New officer on the Mountain Lake Police Department
A public meeting on the 2016 Budget/Levy for the City of Mountain Lake was held within the Tuesday, December 8 Mountain Lake City Council meeting.
No city residents were in attendance at the opening, but several arrived shortly after the closure of the public meeting. The budget/levy and assessed market value of their properties were discussed with the residents.
Council members reviewed the preliminary levy, set at an increase of 10% over 2015, and discussed further reductions.
The council directed Mountain Lake City Clerk/Administrator Wendy Meyer to prepare a final budget and levy with an increase of 5% over 2015.
The Mountain Lake Police Department’s health insurance line-item will be reduced to reflect the change in personnel. Fund 501 reserves will be used to prevent the further reduction of city services.
Jacob Vitzthum on patrol
The Mountain Lake Police Department’s Office Jacob Vitzthum took the oath of office. He has been on patrol for the department since November 30.
In other business
+ Entered into a 40-hour service agreement with Computer Lodge (with offices in Jackson, Fairmont and Worthington) to provide information technology service for the city at a cost of $85 per hour.
+ Reviewed the 2016 water and sewer rates and the reasons they were being raised. Following the review, council members adopted the rate increases. The increases are 2% over 2015 rates, and will take effect on usage after January 1, 2016, and will be first noticed on bills due March 5, 2016.
+ Discussed the possible development of a city/utility-owned community solar project. Also discussed was the effect of a recent National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for reciprocal internal combustion engines (RICE) federal court ruling on the city/utility’s ability to operate the generators in the power plant in an emergency situation. No action was taken.
+ Discussed a court order filed on November 25 denying the city’s motion for summary judgment in Kuechle Underground Inc. v City of Mountain Lake. Mediation will now be scheduled. Trial dates have been moved to July 2016.
+ Held a public hearing on a variance petition as part of the regular meeting. Reviewed the maps and other information on the owner’s request to place a small deck and steps in the residential front yard setback at property at 409 7th Avenue North. Adopted the findings of fact and granted the variance.
+ Discussed the status of providing Wi-Fi at Island View Campground.
+ Discussed an opening for a Cottonwood County Municipalities Representative on the Southwest Regional Development Commission.
+ Held a closed meeting, per attorney/client privilege, in the City of Mountain Lake v. Kenneth Yoder and Rachel Yoder. Decided to appeal the Award of Commissioners dated November 24, 2015.
+ Granted six-month leave of absence from the Mountain Lake Fire Department for Ken Classen.
+ Accepted a $5,000 gift on behalf of the Tree Commission.
+ Approved cigarette licenses.
+ Heard the 2015 audit letter of engagement from Oberloh & Associates.
