Sutherland Council Meeting Held August 7

Doug Sickelka spoke to the proposed development of the Arboretum and trails. He owns property on both sides of the Arboretum. He is concerned of people and pets wandering onto his property. There is no barrier to the south but there is to the north. When asked if his concern was the public wandering onto his property by Mayor Kay Gifford, he said he was interested in purchasing the property from the city. Gifford explained that the way the land is willed it would have to be returned to the family. It cannot be sold. Gifford posed the question to council if returning the land is something they would want to do. Councilman Tyler Draper explained that neighbors to the Arboretum were complaining about trash and the property’s condition. Council was just throwing around ideas to use it.
Councilman Patrick Nelson returned the question to Sickelka asking, “Would you consider selling your property?” To which Sickelka replied, “Sure.” Gifford spoke to acost comparison that a barrier might be more cost effective. The encroachment of the public was Sickelka’s biggest concern. He was asked to stay informed of any progress on the Arboretum and attend any meetings to stay informed.
Dennis Fogelman discussed “Labor Day” celebration plans. He shared that the several pickups would be part of the car show and available to assist with transportation.
A first draft of purchase guidelines for lots at Williams and Tiger Additions housing developments in Sutherland were considered. The Urban Revitalization Plan Draft was also reviewed. It was stated that only residential property would be eligible for revitalization benefits qualify. A minimum 10% property value improvement was included in the draft. An exemption of 100% on valuations up to $300,000 was part of the proposal. A revised document will be published in coming meetings. Jordan Bird is considering an expansion to the west of his existing building. A survey was done and recorded on remaining industrial park property. Much discussion about the recorded survey was held and led into the question of how to stop a surveyor from recording his surveys. Bird had concerns about where the line was drawn which may stop him from any additions at his current location.
A bid from R1 Excavating the football field was accepted. The project was to remove the 8 light poles from the football field at a price of $4400. R1 Excavating would keep the lights. The bid was approved.
The library report included plans for Labor Day promotions for the 100th anniversary and the installation of security cameras. There was discussion of changing the 2 1/2 hour per week position to 10 hours per week adding assistant librarian duties to the position. The proposal garnered a lot of conversation.
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy’s 310th Basic Class Commencement will be held on August 18, returning the police officer, Adam McQueen to duty at the City.
Several street closures for Labor Day were approved.
A public hearing for the city to sell property was set for Tuesday September 5, 2023 at 7:00pm.