• The water tower was inspected recently as part of the every-three-year inspection program. Mayor Roy Olson reported that the water tower is in good shape. "They said it was one of the cleanest towers they've seen," Olson said. "There are no major concerns with the tower."
• The lot located at 103 N 2nd St. was declared surplus by the city council last night. It was previously owned by Lawrence Dolney. There is $4,186.85 assessed against the property which includes curb and gutter and clean-up. The council put a value of $4,600 on the property.
• During Anita Lowary's 18 minute on the finance officer's school that she attended, she reported that Groton has had 13 revolving loans through the state. Only Watertown and Sioux Falls have more than Groton.
• The rubble site is becoming full of trees. Councilman Scott Hanlon had put this on the agenda, but was unable to make it to the meeting. Olson said that Scott had talked with TJ Sperry and they are not very interested in grinding up the trees because of the junk and metal among the trees. "I'm not sure what is different this time than n the past," Olson said. He added that city supervisor Terry Herron will talk with Sperrys to see if something can be worked out. The other option is to burn the trees, but with the mass that is there now, it would burn for months.
• Lien Transportation had submitted a letter to the general contractor of the street project. Lien's requested that the city consider granite instead of natural products for the street project. It would cost a little more, but the council agreed they would stick with the bid specs. Lowary said that the city tried granite in the past and there was no difference in the granite versus the other material. "The big issue comes from the base, not the material," she said.
• There was a request from a property owner to forgive the interest on his curb and gutter and sidewalk assessment. It is a special needs situation where they do not have to pay for the work done until the house is sold. The council agreed not to forgive the interest, indicating it could set a precedence.
• An updated report was given on the swimming pool. At the last meeting, it was reported that the managers had requested to close the pool August 19. Lowary explained what was said and since then, the managers have said they had enough adult help available to keep the pool open to Labor Day. They also requested to have an observer fee/pass for those who do not want to swim, but would like to sit inside the fence to watch their children. Olson said the pool committee had turned

(Continued on page 6)