CEYLON — The Ceylon City Council met Tuesday evening and discussed and approved the contract submitted by Derrick Greiner for City Attorney for $500 a month. It asked if the Ceylon issues would be the primary work for him and will review the work done in three months. The council also asked why the legal issues outside of City limits were counted as Ceylon issues rather than county issues. Mayor, John Gibeau, will ask the county attorney.

The council also approved an increase in electricity rates by 4.28 percent which will take effect in April. Federated Rural Electric Association (FREA) rates have gone up 4.28 percent for the City and those expenses will be passed down. Even with the increase the council mentioned that the rates in Ceylon are much lower than other towns nearby.

The water quality was mentioned and a discussion ensued. The rust sometimes seen is due to old pipes reported the City Works employee. The water tower filter is clean and the water at that point passes inspections so there is no bacteria or fluoride back up. The City has been trying to clean the water by flushing hydrants more often. Some were twice as much and some four times as much as before. Some hydrants are old too (1950). Councilor Perkins said she would be willing to look into a grant to upgrade the water system. The city clerk reported that she is working on paper work concerning the Clean Water Act now. The City Works employee reported that there are flow meters that tell how much water is used and wondered if they were accurate since they show leakage of 27 percent of the water the City uses. He requested a calibration to make sure there is a leakage and not a problem with the flow meters. This would be done by a calibration and control company for $1,100. If that is not the problem there is a water audit that could be done to see where the

leakage is. The cost of that was not known for sure, maybe $3,000. The council approved doing the calibration of the flow meters and reserved raising the water rates to a later date if at all. The City works employee was requested to contact the council members if action was needed before the next city council meeting which is scheduled for March 12. The possible rate increase for water was tabled to the next meeting.

Discussion about having a rotation schedule for the equipment owned by the City was held. There are several machines and equipment that are over 10 years old. The City Works employee reported that he has done over 100 hours of work maintaining some of the equipment. The CD’s are due in March and can get 5 percent interest if put in for a year. So far the profit earned is $18,000 and council members discussed what they should do with that amount. They approved putting it into a separate account so it could be withdrawn if needed for equipment etc. If Councilor Perkins needs special permission, the council will have a special meeting.

Council reports included the report about the broadband internet from FREA having 90 active accounts and the deadline for installing free is June 1, 2024. The FREA also said they will pay installation up to $1,000 after June 1. City residents wishing to have the internet installed will have a good opportunity now. Councilor Scott will look into new banners for the street lights.

In other news:

— The leasing or renting of a lawn tractor was discussed with quotes from several equipment dealers brought by Councilor Oelke. A program from the state was discussed like the county has and the ease would be less. Councilor Walters will look into that program and the lawn tractor/mower issue was tabled until the next meeting.

— Clean Up Day is scheduled for May 18 in Ceylon for curbside pick ups only. A letter will

be sent to Ceylon residents from City Hall.

— The fire association meeting report included the fact that the old water truck needs to be taken to a salvage yard DNR is in control of that. Some items that are not needed could be put on the Ceylon auction. Ceylon used to ask Dunnell to help man a fire situation but now have enough firefighters to take care of that and will only call Dunnell if needed. The upgrade of the fire hall is under way and there are some other things needing repair/replacement such as the door and some paneling and ceiling. Once the upgrade/remodeling is done the maintenance of the fire hall is needed in the future. Things should not be left too long as they were before.

— The council was encouraged to attend the annual cemetery meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 15, at the Lake Belt Bar and Grill meeting room.

The next meeting of the Ceylon City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 12 at Ceylon City Hall.