Local News

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Meeting Watch Includes: Clarissa City Council, Bertha-Hewitt School Board and Eagle Bend City Council Clarissa City Council by Karin L. Nauber Mayor Nathan McLaughlin was not at the regular meeting of the council. All other members were present. Acting Mayor Gene Booker lead the meeting. Actions Postponed the November 5 public hearing on the Einer Wang property because more documentation is needed from attorneys. Approved several extensions that were requested as the result of the building inspections in town. Discussion Without Action Talked about what they can do to prevent erosion of the Eagle Creek as it flows through the city park. Council Member Jana Brandt will follow up with Todd County Soil and Water Conservation District Technical Manager Greg Ostrowski. The board discussed a possible business that may move into the former Moen's gas station. The business would build sheds. Members of the council will measure the area to see if there would be enough room to display the completed sheds. Bertha-Hewitt School Board by Karin L. Nauber All members of the Bertha-Hewitt School Board were present for the regular meeting on October 16. Board Member Mick Stokes was a few minutes late. Actions Approved refunding the 1999 and 2000 bonds which will save the district approximately $192,000 because of the lower interest rate. The board also approved a one day bond sale for the payment of a $75,000 taxable general obligation school building bond. Approved the Bertha-Hewitt Education Association settlement for the 2007-2009 master agreement. Hired Tracy Smith as a cook's assistant. Approved the property and casualty insurance policy through the Minnesota School Boards Association. Approved a three year snow removal contract with Braaten Aggregate. Approved a fund transfer of $25,000 from the general fund to the community education fund. Approved the renewal of employee's life insurance with National Insurance Services. The new proposal will cost retired teachers more out of pocket money for the continued coverage. Discussion Without Action Heard the principals' reports from elementary's Diane Teigland and high school's Mary Merchant. Merchant said they are beginning to work on a plan to help prepare students for beyond high school. Heard the food service report. Because the Seamless Summer program went so well, the program will be continued. It will also help balance the books in the School Age Childcare Program. Eagle Bend City Council by Carolynne Bisel All the council members were present for the regular meeting held on October 15, 2007. Guests present were Sam Cossentine, Bobby Berndt, Steve Commerford and Steve Maland. The meeting lasted for approximately one hour. Actions · Granted the request from Brad Lorentz for a quit claim deed from the City of Eagle Bend on Parcel D. · Approved the Eagle Valley Chapter-MN Deer Hunters Association application for Exempt Permit to hold a raffle at the Eagle Bend Veterans Club, Inc. · Approved the Zoning Permit Application for Scott Wolf to build a 24'X12' lean-to that is attached to the garage, with an amendment not to build until the permit is approved by the council. · Approved the Gambling License Renewal Application for the Eagle Bend Fire Department Relief Association. · Approved the request to continue the 2008 Sponsorship of the Community Concern for Youth Program as presented by Steve Commerford for the amount of $388. · Approved the request to make adjustments on Halvor Oftedahl's sewer bill, but to keep the water portion of the bill the same. · Agreed to investigate what the survey cost would be on the property from Shirley's Gas that is next to the ballpark; Dickey's are interested in giving it to the City of Eagle Bend. The matter will be on the November agenda. Discussion without Action · Mayor Seward led a discussion about the property Dickeys want to give to the city and he said, "We need to act on it, or put it to bed." · Administrator Hess, read an invitation to all the council members from the librarian inviting them to a 25 year celebration tour of the Eagle Bend Library to be held on Wednesday, October 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. · The council heard the monthly activity report of the E.B. police department and the monthly report of the municipal liquor store.