Month: June 2021

06/21/2021 A Voice From the Gallery

Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted,

when we tolerate what we know to be wrong,

when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy or too frightened,

when we fail to speak up and speak out,

we strike a blow against freedom, decency and justice.

Robert F. Kennedy

Mayor Haeder called the June 21, 2021, city council meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Council members present were Councilman David Larsen, Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman  Cyndi Peeples, Councilman Brian Johnson, and City Attorney Sam Nelson absent was Councilman Curtis Keiser.

Agenda Item # 3 – Approve the agenda was called.  Mayor Haeder stammered around the fact agenda item #6 Community Center Bond Update was to be deleted from agenda consideration.  What I find ludicrous is the agenda is to be crafted by the mayor not the bookkeeper.  Here is Mayor Haeder apparently totally unaware the council was not going to be discussing the Community Center Bond ($575K) with AMKO.

Agenda Item #4 – Public Input

Vickie Larsen-I spoke to the advertisement with Keloland Employment placed apparently by Bookkeeper Patricia Jurrens without the city council reading the text of the advertisement.  As usual Bookkeeper Jurrens took liberties with the terms and conditions for police chief candidates.   Especially note under Essential Duties and Responsibilities…works directly with the city finance officer, reporting to Mayor and City Council.  Madam Bookkeeper you are not a city manager.

 

I spoke to the final finding of the emptying of our water tower.  I had already explained how the alarm was to have worked.  I had noted the wiring on the shack which houses the equipment and wondered if a power interruption would have caused the alarm of low water no to work.  As usual I was pooh-poohed.  Of course Bookkeeper Jurrens weighed in with her opinion (04:59.20)  YO BO Jurrens, the alarm was put into place to keep the water tower from draining and if you knew your job, you would have known about the alarm system put into place.  Listen-up Buttercup!

I touched on the FOIA/Sunshine request I made on May 7, 202, which still has not been honored.   For all those folks out there receiving minimum water bills, garbage fees and street maintenance fees with no water access or hook ups, you should file for a reimbursement and any interest if this has been a long term action on the part of Bookkeeper Jurrens.

Lastly I touched on the retaining wall finally put into place to stop and further erosion on the two private properties bordering on the southern edge of the Sunny Side storage.  Mayor Haeder retorted that the retaining wall was right on time, if not before times.  (05:54.97)  With that comment in mind, check out the permitting forms for Sunny Side. Be sure to read through both documents particular the drawing for the mortgage toward the bottom about the retaining wall. Note the completion date 12/31/2020. Notice the date on the second document 03/09/2013 and note the spigot notation on document called Permit 291. So is Sunnyside paying a water fee? We want to know!

Kerry Hedden spoke to Police Chief Austin Schuller’s performance as a police officer.  Mr. Hedden spoke to his own experience as a young police officer in Remsen, IA and the measure of dedication it takes to enforce the law in a small community. 

Councilwoman Linda Talbott spoke to the weeks growing next to the ambulance building.  Mayor Haeder weighed in on the subject speaking of a boulevard. (08:14.70)  Now folks, I have no idea of Mayor Haeder’s definition of what a boulevard is.  According to Merriam-Webster a boulevard is defined as, “ a broad often landscaped thoroughfare” Folks to put this into perspective, imagine Broad street with a center lane with trees planted in that center lane.  Listening to the ensuing chatter about the ambulance, Mayor and the council apparently have no clue Alcester Emergency Medical Services was a 501C3.  Mayor said he would hand the weed situation off to the second in command Jon Serck.  Weeds aside, I would like to add a comment on the enforced shuttling of patients to Hawarden.  I make this observation in light of the hour I sat at waiting for the train to move back and forth during that hour.  Knowing how the railroad tracks were placed, the length of the train and the maneuvering of the numerous back and forth movements,  I knew I was not in position to go around the train.  So if you are being transported by ambulance to Hawarden, what is the ambulance going to do?  Delay of treatment?  You betcha!  Are you aware that the length of time a train can block a road?  In the state of Iowa, it is illegal for a train to block a road for more than ten minutes . Jan 27, 2020  So the question is, if you are the patient can you survive those ten minutes?

Agenda Item #5 – Total Stop – Application for off-sale liquor license.  Voted to approve a Public Hearing on July 13, 2021, to approve the off-sale liquor license to Total Stop.

