“You can’t trust water: Even a straight stick turns crooked in it.”
The July 20, 2023, meeting of the Alcester City Council was called to order on by Councilwoman Darla Reppe, mayor pro tem at 7:00 p.m. with Councilman Kerry Hedden, Councilwoman Kendra Hatle, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom, Attorney Austin Felts present. Absent were Mayor Lukas Driesen, Councilman Kyle Vanden Hul, City Attorney Sam Nelsen and Patricia Jurrens. The council and gallery recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
(00:39.33) AGENDA ITEM #3 – Approve Agenda as amended– Move agenda item #5 ahead of Agenda Item #4. Vote X 5Ayes.
(00:01:39.80) AGENDA ITEM #5 – Public Input
(00:02:58.13) VICKIE LARSEN commented on a FOIA for copies of check written to Paula Fagre for art work, Patricia Jurrens acting as a gallerist during her time working for the city, and sales tax reporting.
(00:04:12.13) BRIAN JOHNSON comment issues relating to the loss of mayors, police officers and council members and the single cause for those changes. He reported since 2016 the city has had three (3) mayors, three (3) Police Chiefs, and eight (8) council members.
(00:06:15.10) AARON LARSEN commented on the police officers pay and the messed up agenda at the July 18, 2023, meeting in which the officers request was not dealt with as it should have been. Asked for a revisit of the agenda item due to the poor language in the agenda of the July 18, 2023 meeting.
(00:08:53.27) HOWARD CLOSSON commented on the under-lying reason of our lack of continuity, Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens.
(00: 13:10.07) BRIAN JOHNSON presented the facts of the roll-over of city personnel and the reason for it.
(00:14:50.97) DALE JURRENS commented on behalf of his wife, who elected not to be present. (00:15:25.00) he began name calling Mayor Driesen , “…a baby…a big baby” Really?
(00:15:42.90) DELILAH WEBSTER commented on our streets and the pot holes.
(00:16:29.77) MINDY SELCHERT commented on Mayor Driesen’s wonderful work and care in doing his job as mayor.
(00:18:50.90) AGENDA ITEM #4 – Employee Matter. In executive session at 7:20 P.M. and Out of executive session at 7:33 P.M. (00:20:56.00) Motion was made to terminate Patricia Jurrens, Seconded with a roll call vote that was unanimous. Councilwoman Kendra Hatle-aye, Councilman Kerry Hedden – aye, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples – aye, Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom – aye and Councilwoman Darla Reppe – aye
(00:21:40.03) AGENDA ITEM #6 – Community Center purchase of double door freezer. Discussion took place with some further research the council will address the issue at the July 31. 2023, meeting.
(00:28:50.47) AGENDA ITEM #7 – Executive Session if needed
(00:29:02.23) AGENDA ITEM #8 – Adjourned at 7:40 PM
Contact City Council
Mayor Lukas Driesen
Councilwoman Darla Reppe – Ward III 605-934-2602
Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples – Ward I 605-934-2096
Councilman Kyle VandenHul – Ward II 605-934-
Councilwoman Kendra Hatle – Ward III
Councilman Kerry Hedden – Ward II
Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom Ward I
A Voice from the Gallery 