By Mari Radtke
Before approving the agenda, a few changes were made. Lexy Murphy immediately noted that clarification of newspapers was to be placed onto the January 16 agenda. The mayor explained the need to table the appointment of the Treasurer, the resolution for the compensation for the Treasurer and the Treasurer’s Oath of office. The discussion of the training for the superintendent was also tabled. Some council members wanted two separate motions. A single motion was pushed through instead and the agenda was adopted.
Council members Carol Honkomp and Steve Heeren presented several items in the minutes that needed to be amended for accuracy. Six resolutions were passed by council on January 3.
Council heard from City Clerk Scott Wise about ACH credits. It was revealed those transactions required an overt act by city staff for the payment to be received. This came during discussion of the claims explaining a refund to the American Legion. Discussion of the winter electric rate also was had later, but no definitive action was made clear. The rates discussion was brought up by Murphy. The winter rate was to be put into effect in October for September usage. As of the January 16 meeting, that change has not been made to Paullina’s electric customers. The winter rate is lower than the summer rate.
The county funding to assist with EMT retention got clarified. The city pays for night shift coverage. The city’s grant had been approved and could be drawn from the county at any time. Ambulance Director Lauri Struve reported how the money was allowed to be spent and that “there were Christmas bonuses for everybody.” These claims had to be approved by resolution before the overall city claims could be approved, which got done. Later in the meeting Struve discussed her request to hire an outside company to submit ambulance reports to the hospitals for payment. Struve noted that former City Clerk Sandy Fritz had done that task previously and that this had not been getting done since her departure. The cost of the service depended on which subscription was taken. One provided a patient history. The subscription to just submit reports for the approximately 100 calls per year, plus an approximately $200 set up fee would be $480 per year.
A resolution to hire an assistant library director was introduced and read by Heeren and seconded by Honkomp. Kris Wilbur was offered the position at $13 per hour for 10-15 hours per week.
The public records policy required to be adopted by council as part of an informal agreement was passed with changes suggested by City Attorney Tisha Halverson’s whose own appointment had been delayed, but approved for a 1-year term.
A lengthy discussion about abating delinquent taxes at 403 E Broadway on property owned by the city took place. If the city did not request the county abate the taxes, there is a risk the property could be purchased on tax sale. Paullina has been nurturing the acquisition of the corner lot at East Broadway and Maple Street for approximately 2 years. Council approved requesting abatement. Out of the $17,166.50 in unpaid property taxes, $16,370.50 is for the Maple Street special assessment.
There was discussion of the Iowa Code Chapter 618. This chapter defines a newspaper eligible to publish official notices and how Iowa League of Cities sees application of the law for municipalities.
Council joined a Zoom training with Iowa League of Cities personnel for about an hour, about Iowa Code Chapter 21 and 22, also part of the informal agreement before adjourning.
A video of the meeting can be seen on our website or our youtube channel.