Cambridge City Council discusses land bank
Cambridge City Council met in regular session on Monday, August 1, 2022. All Council Members were present for the meeting. After approving the Consent Agenda items, City Attorney Lisa Shifflet presented information about the inter-local agreement for beginning a land bank. At a meeting last Wednesday, the city of McCook showed interest in moving forward. Cambridge and Oxford were the other two communities at the meeting. Shifflet reported that during the discussion at the meeting, it was decided that each community if they decided to join, would be responsible for $4.00 per capita. That would make Cambridge’s contribution about $4,000 per year. Council discussed the pros and cons of joining the land bank. Mayor David Gunderson asked the Council if they would like him to continue going to the meetings to get more information or if they weren’t interested, they would stop attending. After discussion, Council decided to keep attending the meetings. No action was taken, as they are still working on the details of the land bank.
John Kutnink was present and reported the ambulance had made 12 runs for the month, and that the Ambulance and Fire Departments had ordered new hand-held radios. Kutnink also reported the permanent radios for the ambulances are still months away.
Mayor Gunderson reported the emergency backup well is not working. Sargent came down to look at the well and said it was pumping about 35 gallons per minute when it should be pumping around 500 gallons per minute. They said they wouldn’t do anything until they know the costs of the repairs. Gunderson also suggested the city continue with voluntary water restrictions until the weather cools off. Council member Jeff Ommert suggested allowing even house numbers to water on certain days and even house numbers to water on the other days. It was decided to continue with the voluntary water restrictions.
City Clerk/Treasurer Kandra Kinne reported she had received a letter from WAPA informing the City of an increase in rates beginning January of 2023. Kinne said the price increase will not affect the City much as they don’t purchase much from WAPA. Kinne also reported they had received a letter about attending a Zoom meeting to discuss hazard mitigation plans. She said she would attend one of the three available dates.
In Unfinished Business, the Council discussed the Subdivision Agreement. Gunderson said the lawyers have called Millers & Associates about technical wording needed for the agreement. In other Unfinished Business, the Council discussed health insurance for City employees. A motion was made and seconded to stay with the current health insurance with the increases. The motion passed.
Council also approved Resolution 2022-08-01 to allow a preliminary levy allocation for the Cambridge Airport Authority for $15,000.00.
