Approves Rezoning Request

The 2022 Paullina budget passed as presented to the Council on Monday March 15, 2021. As the budget resolution passed Chris Erdman, Street Superintendent, affirmed that he has found a company to paint the water tower at a significantly lower cost than budgeted. The approved budget gives the council the authority to spend $4,087,016 during the coming fiscal year beginning July 1. That is down more than 356,000 from the current fiscal year’s expected spending. The levy was set at $12.22113 per $1000 of property tax valuation.
Council also approved a rezoning request by John and Candy Hahn to rezone a lot adjacent to their home from general industrial to residential. The plan to add outbuildings to the lot which will require building permits.
Council other approvals on Monday included the sale of Lot 8 at the West Industrial Park to Bunkers Feed & Supply at a price of $8000 per acres. A public hearing will be set and the public will have an opportunity to offer a higher price to the city. The lot is 1.9 acres. An additional bin is planned for construction almost immediately after possession.
They also accepted the resignation of the Waste Water Operator, Zach Hohbach.
Kent Faust of South O’Brien Insurance was present to discuss the property and liability insurance. He explained there are very few changes. The “linebacker” insurance which protects the council in the event of a lawsuit experienced a 25% increase. They also discussed some minor changes with the school district for coverage of Swanson Sports Complex for some cost savings to the 28E which both city and school are party to.
Council opened discussion about city staffing and if a city administrator was needed. Pros and cons of adding a position at an estimated cost of up to $140,000 were listed. Employee wages were discussed. Carol Honkomp and Steve Heeren, personnel committee, will do some wage comparisons for similar positions. Sandy Fritz noted that staff felt the idea of bringing a supervisor in was more like a demotion to all of current staff and the employee handbook clearly states the procedure for demoting an employee. She continued that there may be some things that need to be done better, but that the council needs to bring specific issues to the employee or supervisor so that improvement or explanation can be made. Council agreed that the expense of an administrator was not justifiable without good clear communication with staff.