Good evening. I'd like to call the regular city council meeting to order for April 27th, 2026. Uh please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> The city council members are here to serve the city of Piers. We expect respectful conduct at all times. Slander
or inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Please speak only when addressed one person at a time. Each speaker has a fiveinut time limit. Uh we thank you for your cooperation. Uh first we go to uh the approval of the minutes
for the regular city council meeting of April 13, 2026. >> I'll make that motion. >> Lynn makes a motion to accept it. >> I'll second it. Uh Donnie second the motion. All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Uh motion carried for that. Uh then the
next item is adjustments to the agenda. If anybody's got any adjustments at all. >> Looking good. Laura, anything? >> I got nothing. >> Okay. So, if I get approval of the agenda as it is, >> I'll make the motion. >> Donnie makes the motion. >> Second it.
>> Gary seconds the motion. All in favor say I. >> Opposed. A motion carried. So, um, now the next item we have number seven, we have the 2025, uh, city audit review, uh, with Ashley Mager. Um, and,
uh, we're all, uh, excited to hear how it all went. Ashley, you can sit right up there. Is it turned? Is the microphone turned on? >> Good. >> All ready to go. Do you want me to pass those out for you? >> Okay. >> All right. given you all three documents here and I'm going to go over the top
one which summarizes the other two. >> What the heck? Wow. Thank you. >> So Ashley, are you going to take them in the order that you gave them to us kind of or >> Yeah. So I'll go through I'll go through the top one and um it does summarize the
other two. So basically um uh first the first few pages that I'll go through will go through this document mainly okay >> and then the other pages will go so okay is this on? >> Mhm.
>> Green light. >> Okay. Okay. So, I'm going to be walking through, like I said, this uh document that says presentation of the audited financial statements. Um, and it walks through uh the financial results of the city of course for 2025 as well as our
audit results and then just a few things we're required to tell you all based on our audit standards. So, I will start off with the page that says audit process and opinion. So, this essentially depicts what we do with an audit. We go through the city's records. We do a multitude of inquiries and
testing and procedures. And through all of that, we're looking to issue an opinion. So for the city for 2025, we're issuing an unmodified or clean opinion in accordance with the basis of accounting prescribed by the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor. Um, that's
really the best you can get as far as an opinion goes. It means no significant issues or errors or mis misstatements arose during our procedures. required communications. Here we just note a few things. We're just required to tell you all over the overall the audit went smoothly. We have a positive
working relationship with management. Uh Laura gets us everything that we need. We weren't missing any um documentation for any of the transactions that we looked at. We also didn't note any unusual transactions and we didn't note any unusual accounting policies or
treatments. Um and then we are also just required to tell you all that there are no significant estimates that go into calculating any of the balances in the city's uh financial statements. This is primarily because the city operates on the cash basis of accounting. So when
you think cash cash basis, it's cash inflows and outflows. Um so but we are required to just know no estimates at all that go into calculating those balances as a whole. All right. controls and compliance. So, this is going to look actually pretty
similar to in the past, if not exactly the same audit adjustments. We had a few audit adjustments. Um, at the end of the year, I think the only one that was material was just an interest income allocation. Everything else was really minor actually. Um, and then internal
controls there. We, this is the same as in the past as well. the city has a lack of proper segregation of duties which is very common for cities of your size and actually cities much larger. Um so we are just required to note that in our report that maybe you can't properly
segregate those accounting duties um for your receipts, dispersements etc amongst the amount of people that it would take to segregate that probably would take um what the AICPA says is about five people um which obviously is not feasible for
for many organizations to have that many people in their accounting department. So that is yeah pretty crazy honestly once you think about it. So most actually a lot of the entities that we work with end up having that finding just because it's not feasible to have
that many people employ that many people. Um and then of course you just segregate where you're able to um between your clerk and treasurer and then your city administrator and um and just doing what you can to have some checks and balances in there even though
you're not able to do that at 100%. Um and then that second bullet point under internal controls just notes that um we're just required to tell tell you all that we prepare the financial statements on behalf of the city. So the bigger book I think the one on the bottom that I had given you we prepare
that on behalf of the city. Um so we're just required to note that in our report. Uh that very last column there the Minnesota legal compliance. So each year as part of our audit, we're required to look at various statutes or essentially laws that the city needs to
follow and through that we review. We did not run into any issues. So we had no findings related to that. No non-compliance noted. Uh we look at your contracts, your quotes and bids, uh your deposiitories, your claims and dispersements, a multitude of areas that are prescribed by the office of the
state auditor at what we need to look at. We didn't run into any issues. So that's that's good news as well. Taking a look at the financial results for the city for 2025. We will start off with the general fund. So the general fund had an increase in cash fund
balance of about 110,000 and ending of about 1.6 million. You'll see receipts decreased just slightly from 2024 and then dispersements remain relatively similar. And we'll take a look at those numbers actually in more
detail over the next few pages here. Start off with the receipts. So receipts compared to 2024 decreased about 22,000. Uh you'll see here a few I'm just going to speak to a few of the more significant changes. You'll see taxes
overall decreased about 90,000. Um this was not for the city as a whole. um there's just more allocated to debt service as your payments on your uh 2024 a debt started in 2025. So more property taxes uh went to that avenue
essentially. Um and then but you'll see you're still relatively comparable to your budget. So that was really just as expected. Uh licenses, permits, and fees increased about 32,000. Obviously that fluctuates from year to year. Uh this
was building permit fluctuations. So depending on what kind of building is going on within the city, that will fluctuate from year to year. So it's kind of always hard hard to budget for that because you don't know exactly what's going to come through. Um and then intergovernmental will be the last one I'll speak to that uh increased
about 70,000. There were some source well grants that came through in uh 2025 that would fall within like local grants which falls in intergovernmental. So that's why that increased primarily your state aid didn't uh fluctuate in uh too
much. So mostly just those local grants that fluctuated and dispersements on the flip side overall increased just slightly from 24 to 25 about $2,100. Um but there were some fluctuations in a few of these categories that I'll I'll
speak to as well. uh overall general government decreased about 58,000. Uh in 2024 there was a sick leave payout for former city administrator. Um some payroll and accounting services and then just staffing fluctuations and costs
there. Um whereas on the flip side you'll see if public safety increase about 42,000. um some some most of that just staffing fluctuations and costs and then um public works uh there as well staffing
fluctuations and costs. I think we had talked about um or I think I had noted in when I was looking at things that there was some like PTO was it PTO payout of some sort. I think that the city opted to um was it do that more often or change that practice a bit?
