Sorenson, city coucil members discuss local issues at meeting
By Delano HaldeMayor Doyle Sorensen called the Aug. 11 city council meeting to order with all members present. Minutes and a list of bills from the previous meeting were approved.
Norman VanOverbeke of DSI, Inc. in Ivanhoe gave a presentation about the Small Cities Development Grant Fund. VanOverbeke said that the city of Ivanhoe is applying for small cities development grant funding on behalf of itself, the cities of Ghent and also Minneota. At the present time, there are nine housing rehabilitation applications and 11 commercial applications. VanOverbeke said the purpose of the project is to try and improve the housing and commercial in these communities. He also talked about one example of how to use the funds for upgrading the lagoon in Ivanhoe and possible work with the sewer system. He suggested using revolving funds for this project as one possibility.
VanOverbeke reported that once these projects are completed, the revolving fund money will be greatly reduced (down to zero). He will visit the cities of Ghent and Minneota as the week progresses to give them further information about the program and projects.
VanOverbeke is working with grant project director, Paul Olson. VanOverbeke said he will keep the council updated on the progress.
Next, City Clerk Ila Bradley gave the administrative report. She discussed the appointment of election judges for the upcoming election. The council approved the judges. They are: head judge: Mary Berns, assisted by Ashley Conner, Judy Drietz, Sarah Barstad, Vivian Larsen, Ceil VanCamp, Jennifer VanOverbeke and Jerri Johnson.
Bradley gave the administrative report with no big surprises. The expenses were up slightly for the liquor store because of Polish Days,
Next, Dennis Klingbile gave the Public Works report. He discussed the removal of trees from city parks, water and sewer concerns and the swimming pool inspection.
Klingbile reported he received $1,280 for the city camping fees over Polish Days and only four people have yet to pay their camping fees. Klingbile also said that city residents need to be faithfully reading and paying their utility bills. They will have to read their own meters now.
Bradley reported that the majority of residents read and pay their utility meters and bills on time, but a few need attention. The city published the new policy last week in the Ivanhoe Times for all citizens.
Next Dean Leibfried, Ivanhoe ambulance director, gave the ambulance report with no problems. They are always in need of additional EMTs, he said. He suggested the city help set up retirement benefits for ambulance people. The city said they will need to review this suggestion before making any decision.
The city council thanked all who helped in any way to make the 2008 Polish Days a success, with special thanks to public works for keeping the city so clean before, during and after Polish Days.
Mayor Sorensen said it takes team work to make it a success and all pitched in. "We look forward to seeing everyone back again next year for the August 2009 Polish Days event and your continued service to the Ivanhoe Community is greatly," he said.
