At its August 4 meeting, the Stanley City Council approved a line striping bid from CCM Line Painting for $3,728 to complete parking stall markings. The only other bid came from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, totaling $4,828.
In other business, the Council voted to allow either City Administrator Nicole Pilgrim or Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Magdlin Keeku to close an old safety deposit box held at Marine Credit Union.
“We’ve had this for years,” said Mayor Mike Henke. “I’m not sure we even know what’s in it.”
Henke added, “If it’s in the minutes then they can take the minutes and open it and show us what’s in it.” He continued, “I have no idea if anything is in it,” noting the last time it was opened was when Kris Fitzsimmons served as deputy clerk.
“Now you have me curious,” said Alderperson Aaron Dickson.
The Council also approved a contract with Next Step Moving Eau Claire for an amount not to exceed $3,333.70.
“This is for the Library to move out what’s left in their library, which I believe probably includes shelving and that kind of stuff,” Henke explained, noting that larger items would be more difficult to move.
“I would like to see in the future at least two proposals other than one,” said Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons.
Henke responded that the library had received more proposals.
The council also gave the green light to purchase four Hurricane 900 dehumidifiers at a cost of $1,077 each for the Northwest plant, addressing recent moisture issues.
“There’s sometimes a half inch of water on the floor. Back in the day there was no water on the floor,” said Henke. “We think this might be some of the reason we’re having some issues with pumps and other stuff. Hopefully this will help.”
“This is the Northwest plant?” asked Alderperson Jason Meyer.
“Yes,” confirmed Henke.
Fitzsimmons asked if a central dehumidifier had ever been installed.
“There was and it didn’t last very long,” Henke replied, explaining that chemicals in the plant cause damage to both electronics and ventilation. He noted the city would likely need to explore a more permanent solution down the road.
“It’s just a patch, not a fix,” Fitzsimmons commented.
To close the meeting, the council entered into a closed session as outlined on the agenda, which stated it would involve “considering financial, medical, social, or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons... which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations regarding City employee.”
In an unusual move both City Administrator Nicole Pilgrim and Deputy Clerk Magdlin Keeku exited the room prior to the closed session. In their absence, Mayor Mike Henke assumed the note-taking duties usually handled by the administrator. Following the lengthy closed session, the council reconvened in open session and quickly adjourned, confirming that no motions had been made in closed session.

In other news
During the August 4 meeting, Meyer brought up the recent vandalism at Chapman Park, asking Police Chief Lance Weiland if there were any updates on the investigation. Weiland confirmed that a suspect had been identified and as the investigation is ongoing the total damage is still being assessed, with current estimates around $2,500.
Alderperson Ben Wald asked whether security cameras are being considered for installation at the park buildings. Weiland discussed the type of system he hopes to implement.
“I want something that’s going to not only last today and tomorrow but that’s feasible for the future so we’re not investing more into it,” said Weiland.
He added that a major challenge is providing reliable service to the areas of the park further from the community center.
“I hope to have that done in the next couple of weeks,” he said, referring to his plan to install cameras.
Fitzsimmons also asked whether a camera could be placed at the new Depot building, suggesting a broader solution.
“Do it all and be done,” he said.