By Mari Radtke
A guest at the October 16 Paullina Council meeting brought up the question about what happened with caring for the tree dump area. The weeds are tall, the sludge piles are high and not leveled. He was under the impression that was from Northern Natural Gas dumping their removed mud from the plant construction.
Councilman Jay Jones said he’s been trying to reach the contractor. There were comments that they were told there would be no charge for the dumping. Jones said he would try to reach the company itself to see if they will help.
Ben Eldridge asked the Council to approve the northeast corner of Maple and Broadway as the site for the new EMS building. Planning and improving the drawing and details of the building are underway. Council approving the property gives the fire department more certainty to go forward with more specific planning. The property goes from Maple Street east to Harker Street. Some discussion came up between Eldridge, Ryan Harper, Fire Chief and Councilman Steve Heeren about a second property. Harper and Eldridge reflected that the discussion has been ongoing for two years. They also noted that it will be two years from authorizing the building to its completion. Council approved the vote 3-1 with Councilperson Lexy Murphy abstaining. Heeren opposed.
A nuisance hearing requested by John and Candy Hahn began. Hahn outlined rezoning to the lot that he was unaware of. He used the lot for activities in compliance with the General Industrial (GI) zoning. He reported that he has removed or properly stored all the metal. He feels the weeds are under control for it being a construction site, but also reported the complaint issue has been addressed. When asked by Council person Carol Honkomp if he was doing all the work himself, he outlined the difficulty he has experienced with available contractors. Hahn was cited for unlicensed vehicles. He said he doesn’t know what they are talking about. All of his vehicles are licensed. Other citations were for doors and siding which Hahn claims are paid for and ordered. He said that beyond the siding he didn’t see any issues with the property. Honkomp said she drove by and “it was a mess.” Mayor Brenda Ebel Kruse focused on a September 1 deadline. She commented, “next time I won’t just take your word for it, I’ll get it in writing.” Disagreement between Ebel Kruse’s version and the Hahn version is about having the siding done. The Hahn’s position is that a written document given to them as an “agreement” included items that were not discussed between the city and the Hahns. There was also disagreement as to when letters and conversations and deadlines took place. Councilperson Murphy reminded council that the responsibility for following up on nuisances was to the nuisance committee. Ebel Kruse responded that Michelle [Wilson] sent out all the letters and had a nice spread sheet she would show them any time. Which vehicles require licensing and sheltering became the focus of the discussion. The storage method of various vehicles became the topic of discussion such as stacking unlicensed trailers on top of a licensed trailer. Nelda Werkmeister supported Hahn’s position with difficulty in getting reliable, experienced workers. Councilperson Jean Unrau and Heeren brought the conversation back to the issue of what has been met and what remains, which turns out to be just the siding and doors of the garage. A building permit application has been submitted but is not yet approved. Candy Hahn put the situation very clearly: the building needs to get done to that the vehicles can be put in it. Ebel Kruse remarked that dealers in town could be approached to place some of the trailers on their property. Hahn said that he was beginning to feel harassed because there are other nuisances around town not being addressed. Heeren recommended space could be rented to store the outdoor vehicles that met with agreement with Honkomp and Unrau. He was required to move or license the unlicensed trailer within 2 weeks. Hahn has since rented space 100 feet west of his property and moved the trailers to land outside of town.
An ordinance amended early in 2023 is not being amended. Council approved prohibiting planting trees in the parking earlier this year. Now they want to revisit that change. A proposal for a new amendment was discussed on October 16. Certain characteristics of the trees were identified as acceptable. Marlin Sjaarda explained that this submission is “just an idea.” Further research revealed that some of those tree limitations are not applicable and would need to be changed. A $15 permit is also part of the proposed ordinance. John Ihle questioned the committee’s existence. Sjaarda responded that the proposal under discussion at this meeting is only there for discussion. Ihle responded that the agenda stated that a first reading of this ordinance amendment was on the agenda, a little more than just discussion. He stated, “I see this as an end-run around the council.” He also asked if City Attorney Tisha Halverson has seen the proposal. Ihle feels that the procedure being used is rushed and out of order. Heeren interjected confirmation. He recapped the council’s rushed action to deny tree planting and doesn’t want to do the same thing again by rushing the amendment. Honkomp felt that receiving the ordinance proposal Friday gave plenty of time to Monday evening to read the proposal. Sjaarda described the actions taken by the “Tree Committee.” Letters to property owners received a letter that clearly stated that this was for discussion only, according to Glenda Heithus. She went on to say that she feels trees should be planted on the parking for beautification and other purposes. A guest asked if he could have the Ash Tree on his property left 5 or 6 feet high and have a chain saw carver do a carving for him. Kelly Top interjected that he doesn’t feel the city needs to rush into anything. Murphy motioned to table the proposed ordinance. Despite council members expressing support for taking a slower thoughtful route to an ordinance, Sjaarda defended to proposed ordinance noting that fall is a good time to plant trees for those who want a tree and are ready to plant once their dead Ash Trees are removed. Murphy’s motion to table was withdrawn. Top wanted delay any action until next meeting to allow the public to give comments. Jones remarked that you don’t have to do it at the next meeting – “you can give ‘em a couple meetings.” Jones moved and Heeren seconded to amend the ordinance in question, tree planting on parking with a permit and restrictions – even though as presented it needs changes. The motion passed unanimously. It’s not clear if the second reading November 6 will be the same ordinance that will need to be amended or if council is going to approve a second reading on an ordinance that has not yet been presented for a first reading (changed and not read or presented).
Permits and fees for golf carts was removed. Murphy asked if council can allow golf carts after dark if they have headlights. That led to discussion of state vs. city collecting fees to drive ATVs and UTVs on city streets. Honkomp fully believes that city’s can license ATVs and UTVs. Police Chief Nathan Bremer noted state code only allows their operation from sunrise to sunset. The ordinance amendment was passed and limited operation from sunrise to sunset.