Nisswa will receive another $240,000 in anticipated coronavirus aid funding, City administrator Jenny Max told the city council Tuesday, March 16.

Half will arrive around May 10 and the second half will come around May 10, 2022. Max said the city will put the funds in a reserve account and consider it during the budgeting process.

Expenditures can be recouped through May 2024, “so we have a few years to decide how to spend that,” Max said.

Speaking to a grant application to build a single-lane roundabout at the entrance to Grand View Lodge on County State Aid Highway 77, Max said the state received 421 applications, which was a higher number than anticipated.

She said the city should know around the end of June whether it receives any funding for this proposed project. Maximum grant funding per project is $1.25 million.

Public safety

In his written report to the council, Police Chief Craig Taylor said officers’ door-to-door contacts with residents have been going well with no concerns or issues raised.

In February, police activity included 215 calls for service, 31 agency assists, three criminal citations, 45 traffic warnings, 14 traffic citations, seven arrests, eight emergency medical services calls and four alarms.

The council approved the 2021 fire department budget with a 3% increase from 2020, and approved fire contracts with Lake Shore, Lake Edward Township, Pelican Township and Pequot Lakes. The fire contracts are based on land and building values in each contract area.

Also approved was a pay rate increase for the three fire captains from $50 per month to $100 per month effective Jan. 1.

The council appointed council member Ross Krautkremer (liaison), Max and Fire Chief Shawn Bailey as trustees to the Nisswa Fireman’s Relief Association.

Firefighters had 29 calls in February, including 23 emergency medical services calls and one each gas leak call, car crash, fire alarm, mutual aid house fire in Pequot Lakes and carbon monoxide call.

In other business March 16, the council:

• Accepted a $2,300 donation from the Nisswa American Legion Club for police thermal image equipment.

• Moved Craig O’Reilly to permanent, full-time status with the public works department, which includes a pay increase.

• Agreed to move forward with the process of creating city-wide goals as discussed in February.

• Approved an application to rezone three parcels of land to public and recreational as they were not rezoned when purchased in 2002.

• Named a private road Fawn Forest Way so the property owner can get an E911 address through Crow Wing County.

Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.