WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     The Walnut Grove City Council met in a regular session on the 8th day of October, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the council room. Greg Hansen, Todd Harrington, Jeff Harnack, Leonard McLaughlin Mike Zeug and Herb Krueger.  Xiong Yang was absent.

    Discussion was held on siding the Gazebo at the city park.  The city will be asking the Walnut Grove Loggers if they would be willing to pay for the materials to have this done.

    The Police Report was given by Chief Zeug. The council asked Zeug to talk to the people that are parking semis on city streets, reminding them of the weight restrictions.



    The Water/Wastewater report was given by Herb Krueger from PeopleService. They have hired an operator for the Walnut Grove Plant and he will start in November.  Discussion was held and the council approved the new five year contract with PeopleService.  

    Discussion was held on repairing or replacing the Jetter or hiring someone to complete the work.  Herb suggested vacuuming some of the problem lines instead of jetting to see if it helps. No decisions were made.  

    Well #1 is now only pumping between 50-60 gallons per minute. Well #2 pumps between 100-120 gallons per minute. The council approved having Well #1 pulled & serviced.  

    Utility rates were discussed and the council determined they will not be adjusted for 2013.  

    The sidewalk on Sixth Street by the railroad tracks needs to be fixed after the railroad fixed the tracks.  Tom will talk to the railroad company to see if they are willing to help pay for this.  The city will schedule to have it fixed next spring.    

    The EDA Revolving Loan Guidelines were reviewed and approved by the council.

    Discussion was held on purchasing CD’s with funds that are not needed for immediate use, or are earmarked for certain projects.  The council approved the purchase of $425,000 in CD’s from Integrity Bank.  

    The Truth In Taxation Public Hearing will be held on December 10, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the council room.  

    The council accepted a Ruth Johnson Memorial donation for the ambulance service.  

    The council approved the Land Use Permit for 701 7th Street.

    Discussion was held and the council decided that the city clerk will mail out a quarterly newsletter to all Walnut Grove residents. Residents will be encouraged to contact the clerk with requests for the newsletter.  

    The council approved the minutes for the September 10, 2012 regular meeting and claims #34639 through 34696.