Yeah. And we decided to start paying it out on April 1st, I think. So instead of paying out during the year, we're going to hold everything till April 1st to pay it. >> Okay, that that makes sense. So those fluctuations kind of as expected, but you'll see as a whole if you like I said
look at everything really your dispersements as a whole just had a very very slight decrease or increase from 2024. So not not a ton of fluctuation, just fluctuations in different categories. And then unassigned cash fund balance. So your unassigned cash fund balance is
your spendable portion of your fund balance. It's not assigned for any other purposes. Uh so each year we take a look at that as a percent of your budgeted dispersements. So for 2025 that sat at 44.9%. Um really the primary reason for that
decrease is there was just a lot more assigned dollars this year. So, it wasn't that your your general fund f balance as a whole decreased. Your general fund balance as a whole actually increased quite a bit. Um, so it was just having more assigned dollars in there. We could look at potentially
changing your policy cuz right now your policy is is just strictly unassigned balance and you want that to sit at 60%. We could look at changing it to be, you know, what you want your unrestricted balance to be at. So that would be unassigned and assigned. Um, or maybe we
could set, you know, certain certain limits as well. Maybe you want your unassigned to be at a certain percentage. Maybe you want your unassigned and assigned to be at a certain percentage. Um, we could look at changing that as well. Um, but I did just want to mention that decrease. Yeah, it looks a little bit of a crazy
decrease, but you're just assigning extra dollars for specific purposes. Um, so fund balance as a whole really had an increase. So, >> so as we so as we start funding dedicated funds, >> Yeah. >> those are th that's why we're seeing that shift.
>> Exactly. Your dedicated is your assigned dollars. So, um, so you're pulling that out of your spendable, so to speak. But the thing about assigned dollars is they're not set in stone. You can always pull that out. Like if you say you're going to assign dollars to a specific
thing or item and you end up not buying that item, then you can always pull those out and it goes back into unassigned. >> Like our goal, I think for the last several years was to build up the dedicated funds were really lacking. So actually scoops here, he's the fire chief. So that was one of our priorities
is try to get that back up and the police and everything. So >> and I think that makes a lot of sense because you that allows you to plan for future purchases. Um and that's that's exactly it. So, I just wanted to mention that although it looks like, okay, we saw a big decrease here, but your fund
balance as a whole is still sitting really healthy. And now you have dollars set aside for future p future purchases. So, that's um that's there as well. >> And it's as simple as just changing the policy if we want to show both to show. >> Yes, you absolutely could put a target
for each. You could put a target like we want our unassigned fund balance to be at, you know, 40%. but we want our fund, you know, our assigned and unassigned to be at 60 or something like that. Um, if you wanted to change that up, that wouldn't be an issue either. That's we
have we have the policy on hand and um, if you want, I can send you I can like highlight where what I'd change or what I'd recommend if you'd like me to send that over just to um, just as an idea and if you end up changing it, you do. If you don't, not a big deal. But I can send that over to Laura and just have
you >> I think that's a good idea. >> Kind of recommend what I' what I'd update if you were to update anything. So >> just kind of speaks to why it dropped. >> Yeah, exactly. Yeah, cuz then it like I said, it looks funny if you were to just strictly see this graph, you'd be like, well, where would we spend everything
like like we saw an increase in fund balance, but this dropped quite a bit, but it's in your assigned balance. So, um, we could look at, like I said, just how you could change that a bit just to kind of show that truly in your policy. Um, so I will I'll do some
recommendations for that for sure. And then cash for the general fund as a whole, that increased and sat at about 1.6 million at uh 123125. Any questions on anything so far? I was just going to say and I I was going to touch on at the end, but that's fine if
I touch on it now. The the big thing for me um is the uh the the detailed receipts. Whoops. No, excuse me. Is uh the general fund, the trend analysis. Uh it's a if you guys look at it, it's a
great analogy to see uh where we were in 2021 versus where we are now. Um, and I think I I I think I became mayor in 2022 and then Donnie and Gary have been here for the most for the most part through this whole thing too. And you can see
how um we moved the dial up as far as getting it the city back in a healthy situation. >> Yeah. You if you look at that green bar really that that is has grown um and you've been able to set aside dollars for things which is >> set dollars for the dedicated funds.
>> Exactly. Yep. I agree with that. I think this cuz especially cuz this shows the past five years. Um, and on some of our other pages, we're only showing a couple years, but this really shows a trend of kind of where you're going upward over the past 5 years. >> That's where usually want to go is upward now.
>> Yeah. Yeah. You always hope so. And to be able to set aside dollars for future things is always really good, too. Yes. >> Um cuz then there's um less surprises. Um and you're not, you know, worried about, okay, if we're going to suddenly have to replace something, do we have
the dollars there? Like you already know cuz you've set that aside for that for future purchases. Yep. Exactly. Uh other governmental funds. Uh so these are three major funds that we that we note in the financials. You'll see these on the face of the financials. your fire
fund, your 2024 street improvement, and 2024 debt service. Um, by major funds, I just mean they they're they have larger amount of activity. So, we have standards that we go by to classifying a fund as major versus non- major. These funds just tend to have more activity in
them. Um, well, specifically to 2025. So, that's why we call them major funds. Um, and I I'll kind of just speak a little to each of these. So fire fund overall increase in cash fund balance of about 11,000 and ending of about 64,000
activity pretty similar to prior years with the exception of uh in 2024 there was a greater amount of capital outlay there was a truck purchased in that year um and correspondingly there was a reimbursement from the fire relief for that vehicle. Uh so if you were to
compare 24 to 25, you just see um a fluctuation in your capital outlay category and then your reimbursements c revenue category. Um and then 2024 street improvements obviously decrease in cash fund balance um because you're spending those bond dollars that came
through in 2024. So that is totally as expected. Um so overall decrease about 13 and ending about 386,000. That's where the cash the remaining cash from those bonds sat at at 123125 was at that 386.
