SHERBURN — The Sherburn City Council met on Monday evening.

Utility bills were discussed extensively with the clerk and deputy clerk, who explained their work, upgrading the billing, and other features. The bills averaged out over three months and are now due quarterly. The council approved having bills each month beginning in May. Residents will get explanations in their utility bills. The council felt it was unfair to some who are gone for the winter and those who are in the home for the winter. There will be no new base, it will continue with 15.20 for water and 15.78 for sewer. The computer system is ready to make the change to monthly billing.

The clerk and deputy clerk also found some discrepancies with several properties that do not pay, but the connection is there; just not hooked up or not used. There is a state law that any property with a connection available should pay a bill, even if there is no water used. The council discussed how one could eliminate the water connection and it would take demolition of the house and capping the water connection. The water line to the main could also be removed, which may uproot the street. The property owner would pay for the removal and street repair. To not be charged for water used to water the lawn or fill a pool, a second water meter could be installed, which usually is around $425. The water from this meter is subtracted from the sewer charge since the water is not used like a house, which goes into the sewer. The city is looking into those who have not been billed and those where water is connected but not sewer. If a water connection is available at the house, there will be a bill.

The Sherburn Fire Relief Association gave an annual report and proposed a request for an increase in the pension of $300, making it $2,400 instead of $2,100. Sam Meixell and Ryan Ross reported to the council and answered any questions. They reported fundraising, budget, special account(pension), grants, and membership. They said three firefighters left (two moved and one retired), and they had hired two full-time firefighters and another. They felt the increase in pension helps recruit and retain members. The council approved the increase and thanked the Fire Department for their service to the community.

Two residents asked questions during the public comment time. One was concerned about the trashy look around the old creamery building and wondered if there were ordinance violations that should be looked into. The council asked the Chief of Police if he had done violations ordered. The chief explained the difference between a weedy mess and old equipment that does get moved later. The railroad owns land on either side of the tracks and one council said he mowed that sometimes to get rid of the weeds.

The other resident wanted to know about utility rates being monthly or quarterly. The council had that concern on the agenda, so he stayed to hear what they discussed.

In other business:

— The council approved a temporary on-sale liquor permit for the day of the summer festival, June 21.

— The first reading of the Cannabis Business ordinance was given and explained that the ordinance was based on the County ordinance with a few changes, like the sign part, since the city already has a sign ordinance to go by. The second reading is planned for the next meeting. — The Tiny Homes project will have a zoning change from recreational vehicles not parked for more than seven days. The Tiny Homes are on wheels when they move in, but they are considered permanent, especially if the wheels are removed and it is put on concrete.

— The Economic Development Association asked that one of their members be appointed to the Temperance Lake Ridge Committee, and after discussion, Thomas Curuthers was appointed to the committee.

— The Chief of Police reported, and the council asked about those who have no basement in the community being able to use the Community Building basement when a weather watch is signaled. After discussion, the council tabled that decision. Some suggested the police open the Senior Center instead.

— The Civic and Commerce Club would like to put a plaque on the Gazebo in Pocket Park to remember Dan Hanson.

— The clerk reported she received a grant of $200 toward her second year of training this May with the city clerks group. The training was $600 and will now be $400 for a week of training. She felt the first year was helpful and will attend the sessions.

The clerk also reported that she is looking into some resources to replace the public alert process that is no longer available.

— Quotes to remove the dead Silver Maple trees by the ball field in south park will be collected.

— The library roof quotes are not available, the city works are watching the apartment above the library. They hope to have quotes in April and begin work on repairing the roof in May.

— The council went into closed session about the liquor store.

The Sherburn City Council’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. on April 21 at the City Hall.