By Richard Radtke
Matt Gengler spoke during the open opportunity speak about the parking issue on Groesbeck Street. He feels that he started the conflict by asking a number of people including council members. His early comments noted the frustration that arose around the issue. He said, “That really started with me. I asked the question of different people including council people about that because traffic is being restricted. And because that entire street except that one block is of Groesbeck is parking on one side only. I realize that is opening a can of worms.” He went on to say he encourages city leaders to pursue that [improving traffic flow]. He describes his assessment of the various views that have been expressed ending with, “…however we don’t have a right to impede traffic.” He said, “I want to applaud those of you who have been working at that and taken some kicks for that.” He then apologized for any part of the controversy he may have.
Amanda Draper and Ian Oliver were appointed to the Ambulance. The request for their approval was met with a concern for personnel documents of each fire and ambulance member remain consistent. These applicants did not their applications for a file.
The City of Paullina electric utility and NIPCO “have discussed upgrades to the NIPCO facilities that will benefit both NIPCO and Paullina”. A contract with NIPCO was presented to council for approval. In short, it says that the City of Paullina contribute $77,070 to NIPCO for improvements to for the work as defined in the contract. The payment is referred to as a contribution and is due by April 15, 2025. The replacement will occur in the switch’s current location, a mile and a half east of Highways 59 and 10 and in Liberty Township. The facilities are owned and operated by NIPCO.
Council also approved a resolution to allow WAPA, the federal government, to administer the city’s renewable fuel credits it accumulates by buying and reselling power created by a renewable source.
Council agreed to replace blinds in Council Chambers’ north facing windows. Other window treatments are for tinting windows in council chambers and in the Laue Room. The total estimates reach a total of $4351.20.
Michelle Wilson was appointed to the position of City Clerk.
Council discussed having city-wide garage sales weekend as October 6-8 to encourage use of the fall cleanup proposed as Monday October 9. The motions were made and passed.
The vicious animal ordinance received its 3rd reading and was passed.
Caden Hewitt, was reported to have passed his Module B journeyman and is moving to his Module C.
The 28E between the Sutherland and Paullina police departments are is back into effect with the graduation and return of Adam McQueen to Sutherland.
The library report says improvements to the storyboards on the Paullina trail are needed. Planting flowers around each of the posts was suggested. Director Matt Dengler and Marla Erick have been assisting the Hartley Library with staffing. Matt stopped with the start of school. An additional clerk, Dawn Hancock was hired at $11 per hour. Matt and Kris Wilbur each were approved for $1 per hour wage increases after 6-month evaluations.
John Ihle is to provide 15-minute “Tech Help” sessions at the library. One per month is scheduled to start. Bob Deverewaere has resigned. A replacement is needed.