The Superior Express -

The May 5, Mankato Council meeting was held in person and remotely via online Zoom meeting.

The first guest speaker was Sheriff Jacobs. He said he has a position being advertised for another deputy. The town is relatively quiet and citizens are doing well with following rules for the coronavirus.

Jim Zadina updated the council on the sewer project. He said he was waiting on the contractor to start using a camera to inspect and clean the sewer mains. This will allow them to determine where to start lining the pipe because of infiltration. He would update council on progress.

Greg Duryea, rural water assistant manager, updated the council on Mankato’s water loss and rate report completed for the council in late April. He said the city needs to start thinking about increasing utility rates to pay for upcoming capital improvements to water and sewer. He would give the administrator a minimum rate number required to be approved for grants and loans from USDA.

The administrator updated the council on the swimming pool closing and what work would be performed. The bids for the pool were advertised and will be opened at the June council meeting. It was suggested the council not wait on the tentative grant approval to begin work on the pool. The administrator said some of the work could be done in-house.

The administrator informed council that Nobi is not prepared to do anything with his building currently.

Councilwoman Abel updated the council on the Landbank and informed council they are pursuing a grant for Nobi’s building and seed money to continue the work of the Landbank Committee. Abel informed council that Kevin Ost was the newest member on the Landbank Committee.

Abel asked for an update on Ursula’s house. Mr. Miller said nothing could be done until the Governor’s executive order was rescinded. If she refuses to move out, court action will be needed.

A councilman can receive an RLF loan.

Mr. Miller said the council needs to approve the GAAP letter for accounting and audit. The motion carried 5-0.

The administrator submitted a memo for approval to increase Hunter Kohler’s pay from $18 per hour to $25 per hour. Mr. Kohler had not received a pay raise since his arrival in 2016. The raise was approved.

Steven Porter is leaving Mankato and thanked the council for the support and staff for supporting him. Steven will be working for KMEA in Dighton, Kan.