I propose we all take a step back before we make that headlong run into inevitable disaster.
I have book-larned, I have lightly touched on the U.S. Constitution, I have Bible-studied, I have I have experience-learned and I have learned at the feet of those mentors I had and continue to have along the course of my life. Those cumulative learnings have shaped my attitudes, behaviors and life choices.
In my writings, I have learned to never-ever state something as fact until I am comfortable it is in truth a provable fact. At first this action on my part was to save me embarrassment but as I grew in my writing I understood my possible impact on others. I could not in good conscience influence someone wrongly. In school I learned about semantics and how they control the spoken and written word.
In my high school studies of American History and the U.S. Constitution I learned what most kids learn in a very brief synopsis of the document establishing the rules of our nation. Unfortunately what cannot be covered in one brief high school semester on U.S, Government is the motivation, forward looking and great care the framers took to craft a document which would adequately serve all peoples. It was later in my college studies I learned How the framers used language and intent to provide for all those who came after them and actually provided for the clarification of terms, intent and method in which to improve the rules and regulations set forth in the U.S. Constitution.
I have Bible studied, learning right from wrong, learning the Bible verses should never-ever be taken out of context less the Bible comes off sounding like some antiquated version of a snake-oil touting barker in a traveling road show trying to $ell a concept for his/her sole benefit.
I have experience-learned telling the truth is not enough, one has to fight, fight and continue to fight. Even when I have been deemed a liar when I told the truth. I have no problem turning the other cheek when I am called a liar, but when that cast aspersion causes another person to be found guilty and given a life sentence for something he did not do,
IN THIS CASE I WILL NOT TURN THE OTHER CHEEK NOR WILL I TOLERATE SUCH A MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE!
Recent and not so recent mass murders are a travesty to what we all hold dear. Do not fall for the snake-oil barker of the traveling road show, stating this is the result solely and completely at the feet of the perpetrator, family and so-on. We all share responsibility by, “…what we have done and by what we have left undone…” There is a saying, “…when you point a finger of blame, there are three fingers pointing back at you…”
SO TO OUR LAWMAKERS, GOVERNORS AND SO ON,
Folks you have long been shirking your duties and while you did not (I hope) cause these atrocities directly you have assuredly allowed these mass murders to continue. It is long past time to act! Extend those three fingers pointing back at you along with that one finger pointing at another person or entity, raise that ENTIRE HAND over your heart and pledge your allegiance to our country not the NRA and that you will not sacrifice any more people to your greed, creed or mid-deeds.
Please note the agenda, you may want to be there. Specifically the cost of the street signs, the computers to be paid for by CARES and lest we forget an EMS Update (ought to be interesting.)
09/21/2020 Alcester City Council Meeting – Agenda Item #11 – Finance Office Updates
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.
09/21/2020 City Minutes – September 21, 2020 Agenda Item #11 (e) Covid-19
Marcus Ireland made a motion to approve the purchase of Eight (8) Samsung Tablets from A&B Business Solutions, $2,232.00, General Fund, as a COVID readiness expense, for remote meetings; Linda Talbott seconded it. Roll Call vote – Melissa Kay, Marcus Ireland, Linda Talbott and Darla Reppe voted aye, Dave Larsen and Vickie Larsen voted no.
Auditor: Iowa Misallocated at Least $21 Million in COVID-19 Funds
“Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand announced Governor Kim Reynolds misused CARES Act Funds to purchase software for her staff… Iowa’s government misallocated at least $21 million of federal assistance intended for COVID-19 relief and must correct the error by the end of the year or face having to repay the money, State Auditor Rob Sand says.” Jason Clayworth, Auditor: Iowa Misallocated At Least $21 Million in Covod-19Funds, Des Moines Register, www.desmoinesregister.com published October 18, 2020, 3:34 PM CT
Folks I voted against this and I wrote why I did in my post 09/21/2020 A Voice From the Gallery. My opinion and position on CARES Funding of computers still stand, the City of Alcester could be on the hook for $2232.00, want to guess whose pockets that will come out of?
