Mayor Morgan Anderson called to order 2012’s first meeting of the Aberdeen City Council with members Larry Barrett, Dena Blaker, Mary Leisy, Lisa Pankau, Brian Schneider and Craig Wampler all in attendance. Linda Balls as city clerk and Richard Mayer also attended.
After quickly approving old minutes and paying the bills, the oath of office was administered to Anderson, who then swore in Shane Young as a new police officer for the City of Aberdeen. He has prior experience and replaces Officer Packer who took a job in St. Anthony.
Anderson then thanked Dena Blaker for her participation and work on the city council for the past few months. Councilmen Barrett and Wampler were then administered the oath of office for their new terms of office. Joining them was Katherine O’Brien, a new council member who will replace Aaron Spence on the council. Anderson assigned her to oversee recycling and solid waste issues for the city.
Following the swearing in ceremonies, the council got down to regular business on the agenda.
Joe Gonzalez presented information about a new business he would like to bring to Aberdeen. He created and patented a tool called a multi-winder. With this tool’s production he said he could bring new jobs to Aberdeen. He showed the council how the multi-winder worked and gave them a copy of his business perspective.
The mayor asked the council members to review his information and they would continue the discussion at the next board meeting.
Anderson then asked for reports from the various departments.
Golf Course
Schneider reported that the Friends of Hazard Creek would be taking over the lease on the golf course. They had just a few minor items to agree upon before signing the lease. The lease was approved by the council contingent upon both parties agreeing to the terms.
Airport and Gem Trail
Leisy told the council the new equipment ordered for the airport would arrive soon. She has also learned that the FAA is willing to help with putting up a building to house the equipment. The Gem Trail committee has started looking for grants for the next section of the trail. They appreciate the support given by many of the residents of Aberdeen.
Recycling
O’Brien gave her first report to the council. She said the recycling center was continuing to be successful. Anderson told O’Brien he appreciated her joining the council and her willingness to learn about her responsibilities.
Waste Water
Wampler had a joint meeting with Jim Mullin concerning the progress of the waste water project. They discussed where the city stood in regards to DEQ and what the next phase would be. He told the council the next phase is advertising for bids on the first part of the project.
Wampler also reported on an issue that had arisen between the city and Sun River. The company had been contacted about a waste water concern and they were requested to discontinue some practices.
“The council appreciates the improvements made during the past few weeks by Sun River to limit their flows to the city’s wastewater plant,” said Wampler. “The city is expecting a letter from Sun River in the next couple of weeks regarding how the fresh pack will make further improvements to come into compliance with city ordinances.”
Parks and recreation
Pankau had nothing new to report about the parks. She said the new insurance program is moving forward.
Planning and Zoning
Barrett reported on the planning and zoning meeting. They have had an issue about the impact statement for the City of Aberdeen they have been working on. The impact statement is being reviewed and suggestions will be given to the committee before submission. For equipment, there is a dump truck which could use the bed painted before rust becomes a serious problem.
Anderson then told council members about a railroad right of way request. City attorney Dan Acevedo is checking out some information needed.
Anderson said he has been meeting with several city mayors and Rural Development contact Kristen Jensen to find a solution to the departure of Simplot. They have discussed bringing in businesses to Aberdeen and will continue to meet. The next meeting is Jan 19.
Anderson thanked the city council members for what they have done in the past year. He added there are still several projects the city and council members are working on.
Mayer told the council members what the city crew had been working on in the past month. They checked all the fire extinguishers and refilled them, worked on equipment, checked water meters and jetted some trouble spots in the sewer lines. This month they will work on the drying beds, jetting more sewer lines, write a water usage report and haul some gravel.
The meeting was adjourned until Feb. 14.
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