The Paullina City Council met in regular session on August 16th, 2023 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 127 S Main St, Paullina, Iowa. Mayor Brenda Ebel Kruse called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call. Council Members present: Steve Heeren, Jay Jones, Jean Unrau, Carol Honkomp, Lexy Murphy. Mayor Ebel Kruse declared a quorum. Also present: Deputy Clerk Michelle Wilson, Superintendent of Utilities Kelly Top, Fire Chief Ryan Harper, Police Chief Nathan Bremer, City Attorney Tisha Halverson. Guests: Charlie & Dorothy Harper, Glenda Heithus, Ben Eldridge, Taylor Murphy, Cody Dreckman, Brytton Kelleher, Jordan Wulf, Lucas Burmakow, Jon Hoff, Adam Harper, Isaac Conrad, Rich Van Beek.
Motion by Heeren; second by Murphy to modify tentative agenda to remove items 7, 9-14 to be tabled for an additional meeting on 8/21. Ayes: Heeren, Murphy. Nays: Jones, Honkomp, Unrau. Motion failed.
Motion by Unrau; second by Honkomp to approve agenda as presented. Ayes: Jones, Honkomp, Unrau. Nays: Heeren, Murphy. Motion carried.
Motion by Honkomp; second by Unrau to approve 8/7/23 regular meeting minutes with the revision to public open comment as follows: “…dissatisfaction with a council member…”. Ayes: Honkomp, Jones, Murphy, Unrau. Nay: Heeren. Motion carried.
Fire Chief Harper explained that the contract with RML Architects had been tabled since 2021 but was needed to proceed with grant applications. Attorney Halverson shared that the contract was previously modified with her input. Due to the 2-year delay, it just needs minor corrections to dates, fee schedule, & a contact name. Police Chief Bremer asked to be included in sign-offs for his area. Same applies for Ambulance/Struve. Wilson read an email from Denny & Nelda Werkmeister expressing concern with spending taxpayer money before land is secured. Harper replied that no money has yet been spent & that 2 suitable sites are available.
Motion by Murphy; second by Unrau to approve signing of architect contract for the new EMS building with the clarification that all heads of departments are included in sign-offs.
Chief Harper spoke about the sudden strong storm that affected town this past Friday night. He shared that there was little warning in advance for spotters but that his crew & the City crew worked to clear downed trees from streets & yards over the weekend. He’s aware that the outdoor warning siren may not be heard as well in all areas of town due to wind direction/speeds. He reminded residents it’s designed to be heard if people are outside — not inside their homes.
Motion by Heeren; second by Honkomp to approve Ordinance No. 30 pertaining to animal control & protection: remove pit bull breeds from banned animals; administrative search warrant for vicious animal removal; duty of restraint on & off property; greater penalties for violations. Roll call vote: Ayes: Heeren, Honkomp, Jones, Murphy, Unrau. Nays: None. Motion carried. Second reading recorded.
Motion by Unrau; second by Honkomp to approve 2nd & waive the 3rd reading of amended Ordinance No. 31 to allow up to 5 female chickens with 1 cu ft of stored manure. Roll call vote: Ayes: Heeren, Honkomp, Jones, Murphy, Unrau. Nays: None. Ordinance passed.
Motion by Jones; second by Murphy to approve 2nd & waive the 3rd reading of Ordinance No. 32 pertaining to destruction of weeds, grasses or other growth that sets an 8-inch limit. Heeren asked questions about dense growth wording & wanted more time to review. Honkomp & Wilson showed June 7 & 21, 2021 minutes that noted the previous attempt to revise had not been completed. Roll call vote: Ayes: Heeren, Honkomp, Jones, Murphy, Unrau. Nays: None. Ordinance passed.
Motion by Murphy; second by Jones to approve 2nd & waive the 3rd reading of Ordinance No. 33 pertaining to peddlers, solicitors & transient merchants without 4.04(1) & 4.04(3). Roll call vote: Ayes: Heeren, Honkomp, Jones, Murphy, Unrau. Nays: None. Ordinance passed.
Top will confirm September dates for dead/diseased tree removal from city property & parking areas. Murphy asked if the committee assignments could be re-balanced.
Motion by Murphy; second by Heeren to adjourn meeting at 6:37 p.m. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.
Brenda Ebel Kruse, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Wilson, Deputy City Clerk
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier Aug. 24, 2023