Tag: Patricia Anderson Alcester SD

11/16/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Dan Haeder with Councilman David Larsen, Councilman Marcus Ireland, Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson present.  At-home-tele-conferencing the meeting was Councilwoman Melissa Kay.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and approval of the agenda was called.

Approval for the minutes of the now infamous meeting of October 7, 2020, was called with correction and approved with yet another version-in-error of what went down.

As you read through this specious concoction of fact, falsehood, quasi-legal opinion by a Bambee barrister with ambulance tailgating tendencies and whose only licensure at South Dakota Bar is her driver’s license indicating she is over 18, can drink but should not drive.  At no time was any evidence of wrong doing presented other than Councilwoman Vickie Larsen had an opinion, voiced it, voted on the prudent side for the people of Alcester and Councilwoman Vickie Larsen is not an ovis aries following FO Peep nor the rest of the ‘council gang’!  I know comes as a shock to the council, but ya’ll do not HAVE to vote unanimously.  There is no mandate, council members have to vote unanimously on routine city business unless it is a special circumstances situation. 

          “At 6:09 p.m. Councilwoman Melissa Kay made a motion to enter into      Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2.1-Personnel; Councilwoman        Linda Talbott seconded it.  During discussion Councilwoman Vickie Larsen stated  if the Executive Session was related to her-she would request her        legal counsel. (one would think with both FO and Mini FO taking notes alleged to be minutes of the meeting could get it right but evidently not)      When discussion of the motion to go into Executive Session was called I     answered,

          Vickie, “Yes, if this is to discuss the discipline of a city council member and that person is me, I waive my right to executive session, I want it done in   open session and on camera.”

          Mayor Haeder , “How does anyone feel about that?”

          Councilman David Larsen, “We won’t know until we are in Executive         Session, will we?”

          City Attorney Sam Nelson, “No, uh forgive me for disagreeing to the extent the way you characterized it Vickie.  Executive session is not necessarily a personal right to you but is a privilege of the council with the exception of certain statutes and is the council’s decision as a whole to whether they want to enter Executive session for the purposes of discussing, uh, you.  I believe under statute an officer or elected officer qualifies as personnel so, uh, the discussion could be held in Executive session whether you wanted it to be or not.  However, any vote or any action would need to be, uh, taken in open session.”

          Vickie,  “No I was advised just (inaudible) I insist on open session and open discussion and you have in front of you a Bill of Particulars, Uhm, I want to know what the problem is, please fill those out so I may have those.”

          Mayor Haeder cuts in, ” So there is a motion on the floor, we are going to act on this motion right now.  So, uh, if there is no further discussion aside from what has already been discussed, I ask for how do you vote?”                    5 ayes—1 no

          Vickie, “I object I want this evidence on the camera, I want to video tape it!”

          Mayor Haeder , “and that means we are in Executive session at 6:09 P.M.”

          Vickie “I am going to refuse until I have legal counsel!”

          Councilman David Larsen, “that was a short meeting,”

          City Attorney Sam Nelson, “Do you have one (attorney) on stand-by?”

          Vickie,  “Not tonight”

          City Attorney Sam Nelson, “Excellent, Uhm, I don’t know that you are        entitled to legal counsel, Uh, per the statute…discussion is allowed under         SDCL 1-25-2.”

          Councilman David Larsen, “Should we even be talking of this in Executive session?”

The above is a transcript of the opening salvo of a discussion of the agenda item discipline of a city council member.  Too bad FO, Mini FO and Councilwoman Kay did not take the class where meeting minutes are to be fact and not opinion based.  Better work on this Councilwoman Kay for your bar exam, first draught versus bottle maybe?

Agenda Item #5 Public Input- So Alcester City Council ya’ll just approved the October 7, 2020, minutes in gross error and with what appears to be tortious interference and particular when the camera showed a couple of broad grins on council members when the Discipline of a Councilmember was called.  Councilwoman Kay you wanted me to name a complainant and I refused giving you a name.  Given the manner and nature in which ya’ll came after me, did you really think I was going to throw someone employed in Alcester and dared complain about the Vindictive squad to the wolves? 

Second on my list for Input, was an expression of gratitude for the 30 plus years of loyal service by former Alcester Finance Office Mike Kezar to the city and citizens of Alcester and the lack luster reception my suggestion elicited.

Third on my list.  Yeah, well you remember when I asked Mr. Nohava and the council about EVOC certification of the “volunteers”.  I had the occasion to watch in horror as a firefighter came screaming down first street enroute to a fire call.  As I watched this moron whip around two cars, all but running them off the road at the intersection of first and Iowa with little regard to safety.  This is not the first time I have seen this happen.  Perhaps a re-run of EVOC training would be a benefit.  Oh yeah, by the way running the four-way flashers when you run a four way stop in your private vehicle does not mean jack.  In addition, if you injure someone you personally become liable meaning actual expenses with punitive awards.

Agenda #8 street signs.  Has gone from one sign to two signs with the promise of scattering slow children signs like the seeds of dandelions.  I think we need a slow adult sign or better yet a dangerous FO alert sign.  FO on the loose, if you see them wandering please let the mayor know immediately.

Agenda # Finance Office –

Cares money, it appears only the mayor read the document outlining the purpose of the Cares money and he was bored.  It became apparent from body language the other council members either had not read the document or they lacked the comprehension app.   Not for entertainment computers for the dump guy.  Keep in mind that FO Pat can track where you are with these little ol’ devices.  Do you trust her?  Listen to the exchange if the we don’t get reimbursement for the 8 cutesy computers, the cost of $2400 plus cost will come out of the general fund.  There goes street/water improvements, we are just going to have suck it up buttercups and drink brown water.

Adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Melissa Kay     712-557-0689

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

11/02/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

“the argument from intimidation is a confession of intellectual impotence” Ayn Rand

Prior to the official beginning of the meeting a remark was made by Mayor Haeder with regard to the importance of the next day (November 3, 2020, election day)  Check out how on top of things one council member was, “’cause she asked if there was something important going on?” (00:00:18.63)  Listen to the response.  Note here that the set-up for voting was on the agenda.  So Councilman Talbott, that was your first hint it was election day on Tuesday?  

The November 2, 2020, version of a city council meeting was called to order by Mayor Dan Haeder with council members Marcus Ireland, Linda Talbott, Darla Reppe, David Larsen, Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson and of course Melissa Kay seated and ready for city business.

