KRAMER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES 

City of Kramer
Kramer City Council
Meeting Minutes 4 May 2025
Kramer Firehall

The meeting was called to order at 4 PM CST at the Kramer Fire Hall Community Room.
Council members present: Eunice Timbrook, Judy Peters, Mark Timbrook, Tiffany Bacon. 
Community members: James Lauckner, Cory Zbylut, Charles Goble, John Kersten, Matthew Seykora, Glen Heavener.

The agenda was reviewed and approved unanimously. The minutes from the previous meeting on April 6, 2025, were read and approved without changes. The monthly financial report was delivered by Interim Auditor Eunice Timbrook and approved unanimously. The report is attached.

Agenda Items

  1. The council discussed the financial reports for 2023 and 2024, noting the lack of custody of any credit documents and the problems with conducting a full audit. The council was informed that the financial reports for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were being compiled for the City of Kramer and would yield more information. 
  2. Resignations of the mayor and auditor were received and posted as official city documents.
  3. Newspaper ads for an auditor search and city grass mowing bid were placed. Timbrook motioned, Peters seconded. Unanimous vote. 
  4. The status of the North Dakota State Auditor Report for 2024 was discussed, with challenges due to missing financial data. The Interim Auditor will continue to work on the report and seek guidance from the State.
  5. Payroll report issues with ND Worker Safety and Insurance were resolved.
  6. The City of Kramer Certificate of Deposit (CD) managed by US Bank was closed. $40,000.00 was placed in a Saving Account FNB and $4,756.33 was moved into the Sewer Fund to pay outstanding bills from 2024 and 2023. Timbrook motioned; Peters seconded. Unanimous vote. 
  7. Late fees for Otter Tail Power Company over the past three years were discussed. Implementation of autopayment for Otter Tail Power Company utility bills was approved. Timbrook motioned; Bacon seconded. Unanimous vote. 
  8. New speed signs and STOP signs were delivered and need to be placed.
  9. The bill for $4,240.75 for 2025 Circle Sanitation fees was paid in full. Receipt and contract filed.
  10. A motion to ask for bids for mowing at the burn pit and sewage lagoons was approved. Timbrook motioned; Peters seconded. Unanimous vote. 
  11. The Bottineau Courant was made the official city newspaper for Kramer. Timbrook motioned; E. Timbrook seconded. Unanimous vote. 
  12. A bid for summer gravel projects was approved. Timbrook motioned; Peters seconded. Unanimous vote. 
  13. The creation of two city council working groups was approved to involve residents in decision-making.
  14. Purchase of stamps for mailing official city business and reimbursement for account history data fees were approved. E. Timbrook motioned; Peters seconded. Unanimous vote. E.
  15. A city ordinance requiring a fee/inspection prior to hooking up to the city sewer was discovered in historical records.  It is relevant to present city operations and will be implemented. 
  16. The replacement of a sewer pump at the Brad Kersten residence was reported and the repairs completed. Timbrook discussed the matter with Bottineau Plumbing and the necessity to notify the city in the future before any work is completed in the name of the city.
  17. The need and benefits of a city website were discussed and approved. The first-year fees will be paid by council member Timbrook. If the city wishes at the end of the year, the site will be cancelled.
  18. Recently designed asset and financial control policies were read aloud. No changes were recommended and the policy implemented. Timbrook motioned; Peters seconded. Unanimous vote. 
  19. Flags will be placed on the graves of veterans in the Kramer Cemetery on May 25.

The City Council conducted an open community discussion session where various concerns and recommendations were addressed.  Several difficult issues were encountered but handled without incident. Of significant interest was accountability, garbage bills, open and accessible and responsible government. 

A motion to adjourn the council meeting was made by Timbrook at 7.10pm, the motion was seconded by Peters and unanimously approved

Mark Timbrook     

1 June 2025, motion, seconded by Peters, unanimous approval. 

 

Acting for the Council:                                                                                             Date
Judy Peters

 

Attested by the Interim Auditor:                                                                         Date
Eunice Timbrook