By Mari Radtke
Rules for the American Rescue Plan (a COVID-19 financial relief for municipalities) scheduled for release on Monday May 10 have not been made available to the City of Paullina by press time. An award amount to the City of Paullina has not been announced. Specified uses with the money are expected to be limited to water, sewer or broadband.
A water main break on East Bertha happened last winter and was repaired by replacing a broken valve. The valve is leaking again. According Chris Erdmann, Superintendent of Utilities, the main just needs to be dug up and replaced. That work will be scheduled as soon as possible.
There has been an on-going conversation about the condition of the streets. Debris in the gutters has brought several public comments to the council. The city’s street sweeper is 20 years old and is not picking up properly. Erdmann reported that it won’t pick up wet debris. The suction pressure is substandard according to those who use the tool. The employee committee has scheduled annual evaluations for this week.
Discussion of enforcement of a PIt Bull ordered removed from the city took place. Chief Nathan Bremer explained, “You can apply for a warrant if you have reasonable belief that there is no compliance.” He continued that a warrant application must be supported by a sworn affidavit or other evidence. An application is made to a magistrate judge, not a district judge.
A Public Hearing for the Sale of Property to Bunkers Feed & Supply. They are interested in purchasing Lot 3 of the West Business Park. Because the bid was for $15,400 to purchase publicly owned property if another bid came in the sale could be complicated. No other bids were received.
A resolution to sell property and execute a development agreement which is simply price in exchange for land was passed by the council. Bunkers Feed & Supply is constructing another grain bin.
The annual inspection of the wastewater treatment facility inspection was had. The new inspector noted a need to clean up weeds. This is the first to mention weeds in an inspection according to Erdmann. The inspector also recommended adding some rock/rip rap. Planning to upgrade the very old system was also recommended.
Replacement of lights at city ball fields was discussed. A bid submitted in February and verified for accuracy in May, included replacement for Swanson Complex baseball and softball fields and the city park. Swanson Park estimates including labor were: baseball – $220,000; softball – $110,000. City park lights replacement cost reached $175,000. Swanson Sports Complex is operated under a 28E Agreement between the City of Paullina and the South O’Brien School District. For all materials and installation the high end of the estimate for all 3 fields reached $620,000. Musco Sports Lighting, LLC submitted the bid. If any are required changes, engineering may also need to be required and not part of any estimate.
The 28E for Swanson Sports Complex was amended per section 9 insurance. It was discovered that it is less costly if school puts the Sports Complex under its liability, as wekk as the mower under school. The estimated savings is about $1000 per year.
The city is down 1 person and only one applicant for summer help. Two are normally hired for summer help. A person must be over 18. Several more outside staff members are needed by the city of Paullina. Council members will do personal out reach in an effort to fill the positions.
The removal of several stumps around Paullina has been put out for bid. So far the city has received 2 and are expected to act on them at the May 16 meeting.
The city is working to get signed contracts with the elevators or sprayers for use of the airport to spray crops. At this time it is unclear how well actual contracting will work as opposed to an elevator donation. Other rules apply such as being insured. Runway maintenance was also discussed. One estimate for crack sealer at the airport was $17,400. Some cracks are considered irreparable. Runway patching needs to be done soon. Airport cash on hand is $5000. Sprayer revenue goes into the general fund. Historically the sprayer revenue sat at about $24,000. The terminal building is to be put on hold for the time being. Sprayer revenue this calendar year will go to crack sealant and patching.
An individual has been selected for the Police Officer position. Actual hiring is waiting for results of background checks.
Fire Chief Brent Noteboom spoke to the council about a potential new EMS building. He explained that he was contacted by Mike Neswick in Sioux City. Neswick approached the department with some drawings and a proposal. Neswick’s firm has been involved in the construction of four fire stations around northwest Iowa. His firm charges 8% of the total project, but will consider 7.5% due to the price of material. He proposed an architectural drawing: $3-4000 which the fire department will cover. In order for the firm to move forward they need a signed contract from the city. If project fizzles, “we owe him nothing.” Out of pocket costs are a site survey and soil test. Noteboom stated that Neswick’s firm does the bid process. Noteboom also said that the fire station may have a location, but is saying no more and emphasizing “MAYBE.” Fundraising can’t start until everything else is in place. The concept is to include police and ambulance into the same building, with a separate office and secure location for police. “I think this is our ‘point A’ to start,” said Noteboom. The City needs to see the contract before taking a position, but the proposal got positive responses. A project like this could take 3-5 years to see fruition. “ I don’t want to build it to what we need. I want to build it for the next generation of fire fighters,” said Noteboom.