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Shafer City Council met March 17 for a regular meeting all members were present.  Council began the meeting by hearing from Fire Chief Ed Kubicki. Kubicki is offering to be the city’s fire inspector, a position previously held by Jack Kramer who retired a few years ago.  Kubicki presented a list of businesses and apartment buildings that would require yearly inspections.  He also discussed a two page sheet of regulations that would be used in inspections.  Kubicki said minor infractions would call for the building owner to fix the issue within 60 days, The council and Kubicki would decide major infractions case by case. 

Kubicki told the council he would like to get certified at  Firewise Consulting at a cost of $790.  

Mayor Paula Hanson said the city hasn’t had an inspector in over six years and was excited to begin inspections again for the safety of the residents.

Kubicki told the council they would have to figure out compensation and they would meet to agree upon a pay scale. The previous inspector had charged the city $45 per hour. 

Council thanked Kubicki and unanimously approved his request for certification.

Chris DuBose on behalf of the Chisago Lakes Rotary Club then spoke to council about the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail.  DuBose met with councils and boards over the last year trying to secure monetary support for the trail mile markers and other aesthetic aspects.  Cities and townships will be able to design their own metal mile markers that will be fabricated by Unruly Acres.  

Council agreed to $1,500 for markers along their share of the trail.  

City clerk Valerie Fox reminded council the city will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt April 11 at Shafer Meadows Park.  The hunt will begin at 10 am and children of all ages are welcome.  There will be free popcorn and cotton candy available at the park.

Council unanimously accepted a $20,000 donation  share of the Shafer Fire Relief Association charitable gaming proceeds.

Council then approved per diem pay of $37.50 for park board members who work at the egg hunt, National Night Out, and Kids Day.  Members will receive their same per diem as they would to attend meetings.

Maintenance supervisor Brad Swenson asked the council for approval to pre-purchase salt/sand for next season.  By doing so, the city would get the best pricing as costs generally increase over the summer. Council approved the purchase unanimously.

Council then approved the trade-in for the city’s current zero turn mower.  Swenson said Century Power in Stillwater would give $4500 trade in for the city’s machine and that would leave $12,548 remaining for the purchase of a new one.  

Clerk Fox reminded the council Shafer’s Board of Equalization and Appeals meets 6pm, April 8 at City Hall.

Council adjourned at 6:37pm.

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