CEYLON — The Ceylon City Council met Tuesday evening and the Helping Hands of Ceylon group discussed the help from the City for their project of replacing the park equipment. They had pictures of some equipment that is not really safe. They have asked a company from Lake Elmo that did park equipment at nearby cities to submit a bid. They suggested a 72 foot x 72 foot space and a package deal for some equipment. The group asked the City for support and permission to look into grants. Some grants need to be requested by the City. Discussion about the demographics of Ceylon area children who would benefit from the new equipment was held. The helping hands group suggested some rent could be gathered for the use of the shelter house. The group would like to do fundraisers and pay for most of the equipment and only ask the City for funds if necessary. The group asked that the City and the group “work together as a team” since the City owns the park. The park is the only place in Ceylon where people can congregate and have fun. The council reminded the group that other equipment purchases have gone as much as $40,000 to $100,000 or more and equipment is not cheap. The council approved the group starting to look for grants.

Moving to there matters, the 2024 budget was discussed. One council member suggested an amount be added to the budget for emerald ash borer tree removal. After discussion about the cemetery tree removal bill there was a suggestion that the cemetery amount should be raised in the budget. This was tabled until the next meeting.

In council reports, a bill for $6,000 was discussed with the Cemetery Association for removal of nine trees that were pushing some stones. The Lake Belt Township has already paid their half.Some stones are over 100 years old and no family is alive. Some stones need leveling and repair. One company told Cemetery Association members that it would charge about $2,000 a day to fix the stones. The council approved paying the $6,000 bill and tabled the discussion about the cemetery repairs until the next meeting. The Council reiterated that budgeting for upcoming equipment and repairs is needed before the actual repair or equipment purchase is needed.

In other news:

— The City was asked by REA if the broadband is to be hooked up to the city hall, fire department and treatment plant and they decided it should be. The hook-up for the shop is not necessary. The mayor or clerk will let REA know which city-owned buildings should be

hooked up to the broadband.

— The council held a public hearing about the rural service ordinance which lowers the tax on agricultural land that does not have utilities. The ordinance was adopted at the meeting.

The council went into closed session for employee reviews.

The next meeting of the Ceylon City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 8, at Ceylon City Hall.