Minutes of the Soldier city Council
The Soldier City Council meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 by Mayor Penny Ludlow. Council members present were Jack Tannahill, Nina Reed, Brenda Holliday-Stanton, Aaron Jones and Brandi Fritz. Employees present were Ida Nadeau, Joe Denny and Anthony Brenner.
A motion was made by Tannahill to approve the minutes of the Dec. 9 meeting as presented. Holliday-Stanton seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Election information was given to the council and forms were made available for those interested in running for mayor and/or city council in the upcoming election. All positions are available and will fall under the guidelines of the new charter ordinance.
Ron Klobnak, agent for Adkins Insurance, provided information on the city’s current policy and upgrades available for consideration. No action was taken.
Idea Nadeau, city clerk, reported that the pilot light on the stove at the community building will not stay lit, resulting in the use of an electric heater in the kitchen to make sure the water pipes did not freeze. Nadeau also asked if anything has been done about the security light at the ball park.
Denny reported that he had passed his sewer operator test and is now certified. Grass Roots Pest Control will be looking at the area around the water tower to see what can be done about the trees that keep growing there. He will get with Dave Reed to see about getting the Christmas lights taken down.
Nadeau presented the bills to be paid. Fritz made the motion to pay the bills as presented; it was seconded by Holliday-Stanton. The motion carried.
Nadeau also gave the treasurer’s report for the end of December. Fritz made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Tannahill seconded and the motion carried.
It was reported that the city had purchased 199,980 gallons of water and sold 151,050 gallons, resulting in a loss of 48,430 gallons, or 24 percent.
In old business, Nadeau asked the councilmembers if they were going to increase the hourly rate for snow removal to match the rate for street and ditch repair. Holliday-Stanton made a motion to increase the snow removal rate of pay to $60 per hour. It was seconded by Tannahill and carried.
Ludlow checked the motor home parked in front of one resident’s house and noted that it has an expired tag. She also noted that there are no tags on the vehicle at another resident’s property. Ludlow stated that she would be sending letters to all in the city who are in violation of the abandoned car ordinance.
In new business, the city has received three applications for the city clerk and/or treasurer position. Interviews will be scheduled.
A reminder was given that the filing date for the spring city election was at noon on Jan. 27.
Tannahill made a motion to adjourn. The next meeting was set to be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the city offices.
