Tag: Patricia Hammitt Alcester SD

04/18/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

Once again folks, Let the council know what you think.

The  April 18, 2022, meeting was called to order by Mayor Dan Haeder with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, Councilman Lukas Driesen, Councilman David Larsen and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson.

Agenda Item #3 – (01:05.77) Approve agenda unanimous vote.

Agenda Item #4 – (01:37.23) Ward II vacancy – no one wants to have Pat on their back.

Agenda Item #5 – (01:51.47)  Sealed Bid Openings for the Metal Clad Building and the Rheem Air conditioner.  Regan Homandberg submitted a bid of $1200 for the building and was accepted.  No action on the Rheem Air Conditioner.  (06:50.47) FOPAT addresses the city attorney for advice on the Rheem air conditioner, isn’t that the Mayor’s job?

Agenda Item #6 – Public Input – none

Agenda Item #7 – (08:04.63) Affordable Housing – FOPAT (08:13.17) says, “…ok I talked with Harley at SECOG…” regarding the fee for the feasibility study.  Indicating a grant agreement could be entered into with a matching amount to what the city would be paying.  By the way  Madam FO Ms. Harley Ferguson of SECOG is a profession colleague, not a “Ladies Night Out” familiar!  (10:06.33)  Councilman David Larsen queries, “…How long will this take?…” with regard to the feasibility study.  Folks I took a class in which we had to do a feasibility study, factors considered were economics, technical, legal and scheduling for the success of the project depending upon the cost and return on investment and a plan B for unanticipated factors of implementation.

          Similar to what should have happened with the Alcester Community Center, but does not appear to have happened.  Things which should have been explored such as details of the project, product, service and business plan.  What is the local market, what is the broader market, what is the marketing strategy in detail?  What are the staffing needs, scheduling and timeline for completion and launch.  Financials, how much money budgeted and how much real money involved.  (11:20.50) Motion was made and passed for the grant application with (12:14.60) Motion to approve Resolution 2022-01 for matching funds and ending with (12:46.83) approval of study fee match.

Agenda Item #8 – (12:55.23) Legal Updates   (13:56.67) South Dakota Statutes covering the nuisance cause of action.  In other words the legal justification for condemning property which I believe is covered in SDCL Chapter 21-10, more specifically 21-10-3, 21-10-4, 21-10-5, 21-10-6 and so on. 

          Interesting point here as I was researching the Nuisance Statutes was 21-10-25.4 dealing with water pollution or land overflow not affected by protected status such as the repeated flooding of a private residence as a result of poor engineering and 21-10-26 Logging slash definition which semantically could be applied to wood arising out of tree trimming.  Kind of like what the Mayor has in his back yard, logging debris consisting of tree tops, limbs, cull logs and other separate vegetation which would house rats, mice and other vermin. 

          (15:42.10)  Councilman David Larsen asked about city reimbursement if (the city) had to pay for clean up, legal costs and liabilities.  City Attorney Sam replied (15:56.33) upon the court determination of nuisance the city could appropriate the property and sell to recoup demo costs, taxes, liens and or any interests accrued.  Now folks think about it, you are looking at a vacant lot with no house on it or just a dilapidated garage would you purchase a lot valued at $5243 with no house or just a garage but with say $20,000.00 demolition cost, back taxes and legal fees of goodness only know how much.  Oh and don’t forget the building permit to put something back on the property.  So for the sake of argument and rounding, the city would be asking you to subsidize their choice to spend somewhere between $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 for an appraised lot worth only $5243.00 or less?  So in answer to Councilman David Larsen’s question will the city be reimbursed for their clean up costs, their legal costs and oh yes let’s not forget the loss of tax revenue for unknown number of years, Nope, no way, not worth it! 

Agenda Item #9 – Wastewater Facility Upgrade  (0:18:33.80)  FOPAT makes the statement, “…UH my personal recommendation would be is…I would…looking at doing this in a relatively quick time…”  As FOPAT states this is her personal recommendation, not a financially based recommendation but her Personal recommendation.  I do not know about you folks but I place absolutely no value in her personal recommendation.  I do, however, wonder why that map (0:20:48.87) she handed out to the city council, “…to refresh their minds…” does not appear on the city website and contrary to giving the public access to all materials (excepting those dealing with executive session material) dispensed to the council.  How can we ask intelligent questions on something we are being kept in the dark about?  (0:21:21.50)  Oxymoron when asked why can’t the water be laid with the sewer.    FOPAT says, “…you can’t use sewer money for a water line…”  So tell us how are sewer bills figured?  Aren’t those figures derived or based upon water usage?  (0:26:40.33) Councilwoman Darla Reppe asks, “…so we don’t have all the money, does this mean our water bills will go up again…?”  Short answer, Yes your water bills will go up again.  Folks call Mayor Haeder at 605-934-2287, 605-770-7929 or ask FOPAT at 605-934-2517.  Apparently they have all the answers along with a death grip on our pocket books. 

Agenda Item #11 – Police Department (0:36:23.17)  Truck decal upgrade.  Present decal is cracking and shedding.  Question of truck wiring and corrective measures. 

Agenda Item #12 – Library – summer hire. 

Agenda Item #13 – Committee Chair Updates – (0:48:37.00)  Chair reported no report but FOPAT reported she had a complaint about a wastewater back up (0:48:55.10), Mayor Haeder promotes Tide Pods.  Note white powder pods probably should not be used because they pack-up and cause blockages of the sewer system.

Agenda Item #14 – Golf Course and Community Center. (0:55:26.43)  Hire of an outside worker.  (0:57:24.93)  14B Councilman David Larsen comments of meetings with Employee Mike Croy regarding request for raise due to increased responsibilities in job description.  (0:59:08.13) Councilwoman Linda Talbott wants to talk about the raise issue in Executive Session 1-25-2.1 Personnel under Agenda Item #16.  Council discusses this for a minute or two and agrees to push the executive session discussion into Agenda Item #16.

Agenda Item #15 – Finance Office – (1:00:21.57)  Assistant Finance Officer position was offered and the person wanted some time to think it over.  No action taken.

Custodian Hire, LeAnn Haisch at $11.00 per hour.

Agenda Item 15D  Motion to pay Quam, Berglin & Post for the audit.    (01:03:39.00) Audit cost spread:  $4250.00 out of general fund, $2125.00 out of Water Fund and $2125.00 out of Sewer Fund for a total $8500.00?  (01:04:30.40)  Councilwoman Linda Talbott asked the question, “…how much has that gone up…?”  FOPAT answered, ” …over the last three years, $500.00 year…”  Then the question was asked, WHY?  (01:04:55.20)  FOPAT answers, “…I haven’t asked…”  Really?  (01:05:20.97)  Council before you take a step as suggested by FOPAT and City Attorney Sam, revisit the past.  The council did change auditors for a cheaper auditor.  Yeah well safe to say, “you git what you pay fer” (01:05:43.20)  Let’s take a trip back in time, FOPAT.  Remember back on November 7, 2016?  Let me refresh your memory FOPAT, that was the meeting where you stiffed Mr. Berglin $500.00 ’cause you couldn’t figure out Quick Books, a program you former employer sold.

I was there while FOPAT made Dwight Berglin cool his heels beyond his schedule time, until Mayor Glas finally called Audit Review.  OMG Finance Officer Pat had to slide close to Mayor Glas so she could page through the Mayor’s copy of the review to get him on the correct page.  It would have been hysterically funny watching Mayor Glas lick his finger, press down and carefully rolling the page over with an utterly vacant look on his face, as if he hadn’t been the sitting Mayor.  Again the lack of segregation of duties was an immediate concern of the audit.  As Mr. Berglin left the meeting, the question was asked, “…do we need to approve this (meaning the audit review)…?”  finance Officer Pat Jurrens replied, “NO”.  Then finance Officer Jurrens went on to discuss the bill for the Audit cost of $9500.00 .  She related  because of ‘anomalies’  in the QuickBooks Program, our accountant told her there would be an extra charge of $500.00 due to the extra work Accountant Berglin had to perform.  Finance Officer Jurrens claimed she was not advised of the QuickBooks foible.  Really this is supposed to be in her scope of duties and alleged expertise!  So the City of Alcester, to our shame, allowed the accounting audit bill to be short paid by $500.00 ’cause FOPAT couldn’t  figure the QuickBooks program out and Mr. Berglin accepted $500.00 less for his extra work.

Folks it appears FOPAT is hell-bent on a re-run of history.  Please note in the video where she pushes to have the accountant appear to ‘explain’ the increase in fee. (01:06:17.70) The extra fee was because Mr. Berglin had to school you in accounting FOPAT.  So FOPAT do you not get and expect an annual COLI (Cost Of Living Increase)?  So why piss and moan about paying the $500.00 increase of cost of doing business?  Perhaps if you managed the city’s accounts better, our accountant would not have to spend so much time at the card game called Memory and what you call the city accounts.

Agenda Item #16 – Executive Session – (01:09:49.80) 

SDCL 1-25-2.3 Legal –  (3) Consulting with legal counsel or review communications from legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters.

Now folks to the best of my knowledge the SRTS flooding litigation has not been resolved, so it stands to reason this is the communication about proposed or pending litigation. 

 Okay  but what about the SDCL 1-25-2.1 Personnel issue regarding raise in wages discussion that Councilwoman Talbott wanted moved to this agenda item?  H-m-m?  According to statute similar to initiative constraints – one subject per executive session to be legal i.e. South Dakota Constitutional Amendment Z, Single-Subject Rule for Constitutional Amendments (2018) Time will tell.

Council went into Executive Session for SDCL 125-2.3 Legal at 7:10 P.M. and lasted until 8:18 P.M. 

