The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on February 11, with all council members in attendance: (Lyle Morey, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason). Also attending was assistant clerk Luann Hare.
The pending land transfer (ballfield and playground) from Kingsland School to the city was one of the main topics in the meeting. The survey bill of $2,175 that was recently sent to Wykoff was discussed, with Gleason stating that he’d discovered, “There was a misunderstanding, supposedly, between us and the school system. Originally, the property was offered to us as a goodwill gesture because of them leaving. And it was stated that we would pay court costs, and that was it… At no time was it ever brought up about the survey cost… I want to go on the record here saying that I think we’re kind of being stabbed in the back a little bit, and we’re kind of being forced into something that we did not agree with.”
Tiffany Mundfrom, a member of the Kingsland School Board, was in attendance, and said she recalls Gleason attending a board meeting held in the elementary conference room, at which Gleason agreed that Wykoff paying the survey cost was a “reasonable” expectation. She could not give a specific date of that meeting, but said Kingsland most likely has a recording of it. Gleason and Mundfrom agreed that he had pointed out at that time that he is only one member, so he could not make binding decisions for the city. After discussion, the council voted unanimously to pay the survey cost, and to accept the quit claim deed for the property.
Becky Schmidt shared a quote received from Maguire Iron Inc. for repairs to the city’s water tower. She said the full quote is $57,250, but the cost of just doing what it would take to be OSHA-compliant is roughly one-third of that. She added that the contractor offered to allow payments spread out over the next three years if Wykoff chooses to have all of the repairs and painting done. The matter was tabled to allow for further checking into the situation.
The council heard from Eva Barr, representing the group Wykoff by Design. She requested permission for the group to use the community center for a meeting on February 16 at 9 a.m., and for the city to waive the rental fee, since the meeting is to benefit the city. After discussion, the council approved this request, allowing the group to meet in the north side of the center.
Mike Bubany spoke to the council, sharing a vast amount of information and financial considerations related to the city’s plans to make repairs to Fillmore, Gold and Line Streets. The project is expected to cost around $560,000, and the city plans to use special assessments for 20% of the cost, as usual. Bubany Showed various factors and options that city could employ to pay for the project without allowing taxpayers to feel an excessive rise in their obligation. He summarized, “I’m just trying to give you some potential strategies.” No action was taken at this time.
The council discussed the need for a truck/plow/sander. Although the council in January approved purchasing a used truck/plow/sander, it was no longer available. After discussion, the council felt the current equipment can get through this winter, and chose to table to issue, and will look into buying new equipment in the spring or summer.
The council discussed having Plunkett’s come and do pest control at the community center. After hearing that the one-time visit cost was roughly half of a yearly contract, the council chose to sign up for a yearly contract. The council also approved purchasing and installing a new door at the community center, at a cost of $898. It will include a key pushpad, so that will save on time and costs in the long run.
After discussion, the council approved beginning to offer ACH payments for city utility bills. There will be a very minimal cost to the city, but it is expected to a very appreciated new offering to citizens. The council voted to terminate the employment of Jody Dahl in the custodial maintenance position, and will work on finding a permanent replacement.
Wade Baker asked that all citizens please remember to shovel snow away from fire hydrants, so that the fire department can respond promptly when needed. The council chose to set the Rural Fire Board meeting for either February 20 or 22, depending on availability of members. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m.
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