The council and gallery members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Precursor to approval of the agenda concerning Executive Session (00:03:13.30)  A flashback to a child’s game where in the world is…?  The council was looking for their #2  SDCL 1-25-2.2  I told them School!  After more discussion, they finally figured the conundrum out but does beg the question how many law students does it take to read SD executive session law?  What No Cliff notes for law?

Agenda Item #3 – was the approval of the agenda. (00:05:20.13)  Some discussion regarding the time and appropriateness of an Executive Session to cover two separate properties and the presence of Geoff Fillingsness, enforcer.

Agenda Item #4 – approval of the October 5th, October 7th and October 19th minutes of meeting.  The motion was made by Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Seconded by Councilwoman Linda Talbott but at the call for discussion there actually was a call on the accuracy of the minutes of those meetings by Councilwoman Melissa Kay, although she could not seem to get the correct date.  H-m-m  First it was October 19th but then it was October 7th.  Ironically it was both meetings with inaccuracies in the minutes.  The purpose of minutes of an official meeting is to reflect accurately movements of the meeting without descending into editorializing.  Gee, somebody should have schooled bookkeeper Jurrens about that duty.  Of course one cannot be sure just who is taking those minutes whether it is bookkeeper Jurrens or the junior bookkeeper/receptionist.

Bookkeeper Patricia Jurrens writes in the minutes of October 7, 2020, “At 6:09P.M . …During discussion… (correction)Alcester Councilwoman Vickie Larsen waived her right to executive session and asked the meeting be open and her camera on to record the proceedings, the council said No it was not her right, Alcester Councilwoman Vickie Larsen insisted it was her right as the object of the session.  The council said it was their right to closed session and not hers…Alcester Councilwoman Vickie Larsen then asked the motion be delayed to the next meeting so she could have her attorney present.  The Alcester City Council then asked, “…do you have an attorney on speed dial” Alcester City Councilwoman Vickie Larsen answered, “NO”…The Alcester City Council then asked, “Is your attorney here…” Alcester City Councilwoman Vickie Larsen answered, “NO”  The Alcester City Council then made the statement, “You have no right to council…”  A loud discussion ensued…”

The council finally meandered through their approval of the October 19, 2020, minutes in error and postponing approval of amended minutes of October 7, 2020. (00:07:08.97) Bookkeeper Jurrens lead Councilwoman Melissa Kay by the nose to the conclusion that (00:10:33.53) Vickie Larsen refused to abstain from voting.  Really?  I stated I did not refuse to abstain (00:11:05.50), I was STILL a member of the Alcester City Council and bookkeeper Jurrens is NOT a legal authority. 

Agenda Item #5 – Executive session – Interviews for Ward III Council Seat.  No takers, do ya’ll s’pose I should have volunteered again?

Agenda Item #6 – Pushed back for the 6:30 P.M. scheduled Sealed Bid Opening-

Agenda Item #7 – Public Input – I reminded the group about an accounting error on Bookkeeper Jurrens part regarding cash back on credit card charges at the golf course I had raised in during my audit required oversight session with bookkeeper Jurrens. (00:14:41.20) In the October 19, 2020, meeting bookkeeper Jurrens answered my question with a non-answer that the city did not retain customer information.  I did not ask that question.  I commented the city should not be advancing cash back refunds on credit card purchases just for cash in the pockets purposes.  This is a practice similar to paying for a purchase and writing the check for $50.00 over the amount.  This is a bookkeeping no-no and ripe for fraud accusations against the city and/or customers.  Just a bad bookkeeping practice all the way around!  Once again bookkeeper Jurrens says, “…the city does not retain customer information…”  Non-answer. The second part of my input was to present Alcester Councilwoman Kay with a partially corrected paper of her design. (00:16:27.30) (00:30:35.40)

Agenda Item #8 – street updates

Agenda Item #9 – water/wastewater- pumps on order

Agenda Item #10 – Police Department Update by Chief Christie-  Chief Christie advised the council of military ordinance discover and the clearing of the munitions.  Police Chief Christie emphasized if someone in the community comes across similar discoveries of munitions is DO NOT TOUCH, CALL 911. (00:22:26.23)

Agenda Item #11 – Landfill/Cemetery – received a donation for trees for the cemetery.

Agenda Item #12 Golf Course/Library – short a Library board member, need a volunteer.

Agenda Item #13 Legal Updates – Involving 307 Iowa property, 204 Ofstad property and the Employee Manual Update.  There will be a resolution for the employee manual update at a future meeting.

The properties of 207 Iowa and 204 Ofstad will appear later under Executive session.

Agenda Item #14 – city street sign replacement – Update per Wade Dahl in a 2023 project.  My opinion Alcester should contract in a joint powers agreement to lower prices.

Agenda Item #6 – 6:30 P.M. Bid Opening for Police Office Glock   Bid was awarded to the highest bidder, John Wegh.

Agenda Item #15 – Old School Center – Second reading of 2020-16 Revised.

Agenda Item #16- Executive session – not needed beyond properties.

Agenda Item #17 – Finance Office Updates 

Website- Alliance hosting the site.  Finally!!! (00:16:11.80)

          2021 Operating Agreements – Liquor Licenses

Agenda Item #18 – HRC Update Meeting to happen sometime according to Mayor.

Agenda Item #19 Alcester Community Center – Bookkeeper Jurrens gave a summary. 

Agenda Item #20 – EMS Update  According to Councilwoman Kay the city has no interest in Alcester Ambulance so why is this an agenda item?  H-m-m?

Agenda Item #21 Update on Work Comp volunteer roster nothing to add or delete?

Agenda Item #22  Chit-chat session until Code Enforcement Officer Geoff Fillingsness finally shows up.

Executive Session for 1-23-2.3 Legal/Contractual matters involving 307 Iowa property and 204 Ofstad property. Motion by Councilman Marcus Ireland, Second by Melissa Kay no discussion and vote 5 X ayes.  6:57 P.M.  I must gather up my camera, tripod, see-through back pack, and  leave the room.  Mayor Dan Haeder supposedly shuts down the city’s camera which is not removed nor is it cloaked.  Leaving the Finance Office computers up and running, leaves all council personal phones in the room, leaves the City Attorney’s computer in the room and at let us not forget bookkeeper Patricia Jurrens still has her fanny parked in her chair of unsolicited advice.  H-m-m?

At 7:30 P.M. Executive session is still on-going when Code Enforcement Officer Geoff Fillingsness is excused and the meeting continues with Mayor Haeder, Alcester City Council members, Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson and bookkeeper Patricia Jurrens.

At 7:37 P.M. Mayor Haeder calls the Executive Session out of session, allowing us back into the council room.

