The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on July 12. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, Ryan Breckenridge, and Barbara Fate). City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended.
The council returned to a matter that had been tabled during the June meeting. Citizen Rocky Vreeman asked if the council has considered options other than stop signs, such as a traffic calming readout or increasing patrolling. After brief discussion, the council voted to formally approve the proposed change at the intersection of Pearl and Main Streets. It will be changed to a four-way stop intersection.
Eva Barr addressed the council, saying, “I am here in the capacity of board member for the Wykoff Area Historical Society. Writing a grant for the next phase of restoration on Ed’s Museum.” She said the total cost of all needed repairs/upgrades is around $150,000, and that the Historical Society intends to contribute $14,000 to help through a matching grant. She added that any contributions would be welcomed, and would help the project qualify for more matching grant funds. No formal action was taken by the council.
The council discussed some property owners who have been sent letters related to violations of the city’s “junk ordinance” or similar ordinances. Regarding a property owned by Alexander Lucas, Becky Schmidt stated, “He is repairing that home. He has full intention of getting it back up and running.” She suggested the city table plans to move forward with condemnation on the property. Mayor Williams agreed, and the council consensus was to wait and see if progress continues on the property.
Regarding another violation, Schmidt said that at the Rathbun property, one unlicensed vehicle has been removed, but another remains. The council voted to have the vehicle towed. Regarding the Shaw property, Schmidt said, “He is working at it” and she noted that the weeds have been sprayed. Regarding Casey Bates, Schmidt said the mowing has been done, but the required weeding has not occurred. The council voted to have that work done, at the rate of $75/hour, per ordinance.
Schmidt also described the issue regarding Roger Storlie’s property. She said the city sent a letter, and she added, “One of the biggest problems is that somebody has seen rats running out from underneath his pallets and stuff.” After discussion, the council voted to move forward with abatement on the property. Schmidt will consult with the city attorney on this matter.
Becky Schmidt brought up the previously discussed the issue of possibly appointing a second city attorney. She summarized, “Mr. Luhman has agreed to stay on and do all of our criminal cases.” After discussion, the council voted to approve Greg Schieber to handle Wykoff’s civil cases.
Regarding the agenda item entitled “Dirt Bikes Racing Behind Schluesner’s on City Property,” Luan Hare gave an update, commenting that, “Barb Schluesner came in and just said that… they didn’t have a problem with them going back there to ride quietly, but now they’re starting to race back there… and it’s odd times of the day… So I did let Fillmore County know about that, and they’re going to keep an eye out.”
Wade Baker informed the council that, “July 24th, there’s a side-by-side ride that Spring Valley and Grand Meadow Fire are co-hosting, and they had asked to stop here at the fire hall… they had asked if we’re interested as the fire department in having some type of a meal, precooked, ready to go.” He suggested possible a simple meal of hot dog, chips and bottled water, which would be offered for a freewill donation. The riders would be expected to be in Wykoff roughly 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. that day. Council members spoke in favor of the idea, and pointed out that it will likely bring in additional revenue for local businesses, especially the convenience store.
The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, August 9, at 7 p.m.
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