Mayor Kay Gifford called the council meeting to order. Roll call showed Councilmembers present were: Johanna Homan, Patrick Nelson, Chase Cox, and Bruce Engelke. Tyler Draper was absent. Others present were: Elaine French, Nancy Hill, Amy Fuller, Mari Radtke, Jack and Bonnie Wallinga, Dennis Fogelman, Elijah Helton, Rich Van Beek, and Amanda Vanderhoff.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Cox to approve the agenda and previous minutes. All in favor. 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 Engelke seconded by Homan to pay the bills. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Nelson, Cox, and Engelke. Absent: Draper. Motion carried.
Chase Cox gave the Economic Development report. They did not have enough members present for a quorum. The ISU Extension Office presented a training on how to more efficiently promote businesses in Sutherland. They are getting quotes for the signs for the lots for sale. Clerk will update the businesses on the city website.
Library Director Nancy Hill presented the Director’s Report. Nancy held a three-week summer reading program in June. She had 8 kids in attendance week 1, 18 week 2 and 31 week 3. The library also held a barn quilt class with 25 people in attendance. Flagpole is back at the library. Amy Fuller is the new Library President. Nancy will be running the city sign. It was decided to charge $5.00 dollars a day or $25.00/week for sign requests. The money will be divided into the library fund and the city sign fund.
Chief Mark Shriver was not present for the meeting. The clerk informed council the department had 10 ambulance calls and 1 fire/accident call.
Officer Adam McQueen was not present for the Police Report. The squad car is almost finished, council just needs to decide on the graphics.
Communications and topics for discussion:

A motion was made by Homan seconded by Nelson to approve the liquor license for the R. L. Johannsen Center. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Engelke to approve Resolution 2023-27: Resolution Approving Special Warrant Deed. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Nelson, Cox, and Engelke. Absent: Draper. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Cox to approve changes to Mark’s Pump Sales & Service’s purchase application. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Nelson, Cox, and Engelke. Absent: Draper. Motion carried.
There was one bid for the William’s property farm ground. A motion was made by Cox seconded by Homan to approve the bid of $4,350.00 per year from Greg Swanson. Roll call: Ayes – Homan, Nelson, Cox, and Engelke. Absent: Draper. Motion carried.
There are 3 council seats up for election. Election day will be held on November 7, 2023.
A motion was made by Cox seconded by Engelke to approve Resolution 2023-28: Resolution Approving Wages for City Employees for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Roll Call: Engelke, Nelson, Cox, and Homan. Absent: Draper. Motion carried.
Standing Committee Reports:
Water – 2,155,268 gallons in at the tower. Council agreed to purchase a new metal detector to more easily locate water shut offs etc. Ferguson will be back this month or next month to change out the remaining meters.
Streets – Council agreed to purchase a line striper. The clerk will call and get bids for 3rd street and a couple of intersections. Rich will start working on some of the alleys that need repairs.
Sanitation (sewer) – 3,590,000 gallons at the ponds. SCE will be repairing the culvert at intersection of Ash and Washington Street.
Town Property – Clerk found a company to look at the siren but unsure of the time line. Rich will meet with Jack Wallinga to check on bus barn repairs.
Park – The new screens at the shelter house have been damaged. Patrick Nelson presented council with a proposal for the Arboretum walking trail. The city will be notified if there are any grants available. Mike Hockey has been working to clean all the debris and trim the trees at the Arboretum. Amy Fuller asked council for the use of the baseball field on September 2, 2023 for a little league fundraiser. Proceeds will go to a new refrigerator.
Weeds and Debris – The clerk will call and get some quotes for Ash tree removals.
Lights –No report.
Sanitary Landfill – No report.
A motion was made by Homan seconded by Engelke to adjourn. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Kay Gifford
Amanda Vanderhoff, City Clerk
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier, July 20, 2023