At this point I had activated my camera prior to returning to the room trying to forestall the rapid fire resumption of open meeting without allowing us to seat ourselves.  Unfortunately I inadvertently activated close up setting which resulted in a 3 to 5 minute close up of Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson’s face.  A close up worthy of pore counting ability.  I elected to edit that 3-5 minute section from the video ’cause I really did not think Alcester City Attorney Sam would appreciate that close up.  During that time there was no vote on the matters of the Executive Session. Mayor Dan Haeder called for Adjournment, Alcester Councilman Marcus Ireland moved to adjourn, Alcester Councilwoman Melissa seconded the motion and of course a unanimous vote to adjourn times five ayes. 

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Melissa Kay     712-557-0689

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

09/21/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor Dan Haeder, opened the September 21,2020,  meeting of the Alcester City Council at 6:05 p.m. with council members Darla Reppe, Linda Talbott, Vickie Larsen, Melissa Kay, Marcus Ireland and City Attorney Sam Nelson present with Councilman David Larsen participating remotely via telephone.

The council approved the agenda.

Agenda Item #4 Public Input

Gordon Richards of Alcester Union-Hudsonite Newspaper announced that SD Public television was interested in interviewing residents of Alcester.  To sign up contact Mr. Richards who will forward requests.

Marcus Ireland announced the dump gate was left open.

Vickie Larsen called for a deadline for the launch of the official website of the city of Alcester of November 1, 2020.

Vickie Larsen wants to see the city offices open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,   Monday through Friday with the finance office staff going at different lunch  times so the office and phones can be manned at all times of the day.

Vickie Larsen hand-delivered a globally sent email from Mayor Haeder to   council members and employees of the city of Alcester with her response to his demand. (see below)

 Mayor Haeder announced the DENR guidelines are stricter.

Two documents of the Planned Development need changes so will not be   actionable until those changes have been made.

Agenda Item #5 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, definition of which according to the dictionary is, “an engineer who designs and maintains roads, bridges, dams, and similar structures.” 

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.

Note the date, and the work authorized signature on this Building Permit.

Now take note of highlighted areas of this permit #291, specifically the portion calling out the feet from lot lines and whether a variance is needed.  Now note specifically the word NO on the variance portion.

Pease 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. 

          The city agenda is typically sent out after hours on Friday before a meeting.  SDCL 1-25-1.1  “…Each political subdivision shall provide public notice, with proposed agenda, that is visible, readable, and accessible for at least an entire, continuous twenty-four hours immediately preceding any official meeting, by posting a copy of the notice, visible to the public, at the principal office of the political subdivision holding the meeting…”  The council should get copies of any materials pertinent to specific items of the agenda particularly any items requiring a vote, presumably so the council has best information or the opportunity to investigate on their own.  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?

Agenda Item #6– Planned Development- Patrick Andrews SECOG- regarding the property called Old School Centre.  Development Plan.

Agenda Item #7-Glock Surplus

Agenda Item #8 EMS Update- Additions to the volunteer roster lists for the ambulance and the Fire Department cross-over’s to the ambulance.  First Mr. Nohava is receiving a fee for his “director” services so the term volunteer does not apply.  Second Mayor Haeder’s ecstasy on the growth of the volunteers is premature.  Out of the new names presented for the volunteer roster-four are designated as drivers with two of those four described as students, one is designated as EMT, three are designated nurses, and five listed as Fire Fighters/drivers.  Yes the volunteer list has grown, however the ambulance at this point has only accumulated One EMT.  Historically (no matter however trivial it is) ambulances have trouble keeping certified EMT’s. 

          Upon the introduction of this agenda item number, I expressed my concern on what I understand is a forced transport to Hawarden Hospital.  I held up a tutorial sheet from Brady EMT Text book with the question:  Who is the EMT accountable to?  #1) the Patient, #2) Medical Direction and #3) State Legislation.  Do you know what transporting a person over state lines against their will is?   Taking away the state line issue, do you know what holding someone against their will is?  Do you know what it is called if the ambulance refuses to transport the patient when they do not want to go the Hawarden Hospital?  While the city council has no say in the operation of the ambulance, the city does have a responsibility to its citizenry and the treatment preferences of that citizenry.

Agenda Item #9 – legal Updates –   

Resolution 2020-12 establishes CBDG (Community Development Block Grant) for Waste water Facility.

Resolution 2020 -13 applications for Financial Assistance Funding.

Resolution 2020-14 – Sewer rate increase.

Agenda Item #10 – Halloween- Trick or Treat.  Allow or not.  Left to parental decisions.

Agenda Item #11 – Finance Office Updates

 Ambulance allowance $1000.00

 Fire Department allowance $1000.00 Fire School

Health Insurance Stipend for FT employees not taking City Health   Insurance-Wanda

Purchase of (8) 10 inch computer, screen protectors and cases $2232.00 .  Yeah, a wasteful expenditure of money just in case the council has to meet remotely.  Oh but C.A.R.E.S will reimburse the city, maybe?  C.A.R.E.S. ( the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress with overwhelming, bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump on March 27th, 2020.  This over $2 trillion economic relief package delivers on the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting the American people from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.)  Want to know where C.A.R.E.S. funding   comes from our tax pockets. So why do we (the city) spend fund money for an “I Wants” when someone whose “Needs” (food, rent, medical care) are greater than our “I wants”?  $2232.00 would be better left in the fund to provide for food, beds and medicine for those who really need it.  We don’t.  Oh yeah, I was not supposed to research A&B Solutions and their quote. Oh my, shame on me for asking questions about a potential purchase without a translator.

Agenda Item #12 – Executive Session Personnel called by Finance Officer Jurrens, and was news to the Mayor whose duty is to make up the agenda.  Executive Session was called at 8:34 p.m. and as I shut down my camera, Finance Officer Jurrens called out to Wanda to please stay in the session.  The session did not meet the criteria for a legal personnel executive session.  After a 35 minute, spirited discussion Executive Session was called out of session at 9:09 p.m.

Agenda Item #13 Adjourn  – The council adjourned at 9:10 p.m.  

09/08/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor Dan Haeder, opened the September 8,2020,  meeting of the Alcester City Council at 6:00 p.m. with council members Darla Reppe, Linda Talbott, David Larsen, Vickie Larsen and City Attorney Sam Nelson present and council members Melissa Kay and Marcus Ireland participating remotely via telephone.

The group began the meeting with recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The council went on to approve the agenda with an adjustment in the printed agenda.  Agenda item #18 was moved forward to immediately follow agenda item #6 due to a time conflict with City Attorney Sam Nelson.  The group approved the agenda with that adjustment.

