Advertising for a police officer was finalized. Trenton Morton left his position with Paullina in November.
Kent Faust was back for a second time to discuss the employee health insurance options. The premium increased approximately 17% over last year with the same policy and benefits. The cost can be controlled some by council choosing a different plan. A change in benefits, deductibles or the employee contribution will affect the city’s cost. Council decided to leave the policy as is.
The city has decided to undergo the process of updating its ordinance book. Two bids were submitted, American Legal Publishing and Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission (NWIPDC). The proposed fee from American Legal was $8300.00. NWIPDC proposed $4000.00. Much discussion was spent on which cities NWIPDC provides the service to including Paullina, and the number of copies of the books provided once complete. Council chose to stay with NWIPDC.
An offer has been extended and accepted for the Deputy Clerk position. The selected individual will start December 12.
Scott Wise reported interest in renting the old bank building and asked for rental details. Discussion about the details was held. City attorney Tisha Halverson has the details. Rent is $300 per month plus utilities and some kind of liability insurance.
Auto pay for utility bills withdrawal will be moved from the 3rd of each month to the 20th of each month.
A discussion of a building permit issued in April 2022 took place. There is concern that a structure being built on a lot that may actually be 2 different lots does not meet code. Among the issues are the skin material, if the structure is on an individual lot without a residence and the final height. Steve Heeren had been the point person on determining the code and if this structure, west of Security State Bank, meets code. The height and the skin material appears to be compliant. The remaining issue is if the 2 lots have been legally amended into a single residential lot.