Lori Gulseth is new Oklee Mayor

On January 11, 2021, the Oklee City Council meeting was held. Present was Larry "Snook" Olson, Paul Cyr, Matthew Genova, and Lori Gulseth. Others attending were Clerk Derek Cross, Toni Burthwick, Darrell Tougas, Brody Grove, Kelly Brekke, Gail Schmitz, Sheriff Bernstein and Bonny Cote.

The meeting was called to order by past Mayor George Burthwick. George Burthwick called for a motion to approve the minutes from the December meeting. Olson made a motion to accept the minutes and Cyr seconded, motion carried.

Cross then handed out the Oath of Office papers and the three new officers signed them, George Burthwich then handed over the gavel to Mayor Gulseth.

Financials were gone over and there were a few questions on the difference from past year's contracted services compared to this year, explanation is that everything was closed in March 2020 so a lot a things were  not used such as port-a-potties. Olson made a motion to accept the financial report, Cyr seconded roll call - all in favor, carried.

Bills were presented and Cyr made a motion to pay the bills, Genova seconded, all in favor, carried.

Sheriff Bernstein reported to the Council that more money is coming in to the county from the state and Auditor Bob Schmitz is applying for the funds. This money is to help out the businesses in Red Lake County and more news will be coming on this.

Bernstein also reported that there has been no trouble with the Pipeline at this time, been very quiet, though there was  some minor vandalism near Plummer. There is a person in Oklee that makes many complaints to the Sheriff's department and seems to have no tolerance for any noise at all.

The Council received one written application for the vacated spot on Council. George Burthwich said he had told, Derek when the ads were in the paper that he was interested also in the position. The other person was unable to attend and the council members decided to table it until they could meet him at the next meeting.

The Council went through the Commissions for the City. The only item changed was the Skid Steer rental rate from $65 to $75 for an hour (driver included). Genova was added to the EDA Board as the Council person. Motion to accept changes was made by Cyr, seconded by Olson, carried.

Darrell Tougas, Head Maintenace person brought to the council the quotes for the Well Control System which needs to be replace or fixed. Tougas presented three quotes. One was to replace what needed to be fixed and was the lowest price. The other two were for replacing the entire Well Control System. 

George Burthwich was asked his opinion on the quotes also. He said he thought it should all be replaced and brought up to  date.

There is potentially a $10,000 grant available for this project also. After much discussion it was decided that the council were prefer to replace the entire system. Tougas was asked which company he recommended and he said he has worked with both IPS and Rooster. IPS is the company that originally installed the Well Control System. 

Olson made a motion to accept the quote from IPS ($42,000). Cyr seconded. Motion carried.

Tougas also updated the Council on the plans to update the outside of the City Building. There is facia, siding and windows that need to be replace. Insulation should be added also. He will be getting quotes of this and present at the next meeting. Most of the florescent lighting has been replace in the building and rebates will be received. E & L had a quote in for the last of the lighting upgrades for the Fire Hall and the Firemen's office. Was decided to table that job until later.

An owner of two trailer lots in Oklee presented a question  via a letter. If she were to remove the trailer, would the City be willing to purchase the two lots for the same price she paid for them. They said they may consider it, but made no commitment.

Genova brought to the Council his concerns over some of the lots/owners in Oklee should receive a letter from the City to clean up their lots. 

Toni Burthwick stated, using profanity, that she feels Genova is singling out a family member's property and asked what about the property of someone where they had gardens. 

Genova asked her to please stop using the profanity and expressed that he was not singling out any individuals, that there are many places in town that need to clean up their places. 

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The next meeting is set for February 8th at 6 p.m.