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Center City Council met October 6 for a regular meeting.  All members were present.

Council began the meeting with an open forum.  Deb Johnson who lives on Oasis Road spoke on Hursh Ironworks.  She told the council she is concerned that Hursh may be violating OSHA rules in regards to working conditions. Johnson read some OSHA rules regarding potable water including restrooms and wash rooms. Johnson told the council as far as she knows there is no running water on the site. Johnson asked the council to please send the correct person to inspect these claims.

Next, a resident who lives in Bayview Apartments thanked the council for the work on the rain garden/holding ponds in the rear of the apartment building that have recently been fixed.  she asked if someone could look into the buckthorn situation in the woods adjoining the apartment’s yard.  Council agreed to have maintenance look into the matter.

In old business, the council gave a brief update on Hursh Ironworks saying the city is reviewing the alleged violations with the city attorney.

City clerk Dana Miron told council the maintenance department is waiting for an ADA compliant ramp for the water tower park and will install it when it;s received.  Miron also told the council there was another load of mulch scheduled to be installed this fall.  

Council next briefly discussed the emergency radio contract.  The council needs to decide by the end of the year.  Fire Chief Travis Greene told council he is leaning towards leasing the radios instead of purchasing. 

Chisago County Sheriff Brandon Thyen gave a rundown on the proposed 2027 contract with Center City.  Thyen explained once again how his office is partnering with   Companion Animal, out of Oakdale, for animal control.  Thyen broke down the charges for a call out and stressed that Center City has only had one call for animal control this year.  The cost for Center City for animal control is $70 per month. 

As far as the sheriff’s contract the rate Center City will pay for 2027 will be $82.89 per hour.  Patrol  will be 40 hours a month during January, February, March, April, October, November and December.  50 hours a month for September. 60 hours in May and 80 hours in June, July and August.

Council thanked Thyen and approved the contract unanimously.

Council discussed a quote for a new light pole to replace the pole downtown that was hit recently and unrepairable.  Maintenance supervisor Jeff Anderson submitted a quote from a Texas company for one light pole and three extra bulbs for future needs.  The quote was for $3,274.  Council agreed to ask Anderson to look more regionally to see if a better price could be found.

Fire Chief Greene told the council they may see a larger payment in the bills next month for the fire department.  The department ordered new wildland boots for all firefighters.  These are used in responses that do not require turnout gear which Greene pointed out is very expensive to replace.  The boots cost $5,300 and the department has the funding already for the boots. Greene told council eventually the department would like to purchase rescue/wildland gear which would be around $26,000. 

Council then decided on October 23 for a ditch clean up day.  If you would like to volunteer please call city hall at (651) 257-5284. Ditch cleaning is planned to begin at 10:30 am.

Council adjourned at 8:30pm.

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