Kim Knutson

The Alden City Council meeting addressed various topics, including approving reports from the Fire Chief, Public Works Superintendent, and Police Chief. The council discussed the renewal of the Alden Legion's liquor license, potential outdoor seating, and regulations. Plans for Morin Lake Days were reviewed, including permits, barricades, police assistance, and a donation from the city. The city's audit was presented, with discussion on fund balances and a question for the State Auditor. Other discussion included employee reviews, the resignation of an employee, hiring for a Maintenance Worker Position, and employee raises. The council also discussed trees overhanging the softball field fence, stick pickup around the lake, a divot near the sidewalk, flowerpots around the lake, and rocks on the sidewalk. A skateboard theft was reported. The council approved bills and Electronic Fund Transfers.

The meeting included a public hearing to discuss an ordinance establishing a fee schedule. Reports were given by the Fire Chief, Public Works Superintendent, and Police Chief, covering various activities and upcoming events such as Morin Lake Days. Discussions included employee health insurance, a new call-out system at the water plant, a city-wide cleanup day, and updates on the Age Friendly Freeborn County initiatives. The council approved a street closure for a preschool event, updated personnel policy regarding vacation time, and discussed updating the assigned fund policy. Other topics included the sale of city lots, updates on the Powers Ave. sanitary sewer project, and the demolition of a building on W. Main. Finally, employee reviews were discussed, and bills and electronic fund transfers were approved.

The council meeting covered various topics including the approval of the treasurer's report and hours report, with discussions on the new accrual system. Fire department reports included details on calls, new incident reporting systems, and donations received. A proposed change to SOPs for new members was adopted, and a new member was approved. The resignation of a member was also accepted. Public works reports included water main breaks, water plant inspections, and demolition plans. Discussions on employee health insurance and a second city vehicle were held. The police department reported on grants received, training, and compliance. A change in residential garbage pickup days was approved. A closed special meeting was held to discuss employee performance in the Public Works Department, resulting in a 90-day improvement plan. A resolution was passed to transfer funds between different funds. Another resolution reestablished the police department. A contract proposal for water/wastewater reports was approved, and bills and electronic fund transfers were approved.

The meeting covered various topics including a new vacation policy, fire department reports (including grant funding and call statistics), public works updates (including equipment purchases and project updates), police department reports (including grant funding and training), and the annual audit. Discussion included the city's compliance with lead level exceedances, recognition for being a Smart Connected Community, annual assignments, fee schedules, a landowner permit for a trail system, and building repairs. The council also addressed a public alert system, security cameras, employee reviews, personnel policy manual acknowledgments, and payment of bills. Finally, the meeting included discussion and decisions regarding abatement at 324 W. Main Street and water reporting.

The Alden City Council held its regular meeting on November 13, 2019, reviewing and approving treasurer and hour reports, the fire department report, and budget estimates. Key decisions included approving payment for 2017 street and alley improvements, addressing delinquent utility and mowing payments through special assessments, and approving payments for the Northpark project. The council also set the 2020 polling place and appointed the Public Works Superintendent as parking superintendent.