City in mosquito spraying business

The Minneota City Council discussed the costs of contracting for mosquito spraying or purchasing equipment and doing it themselves.

This past year was a particularly bad year for mosquitoes and the council had to pay for extra spraying. They decided to purchase the new equipment and supplies and do the work themselves.

Considering costs of equipment, chemicals and staff work, it appears the cost to do it themselves would be about $2,500 more expensive the first year.

“If you pencil this out, it pays for itself in about a year,” said Mayor John Rolbiecki.

The costs to have spraying done on contract would be $12,000 for 18 sprays.

Purchasing spray equipment will add over $2,156 in wages and benefits and the cost of 18 sprays for chemicals would be about $5,175.

The purchase cost of new equipment would be $7,375. “If more sprays are needed, it would cost about $408 per spray,” said City Administrator Shirley Teigland.

“It’s a little more expensive the first year but it’s a no-brainer (in the long run),” said Councilman Travis Gillund.

The council will purchase a fogger called “MasterLine” by Univar.

Study housing development

The Minneota City Council is continuing to study the possibility of an a housing development project on city-owned land next to the city burn site.

Two site proposals by City Engineer Trent Bruce called Gorecki Land Development have been proposed to the council. The city council is hoping someday to add extra housing to the city.

No developer has been secured at this time and the council is in the initial process of looking at the possibility of a development along Monroe St./County Road 10.

If the property was development for housing, the city burn site would likely have to be moved. There are two options. One with two driveways and diagonal lots was found to be preferable by the council.

“We want options out there for the council to consider,” said Administrator Teigland.

“We would have the possibility of doing it in two stages,” said Councilman Jerry Teigland. The council hopes to make a commitment to a development plan by January.

“If we’re making a commitment to the housing, we’re also making a commitment to moving the burnsite,” said Mayor Rolbiecki.

IN OTHER action the board:

•Noted Police Chief Bill Bolt reported, “A decline in the number of thefts from vehicles.” The message of locking vehicles seems to be hitting home. He also noted there was a report of a person who had exposed himself at Riverside Park but indicated he found no evidence of the incident.

•Approved an application for a raffle permit for the Minneota-Taunton VFW.

•Approved a zoning permit for Marlene Gottskalson of 104 W. Fifth St., for a 12-foot by 24-foot shed.

•Officially approved a resolution authorizing a tax abatement on the property for the City Hall Bar & Grill. The council will abate the city’s share of property taxes for a period of two years.

•Approved a five percent increase in utility fees (including water, sewer, garbage fees), effective January 1, 2018.

•Approved liquor licenses for the American Legion Post; City Hall Bar & Grill; Countryside Golf Club; Dalager’s Convenience Store and Highway 68 Liquor.