Some discussion of the claim submitted to the city by the city attorney was held. The bill submitted in June 2023 began in August 2021. Council’s brief discussion was that a conversation was necessary to improve billing. The bill from 8-21 through 2-23 was $17,125.03. The $6200.00 to the City of Hawarden was questioned. Superintendent Kelly Top explained that was for 136 used electric meters purchased at half price. He continued that some would be sold to Primghar. DGR Engineering billed $17,565.00 more for the switchgear project.
The Paullina City Council approved the request by South O’Brien School District for daily use of the Laue Room at no charge. The request is to provide space for the CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program. SOCS offered to permanently install a large television in the Laue Room for public use for the fall semester. Extended discussion about any fees to the school for use of the publicly available rental room was had. Councilperson Lexy Murphy wanted to know why the old bank building belonging to the city couldn’t be used. Mayor Brenda Ebel Kruse explained utilities at the bank building would be a cost. Councilperson Steve Heeren asked how it would be handled if “somebody wants to rent it.” According to Mayor and school board member Ebel Kruse we could move them in here or find another place for a few days.” Library Director Matt Gengler commented tongue-in-cheek, “If only there was a building in this town that had a meeting room that doesn’t get used that often.” Ebel Kruse responded that it does get used often and Gengler took the position, “not during the day.” A council reply was, “2:00 on Wednesdays.” The exchange led to discussion about use of the library and what equipment is available instead of the Laue Room.” After discussion with the Mayor’s position clearly for the school to use the Laue Room, council voted in favor of the CAPS program to use the Laue Room 2 hours each day, aside from rented dates, during the fall semester in exchange for the smart TV. The library would be offered as an alternative location.
An appointment to Swanson Sports Complex Commission was introduced by Ebel Kruse. She started by telling council, “This had come to our attention that there was a Complex Commission back in 2006 or 8 or something…for some reason it was stopped. The school [board] talked about it and would like to get it going again.” She acknowledged that there is a 28E. She reported that they would like to have a city person, a school person and the athletic director. Discussion of commissionand the 28E was had. Heeren asked again that it was, “Someone from their board, someone from our board and the athletic director?” to which the mayor/school board member responded, “Correct.”
Top volunteered to fill the spot, with Ebel Kruse noting that it does not have to be a councilperson representing the city. Top’s volunteerism led to further discussion, but was selected to serve as the City’s Swanson Sports Complex Commission member.
Justin Jacobsma, Williams and Company presented a brief update of the FY 2022 examination of the city’s books. He did caution council that there are findings, noting a transfer that did not have a resolution. He also noted a payroll calculation error. He expects a final report in the next 30 days. He explained the delay is partly due to staff shortage and the personnel changes at Paullina.
Alex Griggs introduced herself to council as the Assistant City Clerk.