by Richard Radtke
The Sutherland City Council met February 5 for their regular monthly meeting. All council members were present. The public hearing on the Budget amendment was called to order by Mayor Kay Gifford. The amendment was for the trees that were taken down, squad car repairs, and payment for the police academy for our new officer. The police department received a grant from the O’Brien County Foundation for a heart monitor. As there no comments or motions the public hearing was adjourned. The regular meeting was then called to order by the mayor. After the council approved the agenda, minutes and clerk’s report, Mr. Todd Sohn addressed the council questioning why trees are being taken down that are alive. He said, “I just have a question. I know trees were marked with an X and my tree was wasn’t marked with an X and it was still taken down. I was just kinda curious why it was.” He went on to say it was alive and he had been treating all of his trees. He added that the one taken down was further from the street than one that was dying and not taken down. Discussion went on to discuss property lines and where they are defined. Sohn went on to ask why it was taken down if it was not marked with an X. He said “I just don’t get how such a simple thing could be so screwed up.” The Mayor said Sohn had requested compensation in an earlier conversation and that he had mentioned he was going to be visiting with an attorney and at that point it has to be taken to the city attorney by the city.
There were no public comments and the council went on to review bills. The only question on the bills was about fuel cost for the police department, It was noted that there were many trips to Paullina as Sutherland has a 28E sharing agreement with Paullina. After a brief discussion among the council and Officer McQueen regarding the fuel cost the bills were approved for payment.
Patrick Nelson representing Economic development reported that there was not a meeting in December. At the last meeting they discussed old business to include the medical building and they plan on inviting Chuck Kummerfeld to the next meeting to further discuss it. Also in the meeting they discussed their marketing plan and having Mari and Richard Radtke come to discuss their web service and what they can provide. Among other items discussed were advertising local businesses, a grant for trees and more signage for the highway for the industrial area and residential lots for sale.
There was not a report from the library at this meeting. The Fire and Ambulance reported they had 7 ambulance calls, 1 fire call and 1 rescue call. It was reported that Paul Hibbing had joined the department. The fire department voted to raise rental fees at the fire station to $75.00 from the current $50.00. It was also reported that the new panels for the damaged overhead door have been ordered.
The police report was given by Officer McQueen.
A motion to approve amending the current budget was approved by roll call vote, The approval to appoint Thor Klinker as the city attorney was approved by roll call vote, and the liquor license for Legacy’s Bar and Grill was approved.
Ferguson will be crediting the city approximately $23,000 for water meters that were not used and it was noted that the city will start cold patching the potholes when the weather warms up.
The city received an estimate of $14,230.00 from RI excavating to replace the dirt from the stump removal and to reseed, but is currently waiting on another quote from Bird Seed LLC for a price on grass seed.
The Park Board did not meet and had no report. The Light committee reported a light had been replaced by JTV. Weed and Debris committee will begin on properties in the spring. After the reports the meeting was adjourned,