Um and then 2024 debt service increase in cash cash fund balance about 35,000 and ending of about 1.6 million. Um your first debt payments uh hit in 2025. So the first debt payments on that 2024 a
debt. Um so that was the main uh fluctuation obviously from 24 to 25. you're just seeing dispersements now coming out of that debt service fund. Your receipts there um I believe are I think special assessments and then property taxes um that are coming
through to obviously work to pay through that debt. Um so that really just uh as expected as well. All right. Um other governmental funds. So your remaining governmental funds we do group in a few different categories.
So you'll see your non- major capital project which is your Robert and Park fund and then your third avenue north fund and then non- major debt service which is the tiff district funds and then non- major special revenue which is your EDA and your loan funds. Uh so
you'll see uh non- major capital project increase of about 14,000 and ending of just under 160,000. Final debt payment on the 2013 a debt was made in the prior year. So, if you were to look at uh 24 to 25, that would
be the main uh change there. Uh I believe the city's opting to close out a couple of those funds. Um so, next year this may look a little bit different obviously if we do that close out. Um, I think possibly you're looking to consolidate the capital projects kind of
into one one bucket basically, which I think makes a lot of sense cuz especially now that some of that debt is paid off and those funds aren't being utilized um for any particular purpose, I think it's good to to consolidate into maybe one capital project fund makes a
lot of sense there. Uh and then your tiff district funds obviously just your tax increment coming in and then those payments going out for that for those tiff districts. Uh and ending cash fund balance was about 46,000 as a whole for those funds. Um activity really similar
to prior years with the exception of the close out of tiff district 1-3. So that was red's auto. So that was that had its final payments um and pay out in 2025. And then non- major special revenue over in overall increase in cash fund balance
about 41,000 and ending of about 308,000 uh activity really similar to prior years in those funds. Uh mainly like I mentioned loan loan receivable activity in those funds. So it's just the loan payments coming in. Um and then one of those loans is a myth loan. Of course,
some of those dollars go back to the state of Minnesota uh to Minnesota deed. Uh and then cash for those funds that I just discussed. Overall, um you'll see your decrease in your 2024 street improvement. Of course, as I mentioned, just those bond dollars being spent on
the project. Um and then just slight increases o overall in fire and debt service. Um overall cash for those three funds combined was about 651,000 at 123125. Um and then for your non- major debt
service and non- major special revenue and capital projects um really you'll see just slight slight changes slight increases in those funds cashed as a whole. Uh overall those sat at about 514,000 at 123125. And uh now I'll speak to the enterprise
or proprietary funds for the city. So the electric enterprise fund had an increase in net cash assets of about 154,000 and ending of about 1.16 million. Overall you'll see uh operating receipts and dispersements as a whole
increase there. Um overall uh overall relatively um substantial increase in your uh net cash assets there. And then golf course uh fund had an overall increase in net cash assets of
about 78,000 and ending of negative 1.4 million. Um overall increase in receipts and dispersements. Uh and you'll see here we do present that golf course expansion. So of the negative 1.4 million net cash
assets in your golf course fund, 1.43 is due to the negative 1.43 is due to the expansion. So really your operating portion of the net cash assets there is positive. So you're seeing uptick in that in those operating over the past
couple years as that project was completed. So now you're seeing those um increases in your net cash assets for due to operating which is great because you'll um now we're seeing kind of the effects of that and now you know more more dollars coming through as well as
you'll see your operating receipts have increased over the past few years. All right. And then the storm water fund had an increase in net cash assets of about 46,000 and ending of of644,000. Negative is just due to amounts owed to
the 2024A debt service fund uh to set to assist in payoff of that debt. Um so part of the the budget was that or the budget for that debt was that the storm water would kick in. Um I think it's like 600 or 700,000 or something like
that. So we do note that in the financials so that it's clear that that fund over time, not right this instant, but over time we'll owe that debt service fund that dollar amount. Um we just need to present that so that it's clear that um yes, there's there's cash
in there, but over time that'll be paid there will be cash paid out to that debt service fund to help pay for that debt. And then your solid waste fund um that had an overall increase in net cash cash assets of about 1000 or 10,000 just over
10,000 and ending of 190,000. Uh you'll see here as well overall increase in uh receipts and dispersements for that fund. And then cash for those funds that uh those proprietary funds or enterprise funds that I just mentioned, you'll see
overall increases in all four of those funds. Cash and as a whole uh cash for all those funds sat at about 713,000 at 123125. >> That's a great graph to see right there. >> Yeah. Yeah, it is. It's wonderful to see
um definitely the increases in cash as a whole for those uh enterprise funds. um >> have all four of them. That's really a big thing. >> It is for sure. And then uh lastly, the debt for the city as a whole. Um the proprietary
funds, those funds that I just discussed, do not hold any debt at this point in time. So, it's just in your governmental funds. So, there's just uh three debt issuances, note payable uh for the myth loan that I mentioned. So that's just the amount owed um to the state of Minnesota for the payback of
that. So basically the dollars come in from the entity for the loan receivable and then they get paid out to the state. So we do present that as debt of the city even though it's not truly the city's debt. Those there's there's a source to those dollars from that entity
that took out that myth loan. Um and then con your there's a contract for deed on the public works building. Um, and then of course your 2024A debt that I've been speaking to. So the 2024A debt uh is about 2.78 million of that total.
