On Monday May 2 the Paullina Council addressed more than a dozen topics with several of those topics getting lengthy discussion. Missouri River Energy Service (MRES) presented their findings and recommendations following a rate review. They explained the role of MRES as a provider to Paullina. MRES sells to Paullina after the contracted amount of electricity from WAPA has been fulfilled.
Electric rates have remained constant in Paullina since 2017. The City Council can adopt MRES recommendations or not. MRES this year is recommending a 5% rate increase. They are cautioning a drought fee will be added to the city’s cost of electricity. MRES also suggests a minimum of $950,000 in reserves for the electric company.
It was noted that the city has achieved the west development park and the lights at the city park in recent years. The municipal utility inspection recently revealed significant needs for repairs and upgrades. Each of these activities and demands have made the reserve levels a cause for concern. In light of the demands on Paullina’s electric finances, MRES is recommending that the city sell bonds for the utility in the amount of $1.95 million in order to maintain a comfortable reserve amount.
No decisions were made Monday, but council needs to consider the market conditions of the electric market and its own financial condition.
Trees on parking are the responsibility of the city. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. When tree limbs make contact with electric transmission, city crews will trim the limbs.
Members of the Paullina Ambulance team, Lauri Struve and Sherri Wittrock attended request from the council funding for a computer that allows EMTs the flexibility to do the required reports in a more timely manner; during the call, while waiting at the hospital, on the return trip. Most responders work and will return to their jobs at the end of a call. Reports can take up to several hours to be properly completed. An estimate from First Net, an AT&T service was provided to the council for consideration. The estimate included the cost of a cell phone that is not needed. First Net has priority service for emergency responders in the event of connectivity outages. Council made no decision. Council approved the purchase.
Cindy Ricther, Jill Rausch and Rita Kruger attended the meeting as they continue planning work for a bike trail in and near Paullina that utilized the old railroad bed from Maple Street east to Mill Creek. Ag State is the new elevator company formed with the merger of First Coop Association and Ag Partners. Bike trail organizers felt it best to learn the city’s position on the project including accepting any property that may be donated for the project. Organizers also want to improve the plan using recommendations from a state grant submitted last year. A main suggestion was to get all agreements in writing. The council was agreeable to accept property that may come into the bike trail should previous discussions not change significantly enough to affect the proposed bike path into downtown.
Paul Struve attending to discuss Busch Lots covenants. The residential lots at the east edge of Paullina have attracted the construction of two homes and a third one in the planning stage. Supply chain concerns brought Chris and Laura Heeren to the council recently to ask for how to not lose the property, per the covenants, if construction is not possible by their August 2022 deadline. The Heerens purchased 2 lots at a cost of $9000. The covenants do not address if a buyer can resell the lots before their expiration date for construction requirements. The covenants also do not address if in this case 1 lot can be sold with building done on a single lot. Council will get input from their attorney on the best way to proceed.
The lease between the City of Paullina and Molly Appeldorn for the building at Main and Broadway will end at the end 30 days following notice from the tenant. Council received notice May 2. The lease expires June 3. Appeldorn operates a consignment store at the location.
Trees on public ground were inspected by city crews for dead or diseased trees. Arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer has created a need for vigilance to the condition of all trees, particularly Ash Trees. The city has removed approximately 40 trees that present a hazard. Approximately 100 more trees needed removal from city property remain. Those trees will be removed as time allows with the worst trees getting priority.
The city’s appeal for reclassification of the Lance Massmann property in the East Business Park was declined. The city budgeted for all that property to be taxed at a commercial rate. Massmann keeps a tractor and disc in the shed allowing him to get agricultural property tax rate on the property. The assessing body must impose a tax rate based on use and is powerless to change the rate under current law and use.