Blackduck Council bids farewell to outgoing members following last meeting
Members of the Blackduck City Council met for the last time this year for a short but sad meeting Dec. 20.
The meeting moved quickly with the council giving its approval to the consent agenda which included a request for a 3.2 malt liquor on-sale license for the Blackduck Bowling Lanes.
The bills were presented then approved as were the revised forms for the Firemen's Relief Association Lump Sum Pension Plan following a short discussion.
Jim Wolden and Carole White from Insurance Services North came before the council to update them on a dividend check from the League of Minnesota Cities insurance company.
"The city is doing well with everything," said Wolden. "And I am delighted to be able to inform you of the $10,599 dividend check you should have already received from the League." he said.
City Administrator Karin Elhard confirmed receipt of the check and asked the council how they would like to see it used.
"I need to know if you would like to split it up between funds or put it all in one and have it draw interest and use it later," she asked.
"What do we do with it?" asked Mayor Scott Palmer.
"I recommend putting it into a preferred general savings account," suggested Elhard. "Then it would grow into something substantial."
"I agree with Karin," agreed Councilman Kevin Beck. "It will be nice to have money when needed to a project," he said.
After some discussion, the council felt it would be in the city's best interest to have it put into the savings account to be used at a later date.
Resolution 2010-21 was then discussed and approved. The resolution establishes the city as a fiscal agent for the Blackduck Development Corporation for a grant from the Blandin Foundation.
"What exactly do they want us to do?" asked Palmer. "Does it cost us anything?"
Elhard explained that it didn't require hardly any administration and that since the BDC can't receive the grant money, it needs a fiscal agent to oversee it and asked if the city would be willing.
After a very short discussion, the resolution allowing the city to become the fiscal agent for the Blandin grant for the BDC was approved.
Mayor Palmer asked to address the council near the end of the meeting.
"I just want to say that it has been a real pleasure working with the city employees and residents for the past eight years," Palmer said.
"I thank this council and I congratulate the new mayor and councilmember. Blackduck is a wonderful place but it is struggling and it needs extra attention," he said. "This will be a challenge for you to put it back on track."
"I would just like to say that I agree with Scott," said Beck. "For 12 years I have been privileged to work with Brad, Herb and you, Scott. I have been fortunate... blessed to have good solid people and a great administration with Karin, Marcia and Dave.
"There are a lot of good things that we have done that I am proud of." said Beck, "But it's frustrating to have a lot of empty buildings on Main St. We've weathered a lot and we have had a lot of good people on the council. I am going to miss this and I just want to say thank you."
Palmer noted that over the years, they have let a lot of things slide by but did what they thought was best for the community.
"I've very proud with all we have accomplished," he said. "I am very humbled by being allowed to have done this."
Following the adjournment, cake was served to all who were present while honoring both Palmer and Beck for the years of service they have both put into the city of Blackduck. One sentiment among everyone present -- both men will be missed.
