CEYLON — Ceylon City Council this week discussed a structural review by engineers hired to study the building housing the fitness center and museum.

The engineer’s estimate of $114,000 to adequately repair the building made council members discuss the possibility of razing the building some day.

Some recent repairs to the structure will more than likely will be effective for some years, officials say.

A new building would probably cost as much as the estimate to repair. A new facility would offer more room and high-efficiency heating.

The Ceylon Area Historical Society will be invited to attend a meeting to discuss what should/could be done in upcoming years.

In another matter, city officials responded to a question about utilities deposits, following a public comment.

A citizen asked if deposits are paid back after a year. Officials say this was the policy years ago. Now the deposit is paid back only when a home is sold or a renter moves out. Receipt of the deposit is required in those cases.

The resident suggested these facts be added to receipts in the future to make sure residents know their rights on deposits.

The council took the advice into consideration and thanked the resident for asking about it.

Turning to other business, the council discussed payments for the storm damage, related to the Sept. 20 tornado. The city clerk noted that the city’s paperwork has been turned in but Ceylon has not received word back from the state.

In other action:

o The council passed a resolution to transfer $162,000 from the general fund to the water fund to pay for the water improvement project done recently.

o Councilman John Gibeau commented on a Fire Association meeting he attended. Two tanker trucks need repair but are older and possibly not worth new engines. The association discussed fixing the eave spout and the driveway approach at the fire station. They discussed needing new radios and turnout gear. Their next meeting will be Dec. 17.

o Discussed ATVs and snowmobiles driving on private property, such as yards, and the school property, which is illegal. A suggestion was made that ATVs and snowmobiles be registered and provide proof of insurance if they drive on streets.

The council asked that those who drive ATVs and snowmobiles in the winter or summer (such as Community Day) be courteous to neighbors as far as noise, property damage, etc., are concerned. The council agreed that enforcement of the policies and laws is crucial.

o The meeting ended with a thank you to Lon Oelke, outgoing mayor, and Amanda Diers, outgoing council member, for their years of service to the city. Oelke thanked the council and City Clerk Mary Muller for being a good group to work with and wished new council member Wayne Walter and new Mayor Fred Schmidtke the best for upcoming years.

The next meeting of the City Council will be Jan. 8.