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CEYLON -- During the Ceylon City Council meeting on Tuesday, Kevin Njoes from the Terreplenish (ash tree treatment) part of Easy Environmental Solutions reported to the council on the treatments available for the 58 ash trees on city property (eight in the park and 50 others), with possible 30-plus resident trees paid by residents.
Njoes reported that he looked at trees in the city and rated them with one if they were beyond help (dead) and 10 if they were perfectly healthy and most trees he listed were about four or five. The deterioration happens quickly, within months. He recommended doing the treatments which were a root bath around the edge and one quart of the microbial product sprayed on the tree. That treatment should be good for three years.
He said he would check back within the year free of charge to evaluate the trees. The trees usually bud and have more leaves even if it is fall.
The council later discussed the proposal and how the city would pay the $5,800. The street fund has enough to fund the treatment of the city owned trees and have some left for street repair. The council approved the proposal and manner of payment.
A representative from Clifton-Larson-Allen Auditors, Sterling Shatek, reminded the council that they were on a cash regulatory basis for the audit. The city has a clean audit which means no problems or conflicts. The governmental fund was almost the same as last year (stable), water increased a small amount and the sewer fund decreased a small amount. The cash balance amount was $410,000 which would be enough for almost a year if there was for some reason the city did not get income.
The proprietary fund had an increase and was around $1 million and one reason was the FREA equity. The rate increase helped the water and electric funds and the operating funds, which is purchase power, was in good shape. The water had increased and the sewer was stable. The cash flow was around $67,000 and all three funds had increases. The capital assets were adequate and the debt schedule was discussed as adequate.
The council and the auditor discussed any training that was recommended for the city employees and the council. The council reviews all entries and matches them with the report. Clear guidelines for all reviews should be used. The clerk was reported as doing a good job and the city is in good shape financially.
The public works employee, Nate Beckendorf, reported that there are two leaks at the city shop. After discussion the council asked him to get two bids for the repair of the steel roof. He also asked about the old Arctic Cat four wheeler and the council approved offering it for sale on the July 18 Ceylon Auction. Beckendorf also brought up a request from Howell Auctioneers to close the street west of the auction location to avoid mud problems on that street. The council discussed pros and cons and denied the request.
Six letters were sent to property owners who have ordinance violations and they seem to be cleaning up. Beckendorf would like a council member to accompany him to deliver six more violation notices and help to pick which properties need cleaning up the most. A council member will accompany him.
The Fire Association meeting report talked about a new grass rig and selling the trailer to help pay for the new rig. They also would go through the DNR lottery type proposal for the rig. They would like to own a hot water power washer in cooperation with the city (half and half). The council discussed the pros and cons of that expense and ultimately denied the proposal.
The council asked Beckendorf to continue looking for a power washer for around $1500. The hot power washer proposed by the Fire Association was about $2,500 to $3,500. Beckendorf will also look into getting names of a possible licensed water employee if needed when Jim Plumhoff retires.
In other business:
-- The council approved of the two election judges from Ceylon, Jane Leiding and Joann Plumhoff, and approval to ask the county for another judge to make three.
The Ceylon City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at City Hall.