RCA offers to assist with project funding

It isn’t often that a group attending a city council meeting offers to help finance community projects rather than request funds from the municipality. But that was the case at Royal this month.

Allison Goyette, representing Royal Community Action, explained that the group has funds available and plans to have future fundraisers. They are looking for ways to share those resources with the community.

“RCA has money but we don’t have projects right now. Keep us in mind when you have concrete ideas,” Goyette said.

One idea previously discussed by the council was a portable ice skating rink. It was suggested the rink could be linked to a special winter event in the community. Mayor Josh Toft noted the Royal Visioning Committee also has projects in mind.

Goyette said RCA is intentional about supporting projects that are ready to be carried out.

“When you know you have some concrete ideas, reach out to us,” she said.

Discussion was also held concerning employee wages and benefits for 2023. Health insurance premiums for the two full-time employees will increase 8.7 percent. The council agreed the city should pay the full amount of the increases.

Hourly wages were set as follows: Sherman Nielsen, maintenance superintendent, $22.66; Barb Fletcher, city clerk, $18.92; Lance Kruse and Tanner Nielsen, part-time employees, $15.65; Arlene Wimmer, office help, $11.02. Council members took into account job types and working conditions, as well as the availability of part-time employees for snow removal and other situations.

In addition, Jeff Van Westen will be paid $25 each time he cleans the community building. He currently receives $25 per week. Nielsen was granted up to $300 to purchase work-related personal safety equipment.

In other business, the number of properties in violation of the city’s nuisance ordinance is down to one. Council Member Mitch Fahnlander said one of two properties identified as having new issues was cleaned up.

Dan Swanson requested permission to add holes to the disc golf course. He said the addition of six holes will bring the total number to 18, which will qualify the course to host sanctioned tournaments.

Swanson also asked for city assistance in obtaining more trash receptacles. The city purchased the existing ones.

“If the city did it before, we could do it again,” Toft responded. “The city will not restrict you in anyway with your plans.”

Completion of Alliant Energy’s underground electrical installation project won’t happen this year. Michels Construction, the infrastructure contractor for the project, was “chugging along,” according to Nielsen. Toft noted that Alliant Energy’s portion of the project will be held over until 2023.

“Alliant’s crossovers will not be done this year,” he said. “Everything will be left the way it is when Michels leaves town.”