The Superior Express -

The regular meeting of the Mankato City Council was called to order by the Mayor, Justin Schoonover on July 11. Councilmen present were Sam Becker, Kevin Ost, Rodney Payne, Lyle Dauner, and George Hennion. Also present was Darrell E. Miller, city attorney, and Sharon McCormick, city clerk.

Visitors present were: Matt Cluck; Rob and Sherri Partridge; Manual Luccro; Wayne Gardner; Sheriff Don Jacobs and Josh Eaton; William and Marianna Harris; Matt Badger and Marvin McCormick, city employees; Shelby Dennard; Stephanie Simmons; McKenzie Kohler; Kyra Lampe; and Don Koester.

Sheriff Jacobs requested an increase in the amount the city pays to the Jewell County sheriff for law enforcement services. The council advised the sheriff this matter would be addressed once the budget was prepared.

Shelby Dennard requested participation from the city in helping with establishing a multipurpose area in his building, which would include installation of a laundromat. Dennard was directed to take the steps necessary to pursue a loan from the revolving loan fund if he wished to open a laundromat.

William and Marianna Harris inquired as to the status of their building permit. They were advised the building permit was on hold pending the hearing on their petition to vacate streets and alleys on the property they had purchased, in undeveloped Fairview Addition with the city. Don Koester explained how the attempted proceeding to vacate the streets and alleys affected the application for a building permit and if the streets and alleys were vacated, a survey would not be neccessary to determine wheter the buildings to be constructed encroached on any street or alley.

Kyra Lampe and Stephanie Simmons were present to update the Council on the BC/BS Pathway Program. Kyra, Stephanie and McKenzie Kohler also gave a brief update on the splash pad.

Wayne Gardner presented the council with information regarding his plans with the land adjacent to Mankato Express which he has petitioned to be rezoned from residential to commercial. Matt Cluck and Rob and Sherri Partridge were part of the dicussion and raised their concerns which Gardner addressed. The council directed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance changing the zoning for the council to consider at the Aug. 8 meeting.

Discussion was had concerning the sale of water by the City to Jewell County Rural Water District No. 1. Councilman Payne and Councilman Becker agreed to serve as representatives of the council and the city to enter into discussions with representatives from the RWD concerning future sales of water.

Discussion was had concerning the swimming pool and an apparent lack of help to keep the pool open until its normal closing date. No decisions were made by the council regarding this issue.

The council approved the appointment of Marvin McCormick and Hunter Kohler as representatives to the KMEA board.

Discussion was had concerning the number of phone calls that the city office had received concerning free land, which resulted from erroneous posting of information on social media. No action was taken.

The council approved the special cereal malt beverage permit for Shelly Navarro, Autumn Loomis, Jennifer Anderson, and Danielle Murray, DBA 3 Winches & a Gnome at the Jewell County Threshing Bee.

The council went into executive session for a period of 15 minutes for consultation with the city attorney regarding confidential legal matters.

When the regular session resumed, the council approved the proposal from Varney & Associates for audits for 2022, 2023 and 2024.