The council approved the minutes for August 3, 2020, and August 17, 2020, without change.

Agenda Item #5 – Public Input – Mayor Haeder had been contacted by Nathan Beeler, Mitchell Drive of a problem with the street condition.

Agenda Item #6 – Alcester EMS -Jeff Nohava acting director of Alcester EMS.     Mr. Nohava gave a report/update on Alcester Ambulance and it’s proposed, revised operations.   I would like to address some of the statements Mr. Nohava made during this ‘update’ with regard to prior operations of Alcester EMS while I was a member of the crew.  (00.04.54) “…When Alcester couldn’t crew it fell on Hawarden to crew…about 60% of the time”. Vickie response, As a past crew member, Nationally Certified EMT, prior to 2012, it was our practice if we could not crew, we would refer the call to  Beresford Ambulance or Hawarden Ambulance.  Much of the time it was Beresford Ambulance who responded.  (00:12:16)  Nohava, “…in the past people were taken to Sioux Falls…”  Vickie response, As a past member of the dedicated Alcester EMS crew, we transported patients to the hospital of their choice.  We did not dictate which hospital they had to use.  We did however in the event of an extreme emergent situation, transport to Canton or call in Med Helicopters out of Sioux Falls. (00:12:33)  Nohava states, “if it is a true emergency”  Vickie response, Whose definition of TRUE? Insurance carrier, Hawarden Ambulance, Alcester EMS Medical Director-Dr. Waddell or someone with triage training?  Who?   (00:13:03) Nohava states, “…a hospital eight miles away…I have reviewed some of the trip reports…”  Vickie response, it is my understanding the last quarter 2019 trip reports were sketchy, not filed in a timely manner with insurance claims left waiting.   (00:13:13)  Nohava states “…45 minutes trip to Hawarden, the EMT’s like it…3 hour trip in the past…”  Vickie states, Having been on many, many trips to Sioux Falls Avera, Sioux Falls Sanford and Sioux Falls VA Hospital, those three hour trips entailed travel time dependent upon location of patient loaded, extrication time, road conditions and the normal run time 40 minutes from Alcester to ER.  We spent time giving report on patient, exchanging sheets and blankets for clean linens and if we were out over lunch time we would stop for a quick lunch.  On the way back, our dedicated crew worked on trip reports, worked cleaning equipment, stowing the cleaned equipment and squaring away the rig in case our dedicated crew had another emergency call while we were on our way back to Alcester.  On more than one occasion we did indeed have two calls back to back.  Mr. Nohava talks of the two major Alcester employers in terms of the ‘three’ hour trip time, well sir.  I was one of those self-employed EMT’s who made those daytime trips, and I substitute taught in the local school which I believe appreciated having an certified EMT on premises along with the school nurse even if I was called away on one or two occasions.  (00:15:45) Vickie response, Mr. Nohava repeats his mantra, “…the past is past…”, but appears to accuse our dedicated past EMS crew of endangering patients with Sioux Falls Transports.  I warned a previous Hawarden Ambulance director who dared accuse our dedicated Alcester Ambulance crew of abandoning a patient.     On that occasion our Alcester Ambulance crew transported a patient to Hawarden Hospital ER, where we transferred the care of the patient to the hospital ER staff, but had to wait an unusually long time for release.  The hospital had received the patient into their care.  Folks procedurally and legally our independent EMT/ ambulance acted under the direction of a medical doctor not a hospital. So our EMT’s could transfer patient into the care of  a hospital or medical doctor (higher skill level), however once care of that patient was transferred to the higher skill level, it could not legally be handed down to a lower skill level  EMT to transport to Sioux City. Alcester Ambulance EMT’s delivered a patient to Hawarden Hospital.  Hawarden Hospital made the determination the patient needed transfer to their Sioux City affiliate and for whatever reason Hawarden Ambulance would nor or could not transfer.  Alcester Ambulance EMT-B level was told to transport the patient from the higher skilled Hawarden Hospital to the higher skilled Sioux City Affiliate Hospital.  We declined based upon the fact we would be violating the chain of medical skill.  Our ambulance later received a nasty letter from the director of Hawarden Ambulance with the accusation of patient abandonment.  Needless to say, even after I sent a letter explaining our position to the Director of the Hawarden Ambulance, and copies of the letter the Director of the Hawarden Hospital and the city of Hawarden, the members of that dedicated crew still have a bitter taste of insult that we ever would abandon a patient entrusted to our care!

Agenda Item #18 – Community Center –  Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson removed a small phrase from the contract.   

FROM

A133 contract section

12.2 Binding Dispute Resolution read,

“For any claim subject to, but not resolved by mediation pursuant to Article 15 of AIA Document A201-2017 the method of binding dispute resolution shall be as follows: (check the appropriate box)

          [ ]  Arbitration pursuant to Article 15 of AIA Document A201-2017

          [X ]  Litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction

          [ ]  Other:  (Specify)

TO

A133 contract section

12.2 Binding Dispute Resolution

“For any claim subject to, but not resolved by mediation pursuant to Article 15 of AIA Document A 201-2017 the method of binding dispute resolutions shall be as follows:  (check the appropriate box)

          [ ]  Arbitration pursuant to Article 15 of AIA Document A201-2017

          [X ]  Litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction

          [ ]  Other:  (Specify)

During the discussion (00:21:20) and the brief discussion and the race to spend $2.6  million dollars.  I voiced my opinion and objection to portions of contracts written by and for the architect and by extension the contractor.  The document I held up was referenced within the A133-2017 document and the A201-2017 document is A503-2017/2019, Guide for Supplementary Conditions (for A201-2017, 2017 Owner-Contractor and 2019 CMc agreements)  If you are interested in some light reading (?) ask for copies or access to copies of the signed documents AIA 133-2019 and AIA 201-2017 with online access to AIA 503

As you can hear in the video how the $2.6 Million vote went down.  (00:23:00)

Agenda Item #7 – Public Hearing – Wastewater Facility Upgrade.   Explanation and recommended upgrade of the present mechanical system with costs.  Copies of the handout should be available at city office.

Agenda Item #8,# 9, #10, #11, and #12 self explanatory on video.

Agenda Item #13 – legal updates and #14 – Executive session not needed.

Agenda Item #15 – Planned Development District Discussion

                                

Agenda Item #16-Finance Office

          Warrants vote,

          Dakota construction Warrant

          Road Guy Warrant

          Budget- discussion on pay raises, merit, longevity and etc.

