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: Devon Jones, Elaine French, Nancy Hill, Rich Radtke, Rich Van Beek and Amanda Vanderhoff.
A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Draper to approve the agenda, previous minutes and the clerk’s report. Roll call: Ayes: – Homan, Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
There were no guests.
There were no public comments.
There were a few questions asked about the bills. A motion was made by Homan seconded by Engelke to pay the bills. Roll call: Ayes: Homan, Cox, Draper, Nelson, and Engelke. Motion carried.
Economic Development report was given by Chase Cox. The Community Fund Board is looking for a member from the Economic Development Board. The ED board approved the Store Front Loan for Jordan Bird. The Iowa State Extension Office will be at the July meeting to do a social media training on how to promote Sutherland and advertise the businesses more affectively. Chase explained the Ripple Effect Program put on by Aureon. The program provides low interest loans and grants. They are still looking into the signs for the Williams Property and Tiger Addition.
Library Report was given by Nancy Hill. Bob Hatch Masonry completed the repairs on the library foundation. The library sign letters are finished. They received the grant from the O’Brien County Community Foundation to install the lights at the flagpoles and sign. The summer reading program will be held the last 3 Thursdays of this month. The custodian position is open at the library. The clerk has posted ads.
The Fire and Ambulance Report was given by Devon Jones. There was between 10-13 ambulance calls and 4 fire calls. There was one car accident outside of town, a mutual aid for Calumet, and 2 grass fires. The training has started on the ladder truck. Other than some backordered equipment, the ladder truck is ready to operate.
Police Report: Officer McQueen left the keys to the squad car over the weekend. The clerk will bring the vehicle to JJ Customs in Sioux Center for repairs.
Communications and topics for discussion:
Council agreed with City Attorney Thor Klinker’s recommendation to not repair the drainage issue at the 50 W 1st Street property.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Draper to approve Resolution 2023-26: Resolution to Transfer Funds from the Emergency Fund into the General Account for Fiscal Year End. Roll call: Ayes: – Engelke, Draper, Nelson, Cox, and Homan. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Homan seconded by Engelke to set July’s council meeting for July 10, 2023 at 7 pm. All in favor. Motion carried.
There was one bid for the property at 210 W 2nd Street. The bid was from Mark’s Pump Sales & Service for $500.00. A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Nelson to accept the bid from Mark’s Pump Sales & Service. Roll call: Ayes: Homan, Cox, Nelson, and Engelke. Abstain: Draper. Motion carried.
Keep Aim will have a food truck during the day on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
A motion was made by Draper seconded by Homan to approve the hiring committee’s recommendation of Rich Van Beek. All in favor. Motion carried.
O’Brien County Community Foundation approved the grants for the library, park and the fire and ambulance department.
Standing Committee Reports:
Water – 2,141,963 gallons in at the tower. Ferguson is no longer installing meters. Rich will install the remaining meters for residents who didn’t get theirs completed.
Streets – Council discussed doing a budget amendment for some street repairs in town. The clerk asked council to note what streets need repairs first and she will get bids.
Sanitation (sewer) – 5,308,000 gallons at the ponds. The clerk presented council with the proposal from Rehab Systems to clean the sewers out. This will be a 4 year process.
Town Property – Council will note what trees need to be taken down in the city’s right of way and the clerk will get quotes.
Park – Council decided to take down the last 5 trees that are diseased in the park.
Weeds and Debris – The clerk has sent out 2 letters for mowing. She asked council to let her know if they see yards or overhanging trees she needs to send letters to.
Lights –No report.
Sanitary Landfill –No report.
A motion was made by Draper seconded by Engelke to adjourn. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Chase Cox
Amanda Vanderhoff, City Clerk
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier June 15, 2023