Tag: www.avoicefromthegallery.com

02/12/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

A forward here to explain the nature of the video.  This was a come and go affair not a seated gallery who posed questions to the architect.  This affair was set to run from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  In actual fact the gallery roams at will and around 5:00 p.m. all activity ceased but the architect Kyle, Gary McKellips, Pat Jurrens and myself remained until 5:30 p.m. to allow for any late comers.  For brevity of boredom, I have edited out the final half hour of no movement beyond just the videographer and three presenters.

“…We can sit on the patio/veranda at the golf course and watch the Alcester-Hudson football game…”

Now ain’t that speschal. Say isn’t there an admissions fee to games to help fund the athletic programs in the school?

I attended the pre-bid informational session with local and not-so-local contractors, electrical trades, plumbing trades, landscaping trades and of course construction trades at 2:00 p.m. in the school library. COOP Architecture was present and running the session, Alcester City Employees present were city bookkeeper Patricia Jurrens, Dale Pearson and Lonnie Johnson. Also in attendance were the funding entourage of Gary McKellips and Tom Walsh. Those attending were asked to sign in and were presented with an agenda at that time. Most already had quasi-blueprints and mechanical drawings.

There was a question-answer period in which several of the group asking for clarification on the two separate but con-joined buildings (i.e. the ‘shed’ and the ‘community event’ structure.

Later at 4:00 p.m, I attended the ‘Ask the Architect’ session in the city council room sans chairs. I planned on video-taping the session laboring under the assumption it was to be an informational meeting addressing community questions concerning the structure, financial concerns and a general opinion the city offices and council chambers should remain downtown Alcester within a gallery seating type venue.  O-O-P-S!

Sadly and disappointingly this session was anything but informational. Sure there were architectural renditions of a vision but it came very evident that,

“common sense is a flower that doesn’t grow in the gardens at 308 Iowa or 410 Hidin’ in the bushes Drive”

Anyone watching the amendments to the design, the two rooms originally labeled office and conference room with a static grand total of 883 square feet of space has to think WOW! Approximately 440 square feet of space per each room where current city office rooms run slightly less, square footage-wise. However the current finance office would benefit greatly if they removed the chest deep freezer from the room.

AND SHORT-SIGHTEDLY

There is NO provision in the community center for a REAL however ad-libbed council chamber.

JUST A CHANGE IN LABELS NOT DESIGN OR DIMENSIONS.

SAMPLE COUNCIL CHAMBER

FINANCE OFFICE AND COUNCIL CHAMBERS NEED TO STAY DOWNTOWN!

 

02/05/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Two things right off the bat.

First I must apologise for the lack of video, you cannot know how much I regret not checking for the danged memory card!!!

Second an update that the council agenda missed in the Finance Office Reminders and Updates. Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens Trial is still on for tomorrow February 6, 2020, at 9:00 a.m.

At the February 3, 2020, regular meeting of the Alcester City Council was called to order by Mayor Tom Glas at 6:00 p.m. with Councilman Dan Haeder, Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilman David Larsen, Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Councilwoman Linda Talbott and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson present. Alcester City Councilman Lance Johnson was absent.

The Council and gallery stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda Item #3-Approve Agenda was called and approve unanimously.

Agenda Item #4-Approve the Minutes of January 6, 2020, and January 27, 2020, was called and again unanimously approved.

Agenda Item #5-Alcester EMS Update delivered by EMS President Jon Serck was called. In Mr. Serck’s presentation he gave an update the ambulance was down to three (3) EMT’s with one in the wings to be certified. Mr. Serck described to the council and gallery the need for EMT’s. He also announced that our Ambulance would be transporting only emergency calls, those emergency calls would be mandatorily delivered to the Hawarden Hospital until otherwise announced.

Agenda Item #6-Alcester Fire Department-Pat Kast Fire Chief requesting special alcohol permit and the change in date to Saturday, March 21, 2020, running from 3:00 p.m. to12:00 a.m. in the Alcester Fire Department. Fire Chief Kast’s request was approved unanimously.

