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Truman plans to create new website

TRUMAN — The Truman City Council on Monday discussed options for creating a new city website.

City administrator Bethanie Ekstrom said the current website is outdated and not user-friendly. Ekstrom said she would prefer a website that easily allows her to post the council agenda, minutes and recordings from meetings.

The city is paying $50 per month to maintain its current website.

Ekstrom told the council about a website hosting company, ImmenseImpact, that has an annual renewal of $479. The setup fee, a one-time charge, is $349.

“The pricing is going to go up in October so if we want these current rates we need to make a decision,” she said.

Council member Brandon Mosloski said he looked up some website samples and thought they looked pretty basic. He asked if they can be personalized at all.

“I was impressed with the demo but I agree with Brandon. It’s not the most visually appealing,” Ekstrom said.

Councilman Jake Ebert said websites that are more aesthetically appealing probably cost considerably more.

Mosloski said the website needs to be something that Ekstrom and other office staff can easily use and update.

The council approved moving forward with ImmenseImpact as the new website host.

Moving to other matters, the council discussed details regarding the opening of a part-time administrative assistant job for the city. Judi Davis, former office manager for Truman Public Utilities, has not reapplied for what had been a full-time position.

The council decided that with the addition of Ekstrom and part-time office assistant Sherry Hanson, the new position will just be part-time. Ekstrom said the city has received four applications for the job.

Ekstrom also asked the council what it believes office hours for City Hall should be now that the city also handles public works matters. City Hall hours have been 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Truman Public Utilities opened at 7:30 a.m.

“I definitely think having the office open a wider range of hours would be a benefit, but is it cost-effective?” Ekstrom asked.

Mosloski said he believes 8-5 should be sufficient. Other council members agreed. The council approved a motion to set office hours as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In other news, the council discussed matters dealing with the merger of the former Public Utilities Commission and the city. The PUC was dissolved last month after a public referendum. City Council members are now taking on the responsibilities of the PUC. Along with abolishing the PUC comes the creation of the Truman Public Works Department.

Outside utility foreman Taylor Varpness was present to discuss annual renewals to gain the council’s approval.

The council approved an annual MMUA service agreement. Varpness said the membership provides safety training and record-keeping, and offers savings for members to go to school.

The council also approved a scheduled pump maintenance agreement with Minnesota Pump Works. Ekstrom said it is a preventative maintenance measure to ensure everything is running properly.

In other news, the council set the annual Truth-in-Taxation hearing for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2.

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