Majeski sworn in

The first order of business at Waldorf’s monthly city council meeting the evening of Monday, Sept. 9, was to swear in the newest council member, Jim Majeski. Majeski takes the seat of former member Jay Longenecker who moved out of town.

 

With the state office of cannabis management pressing for local communities to establish rules and laws surrounding cannabis use, Mayor Rob Wilkening suggested the city might follow the same system as that recently implemented in the town of Hutchinson. Namely, adding cannabis into the already existing laws regarding tobacco use. For example, no smoking indoors, no use of the substance near a school, and use only in designated locations. There will be a public hearing for this issue during the next council meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 15.

 

During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident told council members the emerald ash borer problem in Waldorf has been growing worse and claimed the city should not keep ignoring the situation. Another matter regarding trees was also discussed Sept. 9; tree stumps in the ballfield and park should be scheduled for removal at a cost of $220 each.  Council members were also told of various projects around town which must be looked into, including concrete repair in sidewalks and around street lights as well as a few street repairs. Mayor Wilkening reported city staff is working to get cost estimates. 

 

Regarding the replacement of one streetlight, Wilkening suggested taking part in a pilot program to install a unit which stores solar energy for use overnight, an Evergreen Series solar paneled streetlight by Sunna Design. Wilkening reported the city has already submitted an application to take part in the pilot program; he expects there to be only minimal cost to the city for the new light.  

 

Council members were also told the number of citizens dumping their grass clippings is increasing, it was suggested a tax to clean up the street be introduced, or that a $25 fee be charged to residents who leave clippings in the street. 

 

Concern was raised about the origins of a $4,000 payment for overtime to city maintenance worker Ron Fisher. Council members expressed displeasure that Mayor Wilkening never brought the amount before them for approval, even implying that proper protocol had been overlooked. During the heated discussion, two members of the audience spontaneously spoke in defense of Fisher, saying he is a trustworthy individual who would not overcharge the city.

 

The Christmas light situation was tabled until next meeting. The city’s website is still under construction. The exhaust fan in the fire hall needs an update because when fire trucks go on a call, exhaust is seeping into a city office and the library. It was suggested that the exhaust fan be given a carbon dioxide sensor or have a control system others in the building can access.

 

The Twin Cities based design and consulting firm Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH) was to have given an update regarding about $8000 worth of repairs needed in the basement of St. Joseph Catholic Church on Third Avenue, but no one from SEH was present. Contractor “Work Completed Form” certificates were mailed to residents/businesses along with a letter of explanation. Residents: out of 36 total, 26 done. Businesses, six total, six done. A grace period was allowed if someone had a contractor lined up but unable to complete work before 9/1/24, there were three of these.

 

Council members were told the Waldorf Fire Department’s sweet corn and burger feed was well attended. It was mentioned that, although 500 cookies were too many last year, 300 were not enough this year. So many people came that pretty much all of the food was served. The Waldorf Fire Department won the evening’s “Water Wars” competition. The car show was a big hit, and the band Red Dirt Road performed.  

 

A motion was made to open a bank account to hold  $20,000 earmarked for the park. -This item was tabled until the next meeting.

 

The area in town known as “Veterans Park” is now owned by the city. There is a plan to build a gazebo on the property next year.

 

Council members learned that more than $2,000 in water and sewer bills had not been paid at the end of August. Seven residents made no payment whatsoever; two paid only part of what was owed. One city residence has had its water cut off; another will also be cut off if payment is not received by Sept. 15.  

 

August documents including city council minutes, the fire department  and city bank reports, a fund transfer summary and workshop minutes for August 26 were approved.