New City of Oklee Council took Oath of Office on January 14th

On January 14th, the new Oklee Council met at the Oklee Cafe for their first meeting of the year.

Present for the meeting were Matthew Genova, Paul Cyr, new members Kelly Brekke and Larry Olson. Mayor George Burthwick called the meeting to order. Minutes were looked at and there were no corrections were Genova made a motion to accept the minutes, Cyr seconded. Carried. 

Genova took a photos of the new members and re-elected Mayor for the Oklee Herald. The oath of office was given to the new and re-elected members. 

The financial report was given by Clerk Derek Cross. Accountant Gayle Schmitz was unable to attend. Cross went through page by page explaining the details as needed. A motion was made by Cyr, Olson seconded, carried.

Checks were looked over and approved by a motion to pay the bills by Genova, seconded by Cyr. Carried.

Sheriff Mitch Bernstein reported to the Council that a few cars owners were talked to about moving them. A person was reported to be moving to Oklee with a dangerous dog, but they found a place in the country. Genova asked about the Bishop property, we got some money from him, county attorney will put pressure on the person, needs to finish cleaning up yard. It has been quite around Oklee. 

Genova asked Bernstein about the apartment building in Oklee.  A party is interested in buying the building is the rumor, and Red Lake County in Oklee really doesn’t have services to offer person’s being rehabilitated. Questions need to be asked and should the city call their attorney and find out that their options are. Genova also wanted to know if the property is commercial and residential. More information is needed.

A presentation was made by an engineering firm Morris Engineering looking to offer their services to the City of Oklee. Papers were handed out with information on their firm. Morris Engineering started in 1960. Some of their customers are City of Moorhead, and Casselton. Small towns are an important part of our business.  We are all about saving small towns money - we don’t charge for phone calls or council meetings, we want you to call with questions. 

Darrell Tougas, Oklee Maintenance gave his report. Tougas has been busy getting equipment ready for spring and moving snow. Tougas is also trying to get information out to the public about phosphorous. Education to the public is needed on this issue. Brochure needs to be redone and mailed out. Council said go ahead. New pond permit has been issued.

Burthwick requested that the ceiling tile get replace in the building and the City of Oklee needs to be updated with paint and ceiling tiles. Christmas decorations also need to be taken down also.

Genova has a issue with property line with a neighbor and asked Darrel & Derek to go measure. It was pointed out that the measurement would be only an approximate measurement. 

Commissions of the City were discussed. This is the list of the prices the City of Oklee charges for rentals of the hall, equipment rentals, licenses, and per diems, meeting rates, etc. 

Genova brought up that Sheriff’s Department deputy having to be at the meetings, can we  make a change in the future where it is not a requirement. It is up to the board and it will be brought up at the next meeting. 

Burthwick told the two new members that a good place to ask questions, the League of Minnesota Cities is a good place to get information about City policies and rules. 

Discussion about the Engineer firms was brought up. How does the one we work with charge and do they require a contract? Does this one require a contract? It is important to decide which one the City wants to use in the future. 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.