So you'll So that's of course your your largest piece to the puzzle there, but as expected because that was just issued last year. Um, and then actually I was just going to mention as well that contract for deed is set to um be paid
off in full at uh December 2027. So, that one will drop off of here at that point in time. Um, and then also the myth loan. Um, that has a payoff date of March of 2029. So, in the next few years here, we'll have a few of these a couple
of these drop off. Um, and then your 2024A debt of course is quite some time in 2045, but of course that's as expected with the with the large bond such as that. any questions at all on anything um that I went through or financials for the
city or anything that I can help with? >> I don't have anything. I think you did a great job. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think overall things are looking really good for the city as a whole. Um really good. I think we've um done some cleanup too over the past few years. I mean just things that we had
recommended over the past four or five years. The city has implemented those things and made some changes as well which I think has been beneficial as a whole. Um and really um I mean you can kind of see it from the financial results too from some of the the things that we had recommended kind of helped
to change some of that as well too. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you all. >> Thanks Ashley. >> Yes. Okay. So, now that everybody sitting there knows how we're doing as a city.
Um, next, you know, uh, well, I guess I I was going to move scoop up, but we should probably Are you >> to accept the audit? >> Oh, motion to accept the >> I'll make the motion to accept the 25 city audit. >> Motion to accept the audit. Sarah seconds the motion. All in favor say I.
I. Opposed. A motion carried to accept the audit for 2020 uh, 2025. Okay. So, next we have um planning and zoning and Do you want to handle that stuff, Donnie? >> I can. >> Okay.
>> So, we had three permits that all three were were approved by the planning and zoning. Uh one is the first one is Toby Egan and it is for some concrete work to do the sides of the house and then a patio in the backyard. The second one is
Dan Lowshider uh at Cody Court and he is adding an addition onto his garage. And the third one is Corey Egan and he is replacing part of the front steps and a little bit of concrete work that's alongside that. Uh and planning and zoning uh approved all three.
>> Awesome. So I we could probably just do all these in uh one shot. So we got if I get a motion for Toby Egan, Dan Loider, and Corey Egan's permits. Make that motion. >> Uh Gary makes the motion. >> I'll second it. >> Donny second the motion. All in favor say I. I. Oppos.
>> I'll abstain. >> Abstain. Uh motion carried. So next we go to a resolution 2026-0427-1 and it's Sarah. >> Um we have a resolution.
Uh it is number 20 26-04- or 27-1 and it's accepting donations for the Piers Park Playground. Um we have several donations this time around. Um the first one is in memory of Jane Gross
um presented by Gail, Jill, and Sarah. um for $100. Gary and Heather Berg, uh Rick and Laura Wacker, Lloyd and Linda Churnney, Sarah Backho and Gravel,
Piers Veterary Clinic, uh and Wakefield Pork. >> Um if I could get a motion to accept those donations. >> Make that motion. >> Uh Lynn makes the motion. >> Second it. >> Uh Gary second the motion. All in favor
of the motion 20 resolution 2026-0427-1 say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Uh motion carried. Uh next is ex an exempt permit for St. Joseph's Church Bazaar for August 2nd of 2026.
If I get a motion for that. >> Make that motion. >> Gary makes a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Lynn second motion. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Uh motion carried. So next we have uh the ground crew hire. Um and who is going to who wants to handle that
one? >> I don't think we actually have a ground crew hire. >> Oh, okay. Well, I guess we scratch scratch that off the agenda. Are you sure you guys don't want to hire somebody else? No, wait a minute. I was just joking here. Just was a joke. Okay,
so let's go to department. Were we uh >> I think we're handling that under >> Oh, it's to talk about. Yeah. Oh my goodness. Just know if you were going to >> Well, I was wondering. I thought maybe this was for this wasn't for that situation. I thought it was maybe for something vacation brain. >> Okay. Well, I guess let me revise that
then. So, we got a crown crew hire. Who? Leonard Gary. You guys want who wants to talk? >> Laura probably will start. >> Okay. >> Because you got the >> uh Brad Daylor's last day with us will be May 5th. So, with that, we need to
well hopefully hire his replacement. A replacement. >> My recommendation would be to post um his position as is. Um did you send that out? >> I did. It was in our weekly update. >> Weekly update. Um if you guys all had a
chance to look at the job description and then the pay wage was 22 to 32, >> correct? >> And I would recommend keeping it the same also. >> So, I and I was talking to Laura about a little bit. I know Jim is at 30, >> so I hate to post something higher than what we got an existing and Jim does a
great job. He's a loyal person. I hate to go over what we're paying him. I really struggle with it. >> Well, it doesn't mean we're going to >> Well, Lyn, I've never I've been here for four years and we've paid everybody we've hired the highest that we've went to. But I'm not saying we're not going
to do it this time. I would suggest we'd go to $30 at least. then we're not going over because I think I think it's an insult to Jim even by going over 32. I think we're we'd be okay at 30. That's my opinion. I I really like Jim. I don't think we should I think it's not fair to
him to post higher than he's been there for how many years? A long time. And he's going to work side by side with that person. >> Well, and that's what I would in a hiring situation that would be the you know, you're just starting here. Jim's been here for how many years? You can't start out at what our
>> I know I know >> staff is making I know how it goes. I've been here. >> We don't know what kind of qualifications this person may have either. >> If if if this person is Superman, I think we can bring it back to the council and say we can we can we can raise the raise it for him.
>> So you would recommend going 22 to 30? >> I would if that's okay with you guys. >> Gary, what's your thought? >> I mean I think we should keep the potential there from 22 to 32. I don't want to squeeze in or out any applicants, but that's my thought.
>> Donnie, what do you think? >> Well, I I do agree with you that it is a slap in the face to an employee that's already here that's doing the same job. But >> typically, you don't get the next hire. You don't get them for the same price.
>> Can I clarify one thing though in terms of that? When we say it's 22 to 32, is 32 where it tops out? >> Yeah. >> So, that's really not a slap. I mean, by by lowering it, we're also telling Jim now, you may not you may top out. >> I know. I just >> Jim's job description does say 22 to 32.
