WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     Walnut Grove — The city council met in a regular session on the 10th day of September, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the council room.  Greg Hansen, Xiong Yang, Todd Harrington, Jeff Harnack, Leonard McLaughlin, Mike Zeug, Herb Krueger, Tom Hansen and Michael Landuyt were present.

    Mayor Hansen presided at the meeting

    The Water/Wastewater report was given by Herb Krueger from PeopleService.  Discussion was held regarding a new contract with PeopleService. The new contract will be reviewed and signed at the next council meeting. The final clarifier temporary repair is working sufficiently for the time being.  Herb will be contacting Mankato to purchase more phosphorous credits for the Walnut Grove. 



    Tom Hansen gave the Maintenance report.  Street striping will be done in the spring.  The tennis court and path in the park have been sealed.  Tom will going to Willmar to look for a second dump truck for snow removal.  The council approved the purchase of a new 2hp pressure washer.  The council approved the removal the tree on the easement by Nellie’s Café, and one on the city property on 9th Street by Kecks Tree Service.

    The police report was given by Chief Zeug.  The council approved the purchase of a DPMS AR15 for the Walnut Grove Police Department.  Zeug will trade in an older gun for this purchase. 

    The police department has issued citations for an unlicensed dog, and for dogs running at large. The owner of the dog also had to pay impound and housing fees before getting the dog back.  Chief Zeug also made arrangements for an impounded vehicle to be released to the owner after the impound fee of $600 is paid.  

    Discussion was held on utilities for rental homes in Walnut Grove.  The council determined that the homeowner must be the person to get water turned on at these homes and will be reminded that they are ultimately responsible for the bills.  The home owners will have the option of having the utility bills mailed to the renter or the home owner.  Any unpaid bills will be assessed to the property as stated in the city ordinance.  Water will not be turned on at any residence where there is a delinquent bill. 

    Thecouncil approved peddler’s licenses for Beth Bender and Joseph Yang from State Farm Insurance Company and a Land Use Permit for 511 8th Street. 

    Dave Hemp resigned from the Walnut Grove Ambulance Service and Mike Landuyt is now the current director.   The council was presented with a survey done by Fulda Ambulance Service showing current rates for Ambulances charges and loaded mile charges as well as “on call” pay and Call wages for EMT’s and First Responders.  Landuyt has requested that Ambulance members be paid $1 per hour for being “on call”.  Currently members are being paid 30per hour.  On Call pay would be paid out for evenings and weekends.  He would also like to see EMS wages increased when they are on an actual call.  Mike has asked the council to approve an increase in ambulance rates from $475 per run to $550 per run and loaded mile charges be increased from $12 per mile to $15.  The survey showed these charges currently range between $375 per run to $832.  In addition to changing the rates, the Ambulance Service would also be requesting funds from the City and townships to help cover the cost of the “on call” pay.

    Discussion was held on increasing council wages for 2013.  The council approved the resolution increasing the council wages by $25 per month. 

    The 2013 Budget was discussed and the preliminary budget was approved by the council.  The city’s total Levy will be $204,000 which is the same as it was for 2012.  The city will  not levy for the G.O. Improvement Bond in 2013 as there is enough money in that fund to cover the payment allowing the council to increase the budgeted amount for a street repair fund in 2013 without having to increase the Total Levy.

    The council approved the Minutes for the August 13, 2012 regular meeting and claims 34580-34638.