          City Hall lost power at or around 8:15 P.M.  At 8:18 P.M. Mayor Haeder called the council back into public meeting.  Power was still out.  I kept my camera running without room light for audio recording purposes.  (01:11:57.17)  Mayor Haeder addressed the wage raise for employee Mike Croy.  Since the council did not come out of the Executive Session for SDCL 1-25-2.3 and then failed to go back into Executive Session of SDCL -25-2.1 Personnel, because Mayor Haeder and the council felt free to discuss the raise in wages for Mr. Croy in open session it is obvious discussion of this employee/personnel issue took place under the SDCL 1-25-2.3 Executive Session violating the single subject rule for Executive Sessions.  Mayor Haeder and the council stand in violation of open meeting law.

So just when and how long did  (01:13:08.97) Mayor Haeder and the council discuss the appropriateness if wage increase and the value of this employee?  They agreed to revisit this issue (0:59:08.13) in Executive Session but Executive Session 1-25-2.1 Personnel was never entered into.  Sam?  So the motion was made, seconded and approve to give Mike Croy a wage increase to $15.50 per hour.

Agenda Item #17 Adjournment.  Council adjourned at 8:21 P.M.

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

04/04/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

THE MOST COMMON WAY PEOPLE GIVE UP THEIR POWER IS BY THINKING THEY DON’T HAVE ANY.

Alice Walker

American author

          The  April 4, 2022, meeting was called to order by Mayor Dan Haeder with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, Councilman Lukas Driesen, Councilman David Larsen and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson.

          Agenda Item #2 –  Pledge of Allegiance

          Agenda Item #3 – Approve Agenda – (01:15.60) The council approved the agenda as presented.  Approved unanimously.  Too bad the council was not advised of the delay the speaker scheduled for Agenda Item #5 Banner Engineering prior to their vote.

          Agenda Item #4 – Approve the Minutes of March 7, 2022, and March 21, 2022.  (01:45.03)  Council approved the minutes of March 7, 2022, and March 21, 2022, unanimously.  (02:34.13) FOPAT belatedly advised the council of the Banner Engineering representative delay.

          Skip to Agenda Item #7 –  Ward II Council vacancy.  No one wants a Pat on their back. (03:07.73)

          Agenda Item #8 – Public Input (03:35.40)  First up was Reporter Gordon Richard (03:47.20) who made remarks concerning the Union County Fair issue indicating he had spoken with Commission Joffer regarding the FCS contact with the Union County Commissioners.

          Second to speak during public input (04:18.33) was Councilman Lukas Driesen who also spoke to the topic of the Union County Fair issue.

          Councilwoman Darla Reppe (05:22.57) followed with her input relating to constituent contacts concerning the Union County Fair issue.  During Councilwoman Reppe’s input Mayor Haeder inject his opinion (09:55.30) “…You (indicating the Alcester City Council members) are the people that actually have to make that decision…”.  Mayor Haeder went on to comment (10:33.20), “…there is more drama in this town than they do in Sioux Falls…”)

          Councilman Lukas Driesen went on to comment (0:11:16.80) on a constituent’s observation the street sweeper should see the streets more often.  Please note here folks FOPATS’s response.

          I, Vickie Larsen was the last to speak to public input (0:11:56.27)  I spoke to the inexcusable failure to have a map for the zoning issue on the website so the public could see where the devil Section 28 was located.  I also spoke to Mayor Haeder’s comment regarding any sale or removal of the Union County Fair from Alcester.  Those two issues lie within the purview of the Union County Commissioners and the voters of Union County.

          Agenda Item #5 – Wastewater Facility Plant- Tanya Miller (0:14:08.43)  During discussion of this agenda item Councilman David Larsen states his concern over the cost of our waste water facility. (0:28:39.23)  Mayor Haeder comments (0:31:23.27) “…We don’t, we don’t have a choice, we need sewer….”  Mayor Haeder continues in his remarks (0:34:23.63), “…People need sewers, people need roads, people need water…”  So Mayor, did the people “need” community center, could they have lived without it?  H-m-m?

          Agenda Item #6 – 6:30 p.m. Community Center Employees  

          Executive Session SDCL 1-25-2.1 Personnel  started at 6:30 P.M.  Three groups of employees appeared before the council in executive session with the council, FOPat and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson.  The first group of six was in the session for about one (1) hour, the second group of three was in about 1/2 hour and the third group of two was in the executive session for about 1/2 hour.  Yes folks the executive session lasted for two (2) hours and five minutes.  The council was declared out of executive session at 8:41 P.M.

          The council then voted on three new hires.

          Agenda Item #9 – Police Dept.   Chief Austin Schuller gave updates and statistical reporting.

          Agenda Item #10 – Legal Updates – City Attorney Sam Nelson   Mr. Nelson  reported the condemnation would be handled in the April 18, 2022, meeting.  Mr. Nelson discussed HB 1033, Make an appropriation for the provision of housing infrastructure loans and grants; HB 62, which dealt with an appropriation for eligible water, wastewater, storm water, and nonpoint source projects and to declare an emergency; and HB 1076, which would permit certain municipalities to elect aldermen at large.

          Agenda Item #11 – Union County Fair Ground- Mayor Haeder was wound up over scuttlebutt dealing with the Union County Fair and Fair grounds.  (01:53:24.80)  Mayor Haeder says, “…do I need to say that again for the camera?…or for anybody?…” 

          (0:53.51.07) Mayor Haeder says, “…obviously the fairgrounds would be re-located and they would be re-located in Alcester…good lord willing…we would do our best to make sure they were put right here in the city of Alcester…they’ve been here 90 plus years…why would they move?…”   Mayor Haeder you make assumptions on the location of the Union County Fairgrounds, it is up to the Union County Commissioners and the Union County voters to determine the location of the Union County Fair if the fairgrounds were to be sold.  Why would the fairgrounds move?  To be equally accessible to all portions of Union County, obviously! 

          (0:54:21.30) Mayor Haeder says, “we are putting together a committee and the committee is going to be composed of some, some aldermen.  It’s also going to be composed of some commissioners and some fair board people…(Darla Reppe, Lukas Driesen, David Larsen or Linda Talbott)”

          (0:56:43.63)  Mayor Haeder on the question of quorum wanders into the realm of the ignorant quorum says, “…It depends on how we do it…it, it is publicized that there is a quorum present but…no business is actually (here he mumbles something)…you’re not making any motions…you’re not (indecipherable mumbling)…you should be able to talk about an issue…we can have the three of us together…”  Mayor Haeder you would be violating the law, you would be violating open, transparent ‘government’.  You expect us to take you at your word?  Guess again.

          (0:57:11.90)  At this point Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson says, “…I, I would caution you …in a quorum…”  Mayor Haeder’s body language suggests he did not take that caution well.

           Agenda Item # 12 – 2022 Multi Community Chip Seal Project.  The Brosz bid was received and determined to be excessive.  FOPat says she and Lonnie felt the final bid was too high?  At this point the Council needed to determine whether to accept or reject the Brosz bid.  The motion was made to reject the Brosz bid and a unanimously vote to reject saved us a boat load of money.

          Agenda Item #13 – Plat map change for Plat of Tract 4, Railway Addition, an Additional in the NE1/4 of Section 28, T95N, R49W, 5th P.M., City of Alcester, Union County, South Dakota.  Three motions needed to be made and Mayor Haeder managed to stumble his way through the process, saved from a redo by the ability of the council to read the motion accurately.  (1:07:07.87)  Mayor Haeder finally remembers he is to entertain a motion and vote to enter into a joint city council and Planning and Zoning Board meeting.  WOW

          (1:11:42.20)  Railroad right-of-way established in and under 2017 South Dakota Codified Laws, Title 49-Public Utilities and Carriers, Chapter 16A -Intra state Railroad Regulation, §49-16A-77 Powers-Width of right-of-way-Additional land for proper construction-Compensation for lands taken.  “49-16A-77 Powers…Each railroad authorized to construct, operate, or maintain a road within this state, may lay out a road not exceeding one hundred feet in width, and construct it…”

          (1:13:48.13)  Mayor Haeder, you need a motion to recommend approval of the Plat of tract and authorize David Larsen to sign as chair of the P&Z Board.

          (1:14:03.00)  Mayor Haeder, you need a motion to approve the P&Z Board recommendation and approve signers.

          Thankfully those making the motions, faithfully repeated the printed motion listed on the agenda presumably provided by Sam Nelson, city attorney.

          (1:16:59.70)  Butting in on Mayor Haeder, FOPat calls for Agenda Item #14 – Swimming Pool.  WOW!   Gees Louise, then (01:20:25.53) Mayor Haeder appears to ask FOPat’s permission to call for approval of FOPat’s suggestion for pool wages as presented. 

          Agenda Item #15 – Finance Office Updates

          Agenda Item #16 – Executive Session for Personnel  – not needed.  Gee whiz after that marathon 2 hour plus executive session, surprise, surprise they did not have anything more to personnel to talk about.

          Agenda Item #17 – Adjourn – Meeting was adjourned at 9:33 P.M.

Once again folks, Let the council know what you think.  Let them know how you appreciate the Mayor’s opinion of you and your city.  Let the Mayor know.

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

03/21/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

“An apple a day is good enough to keep anyone away, if it is thrown hard enough.”

Stephen Colbert

 “Ever since I learned Uncle Isaac was beaned by a falling apple, I have  practiced batting and I aspire to a .375 batting average!”

Vickie A. Newton

          The  March 21, 2022, meeting was called to order by Mayor Dan Haeder with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples and Councilman Lukas Driesen.  Absent was Councilman David Larsen and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson.

          Agenda Item #3 – Approval of the Agenda  The council approved the agenda unchanged unanimously.

