CEYLON — The Ceylon City Council met Tuesday evening. Most of the discussion was about water and wind damages and what needs to be done. At previous council meetings, the incorrect connections for sanitary sewer from years ago was discussed. These connections allowed fresh surface water to enter the sanitary sewer and a camera was used to see what could be done. Then in June, 14+ inches of rain overwhelmed the sewer system, especially the five inches of rain in one hour. When the system is not so full of water the council approved doing a smoke test that would show where things could be fixed or capped so the surface water is not going into the sanitary sewer. The council thanked those who worked overnight and for over 12 hours watching the pumps to make sure they were bypassing correctly and kept them running until the rain quit. Some took water samples and had mileage to check the samples.

Several people took turns watching and helping. The council approved compensation to those who helped so tirelessly, city employees and residents alike. The damage must be documented by residents.

Moving to other matters, the council discussed the properties forfeited because of unpaid taxes and decided one house may be salvageable. The city will own the property and hope to fix it and sell it. It cited the need for affordable housing as one reason for the decision. There were suggestions to research HUD and EDA and the rules needed to be compliant with state and county laws. The property will need to be inspected and quotes received on what can be fixed ASAP.

In other news:

— There was a reading of the ordinance concerning mobile and recreational vehicles that are not to be used for year round living in the city. They are not to be hooked up to water and sewer and utilities such as electricity. There will be one more reading and adoption of the ordinance at the next meeting.

— The council approved the quote from Pearson Brothers for sealcoating of South Cross Street and Dresden Street for $24,000.

— The council approved payment from MnDOT of $50,000 with the stipulation that MnDOT make the new sidewalk when the buildings are demolished. The three month renewal of the CDs was tabled for the next meeting.

— The large fireworks sent up inside the city were discussed and the hope that only small fireworks would be used in the future was made.

The next meeting of the Ceylon City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 13, at Ceylon City Hall.