>> Correct. >> I just really I have a really You know what I'm saying? >> I do, but if if that was happening to me, I'd be really upset. I'm telling you, if it was me, if I was Jim, I would be in here in two weeks asking for $32. >> It's just a pay range for the job. I
know, Gary, but I've been here for I'm just telling you, I've been here Donnie's been here longer than me, but I we have never we've hired every person at the top of the pay range and we've actually gone over the top a couple of
times. And so I just we can I feel if this person's it's my opinion, if if this person's qualified, Gary, I have no problem bringing it back like Bradley did with that other guy and said this guy is worth another dollar. At least we can have a discussion at it. Or $2. We
can have a discussion and say I don't I just >> The guy that Brad brought back that was well within the the pay range. It wasn't going above or beyond. It was within the pay range. >> Yeah, I know. But I'm just saying if >> No, pay range was one thing and we gave him a dollar over that. >> Right.
>> We gave him a dollar over it. >> No, it was within the pay range. It's just he recommended a certain amount and then came back and we gave him a dollar more. Right. It still was in the pay range that we posted. I I I don't feel comfortable that. Like I said, I I guess >> What's your thought, Sarah?
>> You're the only one who hasn't voiced, >> right? I mean, it's a difficult decision. Honestly, I I do agree that it is kind of a slap in the face. I mean, we've had that problem
>> with previous employee, but again, >> I think anybody looking at a job posting is see that's the the top pay, right? >> And if they're not going to get the top out pay, >> it's that's very rarely do people start out at the top pay.
>> They do hear all the time. They every we Gary, I've told you I we've never hired in four years. Every person we've hired, we've hired at the top top of the scale. >> Rick got hired at top pay, >> huh? >> Rick didn't get hired at top pay. >> So that's a false statement.
>> Wait, he asked for more money. We gave it to him. >> Yeah, but he was top out pay. >> Well, I that now you're being you're being >> No, that that's what you're saying though. >> No, I'm saying is okay. The scale that we put he's we repaid. Okay, let me rephrase everything. The scale that we're putting we've hired we've always
hired somebody at the top of the scale if not more. And Rick is actually a p a a perfect example of it. So what I'm saying is is that if we have a superman person like Rick who applied for the job, I have no problem bringing it circling back if we really have to have
that discussion, but I think I think it's fair to the council to have that discussion. I'm not saying I I wouldn't give it to him. And and Rick was a good example. We had a high pay thing. He came in. He was overqualified for the position and we said, "Hey, let's take a look at it." But I've been in the
position when I've been hiring people in the past and and they're not qualified and they come in asking for the top dollar even qualified and then they go, "Well, no, I can't give it to you. I got to give you this." No. Then they then they're insulted and they don't take it. But I have no problem you guys coming
back if that person is qualified like Rick. Actually, it's a great example like Rick and sitting down and saying, "This person wants needs to have another dollar. I recommend that he deserves another dollar or $2. We say we talk about his qualifications and yes, he's
qualified just like Rick and we and we give him additional dollars. But I really struggle going in. >> I understand what you're saying. I just fear that we'll move we'll lose out on some applicants if we >> we say every time to we've gone through it every time too. People want to work
for the city of Pierce. They want to move here. I if I go back to if people really want to make the money, go work at a golf course in Minneapolis and but people work here for a reason, you know. So they want they like the country, they like the country life. And so I we've
never had an issue where we've never had uh qualified employees for a job also in four or five years. I mean, look at look who we have for employees. We have fabulous employees and that they because they want to work in a small town. But so Donnie, do you have any else because
we can >> My only recommendation then though is we take off the pay range on the on our job description because now we're changing it. >> I totally agree. I'm with you, Lynn, on that. >> Right. Because all of a sudden now we're saying it's it's different than what we hired the other two for.
>> That's right. No, that's No, I'm totally for it, Lynn, >> because Yeah, it just it looks it looks bad. >> If this person and I agree I agree with you. If this per if this person is really a hardworking person and they do
a great job and they come to us a year from now or two years from now and they want the 32 whatever I have well I guess I won't be here but I would I would be looking at giving them that money which we've done that in the past too. I think we're you guys were very open and we're
we're logical when it comes to things like that. I just hate giving out everything right off the bat. >> I never intended to. So, I mean, if if that's a concern of yours, that's fine. But like I said, I I would never think to come in of the jobs I've had. >> You don't top out.
>> Yeah. >> I mean, especially in a lead position like that. >> Yeah. I'm just telling >> lead position is a little bit different than somebody coming in. >> I know. I'm just telling you that's my experience of >> Oh, absolutely. Who wouldn't come in and ask for it? It doesn't mean you're going to get it. >> Well, most people get it, but but they deserve it though, too. So, I
>> Correct. Yeah, >> that's my point. >> Right. But we can always raise it. Anyway, I Lynn, I totally agree with you. If we go to change it to 30 bucks and then have that range, I have no problem at that point if somebody comes in and wants more money and they deserve it to pay that money. Just just like Mr.
Whacker here. It was a perfect example of how we handled handled it. >> Okay. So, >> I disagree. I disagree. We should keep the pay range the way it is.
So that's that's my thought. Anything less is anything less would honestly be a slap to Jim's face cuz then now he's going to top out at 30 so he's never moving up. >> Well, I don't I don't think we're saying that we're in my opinion I don't think
we're saying we're topping out that they can't ever make anymore. I think what we're saying is what I'm hearing is is you won't hire the first this guy, girl, whoever we hire won't make any more than what Jim is making right now. That doesn't mean they're topped out. It just
means that we're not going to hire somebody for more unless they're really qualified than our top dog is now. Our top dog right now is Jim, >> right? >> So, it's I I don't I'm a ten of turn. >> No, that's how I took Lynn's thing, too. listening to you guys.
