Trending
SHERBURN -- The Sherburn City Council met Monday evening. Questions about the additional housing discussed at a previous meeting were asked. Discussion about state and federal funding opportunities for small cities and the need for a market study to see if there are residents willing to rent and what amount of rent they would be willing to pay were held. The Council discussed how the City could provide additional housing without costing City residents more or the City charging high rent. "There are lots of steps to do to get something built," remarked Mayor Robert Roessler.
There is definitely a need in Sherburn and the market study needs to be done, the council agreed. The rent on the city-owned townhouses is $600+ a month. The Council discussed raising that rent amount. It also mentioned that some properties are Economic Development Association (EDA) owned. A suggestion to contact the County EDA Director was made.
Moving to other matters, a tree in the boulevard blocking the street at 401 South Lake Street was discussed. A quote to remove the tree was about $1,000+. A letter to the owner will explain that the trees in the boulevard are the responsibility of the owner. The resident should take care of the tree or if the City has to take it down the owner will have to be charged. Ash trees in the park could become and issue so the council should be prepared for expenses in the future.
Travis Winter, an engineer from Bolton and Menk, was asked about the hours charged to the City concerning the lights for the Highway 4 project. Winter reported that designing was done. He also eported that the street project was finished in June and it should be finalized soon. He was asked about the design of the ramp part of the sidewalk by the post office and he said it was a DOT design used in several towns. The council asked if that is what it would look like when the Highway 4 project is done, hopefully next year.
Council reports asked about the demolition of a building of a downtown property. The administrator reported that an individual may use the tin and then the roofing issue needs to be resolved.
A question about designating a handicapped space behind the Liquor Store/Red Carpet was discussed. The City Works employee will look into where that space could be for the good of all concerned.
In other news:
-- The council approved the animal ordinance after the final reading and discussed the changes such as approval to raise chickens (no roosters) and some dog ordinances. The ordinance will go into effect after it is published on July 19.
-- The council discussed the comparisons of the bids for the HVAC replacement at city hall. It approved the bid from A-OK for $11,533 to install a Lennox air conditioning system
and a two-stage furnace system.
The City Works employee reported that the Jetter truck should be ready by the next meeting date.
The next meeting of the Sherburn City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Aug. 7, at Sherburn City Hall.