          Agenda Item #4 – Board of Equalization Meeting

          At (01:38.70) Mayor Haeder fails to announce the Alcester City Council meeting in recess for the local Board of Equalization.  At 6:01 PM Mayor Haeder announces the Board of Equalization in session (01:48.23) but fails (02:03.03) to do a formal roll call of council members who make up the local Board of Equalization and fails to determine a quorum is present:

SDCL 10-11-15. Clerk of local equalization board–Minutes–Form of action–Adjournment in absence of quorum.

The township clerk or municipal finance officer shall act as clerk of the equalization board and keep an accurate record of all changes made in the valuation and of all other proceedings. The minutes shall contain the following information: name of property owner appealing assessment, legal description of property being appealed, change to land or structure value by local board of equalization and reason for such change. All actions shall be taken in the form of a motion, second and vote. If no quorum is present, the clerk of such board may adjourn from day to day, and publicly announce the time to which the meeting is adjourned.

SDCL 10-11-16.1. Appeals–Notice of decision by local board of equalization.

A local board of equalization shall hear individual valuation, classification, and assessment questions of property owners or taxpayers who have appealed to the local board of equalization, and may make adjustments and corrections in the assessment roll. The board shall notify each appellant of the decision affecting the appellant’s property in writing seven days after the adjournment of the local board of equalization.

          Doyle Fickbohm’s objection to the assessed value of the property at 208 Union, parcel number 01.04.02.1015 in the city of Alcester.  Said property was valued by the county at $64,054.00 uncertified.  After discussion, attempts at crafting a motion properly and Mayor Haeder’s refusal to restate the motion (14:47.10).  The council unanimously voted to deny (15:02.83) Mr. Fickbohm’s objection to the county assessment of Parcel number 01.04.02.1015.

          Rob Huber of Sunnyside Rentals, LLC, Lennox, SD (15:13.33) objection to the assessed value of the property at 202 East Sixth Street, parcel number 01.01.24.1025 in the city of Alcester.  Said property was valued by the county at $200,102.00 uncertified.  (15:38.07) Mayor Haeder speaks in rounded numbers rather than actual figures.  During discussion phase of this object Mayor Haeder (16:56.27) states, “…we are just making our opinions known…you (the council) are making your opinions known.”  Notice Mayor Haeder’s repeated use of the “Royal ‘We'” when he speaks then attempts to absolve himself of any potential blame!”  Also note (17:14.73) Mayor Haeder devolves into irrelevance-counting the number of doors to assess valuation.  (19:04.90) I asked for clarification of the county assessed value $200,102.00. (20:14.97) Mayor Haeder AGAIN refuses to restate the motion for the record.  (20:57.80) Council votes unanimously to deny Mr. Huber’s objection to the county assessment of $200,102.00) for 202 East Sixth Street, parcel ID 01.01.24.1025.

          Upon no further objections to assessment of properties and before adjourning the local Board of Equalization Mayor Haeder (21:59.20) Once AGAIN Mayor Header Sky Dives down the Rabbit Hole of irrelevance without benefit of an inflated parachute of common sense!

          Agenda Item #5 – Council Vacancy Ward II  No one wants a PAT on their back.  No action.

          Agenda Item #6 – Public Input

          Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples (24:07.43) brought up a concern of a resident about moles in the cemetery and what can be done about them.  Again Mayor Haeder descended into what I would term a grossly, ill-advised diatribe of rant (24:55.50), “…I (Mayor Haeder) have the right to shoot one (a pellet gun) on my property…” (26:32.17)  Mayor Haeder says, “…I can use a pellet gun…rabbits, ground squirrels, whatever…I can kill anything that doesn’t require a license to hunt…”  Question asked of  Mayor Haeder, Poison?  Mayor Haeder responds, “…could..it’d probably be met with a little more resistance because of people that have cats…”  Then there is the morceau de bétise which happens at (27:42.23) when Mayor Haeder in answer to Councilwoman Talbott’s comment about cats.  Where Mayor Haeder states, “…you (Councilwoman Talbott) have the right to do that…” (28:28.03)  So let me get this straight Mayor Haeder, if one does not like cats or birds you can shoot a pellet gun at them.  You are giving your permission Mayor Haeder?  So according to your common sense Mayor Haeder, if you do not like something and ya don’t need a license to hunt it, you can shoot a pellet gun at them.  Is this what you are giving permission to do, Mayor Haeder?

          Richard Akland (28:42.40)   Pickleball update

          Vickie Larsen (32:29.27)

                                (32:45.63) Water Bill assistance result of water bill hikes

                                (33:09.37)  Shooting inside the city limits.  Warning Mayor

                                (38:28.90)  I questioned whether FOPat and Wanda are being paid for their volunteer work?  Notice the quick response from Mayor Haeder.  Makes one wonder, do we have Oxymorons-Paid Volunteers?

          Agenda Item #7 – Affordable Housing Update – Gordon Richard  (39:14.27) Mayor Haeder talks about city paying for infrastructure on acquisition of the alfalfa land south of Beck Drive.  Thing is the property directly south of Beck Drive is Anderson Drive?  I am sure the folks on the west side of Alcester are comforted that they are once again pushed back in the waiting line for update of infrastructure while they are paying the curb tax, the rise in tax assessment and tax levies.

          Agenda Item #8 – Legal Updates  No Sam, No Sign and No action.

          Agenda Item #9 – Committee Department Chair Updates 

          Street                    NO report

          Cemetery              NO report

          Water                    NO report

          Wastewater           advised the Engineering plan is at 90% complete

          Library                  NO report other than Saturday reading group

          Golf Course          Thank you to Gary McKellips for T-Box signs and the updated Pond Biffy.  (46:04.20)  Mayor Haeder wandered down memory lane of irrelevancy with his account of the McCook Biffy.  How the men didn’t care but the women did.  WOW talk about being BIFFY AWARE!

          Agenda Item #10 – Golf Course/Community Center -Hiring- Why isn’t the guy who is actually working with them hiring them?

          Agenda Item #11 – Finance Office- Updates

          Agenda Item #12 – Old Standby – Executive Session SDCL 1-25-2 *.*      WOW  Wonder of Wonders no need.  Amazing!

          Agenda Item #13 – Adjourn  6:56 PM

FOLKS CALL THE MAYOR, TELL HIM WHAT YOUR OPINION IS.

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

03/11/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

“Things will only improve when the people – all of us – say to authorities, ‘I will hold you responsible.’ We should all be showing up at city council meetings, lighting up every community with activism and mobilization”.

Erin Brockovich

          I would like to address a couple of portions of the recent council meeting in more depth.

          First I would like to address the point where, I asked the question who approved the verbiage of the advertisement in the local paper for a vacancy in the city finance officer.  Listen to the non-answer I received from Mayor Haeder. (02:56.50), “…I don’t know if anybody had an opportunity to look at it ( the advertisement for a finance office employee)  Well folks if the mayor did not write this fairy story, the council did not write this fairy story and the city attorney certainly did not write this fair story, who did?  My guess is that FOPat appropriated the form and the verbiage.  So, let’s take a gander and see what the goose wrote.  First let’s compare the Finance Officer Description and FOPat’s opinion of her job description:

DUTIES OF MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICER

SDML

  • KEEP REGULAR BOOKS OF ACCOUNT
  • SUPERVISE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM
  • KEEP A RECORD OF CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
  • DRAW AND COUNTERSIGN ALL WARRANTS
  • KEEP THE CORPORATE SEAL
  • COUNTERSIGN ALL CONTRACTS
  • AUDIT AND ADJUST ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD
  • KEEP A BOOK IN WHICH ALL CONTRACTS SHALL BE ENTERED
  • CERTIFY ANNUAL TAX LEVY TO COUNTY AUDITOR
  • MAINTAIN SPECIAL ASSESSMENT RECORD
  • FILE BONDS OF ALL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIAL OF CITY EXCEPT AUDITOR’S BOND
  • PREPARE, PUBLISH AND FILE ANNUAL REPORT
  • MAINTAIN BOND RECORD
  • PREPARE BUDGET BEFORE SEPT 1 OF EACH YEAR AND SUBMIT TO COUNCIL
  • MAINTAIN A FILE OF ANNUAL INVENTORIES
  • RECEIVE MONIES OF CITY AND MAINTAIN CASH RECEIPTS JOURNAL
  • ISSUE PRENUMBERED RECEIPTS IN DULICATE GIVING THE ORIGINAL TO THE PAYER AND THE DUPLICATE TO THE AUDITOR
  • INVEST SURPLUS CASH BALANCES OF CITY
  • MAINTAIN A WARRANT REGISTER LISTING ALL WARRENTS ISSUED BY FUNDS
  • COMPARE CASH BALANCES MONTHLY WITH AUDITOR
  • REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL GIVING A FULL AND DETAILED ACCOUNT OF ALL RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES SINCE THE LAST REPORT
  • MAINTAIN A REGISTER OF ALL WARRANTS NOT PAID FOR WANT OF FUNDS
  • FILE AUDITOR’S BOND.

