Laurel, Wayne extend work agreement

LAUREL – The City of Laurel will continue to receive support for its water and wastewater operations from the City of Wayne.

The Laurel City Council on June 10 approved a resolution amending an interlocal agreement with the City of Wayne regarding Laurel’s water and wastewater operations.

Interim Laurel City Administrator Dan Kuhlman noted in a follow-up interview he and Laurel Mayor Keith Knudsen had a meeting with Wayne City Administrator Wes Blecke and Wayne Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Casey Junck in May.

Kuhlman said Laurel city officials wanted to meet for “requesting an extension for the interlocal agreement with the City of Wayne to continue providing support for our water and wastewater operations.”

The Wayne City Council approved the amended interlocal agreement at its June 4 meeting.

“The amended agreement extended their service for an additional three-month timeframe, and included an increase in their hourly rate from $60 to $75 during business hours, and $120 to $150 for after-hours calls,” Kuhlman said.

In other business on June 10, Laurel council members had a discussion about either amending the city’s ordinance on all-terrain vehicles or creating a new ordinance to allow golf carts on city streets. No action was taken.

Council President Justin Eriksen had been approached by a few residents asking about allowing golf carts on city streets just like the ATVs, Kuhlman said.

“He had asked for this item to be put on the agenda as a discussion item for this month’s council meeting, so that conversation could start to happen on the idea,” Kuhlman said.

The council asked Laurel City Attorney Keelan Holloway to look into drafting a new ordinance for golf carts with most of the same rules the current ATV ordinance has in place.

More information and discussion will happen in the following months, Kuhlman said.

The council also approved an increase of $160 in the city’s utility disconnect fee, which had been $30.

“This ($190) amount reflects the hard costs incurred to the city, having Cedar-Knox (Public Power District) disconnect and reconnect an electric meter,” Kuhlman said.

The council also heard about a claim with Quick Med Claims LLC, the company that handles the city’s emergency medical services billing.

“There was an ambulance call where the patron only has Medicare, and no secondary insurance,” Kuhlman said. “They had asked Quick Med Claims for a hardship write-off due to being on a fixed budget. I will be working with Quick Med Claims to inquire about a payment plan, or any other form of reconciliation for this account.”

As for the city’s ongoing issue of dilapidated houses, the council is waiting for an inspector.

“Attorney Holloway will be requesting warrants from a judge for interior inspections,” Kuhlman said. “Once a warrant is issued, there is a 10-day timeframe to follow through with the inspections.”

The council also approved building permits for: - Drew and Kayla Detlefsen, 802 W. Fifth St., for a 30-foot fence.

- Paul Peterson, 603 W. Third St., for a 50-by-32-foot garage and 22-by-66-foot driveway.