Agenda Item #6 – Community Center Bond Update deleted.

Agenda Item #7 – Legal Updates – City Attorney Sam Nelson dealt with updates regarding agreements.  The AMKO/Davison agreement was now in signature form.  Mr. Nelson spoke to the Banner Engineering vs. Alcester impasse implying changes in language with Mr. Wheeler Attorney for Banner Engineering.  So is this a lawsuit?  What is the deal?  In the past Banner Engineering had dealt with our waste-water system. 

Agenda item #8 – Street Improvements – Lonnie Johnson described the excavation and stabilization of certain city streets trying to answer the question of our forgotten streets.  First the easiest answer is take care of the danged streets.  Prior to 2012 sections of street in town were on a schedule of upkeep and repair.  After 2012 our streets were thrown to the blow-hard winds of Rick Johnson, Tom Glas and etc.  According to Lonnie Johnson we have two realistic choices.  Do an excavation and stabilization (priced at $29K+/-) or do an asphalt (Stephenson Asphalt) application and hope it lasts at least three years (priced at $22K+/-)?  The biggest kicker here is once again the council is placed on the cusp of damned if we do and damned if we don’t.  They appeared to be unaware that one bid had already been received on an issue they were just finding out about.  And wonder of wonder these ol’ boys can be in town and applying the asphalt on Thursday.  I do not know about you folks but the choice is being taken away from the council.  It appears there was no competitive bid and would be no competitive bid ’cause according to Mayor Haeder, “…we gotta get this thing done…”  So back to the $29K price tag and the $22K price tag.  Councilman David Larsen asked bookkeeper Jurrens, “do we have the money in the budget? (0:30:18.50)  Answer Bookkeeper Jurrens replies, “…we do not have money in the budget…” (0:30:26.60)  WHERE  DID THE MONEY GO BOOKKEEPER  JURRENS?  In the past the budget carried a set amount for the streets, and then you continue to do the “Street Maintenance Fee” to side-step the tax cap.  WHERE IS THE MONEY?  Council voted for the $22K Asphalt application.  So where is the money coming from.  Ask Pat.

Agenda Item #9 – Department Head Updates 

Police Department – applicants for the position of police chief.  Hopefully the committee will keep Bookkeeper Jurrens out of the committee meeting.

Street Department – weeds in gutters

Waste-Water – Lonnie addressed Vickie Larsen’s question of the Water Tower fiasco.(0:39:49.10)After the water tower question was raised Lonnie had looked into the issue.  He found that the low water alarm had been disabled and the notification attempts were circumvented. Once again Bookkeeper Jurrens offered her counterfeit two cents with her comment, “…It was a valve …”  It shows how much Bookkeeper Jurrens knows about why alarms are put on water towers.    YO Bookkeeper Jurrens the alarm was disabled and you didn’t get the message.  Imagine if there was a fire?  The fire department gets the water from our hydrants, the water drains out of the tower, no water for the hydrants duh!  Then the fire department will have to evacuate the pool and pump water out of the pool.

Agenda Item #10 – Reminders and Updates-

Agenda Item #11 – Alcester Community Center  (0:52:00.07)

Agenda Item #12 – Fairboard report (0:52:15.43) and (0:58:09.97) A parade?  A city council float (1:01:04.87)  and lest we forget the small treasur(er) throw candy in the shape of jewels per Mayor Haeder.  Yup home town jewels! (1:02:00.50)

Agenda Item#13 – Executive Session SDCL 1-25-2.1 PERSONNEL  at 7:04 PM. Everyone is ushered out.  At 7:27 PM Bookkeeper Jurrens and Bookkeeping Aid Halverson are called into the Executive Session and remained in the session for almost 30 minutes.  At 8:03 PM Bookkeeper Jurrens and Bookkeeping Aid Halverson exit the Executive session to stand in the hallway with me but whispering non-stop until we are called back into open session at 8:07 PM.  No action is taken. Executive session for personnel lasted an hour.

Agenda Item #14 – Executive Session for unknown purposes is not needed.

Agenda Item #15 – Adjourn  Council Adjourns at 8:08 pm

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                       605-934-2287      605-770-7929

Councilman David Larsen            605-934-2434

Councilwoman Darla Reppe         605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot         605-254-3074

Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples  

Councilman Brian Johnson           605-214-0282

Councilman Curtis Keiser             605-214-7604

Patricia Jurrens                             605-934-2517

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06/17/2021 A Voice From the Gallery

          Hey folks, finally!  Remember back in 2020? Got to wonder if this situation would have been ignored without nagging from the gallery?

