by Richard Radtke
Sutherland City Council met March 4th for their regular council meeting. Guest Steve Reinfeld informed the council that he was interested in purchasing the lot at 103 Main St. next to Legacys Bar on the north side. He is interested in putting in a beer garden and perhaps a bandshell in that area. After some discussion the council suggested that Mr. Reinfeld put in a bid for the property that the council can read at the next meeting.
Steve Koch inquired when the speed signs that were purchased last September were going to be put up. The council said that due to the issue of the trees and winter weather putting up the signs had not been a priority, but that they would be going up soon now that the weather would allow it. It was suggested that perhaps the police officer could come in early once in a while to work on slowing down the trucks using Jake Brakes coming into town.
Economic Development did not have a meeting in February. City Clerk Amanda Vanderhoff said that as understood Spruce-Up Sutherland would be the same as last year in regards to the timeline and the rules, with applications being due April 22, 2024 and winner notifications by April 30. The project to be completed by October 22, 2024.
Nancy Hill, Library Director gave the library report to the council. She noted that the library will be doing the Easter celebration on March 30 at the fire station. The council approved Sue Draper to the Library Board. The back door to the library came up for discussion in regards to the possibility to make it ADA compliant, which would cost more than the first plan that was suggested as that plan was not ADA compliant. It was decided that repair to the door should be rebid.
The fire and ambulance report was given by Chief Mark Shriver. He said there were three ambulance calls, and they have a new member Fernando Rodriguez. He also said they are planning to have bingo again this year sometime in April.
Officer Adam McQueen was not in attendance at the meeting but Mayor Gifford stated there had been 22 calls in February.
The council set the date for the Property Tax Levy Hearing for April 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. With the regular council meeting to follow at 7:30 p.m. due to the new state rules. The state has recommended that meetings should be at least 10 minutes apart. This was passed on roll call vote all ayes. (Nelson absent).
The council voted to move ahead on the sale of Lot 1 of the William’s addition to Foamworx Insulation (Austin Brown) to allow the building of a spec. house. This was passed with all ayes. (Nelson absent). There will be a public hearing for the sale of real estate.
The council approved the bids by R I Excavating and Bird Seeds to repair the holes left from the removed trees. All ayes with Nelson Absent.
The council approved a resolution to authorize the city to revise the contract for Real Estate and setting a date for a hearing. Passed with all ayes (Nelson Absent).
The HHM Trailer will be in Sutherland on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m. And Town Clean-up day is scheduled for April 27, 2024.