OFF VIDEO RECORDING

Agenda Item #17- None

Agenda Item #18-already dealt with

Agenda Item #19 – EMS Update

Agenda Item #20- Update volunteer roster

Agenda Item #21 – Executive Session to SDCL 1-25-2-1 Personnel

            9:38 p.m.  in Executive session

            9:51  p.m. out of Executive session

Agenda Item #22 Adjourn  9:52 p.m.

08/17/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

In the absence of Mayor Dan Haeder, President of the Council David Larsen opened the August 17, 2020,  meeting of the Alcester City Council at 6:00 p.m. with council members Marcus Ireland, Darla Reppe, Linda Talbott, Melissa Kay, Vickie Larsen and City Attorney Sam Nelson present.

The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda Item #3 Agenda approval was given with no changes and recorded with a unanimous six (6) aye vote.

Agenda Item #4 Public Input – Since there was no public, the city councilors mentioned items not included in the agenda: Councilman David Larsen announced a vacancy on the Library Board due to a resignation.   Comments were received concerning vandalism in the Park and the lights in the park.  Announcement was made the Alcester Auditorium has officially been sold and the keys turned over on August 17, 2020.

Agenda Item #5 Water and Wastewater – no updates- City Attorney Sam Nelson advised the council of past practices of setting rates by ordinance rather than by resolution and suggested a resolution to allow the setting of rates by ordinance.  South Dakota Municipal League describes the difference between ordinance and resolution as,

“Municipalities may enact, make, amend, revise, or repeal all such ordinances, resolutions, and regulations as may be proper and necessary to carry into effect the powers granted thereto (§9-19-3).

The word “ordinance” means a permanent legislative act within the limits of its powers of the governing body of a municipality (§9-19-1).

A resolution, on the other hand, means any determination, decision, or direction of the governing body of a municipality of a temporary or special character for the purpose of initiating, effecting, or carrying out its administrative duties and functions (§9-19-1)…The substance of the ordinance follows (§9-19-6).

Ordinances can only have one subject, which must be expressed in its title (§9-19-5). ..All ordinances shall be read twice by title with at least five days between each reading. If passed, the ordinances shall be signed by the mayor or acting mayor or president of the board of trustees, and filed with the finance officer. With few exceptions, ordinances, after being signed and filed, must be published at least once in the official newspaper (§9-19-7). The vote on the second reading of all ordinances must be recorded and published (§9-19-9).

Resolutions differ from ordinances in that any resolution may be passed after only one reading. The resolution must be published at length either separately or in the minutes of the meeting. The votes for and against the resolution must also be published (§9-19-8).

Unless an ordinance or resolution is drawn to take effect immediately upon passage, all ordinances and resolutions become effective on the twentieth day after passage and publication, unless suspended by operation of a referendum (§9-19-13).

Voters have the right to propose their own ordinances through the initiative process, or to refer any legislative decision of the governing body through the referendum process. More information on these processes can be found in the Handbook for Municipal Officials or in §9-20.”  (https://www.sdmunicipalleague.org/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC=%7B33E9C767-2065-4201-8F6B-DBDA8625A402%7D&DE=%7BC75C4AE0-AA9E-47DF-9128-2E6BDE604CEA%7D)

Agenda Item #6 & #7 combined discussion as suggested by City Attorney Sam Nelson.  Since Item #7 involved contractual matters the council went into Executive Session for the purposes of SDCL 1-25-2.3.  The council moved into Executive Session at 6:13 p.m. and came out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. Once out of Executive Session the group moved on to open session of Agenda Item #6.  A call for motion was made to allow contract negotiations to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for the community building depending upon agreement of terms and conditions by both parties.  Vote was taken with 4 ayes and 2 nays.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #8 – Updates Finance Office School sign contributions from the city to aid city advertising.  This discussion had been postponed due to a question regarding public moneys spent as contributions.  City Attorney Sam Nelson stated there was no problem regarding the contribution issues.  Discussion took place regarding the advertising issue on the sign such as city events, closures and etc. with a motion to contribute $1,000.00 this year coming from Councilman Ireland.  Vote was taken with five (5) ayes and one (1) nay.  Motion carried.  I was the nay vote.  My problem is all the advertising points for fee based announcements to appear on the school sign would be on the city website and as easily accessed.  Which begs the question, where is the city website and why is it not up?  Yet?

Agenda Item #9 – City Assets – I asked for this agenda item to discuss the sale of properties held by the city to put those properties back on the tax rolls.  The city has properties in its name which collects no property taxes, sales tax income or property improvement based income for the city.  These properties would be appraised and not to be auctioned but placed with realtors for sale for residential use or main street business use.

Agenda Item #10 – Update for Volunteer Roster For Worker Compensation.   Approved.

Agenda Item #11 – Executive Session 1-25-2.1 Personnel to discuss the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer, employee or prospective public officer or employee.   This was an agenda item I requested.  The council went into Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. with only council members: David Larsen, Melissa Kay, Linda Talbot, Darla Reppe, Marcus Ireland and myself in the session.  At 7:19 p.m. President of the Council David Larsen declared the council out of Executive Session.  At this time the group delayed action on the question.

Agenda Item #12 – Adjourn –  The council adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

08/03/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor Dan Haeder opened the August 3, 2020,  meeting of the Alcester City Council at 6:00 p.m. with council members David Larsen, Darla Reppe, Linda Talbott, Vickie Larsen and City Attorney Sam Nelson present in the new city council room on 500 Dakota Street with council members Marcus Ireland and Melissa Kay remotely present via telephone.

The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Haeder called for approval of the agenda.  Agenda was approved as written without change

Agenda Item #4–approval of the minutes for July 6th and July 20, 2020, were approved as presented via roll call vote.  Roll call vote was used due to the fact two of the council were taking part via telephone. 

Agenda Item #5-Mayor Haeder presented the council with the revised 2020-2021 Council committee assignments.

Agenda Item #6-was called with no public input.

Agenda Item #7-Street Updates- Lonnie Johnson was not present.

Agenda Item #8-Pool Update-some where the water was left on so there was water over run of the pool.

Agenda Item #9-Water/wastewater Updates- There was a waterline break due to movement of a mobile home move.  Water availability was shut off/ interrupted to several mobiles homes and adjacent homes.  Water was restored to patrons by Monday.

          Discussion on the upgrade of the wastewater plant and the need for a rate  increase to facilitate the grant needed for the upgrade.  Public hearing to take place September 8, 2020, in council room at 500 Dakota Street at 6:15 p.m.

