by Mari Radtke
In opening motions, Councilperson Dennis Werkmeister requested that approval of the MRES 5th Grade Program be pulled and discussed individually. All other consent agenda items passed.
The agenda item removed is an educational program provided annually for 5th grade students by the cities of Paullina and Primghar sharing half the $32 per student cost and MRES picking up the remaining half per student. It did win approval.
A resolution to close streets for Fall Festival passed.
The property at 430 S Main Street is slated for demolition. The bids were discussed. One party requested to negotiate the price of the property and demolish it themselves. Councilperson Carol Honkomp was quick to support the idea, saying, “I don’t think we could go wrong on that one.” Werkmeister responded, “Well then we need to be aware there may be other bidders.” At that time discussion of selling city property procedures began. Mayor Marlin Sjaarda complicated the discussion by clarifying the council could decide to proceed with the demolition at city expense and then do a public hearing to sell the property or table the the item and hold a public hearing on the offer to purchase and demolish. The discussion turned to how long it would take to proceed by opening the offer up to the public purchase process. Werkmeister moved to table with Councilperson Jean Unrau seconding the motion. Werkmeister had mentioned the tabling would allow council to establish its list of compliance standards for any potential buyer of the property. The conversation drifted to developing list of other available city property and adding those to the public hearing list of properties for sale. Two bids for demolition were received but neither discussed in light of the offer to purchase.
A resolution to set a public hearing to consider an easement to Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) was presented for discussion. The public hearing was set for Monday October 7, 2024.
Discussion of the work to level the lot at S Maple and Broadway Streets. He used much of the time trying to get it level. Brian Feltman, the contractor for the leveling work recommended that no more leveling be done until development begins on the property. He also recommended that when large amounts of dirt are brought in, it should be leveled as it comes in rather than all at once.
Time was spent disucssing a meeting between Councilperson Nichole Jacobs, Werkmeister and Sjaarda with Paullina Development representatives about residential development.
Council discussed the former Iowa State Bank building. City Clerk Michelle Wilson reported to council her tour with a realtor and some partners. That firm is not interested in listing the property. It’s a big building that will need deep pockets. She also reported that an(other) interested party is interested in the back drive through part for personal use. Discussion of the school using the building for administration when the oldest part of the school is demolished, summer, 2025.
The pocket park discussion was opened by Jacobs. She said that council needed to decide what to do with the property and put it back up for sale or find uses for it. She suggested utilizing CAPS students to come up with ideas for uses on the property.
The city’s top priorities list was reiterated. An update water problems at the doors of city hall was given. Leaking at the doors was improved at the last rainfall after some flashing and gutters were adjusted. No other priorities had updates to provide.
Bryson Martindale was approved as full-time Apprentice Lineman at $25 per hour. He replaces Kaden Hewett.
Deputy Clerk Alex Griggs tendered her resignation to the city. She is staying employed with the City until October 4, 2024.
Police staffing received attention. Honkomp, Unrau and Sjaarda met with officials of Sutherland and their new police chief. Sjaarda overviewed the conversation about Paullina officials mimicking the Sutherland program. It utilizes officers from other law enforcement agencies to serve Sutherland part time. There is a group of 5 which gives Sutherland full time coverage. The payroll structure was given, wages, no benefits.
Paullina Police Chief Nathan Bremer reminded council that he had in the past had the authority to recruit part time officers for Paullina. Bremer went on to explain that there may be some additional certified officers interested in joining the part time availability for Paullina. Discussion of officer investment for equipment such as a vest or gun was had. This format, only minor investment into small items like shirts and pepper spray was identified. Bremer said he is waiting for some names. Council approved the plan to staff the Paullina police department.
The City’s penalty policy was presented to council with the idea to consider changes to the ordinances or add to the list of things council may want to use penalties to control.