Chatfield presents 2023 Heritage Preservation Award

At the May 8 city council meeting Chris Giesen, Heritage Preservation Commission chairman, presented the 2023 Heritage Preservation Award to Mike and Julie Sogla. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent.

The commission exists to assist in the preservation of unique/architecturally significant and historic buildings and other projects in Chatfield. This year’s award presented to Mike and Julie Sogla is “in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the restoration and preservation of Chatfield’s historic buildings.” The preservation award is presented each year during May, Preservation Month. The award honors outstanding residents that have made important contributions to preserve and protect historic properties.

“Taking Chatfield’s Past Into the Future” has been chosen as the theme for this year’s Preservation Month. Mayor John McBroom proclaimed May 2023 as Preservation Month.

Other business in brief

• The third pay estimate in the amount of $82,460 to Killmer Electric Co., Inc. was approved for work completed on the 2022 Water System Electrical Improvement Project. This payment is for work completed on the generators for Well 2 and the Booster Pump Station.

• A special Chatfield City Council meeting was held on May 1. The meeting was held to approve documents associated with the search for a city administrator. A proposed job description for the position was reviewed along with the salary range, position profile, and a proposed timeline as prepared by Liza Donabauer.

The publication of the position profile and job description at a salary range of $99,782 to $128,873 was approved. Another special city council meeting will be held on June 15 to select finalists for interviews.

• A payment of $2,000 was approved to the Bluff Country Hiking Club for annual costs associated with the Lost Creek Hiking Trail. The city’s contribution was used in the past year for needs such as advertising in the travel guide, liability insurance, brochure printing, and a temporary summer hire to supplement many volunteer hours.

• An update to Chatfield’s General Personnel Policy was approved.

• Mayor McBroom commented that wording on political signage north of Chatfield that people have found to be offensive has been moderated to more positive language.

• City Administrator Joel Young commented on the first quarter financial report put together by Kay Coe.  He said they will be happy to answer any questions concerning the report.

• Councilor Paul Novotny reported on the Public Works Committee. He noted the cost savings that have been achieved at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Operational changes were started in 2020 to conserve water and electricity at the facility. Steve Schlichter has reported that three years of data show that they have exceeded their expectations. The KWh usage averaged 1100KWh per month less in 2022 than in 2021.