Clearbrook City Council hears audit report

Bonnie Kirchman

Tracee Bruggeman of Brady Martz reported on the city’s audit at the July 8th regular meeting of the Clearbrook City Council. Tracee provided the city with recommendations which included changing the deposit policy, increasing the general fund amount, and completing an inventory. She also suggested separating on and off sale revenues at the liquor store. This breakdown of revenue would allow the city better information on the gross profit margins for each type of sale. Another recommendation arising from the audit was that the city prepare an aging schedule for utilities accounts receivable. This would make it easier for city staff and the council to monitor overdue accounts.

Pat Conroy of WSN discussed issues regarding funding of the upcoming city project. He obtained necessary signatures from council members for the $600,000 Small Cities Development Program grant and other documents related to the project. He reported to the council on an environmental review issue related to historic properties. Because the old water tower might be of historic significance and possibly eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places, an analysis must be made of the tower before funding approval is given. Curt has obtained bids as well as availability of experts who are qualified to review the water tower and complete the reports required for the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office. A motion was passed by the council to proceed with the required historical review of the water tower. The costs of the review can be covered by project funding.

Police Chief Dan Gazelka provided the police department report. Many of the calls for service over the past month are related to car break-ins and police investigation continues on this issue. A shooting range is being built locally. This site will be more convenient for local police officers who currently use the sheriff’s department range in Bagley. Gazelka recently attended a week-long firearms course that was funded by a grant.

Tom Davies, representing the fire department, reported that recent calls have been for medical assistance. The department is participating in local parades in Bagley and Gonvick this summer. A bid in the amount of $670 to install LED lights in the fire hall office has been received.

Robin Proffit, Kloster Park manager, reported on many maintenance projects that have been completed at the park this spring. Building has been painted, new bases placed and sand brought in for playground area. Flowers were planted and Mark and Jason repaired the fence.

A quote was received for repairs to the kiddie pool filter. Arrangements have been made with My Aquatic Services to close the pool when the season is over and prepare it for winter. The council will review job requirements and hours needed with the managers of the park and pool at the end of the season.

The update on the liquor store was given by Joy Walberg. Summerfest was a busy weekend and the special activities at the bar were well received. They are looking at inviting the Elvis performer back for future events. Bingo will resume on September 7th. Meat raffles will take place on Friday, July 20th and August 24th. A build-a-burger fundraising event for the pool will take place on August 16th. Mayor Dylan Goudge will grill the burgers and there will be free karaoke. A bid of $497 for replacement of a window was received. The liquor store also passed its tobacco compliance check.

Jason Bakke reported that he has received his water license. Mark Snobl will obtain his sewer license at the end of July. They each will now work on getting the license they don’t have. The water tower painting has been completed. The retrofit kit for the fire hydrant hit by a state plow has been received and repairs will be scheduled at the same time as the school hydrant repair. Fire hydrant flushing continues on Wednesdays.

Lucie Thompson, city clerk, shared information received from Curt Meyer of WSN who was unable to attend the meeting. He provided the city council with a map of the water main looping discussed at last month’s meeting.  Curt recommended that a motion be passed to extend the substantial completion of the water tower work by two weeks, until the end of July. The electrician scheduled to work on the project for Lavine Electrical has been called for National Guard duty, leading to the anticipated delay. As the delay would not cause issues for the city, the motion was made and passed.

The council discussed a grant received from Team Industries for a fishing pier to be placed near the dam. Gary Prosser is working with a company from Glencoe on getting quotes for measuring, building, and installing the pier. The pier will be built to stay in the water year-round. The council discussed the size and placement of the pier. Necessary signage was also brought up as a planning issue for the project.  “No swimming or diving from pier” and “no lifeguard on duty” signs may be needed.  

The council looked at weight limits for trucks as a way to decrease potential damage to streets, especially where these trucks are parked. Overnight parking for trucks is available on city property across from the Border Bank. This issue will be discussed further at the next council meeting.

Lucie Thompson reported on other activities scheduled for the city. Seed for the native restoration project is expected to be in this week. The seed selected will be for low-growing plants and the city will look at preparing the ground prior to planting. Agri-lime placement at Kloster Park will be scheduled for the end of the season to avoid scheduling conflicts with games and tournaments. The dedication of the new picnic shelter is scheduled for Thursday, July 18th.

A building permit for Tom and Tonya Vold for a vinyl privacy fence was approved. The council also approved Debra Jean Tweet’s building permit for a roof replacement. An additional building permit application from the Clearbrook Elevator for a grain bin was not approved at this meeting. The city would like more time to assure that the planned building project is within the elevator’s property lines.

Monthly claims of $49,627.79 and additional claims of $99,850.21 were approved by the council. North Country Hardware monthly claims of $1,024.31 were approved with Shawn Johnson abstaining.