SHERBURN — The Sherburn City Council met on Monday evening and approved the final levy at an 18 percent increase. The council explained that for some years it had a zero-percent increase in levy and are now catching up with that mistake. it also explained that many streets have been improved and some refinancing had to be included. The enterprise funds are not part of the levy just police, streets, and other general fund projects. The debt service is 25 percent of the levy.

Police Chief Trevor Yochim reported by phone he was on his way to an out-of-town training. He reported that the Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 13 was successful with 16 children shopping with lots of volunteers. He said Walmart and Temperance Lake Ridge were very helpful, as well as the firefighters and police staff. They spent more than $3,000 on gifts, and the $1,000 extra was given to the families as gift cards from Fareway. He thanked all who helped make the children’s holidays merry.

He also reported that the former jailer Gerald Schaefer will be part of the Welcome and Sherburn police.

In other news:

— The council approved of the Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy which would give city employees one hour per 30 hours worked but not to exceed 80 hours as earned sick and safe time (mental health days) with no payout for unused time. This is a policy the Department Of Labor has ruled must be given to employees.

— The council approved the tobacco licenses for Kum-N-Go and Casey’s and the alcohol (3.2 beer and wine) for Dollar General and Fork and Spoon establishments. This approval is contingent on that fees are paid.

–The council approved a change order request for the Wastewater Treatment Plant since the defective valve parts were unavailable. The $8 million wastewater treatment facility was finished this year, but a valve has made the water in part of the town brown. The valve should be fixed this week.

— The council asked if hydrants could be flooded if the weather is good. Engineering costs were $50,000 more. The plant is not paid for by taxes, only customer rates. Three Appreciation plaques were presented to the outgoing members of the Council for their service to the city. Mayor, Robert Roesler has served 25 years altogether. Kurt Olson, a Councilman, has served 20 years, and Matthew Larson, also a Councilman, has served eight years.

— A discussion of the management company Cornerstone and the Temperance Lake Ridge facility was followed by approval of adding TLR director Lisa Lange to the signers of the operating bank account. Cornerstone produces monthly expense and income sheets. The account needs receipts and signers for the account.

— The council approved a $50 donation from Dorothy Behne to the Sherburn Fire Department.

— Councilor Ringnell reported that the Ambulance was awarded $82,000 from a program at the state along with many cities. He suggested that the money be put in a set-aside fund because there are plans for the replacement of the current ambulance soon. The city clerk asked that the council make that a fund so everything is transparent about the money going to purchase a new ambulance, and the council agreed.

The Council went into a closed session to discuss a salary issue.

The next meeting of the Sherburn City Council is scheduled at 5 p.m. on Jan. 6, at City Hall.