(03:06.03 and 06:05.67 meet Kay Cam and introducing ACCN ((Alcester City Council News))
Mayor Dan Haeder, opened the October 19, 2020, meeting of the Alcester City Council at 6:00 p.m. with council members Darla Reppe, Melissa Kay, Marcus Ireland, David Larsen, Linda Talbott and City Attorney Sam Nelson.
Agenda Item #3 Approve Agenda. Motion, second, no discussion and unanimous vote aye.
Agenda Item #4 Input
Me – Credit card cash back on the Council Oversight Inspection (Oxymoron) of the August books. At the time of my oversight inspection, I asked Finance Office Jurrens about the anomaly of refunds to the tune of approximately $200 to $400 in the golf course books. Got a non-answer from Finance Officer Jurrens. City-wise it is water deposit which is refunded with interest after a year if water payments are made and on time. However the Finance Office does not extend refunds to renters unless they move and without interest which seems discriminatory to me. I have to wonder if the renters on the city council have received their water deposit back h-m-m? It was not a water deposit but a credit card cash back situation. This is a situation where something is purchased at the golf course, the patron asks if the cashier will add $30.00 over the price of the purchase, charge it to the credit card and give the patron $30.00 change back and once again I received (09:51.40) “…we do not keep any customer information…” non-answer from Finance Officer Jurrens…h-m-m.
Mayor Haeder – (10:02.67)Street striping regarding parking spaces on Iowa. (10:02.67) Report of someone living in an RV behind a house. Legal? or Not?
Councilman Ireland – City street light on the corner of 6th and Lincoln flickering.
Police Chief Christie – signs for deaf child playing area…Covid grant money.
Agenda Item #6 (out-of-order) – surplus AED to be surplus transferred to Alcester Fire Department.
Agenda Item #5 – Planning & Zoning Public Hearing 6:15 PM. Public Hearing committee? Now folks the Planning and Zoning committee of Alcester is made up wholly and solely of the sitting Alcester City Council. There is a problem with this. Let me show you.
(22:17.80) No formal move into Planning & Zoning committee by the council. How about that Sam?
(23.03.23) FO Pat references maps the council has, gallery has not been provided maps to follow along on. Oops, hey Sam I think a public hearing indicates audience participation. How can they possibly participate without proper documents and time to absorb the information? You know, Sam kind of like a three page confidential memorandum (?) thrown out and one is expected to read and defend against its drooling ravings in less than five minutes?
(26:20.23) Still no formal move into Planning and Zoning committee. Audience still is unaware of any move from Council to P & Z committee and totally confused and effectively barred from participation because no one has given them permission to address the committee or council. In fact I believe even the council was oblivious to procedure. Hey Sam, where are you?
Councilman David Larsen makes a motion…Uhm there has been no public input during this “Hearing”, no permission given to the public at this point to voice their opinions during this hearing, there has been a obfuscation of whether it is the Planning & Zoning Committee and the City Council and now a motion for a vote has been made! Yoohoo Sam?
Finally it occurs to madam legal guru, law school student (?)–hey we have not allowed the public to participate in this little soiree. Finally the question is asked, if there is any opinion from the gallery. WOW! No answer from the gallery, so no harm no foul right? What the public doesn’t know? A day late and a diploma short.
So which entity took the vote? Planning and Zoning Committee or Alcester City Council. Yeah mayor, minutia is important. Oops? Do Over?
Agenda Item #7 – Street signs
WHOA WHOA DID YA EVER MOVE OUT OF COMMITTEE COUNCIL? WHO IS ACTING PARLIAMENTARIAN HERE?
Blundering on to Agenda Item #7 – Street signs – Councilman David Larsen explained the street signage issue to the council. Uhm let’s see who was sitting on the council when the question was first broached back in May 5, 2014, (minutia again Mayor) Mayor Rick Johnson came to the council (Agenda Item #33) with a document to be signed. Problem was the signing the document would involve self-warranting by the city and major financial exposure, that was a big problem! (dropped) Original joint powers was related to DOT PH0020 (187) PCN 06JK
Second run at the street signs came up on March 5, 2018, agenda item #6 with the following present council members serving during that meeting: Dan Haeder, David Larsen, Darla Reppe and Melissa Kay. These very same council members of today listened (?) James Ainslie from Pierre tell them they could tag on to the Mitchell project bid Dot PH0020(187) PCN-06JK. Say Councilwoman Kay remember how you voted? Here let me help ya out.
