CEYLON — The Ceylon City Council met on Tuesday evening. The council discussed the storage of valuable items removed from properties that were ordinance violations. The council decided to send certified letters to owners and give them 30 days to pay the charges for clean-up and storage to retrieve the items which would be around $500 per property for clean-ups this year. Next year, the council will discuss the charges for clean-up and storage items to be removed.

The city employee reported favorable comments about the clean-up done so far. He will be relicensed soon. He also mentioned that the basket which catches undisposable and nonbiodegradable wipes and other materials needs repairs or replacements. The lift station is different from others and he may have to make a part. He mentioned that hiring a vacuum to remove those materials every three months is very expensive. The council requested he investigate more and inform them as soon as possible via email or phone. He asked that the public not flush nondisposable or nonbiodegradable wipes even if they say they are flushable.

The items go down when flushed but are not dissolving, so there is a need for a basket/catcher. The cost is substantial for the city.

A discussion about the burnt house clean-up was done and the council asked councilman Walters to check on disposing of the burnt parts in Mankato and the cost. There are still some vehicles or other items parked there, too. The owners were sent a letter several months ago. The council agreed that it is time to clean up the property, which will be very expensive.

In other business:

— The council approved the 2025 budget, with an 8 percent levy of the $230,000+ budget for next year.

— The Holiday Lights Contest was discussed and approved. The Council approved changing the winning resident’s prizes to gift certificates to Lake Belt Bar and Grill, Chuck’s Motor Sports, an honorable mention donated by Jo Jo Bar BQ. The judges have been selected.

The next meeting of the Ceylon City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 14. at City Hall.