by Mari Radtke
Board President Dani Rehder and Noah’s Ark Daycare Director Beth Orthmann were guests at the November 5 City Council meeting. The pair gave an overview of the daycare center to council, it’s structure, funding status and capabilities. Rehder took the helm of the daycare center 1 year ago. She has 2 young children under the care of the facility. She shared with the council that she senses some negative energy toward the center, but is unsure why. She felt that an update might be helpful. Director Beth Orthmann attended and provided business information about the center.
The Daycare is not funded by any other entity. They noted that there is a misconception within the Sutherland community that it is funded by Church of Christ. She also stated a rumor that membership to the church is required in order to use the services. Both are untrue. There is a wait list at the center. The facility is licensed to care for 48 children in 4 different rooms. Due to staffing limitations only 2 rooms are being utilized. Just 24 kids are currently enrolled. Staffing is 2 fulltime and 1 volunteer to meet the requirements for the limited enrollment. They would like to hire 3 or 4 more caregivers to open the additional rooms. They can consider anyone 18 years or older for full or part time work. They must pass a background check.
In addition to daycare providers in scarce supply, meeting state codes in the new facility placed a heavy financial burden on the facility. The organization has plans for several fundraisers in the upcoming months with the goal of more than $200,000.
The farmland at the Industrial Park is typically leased. Economic Development is considering not leasing the land and just planting alfalfa. Discussion of the sewer connection at the Williams’ property development, located at the Birch and Beech Streets intersection, was discussed. No decisions were made.
Street closings for the Christmas celebration on December 13 was approved.
Several annual financial reports were presented and approved: Annual Financial Report, Urban Renewal Report and Street Finance Report.
The office space lease at R. L. Johannsen Center was renewed at $700 per month for 3 years. A zoning ordinance book won preliminary approval and John Westra of Primghar won the bid for the tornado slide at the city park.