Mayor Kay Gifford called the public hearing for the sale of property at 210 W 2nd Street to Mark Thompson to order. Roll call showed council members present were: Chase Cox, Tyler Draper, Patrick Nelson and Bruce Engelke. Johanna Homan was absent. Others present were: Elijah Helton, Dave Mills, Jack & Bonnie Wallinga, Drew Gifford, Gina Kiehn. Elaine French, Nancy Hill, Nancy Kuehl, Steve & Wendy Koch, Ron Kots, Mark Shriver, Mari Radtke, Richard Van Beek, and Amanda Vanderhoff. There were no comments or questions. A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Engelke to adjourn from the public hearing. Roll call: Ayes – Cox, Draper, Nelson and Engelke. Homan was absent. Motion carried.
Mayor Kay Gifford called the council meeting to order. Roll call showed council members present were Chase Cox, Tyler Draper, Patrick Nelson and Bruce Engelke. Johanna Homan was absent. Others present were: Elijah Helton, Dave Mills, Jack & Bonnie Wallinga, Drew Gifford, Gina Kiehn. Elaine French, Nancy Hill, Nancy Kuehl, Steve & Wendy Koch, Ron Kots, Mark Shriver, Mari Radtke, Richard Van Beek, and Amanda Vanderhoff.
A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Draper to approve the agenda, previous minutes, and clerk’s report. Roll call: Ayes – Cox, Draper, Nelson and Engelke. Absent: Homan. Motion carried.
Guests: Steve Koch asked council if he could move his time to the discussion of the bus barn. Council agreed.
There were no public comments
A few questions were asked on the bills. A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Cox to pay current bills. Roll call: Ayes – Cox, Draper, Nelson and Engelke. Absent: Homan. Motion carried.
Economic Development Report was given by Cox. There are two Spruce up Sutherland projects that have not been completed. The clerk will send out reminders. Sutherland Community Health is a group that is responsible for the building that is currently used as the chiropractic office. They have asked Economic Development if they have any interest in taking over this roll. The property would be deeded to the city with the income from the rent going to the Economic Development Fund. Chase will get more information on this.
Library Director Nancy Hill read through her Director’s Report. They had 30 kids in attendance for story hour in August. The O’Brien County Board of Supervisors approved Richard DeBoer as Dennis Fogelman’s replacement on the Library Board. The Board has switched their meeting to the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Fire and Ambulance Report was given by Chief Mark Shriver. They had 8 ambulance calls and 2 fire calls. They are looking for farmers willing to use their discs to help with putting out field fires.
Officer Adam McQueen was not present. Mayor Gifford read through the Police Report.
Communications and topics for discussion:
Council continued last months discussion on what they wanted to do with the bus barn. The Park Board suggested to use the bus barn as storage for the city. Councilmember Cox looked at the bus barn and told council that the repairs are minimal and should cost less than originally thought. The city will continue to use the bus barn as rental units. Steve Koch presented council with a proposal to buy the bus barn. Council will keep this in mind if they decide to sell it.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Draper to approve the liquor license for Rumors on Main and Sweeney’s Clubhouse. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Cox seconded by Engelke to approve Resolution 2023-30: Resolution Directing Sale & Authorizing the City of Sutherland to Enter into a Contract and Convey Real Estate Owned by the City of Sutherland. Roll call: Ayes – Cox, Nelson and Engelke. Abstain: Draper. Absent: Homan. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Engelke seconded by Cox to approve Resolution 2023-31: Resolution Approving Executed Contract. Roll call: Ayes – Cox, Nelson and Engelke. Abstain: Draper. Absent: Homan. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Engelke to approve Resolution 2023-22: Resolution Approving Special Warranty Deed. Roll call: Ayes – Cox, Nelson and Engelke. Abstain: Draper. Absent: Homan. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Cox seconded by Engelke to approve Resolution 2023-23: Resolution Determining the Necessity and Fixing a Date for a Public Hearing on the Matter of the Adoption of a Proposed Sutherland Urban Revitalization Plan. Roll call: Ayes – Cox, Draper, Nelson and Engelke. Absent: Homan. Motion carried.
Standing Committee Reports:
Water: 1,852,861 gallons. Rich will start flushing hydrants the week of the 9th.
Streets: Rich will start patching potholes. Council will discuss the possibility of repairing multiple streets at the budget workshop.
Sanitation (sewer): 1,161,000 gallons. Rich will start discharging next week. Council was given a bid for lagoon repairs from Puhrmann Excavating. This will also be discussed at the budget workshop. Puhrmann Excavating is going to fill in a hole cause by erosion at the lagoons.
Town Property: Council asked Rich to bring more quotes on shop tools. The tires on the dump truck need replaced before winter. The plow truck is getting a hydraulic issue fixed.
Park: No report
Weed and Debris: The City will start a list for trees that are overhanging on the road.
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 Kay Gifford
Amanda Vanderhoff City Clerk
Published in O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier October 12, 2023