Residents Raise Concerns

by Tamara Dicks
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maintenance people when Mike Bammert was here. He said it was on the agenda.” However, Campbell states he never heard anything more. Mayor Jeff Ramsely indicated he was aware of the house and stated, “We have pictures of the house and will be in contact with the owner, and we will investigate the catch basin then we will go from there. “I guess I would like to be advised as to what progress is being made on it, as this has been dragging on for number of years,” Campbell said. Ramsely replied, “Yes, we will let you know. We will be investigating this, Sheldon.” Cemetery Rd. Concerns Alice Roeker spoke next about her house on Cemetery Road. She was concerned about cars who drive above the speed limit while dragging brush behind them as they head to the brush pile. She stated this creates a large amount of dust because they are not following the speed limit. “I was out trying to clean windows and a car went by way too fast, creating a dust storm,” said Roeker. She went on to mention the speed limit signs were a bit confusing as the first speed limit is listed as ten miles per hour, then down the road is a sign that says twenty miles per hour and then another sign that was covered by weeds and trees that says 10 miles per hour. Roeker said, “I trimmed weeds and trees around the sign hoping people would see the sign and use common sense and slow down.” The city apparently used to oil Cemetery Road, but has not in recent years. Ramsley said the city would throw oil down on the road and make it a yearly point of maintenance to be done two times a year. Roeker also asked the city to place a sign that says “Slow Down.” Councilmember Edie More asked city clerk Dawn Whitehead to put a note in the city newsletter asking people to slow down and be respectful driving down Cemetery Road. More said, “This would be a good reminder for all.” Unsafe Dog Next Shawn Bolk came to talk about his neighbor at 20 Lake Ave. Bolk started by saying “I built a fence last year to protect my kids because of their dog.” The dog gets loose and terrorizes Bolk’s children. He went on, “This keeps happening. I sent a video of the dog trying to attack my kids in front of my house. I got the fence put up but it doesn’t seem to matter.” Bolk stated he has also talked with Minnesota Lake Police Chief Ben Standahl. “I do not know what else to do. I do not want to shoot the dog, but I do not know what else to do,” he said. He stated this has been going on since he moved in a few years ago. In the past the city required the dog owners to provide an outside kennel to put the dog in when he is outside. Bolk reports they built the kennel, but never put the dog in it. Instead they chain the dog to a chain made for small dogs which Bolk contends is not enough to hold the dog, which he says is part pit bull. He went on, “I just do not understand. I know the dog has bit many people. I mean, the dog pinned my daughter up against our neighbor’s garage and she pissed her pants. I tried talking to the neighbor, but the neighbors have changed several times over the years, but the dog remains. I guess the dog owns the house!” said Bolk. Standahl interjected saying “Things have been done that I would be willing to talk about in a closed meeting.” It was decided to set a closed meeting date and time to discuss the matter. Fire Department The fire station remodel is done and an open house will be soon. The Fire Department is buying a New International Fire Truck for $140,000. The fire department could take possession as early as Festag or as late as December, depending on how soon New London gets their new truck. The department will start the selling of their trucks, contingent of receiving the new one. A rescue truck and a pumper will both go up for sale. Radtke said the rescue truck could be sold without the contingency. Radtke asked if the council would be interested in starting up a Fire Trust Fund. The insurance company will put a percentage of insurance monies in the fund to cover cleanup costs after a fire. This means that if a house burns down the city does not have to pass the cleanup cost on to the residents. “We are one of the few cities that does not have one. (It would be) no cost to the city,” said Radtke. The city approved obtaining a Fire Trust Fund. The department was also approved to purchase new lockers. Ambulance Department Going forward, the ambulance will be doing non-emergent transport from the Mapleton Community Home as well as Heritage Place. Police It was determined the police department ramp can be repaired and does not have to be replaced. The white Tahoe was used by the part-time police officers 54.5 hours in May. An application for a part-time position was received from Ty Watson, “I have found no issues with his application process, and I would like the council to approve hiring Watson as a part-time officer,” Standahl said. This was approved. The KD Lawson Living Trust provided $10,001 for refurbished radios and the council approved the purchase. The old radios will be offered to ambulance, fire department and/or public works if they can use them. Public Works The new banners are installed on Main Street. Ramsley said, “They look really nice!” Public works employee Chris Volk was given a fifty cent per hour raise for getting his CDL. The water tower was cleaned out and inspected. The drinking fountain by the shelters will be repaired. “Dylan and Chris have done a tremendous job keeping the weeds down around the pond,” said Proehl. The purchase of a garbage truck with camera system, at a cost $287,000, was approved by the council. Morrison said, “The new garbage truck will save time and minimize risk.” The city will sell the old garbage truck through Shop Garage at an asking price of $125,000. The city council approved the purchase of 30 petroleum plastic dumpsters for $18,000. The next city council meeting will be on July 21, 2026 at 6 p.m