01-27-2015 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes January 27, 2015 Page 2 of 4 • Cable Commission — Nancy Malecha explained that the Cable Commission meets once a year and its members include representatives of the entities in the Heartland Cable Commission. • City Clerk— Sandy Peine explained the employee's range of duties who are in the Clerk's Department. She reviewed current department projects and mid and long-range plans. She will be requesting the Council to authorize a study on the long-term management structure for the City. • Economic Development— Mayor Sjoblad stated that the EDC is working on ensuring that the City has high speed internet. The EDC is also working with businesses to ensure a smooth transition during the Highway 371 construction process and that the entryway to City is inviting. • Emergency Management—Torn Nelson stated that he and the Police Chief are the Emergency Management Directors. Dawn Bittner is working to update and consolidate the City's Emergency Management Plan. • Fire Department/Fire Relief/Fire Board — Council Member Akerson noted that the City needs to hook up city hall to the sewer system. The Department needs new extraction tools and a thermal imaging camera. The City should consider hiring a full time grant writer. Tom Nelson noted that the fire vehicles are aging and are on a rotation plan. Money needed for funding new vehicles. Fire Relief—discussion on how this is funded. • HRA— Council Member Akerson recommended that the HRA clean-up substandard housing in the City. • Health Insurance— Nancy Malecha stated that health insurance rates for non-union employees have not increased for several years. • Library— Mayor Sjoblad stated that the library is run by volunteers. The City pays, heat, electric phone, insurance and building maintenance. • Mayor Pro-tern — Scott Pederson is the Mayor Pro-tem and takes over when the Mayor is absent. • Park Commission — Mike Loven stated that the Commission meets monthly. They are currently working on adding public restrooms and a playground in Trailside Park. Mayor Sjoblad stated that he has directed the lights on the bobber water tower to be turned off at 9:30 p.m. because the City has received a complaint about the light shining into neighboring