by Mari Radtke
The Primghar Council held a public hearing Tuesday June 10 about formally vacating an alley and two streets in northwest Primghar, surrounding the late Roger Smith property. No public comments were submitted. The ordinance to vacate the alley passed.
After adjournment of the public hearing, council opened its regular session.
The approved consent agenda accepted both the library and golf course reports for May. It also approved a fireworks permit for the O’Brien County Fair on July 23.
Fire Chief Cory Crouch attended to update Council on the current effort and needs of the Primghar Fire Department. He explained they have applied for and won a grant for portable radios. He also shared their effort for additional grants. Crouch mentioned the 1941 Primghar fire truck the department now has in its possession. He noted the department received a donation to purchase and bring the truck “home.” It will be stored at no charge in Primghar.
Also, he updated Council on their effort with townships to purchase a newer grass truck to replace a 1983 truck. They explained the request to “kick in” extra was for the city to also pay additional funds for a truck. The amount specified was $15,000 over the regular budgeted dollars for two years. Townships would pay an extra $1900 per section. He explained, “Highland, our biggest one, would be contributing almost $47,000 over the next two fiscal years on top of their contract.”
Councilman Kevin Smith expressed an alternative view to the proposal noting that “for years the City of Primghar gave a lot more that any of the townships did.” Smith served as Primghar Fire Chief for many years. Some discussion led to recognition that the proposal is fair. New people have brought new attitudes and communication. The conversation led to details of the truck capacity and the funding details.
Council could not take action, but recognized the fire department couldn’t not do anything until it did.
Thor Klinker updated the council on the results of an administrative search warrant for two nuisance properties on the square. Both are owned by “Moving Mountains” a not for profit organization that information is difficult to get. The organization was sent notice that the city intends to move on two properties as abandoned. They have twenty days to respond from the date of the notice.
A long discussion about the condition of Heritage Park and its buildings followed. Council noted several problems with different buildings. A meeting is planned between Council and O’Brien County Historic Society board members.
Dan Ginger filed a lawsuit against the City alleging the failure of a pump at a lift station by his home during floods in June 2024 resulting in water damage to his basement. No further comment was made about the merits of the lawsuit. It was immediately turned over to outside counsel.
Council approved accepting insurance coverage for staff and added short term disability.
Council passed resolutions for Ambulance rates and employee wages for the next fiscal year and internal funds transfers.