In a single motion on Monday June 6, 2022 the Paullina Council approved the agenda for the meeting, minutes of the May 2, May 16 May 17 and May 26 meetings, payment of the claims list and the street closures for Gemboree. A new format of agenda was used for this meeting for the first time. Some explanation of the consent agenda was required. Each of the items above was under the “Consent Agenda.”
Councilperson Lexy Murphy asked if someone from the chamber was coming. Mayor Kruse raised her hand suggesting she wsa the chamber representative and replied, “I got you,” with Murphy replying, “Oh, you got me? Okay.” The mayor then added, “It’s the same as last year’s, the last 2 years.” Jean Unrau complimented using both sides of the paper for the council packet and then the mayor gave a detailed explanation of the street closures and times under consideration to the council as part of the approval of the consent agenda.
Councilperson Carol Honkomp questioned how the consent agenda method worked. Once that discussion was complete Honkomp offered some changes to minutes, which were included as part of the approval by the council. Council took a deep dive into wording of May 2 minutes about how the council approved moving forward for the Heeren’s property in the Busch Lots. They were approved to sell their lots under the same conditions of their current ownership. The buyers could then meet the requirements or approach council for adjustments.
Brief questions about the closure and vacating or the city’s property at the corner of Main and Broadway by Molly Appeldorn were asked.
Kelly Top, as Superintendent of Utilities for the City of Paullina was designated as the representative of City of Paullina municipal Utilities and Kaden Hewlett was the alternate to “The Vector Agency.” The appointment was made by resolution. The Vector Agency is a safety training organization.
A resolution approving Mayor Brenda Ebel Kruse to sign the Notice of Expiration of Right of Redemption for the Johnson property passed. Filing of this document and an affidavit allows the city to apply any costs incurred in order for a tax lien to be redeemed.
Drew Werkmeister was appointed to fill a vacancy to the Library Board of Trustees.
A resolution to fill the Zoning Administrator/Director position vacated when the City Clerk position became vacated was the next item of business. A zoning administrator was appointed in 2019 when the zoning ordinance was adopted. Honkomp suggested a person from the city’s housing committee be considered. Discussion about the requirements of the job ended with Jay Jones and Jean Unrau volunteering to fill the position temporarily, and won approval from remainder of council.
Fire Chief Ryan Harper made a report to council. First in his report was to list the fire station phone number forwarded to his cell phone at a cost of $1.88 per month and any long distance charges. He said it is due to the nature of his job and feels it’s quicker for response. It can also be passed from chief to chief. Harper also reminded council that swimming pools in the city can be filled for a donation and he can be contacted with questions. City water from the tower is used. Top, Superintendent of utilities is informed. Harper is responsible for monitoring drought and water availability conditions. The fire truck that is on order still expected to be delivered in August despite some tough conversations, according to Harper, between himself and the seller. The annual golf outing for fire and ambulance is July 23.
Mark Klaahssen attended to learn about if he is required to have a building permit. Klaahssen stated that he has been told for a year that he does not need a building permit to build a basement under his house. Council began discussions. Jones and Honkomp took the position that the basement is an improvement and that is what the assessor looks at. Mayor Kruse recommended to council that “he does not… because he was informed maybe incorrectly or whatever previously we do not go back and make them stop work or anything but he does to submit a new one for the rest of your work you are planning to do and pay a fee for that and whatever and so I feel like that would be fair and to balance out the two and not pay a fee for the one that is way underway.” The recommendation was made into a motion and passes.
Council then discussed the need for a moving permit should any buildings need to be moved. The consensus was to have at least a formal notification to the city. A discussion of fire and ambulance picking up their own mail and approving bills to the city for payment.