09/21/2020 A Voice from the Gallery – Alcester City Council meeting-Agenda Item #5 – excerpt

                Public Hearing of Variance set at 6:16 p.m. for the Sunnyside LLC.  Present to push his variance through was Rob Huber of Lennox, SD.  He was disappointed it was not a slam dunk.  Mr. Huber announced he was a civil engineer…Currently, the municipal employee who issues the Building Permits is Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens.  So let’s take a look at the building permit, a couple of the accompanying documents and the permitting process.  First the front page of the building permit issues on August 18, 2020, by Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens and as provided to the city council for review late September 18, 2020.                                                                                                                                                           

Please note the yellow highlighted areas (addenda to Huber mortgage certification containing just the date of March 8, 2013) here.  Addition to Existing Storage units, Note the date of certification of the original drawing for mortgage purposes, Note the highlighted area on the drawing on the south side of lot #10 with the notation Small concrete Block Wall.  Now to (0:20:20.67) Councilman David Larsen’s question of a retaining wall.  Mr. Huber’s answer (0:21:30.60) explaining he didn’t feel it was justified and Mr. Huber’s excuse (0:22:02.10)  Why pencil in an addenda of small concrete block wall? Obviously expert opinion felt it was needed.  Mr. Huber states (22:56.63) “…We’ve built a lot of storages facilities…“, (33:37.47) “…gladly give you information …” already digging, a little late if you ask me, (44:55.10) “ …I have already ordered the materials…” and (45:13.13) “...Been in the business…If I would have known…“. 

                 Since this building permit involved our Industrial District the requirements for a variance are found in Chapter 15 of the Alcester Zoning Regulations…15.04  A) “…Convenience, loss of profit, financial limitations, or self-imposed hardship shall not be considered as grounds for approving a variance by the Zoning Board of Adjustment” (the city council)   So why did the majority of the council vote to allow the variance, could it be (45:59.10)  where Mr. Huber says, “…I wasn’t expecting this…” and (0:48:25.70)  Mr. Huber, “…if you don’t want to do this…just let me know…” ?  Insinuating he would cancel the project if Alcester would not give him a variance.  Really?  What about all those pre-ordered materials? (44:55.10) on the expectation this convenience variance was a cakewalk?  Mr. Huber spoke of the financial impact his project will have on our city.  Property Tax on the current property is around $1978.42 , add a like sum for the additional units for a grand total of $3799.84 per year split with the school, the county and the city, no jobs that I see for the locals and according to my information self-storage facilities are not subject to sales tax.

          Our Building Permitting and Variance Processes are flawed, encompassing convenience variances, preferential variances and lackadaisical implementation, often supporting documents lack dates and even legal documents lack dates.  In my opinion, these flaws put Alcester at financial risk and liability and cost our citizen taxpayers…Getting the agenda emailed after-hours on a Friday afternoon before a Monday meeting creates a major impediment in the council’s ability to gather facts on their own, effectively blocking council independent inquiry and beware the wrath if a council member shows the initiative to investigate on their own.  Better to ask for forgiveness than for permission, Keep the council in-the-dark, can’t hurt can it?

          Folks I would like to thank Chief Jeff Christie for his dedicated service to our community and I would like to apologise to him for the lamentable treatment he received from the city bookkeeper and the lack of intestinal fortitude of our mayor to stand up for our police department members.           

          The city bookkeeper who has reportedly whined bewailing she was, “born and raised here in Alcester, Mr. or Ms. was not …”  Bookkeeper Jurrens…sows, heifers, hens and little roosters are raised, children are reared.  You might want to keep that in mind as to which category ya’ll are a placin’ yourself.  In light of your birthright entitlement remark bookkeeper Jurrens I would like to point out you made no active choice where you were born and reared, your parents made that choice.  In addition bookkeeper Jurrens keep in mind there are those of us who came to Alcester by choice, brought our businesses to Alcester by choice, brought OUR families to Alcester by choice and brought our talents, education and business experience to Alcester by choice!  So go wash your cryin’ towel and remember ya’ll don’t get paid overtime for ‘cryin’ time’ in the finance office. 

