Mayor Kay Gifford called the council meeting to order. Roll called showed Councilmembers present were Johanna Homan, Chase Cox, Tyler Draper and Patrick Nelson. Bruce Engelke was absent. Others present were: Jordan Bird, Nancy Hill, Rich Radtke, Doug Sickelka, Dennis Fogelman, Robin Jenness, Rich Van Beek, and Amanda Vanderhoff.
A motion was made by Draper seconded by Cox to approve the agenda, previous minutes and clerk’s reports. Roll call: Homan, Cox, Draper and Nelson. Engelke was absent. Motion carried.
Robin Jenness was present on behalf of Westel Systems to give council information on being a Smart Rural Community and presented them with a plaque.
Doug Sickelka was present to voice his concerns on the proposed walking path at the Arboretum. He is worried that with no visible boundary between his property and Arboretum that people and pets could walk onto his property. Council will take this into consideration.
Public comments: Dennis Fogelman talked to council about the Labor Day weekend car show and that they have added Pickups in the Park. Park Board will discuss parking for this event at their next meeting.
Council reviewed the bills and asked a few questions. A motion was made Cox seconded by Draper to pay current bills. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Cox, Draper and Nelson. Engelke was absent. Motion carried.
Economic Development report. A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Cox to approve Landon Lenhart to the Economic Development Board. Council went over the purchasing guidelines for the William’s/Tiger Addition Properties. The clerk will prepare the applications to purchase. Council went over the Urban Revitalization Plan Draft and agreed to move forward. The clerk will get ahold of Ahlers & Cooney to get the proceedings to finalize the plan. The city attorney will be notified to start the proceedings for the sale of property to Jordan Bird at the Industrial Park. A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Homan to approve the bid from R1 Excavating to take down the poles and clean up debris at the football for $4,400.00. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Cox, Draper and Nelson. Engelke was absent. Motion carried.
Library Report was given by Library Director Nancy Hill. Nancy read through her monthly report. The library had 25 ladies participate in barn quilt painting. They are going to provide watermelon and plan to have replicas of the library and log cabin to commemorate the upcoming anniversary for Labor Day. The request to add the position of assistant with the addition of 7.5 hrs a week has been tabled.
Fire and Ambulance Report was given by Chief Mark Shriver. They had 14 ambulance calls and 0 fire calls. The Department did training at the Willoway with the ladder truck. They will have the ladder truck out for display and plan to have a water event on the basketball court during Labor Day.
Police Report was given by Mayor Gifford. Officer Adam McQueen will be graduating from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy on August 18, 2023. The squad car is finished and the clerk will pick it up on August 11th.
Communication and topics for discussion:
A motion was made by Draper seconded by Homan to approve the Outstanding Debt Report. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Cox, Draper and Nelson. Engelke was absent. Motion carried.
The clerk reviewed the FY22 Audit with council. Copies available at city hall.
A motion was made by Homan seconded by Draper to approve Labor Day: closing of streets and the temporary liquor licenses for Sweeney’s Clubhouse. All in favor. Motion carried.
The September council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Homan to approve the liquor license for Car-Go Express. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made Nelson seconded by Cox to approve Resolution 2023-29: Resolution to Authorize the City of Sutherland to Enter into A Contract and Convey Real Estate Owned by The City of Sutherland and Fixing a Date on The Hearing Thereof. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Cox, and Nelson. Draper abstained. Engelke was absent. Motion carried.
Standing Committee Reports:
Water: 2,033,680 gallons in at the tower. Ferguson sent out scheduling information at the end of July.
Streets: The clerk received 1 quote for 3rd and Oak Streets. She will call around for more quotes.
Sanitation (sewer): 2,442,000 gallons to the ponds.
Town Property: Councilman Draper fixed the city’s emergency siren. With the ongoing issues the city has had with the bus barn, council with make it final decision next month whether or not to continue to rent it as storage units. There was a discussion on the city sign on whether or not to charge nonprofits to use it. The clerk will research how other cities handle this.
Park: No Report.
Weeds and Debris: The clerk will contact Schwebach Tree Service to start the removal of the ash trees at the park, Main and 2nd Street. They will be removing trees located in the city right of way.
Lights: No report.
Sanitary Landfill: no report.
A motion to adjourn was made by Draper seconded by Homan. All in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Kay Gifford
Amanda Vanderhoff, City Clerk
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier August 17, 2023