The August 7 meeting of the Paullina Council opened by hearing a prepared statement from Melinda Hansen expressing her disapproval of the council, the mayor and city staff. The source issue being addressed was what Hansen believed to be a small issue about her road. She explained that quickly led her to “see the poor conduct of our council and mayor.” She explained in detail the timing and statements attributed to Councilperson Lexy Murphy to Hansen’s daughter-in-law. Hansen went on to explain how she followed up with the mayor and the city attorney with the objectionable conduct. Hansen learned from the City Attorney, Tisha Halverson, that City Council persons do not have a code of conduct saying with bewilderment and looking at council members, “You don’t have any rules.”
Hansen went on to describe additional “shock” by stating, “I was shocked when our mayor admitted she can’t get the cop and the city workers to do their jobs properly.” Hansen alleged that the cop “let a felony go because he did not want to do the paperwork.”
Going back to the original issue of blocking traffic on her street when cars are parked on both sides, Hansen remarked that she got an ambulance and got to the hospital safe. She also said she didn’t “see a need also for a large bus to get through our street. There are other options that can be taken.” She stated that at times the her family was home she herself would look and take a different route and offered that others could do the same.
Before leaving, Hansen was asked about the felony she referred to. She said medications were taken off a back porch.
Dorothy Harper spoke next offering appreciation for the council to work on an enforcement order for grass. She stated that she and her husband Charlie, a former councilman, had spent an hour driving up and down the streets of Paullina inspecting for nuisances. Charlie then spoke to cars parked for over a year and that we don’t need our town “looking like a junkyard.”
Eric Brown attended to explain and answer any questions from Council about his proposal for use and improvements to the pocket park on East Broadway. Brown submitted a written proposal as well.
The proposal divided the pocket park (three distinct lots) into two distinct areas of use. He proposed to use the lot south of the fence, with permission from the city, for storage of “bulk retail items such as mulch, dirt, softener salt and seasonal items such as trees and other large items currently creating overflow into the city sidewalks.” He also proposed using the lot for equipment used to move materials and other similar items. On the north side of the fence (two separate lots) where the gazebo stands, Brown proposed transforming the area “into a pleasant and inviting environment providing an atmosphere for gathering, rest, plant education and inspiration of all residents.” He proposed additional landscaping and maintenance while suggesting the addition of permanent dining tables, patio lighting and shade. He is offering to design, order and supply, assist in labor for planting new trees and shrub, and maintain the new permanent landscaping. A portion of the space would be designated as a garden center retail area.
The submitted proposal asks the city for water access, regular grass mowing maintenance, approval and purchase of the new permanent landscape additions to include 2 or 3 small trees, multiple flowering shrubs, perennials, and mulch. Further additions to the park made by the city are 4-6 permanent picnic tables with umbrella shade, pebble rock gravel around eating area and pathways around landscaping. There are also suggested 2-4 patio planters tanks and 3 benches. Included are permanent lawn games such as welded down metal corn hole boards, patio lights and gate access to the back area.
Paullina Hardware commits landscape design approved by Council, Ordering and supplying new and approved landscape, assistance with labor for replanting new and permanent landscape, labor for watering and all plant maintenance, the provision of full and pleasant display of plants utilizing retail garden center plants labels for plant education of all ages, patio planter vegetables for all community access, flowers and seasonal fillings and education and consultation to all residents for plant care.
The benefits cited be the adoption of this proposal are revitalization of an under utilized space, improving the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood; additional green space and recreational opportunities for residents, fostering a sense of community and well-being; increased local business offerings with the expansion of our hardware store’s inventory and garden center retail space; boosting the local economy through job creation and increased foot traffic in the area and increased opportunities for community events and gatherings, enhancing the city’s cultural vibrancy.
Brown included a detailed estimate of costs for his landscaping plan. It came to $3791.00.
Kelly Top, Superintendent of Utilities asked about winter plans for the south side of the fence. The city dumps snow on the south side of the fence during the winter months.
Councilman Steve Heeren reflected it wasn’t the intention of the city to put a park there after the building was removed, but only to make it look nice. He suggested Brown simply purchase the lots and he (Brown) could do whatever he wanted with it. Brown replied that that was one of the ideas floated and if the city would get him numbers it would make it easier for him to look at it, but he didn’t think they were in a position to really go find real estate at this time. No action was taken.
A DNR grant for trees was discussed at length. It was determined that the city was not in a position to spend money for the match without any certainty of part of it being returned in the form of grant funds Council decided to not apply for the grant.
A unposted resolution to close certain streets on Saturday October 28 for the Chamber fall fest was approved.
Several ordinance received their first reading: Animal control, allowable number of chickens to 5, set an 8-inch weed limit, amendments to the peddlers permit and changes to the mobile food vendor permit application. All first readings were approved
A forum to discuss narrow street parking never got a date set. A proposal to jointly purchase with Primghar a stump grinder did not pass.
Improvements to the lagoon were passed. Using ARPA funds in addition to sewer funds, council approved the purchase of a compressor replacement at the lagoon costs $9000. It has failed and will need repair or replacement. The rotary blowers were discussed. Fixing the compressor will still need replacement when the rotary blowers are replaced. The purchase price of this rotary blowers which includes onsite start-up and training is $56,539.05. The sewer fund is said to currently have $140,000. The purchase was approved by the council
In a surprise move after hearing from Council person Lexy Murphy in July of plans underway to address the needs of the airport terminal, Mayor Brenda Ebel Kruse announced that she was removing from the Airport Committee Lexy Miurphy and Jay Jones and barring from the committee Steve Heeren. Ebel Kruse said that due to the employment of two and the employment of the third spouse by Ag State constituted a conflict of interest. Ebel Kruse said that because Ag State was the only employer contracting use of the airport. Ebel Kruse stated that she was making the appointment and that approval was not needed.