The July 5 meeting of the City Council had a modest agenda, most of which was to discuss spending items. John Ihle spoke during the open comments period. He expressed disappointment with the current status of the city’s website. He also stated that he had originally come for the TCA appointments that did not make the agenda. Matt Dengler asked if there was a way to be notified when the mosquito truck would be coming, but it was said there was no other than to alert for ball games. Glenda Heithus offered her thanks to City staff for the repair of a power pole near her back yard.
After a motion and second, Lexy Murphy asked why the TCA appointments were not on the agenda since the item had been tabled for the July 5 meeting. Mayor Brenda Ebel Kruse explained that she did not know of any nominations and did not want to spend time if there were not nominations. Steve Heeren stated that he had a letter of request in the positions. Ebel Kruse responded that it sounded like there was other interest. She added that all names need to be submitted to put the matter on the next agenda. A vote for the approval of the agenda was called getting a vote of 4-1 with Murphy opposing.
Kelly Top offered an explanation for the $20,000 request for water treatment property improvements. He explained the cost to remove a well pump on the highway near where the building has just been removed on Highway 10. The estimate was approximately $5000 for removal. Discussion revealed that the action has been budgeted for 3 or 4 years, “with nothing getting done.” There are two wells with just one still usable. The old well and reservoir will be removed and the usable reservoir will be painted. The budgeted spending request was approved.
R1 Excavating submitted a bid to clear City Property on East Broadway and Maple Street. The bid was for $16,500. There was discussion about exactly where the bid would clear. There is one lot on the west, from Maple Street to Harker. Going east is a platted street, then to Wood Street. After discussion if the lot from Harker to Wood Street is yet owned by the City. It was purchased by Paullina Development from Patchy Johnson and is still recorded to Paullina Development. Jean Unrau motioned “to approve the contract pending talking to Chad making sure it’s from Maple to Harker Street.” Carol Honkomp seconded the motion. The quote included clearing and removal of debris. The motion passed unanimously.
Tinting windows in City Hall and the Laue Room met with discussion. Honkomp reported that she didn’t know if a person who has done curtains for the library does tinting but wanted to reach out to see if this person (name never mentioned) could do the work. The item won a motion to table.
Police Chief Nathan Bremer’s accrued PTO was beginning to exceed the software’s capacity to record. It was suggested that he take vacation. He was willing, but concerned about other problems that would result. A few potential solutions were considered. The item was tabled until council can learn more about police chief vacation accrual.
The appointment of a building official according to Chapter 2.01 to determine if a dangerous building exists (in Paullina). Discussion of qualifications and duties was thorough. The item was tabled.
The Paullina Airport Terminal had been posted as condemned by “The Building Department.” The item brought out a lot of discussion. Jay Jones said, “It’s awful but not condemnable.” Ebel Kruse read from the code to defend the condemnation. She pushed for action because of the Pancake Breakfast and the impression that it wouldn’t hold paint. Steve Heeren explained that the spray planes would be here in 2 weeks. Jones explained the many efforts that had been made at specific concerns of the building. Murphy explained that she, as chair of the airport committee, was working on a project and planned to bring a concept to her co-committee member Jones once she had complete information. The building has a crawl space and is built on a slab. The developing proposal is to completely replace the building on the existing slab.
A building has not been a budgeted item. Brian Fish, Airport Manager said he only requests $2000 per year for maintenance. The spray plane manager was in attendance. Following discussion of a port-a-potty he said, “If you build an outhouse you will lose business.” Ebel Kruse asked for a motion to remove the item from consideration. The motion carried.