KIESTER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, August 9, 2021
THESE ARE UNAPPROVED BY THE COUNCIL

The Kiester City council held a regular meeting on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the Kiester Community Center / Fire Hall.
Mayor Rich Goggin called the meeting to order Council Members Present: Hope Bauman, Larry Dahleen, Jason Kluender, Brandon Hagenson; City Maintenance: Gary Skartland; City Clerk: Doris Troll; Members from the public: Judy Goggin, Marcia Dahleen, Vicki Savick, Karen Busch, Carol Reinhart, Tammy Aadsen, Jan Engretbretson, Lee Evans, Aixa Agosto, Nicole Swanson,
Agenda: Motion to accept agenda, by Hope Bauman seconded by Jason Kluender, vote 5-0 motion carried.
Council minutes: Motion to accept the July 12, 2021, meeting minutes with corrections. By Hope Bauman seconded by Rich Goggin, vote 5-0 motion carried.
Claims Motion by Brandon Hagenson seconded by Rich Goggin approving claims totaling $ 23,257.89 Vote of 5-0 motion carried.
Financials: Motion by Larry Dahleen, seconded by Hope Bauman approving financials as presented. Vote 5-0, motion carried.
Past Due Water Billing: We can now start turning water off again, motion by Bandon Hagenson seconded by Jason Kluender to shut off if not paid by the 8-23-2021. Vote 5-0, Motion carried.
Building Permits: they presented building permits for J Goette, P Lucas, Living Life LLC, Motion Brandon Hagenson Seconded by Jason Kluender, vote 5-0 motion carried.
Ambulance: There is a recall on the new rig, and the o ring is still on back order.
Fire Department: The Fire Relief dept will be cutting a check for the portion the fire depart has to pay for the new washer .and dryer.
Library: no update
Liquor Store: Carol made a request to call Plunkett’s to spray for the ants and other bugs. The Councill feels this is a maintenance issue. Carol also had requested for her and Doris to go the Municipal Liquor Beverage Conference at end of Sept. Motion to let 2 representatives go by Hope Bauman seconded by Larry Dahleen. Vote 5-0. Motion Carried.
Public Comment: Lee Evans was present to speak on behalf of Aixa Agosto, she has purchased 805 West State Street (this house in the township just on the edge of town) and was wondering what it would do to get this house hooked to city and sewer. He was told to get a new shut of valve in the basement, and they can try to turn on the water, However they will have to have the sewer line form the house to videoed to see where it goes. And that point the city can determine what they will want to do. Water if the line is hooked up will be no problem. Gary and Lee be in contact after the meeting to get details worked, out.
A resident asked about parking lines at the Liquor store as well as beautification around the building. They were informed that as far as the parking lines go. Most of the area down there in not owned by the city it is the next doors building. Carol had also asked when the peaks on the building were going to bee painted.
Kiester Garden Club: Tammy was present to ask the city council about the landscaping around the Kiester sign as it is starting to be hazarded to get up there to water and to change the sign. Gary was asked to look into seeing what we could do. Tammy has also been inquiring if the city would be willing to place hanging baskets for the light poles. The intent would be that the city take care of them during the summer by watering them. This then to a discussion of what extra tools and time it would cot to do this. She was asked to bring to the city a more formal proposal for further discussion. It was also mentioned to Tammy to see if they could get some grants to help with. By trying Our Town USA or by Thrivent.
The issue of the new Downtown signs was brought up. And as of today, no one knew if they had been put up.
Fire Hydrant: as today’s meeting. The letter had been sent to party asking for payment of repairs to the fire hydrant that was damaged. It has been since last meeting with no response. Doris will be having the mayor sign the paperwork to take to small claims court.
Stop Sign: information was presented to the council as to what we can do, and recommendations form the county for a sign on Main Street. Motion by Hope Bauman seconded by Rich Goggin to have the intersection of 2nd Street and North Street to be turned into a 4 way stop. Vote 4-1 with Hagenson voting against motion carried.
Leases at the Retail Center: The clerk presented the council with the current contracts and were asked if this is something that they want the EDA to deal with. It was decided that yes it will be turned over to the EDA. They will be having their first meeting on 8-25-2021 at 7p.m. at City Hall.
Maintenance: Will be attending classes this week as well as next week to keep my license up to date. Minnesota Department of Health was where to come to do the yearly check of the wells and water plant. She also took chlorine samples from various points in town, and he results have come back good. We are waiting on the pictures form lance on the smoke testing. And with reports of will need to be done at each house.
The Street Sweeper is ready to go for the fall.
Clerk Update: working with the new computer, still some issues to resolve. Working on the never list of items.
Mayor Update: The smoke testing was done as the state knows how much water we run though water tower as well as how much we send into the sewer system. And as of now we currently run too much thought the sewer system. And the state will be starting to fine the cities for not getting the problem resolved. The smoke testing gave us a list to where and who’s house has a problem. We know this could be costly to the resident, however we will have information for low interest loans as well as grants that the residents can apply for from the USDA to help them pay for the fixes.

Budget working session: The council will have a work session that the public is invited to on Tuesday September 7, at 7:00 pm at City Hall. Please be aware that this will not include a comment period.
Motion to adjourn made by Rich Goggin and seconded by Brandon Hagenson Vote 5-0, motion carried. Mayor Goggin adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted by
Doris M Troll
City Clerk/ Treasurer