SHERBURN — At the Sherburn City Council meeting on Monday the trees with Emerald Ash Borer disease were discussed. City hall staff was requested to get quotes to hire an arborist. All the several grants considered need an arborist to examine trees, count them and map their location. Bolton and Menk has an arborist available but staff will try to get at least two quotes through a Request for Proposal for an arborist. They are planning on applying for several grants.

The council also discussed some liquor store business. The audit went well and is completed.

Staff is working on a hemp retailer license application in order to ensure compliance with state regulations. The roof of the liquor store has been examined and is in need of repair and replacement of insulation. The city has received one quote and will get at least another quote and report to the council.

In council reports, there were questions about letters sent to property owners and a deadline of 30 days given to clear the ordinance violation. It was also said that garbage has been dumped at the tree dump which accepts only trees, branches, grass and leaves despite there being a sign that prohibits such illegal dumping.

A question about who approves overtime was asked. The council and Deputy Clerk Sean Devens explained the reasons for overtime are usually obvious, such as a snow storm or a water leak for the public works and auditing or other special work for the city hall staff. The City Administrator/Mayor would normally approve overtime for them and the manager of the Red Carpet would approve overtime at that facility.

In other news:

— The 2027 budget plans are underway. There should be priorities voiced by the council.

— The council accepted the Lion’s Club donation of $1,200 for the festival.

— The Fire Department Relief Association was granted a temporary liquor license for the festival, which will be on June 19.

— The clerk said the progress of the 211 North Prairie Street property is almost complete.

— Sherburn/Welcome Chief of Police Trevor Yochim spoke about a police commission meeting that was held at 5 p.m. on May 5 in Welcome.

— The council approved a request from Zach’s Trailers facility for an incinerator to dispose of plywood, which is part of the trailer deliveries.

— The City Attorney (Burkholtz) asked that another attorney be asked to help with the negotiations with the union for the city. The council will ask near by towns and find another attorney for those negotiations.

The Sherburn City Council will meet at 5 p.m. on May 18, at City Hall.