DEFINITION OF DUTIES OF A CITY MANAGER

  • MANAGING THE CITY BUDGET
  • OVERSEEING CITY PERSONNEL
  • ADDRESSING QUESTIONS FROM THE MEDIA REGARDING CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
  • MEETING WITH VARIOUS HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS TO IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE ISSUES
  • MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ON A VARIETY OF ISSUES, INCLUDING BUDGETS, PERSONNEL NEEDS AND PROJECTS COST
  • ENSURING COMPLETION OF REPORTS AND STUDIES COMMISSIONED BY ELECTED OFFICIALS
  • OVERSEEING IMPORTANT SERVICES SUCH AS TRASH PICK-UP AND RECYCLING PROGRAMS
  • ENSURING WATER SUPPLIES ARE SAFE
  • WORKING ON IMPORTANT EXONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
  • RESPONDING TO AND RESOLVING DIFFICULT OR DELICAT QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS OF CITIZENS

PAT JURRENS DEFINITION OF DUTIES

  • RECOMMENDS NEW POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES TO THE COUNCIL, TRAINS AND EVALUATES PERFORMANCE AND DISCIPLINES PERSONNEL USING THE EMPLOYEE STANDARDS ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
  • SERVE AS LIASON BETWEEN THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WITH REGARD TO WATER, SEWER, STREET AND OFFICE DEPARTMENTS, OFFERING RESOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS AND EVALUATING THE PROGRESS OF GOALS. 
  • BRIEF COUNCIL MEMBERS ON PENDING AGENDA ITEMS AND OTHER CITY ISSUES PROVIDING ADMINISTRAIVE SUPPORT TO THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL AS NEEDED
  • PROVIDE ANALYSIS NEEDED TO ASSIST THE COUNCIL TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
  • PERFORM FINANCIAL AND MANAGERIAL ANALYSIS FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL RELATING TO CITY OPERATIONS, GRANTS AND PROGRAMS FOR CONSIDERATION
  • PREPARE THE BUDGET BEFORE SEPT 1 AND SUBMIT TO THE COUNCIL, PREPARE, PUBLISH AND FILE THE ANNUAL REPORT BY MARCH 1
  • COUNTERSIGN ALL CONTRACTS
  • SUPPLY MONTHLY, QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL INFORMATION TO THE AUDITOR FOR REVIEW
  • MAINTAIN ANNUAL INVENTORIES AND A LIST OF ALL FIXED ASSETS OWNED BY THE CITY
  • ISSUE BUILDING PERMITS-MAKING PHYSICAL INSPECTIONS SEVERAL  TIMES DURING CONSTRUCTION
  • ISSUE ALL OTHER LICENSES AND PERMITS AS ALLOWED BY THE ORDINANCES
  • ACT AS CUSTODIAN OF BOOKS OF RECORD, ORDINANCES, MEETING MINUTES AND OTHER OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS AND ACTIONS OF THE COUNCIL, THE CORPORATE SEAL AND OTHER OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.
  • CREATE, MAINTAIN AND IMPLEMENT A POLICY & PROCEDUREAL MANUAL FOR CITY OPERATIONS
  • FILL OUT MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY REPORTS FOR THE SEWER PLANT, RETIREMENT, SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, EMPLOYMENT TAXES AND WITHHOLDING AND SALES TAX REPORTS
  • WORK WITH THE ASSISTANT FINANCE OFFICER ON THE WATER BILLING, DELINQUENT BILLS, ADDRESS UPDATES AND OTHE INNER OFFICE DUTIES
  • LISTEN TO THE REQUESTS AND CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY AND RELATE TO THE COUNCIL FOR REVIEW.
  • MAINTAIN THE CHECKBOOK BALANCE, PREPARE MATERIALS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AND SCHEDULING GYM EVENTS.
  • ATTEND ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS AND OTHER MEETINGS AS REQUIRED
  • CONFER WITH THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ON FISCAL MATTERS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
  • ANY OTHER DUTIES ASSIGNED BY THE COUNCIL.

Now let’s look at the advertisement placed for the ‘Deputy (?)  Finance Office Job’

City of Alcester

Deputy Finance Officer (Utilities Finance Office Employee) Job Opening

Reports to:  City Council and Mayor

Reports to Finance Office supervisor.

Job Summary:  Assist the Finance Officer in Customer Relations and accounting operations;  Bill city patrons for city utilities; Run payroll for city employees.

  • Bills city utilities, run employee payroll.

Performance Responsibilities:  Read and bill water meters on a timely basis to generate operating revenue for the city; remind fellow employees of scheduled happenings, make timely deposits from the funds from the Golf course, pool and Utility payments;  Assist staff with the day-to-day operations of the Golf course, community center, pool and utilities.

  • It is the function of the Finance Officer to make deposits from the various enterprise funds not the Utilities meter reader.  It is the function of the managers of the golf course, community center, pool and utilities to be assisting their staff not the meter reader employee.  So if the advertised Performance Responsibilities are for the Utilities Employee, what the blazes is FOPAT doing to justify her title?  h-m-m?  Where is the over-sight of Wanna-Be FOPat?

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Read  approx. 220 meters of the 440 meters in town/Send out 440 water bills per month. Utilities Employee  duty!
  2. Receive, deposit and Record all monies paid to the City (pool, water, golf course, and etc.)  Finance Officer duty not meter reader Utilities employee duty!
  3. Record all entries in the water billing program. Utilities employee duty!
  4. Cover shifts at the pool when needed.  Utilities employee with WSI certification!
  5. Send out delinquent notices monthly, send out  billing notices to residents and send out various licensing notices.  Utilities employee duty!
  6. Get mail.  Utilities employee duty!
  7. Write/type Vouchers and memos.  Finance officer duty not meter reading Utility employee duty!
  8. Calculate payroll, print out checks, do Bi-weekly and monthly reports.  Finance officer duty not meter reading Utility employee duty!
  9. Assist Finance Officer with checkbook balancing, Assist with city council meeting preparation, city council minutes and scheduling events.  Finance officer duties not meter reading Utility employee duty!
  10.  Order all pool Concessions and price.  Finance officer duties not meter reading Utility employee duty!  Community center and golf course items are under the direction of the managers of those managers not the Finance officer!

WHY ARE WE PAYING ANOTHER ADMINISTRATIVE TYPE WAGE FOR TWO EMPLOYEES TO DO THE FINANCE OFFICERS JOB? 

WHY DID THE FINANCE OFFICE FAIL TO SHOW THIS FARCICAL RECITATION OF JOB DUTIES TO THE FINANCE OFFICE COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL, A COPY OF THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR EACH AND EVERY COUNCIL MEMBER BEFORE AD WAS CONSIDERED AND VOTED UPON AND PRIOR TO THE SUBMISSION FOR AD PLACEMENT?

          Second  I would like to address a comment made by Councilman David Larsen.  To make a correction of a mis-remembered event attributed to a ‘past mayor’! 

          This would be the air-conditioner discussion broached by Councilman David Larsen.  Agenda Item #11 – Golf Course Surplus Property  (i.e. ice machine)  The ice machine under discussion was not purchased by a former mayor at the time of Councilman Larsen’s addition to the Alcester City Council in or around 2010-2012 as suggested by Councilman David Larsen.

          The history of the ice machine for the golf course occurred as follows:

Councilman David Larsen made a veiled reference in the recent council meeting regarding concerning a former mayor, an ice machine and surplus efforts. (0:56:29.87) 

          Peter Larsen was seated on the Alcester City Council as a councilman for Ward III with Mayor William Koenig as mayor in 2010.  At that time the Council received 2 bids on the Alcester Bar in July 2010.  Bidders were David Duncan and Steve Larsgaard.  David and Jesse Duncan were awarded the bid for the Alcester Bar.

          February 2011 meeting Mayor Wm. Koenig and council members Curt Anderson, Larry Anderson, Peter Larsen, Ron Manning, Steve Johannsen and Wayne Van Gelder received the Ninety (90) day vacation notice from the Duncans regarding the Liquor Store Lease effective February 1, 2011.  Council placed advertisements for the lease of the Alcester City Liquor Store.  April 2011 meeting, Mayor Koenig and council receive one (1) bid for the lease of the Alcester Liquor Store from Bryce Sullivan for $1250.00 per month for a three year term to commence May 1, 2011.  Motion, Second and vote was taken with AYE votes from Councilmen R. Manning, S. Johannsen, C. Anderson, L. Anderson and W. VanGelder with a No coming from Councilman Peter Larsen.  Motion carried 5-1 in favor of accepting the lease bid from Bryce Sullivan.  May 2011  Council authorized Mayor Koenig and Finance Officer Mike Kezar to sign the Alcester Liquor Store Lease.   Last 1/2 May 2011 meeting seated the new city council and mayor.  Mayor Peter Larsen, and council members R. Manning, S. Johannsen, W. VanGelder,  L. Anderson and Curt Anderson.  Within 10 days of the May 2nd Council meeting, Mayor Peter Larsen observed unauthorized building changes and equipment additions which included an ice machine to the Alcester Bar contrary to lease contract.  Mayor Larsen walked to the City Attorney’s office and a Cease and Desist Order was drafted and served upon Bryce Sullivan.  At some point the Sullivans disappeared in the dark of night abandoning equipment and bills, the bar was shuttered with the Sullivans failing to pay the construction workers.  Lawsuits commenced against the Sullivans and the city of Alcester.

          During this same time period, the ownership/acquisition of the golf course was in discussions with the City of Alcester.  Once the golf course became a city asset, arrangements were made to move forward with activating golf course operations.  Again this time the golf course staff were routinely purchasing large quantities of bagged ice.  Mayor Larsen visited with the Golf course director about the ice machine needs and upon information out of that discussion, Mayor Larsen brought the idea of an under counter ice machine to the council.  The council authorized Mayor Larsen to purchase the under counter ice machine model to provide a more economical supply of ice.  The idea being during off hours of demand, the build-up of  ice would be bagged and placed in the freezer for future demand.  Since this under counter ice machine was acquired late in the golf season it only saw a month or two of service.

