by Mari Radtke
Dennis Werkmeister asked for claims to be removed from consent agenda for discussion. He requested more information about a payment to Prairie View cemetery for $5000 every year. According to City Clerk Michelle Wilson, records show the payment has been in place for 44 years. She noted many discussions with Anita Frerk who found an agreement Township records about the financial arrangement. It was further supported by Deputy Count Auditor Maureen Thompson that the City of Paullina pays the Township $5000 for cemetery support. Steve Heeren described townships that don’t have a cemetery don’t pay the cities. The $5000 is to assist with maintenance because the city does utilize the cemetery. Until recently the city staff also dug and closed graves. Townships pay fire support to respective cities based on section coverage. Union pays Paullina $17,000.
Discussion followed a reminder announcement that tree trimming is the responsibility of a property owner, 8 feet above sidewalks and 15 feet above streets. The discussion centered around the origination of the ordinance (at least 2016) and then moved to safety having private citizens getting to branches 15 feet above the street. Wilson will get information from neighboring cities in how they keep branches above the streets.
A public hearing about the installation of distribution conduit and feeder cables from the new substation switchgear. There were no public comments. Council also had no comments or questions.
The resolution met with approval to proceed with the installation of the wiring. A bid from Sellenriek Energy, LLC of Jonesburg, MO was accepted to do the installation. The price for that part of the overall electric project is $156,676.56. The accepted price is nearly $100,000 less than budgeted for the installation.
A public hearing and proposed resolution for the city to vacate a portion of South Canon Street ROW to the school district. Part of the north annex was built into the right of way and the city does not want that portion of the building on city property. The public hearing met with no comments. A resolution to convey the property to the school district by quit claim deed passed.
A resolution to formally approve Brian Feltman as Airport Manager at a salary of $5000 per year and $50 per hour for work outside of identified duties. Discussion of approval for not listed manager duties followed. Carol Honkomp moved to require extra work to be approved by Council. Dennis Werkmeister moved to table the issue. Jean Unrau seconded the move to table approval of the resolution until it is decided who determines needed work at the airport outside of those listed in the job description.
A resolution to appoint Maureen Thompson as City Treasurer for 2 years and in accordance with the City of Paullina ordinances came up for vote. She is compensated for mileage at a $.67 per mile. The compensation of $600 was not identified if it was for per year or half a year. Various amounts and time units were proposed and considered. Council approved the resolution with a compensation rate of mileage plus $200 per month.
A discussion of the charges for yardage that was just billed to commercial customers following a period of no billing since September 2022, came to council. Several commercial customers were unaware of the additional charges prior and voiced concerns. Wilson followed up with inquiries to neighboring cities. OC Sanitation has a few contracts in the area. Wilson described the situation with Town and Country currently as no matter what is in the dumpsters it is based on volume or size, not weight or material. She said, “If the dumpster is open just a little bit, there is a charge.” Town and Country collects for 28 cities and only 2 bill for yardage according to Wilson. Primghar informed her they use OC Sanitation. Brad with OC Sanitation was present at the August 5 meeting. She went on to say that OC Sanitation arranges customized contracts with the businesses and does the billing.
The Town and Country expired June 30, 2024. Town and County is a nation-wide corporation based in Texas. In the opinion of the City Attorney, Tisha Halverson, the city is currently operating on a month to month contract.
It would take approximately 4-5 weeks for OC Sanitation to get bins for collection. Some requirements to meet breach of contract and other issues are unclear on if or when trash collection might end by Town and Country. Commercial price information from OC Sanitation was presented. Various dumpster size and pickup frequency options and prices were provided. A presentation was given by OC Sanitation. Some pricing concerns were addressed as OC Sanitation is higher but is willing to start lower and ramp up. It was also stated that OC Sanitation donates and does business in the cities it serves. Contracts with neighboring cities were provided for council members to consider. Town and Country collection is still in force. A 60-day contract extension was approved by council and accepted by Town and Country at the July 15 meeting.
The Williams & Co. increased fees for examination services for the 2023 and 2024 due in large part to key staff turnover. Problems with information not matching doubled work hours to complete the examination between FY 2021 and FY 2022. Their letter says they expect the cost for the 2023 examination to decrease slightly. The change order presented by Williams & Co. was approved.
Cell 1 at the lagoon is in need of sludge removal. Cells 2 and 3 have some build up but they are not in critical need. Superintendent Kelly Top said a estimate would be coming “this week.”
Council considered the new sewer line of the East Lift Station. They wondered out loud what it is about the pipe that costs (now) $40,000. Bids were not solicited. TCA would require recovery of the cost of wages to bore it in. That would come from revenue from the telecom building.
The water leaks at City Hall were looked at by Mike Hohbach, Wilson reported. She said he did some fixing and some looking and will come back to do a little more. Some frost heave caused clogging on the north side of the building. She said he is feeling confident that much of the water infiltration has been largely abated.
Council delayed approving having engineering work on Maple and Broadway lots done. Nicole Jacobs suggested having economic development get together and talk about it. An estimate to level the dirt on the city-owned lots there from Brian Feltman was brought up to council. The estimate is $4000. Council is concerned about weed growth, dumping and kids using it as a bike recreation area. There was not agenda item but council approved the $4000 spending for the leveling, in the interest of time.
Resolutions and first readings of all proposed utility rate changes were approved 4-1. Dennis Werkmeister opposed all rate changes. Werkmeister questioned and was affirmed the city’s utility costs per household would increase approximately $35 per month. He also noted that Black Hills Energy is expected to increase approximately $100 per year as well. Steve Heeren also voted against the electric rate proposal. The second ordinance reading will be scheduled for August 19.