The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on November 13, with all council members in attendance (Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason). Also attending were City Attorney Dwight Luhmann and Assistant Clerk Luann Hare. Approximately 15 other citizens were in attendance at the meeting. Prior to the regular council meeting, two public hearings were held, although no questions or comments were made during either hearing. The first was on 2019 budget and levy setting, and the second was regarding the proposed vacating of a portion of Line Street.
The council held a tiebreaker regarding two candidates in the recent election who tied in their bids for Wykoff City Council. Missy Musel and Richard Gleason each received 84 votes. City Clerk Becky Schmidt stated that the preferred method for breaking the tie is either a coin flip or “cutting the deck” to see who gets a higher playing card. Musel was asked her preference, and she chose cards. After the new deck was opened and shuffled by Schmidt, and the deck was “cut” by a member of the public, Musel picked a three, and Gleason picked an eight, making him the winner. The council then officially canvassed the election results, including Alan Williams (elected to a two-year term as mayor) and Richard Gleason and Lyle Morey (each elected to a four-year term on the council).
The council discussed an email received from Matthew Keough, representing JCMP Group LLC. His email stated that Keough is interested in purchasing the mobile home park located at 501 Fillmore Street in Wykoff. He stated an intention to grow the park, and to attract new residents to town. The email also asks if the city could bill each resident of that mobile home park for water and sewer services, rather than having the park owner pay and then get reimbursed by the individuals within the park. Becky Schmidt said that although this change would generate roughly $800 more monthly for the city, it could create problems as well. No action was taken at this time, but Mary Sackett and Mary Tjepkes agreed to work together to look further into this matter.
Angela Tarrence addressed the council regarding the winter parking ordinance. She explained that at her home, there are sometimes five or more vehicles to be parked, and that’s not possible without having some parked on the street. She asked about alternate-side parking, or if she could be allowed a variance. After discussion of the options, the council voted to approve a variance, effective immediately.
Ernie Domosky voiced a complaint about Waste Management; Becky Schmidt said she will call the company to pass along his concern. Missy Musel brought up a concern regarding the city’s “junk ordinance.” She pointed out that the city staff has left several items sitting outside since Fall Fest, including a grill, sitting stool, and shovel. She suggested the city should set a better example of following their own ordinance.
Daren Sikkink (WHKS) discussed the street project proposed for 2019. He stated, “What the process would be is tonight you would be accepting the feasibility report as we have written… and calling for a public hearing. And so the project, for the city’s portion, would be the utilities: sanitary sewer, water main, a portion of the curb and gutter, and a portion of the storm sewer.” After discussion, the council set the public hearing for 7 p.m. at the community center on December 12.
The council approved purchase of roughly $36,000 worth of apparel and gear for fire department crew, as requested by Fire Chief Wade Baker. The council voted to vacate the section of Line Street between Front Street and Bartlett Street. This was a “loose end” related to the school property. The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m. The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, December 10 at 7 p.m.
Leave a Reply