>> Yeah, >> we're talking one is talking topped out and you're never going to make more than $32 an hour and the other one is saying >> no, they shouldn't make any more than Jim at the start. That's two different >> just to start. >> Yeah. Right. >> The problem is it's on our job description stating the pay range is 22
to 32. >> Yeah. Can we just change it to 30? >> I'm just saying that's not what it says. >> I think you're misinterpreting what the pay range means, right, John? what the pay range means. That's not you're thinking it's the starting pay. That's
not what that means. It just means like in general the pay range is that. >> Sarah, I agree. The problem is everybody we've hired in the last four years starts at the at the top. So whether the top is 30 or it's 32, they're going to start at it. >> They don't take that that number you're
saying. They don't take the number of 32 as that's their top range. That's what they want to start at. That's right. The top range would stay at 32, but we would just start that person the the most they can start for is $30, >> right? >> And if they come back, if Lyn if Lyn and
Gary come back with this this super person that's coming from who knows where and it can do a fabulous job and this guy wants 31 or gal 31 or 32, we have a discussion about it and go, you know what, this guy can hit the thing running. You know, he's already understands the course. Maybe it's a guy
that's worked there before that's a golfer. he's got experience at the course. Absolutely. Then then do it. But then we're gonna have to look at giving Jim a raise to $32, too. >> But that's not necessarily true because it's based on >> experience. >> Experience and what you have and skills.
>> I'm just because you've been there for 10 years or whatever it is doesn't necessarily mean you're you have to >> Jim's got the skills and he's got the stuff. >> I'm not saying that about him. I'm just saying in general. >> Yeah. >> And their two jobs are completely different when you look at what they're
doing. >> Okay. So, I don't know. Somebody want to give a motion for something and then we decide or >> prior to the motion, can we also put in like how long we want to advertise it for? Is it open till closed? >> Um, >> let's do that first. That's an easy one.
>> And then, well, hopefully we can just motion it all in one. And um the the hiring committee, >> who's on it? >> Well, it's that lead. So, it's kind of like Yeah. Is it just going to be how how would you
>> So then would you want to keep it open till hire? I mean that kind of makes sense. Yeah, >> absolutely. >> I think Jim should be on the hiring committee. >> Well, I I think we should actually the way I agree. I think we should do is do like they did before, take it to the park board. You guys pick pick a couple of get a couple of qualified candidates
and then bring them to the council and bring two or three. I think that worked actually. I think that worked out great the last time. Okay. >> Because we all knew what was going on. And it's open transparency to everybody. And are you okay with that? >> Yep. >> Okay. You okay with that, Gary? >> Obviously.
>> Okay. >> So, let's vote on that then, I guess. Do we need to vote on that, Laura? >> Yeah. >> Well, I just kind of thought you guys might all vote to post the league ground position until it is open at the pay range of >> Yeah.
>> I mean, unless you want to do them all separate. >> I would No, I would if you guys are okay with it. And let's do those first two. leave it open and then let's that let's vote on it in case the thing doesn't work because there's no reason to kind of keep voting for all three things or whatever. >> So, I'd make the motion that we post the
position uh opened until closed or until hired and then the hiring committee um at the discretion of the park board which we'll discuss next week at our meeting. >> I second that motion. >> All in favor say I. I >> opposed. Motion carried.
So, >> back to pay range. >> Yep. >> I'm with Gary. I'd like to see it stay the same. I mean, I'll do what I have to do to get this posted. We need to move forward, but like I said, just because it's that amount doesn't mean that's what they're going to get. >> I second that motion. I agree. I mean,
just because that's what it says doesn't mean that's what it's going to be. >> Okay. All in favor say I. I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. Okay. So, boy, for something that wasn't we
weren't going to talk about that. >> Yep. >> Holy buckets. We got a lively. >> Okay. So, are we done with it? Finally. Okay. So, then we got department update scoop. >> Welcome.
>> Good evening. So, the reason I'm here is you guys all know Jason Lee put in his resignation at our last meeting. >> Um, he was on the department for over 20 years, a few months over 20. Uh, he was a great asset. Tough to lose him. He was
assistant secretary, you know, and they do a lot of the when the secretary isn't there. Uh, took care of our meeting night, got all that done, ran the checkbook and uh, for the fireman's account. So great guy, very very huge asset, but his work I think pulled him
away. He's gone a lot and I think his body's maybe a little bit wore out. So I just want to thank him for what he's done and I guess I don't have never had I don't know what you got to vote on it or >> we just accept it >> or accept it or whatever. So >> do we need to make a motion? No,
>> I'd make the motion then to accept Jason's Lee's retirement um with thanks for his 20 plus years of service. Kate Lynn makes the motion. >> I'll second it. >> Donnie seconds the motion. All in favor say I. I. Opposed. A motion carried. >> That date effect date. Is it already done?
>> Yep. It was at the LA uh April. Sorry, I should have had that date. Um April 9th is a day. April 9th. >> Um and then the other thing is the Phil. We're back to Phil. Uh I talked to him
today or and he said he is coming next meeting and he'll be giving his resignation, but he'd like to just talk to you guys. So that's where we're at. It's due the end of the month. So >> Okay. >> If that's okay or I can let him know. >> Yeah, we can. I mean, we can make a do
we need to make a mo to get it to the end? We can make a motion to accept it if he just wants to come in and then we don't have to worry about it. >> I mean, >> we just need to add them to the agenda. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we'll add them to the agenda. But do let's do should we so we get it covered by the end of April. I think
that's when when was that when was that whole thing extended to the >> I think there was a 30. That's all right. >> All he would have to do is date it in his letter effective whatever date that would be right. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So >> okay >> I guess that's where that's at. So >> and that's based on a letter that you
gave him too, right? You have documentation. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. We got all that. So >> Yep. >> Um does anybody got any questions for Scoop? Anything else you guys? What? >> And then we just finished We got that grant for uh >> USC. You signed it.
>> Yeah. >> We didn't get the money yet though, right? >> No. >> What grant was that? >> It was through the state of Minnesota DNR grant. So, we're getting new like firefighting shirts. >> Oh, great. >> It'll cover half and then the department or charitable gambling will cover the other half. So, >> nice. >> We're due.