“Agenda Item #6 Road Safety Improvement Project DOT 929-08/2015 Joint Powers PH0020 (187) PCN-06JK – this involved sign replacements as translated by Finance Officer Pat Jurrens. The council was provided a copy of the contract required for participation in this project for replacing street signs. Alcester Finance Officer Pat Jurrens prefaced her explanation (video 00:08:35) with reference to the Alcester City Council of Four years ago took the line that they were unwilling to cover the liability of sign replacement if for some reason the signs were destroyed. H-m-m so who was on that council? Let’s see Mayor Rick Johnson, Mark Dykstra, Mike Burke, Kama Johnson, David Larsen and of course COUNCILWOMAN PAT JURRENS!
The story goes like this, “In the May 5, 2014, regular meeting of the Alcester City council…MAYOR RICK JOHNSON announced he signed up for ‘free street signs and wanted council permission to sign an agreement ASAP. Councilman Larsen and Councilman Dykstra asked to see the agreement since MAYOR RICK JOHNSON failed to share advance information with the council. Upon reading the city would be liable for the cost of materials and engineering if it didn’t maintain the signs and records. The council said NO! Given his responses to questions, it became clear MAYOR RICK JOHNSON failed to ‘read’ the agreement he was so anxious to sign because apparently he missed the payback clause and the cost of payback! WOW…”*
Imagine Finance Office Pat Jurrens ‘FORGOT’ all about her starring role as Alcester Councilwoman during that discussion. Imagine that! WATCH OUT FOR THE FO BUS BOYS! Mayor Glas and FO Pat want those street signs up to code and BY Golly Gummed Up catastrophe it NEEDS to be done! Now folks the council voted to approve this time but the scary thing is Councilman Lance Johnson voted to do the visual sign replacement with the second coming from Councilwoman Melissa Kay, discussion happened and the good folks realised they needed to amend the motion to allow Mayor Glas and Finance Officer Pat Jurrens to sign the document (presumably) WITHOUT presenting the final document to the council for approval. Watch video of this (video 00:23:51) Anyone have a problem with this scenario? We really want to trust a pair that have trouble getting the agenda right not once but at least twice. Or get the date of the regular city council meeting correct BEFORE putting it out for publication?*Vickie A. Larsen, a View from the Gallery, published May 15, 2014, The Alcester Union-Hudsonite newspaper. “
The next time the sign issue comes up is on December 3, 2018, Agenda Item #7 where the project is now called DOT PH 8034 (31) PCN 04K9 city street sign replacement with Council members David Larsen, Dan Haeder, Darla Reppe, Linda Talbott and legal guru Melissa Kay. Sign agreement did we lose money on this and what happened? H-m-m
“ Agenda line item #7 – street updates. Under street subsection (c) sign agreement which came in last week, surprise to Lonnie! Alcester was invited some time ago to participate in city sign updates around 2012, 2013 I believe. At that time the council determined the signs were too expensive, the existing signs were still serviceable so they declined the offer. Now they have changed their minds and want to participate under the Hutchinson County agreement PH 8034(31) PCN 04K9. Go Figure! Vickie Larsen, A Voice from the Gallery, 12/03/2018
Question is what is it going to cost us (we the people now)?
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation 2020-2023 Tentative funds under Hutchinson County (past projected joint powers agreement (PH 8034 (31) 04KP Fed Funds 1.144, fiscal year 2021 and total cost (Mil$) 1.525 costs reflect anticipated inflation.
Agenda Item #8 – Legal Updates- 307 Iowa and 204 Ofstad. Play it again Sam, what is that about a possible conflict of interest. Who is advising the man who is supposed to waive his conflict of interest rights? You or the city?
Agenda Item #9 – Health Insurance – It appears the Finance Office mini-fo, ((avoicefromthegallery September 21, 2020 (02:11:43 ))“…I just want to be compensated…” Hey don’t we all. Evidently the city has exited the past insurance stance of “take it or leave it” with no cash payouts. H-m-m.
