The Crookston City Council met on Monday evening in the city hall chambers.
MORGAN HIBMA TO FILL AT-LARGE COUNCIL POSITION
The Crookston City Council held interviews on Monday afternoon for three candidates who applied to fill the opening for the At-Large City Councilmember. 
The Council selected Morgan Hibma and she will be sworn in next time City Council meets. “I think that this is exciting, and it means a lot that I can give back to the community,” said Hibma. “I’ve joined the EDA board as well, and I’ve found that extremely fulfilling, and I’m now excited to give back in another way.”
Hibma previously ran for City Council two times before being asked to join the EDA board. Hibma is a South Dakota native and eventually studied at St. Cloud State University. Hibma has a marketing and business background and currently serves as the marketing director for Rydell in Grand Forks. Hibma has been a resident of Crookston for seven years. “I’m open to hearing what people want and need; I want to look at issues and find a solution that maybe has not been thought of before,” said Hibma. “I want to look at issues from all angles, and I’m open to anybody in the community to come to me with ideas.”
The Council was unanimous in voting for Hibma. City Administrator Corky Reynolds said there were deciding factors in selecting their new council member. “Morgan had a very good interview, and she’s a very articulate person,” said Reynolds. “She brings a background of analyzing and involvement in the community and a desire to serve people. She has good ties to the community and her husband a deputy, she has children, and she brings a desire to be a positive influence.” The Council believes Hibma will bring a unique perspective that can benefit the citizens of Crookston. Reynolds stated they’re “very excited to have her on board.”
IRISHMAN’S SHANTY APPROVED TO SELL LIQUOR AT TUNES ON TUESDAY
Tunes on Tuesday is a monthly event in downtown Crookston, where the Wayne Hotel was previously located. This is a free event where live music takes place. The resolution was to have food and alcohol served at this event. Irshman’s Shanty is the caterer to this event, and they currently have a caterer license; they now have the right to sell alcohol and food off their premises at this event monthly.
REBID FOR HOUSTON AVENUE AND ALEXANDER STREET PASSED
The Council asked for another bid for Houston Avenue and Alexander Street. Houston Avenue is now passed to have water piping underneath the road, and Alexander Street will be reconstructed with overlay and new pavement.
PARK AND REC POOL AND ACTIVITIES UPDATE
Crookston Parks and Recreation canceled all activities last week due to July 4; all activities resumed Monday, July 10. Updates were given by Director of Parks and Recreations Jake Solberg, who stated that the pumps are running according to schedule at the pool. Recently, an HVAC pipe was rotted in the boiler room, and that has been repaired. Currently, the water is being heated, and it is up to 78 degrees. All swim lessons have been canceled for July due to staffing issues, and the chemical testing of the pool is still not final.
STREETSWEEPER TO BE PURCHASED BY THE CITY
Crookston Public Works is set to purchase a street sweeper for $270,000. The street sweeper currently running through town was purchased over 10 years ago. “We’re going to keep the existing street sweeper; it’s getting older, so it might have more breakdowns,” said Director of Public Works Brandon Carlson. “Hopefully, they don’t break down at the same time, and we’ll be able to make a pass-through town twice as quickly hypothetically.” The current street sweeper has re-occurring issues with the bearings, the steal thinning, and belt issues. With a new engine installed on the street sweeper, Carlson is hopeful they can run the current street sweeper and the new one simultaneously.
The City did not have to vote for the new purchase as the department had the funds available. “it’s called central garage fund. Every month we track the hours our guys run it. We can get up to 35 dollars an hour for usage of the machine, and that is allocated to the 701 funds,” said Carlson. “it’s a saving account for future equipment purchases.”
PUBLIC WORKS TO SPRAY FOR MOSQUITOS
Public works will spray in the Crookston area on Tuesday, July 11, from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. This is reportedly the most effective time to spray for mosquitos. “We’re going to have four sprayers out, and we’re going to work with the park a little bit,” said Carlson. “They’re going to have one in the back of their ranger and hit the park area a bit to try and hit the remote spots.” Following the initial spray, Public Works will chart the data and determine if another spray is necessary.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda included approving the City Council meeting minutes from June 26 and supporting bills and disbursements in the amount of $352,428.25. It had the resolution of donations for the Parks and Recreation Department in memory of Wayne Melbye, the resolution of a donation for the Parks and Recreation Department from Brost Chevy, and a resolution regarding a donation for the Police Department for Night to Unite.