>> Fantastic. >> Guys are pretty happy. But >> yeah, so other than that, everything's good. Hopefully this should take care of the grass fires. >> Otherwise, you might not have been here, Scoop. You might have not have been here dry yet. >> Getting bad. It was
>> last couple years. >> They're no fun. So, >> but other than that, everything's >> going good. >> Good. >> Great. >> Like I said, the biggest thing when I came at the other meeting was our our air packs, but that'll be the end of the year next year. >> So,
>> great. wife, we really all of us really appreciate your guys' service, too. So, it's like, >> yeah, we got a good crew, but >> Absolutely. >> They're getting older. >> Just like everything, man. Everything. That's the way of the world with with these couple guys that'll be gone. Are
you looking at posting for new? >> I I don't you know, so we're still we'll be at uh 27 and we're supposed to be at 20. So, we're still above. So, I think >> you know, we could wait. I don't see a huge amount going. So, I think we're good for a while. >> Good.
>> And if it would be, we usually like to do it in the winter and then they can do their training and, you know, when it's slower >> y >> for the new guys. >> Sounds good. >> Good. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you, Scoop. >> Thank you. >> Uh, next we have the police, which I don't think Eric is here. Uh, public
works. Rick is here. Did you got anything to say, Rick, or not too much? >> Something I can talk, I guess. Good evening, Mayor Council. Uh, I want to start out by uh shout out to
Tyler. Thank him. He did a good job when we were gone on vacation. I think down come back town looked good. >> Yeah, he did a good job. He was street sweeping and everything. >> Yeah. Um, we got the stuff online for sale and we
sold the both pickups as of today. Nice. >> Everything that we had on Facebook sold. The other ones that are on min bid, >> the auction's not up yet, but okay. >> I don't think there's really much for movement there, but
um dropped the planters off at the school for the Main Street flowers. So hopefully we'll get them back soon. >> So the school's planting them? >> Yeah. >> Nice. >> Yep. But we're buying them from the school and they're they're planting all of them for us. >> Oh, great.
>> Awesome. Good idea. >> What class is that? >> Horiculture class. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. There you go. Brought them up to the greenhouse behind the school. >> But uh and then
yeah. So then with that, we'll get them out and the benches out and hopefully this probably judging on the weather might wait till next week, but start putting banners up also. So good. We started filling in potholes.
That bag of uh cold patch, we went through almost the whole bag already. So, there's quite a few holes. We'll have to go back through and top them off and then go after some of the smaller ones. We just put them in the bigger ones. So,
but other than that, I think that's all I got. >> Did we get an update on the pole light pole? >> The light pole. I got an email from him. I forgot what date he said. June >> in mid June. >> Nice. >> That'd be the one on Main Street that's
missing across from Red. >> I did ask him >> if he told me. >> Oh, good. >> Yep. >> I just want to make sure everybody knew that we were >> working on We were working on it. >> Yeah. >> We also ordered a second one so we don't have to wait so long when it happens the next time. >> When it happens the next, doesn't it?
>> It does. >> Yeah. >> Hopefully it don't happen again. I was going to say I love your faith in humanity when it happens. >> It looks like there's a stop sign that got bent over by the Was it the medical center or something? >> Clinic. >> They are actually removing that um sometime this week. It's theirs. >> Oh.
>> Oh, so it's halfway removed now. >> Yeah, it's just >> let's say it's >> they're cutting it off at the base. >> Are they okay? >> Yes. >> Are they replacing it or just taking it out? >> They're just taking it out. >> It's probably a good idea. >> Yep. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Awesome. Thank you, Rick. Thanks. And then we got Andy from the clubhouse. >> Good evening, mayor and council. Um I don't have too much for you guys. Um we basically been working hard getting everything ready down there. Um yeah, we're ready to go. The kitchen will be
open tomorrow. Um hopefully we'll be open down there with the rain and everything. It's pretty >> It's pretty wet out there right now. So it went from >> It went from Yeah. dry into very wet real quick. Um uh I guess as far as the basketball court goes to as a quick
update on that. Um I have talked to Joe Call. He's kind of getting things lined up and I'll have more for the next meeting on when they're planning on starting that. So um I'll get get more information for you guys on that. Um I guess the main thing I want to ask is
we've had a uh Helyfield banner advertisement thing. Um, I don't know if you guys have ever been out there before, but they have the banners hanging there. >> Um, they do a two-year contract and ours was up for renewal. So, um, just asking if we can renew that. It's $400 for
>> for two years and come out of >> our We've always participated in that over the years, you know, and we always did the the banner. >> Um, so and I think you guys have been around and we had some discussions on it. So, we we were we were always fine with having a banner there. So, I don't
know if you guys can make a How much? I'm assume it's 400 bucks. >> 400 for two years. >> So, could we could I get a motion? Unless you guys got Do you got any questions on it, Lynn? No. Okay. Okay. So, can we get a motion? >> I'll take just I know just putting peers golf. I think probably I guess honest to
god I think it's on the on the uh by your house I think is where it's on that. >> Just make it a reoccurring so it doesn't have to come back every >> I would think that's fine. >> It just comes out of the advertising. So, >> yeah. Okay. >> Okay. Perfect. Yeah, I'll talk to Mike. >> We should need a motion cuz it's underneath the amount. Correct. >> 400 bucks.
>> It's under It's only four. So, >> it is just need a motion. It's low enough. >> Yeah. Just make sure you guys are all good with it. Okay. Sure. I'll talk to Mike and get that >> going. Um, yeah. Other than that, I guess I've been kind of contacting everybody that's had tournaments there
last year and we're getting all those dates scheduled. Um, I know the school's been having a lot of golf meets kind of postponed and everything, so that's been kind of interesting. But um other than that, yeah, we actually gained two more tournaments this year than what we had last year. So, >> that'll be good.