          January 2012  Mayor Larsen, city council members C. Anderson, L. Anderson, S. Johannsen, R. Manning, W. VanGelder and M. Dykstra added the Alcester Liquor Store to the agenda.  No record of discussion or action regarding the agenda addition of the Liquor Store.  February 2012 City Attorney Chuck Haugland gave an update on the status of the lawsuit.  At some point in this time period in anticipation of the upcoming golf course season the Liquor Store ice machine which was larger was moved to the golf course.  Additionally South Eastern Electric Cooperative became aware of the under counter ice machine no longer used at the golf course offered to purchase to un-used ice machine for what the ice machine originally cost the city.  June 2012 Motion was made to seat Patricia Jurrens to fill the Alcester Ward II vacancy.  This appointment passed, Patricia Jurrens became the Alcester Ward II Council person and as such council member dealt with all the issues arising out of the equipment, lawsuit and CBDG issues regarding the Sullivan lawsuit.

          What I do not know because I have not researched the minutes after that June 2012 meeting leading up to this point in time is whether yet another ice machine for the golf course was purchased after David Larsen became a Councilman and what ice machine decisions he made.

          So as in the words of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot:

                    “…And I would like to have a good, productive relationship with members of the City Council, but I’m not going to allow them to undermine what the people’s choice was and what the people want, which is change…”

Lori Lightfoot

But I was not allowed that opportunity because I did not and would not allow the undermining of the people’s choice, what the people wanted and because I did not follow the rest of the flock!

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

02/21/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

“True Leaders should always practice the three R’s:  Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all their actions.”

-Anonymous-

          The February 21, 2022, city council meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance with council members responding Councilwoman Darle Reppe, Councilman Lukas Driesen, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, Councilwoman Linda Talbott and Councilman David Larsen.  Absent was Alcester city attorney Sam Nelson.

          A note here, I was not present for this meeting.  I had a videographer make the video record of the meeting for me.  Processing took a bit longer than usual. Thank you Aaron.

          There are a few agenda items I would like to address. 

          Agenda Item #5 – public input was received by Rich Akland resident of Alcester (0:01:52.77).  Mr. Akland thanked Councilman Larsen for his efforts on the community center and golf course.  Although no mention was made concerning the wall cracks.  H-m-m and so it starts.  Mr. Akland also commented on Wanda, the face of city hall and how accommodating her demeanor was with the residents of Alcester.  Lastly Mr. Akland suggested a pickle ball court in the old school gym would be nice.  Councilman David Larsen (0:06:42.40) took time to thank Alcester Union-Hudsonite news reporter Gordon Richards for his coverage and summaries of the minutes of the city council meetings. 

          Agenda Item #6 – Banner Engineering Tanya Miller was not available for a project update.

          Agenda Item #7 – Community Center Updates were presented by (07:47.20) Clint Nyreen and (0:22:37.77) Landon Nygard in their respective positions.

          Agenda Item #8 – HUD Contact  This agenda item was introduced by Mr. Gordon Richards who is a local board member.  A meeting was to be set up to meet with a couple of council members and Mr. Roger Jacob, HUD representative via Zoom.

          Agenda Item #9 – Multi-community Chip Seal Project and Bid Project.  Folks, according to the discussion in the January 17, 2022, the Brosz representative dissing local providers of chip seal (0:07:47.) and (0:11:17.0) and in which Mayor Haeder opined (0:50:31.03) “…cannot trust local…” and Mayor Haeder opined about the contract which carried a questionable line item (0:54:28.97) regarding to Engineering fees not to exceed $10,200.00?  The council had trouble following the document titled, “City of Alcester Chip Sealing of 2022” what they were going to be shelling hefty amounts of money for Brosz to hold our hands and for us to “trust” them.  Listen to the individual voice vote.  Give ’em a chance says Councilman David Larsen,  give ’em (Brosz) a chance with $42,500.00 when we did not get a current bid from the local ‘guys’  What happened with get a quote, and I DO NOT MEAN LAST YEARS QUOTE?  Are we really going to compare “apples to a**soles”.  The council voted to give ’em a chance!  WOW

          Agenda Item #10 – Chief Austin Schuller gave an update and approval for part-time officers.

          Agenda Item #11 – Sam Nelson (No Show or was his invitation lost in the mail?)  Well maybe next meeting?

          Agenda Item #12 – Chairperson updates- Nothing of any consequence.

          Agenda Item #13  TSR quote for repair of plumbing with a side trip to discuss the bar door.

          Agenda Item #14 – Community Center Purchases:  A traveling bar @ $2069.00 plus freight and room dividers @ $3274 plus freight.  Listen closely to the discussion on the traveling bar, especially the comment on having the bar outside for football games.  That is awfully close to school property with liquor and the possibility of traveling liquor onto school property.  Maybe we can get the police chief to park by the convenient gate checking ID’s, Breathalizers and liquor sales violations.  H-m-m?  Room dividers, imagine your pay function on one side of the ‘room-divider’ and discovering the low brow, bourbon brawlers on the other side of the ‘room-divider’ and being charged regular rate?  Yeah  Council approved the expenditures.  So what is happening with the wall cracks in the Albatross?

          Agenda Item #15 – Finance Office Update.

          Agenda Item #16 – Executive session – if needed  This is almost a sure-thing bet.  SDCL 1-25-2.1 Personnel.  Folks this is abuse and violation of Executive Session, ’cause there is never any action taken out of this session.  If it is not serious enough to take action, it can be talked about in open session.

          Agenda Item #17 – Adjournment  at 8:39 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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

02/07/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

The First Two Rules of Leadership: Don’t be Stupid, Don’t be a Jerk

David Cottrell

          The meeting was called to order with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Dan Haeder with Councilman David Larsen, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, Councilman Lukas Driesen and Councilwoman Darla Reppe.  City Attorney Sam Nelson absent.

          Once again FOPAT planted her backside into the seat normally occupied by City Attorney Sam Nelson and once again she interjected her opinion as though she was a council member emboldened by the fact Mayor Haeder allows her to continue to speak without being asked a direct question about bookkeeping.

Agenda Item #3 – Approve Agenda after error was noted by Vickie Larsen (02:17.80)  Mayor Haeder continues on with approval of the Agenda without formally correcting the error. (02:47.83)

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #4 – Approve minutes of January 10th and 17th, 2022 meetings

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #5  – Public Input

          #1 I (Vickie Larsen) asked when I was going to receive my FOIA/Sunshine request.  “Dead” silence and then FOPAT whispers, “I haven’t had a chance to get…” (04:06.27)  Folks this is Par FOPAT as far as my Sunshine requests go, she delays as long as she dares.  So yeah, I used sarcasm to get my point across.  Then the great rush to defend PO FOPAT, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, “…No need to be sarcastic…” and then there is ol’ Mayor Got-FOPAT ‘s-back, “…you’ll get it as soon as possible…” (0:04:26.27)  I continued with my list addressing the Brosz  ‘Pot-O-gold’ offertory.  Any time you add a third party to the billing mix, the price goes up.  So what if they can buy in bulk, that $3000.00 up-front-join-the-buying-club fee will eat up any savings.  Folks we already have the ability to initiate a joint powers agreement with other towns to help off-set costs city projects. While I still had the floor, Mayor Haeder interrupted me prating, “…Next, Next, Next…” (0:04:35.40 through 0:04:37.90)   I went on to my next point, a statement of HRC Financial Condition and where Mayor Haeder babbled about, “…they (HRC) had a meeting, well it really wasn’t a meeting…”  So Mayor Haeder, was it or was it not a meeting.  I asked for the HRC financials, We the People have a right to know! (0:05:31.27)  I went on to my last item which concerned technology in the council room.  I asked if there was an Echo device or Alexa device in the room.  Folks get a load of the maturity of Mayor Haeder who immediately starts hollerin’ for Alexa (0:05:54.17)  And I was called for sarcasm?  Oh that is right, I was called on sarcasm not childishness.  By the way Mayor Haeder, the “wake” word doesn’t have to be “Alexa”, maybe “Dalie” or some other concoction from the list of covert names accessible by FOPAT.  I got no answer.  So Heads-Up folks when you walk into the city offices or any office with a tech-ware, beware you may be recorded.  Check it out for yourselves

(https://www.the-ambient.com/how-to/change-alexa-name-voice-wake-word-647).   

The device normally referred to as Alexa is always listening and recording.  Most of us use the ‘wake’ word Alexa but that ‘wake’ word can be changed.  So when Mayor Haeder was doin’ all his grand standing hootin’ and hollerin’ at Alexa, she was listenin’ and recording.

So how-bout-it FOPAT, a FOIA for what Alexa has been listenin’ to and recording for the past few days?

          #2  Further Input by Councilwoman Linda Talbot.  Councilwoman Talbott remarked about questions she received about water bills and paying them as well as other issues.

Agenda Item #6 – Police Department – Chief Schuller Updates

Chief Schuller went over the stats with the council.  Councilman David Larsen seem concerned about non-hazardous moving violations resulting in fines or the distinction between non-hazardous violations and the hazardous violations and subsequent fines.  At this point these statistics are not being featured on the website.  They should be public so we, the people can see what our officers are facing each workday and not being played down and interpreted by FOPAT.

