by Mari Radtke
The Paullina City Council passed a resolution to change the date of the Public Hearing for the Switchgear project from May 6 to May 20. Mayor Marlin Sjaarda explained the move was due to “a publication timeline within – well, within the ‘Review.’” He then asked for a received a motion to change the date of the Switchgear public hearing to May 20, 2024.
Garbage collection bills for Wonderland Theater and for O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier were addressed. Both businesses requested a waiver from the bill because of low generation of garbage. No decision of these specific garbage rates was made, but further study of utility rates overall was determined to be timely and necessary.
A resolution about disclosure of confidential utility record information was shown. No action was taken.
The equipment rental agreement with Agrivision was discussed. The city was notified that rental contracts are no longer part of how they do business. Agrivision gave the city some options. Council discussed the options and agreed to return to the May 20 meeting for a decision. The option includes a payoff price and two choices of financing for the three pieces of equipment currently under contract.
A workshop was set for city planning and garbage, sewer and water rates. That workshop was set for Wednesday May 15 .
Discussions at the May 15 work session centered on utility rates in Paullina. The electric rates were increased 5% in 2022. Water rates were increased last in 2020, garbage in 2016 and sewer in 2017. It was noted that electric suppliers to the city are expected to increase by up to 15% in the coming year.
A data sheet of neighboring cities’ rates was made available for council to consider.
Capital projects for electric continues to be the construction of the housing for the new switchgear. A public hearing keeps getting rescheduled. A half million dollar bond is under consideration, with a recognition that a million and a half is closer to the city’s real needs.
The lagoon project appears to be up to $140,000 short. Using funds from the water fund and the Ginger account was suggested and is under consideration. The city’s General Obligation (GO) bonding capacity is $2 million. The city does have its generator which is up and running. The cost was $600,000. Missouri River Electric Service (MRES) buys power from the generator at certain times.
An effort to prioritize the projects started with the pumping station on Willow Street being a high priority for larger pipes and motors to push water through.
The water reservoir on Highway 10 is in need of being replaced. That has been a budgeted item for at least 3 years. Lights and poles on Main Street are considered a priority. The estimated cost of that replacement is $2 million. Structural problems at city hall are also considered a priority. Severe cracks go from ceiling to floor on the north wall. Severe leaking comes with every rainfall at the front door.
Needs that got mentioned include the old bank building, Swanson Sports Complex, including Mayer Sjaarda mentioning that council should consider if Paullina should continue in that partnership noting that the school gets more benefit from it than the city. A pickle ball court and the airport also were mentioned.
The list of priorities continued. Economic and housing development; the boulevard on Main Street, “is not a very good first impression.” There was significant discussion of storm water being slowed in the sewers due to grass and other blockage at the inlets and in the lines. There was reinforcement that residents should take extra care to not allow clippings or other debris into the gutters.
Fire chief Ryan Harper noted that the water pressure in Paullina is insufficient for some firefighting needs. He noted the current pressure should be doubled. He also suggested the size of water pipes going to hydrants are too small.