By Patrick Andrews
Monday’s September 11 Wykoff City Council meeting opened with a visit from John Baker, who gave updates on the ongoing refurbishment of a city-owned baseball field. Dugouts have been moved from a previously used field, dirt has been moved in, and Mr. Baker said he hopes to get the dugouts set on slabs within the next couple weeks. Although it isn’t easy to find, he’d like to bring in some black dirt so the field is ready for use by spring. Next, Rick Whitney of the wastewater treatment plant was recognized for acquiring his class A license this past May. It was subsequently decided that Tyler Baker, John Baker’s son, will be extended an offer for a part-time city maintenance job.
Regarding city streets, a need was expressed to find a new estimate for a job fixing Fillmore Street potholes. A motion was carried to reach out to Scott Mickelson to carry out the job. An issue of safety was also brought up regarding the street outside St. Johns school. The lack of school zone signs has been brought to Mayor Breckenridge’s attention by more than one party, and the city council will be looking into pricing for signs.
Mayor Breckenridge stated that the city cleanup went well. A motion was carried to provide one local with a check for $125 for his help in the cleanup. Another motion was carried to provide the Choppers with a check for $100 for their help. “They’re a great bunch of guys… they made it fun”, stated Breckenridge. Next, he asked for a list of new residents so he can meet them personally.
Regarding old business, the community center’s ramp is finished. The replacement flooring, however, is not yet completed. Approximately $18,000 worth of lumber was acquired for free by the city of Wykoff after a Minnesota federal courthouse overestimated their flooring job by 4,000 square feet. According to city treasurer Rebecca Schmidt, the first bid she recieved for the job was priced too steeply, and at least two more bids will be taken.
Next, the council discussed removal of the old siren tower; their goal is to get the tower taken down as soon as possible. A properly equipped and well-insured candidate has been found to carry out the job; it was stated, however, by several members of the council that they would like to keep the siren. As one of only a handful of its kind remaining in the country, it may have significant monetary value.
A candidate has been found to stabilize a window in Ed’s Museum. David Wadsworth Construction, a historical restoration company based near Decorah, Iowa, can complete the job for just $680. The Historical Society is prepared to pay for the job’s completion. A motion was also carried to provide approximately $1,000 to replace the city shed door.
A 5.2% tax levy increase will take effect for the coming tax year. A 3% raise has also been approved for city employees. City council members and the mayor will not be receiving said pay increase.
Two liquor licenses were approved for upcoming Fall Fest events. The first is for the Wykoff Commons murder mystery dinner theater to be held Thursday, September 21. The second was approved for the fire department to serve wine.
A parking complaint was discussed, which sparked conversation regarding the city’s parking ordinance. The ordinance states that cars must be parked in a driveway; not on the street, and not in the yard. According to the mayor, at least 16 residents were noncompliant with the ordinance.
Towards the end of the meeting, the council reviewed a map depicting a planned land purchase north of Fillmore Street. The land, which it was stated that Rod Thompson has been holding onto with the hopes that the city will pay for it, is 11.73 acres of agriculturally zoned land, at least some of which is currently being leased to Andrew Baker. The council discussed a long-term five- to ten-year plan of parsing out the land, developing individual lots, and possibly two baseball fields. The purchase price discussed was $111,000.
As a final order of business, an accidental two-day water leak was discussed. After a local hired someone to look after his dog, water was accidentally left on, spilling 6,000 gallons into the yard. As none went through the sewer, the council agreed to deduct the subsequent sewer bill.
Wykoff City Council meetings are held in the city clerk’s office on Gold Street at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for October 9.
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