Folks let the council know, we need police coverage

Agenda Item #7 – Brosz Engineering – Multi-Community Chip Seal Project

Discussion on the wonderful, wonderful deal the city was going to get if they suckered into Brosz Buying club. (this is sarcasm)  I was there for the presentation and I found certain allegations made in the pitch disturbing.  Question posed, “how do you know you are getting what you are paying for?” Answer we can supervise the project—for a price.  Engineering fees.  Folks we are already mired in an Engineering fee fiasco, so what do you call an engineering feat which causes a run-off flood situation, costs the city an extra $20,000.00 with a lawsuit down the road.  WOW  Mayor Haeder loves the engineers and they must be trusted.  Well let’s see a few engineers who were trusted:  Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (USSR, 1986), Titanic (UK, 1912), Pennsylvanian Johnstown Flood (USA, 1889), Surfside condominium building collapse (2021), Space Shuttle Challenger disaster (1986), Hindenburg Disaster (May 6, 1937), Deepwater Horizon (April 20, 2010), Tacoma Bridge Disaster (July 1, 1940) and Cleveland Gas Explosion (1940) to name a few of the more spectacular events.  Let’s talk about the Fog Seal (0:16:38.03) cosmetic and no need to sweep.  So Fog Seal is the Mary Kay cosmetic make-over for streets and YAY our Street Sweeping machine never has to leave the garage.  Mayor Haeder prates on, (0:18:12.57) close by!  Closer is better.  So Mayor Haeder why are you promoting a Minnesota contracting applicator instead of a local contracting applicator.  Of course then we have the unsurpassed input of the city bookkeeper (0:25:15.43) and there ya have it, the bookkeeper thinks it is a better product!  The bookkeeper whose hands-on-expertise with road construction is what?  I’ll that to your fertile imaginations.  Mayor Haeder goes on to say, (0:25:26.47) OIL, that sticks in his mind.  Well at least something sticks in his mind.  Per Mayor Haeder, Brosz knows all about it.  Mayor Haeder further blathers (0:25:47.60) speculating the Road Guys might cheat us, oh but not the Brosz Aztec guys ’cause having an engineer (0:25:57.87) involved will protect us.   Yo’ Mayor Haeder tell that to the victims of the depot flooding.  Tell that to the surviving passengers of the Titanic, the Hindenburg, or the survivors of the Surfside Condominium Building Collapse.  I am sure they would be impressed by the perspicacity of you and your minion FOPAT.  (0:27:47.93)  Our community already has had joint powers agreement programs in place to facilitate group buying.  (0:28:05.17) Folks listen to Mayor Haeder as he takes a giant step back and lays the decision for or against solely on the shoulders of the city council.  Evidently he has forgotten that little ol’ power of veto he holds in his ‘lily-white’ hands.  (0:28:28.87)  Now listen as FOPAT comments she doesn’t know about the expertise and competency of  the Road Guys. Yeah madam bookkeeper, you don’t know about expertise nor competency and ya’ll sure don’t know any more about the expertise or competency of Aztec or Brosz other than hear-say from a biased entity. (0:29:57.57) Nice try Mayor Haeder, the State specifies materials used in road bids.  And sir, we do not have any more assurance that Aztec/Brosz will adhere to the standards than the Road Guys.

Left at getting a quote from the local guys, the question was tabled until more information was available.  Folks it is our money, why do we need to pay $3000.00 extra fee.  We can be cheated just as fast by the new guys on the block as we can by local guys. 

Just remember you never whizz upstream from where you get yer drinkin’ water, local businesses know this.

Agenda Item #8 – Horizon Health Foundation- Pars for Patients

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #9 – Water Pipe Locator Purchase Approval – $6250.00

A handy dandy water pipe locator all for the bargain basement price of $6250.00 which will be taken out of the water fund ($3125.00) and the sewer fund ($3125.00)  WOW  Too bad they cannot use it to locate lost graves in the cemetery, which would prevent selling the same grave plot twice.

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #10 – Promissory Note between City of Alcester and Gary McKellips, Interim Donation Shortfall $200,000.00 Community Center Fund-Five year payback (semi annual payments)

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #11 – Finance Office Updates Pat Jurrens

          a.  Warrants

Approved Unanimously

          c.  Reminders and Updates

Agenda Item #12 – HRC Update

I asked for a Statement of Financial Condition, don’t have one.  H-m-m   I have long commented on the lack of foresight and handling of the property within the HRC and building permit.  The city lives on the allowance (property taxes) our residents give us.  By the manner of building permitting we are fast losing income which is our city budget’s allowance.  No more garage only properties, we lose property tax income on those. (0:54:15.23)  Mayor Haeder just discovered our limited tax liability.  WOW  Ya just figurin’ that one out Mayor?  Ya haven’t been concerned about running competition to our local businesses where our local businesses have to pay property tax and the city can own buildings and not pay one red cent in property tax.  Mayor singled out the HRC and used it as an example where there is no property tax because the HRC an arm of the city does not pay property tax.  I told you a long time ago, didn’t ya have yer ears on Mayor?  Now you’re hot and bothered about lose of taxes on HRC properties.  So Mayor Haeder, what about the city owned Albatross encircling the necks of Alcester City Residents.  Our taxes are going to pay for a gamble by our mayor and his council who are totally ignorant of any kind of business plan for the Albatross.  Not a good money plan in my book.  But Mayor Haeder is tickled silly ’cause we now have lots sold and just one house to one lot.  (0:55:15.23)

Agenda Item #13 – Executive Session Personnel  (SDCL 1-25-2.1) Council went into Executive Session to allegedly discuss personnel.  Folks this is a serious matter, yet ya should have heard the laughin’, caterwauling and loud carrying-ons comin’ out of the council room.  Why all that noise kept Wanda and me awake in the hallway for that whole hour (60 minutes) of executive session. 

Approved Unanimously

In Executive Session at 7:02 p.m. and out of Executive Session at 7:57 p.m.

Agenda Item #14 – Vacancy Advertisement

We have a vacancy in the Finance Office and nope not that one, it’s Wanda’s position that is vacant.  We have a vacancy for a custodian and we are looking for a part time cook.  Now we really do not need a deputy Finance Officer, FOPAT does not need a side-kick.  However we do need is a third police officer.  So let’s dump the position of deputy finance officer and add a third police officer to the police department where we really need the help and assistance.  Ask the city council what the stats are, how is our police department handling the influx of calls.  I do not mean the call there is, “a wild pussy loose on Hayden Drive, I mean the 21st century version of a door-to-door peddler selling his/her druggy version of Watkins home-style cures and syrups.”

          Motion was made to advertise these vacancies.

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #15 – Community Center Staff Hire

Council voted to hire Carina Lusk effective immediately.

Agenda Item #16 – Adjourn at 8:02 p.m.

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

01/25/2022 A Voice From the Galley

(01:58:37.87) Alcester City Council Meeting 01/10/2022

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

01/15/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

ALCESTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

JANUARY 17, 2022

ALCESTER CITY HALL OLD SCHOOL CENTER – 500 Dakota Street

6:00 PM MEETING

1. Open Meeting

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Approve Agenda

Motion by: __________ Seconded by: __________ Yes _____ No _____

4. Alderman Interviews – if needed

a. Motion to enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2(1) – Personnel

Motion by: __________ Seconded by: __________ Yes _____ No _____

b. Motion to appoint _______________________, Ward II Alderman, until next election

Motion by: __________ Seconded by: __________ Yes _____ No _____

5. Public Input:

6. Brosze Engineering – Multi-Community* Chip Seal Project

a. Discussion:

b. Motion to approve participating in Multi-Community Chip Seal Project

Motion by: __________ Seconded by: __________ Yes _____ No _____

  • This includes a $3000.00 per community join feet, as I understand it. Allegedly to get a lower rate on the raw materials, labor and etc. (01:42:45.67) Street Maintenance curb tax increase?

7. Police Department – Chief Schuller

a. Police Updates

b. Rifle Purchase Discussion

Motion to approve purchase, AR 15 16” Barrel, Buck’s Gun Shop, GF, $975 Motion by: __________ Seconded by: __________ Yes _____ No _____

8. Chairperson Updates, if needed

a. Street

b. Cemetery

c. Water

d. Wastewater

e. Library

f. Golf Course

g. Finance Office

9. Downtown Garbage Cans

a. Discussion:

b. Motion to approve Garbage Can purchase, Snyder Industries, SW Fund*

Motion by: __________ Seconded by: __________ Yes _____ No _____

  • Sewer/Waste Fund (01:27:13.67 If I am translating the SW Fund appellation correctly, this is an enterprise fund in which the profits derived from the Sewer/Waste Funds were set up to pay for repairs and upgrades to the Sewer infrastructures not purchase garbage cans for downtown Alcester at $500.00 a pop, a lock down latch for between $60.00 to 70.00 a lid and $900.00 shipping just to get the things here, no matter how cute FOPAT thinks they are or what kind of finders fee Mr. Fischer may or may not get.

10. Finance Office Updates – Pat Jurrens

a. First day to Circulate Election Petition – January 28, 2022

a. Dog/Cat License Deadline – January 31, 2022 (FOPAT poor proofing)

11. Executive Session – if needed

12. Adjourn a. Motion to adjourn Council

Motion by: __________ Seconded by: __________ Yes _____ No _____

Folks come to the meeting, call your Council representative/member let them know how you feel!

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

01/10/2022 A Voice From the Gallery

As you have already figured out the January 3, 2022, regularly scheduled city council meeting was Covid quarantine/postponed to January 10, 2022.  The meeting was called to order with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Dan Haeder with Councilman David Larsen, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, and Councilman Lukas Driesen.  City Attorney Sam Nelson and Councilwoman Darla Reppe absent.

          As you can see at the beginning of the video FO (01:56.13), while FOPAT was busy delivering beverages in mugs and handing out napkins and with a general ‘what can I get you’ solicitousness precipitating a raise in the offing.  When FOPAT finally planted her backside into the seat normally occupied by City Attorney Sam Nelson, Mayor Haeder began (02:05.83) regurgitating all actions, votes and times occurring after he first called the meeting to order and proceeded to stick her snout into the discussions as if she was an equal of the city council members after she practiced her servicing techniques on the council members.

Agenda Item #3 – Approve Agenda

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #4 – Approved Minutes of 12/06/2021 and 12/20/2021

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #5 – Public Input

#1      I (Vickie Larsen) (03:24.97) started questions about Agenda Item #15 involving the downtown garbage cans (01:39:52.50) at $500 a can, 8 cans plus $900. shipping feet and placed downtown Alcester.  Folks,  eight (8) cans at $500.00 each plus $900.00 shipping fee, I come up with $4900.00 FO Pat wants to spend. Let your council and Mayor know your opinion!

