The Pequot Lakes City Council on Tuesday, April 7, hired Joshua Harold as a part-time police officer to replace Brandon Silgjord, who is leaving to work for the St. Louis County Sheriff's Department.
Officers conducted more than 465 businesses and homes through March, with three open doors found at area businesses.
In March, police logged 485 incident complaint reports. Activity included 101 traffic warnings, 100 citations, 43 extra patrols, 24 agency assists, 12 alarms, 10 suspicious vehicle, nine driving complaints, eight thefts, eight disturbances, seven suspicious activity, six property damage accidents, three damage to property, three animal complaints, two traffic arrests and one personal injury accident.
Firefighters had two fire calls in March - one to Loon Lake Township and one to Ideal Township. One was a good intent call for a carbon monoxide detector and one was to provide mutual aid for a structure fire.
The council approved a fire protection agreement between Nisswa and Pequot.
In other action April 7, the council:
Approved a utility billing policy for property owners with tenants, making the landlord responsible for tenants' utility charges.
As of June 1, tenants will no longer receive a monthly water/sewer utility bill from the city. The utility bill will be mailed to the landlord, and it will be the landlord's responsibility to ensure that the utility charges are paid.
Utility bill payment will change from the 25th day of the month to the last day of the month.
Adopted a resolution supporting the Highway 371 expansion project from Nisswa to Pine River, with Ryan opposed. Nisswa, Jenkins and Pine River, as well as Breezy Point, have adopted the resolution in hopes of receiving federal funding for the project.
Awarded the South Oak Street project to DeChantal Excavating of Brainerd, the lowest bidder, for $198,940.
Accepted engineering proposals for $42,600 for improvements to West Butler Street and West Woodman Street.
Adopted a use agreement for the Cole Memorial Building. It is intended that the building be used as meeting space for local and government organizations and for other private uses. The city clerk's office will be in charge of renting the building. Rental rates are free for local nonprofits and government agencies not charging for services; $100 for a full-day meeting; and $50 for a half-day meeting.
The Pequot Lakes Historical Society leases the basement of the building from the city.
