by Mari Radtke
Kelly Top, Paullina Utility Superintendent reported to the council on June 17 a requirement to report a lead pipe inventory to the federal government. He explained that if residents will send pictures of their water pipes to the city it would help.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has demanded documentation of pipe materials in every structure in Paullina. The city has until October of 2024 to submit the report to the federal government. Mailers will be sent to remind residents to provide this information. People are being asked to tell city officials what material each water pipe is inside their home.
For those who do not have a way to send pictures, please contact the city office for assistance.
No reason for collecting this information was given by the EPA for collecting the statistic.
Kiana Johnson presented to the council the activity of her office over the last year. She outlined for the council the projects O’Brien County Economic Development conducts each year, such as the Career Day and the annual Ag Business person of the year given at the O’Brien County Fair. She shared aggregate details about how the revolving loan fund has affected the county and specifically Paullina, in terms of jobs saved or created and dollars loaned for Paullina business.
Council agreed that dirt from the school construction project can be delivered to the empty lot on Maple and Broadway Streets with some leveling.
The mailbox ordinance, allowing delivery to mailbox banks on North Mickley Street passed its second reading and the third reading waived. Councilman Dennis Werkmeister dissented. Werkmeister expressed concern that the ordinance puts the responsibility of enforcing the postal rules on the city instead of the post office, which is where he believes it belongs.
Airport committee members Dennis Werkmeister and Jean Unrau have met with Brian Feltman, acting airport manager over the condition and future of the airport in Paullina. A major point of discussion is a cost analysis of having the airport. A method of resurfacing the runway bears an estimated cost of $15,000 to $20,000. Hangar rent goes to the “Flying Club.” Donations from the ag sprayers is the primary revenue source for the airport.
Mayor Marlin Sjaarda notified the council that part of the ag building, North Campus, of South O’Brien High School was built in 1963 into the city’s right of way. He said engineers and attorneys are looking at how to manage the 14’x30’ incursion.
Larry Schwebach, Paullina’s TCA representative to complete the term of Mike Otto, was not going to re-up for a full term as his current term expired. Candidates were sought and Carol Honkomp reported that she spoke with Larry and he is willing to serve another term. Other candidates expressing willingness to serve on the board were Jeff Patterson, John Ihle and Ryan Carlson. Honkomp moved to appoint Larry and Jean Unrau seconded. The motion met with 4 ayes; Honkomp, Unrau, Nichole Jacobs and Steve Heeren. Dennis Werkmeister voted against the motion because of lack of real evaluation of each candidate. “I feel it was pushed through.”