            My next question was the Agenda Item #16(b) ‘Resolution of Fees’, a draft copy should have been placed on the city website so ‘we the people’ see the old saying, “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” put into action.  So which are you?  A Peter or a Paul?  I spoke of people who contacted me with concerns over the raises in water and sewer rates as well as the accuracy of those reads.(04:54.40)  Folks retain your postcard bill, keep a log with the date of read, your own reading of your meter versus the city read and try to do the reads as close to each other as possible.  Point of interest, some time ago I overheard a city hall conversation between the ‘finance office girls’ concerning cold temperature and meter reads and the comment, “…well we’ll just guess-ti-mate the usage…” (05:22.73) So just how often do we get a cold guess-ti-mate or a hot guess-ti-mate or a “I just do not have the time guess-ti-mate? M-m-m-m?  Also Agenda Item #16(d) First of all the need for an Executive Session to discuss Salaries.  I asked the question (06:06.50) do we even have anyone on salary to which FOPAT answered just Landon.  H-m-m so folks why an hour long Closed Curtain Executive Session to discuss salary? 7:54 p.m. to 8:58 p.m.

          My third topic of question was Agenda Item #17 Volunteer Roster additions of the administrative personnel Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens and her aide-de-camp Wanda Halverson to do ‘volunteer’ work at the Albatross and be protected by Worker Compensation. (06:37.83)

          Lastly my question, did Finance Officer Pat Jurrens or her aide-de-camp Wanda Halverson apologise to the complainant whose private telephone number was shared by Mayor Haeder’s girls-in-the-finance office.  (07:16.53)  Check out Mayor Haeder’s answer…”I apologised via email…” (07:46.37)

#2      Councilman Lukas Driesen reported (08:09.67) he had received a thank you from Fay Hendricks for the work our Police Chief Austin Schuller and Officer Lass in protecting our city and its residents.

Agenda Item #6 – Police Policy and Procedure Manual 

          (09:11.67) Chief Schuller  advised the council the finishing touches had been made to the Police Policy and Procedure Manual and it was ready for City Attorney Sam Nelson’s final legal proofing.  (10:36.73)  Note Finance Officer Jurrens stick her snout into the conversation to offer up her opinion.  Yo! FO, you are there to take notes and advise the council whether we still have money in OUR accounts, NOT to offer up quasi legal primping opinions! (10:47.83)  City Attorney Sam Nelson is our forms guy not the waitress-in-training/bookkeeper!  (11:15.77)  FOPAT says she will draft changes for a city manual for police policy?  Gotta wonder what kind of places she has had her nose into. I realise she has had a history of personal experience with legal summons and legal charges and professes opportunities of broadening her horizons of experience but that does not make her competent in writing policy manuals.

Agenda Item #7 – Police Department

          (13:19.63) Chief Schuller gave updates on department activities and asked for Council approval for his attendance at the Police Chief and Sheriff Spring Training Event in Deadwood. (18:12.67)  FOPAT stuck her snout in to interrupt Chief Schuller from answering the question posed to HIM by Councilwoman Linda Talbott. His request was approved.  (18:51.00) Once again FOPAT needs to be reminded of her place, she is only needed to record the minutes and to report which accounts she move money from and to! Inspired by an old proverb,  “she should only be allowed to be present to take notes during a city council conversation but should not be allowed to speak unless she is directly asked a bookkeeping question.”  In my opinion, a cardboard effigy sitting in a chair with a recording device would work just as well.  Regarding the plus one issue, is a question for Sam since he is both legal and SDML.  In addition, Council members the city was and I presume still is a dues paying member of the SDML and therefore council members can go straight to the horse’s mouth (equi oris) instead of settling for the (bookkeeper ______).  And folks the SDML does speak English so our council members do not NEED an interpreter!

Agenda Item #8 – Community Center – (21:35.03) Clint Nyreen

Mr. Nyreen gave a recap of the opening and updates on finances and outlined operational changes.

A conversation concerning smoking (38:20.30)

SDCL §34-46-13,  SDCL §34-46-15 and SDCL §34-46-14

Smoking in public or place of employment prohibited–Petty offense.

No person may smoke tobacco product or carry any lighted tobacco product in any public place or place of employment. A violation of this section is a petty offense.(Source: SL 2009, ch 171, § 1, approved eff. Nov. 10, 2010; SL 2019, ch 155, § 2.)

Signage discussion.  (46:10.17) 

Community center employees, employment and wage decision are not part of FOPAT’s  job.  Keep taking notes for minutes of the meeting, that is your job FOPAT!  (51:44.13)

(54:34.07) Just who is on the community center committee?

Agenda Item #9 – 2022 Retainer Agreement (1:00:10.27)

Retainer between the city of Alcester and Frieberg, Nelson and Ask.  One Key component of the retainer agreement is:

 “…II.   City shall pay Attorney at the rate of $150.00 per hour for Thomas H. Frieberg and $150.00 per hour for Samuel J. Nelsen for Attorney’s time spend in and out of court on legal matters on behalf of the City;  City agrees to pay Attorney at the rate of $150.00 per hours for attending regularly schedules city council meeting.  Attendance at regular meetings shall not be mandatory but shall be at the invitation of City.  Special meetings requiring Attorney attendance will be billed at the contracted rate.  In addition, City agrees to pay all costs, filing fees, or other expenses associated with Attorney’s representation of City, except for mileage for attending one regular meeting per month.  City Agrees to pay mileage to Attorney in connection with the prosecution of city ordinance violations and representation on other legal matters that involve travel away from Beresford, South Dakota at the federal mileage rate then effect at the time of travel…”

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #10 – Street Purchases –

(1:02:18.87) Motion 1 listed  JD 54″ Snow Blower ($1600.00), Ballast Box ($240.00), Cab ($385.00), Skid Steer rush ($1200.00)  Renken Sales – Snow Fund Account.  Second motion for ($1800.00) JD Skid Steer Front Deck Mower.  Renken Sales – Solid Waste Fund.  On a $5000.00 budget, Guess What?  Exceeding budget by  ($225.00)  Didn’t seem to bother the council  ‘Cause Councilman David Larsen made the motion to over-spend the budget for toys rather than support a local entrepreneur. (1:09:27.57)

Both Motions Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #11 – 2022 Official Newspaper- Alcester Union-Hudsonite  (1:13:49.33)

Approved unanimously

Agenda Item #12 – 2022 Official Bank- Premier Bank (1:14:44.53)

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #13 – Golf Course Tree Trimming  (1:15:49.27)

Councilman David Larsen is concerned by an unexpected $13,000.00 expense so he asks the bookkeeper about an additional unexpected expense of $2100.00. (1:17:26.67) Folks listen to her answer. (1:18:28.60)  The attitude seems to be, “what’s another $2100.00 expense”  S-o-o Councilman David Larsen plunges ahead (1:19:58.33) to spend $2100.00 tree trimming expense which could be put off until the $13,000.00 expense overage is resolved.

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #14 – Golf Cart – Purchase or Lease? (1:20:53.73)

According to discuss the only option is the trade/purchase option.  Deal offered is to trade our 2005 cart for two (2) 2013 carts plus up to $6000.00.

Approved Unanimously

Agenda Item #15 – Downtown Garbage Cans (1:24:47.53)

Loren Fischer and FOPAT put their collective heads together to spend more money.  New trash cans (Eco-Tainers)(www.snyderrefuse.com) for down town at $500.00 each for 8 cans with $900.00 for shipping or more for a total of $4900.00.  Folks now the council wants a lock down device for the lids for security reasons at a cost of approximately $50.00 each which would add an additional $400.00 for a grand total of $5300.00. Now this handy dandy lock down device prevents lid removal in an upright position but at a 90 degree angle (I believe) when the moto-arm swings the can to dump it, the lid will release to drop the trash.  Now these polypropylene wonder cans must be placed where the moto-arm can lock onto them.  The idea voice in the meeting was to place the cans near light poles so the sidewalk could be cleared of snow and the moto-arm could latch on to them.  Lord only knows what would happen if ol’ moto-arm latches onto the light pole.  There is another drawback, these polypropylene cans only have a three (3) year limited warranty.  The brochure says these $500.00 pedestal cans are seamless so no seam cracking but they have UV protection added supposedly to reduce fading.  That is fine for your logo but UV stabilizer is also added to polypro to offset the material degradation process for outdoor usage. 

Why the push you say?  Well let’s see, the armed garbage truck cannot pick up our caged trash receptacles so that means someone has to remove the lids, pull out a bag, throw it in the city truck and haul ten bags of trash to a dumpster.  Kind-of-a-no-brainer but then…

Now folks we have ten (10) cage type trash receptacles which hold an approximate 33 gallon plastic container dotted around the city.  These are still usable containers and new lids can be purchased for these units.  So for the cost of one of those $500.00 handy-dandy polypro pedestal cans, the city should be able to purchase five new lids.  However there would be no polypropylene pedestal for FOPAT to stand on and we would still have our light poles.  A-w-w

Mayor Haeder read the brochure (1:26:47.03) “…Pedestal can be weighted up to 70 lbs. for added stability…)The council had the good sense to table this issue (1:39:52.50), but the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 17, 2022. (Martin Luther King day)  Contact the council, contact Mayor Haeder and let them know.  The numbers are listed below.

Agenda Item #16 – Finance Office (1:40:44.93)

a)  Warrants – (1:48:44.97)  Approved Unanimously

b)  City Fees Resolution 2022(1:49:15.83)  Approved Unanimously

c)  2022 Municipal Election (1:51:26.33)

d)  2022 Salaries Executive Session (1:52:53.13)

Motion for Executive Session (1:53:28.17)  Approved Unanimously

Entered into Executive Session at 7:54 P.M. with all council members present and by request of Councilman David Larsen, FO Pat Jurrens. 

