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Kettle River council approves equipment purchases, fire contracts and hires maintenance manager
Summary
The council approved purchase of a $1,611 air dryer for the water treatment plant, authorized three township fire service contracts totaling $42,340, approved a city cell phone plan and hired Alex Darrington as Maintenance Manager at $20/hour (six‑month probation); Banyon software costs were tabled.
At the April 14 meeting the Kettle River City Council approved several operational contracts and purchases, including a $1,611 air dryer for the water treatment plant and 2027 fire service contracts for Silver Township ($12,180), Kalevala ($19,720) and Automba Township ($10,440). Each contract motion carried unanimously.
The council approved purchasing a Galaxy A17 phone with a Straight Talk Silver plan ($45 per month) for the maintenance manager and directed staff to draft a phone‑use policy and add a time‑clock app. The council reviewed a Banyon software quote with a $12,000 initial cost but tabled that item until May while awaiting the recurring annual cost.
On personnel, the council approved hiring Alex Darrington as Maintenance Manager at $20.00 per hour with a six‑month probationary period. In public comment Todd Lawrence said his household used more than 35,000 gallons in December and asked that the city reduce late fee charges; the council agreed to remove late fees assessed in February and March 2026 for Mr. Lawrence.
The motions were recorded with mover/second and unanimous votes as part of the meeting minutes. The record does not show competitive bid details for the air dryer purchase or timing for when the new hire will begin full duties beyond the probationary start.
