CEYLON — The Ceylon City Council heard a report on the Ceylon Fire Association meeting. They approved an increase of the yearly retirement fund from $850 to $1100 a year. The townships of Lake Belt and Tenhassen have approved the increase also. The funds are available for those who retire after working 10 years or more.

The phone in the fire hall had to be disconnected when the new washer and dryer were installed. The phone is not used since all have cell phones. It is connected to the phone at the City Shop but cell phones could be used there also. The council agreed that the phone could be eliminated.

The City will clean the snow on the sidewalk in front of the fire hall. Funds for training are available and training is planned for the firefighters.

In other business, the city has bought a generator to use in case of a power outage for the treatment plant and discussed making a platform or putting the generator on a trailer. They also discussed buying another generator for emergency power. City employees will look into it.

Jim Plumhoff, a city employee, reported that the annual Minnesota Department of Health inspection was pleased with the tests they took of the treatment plant but did recommend a power source in case of a power outage. The city had purchased the generator.

Further reports from council members discussed the Schultz property and building permit. The permit was approved several months ago and the setback problem has been resolved.

Ceylon Clean-Up Day has been set for May 22, and information will be sent with utility bills and posted in town. The truck for junk is for residents of Ceylon only. Things can be brought to the City Shop at the corner of West Street and Grant Street. The coming letter will explain what can and cannot be brought to the truck. If residents want the truck to come and pick up junk curbside, a tag needs to be purchased at the city hall. This gives residents time to get things lined up and to remove things cited in junk ordinances free. The City will enforce the ordinances and payment for removal will be the resident’s responsibility after that date. Appliances may be removed by Larry Kling for a charge.

Sealcoating is planned for the north side of town this spring with Railroad Street, West Street, and Andrews Street named specifically.

It was mentioned that the all-school reunion originally slated for June 2020, then 2021, is again postponed until 2022 due to the COVID pandemic.

The city clerk forwarded a question from a resident about camping at City Park. The council asked her to get more information such as where, if there was to be a tent or a trailer, where garbage would be placed, and what restrooms would be used. The clerk also reported that the audit was planned for this week.

Council reports continued with a discussion about the contracts for individuals working for the city. This will also be discussed at the next meeting. Some samples of contracts used by nearby cities may be helpful.

The council approved regulating the Community Day Sale to private property and not using any city property for the sale or food vendors. This was used last year and will be again, due to COVID restrictions. The council also approved Ron Leiding as the city dump resource for burning dates, piling up stuff, and other dump-related orders.

An overhead storage deck in the Lemke building for city storage was discussed and a bid of around $3,000 was discussed. This was tabled until the next meeting.

Mayor Gibeau reported the progress of looking into using the two lots where the houses were demolished for a senior living project. Gibeau also proclaimed April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.

The Council then went into a closed meeting for an employee review.

The next meeting of the Ceylon City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 13 at Ceylon City Hall.