          I would like to remind our council, mayor, finance officer and residents of Alcester, Alcester is governed under an aldermanic form of government NOT a city manager-aldermanic form of government.  Bookkeeper Jurrens is not a city manager, holds none of the power of a city manager/mayor.  Folks there are only three aldermanic municipalities in which residents HAVE VOTED for the  City Manager Form: “These municipalities are either aldermanic or commissioner form, but employ a city manager. In the Aldermanic Form with a City Manager, the mayor and alderman are elected in the same manner as described above. There are three municipalities in South Dakota using this form of government: Brookings, Vermillion, and Sturgis. In Commissioner Form municipalities that employ a city manager, the number of commissioners is nine, each elected for a three-year term. There are three municipalities in South Dakota using this form of government: Watertown, Aberdeen and Yankton…” (https://www.sdmunicipalleague.org/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC=%7B33E9C767-2065-4201-8F6B-DBDA8625A402%7D&DE=%7B8ED171C6-7486-4770-B412-C99E60303C64%7D) 

            So madam bookkeeper you are employed by the City of Alcester which does not number among the three (3) aldermanic municipalities employing a city manager, therefore YOU do not have the authority to:

9-10-15. General powers of city manager.

The manager shall have the following further powers and duties:

(1)    He shall see that the laws and ordinances are enforced;  In other words Bookkeeper Jurrens YOU do not have the authority or right to order about our police chief or officers!

(2)    He shall supervise the administration of the affairs of the first or second class municipality;

(3)    He shall make such recommendations to the governing body concerning the affairs of the first or second class municipality as may seem to him desirable;

(4)    He shall keep the governing body advised of the financial condition and future needs of the first or second class municipality;

(5)    He shall prepare and submit to the governing body an annual budget not later than August first of each year;

(6)    He shall see that all terms and conditions imposed in favor of the first or second class municipality or its inhabitants in any contract or franchise to which the municipality is a party are faithfully kept and performed;

(7)    Except when the governing body may be considering his removal the manager shall be entitled to be present at all meetings of such governing body and its committees, and to take part in their discussions;

(8)    He shall sign all warrants for the payment of money, and the same shall be countersigned by the auditor, but no warrant shall be issued until the claim therefore has been approved by the governing body, except as may be otherwise provided by ordinance or resolution;

(9)    He shall have the right to prepare and introduce ordinances and resolutions and take part in the discussions on all matters coming before the governing body, but shall have no vote;

(10)  The manager shall have such further powers and duties as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution.

No contract of the manager for the payment of money in excess of two hundred dollars, except for current necessities, shall be binding upon the first or second class municipality unless the payment shall be approved by the governing body.

Source: SL 1935, ch 158, § 3; SDC 1939, § 45.0902; SL 1992, ch 60, § 2

So madam bookkeeper, it is the residents of Alcester who decide the method of government and will continue to decide by their vote.  No matter how many times the ballot box is violated!

          Since 2014 the city of Alcester has had a lamentable record of retaining law enforcement, we find ourselves without our Police Chief and our now Interim Police Chief already had his vacation lined up when Mayor Haeder decided we needed a bookkeeper more than we needed law enforcement in Alcester.  So now here we sit without any type of permanent law enforcement.  Where did our pool of part-time law enforcement officers go?  I understand there was a request for another law enforcement officer with vehicle to ease the patrol demand.  The answer, “…we cannot afford another officer or car…”  Really, I seem to remember the purchase of $15K car just to transport water samples and shopping trips to Sioux Fall.  I seem to remember the employment of  a third member of the mowing, boat repairing and dump-ground supervision team.  Why do we need a third “utility body” to supervise the dump or play video games on the city Covid Samsungs when we need a patrolling deterrent to break-ins, vandalism and high-speed travel on our streets. I challenge the present council to look back into the record (if it still exists) and look for the common factor such as wages, hours, administrative interference, over-reach and etc. as the stated reason for departure of our law enforcement.  I urge the new city council members to demand answers.  Do not just accept an interpretation of what happened, go to the horse’s mouth so-to-speak and not to an individual whose  modus operandi is to protect her assumed, control of power and position. 

