Harmony resident Salle Crutairi spoke during the public forum portion of the Harmony city council meeting on May 13. She felt that the library was being threatened by government cuts which could result in the library having to rely solely on community support. She also believed that the suspension of the library’s volunteer and intern program was a threat to the library as volunteers are a valuable resource for public libraries. She proposed that the program be reinstated immediately.
The consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the regular and special April meetings, the claims and April checks, the cash in CD, and cash balances. A number of liquor license applications were approved on the condition that all requirements regarding property taxes have been met. Gambling and noise permits for the Conservation Club were approved. Property inspections around Harmony took place on April 29 and 14 nuisance letters have been sent out.
City Engineer Brett Grabau from Stantec presented the proposal for the construction administration phase of the UV disinfection system project at the wastewater treatment plant. The proposal included the proposed scope of work, estimated fees, and project schedule with a completion date of June 30, 2026. The council approved the proposal. Mike Bubany had recommended that the city wait a few more months to obtain a bond for the project to avoid paying interest unnecessarily. The council adopted Resolution 25-05 allowing the bond funds to reimburse the city for any project costs incurred before bonding.
Andrew Forliti from Smith Schafer gave the audit presentation. Last year, the sewer fund was short and so some money was moved over from the general fund, but it wasn’t enough to cover the negative balance. The council approved a motion to transfer $224,196 from the electric fund to the sewer fund. The audit received a clean, unmodified opinion and was approved by the council.
A public hearing was held to discuss the proposed amendment to the chicken ordinance and the proposed telecommunication tower ordinance. Planning & Zoning had reviewed both ordinances and recommended approval. Currently, the chicken ordinance only allows them to be kept in commercial districts, but the amendment would expand that to allow them in residential areas as well. Mayor Steve Donney said that he had been approached by several Harmony residents who were against having chickens in residential areas. City Attorney Greg Schieber noted that the permit would have to be renewed each year so if complaints were received or the regulations weren’t being followed, they could be denied. He also pointed out that all of the neighbors have to agree to the chickens before a permit can be issued. The chicken ordinance was approved as amended. The Telecommunication Tower ordinance was tabled for revisions.
Scheiber updated the council on what he learned about the cannabinoid ordinance. The options are to adopt the county’s ordinance or to create one for the city. Council member Jesse Grabau pointed out that if the city had its own ordinance, city staff would not have the time or resources to adequately enforce it. The council adopted resolution 25-06 supporting the county’s hemp and cannabis ordinance.
A quote in the amount of $3,200 from Durst Outdoor Service was reviewed. Durst Outdoor Service will be painting 18 bike trail stencils along 1st Avenue due to it being a shared roadway with the bike trail. The quote was approved.
The Grand Marshalls for the 4th of July parade will be Chris and Kandace Johnson. The posters for the event are being printed now and will be distributed soon. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the bike trail extension is being planned.
Applications are being accepted for the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce director position. Becky Meyers will help out over the summer with social media and marketing. Eva Hemenway has been hired as the seasonal staff help and volunteers are being coordinated for the visitor center.
The council approved the hire of Dean Miller to mow at 30 hours a week for the Park Board and Carson Bothun to take care of the rest of the summer work. The splash pad will be opening on Memorial Day with the hours of 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The library board is putting together a sub-committee to formulate a volunteer policy so the volunteer and intern programs can be up and running again. Council member and library board liaison Michael Himlie had gotten input from other local libraries as well as SELCO on how they handle volunteer policies.
The winner of the art for the 4th of July button is Clarice Mathison. The buttons will be available for purchase soon and raffle tickets for the fire department in support of the fireworks are already being sold.