Agenda Item #10-Police Department update.  Chief Christie explained to the council the method by which case numbers are assigned to any one particular call.  When the Alcester PD is called out, a number is assigned to that call.  If additional action is taken those may be assigned a number which would artificially inflate the number of calls.  So one call could contain more than one case number assignment, if I understood the process correctly.  For instance a public disturbance call could involve a domestic case, a public intox case, an assault case, a drug case and so forth.

          PD to move into their new building on Wednesday.

Agenda Item #11-Pleasant Hill Cemetery-No report other there was an issue with the mower.

Agenda Item #12– Golf Course

          Pump issue, silt in the pond issue around the intake pipe

          Library-Computer scanner UVC disinfectant device.

Agenda Item #13– Personnel Manual-Discussion-I listed items contained within the document that I felt needed to be addressed and adjusted for. As you will hear Sam opine no underlying concerns.  Since the document will be a resolution it can be amended.

Agenda Item #14– Legal Updates- None

Agenda Item #15-Executive session – None

Agenda Item #16 – Planning and Zoning Amendment Second Reading, needed for Ordinance 2020-08 to be in effect and facilitate movement of offices.

Agenda Item #17– Finance Office- Approval of warrants, records destruction to separate archival preservation from just out-of-date records.  School Sign-contribution from city-delay to make sure such a donation of tax dollars is allowed. Community Building closing date, Budget Committee meeting set for August 12, 2020, 1:00 p.m.

Agenda Item #18 HRC Update-Covenants and an interest in another lot sale.

Agenda Item #19– Fairboard

Agenda Item #20– Community Building Update- Notice that City Hall and the Fitness facility will move to 500 Dakota Street rather than be in the Community Building upon approval of the Development Board and Council.

Agenda Item #21-EMS Mr. Nohava met with the EMS group.

Agenda Item #22 Volunteer Roster-none

Agenda Item #23 – Executive Session – Not Needed

Agenda Item #24 – Adjournment 

                               Council adjourned at 7:55 p.m.  

06/19/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor Dan Haeder called the June 19, 2020, Special meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. with the follow council present:  Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Councilman David Larsen, Councilman Marcus Ireland and City Attorney Sam Nelson present.  Present in the gallery: Mark DeRaney-AMKO, Jerry Spethman-Representing D.A. Davidson, Gordan Richard-Alcester Union-Hudsonite, Alcester Police Chief Christie, Alcester Police Officer Schuller,  Branch Manager-Senior Vice-President Alcester Premier Bank Jaimey Schempp and finance office employee Wanda *.

The group stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda Item #4 – Mssrs. Mark DeRaney of AMKO and Jerry Spethman of  D.A. Davidson were introduced and made an update regarding the re-funding (semantics of the word re-funding meaning reworking the original bond to reflect a reduction in finance of the Sewer Bond for the city of Alcester. The council approved this action.

Agenda Item #5– Public Input.  I responded with a history of the official city website issue.  The original approval and vote took place March 3, 2014, approving $1375. 00 first year set-up and fee with an annual maintenance fee of $450.00. 

May 5, 2014, Patricia ran on a recycling agenda touting her computer prowess and was seated.  Looking back one has to wonder exactly what was she in favor of recycling? 

Oh well, pushing forward, on July 7, 2014, Councilwoman Jurrens resigned her council seat after voting not to appoint long time Finance Officer Mike Kezar.

September 10, 2014, Madam Jurrens was appointed Finance Office at a starting pay of $40,000.00 with a bump in pay after she achieved some ‘experience’ in bookkeeping.  It is interesting to note here Madam Jurrens with no bookkeeping experience was started $40000.00 far more than the 30 plus year veteran Finance Officer.  Exit Mayor Rick Johnson 2015.  Enter Mayor Tom Glas. 

April 4, 2016, Website approved and ordered by the council was still not implemented.  Who’s task, well let’s see.  Oh that is right Finance Officer Jurrens  with all the computer ‘experience’ she had still did not have the council ordered website up and running.

August 10, 2016, I asked during Public Input where is our website? No answer, no action!  2017 arrives still no website. 

July 10, 2018, agenda item # 12 (g) website was discussed in terms of  merging with the Alcester Chamber site which would negate any state statutes set into place to mandate minutes, records, ordinances and etc. be posted on the official city website.  Nothing was implemented, again.  Finance Officer Jurrens failing to perform her duty and obeying city council instructions for a city website. 

May 6, 2019, agenda item #13 (c) which was to approve Gov/Office 3 year website contract ($700.00 per year for three years)  Motion was made by Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Second by Councilman Dan Haeder with a 6 vote unanimous approval of the website…The six council present:  David Larsen, Melissa Kay, Dan Haeder, Linda Talbott, Lance Johnson and Darla Reppe. 

May 2019 Folks?  The only council member who is questioning Alcester Finance Officer Jurren’s continuing non-feasance to do what the council ordered… is Councilwoman Kay. 

It is now April 6, 2020, Website issue once again makes it to the meeting during the discussion of should the city finance office stay open or close.  This seems to be a operation definition of Oxymoron.  Of late and specifically on Tuesdays, the finance office lights are on, there is movement in the office with the excuse (?) the girls are catching up on their work?  So the lights are on, the girls are present but the door is locked (mostly) and the phones are silent.  So is the Finance Office Open/closed or Closed/open.  Think catch-22 here. or the military SNAFU. 

May 5, 2020,  agenda item #18 once again where is the website discussion just after the audit notice. 

Enter June 19, 2020, public input  Where is the official city website?  Answer it is going to go live soon.  Really live?  Hey FO Jurrens you mean a real, functioning OFFICIAL Alcester City Website.  As a child I learned quickly what a dodge was and I do not mean the car model.  Alcester City Council you are being conned.  The former mayor was led around by Finance Officer Jurrens like the pony in a pony ride at a kid’s birthday party.  I also brought up employees operating expensive city equipment with their heads in their cell phones.

