The Slayton City Council met in regular session on November 4, 2024. All members except Board member Jacobson were present. The agenda was approved with no additions. The minutes from the last meeting were also approved as read, along with the monthly claims.
City Administrator Josh Malchow and Council member Blake Heronimus reported on their meeting with Xcel Energy in regard to the Electric Utility response. While no deal has been brokered, they feel that both sides have a better understanding of what the other is thinking. The one issue they disagree upon concerns loss of revenue. The City is now waiting to see how Xcel Energy responds.
In new business, the council approved a CUP for Trent Rehnelt to build a garage, as recommended by the City Planning and Zoning Commission. With fifteen applicants for the full time Librarian position, the Library Board recommended Korin Demuth of Garvin, MN. She has accepted the offer and will start in January 2025. The council moved to approve that recommendation.
The Slayton Fire Department Fire Chief Chris LeTendre inquired about hiring a grant writer to apply for a FEMA grant to purchase a new fire truck. This was approved.
The council next moved to conversations on their facilities analysis. As things stand, the County Highway Shop is no longer a consideration for the city. Among other things, it is not really the best location nor will it be available soon enough. The next step is to prioritize the needs of the various city facilities. They bounced around some thoughts, got a good feel for what is needed, will begin to research rough costs and continue to make plans for the future.
Today they mostly discussed the needs of Public Works, Fire Dept., Police Dept. and City Hall. The next meeting will include the smaller facilities.
