by Mari Radtke
Kiana Johnson, O’Brien County Economic Development Executive Director reported the activities of OCEDC. She shared an on-going effort to attract or retain employees for the county’s employers. She also provided budget information of her department as well as cell phone. She gave an overview of how the data can be used to assist businesses when more visitors are in the area.
A request to allow chickens to be kept at residential locations was made by Dennis Templer. He’d like to use his backyard to help his grandkids with poultry entries at the County Fair. the mayor expressed concerns about enforcement duties for any chicken owners who may violate standards. Fulfilling the request would require an ordinance change. Council expressed agreement to adopt an amended ordinance to allow limited chickens in town. A proposed ordinance will be presented at the July meeting, Monday July 1
Jill Jurgensen was appointed to the Sutherland Economic Board. Not enough members to reach quorum prevented a meeting in May. Stacey Zimmer was appointed to the Northwest Iowa Housing Authority for a 3 year term representing Sutherland.
City Superintendent Rich Van Beek requested meeting with street committee members to make a work plan for street repairs. Sweeney’s Farm and Home will be contacted about sidewalks outside their business.
Based on reports of gallons of water that went to the ponds, council is concerned that sump pumps are hooked into the sewer system. If a spill occurs the city could be fined by DNR.
The Parks Board received a grant from O’Brien County Foundation Grant to replace the “tornado slide.” Maintenance of the Arboretum is in question. Amanda Vanderhoff will follow up.
MidAmerican notified the city of planned outages on June 5th.