Services Minutes 03/03/2026

1 March 3, 2026 SERVICES COMMITTEE 9:00 a.m. Chairperson Loren Mueller called the meeting to order at City Hall 314 N. Main St. with the following members present: Gary Jepsen and David Earney. Mayor Champeny was absent. Also present: Foreman Joe Wick, Emily Rybarczak-Police Department, Ken Passow-Code Enforcement Officer, and Clerk-Treasurer Sharaya Reed. Citizens present: Sherri Collins. Agenda Item 2: Police Deputy Rybarczyk told the committee there was nothing new to report on. Her and Code Enforcement Officer Passow starting collecting boat launch monies even though the launches aren’t open yet. Rybarczyk talked briefly about parking and watching vehicles to make sure they are abiding by the winter parking regulations and time limits. Agenda Item 1: Cemetery Sherri Collins was present to inquire about the follow up of the issues at the Memorial Cemetery. Deputy Rybarczak sent out certified letters to families regarding the regulations to be followed. There was discussion over a hole that had formed on a grave, and the family requested it be filled. Collins offered the Friends of the Cemeteries group could scoop out the area and put fresh dirt down. In the spring some seed could be put down as well. Perpetual fund discussion. Cemetery CD is coming due in August and discussion on what to do with the funds. The funds could be moved from the CD then. Letters are going to be drafted to notify families of perpetual care that funds are no longer available to pull from to pay for flowers. Only the interest from the CD can be used and overtime that is not enough to cover costs. The funds have been depleted. Jepsen would like to see the funds to be used for a broader range of cemetery needs than just flowers. Earney would like to see the wording of the statement from “presently” to say “has been” before the letter goes out to the families. Jepsen said we should just let people know that the care will be ending next year so they are aware for sure that it is happening. Motion by Earney seconded by Jepsen to send out the letter regarding perpetual care with the added changes as discussed. All members voting yes. Agenda Item 3: Fire and Ambulance Discussed property tax statement breakdown of fire protection charge for other municipalities. Discussed fire protection charge for taxpayers vs. utility users. Agenda Item 1: Cemetery Foreman Wick had quotes for lawn mowers. Discussion was held over options. Motion by Earney seconded by Jepsen to recommend to council that the services committee being in favor of the 1025R from the Plainview Midwest Machinery in the amount of $17,543.18. All members voting yes. Motion by Jepsen seconded by Earney to adjourn. All members voting yes.