          While we wait, we can form our own tag-the-truck patrol.  As residents we can set up video equipment to track and confirm high speeds and reckless driving in residential areas, since our word is not good enough.  Video proof!   If you are driving at 15 mph, you will cover 22 feet per second.  If you are driving at 25 mph, you will cover 36.667 feet per second.  Set up visible way points on your property in your camera zone and time the movement time from waypoint A to waypoint B.  School Math 101.  I have used it and it works.  In addition we can put the video proof up online.  In an effort to keep our police department from all the nuisance calls, feel free to phone-a-Pat or phone-the-mayor since they both apparently feel our police department is not worth anything and our safety is easily traded away in favor of the Armstrong-like finance office. 

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples

Councilman Brian Johnson

Councilman Curtis Keiser

Alcester Finance Officer Jurrens – alcestercityfo@alliancecom.net

06/08/2021 A Voice From the Gallery

“When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat…”

attributed to Ronald Reagan

Mayor Haeder called the June 7, 2021, city council meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Council members present were Councilman David Larsen, Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman  Cyndi Peeples, Councilman Brian Johnson, Councilman Curtis Keiser and Attorney Larry Nelson standing in the stead of his son City Attorney Sam Nelson.

Agenda Item #3– Approval of the Agenda – was called, with no changes and no discussion the agenda was approved as presented.

Agenda Item #4 – Approval of the minutes for May 3, May 17, and May 24, 2021 – was called and with no changes and no discussion the minutes were approved as transcribed.  I would like to note here it is uncertain who exactly is taking the minutes.  Is it the Alcester Finance Officer (whose duty it is ), is it the finance office aide Wanda Halverson,  is it those from the city attorney or perhaps a collusion of any two or three of them? H-m-m

Agenda Item #5 – Public Input – Public input was called with three responses. 

First up was Gordon Richard responding as a citizen of Alcester and not as a reporter for the Alcester-Hudson Union newspaper. (02:29.73)  Mr. Richard commented that as a resident of three years in the city of Alcester, he was shocked to hear of Chief Jeff Christie’s departure from the Alcester City Police Department.  Mr. Richard stated he had come to know Chief Christie, to appreciate his work as Chief of Police and recognised Chief Christie’s consummate professionalism in his performance of his profession.  Mr. Richard went on to recommend and request, “is there anything the city can do to atone for the circumstances which led to Chief Christie’s decision?” (paraphrased by me)  Mr. Richard received a less than satisfactory response.

Next to comment was Theresa Deem, local businesswoman and owner of the Alcester Bar. (03:31.10)  Ms. Deem asked the council, “just what is the ‘chain-of-command’ as it relates to the city-owned building she leases and in which she houses her bar operation.  Ms. Deem asked who is on the liquor board (who ostensibly controls the building which houses the Alcester Bar)?  Ms. Deem received an answer which named the council members who sit on that board.  (08:41.23)  Planning and Zoning committee should be made up of three council members and three property owning residents rather than the city council in its entirety.  When the city councils acts as zoning commission it causes confusion for the resident tax payers.  I is redundant and not open government (in my opinion).

Last to comment was Vickie Larsen, me.  (07:51.67)  1)  I started out with my FOIA/Sunshine request #05-07-2021 second request for access to select water-bills for properties ( one of which is under the control of a Hammit Family trust) with only non-residential garages.  I asked for access to the garbage fees charged, the minimum water billing, and street maintenance fees charged and I have been ignored.

2)  I introduced Nacha rules (08:11.33) ( with regard to the proper, prompt pay of payrolls and HSA account set-ups as listed in the May 17, 2021, meeting agenda item #10 which listed HSA Bank Account a. Motion to set up HSA Bank Account, Premier Bank, Dan Haeder, David Larsen, Patricia Jurrens and Wanda Halverson as Signers.(12:36.77) Regarding signers on any account, finance office aid Halverson should not be included on the signatory listed as she is not the mayor, she is not the president of the council and she is not the head of a financing department.  In emergency situations if the mayor is not available the city still has a back up for the dual signage required for official documents.  In addition the part-time aid position was put into place to help Finance Officer Mike Kezar during his time of medical recovery process.  Until that time Finance Officer Kezar was well able to fulfill the duties of the Finance Office on his own with occasional advice from the city attorney, other finance officers and the South Dakota Municipal League.

