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Lamberton council approves ambulance‑billing change, advertises for full‑time police chief
Summary
On July 8 the Lamberton City Council approved a change to ambulance billing that shifts invoicing timing and township billing method, authorized advertising for a full‑time police chief at $65,000–$80,000 while arranging interim coverage, approved a seasonal CSO hire and declined to take on the former school property.
The Lamberton City Council on July 8 voted 3–1 to change how the city bills for ambulance coverage and took a series of personnel and property decisions affecting municipal services.
Administrator and Clerk Valerie Halter proposed billing cities annually in January by per‑capita charge while billing townships by the number of sections covered; she also proposed a small increase to the coverage rate, which has not changed in three years. After discussion about call coverage, the motion passed with Mayor L. Sik and Councilmember D. Knutson voting yes and Councilmember L. Pfarr opposed.
Halter said the change is meant to spread out billings and make township charges reflect area covered rather than population. "Because we just billed at the end of 2023, Halter said, we will bill for 2024 now to spread out billings since they will receive one again in January for 2025." She also recommended adjusting how townships are billed; council approved that approach.
Council also approved advertising for a full‑time police chief at a salary range of $65,000 to $80,000 after Halter reported Chief Walker expects to take an extended medical leave, likely in mid‑September. Halter said the city will pursue a county contract for coverage while the chief is out and will contact the neighboring city of Westbrook about interim coverage. The council approved advertising the position unanimously.
On personnel, the council unanimously approved hiring Kelly Birkemeyer as the seasonal part‑time Community Service Officer at Grade 4, starting step, for an estimated 10–15 hours per week. The council also accepted the resignation of custodian Erica Matter and directed staff to continue recruitment.
The council considered the future of the former school site after a recent community meeting. Mayor Sik summarized community sentiment and council members expressed concern about the anticipated cost to the city; council voted unanimously not to take on the property. Brenda Derickson urged creative approaches and alumni engagement during the discussion.
Public‑works matters discussed included a fixed water‑main break on Main Street and a plugged wastewater feed to the ponds; maintenance staff reported the jetter crew attributed the pond plug to buildup from so‑called "flushable" wipes. Staff reported a new water‑tower panel was installed and that crack filling is complete with seal coating planned.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2024.
