Sleepy Eye hires new police officer

SLEEPY EYE -- The Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved the hire of police officer Brandon Grimsley of Starbuck on Tuesday.

Grimsley will replace officer Jeremy Nachreiner who will join the Watonwan County Sheriff's Department on May 31.

Police Chief Don Mickelson said Grimsley ranked a close second behind Matt Anderson who recently joined the Sleepy Eye Police Department. Grimsley is expected to begin duties as soon as the required background checks are complete.

In other action, the council approved:

* Mayor Jim Broich's appointment of Lori Hirschboeck to replace former Councilor Joann Schmidt who resigned last month due to her new job at Norwood Promotional Products, Inc.

* a Watershed Mangement Plan as required by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a dredging permit for Sleepy Eye Lake. City Manager Mark Kober said much of what the DNR required regarding stormwater runoff was included in the new Sleepy Hollow Project, which was approved in final draft form by the council later in the meeting

* fuel bids by Braun Oil Co. of Sleepy Eye at $1.546/gal. for regular 87 octane gas, $1.516/gal. for unleaded 90 octane gas and $1.046/gal. for No. 2 dyed diesel. River Region Coop of Sleepy Eye bid $1.5785/gal. for 87 octane gas, $1.624/gal. for 90 octane gas and $1.1485 gal. for No. 2 diesel

* aggregate bids were split at $8.25/ton for sand from MR Paving of New Ulm, $4.50/cubic yard for 3/4 crushed gravel and $4.90/cubic yard for Class 5 gravel, both by Hoffman Construction of New Ulm. Hoffmann Construction bid $10.49/ton for sand. MR Paving bid $4.94/cubic yard for 3/4 crushed and Class 5 gravel

* 2003 budget carryover amounts of $558,100 in general fund money, primarily from the swimming pool project, fire truck replacement and street equipment sinking fund; and $24,300 for the Economic Development Authority

* annual Senior Citizens Center subsidy of $2,500

* Fraternal Order of Eagles fireworks donation of $1,200