Batting Cages Approved, Annual 2014 Fire Report Given at City Council Meeting

by Dana Serum

The existing horse shoe area near Linse Field at Memorial Park will soon be transitioning into an area with batting cages and bull pens approved by the City Council at the meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
The Council agreed no negative comments were received, and that no one has voiced upset about the horse shoe pit going. Mayor Treig Pronschinske mentioned of only hearing positive feedback.
There was talk about the possibility of removing some fencing around the tennis court side, in order to bring in use of a skid steer to bring in supplies for the project.
City Administrator Dan Lauersdorf brought attention to the idea of adding a gate for access to an 8x12 shed which will be brought onto the property by Mondovi Youth Baseball Association .
Schlosser mentioned the idea of keeping the fence that is established by the basketball court as it could prove to be a back stop for baseballs.
Schlosser also thought it was important to reserve the right for MYBA to run scheduled practices, vs. community player purposes, which the Council agreed made sense as the MYBA is given all maintenance and renovation rights to the site. When the area is not in use by the MYBA, it can be used by the public.
Schlosser also noted small electrical needs for the project, which a certified electrician would be hired to complete. Schlosser said he was hopeful to find one willing to donate services.
An idea of installing a sidewalk on the West Mill Street side by the proposed gate was also discussed, Schlosser noting that cement and work for the project would be donated. An engravement of MYBA was hoped to be included.
Schlosser ended saying that many sponsors and donations have been given to the MYBA for this project, and wondered about the possibility of erecting a steel sign on the shed or nets, promoting those businesses and giving them thanks. The Council was in agreement over the idea as long as no ordinance against it is currently in place. Later meetings and discussion on the project will be organized by Lauersdorf.
Later in meeting, Dennis Brion returned to give his last annual fire report, noting that Fire Chief Steve Anderson will do so from now on.
Brion said in 2013 at this time of year, the city had several large losses, house fires, barn, and accidents. This year has been much better in terms of loss.
In 2014, the fire department answered 74 calls, and of those calls 20 were total loss fires of about $1.8 million. Additionally, it was noted there were: 11 structural fires, eight dwellings, three storage structures, six vehicle fires, one grass fire, one dumpster and one noted as other.
In 2014, the fire department also had 27 emergency medical responses: three false alarms, eight mutual aided out to other departments, and 16 various incidental calls
Brion noted that 28 percent of these calls were within the city of Mondovi
The fire department had a loss of membership this year, two retirees and two resignations. Added were five new members, which Brion noted have already been trained to minimum requirement needed.
Brion added that there were no fire fighter accidents during course of year.
An ISO audit also took place in December 2014, and Brion said the results should be in soon on this. Mondovi Fire Department currently has a fire suppression rating of class four. Brion is hopeful it will improve to class three this year.
“It is very possible, which would help change the insurance rates,” Brion stated.
Brion noted a mutual aid box alarm system is currently being put in place through the fire department. This system can allow the fire department to call anywhere in the state, and out if needed, to get any necessary equipment, noting that they can also receive calls, but there is a restraint of what percentage of equipment can be taken from Mondovi.
“This is a very good system in the works,” Brion said.
In other business that night, the Council approved the following:
Retirement resolution for James Marsolek, city employee of 40 years.
Repealing and Recreating Ordinance #0-15-02-01, residency qualifications for city officers, member of committees, and employees
Operator license for Bethany L. Gates at Buzz’s Bar