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Shafer City Council met July 1 for a regular meeting all members were present.  Council member Patty Mattson, who sits on the parks committee, told council the committee would like to purchase a skate park to be installed inside the ice rink during the summer months.  Maintenance supervisor Dan Cooper told the council the park is removable with a skid steer and can be stored outdoors during the winter.  Mattson handed out a picture of the proposed skate park which would cost $16,000 which Mattson said the parks fund has money for the project.  Mattson told the council the hope is if approved to have the skate park installed yet this summer.  Delivery of the materials will take around a month.  

Council unanimously passed the purchase of a skate park. (See drawing)

Council then accepted a donation from Shafer Contracting for $500 to be used for Shafer Days.

The council then turned discussion to the burned property next to the fire hall.  The property has been sitting in piles of rubbish since the fire months ago.  Theresa Coplay introduced herself to the council.  She was there representing building owner Sandy Mithun.  Coplay said Mithun has been unable to tackle the debris issue.  Coplay said they had reached out to legal representation but lost communication with that person.  Coplay was there asking the council to delay their action so she can begin the process of assisting Mithun.  

Council member Nick Brehm told Coplay the fire department would have interest in purchasing the property and would even clean up the debris.  Council and Coplay agreed to look into the possibility of selling to the fire department and agreed to contact Chief Ed Kubicki.

City clerk Valerie Fox then asked the council about training meeting pay.  Council agreed the city shall pay for up to three training sessions for each council member if they agree to attend.  Mayor Paula Hanson urged council members to attend the League of Minnesota Cities training when it is offered next.

Council set a budget meeting for July 7 with the intention of having a follow up budget meeting at the end of July.

The meeting ended with Fox telling the council the new census numbers are out and Shafer's official population is now 1,207.

The meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.

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