January 8, 2024

Posted: January 11, 2024

Present: Goltz, Holthaus, Knutson, Lienau Absent: Langreck
City employees present: Chad Bohr, Kyle Tieskoetter, Ashley Goltz
Also present: Kermit Oakland, Terri Wenthold, Steve Vanden Brink

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Beckman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Steve Vanden Brink and Terri Wenthold discussed ambulance services utilizing the Ossian Fire Station.

Council reviewed the submitted police report for December.

Lienau made a motion approving the following consent items: December 4, 2023 council minutes, clerk’s reports, and the monthly bills; second by Goltz, carried.

Goltz made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance #97, an ordinance amending residential garbage rates; second by Knutson.
Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Goltz, Lienau, Knutson, Holthaus. Nays: None. Absent: Langreck.

Lienau made a motion setting a public hearing on a proposed Franchise Agreement with Soo Green for February 5, 2024 at 5:00; second by Holthaus, carried.

Lienau made a motion setting the public hearing date and time to amend the FY24 Budget for February 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., seconded by Goltz, carried.

Lienau made a motion accepting a bid from Visu-Sewer to slip line the entire length of Broadway Street, including manholes; second by Goltz, carried.

Goltz made a motion renewing the Occupational Health Service Agreement with Gundersen Lutheran Administrative Services for January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, seconded by Knutson; carried.

Demolition costs for 100 E. Main Street and 119 W. Main Street were discussed. Lienau made a motion to assess the remaining balance of $2,000 to 119 W. Main Street to be paid in a lump sum pending clarification from the court; second by Goltz, carried. Lienau made a motion to assess the balance demolition and asbestos abatement costs to 100 E. Main Street to be paid over 5 years at an interest rate of 4.5% pending clarification from the court; second by Goltz, carried.

FY25 budget was discussed along with potential projects. Lienau made a motion to approve a bid from Bacon Concrete to replace Ogden Street; second by Goltz, carried. Knutson made a motion to provide support for county programs including Helping Services, NEICAC, NEIHTF, WCD&T and South Winn Recreation; second by Holthaus, carried.

Employee wages were discussed. Lienau made a motion approving a wage increase of $.75 for Ashley Goltz; second by Knutson, carried with Holthaus, Knutson, and Lienau voting aye, Goltz abstaining and Langreck absent. Holthaus made a motion approving a .75 wage increase for Chad Bohr and Kyle Tieskoetter; second by Goltz, carried.

Council had a general discussion regarding FEMA grant, ICAP grant, water samples and sewer lines, and health insurance rates,

Goltz made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Knutson; carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:43pm.