CEYLON– The Ceylon City Council met on Tuesday and discussed bids for the broadband project. They also had an auditor’s report from Greg Burkhardt. The City had a clean audit report and records were in good shape. The built-up reserves were in good shape and may be used as the road project will have other parts for the City. The general fund was in excellent shape with a positive operating cash flow. The expenditures were in good shape also, especially the sewer and electric funds. The water funds were not as good but there has been some unusual repairs. The only concerns were about the pension fund for the fire department relief not on the City audit as the fire association had their own audit. Some compliance issues were about the preparation of financial statements and segregation of duties. This concerned the city clerk also doing treasurer duties and the council reviewing all financial audits and compare to internal audits and making sure they reconcile. The reports from the clerk were praised and the council thanked her for her thoroughness. The auditor reported that the deposits were under insured some what and that it should be like collateral for amounts at the bank. He mentioned that corrections were done from suggestions last year and during the year. He suggested the council approve unincumbering the Covid dollars so the City may use them as they need. The grant for the broadband is from the USDA and may generate special audits.

The regular meeting continued and one of the reports was about the judge’s approval of the abatement for the ordinance violation and community safety issues on a Main Street residence. Discussion about the administration of the abatement was held. The bill to clean up the ordinance violations will be on the tax bill.

The city employee report included the City Clean Up Day on May 21. There will be curbside pick up for which residents should purchase tags. Watch for information in the utilities bills.

Moving to other matters, Ceylon Community Day had a lot of trash but most of it was in the trash cans which was good. There were some vendors that did not pay the vendor’s fee of $50 and they are not to be able to sell their items with no fee. They will be sent a letter explaining the ordinance that states they must get pre-approval and pay the fee.

Sealcoating was discussed with a suggestion to add another coat over the rocks. Jim Plumhoff will get bids.

In other news, the council:

— Approved an ordinance that each residence must have a garbage collection resource.

— Discussed the contract with Beemer about the septic fluid put in the waste pond. The contract will be redone and brought to the next meeting.

— Approved a building permit for Steve Houfer for a 12 x 16 wooden storage building.

— Proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

— Learned the water main project has not been finalized with Minnesota Rural Water. The cost will be approximately $500,000.

— Said that in May there will be hydrant flushing.