Mayor Pro Tem Chase Cox called the Public Hearing for the 2023-2024 Budget to order. Roll call showed Councilmembers present were: Johanna Homan, Chase Cox, Tyler Draper, Patrick Nelson, and Bruce Engelke. Others present were: Elijah Helton, Elaine French, Mark Shriver, Mari Radtke, Mark Cody, Kiana Johnson, Adam McQueen, Anthony Larsen and Amanda Vanderhoff. There were no questions or comments. A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Draper to adjourn from the public hearing. All in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Chase Cox called the council meeting to order. Roll call showed Councilmembers present were: Johanna Homan, Chase Cox, Tyler Draper, Patrick Nelson, and Bruce Engelke. Others present were: Elijah Helton, Elaine French, Mark Shriver, Mari Radtke, Mark Cody, Kiana Johnson, Adam McQueen, Anthony Larsen and Amanda Vanderhoff.
A motion was made by Draper seconded by Nelson to approve the agenda, previous minutes and clerk’s report. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Chase Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
Kiana Johnson from O’Brien County Economic Development presented the council with their 2023 Annual Report. She thanked the City of Sutherland for their continued support and contributions.
Mark Cody was present on behalf of the Willoway Complex. He told council their plans on repainting the pool. They are applying for the O’Brien County Foundation Grant but he also asked council to consider donating. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
Public Comments: Mari Radtke addressed the Arboretum and gave some information on Keep Iowa Beautiful: Annual Pick-Up Iowa Program. Council will discuss how to integrate this program with the Arboretum clean-up day.
Council reviewed the bills and asked a few questions. A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Homan to pay the bills. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Chase Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
The Economic Development Report was given by Nelson. The Board has decided on 4×8 signs for advertising at the Williams’s and Tiger Addition lots. The Board wants to advertise the lots at the Industrial Park online. They discussed and agreed to allow duplexes or triplexes to be built on the lots at the Tiger Addition. Maci Friedrichsen brought information on marketing classes for businesses in Sutherland.
The Library Report was given by Elaine French. Council read through the report provided by Director Nancy Hill. Elaine said there was 32 kids at the Easter event at the library. It was discussed that they might have to find another venue if events at the library continue to grow. A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Draper to approve the bid from Bob Hatch Masonry & Concrete for $9,600.00 to repair the library foundation. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Chase Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
Fire and Ambulance Report was given by Chief Mark Shriver. There were 3 ambulance calls. Fireman’s Bingo will be on April 20th from 7-10pm. The Department will be out selling tickets the night of April 17th. Tickets are also available at the door. The ladder truck is equipped and ready to be put into service. They are waiting on training from the Spencer Fire Department. Chief Shriver told council they would like the use the O’Brien County Foundation Grant to help purchase a heart monitor for the ambulance.
The Police Report was given by Officer Adam McQueen. Officer McQueen read through his March stat report. He will be attending the PT test April 10th.
Communications and topics for discussion:
A motion was made by Homan seconded by Nelson to approve Resolution 2023-19: Adopting the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. Roll call: Ayes – Engelke, Nelson, Draper, Chase Cox, and Homan. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Nelson to set a public hearing date for amendment of current budget for May 1, 2023 at 7:00 pm. Ayes – Homan, Chase Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Draper to approve letters of support for the Willoway, Gen N.B. Baker Library, Sutherland Park, Sutherland Police Department, and Sutherland Fire and Ambulance. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Engelke to approve Roling Signs bid for the City Sign. Ayes – Homan, Chase Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
Council set the date to open bids for the 210 W 2nd Street property for June 5, 2023 at 7:00 pm. They want to exclude any reconstruction of the house on property for the application.
The clerk informed council on the timeline of the water meter project. Residents should start getting flyers to set up appointments to get their meters replaced this month. Clerk will order new computer that is compatible with the software.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Homan to approve Resolution 2023-20: Resolution Approving Wage Increase for Police Officer. Roll call: Ayes – Engelke, Nelson, Chase Cox, Draper, and Homan. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Draper to approve Resolution 2023-21: A Resolution to have the City of Sutherland, IA Refuse to Pay Back Taxes on 210 W 2nd Street. Sutherland, IA 51058. Roll call: Ayes – Engelke, Nelson, Chase Cox, Draper, and Homan. Motion carried.
The clerk informed council on the significant increase to the city’s insurance this year.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Homan to approve Resolution 2023-22: Resolution to Authorize the City of Sutherland To Revise Contract Owned By The City Of Sutherland And Fixing A Date On The Hearing Thereof. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Chase Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
Standing Committee Reports:
Water – purchased 2,148,000 gallons.
Streets – Tony has been patching and sweeping the roads.
Sanitation (sewer) – 3,313,000 gallons to the ponds.
Town Property – Councilmember Nelson and the clerk will work on a cleanup day for the Arboretum in May.
Park – A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Homan to approve Tammy Sohn for the Seasonal Park Position. Ayes – Homan, Chase Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
Weeds and Debris – Committee will start working on properties that need addressed when the weather improves.
Lights – No report.
Sanitary Landfill – The HHM trailer is scheduled for April 28, 2023 from 9:00 – 11:00 am and Town Clean-up is scheduled for April 29, 2022 at 8 am.
A motion to adjourn was made by Homan seconded by Nelson. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Kay Gifford
Amanda Vanderhoff City Clerk
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier April 13, 2023