Agenda Item #10 Executive session – not needed- NO DAH the issue of Vickie the Council member is no longer a worry?
Agenda Item #11– Streets Update – a one-time burn
Agenda Item #12 – Old School Center – enter ordinance 2020-16
Agenda Item #13 – Website – still scheduled for launch on November 1, 2020, WooHoo! You will be able to pay your water bills online, you can read the ordinances, you can read the minutes from the meeting within a day or two. Yup really. Cannot wait to see All of our ordinances without having to pay the Patty Fee!
Agenda Item #14 – Community Bldg Alcester Finance Officer Jurrens gave an update, “…we did this, we are going to do that, and so on and so on…” Ever wonder who the We are? Fo Pat and the lint remnants in her drawers?
Agenda Item #15 HRC Update – None
Agenda Item #16 – Executive session – not needed amazing
Oh to be an octopus and to have eight arms with which to defend meself agin all comers.
You know I have witnessed many injustices perpetrated by city government since 2012, and their actions and inactions never fail to amaze me.
If you think they will have your back, well let’s just explore that one?
*09/23/2013(Mayor Rick Johnson, Council David Larsen, Mike Burke, Mark Dykstra, Patricia Jurrens, Steve Johannsen and Kama Johnson) “…In the workplace harassment issue the mayor did not hand off to the South Dakota DCI for proper investigation setting the city up for nonfeasance charges, the council did not take action because according to ‘scuttlebutt’ (apparently a councilman divulged executive session) the complaining party resigned so the council figured they did not have to take action, leaving the city open for nonfeasance charges and lawsuit. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, “nonfeasance is neglect of duty, the neglect or failure of a person to do some act which he ought to do” creating an actionable liability. In addition at the September 23rd, 2013, special meeting the council went into executive session to discuss personnel issues with Alcester police officer Lisa present around 5:45 p.m. at which time my name was heard in the closed session and I am not personnel, after 15 minutes officer Lisa left the room and executive session continued for approximately another 48 minutes. The council violated executive session which had been called for the sole purpose of discussing personnel not Vickie Larsen. Officer Lisa tendered her resignation in that session and in a later interview with me, she told me the council wanted her to arrest me if I made a fuss..”
*05/05/2014 (Mayor Rick Johnson, Council David Larsen, Mike Burke, Mark Dykstra, Pat Jurrens, Kama Johnson ) “…Executive session for personnel 10:10 p.m. Mike Kezar…) Mayor does not re- appoint , council approves not to re-appoint Mike Kezar… notice for applicants to be published.
*06/02/2014 (Mayor Rick Johnson, Council David Larsen, Mike Burke, Mark Dykstra, Pat Jurrens, Kama Johnson) “…Go over Finance Officer Applications…”
*07/07/2014 (Mayor Rick Johnson, Council David Larsen, Mike Burke, Pat Jurrens, Kama Johnson, Mark Dykstra) Pat Jurrens resigns to take the Finance Officer job in September.
*09/10/2014 (Mayor Rick Johnson, Council Kama Johnson,David Larsen, Lance Johnson, Wayne VanGelder, Mark Dykstra, Mike Burke) Patricia Jurrens Of-fish-ally takes the Finance Office.
