By Mari Radtke
Reports from city officials gave an update to the council about some activities between meetings. City Clerk Sandy Fritz reported the status of the city’s legal activities with Josh Mahler. Mahler has previously had junk vehicles hauled away after failing to comply with zoning ordinances. Mahler has again built up vehicles on private property that do not meet requirements. He was again served with infraction notices. Mahler has a March 31 deadline to remove junk vehicles and fulfill the penalties from his first go-round. The penalties include fines, fees and costs up to $1000. Failure to satisfy the judgments could put him back in court. The names the current junk car inventory is titled in are reported to have been changed.
Mayor Brenda Kruse spent some time in the Conference Board meeting. The Conference Board oversees activities of the county assessors office. The assessors office values property within the county and is comprised of mayors, school board members and supervisors. They represent the [property] taxing authorities of the county. The ambulance team in Paullina and she spent some time together and Kruse reports she learned, “a lot.” In a final statement Kruse reminded everybody of the school (PPEL) vote. Kruse is also a member of the South O’Brien School Board.
Kelly Topp, Superintendent of Utilities announced the city received an award from Iowa Department of Public Health. Paullina continues to fluoridate its municipal water supply. The public health department recognized the city for its overall water quality.
Bunkers Feed and Supply has been working with the City to purchase an additional lot in the West Business Park. On Tuesday the council accepted and passed a development agreement from them. Bunkers Feed & Supply has 2 years to make improvements to the property.
The public hearing for the proposed budget was set for Monday, March 21, 2022 at 5:30pm. Fritz noted the levy is set for $12.44 per $1000 of taxable value. With that she cautioned that she expects the electric balance to fall.
Police Chief Nate Bremer shared with the council that he had no concerns with the proposed 28E agreement to share law enforcement coverage with the City of Sutherland. The agreement allows for specified coverage of each community by each other’s police officers. No money is exchanged. Bremer noted that getting the scheduling worked out is the most difficult part of execution, but felt it’s a great way for officers and cities to maximize coverage and minimize overtime. Paullina’s officer Trenton Morton will be attending the academy in Sioux City. The council approved acceptance of the 28E.
The City of Paullina agreed to purchase children’s books for each Kindergarten student at South O’Brien and at Zion-St. John. The cost to the city will be approximately $600 for this year. Fritz was asked to give consideration to making the purchase for an additional year.
Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) employs the medical director for Paullina Ambulance. Each medical director is empowered to prescribe and oversee each ambulance services protocols for patient care and transport. Recently an agreement was released by OCAHS to each of its partner ambulance services requiring them to strictly adhere to the published protocols. Some legislative maneuverings encouraged the action. After discussion and a review by the city attorney council passed the affiliation agreement.
The council also adopted the “Electric Reliability Plan”. Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) recently established a new requirement for all city utilities to be inspected at a rate of 10% each year. The Council adopted the plan.