by Mari Radtke
A public hearing for the proposed Zoning Ordinance for the City of Sutherland was held February 3, 2025 with no comments. The Sutherland City Council formally adopted an updated zoning ordinance on March 3, 2025 unanimously. This is the first update to the zoning ordinance for Sutherland since the 1950s.
Elaine French reported to Council that Sutherland’s Commercial Club would be hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the City Park. The library was unable to get enough volunteers to host the event this year.
Councilman Patrick Nelson reported to Council a proposal that Economic Development is considering. Nelson and Tyler Draper represent the council on that board. The proposal under consideration is a property tax incentive for commercial development. The suggestion is to offer 100% abatement for 3 years for projects of $250,00 or more. He also reported that a proposal is being prepared for interested parties in the industrial park. A local business has purchased a 400’x400’ lot under a development agreement which requires them to pay property taxes for a predetermined minimum assessment value. That allows the city to financially benefit while the business determines the correct time for expansion. Lots in the Sutherland Industrial Park cost $1. Council also engaged in discussion of Economic Developments plan to transition planting alfalfa instead of crops at the Industrial Park.
The automatic door opener at the Library is not working optimally. Wheelchair Dynamics diaganosed a need to replace the motor. The bid from them to replace the door motor $3284. 90, which includes sales tax. After discussion, Councilman Tyler Draper was drafted to look for alternatives.
Rich Van Beek, newly elected Fire Chief, reported their plan to update all of the firemen’s gear on regular rotation. He said each gear set costs $5,000 and that they need 21 sets. If a grant application to cover the cost of 3 sets is approved they will get the first 3 and replace 3 per year going forward.
Officer Cain Junkman attended the meeting and reported Oliver’s visit to the libraries in Paullina and Sutherland in the past month. Oliver is a big hit and has already done a drug search at South O’Brien High School, netting no findings. The City’s insurance carrier did not feel the city needed additional insurance for Oliver.
The proposed property tax levy public hearing is set for Monday April 7 at 7:00pm. A 15 minute recess will follow the public hearing prior to the start of the regular city council meeting.
The City of Sutherland owns two structures located at the north end of the Little League field. One was built as a bus barn the other is a garage and is often referred to as “the old concession stand” located on the east at the alley into the parking lot. Bids to replace the roof and siding were received, discussed and considered along with other options to the city council. The 30-day metal roof bid was $6308.06. Siding on that structure was bid at $6470.82. Both bids include labor. The old bus barn is rented to storage tenants. An overhead door needs minor repair.
Sutherland Clean up Days was set. Hazardous Household Material (HHM) trailer will be in Sutherland on Friday April 25. Cleanup day will be Saturday April 26.