Agenda item #6/#9-Planning and Zoning Amendment. It seems that pesky planning and zoning thingy can be a bit of a problem in the residential sense, right Mr. Nelson?  It seems if I caught everything that was tossed about, the residential class would not allow the city offices to operate out of the old city-school library.  You see I asked a similar question in a previous meeting with the idea we would not be barred from keeping the city offices in the old city-school library permanently.  Evidently Mr. Nelson went home and thought about my question and decided maybe Chapter 5 in the Planning and Zoning Ordinance should be amended to read that the city offices could indeed be operated out of the old city-school library.  Imagine that, the city could not operate the finance office out of the old city-school library cause it was zoned residential but a former councilman could engage in what appears to be a contract variance with Alcester Finance Officer Jurrens to build Old Mac Lance’s Barn in a residential area effectively devalued the residential properties on either side of the Old Mac Lance’s Combine Barn.  The amendment was approved by the council but a public hearing had to be set to complete the action.  Public Hearing was set for July 6, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Agenda Item #7 – Pool Updates The pool has been opened to pre-school and up.  A note here:  After passing the pool when it was occupied by staff and swimmers, I strongly suggest the city provide the swim attire for the city hired life-guards.  I strongly suggest the swim costumes be of the same color, one-piece only and marked appropriately as life-guard so there can be no doubt just who is the life-guard for the pool and who is in charge.

Agenda Item #12 July meeting location.  Meeting has been moved to the old city-school library Dakota Street.

Agenda Item #13-Executive Session-  Not needed.  It is amazing how much time not having an unnecessary executive meeting shaves of the length of meetings.  Even more time can be shaved by giving the council all the background information they need on agenda items so they can prepare and not have to rely on a translation from a biased source.

Agenda Item #14 Adjourn  Meeting adjourned at 1:38 p.m.

*Notice finance office employee Wanda was listed among the gallery. WHY? I heard the office telephone ring and ring while she sat in the gallery. So who is minding the finance store? Is that another oxymoron case which begged the question, was the officer open/closed or closed/open? She did eventually get up and answer the phone. Well at least I think so, it stopped ringing.

06/01/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor pro-tem David Larsen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following council members present: Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilman Dan Haeder, Councilman/Mayor pro-tem David Larsen, Councilwoman Darla Reppe and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson.

Agenda Item #2 – Pledge of Allegiance

Agenda Item #3– Approve agenda

Agenda Item #4 – Approve Minutes of May 4, 2020, and May 18, 2020.

Agenda Item #5 – Vacancy

Executive Session was called to interview candidates for mayor and for Ward II Council seat at 6:02 p.m.

Council came out of executive session at 6:35 p.m.   At 6:36 p.m. Ward III Councilman Dan Haeder resigned as Ward III council representative. It is uncertain why Councilman Haeder chose to resign because he could hold his seat as Ward III Councilman and perform duties as appointed mayor pro tem without resignation. Upon acceptance of what appeared to be his written resignation, the council appointed Mr. Haeder as Mayor until April 2021. Ward III was declared vacant and posting should appear in the official newspaper to fill the vacancy.

Next up was the appointment of Marcus Ireland as Ward II representative.

Both Haeder and Ireland were administered the Oath of Office by Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens. After five minutes of meeting and in which two (2) agenda items were dealt with, Mayor Pro Tem David Larsen realized Mayor Dan Haeder had not taken over the meeting and unfortunately our Parliamentarian Attorney Sam missed the failure to transfer of power. Mayor Haeder took over directing the meeting and re-did agenda items 6 and 7. A note here it came to my attention that FO Jurrens had not verified eligibility of Mr. Ireland prior to her administration of the Oath of Office to him. I asked FO Jurrens this morning (June 2, 2020) if Mr. Ireland was in fact eligible, registered voter in the city and her answer to me. “I do not know, I will contact Callie or Marcus”. This troubles me because the quasi-election official failed to verify eligibility before she administered the Oath of Office. After my conversation with Finance Office Jurrens, I verified with Union County that Mr. Ireland was indeed a registered voter and eligible to hold city council member seat.

Agenda Item #6 – Council office. Councilman David Larsen retains his position as President of the Council and Councilwoman Linda Talbott was elected as Vice-President of the Council second in line for mayor should something prevent Mayor Haeder from executing his duties as Mayor before April of 2020.

Agenda Item #7 – Signatures Council voted to place the following individuals as signatories for the bank accounts and access to safe deposit boxes in the name of Alcester City. Signers are listed as Mayor Dan Haeder, Council President David Larsen, Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens and Finance officer employee Wanda Halverson.

Agenda Item #8 – AMKO-Mark DeRaney Bond Issue

Mr. DeRaney has been working on the refinance of the water bond. A Resolution (2020-07)was needed to set this refinance in motion. In light of the recent changes in the economy it was determined that banks were no long as willing to finance bonds so Mr. DeRaney was working with underwriter D.A. Davidson, out of Des Moines, Iowa, and with Zions Bank Trust Corporation as payee which was required for the change-over process. The resolution needed to be amended to reflect the changes.

In addition to the publication of Resolution 2020-07, a special meeting was needed to complete the transaction. Special meeting was set up for June 19. 2020, at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Agenda Item # 9 – ROCS transport -represented by Peter Smith. This agenda item was pushed back in the agenda line up due to the Planning and Zoning Hearing.

Agenda Item #12 – 7:00 p.m. -Planning and Zoning Hearing-(out of order) . It was determined an amendment was needed in Ordinance (2020-08) to create a planned development district which can write its own rules but cannot be an area smaller than a city block.   (Chapter 5)

Agenda Item #9- ROCS Transport continued. This is a transport service to provide rides to appoints and etc in town and out of town. It was mentioned the Care Center was no longer transporting residents to appointments.

Agenda Item #10 – Emergency Siren testing and repairs- Discussion and information was shared concerning our emergency siren system by Axel Ericson and Pat Kast. Discussion covered a weekly routine test at a specific time and day to keep batteries operational and find any problems before any emergency.

Agenda Item #11 – Input-

I shared input which dealt with inaccuracies in meeting minutes. Specifically the Finance Officer editorializing the minutes and not facts of the meeting. Specifically the reference to the issue/input regarding contract variance. She opined the conversation between Attorney Sam and myself did not have anything to do with Alcester. The contract variance dealt specifically with a seated councilman and the finance officer of Alcester which definitely deals with Alcester. I also advised the council that Hawarden pool is closed and Beresford pool will not be open until June 15, 2020, and then only to residents of Beresford and the Beresford School District. I also mentioned an issue with the cemetery and an employee of the city with regarding to a squirrel jumping from a Pine tree on the cemetery property and causing a power outage down Lincoln Drive. The employee was mowing with headphones on, failed to hear the explosion, failed to quit mowing when the Mid-American Tech was on scene discussing the situation with me even when he saw us standing next to the Utility Truck with a Boom.

A gentlemen who had just moved into town was questioning the zoning and asked how to get and who to get a building permit from. He also asked where he might find the building codes. It would have been nice to be able to tell him he could find all that information on our website, BUT we do not have a website—WHY?