Agenda Item #7-Public Input- I, Vickie Larsen addressed the council with comments regarding Alcester City Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens verbal attack on a person at their place of business regarding a circulation of petition, what was in the petition, what did it involve, who was circulating the petition and where was the petition. Folks this is at least a second report of Alcester City Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens verbally accosting people with regard to circulation of petitions. This is an illegal act due to the fact the Alcester City Finance Officer is the election official of the municipality of Alcester. It is my understanding the first time was FO Pat heard gossip there was a petition being circulated, she wanted to know who, what, where and expressed her desire to, “…tear it up…” It is my understanding the council became aware of the most recent violation of election issue. Which I imagine was dealt with or not dealt with in Executive Session.

Agenda Item #8-Legal Updates-Sam Nelson, Alcester City Attorney-

a)   ACA Nelson presented the City Council with copies of 2020 House Bill 1116 (revisions regarding the use of perpetual care trust funds to maintain cemeteries), 2020 House Bill 1120 (allowing second or third class municipalities to act as Planning and Zoning commissions), 2020 Senate Bill 61(revision of certain provisions regarding a municipal office nominating petitions) and 2020 Senate Bill 135 (bid limits of certain public improvements). I would like to thank ACA Nelson for giving me copies of those bills.

b)  Alcester Community Building-sealed Bid, Bid Opening March 2, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.

c) 2020 Chip Sealing and FDR Bid- Motion to approve advertising 2020 Chip Seal Bid and FDR (Full Depth and Reclamation) set for March 2, 2020 at 6:45 p.m. O-o-o-p-s FDR is no longer an option cause it seems Ol’- FDR with the snow, rain and subsequent wetness now resides in the storm sewer and in our street department’s considered opinion isn’t such a good idea after all. SO NOW WHAT? ACA Frieberg is working on the bid documents, work to be under $30K H-m-m if I remember accurately our annual (not for long) little ol’ street maintenance TAX garners somewhere around $37K per year. H-m-m.

Agenda Item #9– Ordinance Changes-

a) Second Reading of Ordinance 2020-01 – 1.0202 An Ordinance Amending the Existing Municipal Ordinances of the City of Alcester, South Dakota, Title 1, Chapter 1.02, Section 1.0202 Regular Meetings. Moving the regular meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  IT seems the meetings are running past Mayor Glas’ bedtime. Oh by the way the Mayor was encouraged to read the Ordinance aloud, Yeah. If it would not have been cruel and unusual punishment on the gallery, I would have called for Mayor Glas to repeat the ordinance so the gallery could hear and understand the dyslexic pontification in the style of Comedian Norm Crosby Mayor Glas put out. No amount of better acoustics is going to cure that.

b) Second reading of Ordinance 2020-02 – 5.02 An Ordinance Amending the Existing Municipal Ordinance of the City of Alcester, South Dakota, Title 5, Chapter 5.02, Sections 5.0211, 5.0212, 5.0212A and 5.0213 Fluffy and Fido. Licensing Pussy Cats as well as Puppy Dogs. IT seem the ratio between pussie cats and Rats has dipped and Fluffy has worn out her welcome within the city. So the City is mandating a license to bell the cats so-to-speak.

Now folks let’s taking a look at this and apply a human element into this war on pussy cat Fluffy. IF Pussy Cat Fluffy lives within the city limits of Alcester she must be collared, belled, spayed and licensed. So begs the question, IF Pussy Cat Fluffy declares her residence OUTSIDE the city limits does she need to be collared, belled, spayed and licensed. She gets her mail via RFD but she does spend her days within the city limits earning her living.

So now the human element, City Council person is elected/appointed to Ward II, he must live, get his mail and sleep in Ward II, Right? But what if City Councilperson buys a house in Ward III and intends to live in said Ward III house, according to statute HE/SHE must resign from city Council because HE/SHE no longer lives in Ward II. SO what happens if he only sleeps in Ward II and does everything else in Ward III. H-m-m it is no wonder the City Council wants advice from BAMBEE HR of California!

Agenda Item #10-Nuisance Property Discussion

a) 210 Ofstad Update

307 Broad Street

Speaking of nuisances, What about the place on East Iowa across from Mayor Magoo where the owner parks the backend of her car across the sidewalk?

