City of Baker

The council adopted a revised drug and alcohol policy and revisited a task order with Brosz Engineering. Updates were provided regarding a land and debt transfer with the county. The council approved advertising for both short-term temporary employment and a public works operator position. Additionally, the dates for the annual city clean-up week were established. Discussions also included safety concerns for public officials and property maintenance issues within the city.

The council reviewed and approved several administrative items, including new appointments to the Zoning Commission and the Planning Board. They authorized employee participation in a health fair and approved a task order for the engineering and grading work at the Walter Kreager park. Council members also received updates regarding planning and zoning permits issued to date and general department operations.

Discussions included a presentation by the Police Chief detailing the department's services to the school system, such as proactive patrols, safety education, and truancy intervention, and whether a shared resource officer might be feasible. The Council voted to table the proposed changes to the Drug and Alcohol Policy for further review until the subsequent meeting. The City Attorney reported on ongoing work regarding zoning issues and indicated future presentations on various boards' functions. The Fire Chief mentioned that the Rural Fire District is installing surveillance cameras.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. Old business involved reporting on a meeting with the County Commission regarding a debt/land trade, leading to the approval of a draft memorandum prepared by the City Attorney. Under new business, the King family was approved for the Citizen of the Year award, and recognition was given for the passing of former Mayor Ronnie Shepherd. The Council discussed filling open positions on the Board of Adjustments and the Zoning Commission, noting a need for a sanitarian in Fallon County. The Mayor announced plans for summer projects, including repairs to the cold storage building, and noted that another councilor would lead the next meeting in his absence.

The meeting addressed several agenda items. In new business, the council reviewed and approved staff reports concerning the proposed Griffith Development with stated amendments, and approved a lot aggregation survey for Rod and Patty Morris. Key discussion focused on the land trade with the county, including responsibilities for sewer and water lines outside city limits and the financial implications, leading to an agreement to move forward with a proposal for the City to meet with the County. The council also reviewed and agreed that the Mayor would sign off on and return the Fallon County/City of Baker/City of Plevna planning board by-laws to the county. The Police Department reported sending an officer to the academy. The Mayor reported that planning stages are underway for upcoming infrastructure projects for streets and alleys.