>> Is the school having a a golf meet tomorrow during the morning, afternoon? >> Uh that got postponed already. Uh we kind Yeah, I think it's the third time it's been postponed now. >> It's going to get pretty busy down there. Starts getting nice. >> Yeah. Um, it's just it's just too I
talked to Brad and Jim and >> we're might like we're already cancelled tea times to 10:30 tomorrow and I don't know what we're going to even do maybe with men's league yet. So, >> um, I don't know if we really want to carts out there or not yet. It's pretty wreck that >> carts. No, >> pretty I mean to save for one week to
make the course in good condition. I don't know if it's worth it. But yeah, we'll have more discussion tomorrow morning and stuff, but I'll keep everybody updated on Facebook and all that too. So, um, better than that, I guess. I don't have >> How was the weekend? >> Uh, really good. Actually, there's some die hards that have been out there, even
in the rain and stuff. We've had one go for today for a little while. So, >> Oh, wow. >> Um, but yeah, they >> uh it's it's crazy, you know. Um, we've had a lot of people come through already, so I'm hoping it keeps going, especially when it gets nicer out. So, >> um, a lot of memberships, a lot of people stopping in, taking care of all
that, too. So, um, yeah, we even have a couple campers down there right now, too. So >> nice. >> Good. >> Do we have anything for me at all or anything? But >> no, >> thanks Andy. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Okay, so we have the uh Laura, you got
to update. >> Um, we got mower deck, Gary. Golf course. >> Oops. Who do we got? What? >> Golf course. >> Mower deck. >> Oh, where? >> The under golf course. >> Okay, got it. Who wants to do it? Okay, thanks. >> So, we had a cutter deck that previously
got uh coded at $23,293. We got a another quote with a basically a tuneup, new filters, uh, oil, all that kind of stuff. And that came out about another $3,300.
So, $26,000. Plus, we had another repair that they found. It was a uh uh what was it called? >> Rear gearbox and axle. >> Yeah, gearbox and axle. And that was another $3,000. So, we do have $30,000 in the fund for it. So, currently we're
about $3,000 over that. So, >> isn't there some money in like a repairs budget or something? >> Professional services. We thought maybe >> I would think so. >> There is, but I do know that >> we're going to have some. >> We're going to use that. I mean,
>> those ones are budgeted for >> Sorry, >> I don't know. I was just >> trying to brainstorm, I guess. Well, can it come out of there for now? And depending upon what happens, I mean, maybe we'll get lucky and we won't need to take anything out of there for
professional services. >> The repairs are needed. I mean, it's an older mower, but with the repairs, it should last a long time, >> right? >> We don't really have a choice, >> right? >> Do we need to make a motion, Laura, to accept that or is it just more of an
FYI? >> I would say to accept. Yeah, cuz it's an additional >> what? 6,000. >> Yeah, we should have >> additional three. Well, I mean overall >> it's still over. It's over. >> It's still over. Yeah.
>> So, if somebody wants to make a motion for that and then we should probably put in the motion where the money's coming out of too to cover the balance of the 3,000. I make a motion to um increase the amount for the repairs of the the mower and with the additional 3,000
coming out of um service professional services. >> I'll second it. >> All in favor say I. >> I opposed. Motion carried. >> One other thing with the golf course, just so everybody knows, I did talk to Brad today. Um they were planning on starting up the irrigation today. They
have postponed that obviously. Um, their plan is to get it done this week though. Um, so it's taken care of before Brad's last day. >> Makes sense. >> Is that it for the golf course? >> That's all I got. >> Got it. Good. Gary. Yeah.
>> Um, okay. So, Laura, anything? >> My updates are exciting. It's just, you know, garage sale days are right around the corner. May 13th through the 16th. And our cleanup day is May 16th. So,
we'll have stuff on Facebook here shortly. Just sending that reminder out. >> What are the times for the cleanup? >> 8 to 10 a.m. at the school. >> 8 to 10. >> Mhm. We will have the
veterans there to pick up clothing again and we will have fire department confirmed with them. They'll be doing the sticks and we'll be working >> to >> gather all the junk. >> I mean garbage. Clean up. >> Garbage. >> It's a good thing.
>> It is. >> Makes it sound a lot better. >> Which one sounds better? >> Sure. >> Are you bringing a cash box out there again? >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. Is that it, Laura? Okay. Anybody you got any Gary? Donnie? I actually
have something that I've been thinking about since the last meeting. Um it just kind of occurred to me when they were talking about the Billy Park and like their little veteran memorial that um ice rink that they flood doesn't
really get utilized much. I mean the one over at the Lions Park gets used all the time, but they don't really use the one at the Billig park. So, I was thinking maybe something to think about is like maybe next winter not flooding that area and maybe think having the parks uh
committee or like you know think about maybe other uses for that spot or maybe allowing them the walk and wings committee to maybe expand their memorial stuff if they so if they feel the need to or desire to
>> just because why make the public works waste their time taking care of that spot. >> When you flood that, that'd be a question for Rick. When you flood that, do you ever see ice skating skate marks? I don't know what you would even call. >> Not much. >> I know.
The original intent for that, if I remember right, was so kids didn't have to cross the street, right, >> to cross 25 to get to the ice rink. Now, do they still cross over? They still probably do. So I that was the that's why they don't >> I was talking to him before the meeting and he said when they sweep it and stuff
he doesn't see any skate marks really on it. >> Sure. >> So one thing that we could do though is if we decide not to flood it this year. >> See >> let's see what happens happens >> right before we make a decision. >> Before we make a decision. >> I'm just saying that's something to kind of think about for the next year.
>> Absolutely. >> And maybe talking about it at the meeting somebody may call in even ahead of time and say hey our kids do use it. >> Right. So Andy, I know you guys were looking at it for that basketball court and the part of the issue was uh because it flooded all the time and how much you
said it would cost like 10 grand to bring in fill to get it up to >> Yeah, it was the other problem they had >> I think is what I think. Yeah, they got from that and then it got close with the property line. >> I was going to say I don't even think it was big enough. No, >> that was the other problem. >> Close to the And then there was the
trees we were worried about. >> Right. But so then the commercial club would It's really It's worth the conversation, >> Sarah. >> I mean, yeah, it's just something I thought about. It's just something to consider and keep an eye on for the next year because why make our public works people waste their time taking care of
it if it's not being used at all anyway. So, >> I think that's a great idea, sir. >> That is. >> Yep. >> That's just something to think about. No, no need to make a move on it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Anything else, you guys? Are we good? You're up. Donnie,
>> I'll make a motion to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. >> Uh, Donnie makes a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Sarah Seconds the motion. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carried.