Speaking of nuisances-I suggest we Fire Geoff Fillingsness, follow the lead of Beresford and get rid of excess city baggage.

b) Water flowing off the City Owned Building (Bar) flowing through the city      owned alley and onto adjoining property adversely affected Arlene’s Cafe. The city owns the bar, run-off from the building and alley is adversely affecting the adjoining property owner. The fix is the financial responsibility of the city.

Agenda Item #12 Street Updates-Lonnie Johnson

The street department mentioned the Full Depth Reclamation issue and the Street Committee of Councilman Lance Johnson, Councilwoman Linda Talbott and Councilman Dan Haeder (hopefully I got the names recorded correctly) were going to contact Engineer Kim McLaury to get his opinion. When asked what McLaury’s qualifications were with regard to streets, I believe it was FO Pat who answered, “…well he owns his own company…” Yeah just a refresher course on Mr. McLaury’s expertise in engineering and I do not mean Thomas the Train Engine. Mr. McLaury’s engineering expertise the Alcester SRTS inflicted upon the city of Alcester where he designed an ADA Bridge traversing the horseshoe pit and alley through the park. Where the contractor had to go back in a raise the topography into the air almost at the same height as the swimming pool diving board because Mr. McLaury just could not seem to grasp the incline/slope into ADA regulations. I believe the cost overrun on that jewel of engineering was something like $20K which the city elected to kick over and pay. Got to wonder how much the fix for FDR is going to cost the city taxpayers. I swear it would be cheaper to add FDR to Mount Rushmore than cover FDR on our streets.

Agenda Item #14 Property Purchase 01.01.13.1040 Quam & Berglin Rentals $15,000 to come out of the second penny sales tax. There we go again, Mayor Glas and FO Pat working on Pay-Day Loans. It is to be noted here than Mr. Wegh does not mind an add-on garage to the building next to his establishment. Well evidently the Mayor Glas, FO Pat and Councilman Lance Johnson asked if Mr. Wegh would be bothered by a garage.  A courtesy they did not extend to the folks on Anderson Street.  Purchase was unanimously approved.

Agenda Item #17-Pleasant Hill Cemetery Update.-Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens

a) changing the signatories on the bank accounts which includes signers Mayor Glas, Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens, ASS’T Finance Officer Wanda Halverson, and Councilman Dan Haeder. Folks one work of caution on this acquisition, perpetual care carries a great deal of future debt. When the spaces are depleted, the money for care stops and becomes an obligation of all taxpayers.

Agenda Item #18 -Finance Office Updates-FO Pat

a) Warrants – Bills for condensing unit for the Bar-general fund

Bill for a Reznor Tube Heater city shop-general fund

Warrants approved unanimously

b) Tax Abatement-County gave us a refund and P-f-f-t it is gone.

c) City Utility Positions-Add a new FT job at $13.00/hour, city to hold interviews for candidates.

d) HR Services- Folks the city wants to contract out to Bambee HR, Los Angeles, CA to tell them how to deal with the city employees. Note here that not one (that I am aware) of the council members is a business owner who employees more than five employees. WOW Price Tag $500 up front audit of employees related expenses, re-write the personnel manual, $200/ month billing whether Bambee is used or not.   The reason, oh folks you are going to love this (and I wish I had this on video) the council is tired to paying out $125.00 per hour for advice from City Attorney Sam on their HR questions. Oh man you should have seen Sam’s face. DEJA VUE! Sam I hate to tell you, but you are not the first attorney Mayor Glas and FO Pat have done this to.  Folks you need to check out the Terms of Service of Bambee (https://www.bambee.com/legal/tos ) Evidently the council has not because they would not have been talking in the terms they discussed in front of the gallery. If the council carries though with the logic they discussed, they are going to be sued. I know Mayor Glas did not read them because I did not see a Dick and Jane Version of the Terms of Service on Bambee’s website.

Folks we are members of the South Dakota Municipal League, both Sam Nelson and Thomas Frieberg are lobbyists for the SDML, Alcester pays a membership fee which covers certain entitlements of membership so why in the world are they asking a California psychic HR for advice on South Dakota municipal employees. Granted both the state and the federal dictate rules and regulations over employees but still BAMBEE? Are ya kidding?

