The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on May 10. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, Ryan Breckenridge, and Barbara Fate). City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended.
The council discussed whether or not to hold the city’s annual Fall Fest event this year. Although the council acknowledged that the pandemic is not gone, there are encouraging signs that things can begin to return to some semblance of “normal.”
Mayor Williams asked, “My question is, are we going to have a Fall Fest?” He went on to explain what he’s seeing in other cities, saying, “Some are going to, some are going to be partial, some that I’ve heard aren’t going to have any.” He noted that his main concerns are the health/safety of citizens, and the possibility of groups that plan for Fall Fest, and may have spent money on supplies which would then be unneeded if Fall Fest ends up being canceled again.
The council discussed pros and cons of Fall Fest. Wade Baker was asked about the Fire Department’s dance and chili feed that are traditionally a part of the fest, and how much beforehand he would need to know if a cancellation happens later in the summer or early fall. He replied that if he knows two weeks before, he could avoid ordering most of the food and items for Fall Fest. He was asked about usual attendance at the dance, since Governor Walz has allowed outside gatherings up to 500 people. Baker said the event has never had 500, and probably averages around 250 to 300.
Rich Gleason stated, “Me, myself, I think our town needs it. I think they’ve been so bottled up that they need it.” He also suggested that since the event is in the fall, Wykoff would have an opportunity to wait and see how other events in the area go, and if any outbreaks result from such festivals. The consensus of the council was to plan to hold the event as usual, and to keep a close eye on the pandemic trends in the meantime.
The council heard a presentation by Sheriff DeGeorge, regarding the ongoing jail need study. He explained that the Department of Corrections (DOC) has informed the county that the jail needs significant improvements in order to remain open. He said the jail need study will determine the best and most cost-effective solution, and the county commissioners will likely vote on how to proceed sometime this summer. Sheriff DeGeorge and commissioner Mitch Lentz said they welcome any questions or comments from the public, and they are trying to get information out to anyone interested, so that the process can be as transparent as possible.
Lyman Hare addressed the council, stating that he’s noticed increased traffic speeds near his home. He asked the council to consider making a four-way stop at the intersection of Pearl and Main Streets. The council discussed that since there is no state or county highway involved, the council is free to make this decision independently. The council voted to make the intersection into a four-way stop. Appropriate signage will be ordered and installed.
Becky Schmidt explained that Governor Walz plans to end his statewide Emergency Order (regarding the pandemic) on May 28. She said if the council wishes to, Wykoff could also rescind its resolution (dated April 8, 2020) declaring an emergency due to the pandemic. The council voted to rescind the resolution effective on May 28. The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, June 14, at 7 p.m.
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