*11/08/2016 (Mayor Tom Glas, Councilman David Larsen, Audri Carlson, Dan Haeder, Lance Johnson, Kama Johnson and Mark Dykstra) “… Finance Office-after making Dwight Berglin cook his heels beyond his scheduled time, Mayor Glass finally called Audit Review. OMG Finance Officer**had to slide close to Mayor Glas to 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 finer, press down and carefully rolling the page over with an utterly vacant look on this face if he wasn’t the sitting Mayor. Again the lack of segregation of duties was the 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 replied “No”. Then Finance Officer Jurrens went on to discuss the bill for the audit cost of $9500.00 and she related because of anomalies in the QuickBooks program there was going to be an extra charge of $500.00 due to extra work accountant Berglin had to perform and Finance Officer Jurrens ** was not advised of the QuickBooks foible. Really this is supposed to be in her scope of duties and alleged expertise! So the city short paid our accounting bill ’cause Pat couldn’t figure QuickBooks out and Mr. Berglin was forced to aceept $500.00 less for his work? Folks Alcester is getting a reputation and it is not a good one!…”
*02/19/2018 ( Mayor Tom Glas, Council David Larsen, Lance Johnson, Melissa Kay, Dan Haeder, Julia Sundstrom-Lyle, and Darla Reppe) “…In the January 8, 2018, regular council meeting Councilman David Larsen moved to accept the City Attorney Retainer agreement of which all council members had a true and complete copy and Councilwoman Reppe seconded the motion. Councilwoman Melissa Kay asked a couple questions regarding the retainer agreement history and with no further discussion by council members, the question was called with a unanimous (times 6) approval of the retainer agreement between the City of Alcester and Charles Haugland of Gubbrud, Haugland and Gillespie
Now February 5, 2018, the Alcester City Council is terminating the Retainer Agreement with Alcester City Attorney Charles Haugland. During the February 5, 2018, meeting discussion and prior to Councilman Lance Johnson’s motion to terminate the retainer agreement with Gubbrud, Haugland and Gillespie, Finance Officer Pat Jurrens took the floor to comment, (video 02:51)”…after the January meeting (January 9, 2018) Mayor Tom and I (FO Jurrens) went down to the law office to… garbled and inaudible…to notify (Chuck) the council decided it was time for a change in city attorney…”, to which Chuck responded per Finance Officer Pat Jurren’s account, “…he (Chuck Haugland) was done with legal services as of December 31, 2017…” and which Mr. Haugland confirmed with a letter of resignation to the City of Alcester on January 16, 2018.
Folks check out who was sitting* on the council and who the Finance Officer was. I was not on the council, so who was embarrassing the city?
“Standing up for something even if it means standing alone…”
SPECIAL ALCESTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA OCTOBER 7, 2020 ALCESTER LIBRARY BUILDING (500 Dakota Street) 6:00 PM – MEETING
Open Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance
Approve Agenda Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _
Public Input: _____________________________________________________________
Wastewater Equipment Purchase a. Review of EP Quote b. Motion to approve purchase of Two (2) FlyGT Dry Pit Submersible Pumps with Install Service, $28,580, Wastewater Fund Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _
Executive Session – SDCL 1-25-2-1 Personnel a. Motion to enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2-1 – Personnel Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _ b. Discipline of a Council Member c. Motion to: ____________________________________________________________ Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _
Executive Session – SDCL 1-25-2- if needed a. Motion to enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2- Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _
Adjourn a. Motion to adjourn Council Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _
Please find below a PREVIEW of the agenda sent for Monday, October 5, 2020. This is a preview, some items may be added or deleted prior to posting on the City Hall Door later this afternoon
Agenda Item #13 – Discussion on Plat Map from FCS a)Permission to sign document. Motion by:_____________ Second ______________ *(Discussion?)* Vote All Yes:________ Yes_______ No_____
Agenda Item #14 – Discussion on Plat Map from Union County Fair Board a)Permission to sign document. Motion by:___________ Second ________(Discussion?)Vote All Yes:______ Yes:______ No:______
Agenda Item #16 – Finance Office a)updates: b)Warrants- Motion by:_________Second__________ (Discussion?)Vote All Yes:_______Yes_______ No______ c)Alliance phone package update d) Health Insurance Compensation for FT employees not taking City Health Insurance. Personnel Policy Update/Resolution Change Motion by:__________Second________ (Discussion?) Vote All Yes-_________ Yes_______ No________ e)reminders and updates Time Change… New Landfill Hours (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon))
Agenda Item #17 HRC Update
Agenda Item #18 Alcester Community Center
Agenda Item #19 EMS Update
Agenda Item # 20– Update Volunteer Roster for Worker Compensation
Agenda Item #21 – Executive Session SDCL 1-25-2 if needed a) Motion by:_________ Second__________(Discussion?)Vote All Yes_________ Yes_______ No _______
Agenda Item #22 – Adjourn Motion by __________Second________ (Discussion?)Vote All Yes_________ Yes________ No_____
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Voice from the Gallery 