Agenda Item #18 (f) -Reminders and Updates.

Agenda Item #20 Community Center Update February 11, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at the city auditorium. Evidently it is a come and go and of course scheduled off hours for anyone who works for a living. Nice timing, right. Let Mayor Glas know. Geez Louise, why 4:00 p.m.? Does it interfere with Mayor Glas’ early evening Nap?

Agenda Item #21-Update of Volunteer Roster

Names removed from EMS: Don Brose, Mike Burke, Nancee Cowell, Brandi Smith, Paula Wiberg. Names removed from FD Jesse Duncan and Ryan Micke

Agenda Item #22-Executive Session Personnel

Entered into Executive session at 8:06 p.m. with the Mayor Glas, City Council members, Larsen, Reppe, Haeder, Kay and Talbott, and Finance Office personnel Patricia Jurrens and ASS’T Finance Office personnel Wanda Halverson, Exited from Executive session at 8:23p.m.  Do you s’pose they discussed Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens illegal attack on a citizen over petitions?

Agenda Item #23-Adjourn

Council Adjourned at 8:24 p.m. early enough for Mayor Magoo to rush home and make his beddie-by time.

 

PS: “How to circulate a county or municipal Initiative or Referendum Petition” Steve Barnett-SD Secretary of State

elections@state.sd.us   

 www.sdsos.gov

 

02/01/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Agenda 02/03/2020

 

COMING UP:

January 6, 2020,AGENDA ITEM #18 (e)-Motion to Approve CDBG Loan to City $32,640.66 (police car). 0% Interest, 4 year Payback per schedule. No action taken on CDBG Loan to City as Sam Nelson needs more information.

January 27, 2020,Special Meeting Agenda carried no provision for City Attorney Sam Nelson’s report on the $32, 640.66 proposed CDBG Loan to pay for the Police Car. H-m-m?

February 3, 2020, Agenda Item #8-Legal Updates-Sam Nelson-NO CBDG?

*Generally I do not like to use Wikipedia as a source because it can be edited by anyone. I will in this case include a quote from Wikipedia as it relates to Allocation of Funds,

“…communities must meet certain requirements…First, ‘not less than 70 percent of CDBG funds must be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons.’ Secondly, funds MUST be spend on eligible activities, which are broadly defined as including ‘community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services.’…Such activities may include ‘Acquisition of real property, Relocation and demolitions, Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, Construction of public facilities and improvements’ and more…Third governments must follow a plan of project selection that includes citizen participation, especially by citizens who live in ‘areas’ in which the grantee proposes to use CBDG funds” *(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Development_Block_Grant.)

State Allocations and Contacts State CDBG allocations by state are listed at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/budget/. The best contact people are the HUD Field Office Directors, whose contact information can be found at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/staff/fodirectors/.

 

CONCLUSION:

NO CBDG FUNDING OF EQUIPMENT DESCRIBED AS POLICE CRUISER AND PER THE ALCESTER ORDINANCE FOR SECOND PENNY SALES TAX–ASSETS ONLY– NOT POLICE CRUISERS THOSE MUST COME OUT OF GENERAL FUNDS. NO PAY DAY LOANS ALLOWED FO PAT!  Wow, I did not realise Beacom had a program in PayDay Loans!

February 3, 2020, Agenda Item #14-PROPERTY PURCHASE 01.01.13.1040 QUAM & BERGLAND RENTALS, $15,000, 2ND PENNY-Class NADC and NADC2 valuation 2019 $16,260 Purchase price to be taken from 2nd penny sales tax. It is to be noted here, upon city purchase the property ceases to accrue tax dollars benefiting the residents of Alcester.

February 3, 2020, Agenda Item #15(b)-Golf Cart trade-in/purchase to come out of 2nd penny sales tax. Questionable 2nd penny assignment per ordinance restriction language.

February 3, 2020, Agenda Item #15 (c)-Golf Top Dressing Mower Purchase to come out of 2nd penny sales tax. Questionable 2nd penny assignment per ordinance restriction language.

