By Mari Radtke
Following approval of consent agenda items the roll call vote was approved unanimously. New council member Nancy Kuehl attended listening intently throughout. Patrick Nelson was ill.
A bid for repairs to the basement door of the library was discussed. The door serves primarily as an emergency exit. Discussion of if the door needs to be ADA compliant took place. One of the council members stated that Doug Sweeney of Sweeney’s Farm and Home who submitted the only bid said that if that door is made ADA compliant the cost would increase significantly. City Clerk Amanda Vanderhoff reported that they couldn’t start work for a couple of months, however the bid states on it that the amount is valid only through January 11. The library’s financial ability for the project was discussed. Vanderhoff reported that there is still budgeted money available for that project as well as the grading project in the back. Vanderhoff also reported also shared with council that Nancy Hill, Library Director found a contractor, Nick Rohlfsen, willing to donate the labor for the grading project.
The fire/ambulance report given by Chief Mark Shriver reported on the various calls and that the department needs to decide what will be done with their old pumper.
Adam McQueen, Sutherland police officer gave his report. That led to a lengthy discussion about the placement of flashing speed signs. Council has long looked for a successful strategy to slow vehicles driving through town, mostly south on Highland (M12). No clear decision was made. Final placement was left to staff. Council favored permanent placement of multiple poles so the sign could be moved around but not be at risk of being easily toppled.
Vanderhoff was reappointed as City Clerk. Security State Bank was named as a depository up to $2,000,000. The mayor and the clerk were authorized to pay certain claims. Those itemized claims included time sensitive payments including petty cash reimbursement, tuition fees, payroll withholding taxes, scheduled bond payments, interest payments and invoices with late fee attachments. Each claim paid prior to consent must still be part of an approved claims list provided to council. Council also approved authority for Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem and clerk to provide certain information update documents to the financial institution(s).
Thor Klinker was approved as City Attorney at a rate of $200.00 per hour. O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier was named the Official publication for the City of Sutherland. Bruce Engelke was appointed Mayor Pro-Tem.
Standing committees remained the same with Kuehl replacing Cox on committees.
Schweback Tree Service submitted a letter to the council. The letter notified council that they’ve spent 4 days removing trees on Main Street near the park. The letter noted the daily rate to the city is $5500. The contract was for 5 days. According to the letter that equates to the $22,000 currently invoiced. Brendan Olson, owner reports having removed 41 trees.
Olsen explains that he was asked to estimate 3 different projects in the city: 1) 2 large trees in the nw corner of the park and 2nd Street. For that he estimates 3 days work, costing $16,500. He states he will do 4 days for $22,000 and estimates 23 trees. 2) Complete Oak Street by Church of Christ. The project is also estimated at 3 days at a cost of $16,500, but would budget 4 days for $22,000. This project includes 13 large Ash trees and is complicated by their size, powerlines and Ash Borer deterioration. 3) Completion of 3rd Street. He again estimates 3 days at a cost of $16,500. This letter emphasizes this the figures are estimates, not bids. The general consensus was to keep him in town working as long as possible to avoid additional delays.
A budget amendment public hearing date was set for February 5 at 7:00pm. The changes to the tree removal will be part of the budget amendment.
A budget workshop was scheduled for Monday January 22 at 6:00pm.