SHERBURN– At the Sherburn City Council meeting on Monday, Midwest IT President Allen Aukes introduced the company and explained the proposed Firewall technology assurance they provide. He proposed a month-to-month contract if the city wasn’t seeking a long-term contract. He proposed $676 per month. The city would pay $510 per month since they were grandfathered in for now. If the city approves in the coming months, an unlimited support contract would cost approximately $1,466 per month.

Aukes further explained that they have been in business for 25 years and have served 500,000 clients in the U.S. and Canada. They have accumulated over $1 billion in client work and use the coop method of purchasing, which helps to lower costs. Auke said he used to work in the office at the CIA and that the company is known locally with offices in Blue Earth and Mankato, and nationally and is an ISO 2701 company. They are HIPAA compliant and a Microsoft 365 partner. The company helps non-profit organizations in the community and with clients. He recommended replacing the firewall and switches to prevent attacks and scams through possible phishing by artificial intelligence (AI). The water treatment plant had an incident reported, and small cities are a target AI tries to compromise lately. The council approved trying the company. The clerk will meet with Aukes and finalize the contract proposal.

The liquor store manager’s report included the need for new carpet, possible advertising on signs at Jackson Motorplex, $1,000 for a new cooler and some other maintenance requests. She is looking for a new bartender. The council requested quotes and more information from the manager. The council approved the request to sell low-potency hemp products at the liquor store that are not to be consumed on site.

The council discussed televising water lines and requested public works employees arrange a date and time with the company and use the jetter truck to clean any trees or anything they can flush out. This has not been done for some time. A situation in the 300 block of East First Street was discussed. The council was reminded that there is a cost when the jetter truck is used

In the clerk’s report, the cost to replace Main Street lights is $1,600 per light. The repair needed at the water treatment plant was completed.

In other news:

— The property at 211 North Prairie Street had no clear title, and Habitat for Humanity is interested in it if taxes are not too high. More will be reported later.

— The audit so far is favorable and the final audit is upcoming soon.

— The council asked for more research concerning the 80 to 90 trees with Emerald Ash Borer disease in the city.

— The bank signature information will be updated with the new mayor. The clerk and deputy clerk requested permission and payment for MN Clerk training in Rochester ($275 registration and $500 accommodations). The council approved the request. The clerk mentioned that she will be attending the third year of her clerk training in May in St. Cloud. Both city hall staff members said they learned a lot from the previous training.

— The council approved a one-day gambling and liquor permit for the Sherburn Lions Club on June 20.

— The council approved the purchase of the new fire hydrants from K&M.

— The council approved the step increases for personnel, discussed at a previous meeting.

— The council approved an updated fence ordinance policy and process.

— The council approved $392 for the sixth-grade class trip to Fort Snelling.

— The council approved $100 to the Relay for Life event using the gambling fund.

— Green Tech has agreed to collect appliances from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 26, for a cash or check fee. Information is available on the city’s website.

The Sherburn City Council’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. on May 4 at City Hall.