Kennedy Council continues to deal with lack of maintenance worker

Woinarowicz gets another stellar review

By Margie Holmgren, Editor
Kennedy City Council continues to deal with jobs which normally would be handled by a city maintenance worker. Kennedy has utilized various individuals on a part-time basis.
Snow removal was the issue during the Oct. 8 meeting. With no maintenance worker for the city of Kennedy, the council discussed options on what to do about snow removal.
In the past, Kennedy has hired an individual to do the snowplowing, but they live out of city limits, and it can cause an issue if that person cannot get to town.
After discussing their options, the council approved advertising for the position.
Performance review
City Clerk/Treasurer Melissa Woinarowicz again requested the meeting remain open for her performance review.
According to Minnesota Statute 13D.05 Subd. 3, a meeting states a public body may close a meeting to evaluate the performance of an individual who is subject to its authority. A meeting must be open at the request of the individual who is the subject of the meeting.
Woinarowicz has requested in the past and did so again at this meeting that it remain open. She feels the citizens of Kennedy deserve to know how she is doing since they pay her salary.
Councilor Jon Turn, who is on the personnel committee with Councilor Henry Escareno, stated, “You are an outstanding employee. You make our job easy.”
Escareno reiterated these comments and added, “You keep up with everything – training and laws.”
“I admire your need for knowledge,” added Councilor Jody Bowman.
Woinarowicz stated she has been very busy and asked for the council to make her aware of items that need to be handled as they see them and not wait until the council meeting.
In other business, the council:
• Discussed the meeting they had with Rep. John Burkel and Rep. Mary Franson about Kennedy’s water issue. Several cities are looking for money and those that have pollution issues will get priority.
• Approved an agreement with Billy Thorsteinson to purchase a piece of city property where he will build a shop. The agreement stated that he will pay all legal fees associated with the purchase.
• Approved paying the full amount of the new Minnesota Paid Leave Premium which will be roughly $500 for a year.
• Heard they have been approved to be part of the small cities grant for housing redevelopment along with Humboldt, Halma and Donaldson.
• Discussed having Woinarowicz complete payroll and payroll reports. She will find someone who can give her some training on doing the reports.
• Approved to continue to do the full audit each year, since next year will include the water project but may change to every five years in the future.
The council adjourned and will meet again on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5 p.m