The Jenkins City Council discussed various matters at the regular Monday, Aug. 10, meeting, among them building updates, event permits and salt management.
The council approved a new easement agreement for Summer Avenue, to be shared with the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, which adjoins Summer Avenue. The city and Kingdom Hall have been in negotiations over the easement for some time, which would allow the city to pave Summer Avenue according to city specifications.
The council reviewed a new agreement based on past discussions and approved by the council's lawyer and passed it on to the Kingdom Hall to sign or comment on.
The council also discussed funds available from both Sourcewell and the state for COVID-19 related expenses. There are two pools of money available from the two groups, which cities can use to fund updates. In July, the council discussed using state funds to update the air exchange systems in the council chambers and offices for more sanitary air.
The planned update came back to the council in August along with other possible COVID-19 related expenses, including two new laptops that would allow city staff to more effectively work from home if the pandemic makes such action necessary. The council agreed to an estimated $22,463.25 for these and other updates to be submitted to Sourcewell.
ADVERTISEMENT
The council agreed to ask city maintenance to attend a workshop on salt management to determine what upgrades the city could possibly receive grant funds for, which could reduce the salt used on city streets.
Mayor Jon Lubke informed the council of a Small Cities Development program that could be used for improvements in the city. The mayor's discussion of the program with the awarding body resulted in a reminder of a Small Cities Development grant program that the city of Jenkins could enter into with other communities. The grant program would offer residents and businesses the opportunity to apply for funds for important property improvements.
Lubke asked the council members if they were still interested in this grant program as well as the new development program. The council agreed to pursue both programs.
The council discussed an event Shiners Bar, on the north end of Jenkins, plans to hold. The owner visited the council for direction in July. The council used this event request to create a model for city event permits going forward. The council approved the permit for Shiners Bar, along with a $50 permit fee.
Travis Grimler may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Travis.