February 3, 2020, Agenda Item #18 (e)-Motion to approve Loan to City, from Revolving Loan Fund (?), $32, 640.66, 0% interest, 4 year payback per schedule.

SO FOR US NOT-SO-ASTUTE RESIDENTS, ‘Lay Persons’ and ‘snoopy, busy-body neighbors’…Tell us what is the difference between the CBDG and a Revolving Loan Fund.  Just a name change?  Semantics Sam?  ACA Sam, is your judgment of a ‘well constructed letter for a lay person’ based upon Class ‘A’ legal advice, English degree, South Dakota Municipal League Lobbyist, seat in the SD Bar or participant/advisor to the city council in canvass of the 2019 mayoral votes meeting where Alcester City Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens handed over the keys to the ballot box and the council was allowed to handle the election ballots?”  Sam just because an argument does not ‘jump-out’ at you like a 400 lb. gorilla, it does not mean a small soft warning growl in the dark of a room does not mean there are no paws, no claws and no jaws waiting, on the ready to defend to the end! The FAT LADY is STILL not singing, do-re-mi-oorah!

 

Please readers, attend this meeting.

It is important.

Public Input is AGENDA ITEM #7, TELL THE COUNCIL WHAT YOU THINK. IT IS YOUR RIGHT, YOUR VOTE, YOUR TAXES!

 

12/19/2019 A Voice From the Gallery

 

MINNESOTA DHS CARTOON

MINNESOTA SELLING CHILDREN

FOSTER TO ADOPT – STEALING CHILDREN – DHS (DON’T HAVE SOULS)

Tearing children from the arms of their Mother is a most evil act, tearing children from their Mother for money is the most evil act of all.

 

12/20/2019 A Voice From the Gallery

NO VARIANCE FOR COUNCILMAN JOHNSON

 

LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO OUR TOWN, MAYOR GLAS

LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO OUR TOWN

IT’S THE ONLY THING YOU HAD TO DO RIGHT

AND YOU MANAGED TO GET IT WRONG, GLAS

LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO OUR TOWN

 

LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO OUR FOLKS, MAYOR GLAS

LOOK WHAT YOU DONE TO OUR FOLKS

WELL YOU PICKED OUR POCKETS RIGHT DOWN TO THE LINT

LOOK WHAT YOU TOOK FROM US, GLAS

LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO OUR TOWN

 

WE WANT OUR GOOD TOWN BACK, MAYOR GLAS

WE WANT OUR GOOD TOWN BACK

WELL IF WE HAD OUR GOOD TOWN BACK WE’D

BROOM OL’ RIFF-RAFF GLAS OUT AND

FIX WHAT HE HAS DONE TO OUR TOWN.

 

WE’RE FIGHTING BACK FOR OUR TOWN, MAYOR GLAS

WE’RE FIGHTING BACK FOR OUR TOWN

WELL THE FOLKS WILL STAND UP AND TAKE BACK THEIR TOWN

SOON WE’LL HAVE OUR TOWN BACK GLAS

‘CAUSE WE ALL SEE WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO OUR TOWN.

 

LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO OUR TOWN, MAYOR GLAS

LOOK WHAT FOPAT HAS DONE TO OUR TOWN

YOU BOTH HAVE SHOVED US IN A GARBAGE BAG

AND TOSSED IT TO THE GROUND

LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO OUR TOWN*

 

 

*inspired by the song lyric titled.  “Look What They’ve Done to My Song” by Melanie Safka  “What Have They Done to My Song, Ma Lyrics.” Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2019. Web. 20 Dec. 2019. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6899041/The+New+Seekers>.

12/09/2019 A Voice From the Gallery

“Government is instituted for the common good:  for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family or class of men”  

John Adams

Mayor Tom Glas called the December 9, 2019, special meeting of the Alcester City Council to order at 5:00 p.m. with Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilman Dan Haeder, and Councilman David Larsen present. Absent were Alcester City Attorney and Alcester City Councilman Lance Johnson. Also attending the special meeting was Gordon Richards from the Alcester Union-Hudsonite and Vickie Larsen.

Mayor Glas called for the approval of the Agenda for the special meeting. With no changes and no discussion the group approved the agenda with a unanimous vote of five (5).

