Summer construction and recreation on Mac Council’s minds

The McIntosh City Council met on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the McIntosh Community Center. All members of the Council were present, one seat on the Council remains open.

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. representatives, Jarda Solc and Ryan Graf were present at the meeting to introduce themselves to the Council, share some information about their company and ask that the City and City Council keep them in mind for future projects.

The Council approved the purchase of a push mower and walk behind trimmer for the City Maintenance Department.

There was discussion about providing a power backup system for Polk County Health which rents the lower level of the Bjella Building. Polk County Health is concerned about their refrigerator which they keep vaccines in, should there be a prolonged power outage. The vaccines need to be kept at a certain temperature to remain in usable condition. Mayor Strom asked that the Clerk, Melissa Finseth, get the specs on the refrigerator and order a battery backup for Polk County Health, as long as the price is decent. If it becomes too costly, the Council will revisit this discussion during the August meeting.

Some visitors and campers at Roholt Park have requested the installation of fire pits at and around the campground area. The Council agreed that the park could use some places to have recreational fires and City Maintenance Manager, Larry Hedlund will decide how many fire pits and where they should be put at the Park. 

Jason Smeby applied for a building permit to place a grain bin in the Austin Addition of McIntosh. The Council approved the permit.

The Council discussed permitting The Coop Bar and Grill to have a street dance on August 20th. The owners have requested that part of Broadway Avenue to be closed instead of Third Street as in the past. The Council felt that it is best to close off Third Street, since Broadway Avenue is a main thoroughfare. A motion was withheld until the August meeting, so that Mayor Strom could talk with the owners of The Coop.

There was an emergency water and sewer problem in the east side of McIntosh. A resident had problems with both leaking and deteriorating. Repairs had already begun prior to the Council meeting, so the Council withheld any decisions, as it was undetermined what the City’s responsibility will be.

Councilmember Steve Urness informed the Council that the Fire Department had donated funds for the Tractor Pull that will take place in McIntosh on Saturday, August 27th.

Wanda Stordahl is concerned about the growing number of squirrels that seem to be residing in town.

City Clerk, Melissa Finseth informed the Council that the light fixtures in the Bjella Building are all starting to fail, as most are original to the building. The Council agreed that Hill River Electric should be called to inspect the ballasts and offer solutions to repairs or replacements. 

Mayor Strom stated that he is pleased with how much Roholt Park is being used this summer and discussed the basketball court, which has the foundation dug out and gravel fill added. Ken Kasprzak will do the cement work when he is able.

Another concern that Mayor Strom addressed was the issue of dogs running loose in town lately. 

The dilapidated house on Jensen Avenue was addressed and the City Clerk will contact the owner to find out more about what is happening with it.

The meeting was adjourned. The next McIntosh City Council meeting will take place on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the McIntosh Community Center.