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Comfrey council approves licenses, contracts and equipment repairs; flags tree health and possible LGA cut
Summary
At its May 13 meeting, the Comfrey City Council approved routine bills, licenses for Community Days and a liquor license renewal, a cannabis enforcement Joint Powers Agreement with Cottonwood County, a seal coating contract, and a pump rebuild; staff flagged boulevard tree removals and a possible 3.1% Local Government Aid reduction.
The Comfrey City Council handled a series of routine approvals and updates at its May 13 meeting, including bills, contracts, licenses and equipment repairs, and discussed concerns about boulevard trees and potential cuts to Local Government Aid.
Routine approvals: The council approved total bills of $80,909.32 and accepted small memorial donations directed to first responders and the fire department. The April financial report was approved. The council carried unanimous motions to accept a Joint Powers Agreement with Cottonwood County for cannabis enforcement and regulation; to grant three temporary on-sale liquor licenses for Comfrey Area Pride's Community Days (July 11–12, 2025); and to approve the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 liquor license for Juice Box LLC, d/b/a Comfrey Bar & Grill, subject to conditions.
Public works and maintenance: The council approved MR Paving's quote of $30,982.76 to seal coat 15,338 square yards and approved a rebuild of the wastewater plant's submersible pump by Electric Pump to be paid from the capital equipment fund. S. Berberich told the council Electric Pump can rebuild the pump, avoiding purchase of a new unit.
Public safety and community updates: Fire Chief S. Berberich said the department completed four grass burns this year, generating about $5,000; First Responder Captain J. Veerkamp reported strong participation in an EMS Month coloring contest at the school. Leon Hillesheim reviewed a proposal from Comfrey Bar & Grill to install a gazebo-style grain bin for additional outdoor seating and suggested the business work with the zoning commission.
Administration and finance: Clerk Kelly reported that the city's American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds were fully expended through revenue replacement, totaling $38,685.92, and that a Treasury-directed closeout report will be completed once federal guidance is set. Mayor Richter said Local Government Aid may be cut by about 3.1% (roughly $4,066), a concern for next year's budget planning. The mayor also raised concerns about dead trees in the boulevard and asked Attorney Paul Muske to research ordinance updates and bring options to a future meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. on a motion by Arnsdorf, second by Evers.
