CEYLON– Ceylon City Council met Tuesday evening and heard from a consultant regarding the RFP written to begin the process for the grant concerning the fiber broadband to bring internet to Ceylon. The council approved the RFP proposed and consulted with Kelly Wilkens via the phone about what should be advertised to ISP providers for bids. Bids will be closed April 8 and at the April 12 meeting, the council will consider proposed bids. The

council asked for some corrections and extra wording which was part of the approved RFP. The council also approved advertising for bids in their official newspaper, Photo Press, local sites such as post office and local businessses and website internet. They also

approved asking the internet providers suggested by the council members. One ISP (LTD) proposed half buried and half aerial installation but the council asked for all buried cable. They discussed trying to get the installation to coordinate with the road

construction due this summer so the streets would not have to be dug up twice. The supply chain problem most are having lately will be a problem for some installation.

The council approved a lease for the old city hall building, now housing the museum and Tom Beckendorf Tax Business. Beckendorf proposed paying $2,400 for the year for the whole

building. This was approved with a pro-rate from January 2022 and asking that no alterations to the building be done without council approval and that access be given (keypad number or key) to the city employee. The 2023 lease will be discussed in November.

The City contract for Kling Excavating has been approved and the contract with Beckendorf Plumbing was approved that night. A loan for the water main for 15 years was approved with consulting firm David Drown representative, Shannon Sweeney, helping.

The fire association report included that the fire station got a new light inside. There was a budget increase proposed for 2023 of $15,000 instead of $10,000. The fire association asked for new air packs worn by members at a fire. They have raised $6,000 so far but the price is near $80,000 and the old ones are not the kind that should be used. They have applied for grants and the Ceylon First non profit also has applied for grants. The council voiced their concern and agreed that they want to supply the fire department

with something they need very much. They asked why the City and townships would not have a budget item to save for future expenses that could have been used for this expense. The council approved $8,000 from the emergency federal funds from Covid and hoped that the grants would be approved. The council also approved a special meeting to be held in April. In other news, the Cemetery Association meeting asked for a grave thawer. The City will pay half and the Lake Belt Township will pay half of the $1,500 and Tenhassen Township will try to repair their thawer. If it is used for others there will be a charge.

April 9 is Ceylon Community Day and the council approved a fee of $50 for all food vendors. Some vendors may set up on City property. The fee will help with the clean up.