purchasing storage for the department’s tools. With the fire department’s new tools having just come in, the concern is safely storing the $40,000 worth of equipment. If a corner is taken too quickly one of the tools may fall into another, and if the electrical components get jumbled it would be an expensive replacement. Baker’s solution is several “lazy susan” style tool holders, which would be installed in the truck and help give easy access. Council member Jeff Hare asked if building shelves in the truck would be feasible. Baker responded that it could be, but they’d need to find someone to build it, and it may lower the resale value of the truck. The issue was tabled, with the chief agreeing to show the compartment where the lazy susans would go so the council may make a better informed decision.
Streets – Council member Barb Fate questioned why there was still sand in the street, considering the town’s relatively new purchase of a street sweeper. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge said that some areas are too tight for the street sweeper to clean. Fate also asked if the street sweeper runs on a schedule, with the answer being that it’s just used “as needed.”
Old Business – The current dates set for the citywide rummage sale are May 26 and 27. Several people have called, requesting the dates be changed because as it stands it may interfere with citizen’s Memorial Weekend plans. The council agreed to change the date to Friday, May 12 and Saturday May 13. Rebecca Schmidt added that they can make ads for the events, if enough people in town will have rummage sales. The resignation of first responder Jon Eickhoff was accepted by the council. Cory Bremseth, who currently works with the town’s fire department, has expressed interest in taking Eikhoff’s position. The board voted and unanimously agreed that Bremseth could fill the position. Discussion was also had on the town’s Jail Haus bed & breakfast. Guests have been commenting on the lack of outdoor seating. The proposed solution is installing benches and a fire pit on the patio. This wouldn’t need council approval since the inn would be spending the profits to make the improvements. Recently a house was demolished in town due to a fire, which gave Schmidt an opportunity to go over the town’s demolition permits. Schmidt said the town’s demolition permits may not be as comprehensive as they should be. The council agreed to look at what neighboring towns have in place. A fee for demolition permits was also proposed.
Next on the agenda was the idea of the town forming an EDA (economic development association). The purpose would be for the town to easily be able to sell property. As it is there’s lots of paperwork to be done for the city to sell land to a developer. Forming an EDA would allow Wykoff to transfer a deed to the EDA to make for an easier selling process. A motion was made and seconded to form an EDA, which was then approved. The city council members will also serve as the board for the Wykoff EDA.
Finally, Jeff Hare quickly took time to note he met with a new homeowner in town. The homeowner’s title company praised Wykoff for having the foresight to protect both homeowners and the city.
The next Wykoff city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.