Agenda item #4 was public input. Prior to the meeting I distributed copies of my input on the proposed variance at each council persons seat. I went over the contents of the document which was a rough draft of my opinion on the variance, errors and omissions to the form and content and citations of statute brought forth by attorneys and the infamous variance.

I pointed out to the council, a South Dakota Supreme court decision involving code, covenants and restrictions running with land violation. The high court found in favor of the complainant that the covenants had indeed been violated and went a step further to award the legal costs of enforcing the codes, covenants and restrictions.

I was asked the question when the final draft would becoming, I answered as soon as I had access to Mr. McGill’s opinion. In addition to that opinion, I will certainly take into consideration any argument mounted by the Alcester City Attorney in my answer.

After my presentation, Pat offered up an astounding comment. (00:06:35). Alcester Finance Officer Jurrens argued that Alcester a city of just 800 population did not need a variance form such as the one Union County uses. ‘Cause she knows everybody who comes in for variances and she uses information from Beacon-Schneider site. Uhm folks, the Beacon-Schneider site has a warning notation under the summary specifically a brief tax description. (Note: Not to be used on legal documents) Of course what Pat is passing off as a legal document is nothing more than the equivalent of a page ripped off from a First graders coloring book. Folks would you want the value of your life’s asset/property to be dependent upon the legal and financial judgment of Finance Officer Jurrens? She seems to struggle with those concepts.

So using Finance Officer Jurrens logic if a city of 800 people is too small to bother with legal documents for variances, then we can do an initiated measure, get rid of the Property Maintenance Code and ol’ Geoff Fillingsness. Right?

Agenda item #5– was the Second reading of the 2019-08 Pleasant Hill Cemetery Ordinance. The motion was made and seconded for the second reading of the 2019-08 ordinance. Let’s hope she got this right, who knows what might rise to the surface here.

Agenda item #6 Rumor has it the new police car has hit Iowa. Time to pay for the car. Finance Officer Pat has robbed the CBDG account once again to float her bookkeeping. Mayor Glas repeated the motion only where it the amount was $24, 744.00 to Wegner Auto and $8.00 to Premier Bank Check Fee- Ol’ eagle-eyes lost the dot and read the amount as $800.00 into his regurgitation of the motion.

Agenda item #7 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance 2019-09- Folks this is the part of Finance Officer duties where the Finance Officer makes a mad scramble to come up with the funds to pay the bills she and Mayor Glas encouraged the council to spend. Normally referred to as Robbing Peter to pay Paul or Pat. Don’t forget that $4880 fee paid out to Pat where no one approved of the OT!

Agenda item #8 Committee meeting date for City vacancies. Committee members, Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Councilwoman Linda Talbott and Councilman David Larsen.  Date was set for December 16, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. Will need job descriptions for librarian, solid waste (dump-ground) and Sextant (this one I will leave alone)

No Executive session

Adjourned the meeting at 5:17 pm

 

12/06/2019 A Voice From the Gallery

Ladeees and Gents our favorite Glas flower has a problem with me.  A-w-w-w!  Oh by the way, she plead ‘not guilty’ in court yesterday for those of you who are following the Alcester FOSAGA (Finance Officer Summoned Again Government Action) oh yeah and do not forget to BYOB (Bring Your Owed Bail)!

When ‘we the people’ have a problem with finance officer, she’s gonna have a problem with us specifically but not limited to me .  In my opinion, “When ya ain’t doin’ your job, you ain’t worth the pay!”  FO Pat whined to the council, “I work so hard… “I do my best and I work really hard”…” Well Madam FO, IF that is your best—–yer best ain’t good enough”  Case in point I served this FOIA request arising out of Pat’s statements in the December 2, 2019, city council meeting on Pat this morning (December 6, 2019):

FO Pat produced the ‘variance application’ below in answer to #1 of my Foia Request 12/06/2019 and charged me $.25.  This document is the sum total of the variance request or so FO Jurrens purported it to be.  This must be the truth, otherwise Alcester Finance Officer LIED to me and by deliberate omission of facts produced a false record as a true copy of the variance application and charge me for it.  SO WHICH IS IT?

