Council Meeting

Regular Council Meeting January 9, 2024 Mayor Stan Townsend called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Darwin Sietsema, Brian Baartman, and Chris McCurdy. Absent was Kathy Rupp. Also in attendance was Darrin Haroldson. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all those in attendance. Minutes of the December meeting were approved by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. Organization Resolution 2024-01 was adopted and approved by M/Baartman 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. OFFICIAL DEPOSITORY – First Independent Bank OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER – Tyler Tribute CITY ATTORNEY – Glen Petersen ASSISTANT MAYOR – Darwin Sietsema The October 14, 2024 meeting has been changed to October 15, 2024 due to the Columbus Day Holiday. The November 11, 2024 meeting has been changed to November 12, 2024 due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday. These changes were approved by M/Sietsema 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. Wastewater Supervisor, Darrin Haroldson gave the council his report for the month of December and answered the council’s questions. The December bills were presented and approved by M/Sietsema 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. Resolution 2024-02; A Resolution Approving County Project Within Municipal Corporate Limits for the County of Pipestone was approved by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. Work to be completed is overlaying Smith Avenue, Railroad Avenue, and County Road 11. The updated Floodplain Ordinance was discussed. A public hearing will be held Monday, March 11, 2024 and 6:30 p.m. The council approved a donation of $150.00 for the RTR After-Prom by M/Baartman 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. The council feels the After-Prom is to provide a safe environment for our young people to go to and that Ruthton really has no place to go. The council reviewed the Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy that has been mandated by the State of Minnesota with State Statute § 181.9445 – 181.9448. Earned Sick and Safe Time is paid time off for the medical care of employees and family members or for use for a weather-related closure. This specific leave applies to all employees performing work for at least 80 hours per year for the city. Council members are not entitled to Earned Sick and Safe Time. This policy was approved by M/Sietsema 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. The Pay Equity Implementation Report was reviewed and approved by M/Sietsema 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. The meeting went into closed session for employee reviews. Both Darrin Haroldson and Rochelle VanderWoude received a $1.00 wage increase. It was approved for Mike Weets to complete the masonry work for the new city sign for $3000.00 by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. It was approved for Efficient Electric to put outdoor lights on the North and South faces of the Community Center if the work is done for under $1000.00 by M/Sietsema 2/Baartman/cd unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd. Rochelle VanderWoude Ruthton City Clerk/Treasurer