WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     Westbrook — The city council discussed the preliminary budget. Council members had questions about some items in the budget. One question pertained to a $5,000 increase in the civil defense budget. Council person John Madson said it was for civil defense siren upgrades. Another item noted was an increase in the street maintenance budget. This was increased to help with future seal coating of the streets. One council member was wondering why the Fire Department budget had increased by $5,000. Mayor Rocky Kolar explained that due to fewer fires, “which is a good thing” he added,  the department was having problems meeting their general expenses.



    The council passed the budget by resolution noting that there was a zero percent  increase in the levy.

    Mayor Kolar also explained that people’s taxes could still increase if other entities in the county increased their levies.

    Skyway Towers Inc. gave the council their third revised final offer  to buy out the contract to the city. The offer was for $95,000, however along with this offer the company asked for a 35 year lease for the tower. After discussing the matter -  noting over the same period the city would receive approximately $240,000 in annual rent payments - with that in mind the council declined to accept the offer at this time.

    The council hired Dan Joel and his family to do a thorough cleaning of the community center. The work will be done sometime in November or December.

    The city wide cleanup will be held Wednesday October 3. The cleanup is for household items. No televisions, computer monitors can be included. For more information contact the city clerks office. Watch for an ad in the Sentinel Tribune and Channel 6.

    Tree branch pickup will be held on Wednesday October 17. Branches are to be placed parallel to the curb no longer  than 6 feet. Persons having a large amount of branches should contact the city to have a truck dispatched to their homes for the home owners to fill.

    Two buidling permits were approved. Tom Tighe for a patio at his home on First

Avenue. Don Fogelson for a walkway between his house and garage on Cedar Avenue.

August Police Report

    Four funeral assists; one juvenile issue; three domestic issues; arrest and 72 hour hold; one air ambulance assist;  and one welfare check.