A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on June 12. All council members were in attendance (Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason). One of the first items discussed was the former Wykoff school and grounds, and what is to happen to them. Kingsland Superintendent James Hecimovich and two school board members (Jackie Horsman and Tiffany Mundfrom) were in attendance. Richard Gleason said that after a newspaper article mentioned Kingsland’s possible interest in turning a portion of the grounds into a “native grass area,” many Wykoff residents had spoken up in opposition to this idea. Horsman said that was just one idea that had been brought up. Gleason asked if perhaps Kingsland would consider giving the ball diamond and small park areas to Wykoff, and he said that would eliminate about one-fourth of Kingsland’s mowing area in Wykoff. Hecimovich said this will be considered.
Wade Baker asked the council to consider adopting the fire department bylaws and constitution as presented. After brief discussion, the council voted unanimously to adopt them. Baker also asked if the council would consider buying a slightly used concrete saw and two blades for $800 from a private citizen, for the fire department. Baker explained it is a significant savings compared to buying the equipment new, and would allow the firefighters to cut through concrete, steel roofing, rebar, and other obstacles they sometimes encounter. The council approved this purchase. Baker shared that the department received a donation of $750 from Stevenson Insurance, and he said they will be participating in a “house burn” training on July 21.
Rick Whitney reported on happenings at the wastewater treatment plant, including the recent high-water emergency, saying, “I want to thank council members and members of the city for coming down and helping Chris on Saturday. You guys did an awesome job.” He said the prompt response helped keep the situation from becoming even worse. Whitney also said the WWTP’s Emergency Response Plan will be updated to include new practices for such heavy rain events. He added that the WWTP was “well within our limits for compliance for the month of May.” Becky Schmidt said the costs of repairs will most likely be covered by a combination of state FEMA funds and the city’s insurance.
After discussion, the council adopted the Minnesota Code Book (Vreeman voted no). Luann Hare pointed out that this book is specifically for cities with a population of under 500, so it should be a good fit for Wykoff.
Daren Sikkink, representing WHKS, said that bids have been received in the South Main street project. The lowest bid was roughly $312,000 from Generation X. Sikkink said the city needs to decide upon a preliminary assessment amount for the project (though it can be changed at the public hearing) and set a time for the public hearing. The council set the rate at $89 per foot for the applicable property owners, and the public hearing was set for July 9 at 7 p.m.
The council discussed the subject of what to do with a small collection of old coins. There were bids submitted from citizens wishing to purchase the coins, but the council voted unanimously to display the coins in Ed’s Museum, inside a locked display case. The council considered a request from Fillmore County Economic Development, asking for a $500 contribution. Council members said the city has not given to the CED before, and voiced uncertainty that the city would receive much benefit for the $500, so the council chose to deny the request.
Schmidt brought up a situation in which a citizen, Doreen Bergo, had a portion of sidewalk replaced after it was damaged by one of the city’s trees. The council agreed that the city holds at least some responsibility, so Schmidt said she will ask Bergo to submit a bill for possible reimbursement.
The council expressed gratitude and accepted a donation of flowers and flower boxes from Becky Schmidt and Mary Sackett. The council approved Schmidt to attend an upcoming clerk conference in St Cloud. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, July 9 at 7 p.m.
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