TRUMAN– The Truman City Council met Monday and discussed possible next steps regarding management and oversight at the Truman swimming pool. The discussion came after the council received a letter of resignation from pool commissioner, Kim Breamer.

Mayor Terry Bentele said he spoke with Breamer and that she cited other obligations as the reason for her resignation, as well as the commute and mileage from Fairmont. Bentele shared that Breamer said she’s willing to help out as needed.

“We all know that she’s worked very hard in that position over the years for a very minimal compensation,” said Council Member Brandon Mosloski.

He said he agrees that a pool manager is needed, which Breamer had previously brought up.

“There’s a lot of young people working down there on a day-to-day basis without supervision… I agree with her that we need a pool manager,” Mosloski said.

City Clerk Melissa Sirovy said Breamer had also said it would be helpful to have a council member on the pool commission. Council Member Brian Nickerson agreed and said there should be more guidance.

“I know it will cost a little but in the long run it will come back,” said Nickerson.

Bentele said down the road he believes the council will need to consider its next steps. He also said he’s reached out to several communities including Madelia and Winnebago to see what they do regarding pool management and that they each do something different.

Sirovy added that Breamer has been hiring the lifeguards so they can’t put off making a decision for too long.

Bentele said the city has considered a park and rec position down the road and that the person would be responsible for the whole site including the pool, mini golf and potential future splash pads or pickleball courts.

“If we get somebody to do all of that then it’s taken care of. We have to figure out how to fund it, but it will fund itself eventually. It should,” said Nickerson.

“Essentially we’re looking for a full-time, seasonal pool manager,” said Mosloski.

The council accepted Breamer’s letter of resignation with regret.

Moving to other matters, the council discussed the “Bau property,” which is several acres of land at 814 E. 1st. St South. The council has been discussing the property for months and the desire to rent out the land for future development or farming.

On Monday the council considered how much to charge for the land. In December 2021, Sanders Farm paid $1,250 for the second half of rent that year. This year, the city has received two payments of $875.

Mosloski noted that the council didn’t have a formal agreement regarding rent for the 10 tillable acres, but it’s currently coming in at about $170 an acre.

“That seems pretty cheap for 10 acres of land a year,” Mosloski said.

Nickerson agreed that it’s pretty light and suggested they reach out to negotiate the cost.

“Everything’s going up,” said Bentele.

The council spoke about getting the cost closer to $250 an acre and agreed to reach out and discuss an increased cost.

Next the council discussed a building, deemed hazardous, at 102 W. 1st St. South. Mosloski suggested they tear down the property and referred to a letter from city attorney Derrick Greiner which said the property is in default judgement.

Now that the council has approval to enter the property, it plans to have it inspected and find out how much it will cost to have it demolished.

In other news, the council approved:

— A zoning request from Wayne Wille for a property at 105 N. 3rd Ave. East.

— A sanitation license for Waste Management, Hansen Sanitation and Madelia Sanitation.

— A liquor, gaming and music license for Aardvark’s Bar and Grill.

— A tobacco license for Casey’s General Store and Dollar General Store.

— An exempt gambling permit for Ducks Unlimited.

— A 50 cent increase to the service agreement rate for STEP Inc.employees.

The council also accepted, with regret, a letter of resignation from Carolyn Jacobson of the Truman Police Department.

Monday night’s meeting was the last of the year. The council will meet again, with a new mayor and two new council members, on Jan. 3, 2023.