KIESTER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, October 23, 2023
THESE ARE APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL

The Kiester City council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Kiester Community Center.

Mayor: Hope Bauman called the meeting to order at 7 pm Council Members Present: Larry Dahleen, Kurt Grobe, Jason Kluender. Brandon Hagenson was absent. City Staff: Clerk: Doris Troll and Maintenance: Gary Skartland were present. Public present: Marcia Dahleen, Randi Duchene, Doug Sokoll.

Agenda: Motion to accept agenda, by Jason Kluender, seconded Kurt Grobe, vote 4-0, motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve by Kurt Grobe, seconded by Hope Bauman, Vote 4-0, motion carried.

Claims: Motion by Hope Bauman seconded by Larry Dahleen, approving claims totaling $ 20,480.82. Vote of 4-0 motion carried.

Ambulance: Randi presented new ambulance rates for the upcoming year. Motion to accept the new rates b Kurt Grobe seconded by Larry Dahleen. Vote 3-0, motion carried with Hope Bauman abstaining.
We will also be hosting A Stop The Bleed class for those that are CPR certified. This will be done on 12-16-2023. We also have in the works for early next year to plan something for the kids in the area

Fire Department: none

EDA: none

Liquor Store: none

Library: none

Resident addressed the council: One resident had concerns about some properties on his block. The resident addressed the council and complained about the property next to his. It has been abandoned, with cats living underneath it and an abandoned vehicle on it. One across the street has tires up against an LP tank, which he thought was a fire hazard. The council informed him that letters had been sent to both of the properties he had in question.

Public Comment: One resident stated that there has already been a significant improvement. This is going to be an ongoing issue.

Maintenance report: Gary has been flushing hydrants. They finally found the waterline at the creamery lot and it is now hooked up to the property.
We had lead and copper samples that were taken and the sample came back with high copper levels. So, we will have to publish a letter to the residents to stay compliant with the Minnesota Department of Health.

Clerk Update:
The Paws for Cause Chip event. Do we want to have KBEW do 24 – 30-second spots and have them here at the event with a live feed for $390.00? The council feels that for this year we will just use social media, the web page, and our Facebook page. Doris had a conversation with Ave at Paws for a Cause, as to violations. She said as Bruce was not a certified animal control officer; he may not write citations.
Doris read the ordinance 2023-14 to set water rates for 2024. Motion by Hope Bauman seconded by Larry Dahleen. Vote 4-0 motion carried.
Doris then read Resolution 2023-15 raise fire and ambulance rates. Motion By Jason Kluender Seconded by Kurt Grobe. Vote 4-0, motion carried.

Budget Talks:
Medical: Larry presented what it would cost to change to a high deductible with a HSA plan. After a discussion, they decided the city would pay 80% of the premium and the employee would pay 20% of the premium, the HSA side of the city would make no contribution and the employee could put in what they wanted.
Motion to go with the Advantage HSA plan, with the city paying 80% of the premium and the employee paying 20% of the premium, all dental and HSA contribution by hope Bauman, seconded by Jason Kluender, vote 4-0 motion carried.

Motion made by Larry Dahleen and seconded by Kurt Grobe to give all staff a 2.5% raise for 2024. This will bring the Liquor staff up to the new minimum wage of $10.85 per hour and balance it out among the other staff. Vote, 4-0, motion carried.

Covid Monies: there were 2 bids to redo the outside of the community center building. One from Adam Shur and one from Stevermer Construction. Motion to have Stevermer Construction do the work by Hope Bauman seconded by Kurt Grobe, vote 4-0, motion carried.

We had 2 bids to redo the carpet at city hall and the ambulance garage from Armon Decorating and one from Dikkens. There was a motion to have Dikkens do the work by Kurt Grobe, seconded by Larry Dahleen. Vote 4-0, motion carried. Hope was going to call Dikkens to let them know.

Gary will collect quotes from Reindal Electric and Barnick Electric for adding more outlets and replacing the light in the Community center side.

Hope also asked if there was money for a TV for the ambulance garage. Motion to let hope investigate the cost by Jason Kluender, seconded by Larry Dahleen. Vote 3-0, motion carried.

Mayor Update: Hope is excited about the trunk or treat event with the fire department and the ambulance department. She is also hoping that many people come out to the cleanup day, and micro chipping events that we have this weekend.

Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Jason Kluender, seconded by Kurt Grobe. Vote 4-0, motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted by
Doris M Troll
City Clerk /Treasurer