Sherburn hears update on fire department

SHERBURN-- The Sherburn City Council met Monday and heard a reportfrom the Sherburn Fire Relief representative, Sam Meixell. There was a net gain on the funds. The fundraising went very well last year with over $3,700raised. There was about $10,000 needed for

expenses on equipment and other truck improvements. They did receive state aid. Some of the investments were lower since January but still viable. A proposed increase in the pension fund was explained. The proposal was $1,800 to be raised to $2,000. It's hard to recruit high quality members and retain them. The fire department had one retirement last year and hired three people so they are fully staffed at 25 people. Their asset/reliability ratio is 140percent. They stay in cooperation with the state auditor which is a requirement for state aid. They have implemented a minimum service requirement for members. Members must serve a certain amount of hours to be eligible. There is no required municipal contribution right now but the raise for the pension fund was needed. The council approved the increase for the pension fund and thanked Meixell for a thorough report.

A resident asked for permission to have a skid type building on Main Street for a workshop and storage. After he explained what he was looking for, the council suggested he look at buildings already on Main Street that would be large enough for his purposes. A City-owned property north of the Sherburn Community Building/Theatre was suggested. The matter was tabled until the city employee could show the resident the property proposed.

Moving to other matters, the council heard from Greg Mitchell of Bolton and Menk Engineers about the upcoming Osborne Street improvements and approved a resolution to order improvements and preparation of plans for that project contingent on DOT approving the specifications. They also approved advertising for bids contingent on the DOT approval.

Administrator Brad Hughes reported on the Temperance Lake Ridge financials. The amounts looked favorable and improvements and maintenance were discussed. He also reported on the

Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements and said the first pit was poured and that more workers were now present and it looked like more construction was underway pending weather conditions. Excavation was underway and the fill and excess dirt etc. was discussed. There are plans for storage and use of that fill. The inventory program for the liquor store is up and running and the restaurant part will be soon.

In other news:

-- The polling places were re-established as they have been in other years. There was no change to districts according to the census.

-- The council agreed with the proposed policy for police worn cameras suggested by the administration. The police commission will have to approve the policy.

The next meeting of the Sherburn City Council will be held 5 p.m. Monday, March 21, at the Sherburn City Hall.