Harrington council discusses budget, snow removal

Rummage & Hometown Christmas

Harrington Opera House Society's last Rummage Fundraiser of the year will be the first weekend in December, Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a wide range of all things Christmas, including lights and tree stands, furniture, lots of books, artwork and regular household items. Children's books and toys can be found in Santa's workshop. Featured at this event are several Molas, from circa 1940-1960, created by the Kuna peoples of the San Blas Islands. These colorful handcrafted fabric art panels are suitable for framed wall hangings or for working into quilts or clothing.

Harrington's PTA is sponsoring Harrington's 5th Annual Hometown Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A big full day of shopping, entertainment, food, crafts and festivities awaits those who come out to Harrington's Memorial Hall, which is the place to be for the Local Vendors Bazaar featuring 16 tables and counting! Homemade soups, rolls and hot chocolate, music, pictures with Santa and free crafts for the kiddos rounds out activities at Memorial Hall.

"O Deer! Christmas is almost here!" invites shoppers to the warm and cozy Studio 1 on South Third Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. "Christmas gifts made with pride by local artists await inside." Harrington's Marketplace will also be open both Friday and Saturday, 9-3, as will the Post and Office.

Harrington FFA's last day of their Christmas Extravaganza is also Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., when poinsettias, Christmas trees and wreaths can be found behind the Harrington School by the greenhouse. The day finishes with a tree lighting and caroling at 5 p.m.

Harrington City Council

The Harrington City Council meeting was held at City Hall on Nov 22, 2021 with Mayor Nathan Luck, Councilmen Dave Buddrius, Stephen Hardy and Peter Davenport (via phone) and Clerk Jere Lee present. Two members of council were excused absences, Justin Slack and Levi Schenk. Visitors identified were Marge Womach, Denisa Holling, Jess Silhan, Cynthia Silhan, Joe Armand, Stan Roth, Tim Campou. Minutes and bills were approved. Davenport asked about the fee for the state auditor, which after some discussion was determined to be $140 an hour.

On the 2022 budget review, "There is a printed version available, but we will be making changes to it." A discussion about when the City of Harrington was annexed into the fire district and how local taxes would be affected. When asked specifically, the mayor said that he needed to speak with Ron Mielke, Fire Dist. #6 commissioner, about who gets the tax money. Many variables determine the budget, including contracts with the county, garbage rates, tipping fees, equipment and effects of grants. The mayor made a few comments regarding saving the reserves except for absolute necessity for employees or needs of the city to function. Levy certification was briefly mentioned with no vote or decision.

WWTP (waste water treatment plant): TD&H and James A. Sewall and Associates sent the city proposals for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. Sewall and Associates were approved for contracted services for the treatment plant and other engineering services.

Mayoral Updates: The mayor mentioned that one of the public works employees has resigned. "We will want to get an ad out as soon as we can. We will include we prefer an employee with Level 2 certification," he said. Casey Monge will still be needed for her license for the WWTP. The city needs to know if it is legal for Scott to work for the city doing snow removal without interfering with his retirement. Several commented on the potential for heavy snow this winter, and it was mentioned that most of the council is qualified to remove snow. The mayor was asked if he knew why the employee was resigning, to which Mayor Luck responded, "I do not fully know that answer yet." Councilman Buddrius asked, "Is there a chance that we could sweet talk him to stay?" The mayor responded, "I don't know what it would take, what would be required by us, but I think we've definitely made a valiant effort." After numerous inquiries as to the permanency of the resignation, the mayor admitted that he had not spoken with him and that, due to his work schedule, he had not spoken at all with him. With only two days remaining of the two-week notice of resignation, Mayor Luck said, "I need to make that contact and see. We need to move quickly."

The Memorial Hall suffered roof damage in the windstorm in the same southwest corner that had suffered damage before. Councilman Justin Slack arrived during this discussion.

Council discussed the surplus Mack Fire Truck that has been for sale this year. The mayor said the city received two offers of $3,500. It has been advertised on the Internet and on the street. Council decided to move ahead with the sale for $3,500 or more and voted 3-1 to sell.

City Treasurer Mike Cronrath (although not present) has asked that the council vote to close the money market account through US Bank from which the investment money was taken. Council voted to close the account, since it is costing $11 per month to leave it open.

Buddrius asked what the city is offering the public works employees for health insurance. Mayor Luck stated that the city offers a $600 allowance for medical benefits either towards their premium through the city's insurance or another insurance plan of their choosing. Buddrius asked, "Are we giving them $600 and say(ing), here, pay us for this physically, or are they covered under the city insurance?" Both of the public works employees chose not to go with the city's insurance. "Are we giving them a check for $600, and they can pay whichever company they choose?" It was not apparent at this meeting whether anyone knew what the city's policy was. In this pay period, the city clerk anticipated issuing to both employees the past due monies as compensation for not using the city insurance policy. YouTube link for viewing the Nov. 22 meeting is https://youtu.be/gprlf8LapRw.