Ekalaka Town Council minutes

Regular Public Meeting

Town Office: Wednesday June 15th, 2022, at 5 p.m.

1. Call Meeting to Order

1.1. Roll Call Council

Mayor: Buck Kratzer; Council Member: Melissa Lovec; Council Member: Andrew (Andy) Wright; Council Member: Jim MacKay

1.2. Employees Present

Clerk/Treasurer: Mariah Schneider; Public Works Director: Colby Diede

1.3. Appointed Officials

Town Attorney: Jennifer Williams

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Sheriff’s Dialog - N/A

4.0 Public Comment

Wizard Nemerson approached the council with complaints about the roads around town and wanted to know what could be done to fill the potholes in, especially around the post office. He also had concerns about whether his driveway leading to his house was considered a town alley and if it is why is the town not maintaining it.

Sue Breding came to the council to notify them that the incorrect turn off was turned on at the cemetery causing an increased amount of water loss for the cemetery. She would like the council to consider ways that this could be prevented in the future such as marking the waterlines.

5.0 Action Items

5.1 Consent Agenda

Minutes

Zoning: Andrew Wright

Melissa made a motion to consent the agenda and minutes and table the zoning until the next meeting as Andy cannot vote on this motion. Jim seconded. Motion passed.

5.2 Pool Opening Date

Colby told the council that the pool is coming along and should be ready to open any time after the 25th. Mariah told the council that none of the lifeguards can work on the 25th so opening date would have to be after that date. Jim made a motion top open the pool on the 26th of June. Andy seconded. Motion passed.

5.3 Pool Liner vs. Pool Sealant

Mariah called the town of Broadus and inquired about their pool liner to get a rough estimate of what it would cost to get Emswiller pool lined. Broadus responded with an estimate of over $50,000.00. The treasurer of Broadus explained that this was 10-15 years ago, and they are expecting it to be much more when they replace it in the next year or two. Mariah also noted that we have all the paint and sealant for the pool already from last year, Jim volunteered to mix up the proper mix to patch all the holes in the pool. Melissa asked how long the mix would take to set and Jim replied with less than 24 hours since its just spot sealing. Andy made a motion to seal and paint the pool, Jim seconded. Motion passed.

5.4 Lifeguard Apparel

Melissa told the council that normally the town buys the lifeguards a tankini swimsuit, and a sweatshirt to wear while lifeguarding. Andy made a motion to buy the lifeguards a tankini and a sweatshirt for the 2022 pool season. Jim seconded. Motion passed.

5.5 Budget

The council reviewed the preliminary budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. It was reviewed and requested changes that Mariah would make for the next version of the preliminary version of the budget. It was determined that there would need to be more time for the council to understand each section of the budget and that we would need to revisit it at the next meeting and other future meetings. Andy made a motion to continually review the budget until a final budget is reached. Melissa seconded.

5.5 Pay scale

Andy made a motion to table this action item until the budget is finalized. Jim seconded. Motion passed.

6.0 Reports

6.1 Ekalaka Volunteer Fire Department (Minutes)

Fire Department Report - No Report

6.2 Attorney Report

Jennifer had the suggestion of videoing the meetings and making them more accessible to the public. This will give the council more transparency to the community. She would also like to see an assistant hired for the office to help Mariah with her excessive workload. She also offered to help with the web design.

6.3 Council Concerns/Reports

Jim announced that he had measured the new road to the subdivision and there would be a 250ft section that needs to be graveled.

6.4 Public Works Director Report

Colby reported to the council that the pool is starting to come together. He also discussed that he spoke to RDO about the possibility of a new blade. His contact at RDO would be willing to come down and talk to the council about the programs they offer. Colby would also like the council to consider getting rid of a lot of the broken-down equipment that is just taking up space in the shop yard.

6.5 Clerk/Treasurer Report

Mariah says she has been busy with the budget and getting everything ready for the pool regarding paperwork and proper supplies.

6.6 Mayor Report

6.7 New Pool Committee Minutes/Report

7.0 Discussion Items

8.0 Announcements/Public Comment

Helen Stevens and Michelle Tooke came to the council to discuss the pool committee they had created years back to help with fundraising for a new pool. They suggested creating a whole new pool committee for fresh fundraising ideas. They had said in the past they had asked the county to help pay for the new pool, but continuously ran into roadblocks. Buck noted that he would like to see a more natural pool like Baker Lake. Jennifer asked about a splash pad, this was a interesting idea but kids need to learn how to swim for safety.

9.0 Next Meeting Date

The next meeting is scheduled for July 6th at 5 p.m. with a fire committee meeting at 4:30 p.m.

10.0 Option for a Closed meeting

11.0 Adjourn

Andy made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m. Melissa seconded. Motion passed.