Photo credit: Cliff Hang / Stock photo
(GARY, MN.) – The regular meeting of the Gary City Council took place on August 10 at the Gary Community Center. Council members in attendance were Mayor Buck Engen, Carl Olsen, Melissa Netland, Bindy Thronson, Lynn Thordal, Bryan Thronson, and Dennis Jacobson, as well as individuals Marijo Vik, and Jolene Trapp.
Mayor Buck Engen called the meeting to order, and the Council addressed several agenda items, including daycare shortage, cybersecurity infrastructure, city maintenance, and recreational issues at the Gary Pines.
Carl Olsen reported the water samples are good and the recent rain helped with water-control problems. In related discussions, the Council discussed the recent string of cybersecurity attacks on water systems in Minnesota.
As the recent attacks were executed through exposed access points in the system's routers, officials in Gary have decided to disconnect the router until a firewall is installed. The modem must remain connected as it’s needed to maintain operations.
Estimates have been requested for two companies for the installation and maintenance of a firewall, including regular updates, upgrades, initial and ongoing subscription costs, support, and other key factors. A decision will be made pending review of the submitted bids.
The school auction raised approximately $4,600 for the City, though some items are still awaiting pickup. Any remaining boiler igniters could potentially end up in the scrapyard, and the old shop is set to be cleaned once all parties involved can meet to determine a date.
A mitigation survey for emergency preparedness plans was discussed. No decision was made regarding the location of Gary’s emergency shelter because some of the current options lack generators or sufficient facilities.
Council member Carl Olsen discussed the upcoming repair and inspection of multiple washing machines in the City Laundromat at the regular meeting on August 10. Olsen said it appears there is an issue with the electrical breaker, and it needs to be replaced; a repairman is scheduled for August 24.
The council also needs to review equipment insurance documentation before September and delete all the vehicles and equipment that have been sold, removed, or disposed of from inventory.
A decision was made to have a professional handle the transaction, legal paperwork, and payment process of a property the City is selling to avoid any issues with the sale. The council also discussed potentially renting out unused city buildings to increase revenue, but noted it will require a review of current insurance requirements.
Getting estimates for the replacement and repair of garage doors on equipment storage buildings was brought forward, with the council agreeing the doors needed to be replaced before winter.
The meeting came to a close with the motion to approve bill payment and a promise to follow up on the daycare committee and cybersecurity bids. After the meeting, the entire council went to the Pines to inspect the Ninja Course for necessary repairs.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
0
0
Comments