SHERBURN — The Sherburn City Council met Monday evening at Sherburn City Hall.

An update was given by Sam Meixell and Ryan Ross from the fire department. They explained the balance of $27,000 and said fundraising helped raise $40,000, and investment of pension money had a handsome return of 25 percent when it usually only had a 10 percent return through the state board of investment. They asked that the pension fund be raised $100 to $2,100 for each year of service. They explained that under 10 firefighters were over 18 years of service and after 10 years they are 60 percent vested. Usually there is only one retirement each year. The fire department must have survivor benefits available in case of disaster and loss of life and they are in good shape now. The raise in pension is a good recruiting point. There is a requirement of calls attended for the pension.

The council approved the increase in pension fund amount to $2,100 per year of service. The firemen explained some income vs. expense scenarios and also said they were in compliance with the state auditor. The per call amount was raised recently and they make about 300 calls per year on average. The staffing levels are good and the financial levels are good. The new truck update said that the chassis was under construction in South Dakota and the truck may be ready in June. Some discussion was held about the funding and donations and grants to help pay for the new truck. The Fire Relief Association’s donation was accepted with thanks by the council.

Moving to other matters, the City Works employee reported on the water treatment plant. Lift stations are up and running, the generator works after some plugging was repaired and the electrician is coming in April.

The trees that were trimmed/cut down were part of the preparation for the Highway 4 project. The City Works employee explained some of the training he went to last week. He also reported that the playground at the south park was done and the broken window may be repaired with thick plexiglass and Third Street was almost done. Storm drains are planned for April. The warning lights at the intersections near the schools were discussed and they were to be in compliance with MnDOT. The City Works employee will look into the different types of lights available.

The City Administrator said May 4 is Clean Up Day in Sherburn. The tags will be $25 for a 4×8 pile of stuff. Watch for information, it will be similar to last year. Finke will start demolishing the Foxies building soon. There was discussion about another application for the vacant lot west of the city hall. There will be a press release for applications for the liquor store manager with a deadline of April 18.

In other news:

— The director of Temperance Lake Ridge, Lisa Lange, gave a quarterly update for the facility. She mentioned that staffing is in very good shape and that there was one apartment open. Memory Care is open too. She thanked the council for approving the needed remodeling plans.

— The council approved a gambling permit requested by the Ducks Unlimited group for its

September event.

— The Chief of Police explained his report and mentioned that the 2023 report was available on Facebook. The amount of calls was quite usual compared to 2022. There were a few months of calls in Trimont this last year. The part-time officer passed her tests and will soon be working.

The next meeting of the Sherburn City Council is scheduled 5 p.m. on April 1 (no fooling) at the city hall in Sherburn.