City of Oklee Council meeting

On September 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., the City of Oklee met for their regular meeting in the Oklee Cafe. Present were Mayor George Burthwick, Paul Cyr, Matthew Genova, Lori Melby and City Clerk Derek Cross. Kaye Munt and Gale Schmitz were not present.

Mayor George Burthwick opened the meeting and explained to everyone he now has a gavel and if during the meeting he needs to use it, once means quiet, the second time, you will be asked to leave.

The minutes were looked over and Matthew Genova had a question of why in the portion of the minutes  his conversation wasn’t covered very well compared to Peterson’s conversation regarding the handicap parking issue discussed at the last meeting. Genova stated that he feels Clerk Derek Cross is writing the minutes in his own version, which Genova called spearing. Cross replied he reports accurately. As Cross and Genova were debating this issue, Lori Melby made a motion to approve the minutes and Paul Cyr seconded. Genova voted no on the minutes. The minutes were approved and the debate ended.

Financial report was read by Cross since Schmitz was not able to be there. A few questions were asked about the financials, but the main concern of Genova was Cross driving his own vehicle to do city business and how the city could be liable if he were to get into an accident in his own vehicle. Melby made the motion to accept the financials as read, Cyr seconded, carried.

Cyr made a motion to accept the bills and Melby seconded, carried.

Sheriff Mitch Bernstein gave his report to the council starting with everything has been very quiet except for last Friday when Deputy Brekke had to shoot a dog that was coming after him in self-defense. The dog has a history of being aggressive, is licensed and a few citations had been issued to the owner in the past.

Genova asked if a letter congratulating Julia Bernstein on her Australian competition this past summer should be done. She performed well and she should be recognized. Genova made a motion, Cyr seconded, a letter will be sent.

Maintenance report was given by Darrell Tougas. Tougas reported he has been busy mowing and other things. At the Sundrud Park, trees have been trimmed, the dock was not put in this year because the river is so low, in fact, even the ponds are low and he may not have to release any water this year. The sludge is still an issue, but is lower overall because of the special bugs he puts in to eat the sludge. Still need to move the sludge near the pipe and Don LaCoursiere has a pontoon he is willing to sell for $500 which will be good for this purpose. Genova made a motion to purchase the pontoon, Cyr seconded. All in favor, carried.

The City needs a new skid steer and quotes had been gotten for two different ones. A New Holland and a John Deere. After going over the spec’s for both machines, Cyr made a motion to buy the New Holland, Genova seconded, carried.

Tougas also talked about the Water Tower which needs to be painted next year due to rust spots on the outside. This item needs to be added to the budget. Water rates were increased last year to help with the costs of maintenance of the water tower. 

The next item discussed was the Prepay Propane from Cenex that needs to be approved. Cyr asked how much was used last year, after some discussion, which included possible changing services for cheaper price, but then tanks would have to be switched out, etc., it was decided to prepay 8000 gallons with Cenex this year with a motion by Cyr, seconded by Melby, Genova voted no.

Ambulance building was discussed because a new roof will need to be done next year. Bids were brought up, Genova asked if bids would be asked for and printed in the paper. Genova wants bids in the local and outside paper for next spring for this project.

It is the time of year that Cities have to set their initial Levy. The City of Oklee set it at a 11% increase, but this number usually goes down. The reason for this is you can move the Levy amount down, but you can’t increase it, so everyone starts high and then adjusts. The motion was made by Genova and seconded by Cyr, carried.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Genova asked to make a statement to the council. He stated he feel the hostility from the council especially due to the employee meeting, since nothing was done after he was treated badly by the City Clerk. And he said it would take a little time to get over it. 

Melby made a motion to adjourn, Cyr seconded, meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Oklee Café.