by Mari Radtke
Adam Harper spoke during the public forum requesting Council to consider putting stop signs at intersections in the neighborhood north of Grand Avenue. He explained that his daughter had been in a car accident. He felt the lack of traffic control devices and persistent speeding are a problem.
Agenda items at the March 18 regular meeting of Paullina City Council began with the consent agenda being passed. The consent agenda included March 4 minutes, a Class C liquor license for the Golf Club and rescheduling two public hearings. The resolutions setting the date, time and place for Switchgear #1 and Switchgear #2 were both amended. The amendment changed the date, time and place from 5:30pm to 6:00pm due to the new state requirements for the proposed budget public hearing. The public hearings to approve the spending on the switchgear for the city’s electric system and housing for the equipment are both set for Monday April 1. Comments for the project can be made in person or via letter or email. Anonymous comments will not be heard.
Kent Faust provided premium information about the city’s property and automobile insurance. He explained that these insurance types, particuarly are on an upward trend generally. The city increased their blanket coverage amount from $14 to $15 million of coverage. That amount covers the city’s buildings and automobiles. Adding to the increase in the cost of the insurance was a large increase in the Inland Marine coverage. That coveage takes care of unlicensed equipment. Specifically mentioned was a $165,000 skidloader currently under lease from AgriVision. The $12,800 increase must be paid by April 1, 2024 to maintain the coverage.
Financial statements through January are said to be complete, although which reports are included was not specified. The budget was electronically submitted to the state but an error message was returned from the state. Outstanding checks are being dealth with, giving hope that a treasurers report may be coming soon. That report is supposed to provide council with a cash on hand balance for each fund.
Kelly Harms, representing the Paullina Chamber requested that the city park be used for food truck Mondays this season. The reasoning is the lack of shade at the pocket park and no permanent seating or tables. Council approved the request.
The nuisance committee members, Carol Honkomp and Nicole Jacobs requested clarification for the parking ordinance and that it be reworded “for clarity.” They described a concern where space was insufficient but a car parked might be in violation. They wanted to have Council help determine the meaning of “parking” and “terrace” in the meaning of the ordinance. Mayor Marlin Sjaarda noted that any language change would require a formal amendment procedure and suggested the ordinance be addressed while the ordinance book is being updated, currently overdue. Councilman Steve Heeren, with involvement from Police Chief Nate Bremer, explained to Honkomp and Jacobs the meaning of Chapter 5.08 (16). The phrase “where curbing has been installed” clearly defined the meaning of the ordinance and helped the nuisance committee members understand when parking is in violation.