Photo by Zech Sindt
Potentially dangerous dog licensing fees, neglected properties, playground safety and several community projects were among the topics discussed during the July 13 Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Jane Baker, Barbara Fate and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended.
During committee reports, Breckenridge reported the city’s wastewater treatment plant solar project is nearing completion. The system is expected to be commissioned around July 20 after work is completed on the facility’s backup generator. He reported water and wastewater operations remained in compliance during the month with no permit violations. Breckenridge also announced he will seek another two-year term as mayor.
Fire Chief Mike Lund reported the department responded to one propane tank fire during the past month. He said repairs to the department’s newest truck are temporarily on hold while waiting for parts. Once repairs are complete, the truck will be inspected, wrapped and placed into service. Lund thanked the city for recognizing firefighters during the recent community picnic by displaying flags at the fire hall and said replacement heaters are expected to be installed later this month.
The council approved three zoning requests, including a garage addition, a new single-family home in the Mundfrom Addition and a patio and fence project.
The council received an update on a long-vacant property near The Commons. Schmidt said efforts to begin condemnation proceedings remain stalled because the city has been unable to find an attorney willing to handle the case and has no current contact information for the property owner.
The council approved a $150 annual licensing fee for households with dogs designated as potentially dangerous. The annual license includes a reevaluation to monitor the dogs’ training progress and is intended to cover the city’s administrative costs. Schmidt said the owner of the meadow at The Commons will be notified that the property must be mowed after council members expressed concern that the overgrown weeds no longer resemble the intended prairie. Council members requested an update on a temporary trailer at the Gateway Cafe property that had been scheduled for removal by July 20.
The council unanimously approved forgiving a one-time $178.67 sewer charge for a vacant home after determining excess water used to establish newly installed sod did not enter the city’s sewer system. Members accepted a $500 donation from Goodies and Gas for Wykoff Athletics uniforms and $800 in community picnic donations for the Park and Recreation Department.
Council members discussed an aging swing set that failed its annual inspection because of worn hangers. Rather than removing the equipment immediately, they directed the Park and Recreation Committee to research repair costs and current playground safety standards before making a recommendation.
The council discussed Kingsland Public Service Day after learning it has been moved to October. Members said finding meaningful outdoor projects later in the fall may be more difficult and agreed to scale back the city’s participation this year.
Before adjourning, the council scheduled upcoming budget meetings and briefly discussed abandoned Arvig utility lines throughout the community.
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