3)  I distributed handouts to the six council members. (09:03.40)  Contained within those handouts was a document * (nacha.org/content/payments-myth-busting) regarding payroll payments,:” ‘direct deposit payroll will be available in employee accounts by 9a.m. Friday to withdraw or make payments’ and if made Friday morning, ‘the funds will be available to the employee by 5p.m.using the ACH Networks Same Day ACH capability.'” *Another document contained within my handouts to the council was an email exchange between myself and Shaun Van Oort of AB Business Solutions. (vendor from which the city purchased the eight (8) tablets)  An allegation made by Finance Officer Pat Jurrens that I had posed as an employee of the Alcester Finance Office. The date on that email exchange was September 21, 2020, at which time I was a seated city councilwoman.  I was unable to give lie to Jurrens accusation made to the council because I was handed the document generated over two days time (as claimed by Kay) by Councilwoman Kay and was allowed only five (5) minutes to look at the document with no real expectation to read, respond or ability to offer up evidence to support my denial.  In the courts of our land, the accused is given time to offer up evidence and make defense argument. The charge must tell the time, date and place that the criminal act allegedly took place, the alleged involvement of the accused, and the details of the crime itself.  After being notified, the defendant has a certain period of time to file an answer admitting or denying the allegations made in the complaint. This statement by the defendant usually explains why the plaintiff should not prevail. It may also offer additional facts, or plead an excuse.  When I raised those questions, I was told I did not have the right.  *Finally a copy of the May 24, 2021, minutes which described the circus type juggling of proper procedure involving the 2021-09 Ordinance Temporary Ordinance. In addition (08:41.23)  Planning and Zoning committee should be made up of three council members and three property owning residents rather than the city council in its entirety.  When the city councils acts as zoning commission it causes confusion for the resident tax payers.  It is redundant and not open government (in my opinion).

(09:50.40)  I spoke to the Water Tower which ran out of water.  An alarm had been in place which would send a signal to South Lincoln Rural Water letting them know the level in our water tower was low. at that point they would contact the city so they could stop a water tower failure. Perhaps that should be checked on, maybe the alarm system should be repaired or replaced.

(10:27.20)  I spoke to the donation plea I had received by mail on city letterhead asking for my financial help ’cause there was still $150,000 matching funds waiting for our donation and to be debt free.  Folks check out agenda item #7 Community Center bond.  Doesn’t look to be debt free to me.  In addition, the operational debts incurred by the community center will fall on the good-will, faith and taxes of the citizens of Alcester and those who shop here. 

(11:11.13)  I spoke to the meeting that mayor Haeder and Councilman Curtis Keiser (I believe) had with the Union County Commissioners on June 1, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in which mayor Haeder attempted to get county law enforcement coverage for Alcester due to the Police Chief leaving as a result of the city attempt to ‘screw the police department’ and mayoral request fell flat.  I told the council of previous attempt to dump the Alcester police department in favor of county sheriff department coverage.  I also told the council to be sure and check with residents of Hudson on how well that has worked for them.  County seat cities do well with County Sheriff coverage but outlying cities don’t.

Agenda Item #6 – Ordinance 2021-09 Mary Jane Ordinance.  Council still messing around with a temporary ordinance.  Finally the council after an amendment to correct Finance Office error in Section 1, line 4 to the correct number of SDCL 34-20G-72 decided to sit on their hands until the state decides what it is going to do.

Agenda Item #7 – Community Center Bond- AMKO Mark DeRaney spoke to the amount of money the city was looking at to pay out for city stated maximum debt on the community building.  Mr. DeRaney stated (26:02.93) “I got a call last week from Pat saying, ‘We need some money to finish up for the community center'”.  Finance Officer Jurrens seems to be using a bait and switch scam where she trims off certain costs of the community building project so it looks more attractive to the taxpayers to get the program passed, only to add those costs-plus-some under the guise of ordinances, fees, bonds and etc. to cover the funds she trimmed. 

(32:07.87)  Councilman Curtis Keiser asks Mr. DeRaney for a definition and clarification of Revenue Bond.  (37:00.47)  Councilman Curtis Keiser asks about the additional amount of $150K.  Now folks there was the land purchase which I do believe was $220K, so is that included in what is now listed at $575K including Underwriters 12% discount, costs of issuance, deposit to Debt Service Reserve Fund (DSRF), deposit to Project Construction Fund and with a Rounding Amount. Handout below for those of you who like to run the numbers?

