The city council met on Tuesday, January 16th. Councilman Blake Heronimus presided over the meeting in Mayor Carney’s absence. City Administrator Josh Malchow stated that there was one addition to the agenda, which was the Clerk’s Conference attendance for Jackie Giesen. The agenda was approved with the addition. Minutes from the regular meeting held on January 2nd meeting were approved with no changes.
There were claims from fiscal year 2023 that came in after the last meeting. Those claims, along with ones submitted this fiscal year, were approved by the council.
Next, the council discussed pending business. City Administrator Josh Malchow stated that everything is set for the next Electric Utility meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 6:30 at the MCC Auditorium. Councilman Blake Heronimus moved on to the unfinished business of outside of city, City Fire Protection Rates for 2025. City Administrator Josh Malchow stated that there was a meeting held last week for all the clerks and chairpersons for the counties and townships we cover. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the debt-to-service ratio. Unfortunately, only two people showed up to the meeting. One person was from Leeds, and the other was from Slayton Township. Acting Mayor Chris Jacobson and City Administrator Josh Malchow will be visiting the counties and townships in February to discuss the rates and create a balance between what residents in the city of Slayton pay versus those outside the city. Councilman Blake Heronimun has reached out to other areas to get feedback on what they have done regarding raising their rates. All areas he contacted within the county have increased their rates with little backlash. After a lengthy discussion about equipment and the difference between what citizens of Slayton pay versus those outside of the city, and other factors, the council approved a $75 increase per year for the next three years.
City Administrator Josh Malchow mentioned that due to President’s Day, the City Council meeting that would normally be held on Monday, February 19th, will be held on Tuesday, February 20th, at 5:40pm The council then moved on to new business, with the first item being the purchase of a 2024 Bobcat Snow Blower. The budget was $5,000. The council approved the purchase price, which would be $3,714 through Miller Sellner. Purchasing a 2024 Pickup. City Administrator Josh Malchow shared that purchase prices have drastically increased since the last purchase in 2019. The goal is to shop locally. All bids will be reviewed if there is a $2,500 or more gap between the lowest local bid and a state bid with the state bid the city will lean towards the state bid. Blake Heronimus brought up the final item on the agenda, which is the Clerk Conference. City Administrator Josh Malchow reminds the council of the expense for Deputy Clerk Jackie Giesen to attend the MCFOA Conference in March. The council approved, and the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting – Monday, February 5, 2024, at 6:00pm.