Council declared out of Executive Session at 8:58 P.M.

(1:56:12.07) Approval of 2022 Salaries Vote Unanimous

e)  Reminders and Updates

Agenda Item #17 – Update of Volunteer Roster Patricia Jurrens and Wanda Halverson (1:57:34.33) 

So tell me Pat Jurrens and Wanda Halverson work for the city, they are already on the worker compensation roster so why are they appearing on the volunteer roster?  H-m-m?  Double Dipping?  (1:57:46.37) Motion by Councilman David Larsen to add City Finance Pat Jurrens and City Finance Office Aide Wanda Halverson to the volunteer roster of the Albatross.  Second by Councilman Lukas Driesen.  Discussion called with Councilwoman Linda Talbott responding:

(1:58:08.07).  Councilwoman Talbott told the council,

“Clint asked her (Linda) what purpose did Pat and Wanda want to come to the Community Center…Clint wants to maintain some sort of semblance of order…” 

(1:58:38.70)  Pat says, 

” I want to train”…

(1:59:10.63) FOPAT says,

“If I look at the schedule…I see holes…or I feel there is not quite enough staff…” 

Apparently if her ‘trained eye calls’ speaks to her. FOPAT fully intends to stick her snout in and interfere in Clint’s operation with her Aide De Camp Wanda at her back.  Nice working conditions, don’t cha think.  Ya got a PAT on your back, with a Wanda Crop. 

Approve Unanimously

Agenda Item #18 – Executive Session 1-25-2 (purpose ?) if needed

Agenda Item #19 – Adjourn (2:00:20.30)

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517

12/06/2021 A Voice From the Gallery

The Ignis Fatuus is a vapor shining without heat.

Isaac Newton

 It is comforting Uncle Isaac recognized Ignis Fatuus as something which appears in the night over marshy ground and is often attributable to the combustion of gas from decomposing brainless matter as a faux FO.

The December 6, 2021, city council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Haeder with council members David Larsen, Darla Reppe, Linda Talbott, Cyndi Peeples and Lukas Driesen present.  Absent was Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson.

The council quick-timed through the Approval of Agenda and Approval of the minutes of  November 1, 2021, and  November 15, 2021.

Mayor Haeder called Agenda Item #5 – Banner Engineering design update by Tanya Miller.  Ms. Miller walked through the update of the design which is now approximately 50% complete, noting the deletion of certain costs and enumerating the cost additions ranging from site reads to grading to demolitions taking the project from $3,095,000.00 to a projected cost elevation to $3, 295,000.00 +/- million. Document available at city offices (03:35.00)

Agenda Item #6 – Interviews for the vacant Ward II council seat.  No takers.

Agenda Item #7 – Public Input.  (29:29.93) Reporter Gordon Richard asked for the status of the HRC Four Plex, received no answer.  (29:58.80) Theresa Deem had comments concerning the raise in her rent which she characterized as a blind-side..  She stated she had emailed Mayor Haeder and Councilwoman Reppe with no response.  Still no comment from Mayor Haeder and the council.  (32:26.80) Vickie Larsen.  I held up my water bill which I had received in the mail and asked once again for the properties with stand-alone garages hooked up to water because the city finance office (31:56.00) was now sharing personal information such as private telephone numbers with out-of-state people looking to rent homes in Alcester. I stated, “…please tell me that is not accurate. (32:07.30)  NO ANSWER!  I was denied access to whether water was being supplied to specific properties and accused by the Mayor of wasting the city’s time with Freedom of Information requests.  Yet he allows the finance office to apparently “act as a go-betweens or solicit potential tenants, sellers, purchasers or landlords” or in another case give out telephone numbers to a management company for outdoor property maintenance on a property within the city of Alcester. (32:16.37) I requested via email to FO with CC to Mayor Haeder and City Attorney Nelson for a copy of the Promissory Note Resolution prior to the Monday night meeting.  My request was ignored.  I sent a second notice of request for the Promissory Note to FO with CC to Mayor Haeder and City Attorney Nelson.  My request was still ignored with the exception of City Attorney Nelson who sent me a copy.  Folks this document should have been published on the website for the public to read and make comments during Public Input.  Anything coming before the council for a yay or nay vote should be available to the public for comment. Evidently the FO did not feel like doing her job.  (0:33:10.60) Chief Schuller indicated he had asked for agenda time but evidently that did not happen so he made his announcements during public input.  Chief Schuller informed the council and gallery Officer Grayson was now moved into the area and there are elves to be found in the community.  (0:34:22.97)  Theresa Deem spoke again asking, “…did the city take a vote?”  Mrs. Deem also noted the front door was not repaired and there was an odor of sewer gas at the bar sink.  Regarding raising the rent Mayor Haeder opined, “…all kinds of things were going on (yeah like the city setting up competition to Mrs. Deems business)…we didn’t raise the rent last year…”  Mayor Haeder goes on to opine (0:35:30.57). “…we’re all guilty of not having the best communication…”  Depends on the type of telecommunication you are a usin”…”  (0:35:44.37) Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples stated she did not want to see the rent raised until all repairs were taken care of.  (0:38:38.97)  Mayor Haeder asks Councilwoman Peeples, “…are you going to do this plumbing…?  Mayor Haeder, HOW DARE YOU VOICE THAT COMMENT IN A PUBLIC VENUE!  YOU OWE COUNCILWOMAN PEEPLES AN APOLOGY FOR YOUR GROSS LACK OF COURTESY! 

          (0.44:18.03) I asked for permission to speak to your comment nothing had been done to the bar building since Shep (circa 1936) was a pup.  Sir, I responded to you emphatic NO with the comment …Sullivans 2011.    Sir, this was another issue with the bar.  The council extended a lease to these folks with no checks into their backgrounds.  Only one Councilman voted No to extending them a lease, Peter Larsen.  These folks were told all changes had to be approved by the council which they ignored, hired contractors to make repairs and upgrades without the approval of the council and ultimately failed to pay those contractors who initiated a lawsuit against the city.  The city settled, but these changes were made and Sir, Shep was long gone!

Agenda Item #8 Legal Updates  Short discussion of properties on Iowa Street and Ofstad streets.  City Attorney Nelson had asked for an Executive session for this agenda item.  Council went into Executive Session for Legal counseling at 6:47 P.M. and exited the session at 7:16 p.m.  No public action was taken!

Agenda Item #9 Mayor’s Statement (0:48:39.37)  Aha, now Mayor Haeder acknowledges he did receive a letter regarding the sharing of private information.  The Blabbing of private information of a resident by the Finance Office.  Sadly this is not a one-time transgression and add window peeping to the mix, the city of Alcester has a problem.  We know the council has a perpetual Executive Session for personnel (SDCL 1-25-2.1), but we never-ever see any type of censure for this apparent on-going behavior. (0:50:28.00)  SO MAYOR HAEDER WHAT ARE YA GONNA DO ABOUT FO BLABBERY?   You responsibility!

Agenda Item #10  Library Board Appointment

Agenda Item #11  Promissory Note Resolution  2021-18

Agenda Item #12 Fund Transfers

Agenda Item #13 Supplemental Appropriation

(01:03:48.43)  Pat’s overtime doing special projects not related to her job description.  Now we know where she goes and what she is not doing in her own words!  (01:12:36.13)  Mayor explains Bookkeeping 101 to us.  “…For those of ‘US” who are not aware of this…”  Hey Mayor why aren’t you aware of this, you have been a councilman and a mayor for at least a year now?  Yet you claim not to be aware of what is going on in the city?  (01:13:07.07)  So Mayor Haeder you seem to be saying being in the Red isn’t really in the RED, we just have the FO wave her wand and she makes RED the new Black?  Is that what you are saying?          

The second penny sales tax is our savior?  So Mayor Haeder what happens when our city owned business runs our privately owned shops out of business???  What do ya think happens to the second penny sale, shoot what happens to the first penny sales tax???  I know ya’ll gettin’ your eyes fixed, but are ya really gonna see that one comin’ down the road at cha???

Agenda Item #14 Finance Office Updates  Warrants for Banner, Motorola and regular warrants approved.  Now onto the FO checks.  (01:21:46.43)  Finance Office monthly spot checks haven’t happened, updated schedule OVERSIGHT OF THE FINANCE OFFICE HAS TO BE RE-SCHEDULED ‘CAUSE FO PAT HAS BEEN TOO BUSY RE-ORGANIZING THE COMMUNITY CENTER KITCHEN AND OTHER UNRELATED BOOKKEEPING CHORES.

This Ol’ Pat, she played one,

She played Knick, Knack on our H-h-m-m

With a Knick, Knack FO Patty’s Whacked,

Give A Pig a home,

Ol’ FOCat is on the roam.

Agenda item #15  Executive Session (SDCL 1-25-2.1) Personnel  Entered into Executive Session at 7:52 p.m. Gallery plus Pat and Wanda banished to the hallway.  Out of Executive Session at 8:24 p.m.  No open meeting action taken on the personnel issue.

Agenda Item # 7 Public Input by Reporter Gordon Richard is revisited for an answer from Mayor Haeder.  HRC meeting yet this year, Mayor Haeder states, “… (01:26:00.60) trying to get out from under the Four Plex issue.”  I have to ask the question, “So how much did Councilwoman Pat Jurrens push for Beck Drive cost the HRC fund?  The street to insolvency for the HRC?

Agenda Item #16  Adjourn at 8:28 p.m.

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 Lukas Driesen

Patricia Jurrens                                  605-934-2517