(see insert )

Agenda Item #8 – Legal Updates – Attorney Larry Nelson

Mr. Nelson addresses the Banner Engineering agreement Updates and changes.

Agenda Item #9 – Police Department –  mayor announced the appointment of interim police chief, Austin Schuller.  Mayor Haeder stated the necessity of this move as the requirement of  SD DCI (South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation) to have contact with the Chief of Police, we no longer have a police chief so it was necessary to make an emergency appointment of a police chief and certain predilections of the finance officer to overstep her authority may make it necessary for the DCI to investigate, again. Folks this was the entity which investigated the election violations of Finance Officer Jurrens and which found evidence of credible election violation on the part of the Finance Officer.  Please note mayor Haeder’s comment which relates to how valuable our police chief is and how important making amends to our Chief of Police Jeff Christie for a fellow employee’s retaliatory actions. (46:22.97)  Mayor I can certainly see why you should be ashamed to look Chief Jeff in the eye, when you refused to rein in Finance Office Jurrens and back Chief Christie from the scurrilous excoriations of the all-protected FOPat.  I heard of a previous councilmember comment made we cannot afford to fire/lose the finance officer. As well as another a councilmember comment, “screw the police department”.  WOW  Evidently Mayor Haeder is willing to lose our Police Chief and endanger community safety all in the name of protect the FO.  Screw the police department and we are all screwed.  “We cannot replace our finance officer, SURE we can.  We hire a temporary accountant and we advertise for a new finance officer.  I feel certain there are many young accountants willing to work and do the job of city finance office for us.

Agenda Item #10 – Department Head Updates

Agenda Item #11– Purple Heart Trail proposition

Agenda Item #12 – Back Bar Door Replacement – While the Deem’s bar operation should be safe and secure, the $4555.00 price tag seemed high.  I must admit there was no supportive documentation on the requirements of what appears to be one pricy door presented for public consumption.  Now Folks you need to realize it is the city’s expense. not the Deem’s to replace the door of a city owned building.  The city insurance should pay for the costs of door replacement. 

Agenda Item #13 – July 5, 2021, Council first July meeting date moved back to July 12, 2021.  Two council members have stated they will be absent for either of those  meetings dates.  Councilwoman Peeples and Councilwoman Talbott.

Agenda Item #14 – Finance Office Updates – (01:09:33.90) 

SO WAS CHIEF CHRISTIE PAID ALL MONEYS TO WHICH HE WAS LAWFULLY ENTITLED????? 

Somehow I have my doubts knowing the vindictiveness of FOPat.

Agenda Item #15 – Alcester Community Center – meeting on Tuesday.

Agenda Item #16  – Fair Update – Bull Riding

Agenda Item #17 – Executive Session 1.25-2.3 Legal counsel on LITIGATION/LAWSUIT REVIEW.  Entered into closed session at 8:07 p.m. and back into session at 8:15 p.m.

Agenda Item #18 – Adjourn  Council adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

It was announced during the council meeting the street chip-seal coating was completed Monday, June 7, 2021.  Interesting ’cause it appears Beck Drive and Dakota Street in front of the city offices was chip-sealed, however Union street between Third Street and Second Street is untouched.  This street seems to have been orphaned out of the city street family tree.  Folks residents on the block were left to dig their vehicles out of the muddy mess ignored by the city.  This ‘street’ does not even have enough small to medium pebbles to be called a gravel road, yet the residents are still required to pay the $ per foot street maintenance fee?  Folks go for a ride, see for yourselves the state of that street.

However it seems after months of me mentioning the failure to build a retaining wall on the variance awarded to Sunnyside Storage, it does appear to be in the process of construction.

Oh and one other thing, this has to do with Tiny homes and what can happen with Patti-zoning and Buy-me-a-variance running amok.  The city of Alcester has in the past entertained allowing Tiny homes in Alcester.  Yeah Folks, it might be worth a look-see…There is a tiny home North of Hwy 46 on the east edge of Beresford.  First came the tiny home, then came the tiny-garage and now I noticed another tiny-type storage shed on what appears to be the same parcel of ground.  

In theory it is the same as combining lots along Beck Drive and selling them off for $15K.  Last I knew, the HRC was going to have to sell each lot for $25K just to make the balloon payment and now it appears there is a fire-sale on those properties.

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples

Councilman Brian Johnson

Councilman Curtis Keiser