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Shafer City Council held a regular meeting January 21.  All members were present.  The council swore in new member Marilyn Anderson before the meeting began.  

In new business, the council discussed enforcement included in the sheriff’s contract and led with some issues around the city.  

Deputies Josh Olds and Grant Kinnamon were present to answer any inquiries. Council member Nick Brehm asked the officers about the management of code enforcement concerning overnight parking and parking on the streets during weather emergency situations.  Deputy Olds told the council there are three deputies that patrol Taylors Falls, Shafer and Center City.  He said standard procedure is to warn residents verbally and in the case of non compliance, citations are issued.

Deputy Kinnamon said it is imperative for the city to contact them in a snow emergency where he can enlist other officers to assist with removing vehicles on the streets.  Council thanks the officers for attending. 

Council then approved a cost of $350 each for council members Marilyn Anderson and Rebecca Henderson to attend New Elected Official Training held in Plymouth.  

Council then accepted donations from the Shafer/Franconia Fire Relief and Gambling Association for $610.49.

In the engineer’s report, city engineer Jake Guzik told the council he has requested an inspector to provide verification that bracket welds inside the water tower were (or were not) executed properly.  Guzik recommended the council hold all outstanding payments to the contractor should it become necessary to hire a different company to repair the welds.

In the public works report, maintenance supervisor Dan Cooper gave an update on lift station #2.  Cooper told the council flyers had been distributed to neighbors notifying them of a future disruption when the city installs a new pump in lift station #2.  The pumps have yet to be. delivered to the city but Cooper expects them soon.  

Cooper told the council he has been directed by the council to examine pricing for new chairs for the council.  He then asked if the council would like a new coat of paint in the council chamber.  Council tabled the topic for a later date.

Cooper then told the council in 2022, the city purchased a New Holland L328 skid steer.  Each year the city can trade in the machine for a new one for an additional $1,500.  The council then voted unanimously to approve the $1,500 again this year.  

Cooper told the council the  old GPS tracker on the city’s locator has some wear and tear, and it can't handle getting wet anymore. It is held together with duct tape, which isn't keeping it safe from water like it should. Cost of a new locator would run the city $1,300.  Council approved the purchase.

City Clerk Valerie Fox apprised the council of the upcoming Board of Appeal Meeting scheduled for April 9 at 6 PM. She also indicated that she had issued the initial public notice. 

Council adjourned at 6:29pm

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