We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Article information from unapproved council minutes.
At its May monthly meeting the Harlem City Council heard reports on the status of various projects involving support from Bear Paw Development. The Mayor believes the wastewater treatment plant project may be ready for bid the end of May. Hiring of summer pool employees and temporary summer help was approved. The council met prior to the regular council meeting for a work session regarding the 2016-2017 fiscal year budget and Capital Improvement Plan projects.
The council was called to order by Mayor Bill Taylor. All council members were present: Kenneth Hansen, Ralph Schneider, Eva English and Marc Arensmeyer.
Council motioned and approved the minutes of the April 11 regular meeting. The payment of April claims and payroll was also motioned and approved. There was no public comment.
Bear Paw Development, Michele Turville, with Bear Paw Development, said the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP) would be receiving the plans for the wastewater treatment plant project as soon as plan approval from DEQ is received. Mayor Taylor believes the water treatment project could be going out for bid by the end of the month.
The CDGB housing study is completed and the final report is yet to be received. Mayor Taylor feels there will be minimal changes from those reported at the last public hearing on the housing study. Turville said Samantha Chagnon, at Bear Paw Development, would be handling the Brownfields program in the future. Turville added she is looking into a DEQ program that provides grant money for clean-up and that might be usable for the former Equity Coop Brownfields project. The Drain Ditch project still needs planning money. Turville said there is a CDGB planning grant that would be applied for by July. Mayor Taylor said until something can be planned the city will do its part keeping the ditch clean and functioning.
Background Check Policy. Clerk-Treasurer Skoyen presented a written policy about the background check process the city is using for potential employees. The council motioned and approved the new policy.
Hire Pool Employees. Clerk-Treasurer Skoyen and Public Works Director Mohar reported the interviewing committee recommended that all the applicants for lifeguard positions, the returning Director and the returning Assistant Director all be rehired. A motion was made to hire the pool employees as recommended and give a $0.25 per hour raise to the returning lifeguards and a 3% raise to the director and assistant director. Applicants would have to complete the required certifications.
It was further motioned that Skoyen and Mohar be given authority to hire qualified applicants as needed to complete a normal pool schedule for the summer. Motion carried.
Hire Part Time Lawn Mower/Laborer. A recommendation from the interview committee was presented to hire Charles Wasser for the mower/laborer position at a rate of $10 an hour. Recommendation was motioned and approved by the council. Civic Association Clean-up Day was Saturday, per the Mayor.
Decay Ordinance Complaints. Mayor Taylor explained one home owner who had received a violation was continuing to clean up their property and a letter from the home owner explaining the clean-up was given to the council members. Council then motioned and approved a notice of violation be issued for clean-up of property at 400 3rd Avenue SE. Council discussed other residences in violation of the decay ordinance. Mayor Taylor suggested that at the June council meeting a list of all the violations be brought up for discussion.
Council Concerns/Committee Reports. Public Works Director Mohar reported notices were published warning property owners about yards that need mowing. Mohar will be tagging certain locations that continue to ignore the notices. Councilwoman English told the council she plans to update the city’s website in June, when she has some time off work.
Meeting was adjourned. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13, 2016 at 6pm.