Oh and lest we forget Mike Burkes, purchase Lots 5 and 6 in on Beck Drive (just behind to the north of Randy Heuer)in the Numsen Addition and their proposed S***House. This is a residential neighborhood and not business, storage or commercial. This edifice S***House was according to Mr. Burke too big for just one lot. Mr. Heuer those covenants which protected the value of your property are deemed null, care to argue that premise with those of us complaining the covenants are not void. You have more to lose than me.

Agenda Item #15 – Pool Updates- Yeah, there was a discussion concerning the interview of pool personnel. It came to light the pool committee was not notified of the interviews and were kept out of the interview by Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens. Once again she was interview employees without a bona-fide councilmember present. WOW talk about major over reach. FO Jurrens you are still not a councilmember, you are still not a city administrator, your are still just the city bookkeeper!

Agenda Item #16– Chief of Police- Discussion of hours, and over -time.

Agenda Item # 19-

Ordinance 2020-05 Clovid 19 derivative, amended by repeal of all but the mayor’s call to close down. Passed

Ordinance 2020-06 Two meetings per month-Passed 3 Ayes, 2 nays. Comment was made by Mayor Haeder about the length of meetings being the reason for the change to two regular meetings per month. I submit Mayor Haeder you set the agenda and you are in charge of what business comes before the council and how much time is spend on that business not Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens. Sir you control the length of the meeting, so in fact you do not need two regular meetings a month.

Agenda Item #20– Personnel Manual rewrite-Still in process. Department Heads, versus Committee versus Supervisors exercise in semantics. Additional discussion of Overtime for police Department which is exempt from Overtime versus Administrative Exempt from Overtime. Sam indicates that FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act is not applicable to Alcester. We better make it applicable or we will not be able to maintain a decent police department.

Agenda Item #21- Finance Office- Warrants dealt with. Notice the Finance Office was undergoing an Analytical Review. Rent for city offices at the old school will be in exchange for law care paid by city.

Agenda Item #26 – Adjourn at 9:32 p.m.

05/15/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Folks, we have no mayor. 

 

Check out what the plan is for Monday!

lookee, lookee all the amendings and revisions.

 

Input has been placed where the public cannot speak on whether they want a special election for mayor and Ward II council person and not an appointment done under the table! 

NOTE the decision has already been made in secret by author of agenda.

Agenda Item #4 a) , motion to approve the appointment of Dan Haeder for Mayor until next election.  This was done in secret, no open session!

 

Agenda Item #12 Amend Ordinance?  So Amend the height of the contract variance Again?

 

COME TO THE MEETING 

 

 

LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD!

05/13/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

As I understand it, after the May 4, 2020, city council meeting Mayor Tom Glas resigned as mayor.  By the way it is not official until the council VOTES to accept his resignation!

This left the newly elected president councilmember David Larsen of the council as mayor pro tem to perform the duties of mayor until a new mayor may be appointed or elected.

Folks the city has the option of appointing a mayor or having a special election. I urge the residents of Alcester to insist upon a special election to fill the positions of Ward II council position and Mayoral position with an emphasis let the people decide.

I CALL FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION!

NO APPOINTMENT!

A SPECIAL ELECTION!

 Unfortunately the council has not distinguished itself when considering variances, appointments and spending money. It has been argued that special election costs have not been included in the city budget-that the city cannot afford an election.  THE CITY CANNOT AFFORD NOT TO HAVE AN ELECTION. If Finance Officer Jurrens can scrape up money for a police building caused by Mayor Tom Glas and the council not having the foresight of no place for the Police Department before selling the PD Office out from under our police force and other non-budget items, I am confident money can be found for an election.

LET’S SEE PAST PERFORMANCE:

  • Councilwoman Patricia Jurrens/Finance Officer “wanted” Beck Drive, she found non-budget money for that.
  • Finance Officer Patricia “wanted” over-time for her appointive position as Finance Officer, she found non-budget money for that. Of course not the secret desk drawer, dollar diary, non-compliant, non-approved overtime $28K +/- for which she was hoping but $4880. +/-. The mayor/city council had to approve on paper any over-time or comp time, didn’t happen. I asked for FOIA and was told these approvals did not exist. Mayor Glas FAILED his duty, and the council voted (against city ordinance) to approve a non-approval of over-time rated payment demanded by Alcester City Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens while she actively worked against over-time/comp time request of police chief Chris Doty using the argument he was not eligible for over-time or comp time.
  • Mayor Glas allowed Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens to attend non-Finance Office functions on city time at tax payer expense. Glas allowed Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens to campaign during finance office hours at the Commercial Club/Chamber of Commerce meeting, Community Building meetings, hold birthday parties at the local club house of which it is my understanding she was not a paying member of the golf club, allowed Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens to circulate through Anderson Drive residents with the City Council Member Lance Johnson to obtain a Contract for Variance and attend a meeting (video admission) with Michael McGill to get an opinion on covenants in the Anderson Drive section of Numsen Addition at the suggestion of Mr. Tom Frieberg who had a conflict of interest.
  • Said Contract for Variance (contract for variance is illegal) had an objection by Vickie Larsen and which a named partner, Larry Nelson had argued against a variance in Hamerly v. city of Lennox which the Hamerly’s objected to the construction of a garage (non-conforming) building to be built in a residential neighborhood.
  • Then there are the election violations perpetrated by Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens and she was not furloughed/terminated by Glas or the Council.
  • Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens found money for FDR (Full Depth Reclamation) which was a predictable (according to a road construction business owner) miserable flop and cost the residents street repair money through street maintenance tax.

These are just a few instances where the Finance Officer over-reached her position and violated city law.

There are people who have witnessed the illegal antics of Patricia Jurrens, please come forward complain. Let me know (vickielarsen98@gmail.com). I have taken a public stand, I will continue to take a public stand but I need support since I have been repeatedly denied placement on the council.

There is a meeting Monday, May 18, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the city auditorium. Come see and hear for yourselves. Let your voices be heard.

The city is waffling on closing the pool due to the pandemic. It is your children, your parents and grandparents who are at risk. It is our life-guards and city employees who are at risk because some of the council think we need to keep the pool open. That we need to keep the kiddies occupied, do you really want to risk your children to be occupied (if they are lucky) with just plain breathing with a vent in a hospital?

PUSH BACK FROM APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR AND COUNCILPERSON BY THE EXISTING COUNCIL TO A FULL BLOWN ELECTION BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE.*

 

 

*the Finance Office cannot be involved in going to the Care Center to ‘help’ fill out absentee applications or ballots—it is deemed a conflict by SDML