By Mari Radtke
Presentation of bank reconciliations for July through October 2022 were on the agenda. City Clerk Michelle Wilson explained that the majority of all of the transactions were input into the computer but 3 months of those journals “would not print out correctly.” She went on to explain there would be contact with the software company the next day. Treasurer’s reports are expected for all months since August 2022 until present. Wilson outlined some of the input errors and oversights that needed to be corrected. “It was quite the task,” she said.
Brendon Olson of Schwebach Tree Service attended. He explained how many trees they’ve taken down 3-5000 trees since April 1 in O’Brien and Sioux Counties. Sixty of those trees are from Paullina. He expects they have another 5000 trees to go. He explained that budgeted amount with Paullina is mostly used up. He says that the trees in Paullina are dying more quickly than expected.
He urged the city to keep the city here to remove all of the 135 trees plus an estimated 25 more dead trees. City staff is cleaning up the debris from stump grinding. The additional cost to Paullina, if Schwebach stays, the daily cost will be lower than if they leave and have to come back. He never did state the daily rate or give how many additional days he felt would be needed to complete the job. John Ihle, an audience member, asked what is the exact proposal. Olson responded that he didn’t know if he had a proposal, per se. He only emphasized that if they have to come back next year the daily price would be higher.
Eventually Mayor Brenda Ebel Kruse did some math asking of the $43,000 could be worked with. Olson’s said he didn’t know if it would get it done. He felt it would be closer to $75,000 to $125,000. Some of the funds would come from the sale of old vehicles. Estimates are that the city will need to come up with a minimum of an additional $10,000 to complete the removal of dead trees. The additional investment in tree removal was passed. Superintendent Kelly Top will provide information to council at the next meeting about chipping.
Kent Faust brought the employee insurance for next year to the council. Benefits remain the same, but the price is up 7.5%. Out of the entire pool, the risk factor is up from the Paullina staff by 5% of the increase. Claims had tripled. Faust also provided more and less costly options for consideration. Changes must be made by December 15.
The Paullina Chamber presented their ideas of the Hometown Christmas event. They asked if the old bank building could be used for different activities. Nichole Jacobs asked for permission to put a round hay bale and a tree on the pocket park for the event. The event is proposed as Saturday December 2 beginning at 5pm. She asked for street closures to begin at 3pm. The resolution closed Main Street from City Hall to Railroad Street and East Broadway from Main to Mickley Street. The resolution passed.
Mark Wilson, Director O’Brien County Conservation attended to request connection of Mill Creek to the underground pipe to the city’s sewer lagoons. He explained the areas of the park to be connected and explained the goal of building a year-round heated bathroom. Ice fishing would be enhanced by the addition. The pipe under the creek had been installed perhaps 10 years ago. Flow meters and six grinders will need to be installed. The connections throughout the park will be contracted to a third party. The park is already hooked up to city water. According to Wilson, peak usage summer 2023 was 61,000 gallons. A resolution (not on the agenda) was read and passed to accept O’Brien County Conservation as a commercial waste customer.
A 36-month contract with A&M Laundry was presented to council. A&M currently provides rugs, shop towels and other similar items. The price was said to be similar to be what it is now. The city has used the service for many years. Council gave approval to the contract.
A representative of A&B IT Solutions visited asking about providing computer services. Councilperson Jean Unrau reported that she was impressed with the 24 hour monitoring offered. Councilperson Carol Honkomp thought Primghar used them. Security issues were a big concern. Discussion of the current provider was considered. Currently the payment was believed to be around $500 monthly. No contract with DC3 was found. The proposal included hardware, software and setup as separate charges.
A separate proposal from the same company was for the purchase and installation of a 75” TV, speakers and other necessary equipment for presentation capability. Dennis Werkmeister asked if there was room in the budget. Councilman Jay Jones stated, “It needs to be done. The computers lock up for half a day.” Councilman Steve Heeren said to look at what is budgeted for that kind of equipment. They also want to check with neighboring communities for their sytems. A motion made by Heeren and seconded by Unrau to pass the second reading of the Tree on Parking amendment. Discussion of the cost of caring for what goes onto the parking and the moratorium of tree planting on parking imposed by the City of Sheldon was had. The motion failed 3-1 on a voice vote.
Honkomp moved to approve the second reading of the tree ordinance and waive the third reading. Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 3-1 vote with Heeren opposing.
The 2nd reading of golf carts amendment also met with approval. This amendment stops the city’s issuance of golf cart permits and charging fees to be driven on the city streets. Golf carts on streets must be insured and equipped with all safety devices, lights, horn, etc. Discussion of driving golf carts after sunset had been held during the first reading.