The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Article information from unapproved council minutes.

The Harlem City Council held its regular monthly meeting on March 16, 2016 and heard updates on the wastewater upgrade project, specifically the progress in permitting city-owned land as a source for fill on the new lagoon. Advertising for summer employees for the city, a proposal to buy a used garbage truck available in California and the status of the used fire truck to be purchased was also discussed with action taken.

The Council was called to order by Mayor Bill Taylor. Council members present were Kenneth Hansen, Eva English and Marc Arensmeyer. Council member Ralph Schneider was absent.

Council motioned and approved the minutes from the February 8 regular meeting and the special meeting held on February 16. The payment of claims and payroll was also motioned and approved. There was no public comment.

Under Bear Paw Development information, Public Works Director Richard Mohar updated the mayor and council about the open cut mining application being completed and accompanying test holes being completed as a part of the application document. The permit is for city-owned land, north of town, and the mined material would be used in the construction of the new wastewater lagoon. Mohar also said the engineers had received comments from DEQ about the wastewater project plans and the engineers would be addressing DEQ’s comments.

City Clerk-Treasurer Skoyen asked the council to consider approving a short term loan application to the Bank of Harlem to cover engineering costs and Bear Paw Development invoices that are due. The loan would cover the expenses until the Rural Development project money is available. A motion was made and approved. No representative was present from Bear Paw Development so there was no further discussion of those agenda items.

Skoyen also asked the council to consider the possibility of using electronic means to reduce paperwork in communications with the city council. A discussion of varied approaches included posting information on the city’s website for council members to download or preloading electronic tablets with information for each council member to use. Clerk-Treasurer Skoyen ask council member English to assist her in continuing to explore options.

Skoyen and English explained the need for a policy covering the city’s social media outlets. The current policy does not adequately cover outlets such as Facebook. Motion was made to approve the proposed policy and change the title to read “Social Media Policy.” Motion carried.

Mayor Taylor asked Clerk-Treasurer Skoyen about a proposed wage schedule for summer pool employees. Skoyen explained historically the first year lifeguard pay rate was based on the minimum wage, which had not changed since last year. Second and third year lifeguards pay rates increased from the minimum wage. Council and mayor asked Skoyen to check on wages being paid among local city pools for lifeguards. Council moved and approved advertising for summer pool employees. The mayor then asked the council to approve advertising for a part time temporary lawn mower position for the summer. Council moved and approved advertising the mower position.

Mayor and council briefly discussed the need for animal control in the city. Consensus was the topic was best addressed in a work session rather than a regular meeting. It was motioned and approved to table the discussion. The mayor then asked the council to review two complaints received by the city regarding the decay ordinance. If a violation is found Clerk-Treasurer Skoyen was directed to draft a letter to be sent to the property owners. Motion was made and approved.

Richard Mohar presented a proposal to buy a used garbage truck available in Sacramento, California. He said money for the purchase was budgeted and the truck would be a good fit to the city’s needs. Discussion followed to send Dale Cornell to inspect the truck before deciding to buy it. Motion was made to have Cornell go to California and approve the purchase if the truck passed his inspection. Motion was approved.

Under council concerns and committee reports, Fire Chief Robert Scheffelmaer updated the council and mayor on the status of the used fire truck being considered for purchase. The fire department is sending someone to Minnesota to inspect the truck on March 25. The truck will be purchased if it passes inspection.

Clerk-Treasurer Skoyen explained to the council that a local business owner had inquired about a vacant lot in the first block of Main Street as a possible location to relocate their business. The lot is narrow with what appears to be an undeveloped alleyway. Mayor Taylor suggested the city look into finding more about the undeveloped alleyway to see what would be entailed to make the lot available for purchase.

Meeting was adjourned. The next regular monthly council meeting will be April 11, 2016, at 6pm.