Clearbrook City Council discussed the rent paid by the school for use of the city gym
Tue, 02/19/2019 - 12:08pm
admin
By:
Bonnie Kirchman
The Clearbrook City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 11, 2019. Jeff Burgess, Clearbrook-Gonvick School Superintendent, was present to discuss the rent paid by the school for use of the city’s gym for basketball and volleyball games. Currently, $1,500 is paid for the seven-month lease and repairs and upkeep for the gym exceeds that. It was noted that some gym items, such as the scoreboard, are maintained primarily for the school’s use. The city proposes to increase the rent, possibly to $10,000, with all moneys taken in being put back into repairs and improvements of the gym. Mr. Burgess requested more detailed information with a breakdown of costs that he can bring to the school board.
Curt Meyer, Civil Engineer with WSN, was also present and discussed the funding process for the Water and Sewer project. The council passed resolutions requiring no conflict of interest in the project and citizen participation in the project. Both are needed for completing the financial application. Meyer discussed the impact of the government shutdown on much of the USDA Rural Development planning, but they are working to catch up. Plans are to start the Clearbrook project in 2019.
Police Chief Dan Gazelka gave his report. He has been in contact with Tom Jenson, Deputy State Fire Marshal, for more information on condemning buildings damaged by fire, such as the Gloria’s Collectibles building. Questions being pursued include who is responsible for condemning unsafe buildings and what is the process for doing so.
Joy Walberg gave the report on the liquor store. Several special events have been held recently, including a Super Bowl Sunday party and the first Bar Bingo night. Customer comments on these events were positive, and both events were well-attended. Upcoming activities include a special Valentine’s Day Dinner, with 47 signed up at the time of the meeting. The February meat raffle will raise money for the After-Prom Party. Special activities for March include a St. Patrick’s Day event that will include food and live music. Bar bingo and a meat raffle may also be held in March. The staffing shortage was discussed and people who have expressed interest in working at the bar will be contacted. A suggestion was made to place signs indicating that food is served at the bar on the front and side of the building. A temporary sign or banner may be used for now. Lucie is looking at costs for a commercial air fryer for the bar. The size of the fryer as well as the extra freezer space needed are issues to be considered.
Jason Bakke, utilities and maintenance, reported on the snow cleanup that is dominating their schedule this winter. They are trying to avoid piling snow by intersections and will work to clear the high piles as time allows to provide for better vision for drivers. Council members shared positive comments from residents on the snowplowing work being done. Jason and Mark were thanked for all their hard work, with Mayor Goudge noting that it can’t be fun to get up at 2:30 or 3:00 in the morning to plow.
Lucie Thompson, city clerk reported that fire values have been increased. The amount of increase is not enough to pay for the new truck. Sources for fire department funding were discussed. Representatives of the fire department will be asked to attend the next meeting to discuss amounts the fire department can contribute to future vehicle costs through their fundraising efforts.
The city was contacted for Information on obtaining a liquor license by the new K&K restaurant operator. At this time, they are not sure if they want a liquor license. The council agreed to issue the $1,500 liquor license to the new operator if she chooses to request it, provided the background check is passed.
Ordinance 105 was updated with the addition of a $1 per foot fine for sidewalks that haven’t had snow removed. An update on the ordinance regarding houses was provided by Lucie. The council requested that a reminder to residents about the need for obtaining building permits before starting a project be placed in the utility bill newsletter. All permanent structures including homes, garages, decks, and fences require a building permit from the city.
Other issues addressed during the council meeting included advertising for the pool manager and Kloster park manager positions. Applications will be reviewed by the parks and recreation committee. Lucie is pursuing a quote for painting the pool. A building permit was granted to the Eagle’s Healing Nest for building repairs.
A donation of $4,000 to the city from the Clearbrook Community Club for a shed at Kloster Park was accepted. Donations for the Police Department from Enbridge ($2,000) and Pickett Auto Sales and Family ($600) were also approved.
Monthly claims of $23,787.62 and additional claims of $115,255.74 were approved. North Country Hardware monthly claims of $470.88 and $38.42 were also accepted, with Shawn Johnson abstaining.