Yup this is what FO Pat considers a variance application, Who knows what version of the famed firm of Dewey, Cheath’em’ and Howe drew this exemplar up.

Below find a sample of what Union County uses:

I asked several questions about the remainder of the FOIA request, to which Patti Parrot responded, “I don’t have that, I don’t have that”.  I asked the question, “WHY don’t you have it, you should” and Patti Parrot responded, “I don’t have that, I don’t have that”  Yeah I figured that out when you lowered your voice and looked to the left each time you professed, “I don’t know that”  Then when I asked where are those documents you and Lance Johnson were running up and down Anderson begging for signatures, you told you did not have them and that I had to ask Lance Johnson.  Why?  Were you not there on the Alcester City time clock as Finance Officer/notary assisting Councilman Lance Johnson? Or representing yourself as Finance Officer instead of just plain ol’ Pat Jurrens?

First-those of you who signed the mystery document Councilman Lance Johnson and Finance Officer Pat Jurrens were hawking to allow Councilman Lance Johnson to build his combine/body shop sized stand alone garage and regret signing the document.  Take note, because Councilman Lance Johnson along with Finance Officer Pat Jurrens is attempting to change the terms and conditions with a variance.  The document you signed is null and void because you were not advised of the whole truth, you were NOT given a copy of the document for your records and nor were those property owners whose property directly abuts 518 Anderson Street in writing of the Variance Hearing.  Your rights were negated by sloppy and negligent procedure by Alcester Finance Officer Pat Jurrens.  I am not an attorney, but I would urge you get togther as a group and seek an opinion from a lawyer on the validity of the document you signed.

To the property owners on Anderson Street, the Variance Hearing was not held per agenda, there was some discussion (00:50:38) to table the Variance Hearing to the next meeting which is December 9, 2019, but no formal motion was made nor seconded or voted upon.  However, Alcester City Attorney Tom Frieberg announced the council should table the Variance Hearing to the January meeting (00:51:31) to receive confirmation from a document of Mike McGill attorney allegedly prepared for Alcester Councilman Lance Johnson.  NO motion, no second and no vote was taken to table to the January meeting of the city Council either.  THE COUNCIL DID NOT OFFICIALLY ACT UPON MR. FRIEBERGS JANUARY SUGGESTION NOR THE ORIGINAL DECEMBER 9, 2019 DISCUSION.  SO WHICH IS IT MR MAYOR?  

RULES OF ORDER:

1.    Table.  If the Council is not ready to vote – be it a lack of information, a sensitive topic people need more time to process or deliberate, or other urgent matters came up – a member may make a motion to “table” the item.  The motion needs a second. It is NOT debatable/open to discussion. And then it needs a majority to carry the motion.  The important point to remember; however, is that it must be re-addressed at the NEXT official meeting.

2.    Postpone. If the Council is not ready to vote and if there is uncertainty on when it will be ready, then a motion should be made to “postpone until ______ (fill in the blank).”  Herein lies the major difference between tabling and postponing; postponing can be defined, but tabling is at the next meeting. Postponing requires motion, second, it CAN be debated/discussed, and a majority vote to carry.*

*Secondary discussion of Roberts Rules of Order which simple describes motions to table and motions to postpone.  https://sharpermanagement.com/2017/06/board-tip-tabling-agenda-item/

 

A SUGGESTION;  So you may want to add an agenda item to the agenda when you approve the agenda Monday night ladies and gentlemen of the council.  This does meet the requirement of an emergency add-on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12/02/2019 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor Tom Glas called the December 2, 2019, regular meeting of the Alcester City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. with Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilman Dan Haeder, Councilman David Larsen and Councilman Lance Johnson present. Sitting in for Sam Nelson, city attorney was Thomas Frieberg of Frieberg, Nelson and Ask, and who is also listed as city attorney under the retainer agreement.

Among the gallery were Amanda Ericson, Tena Keiser co-chairs of the Alcester Chamber of Commerce, Larry Anderson, representative from the cemetery group, and an impromptu appearance by William Shorma, District 16 Representative candidate. The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Making a brief appearance was former Alcester Finance Officer Mike Kezar who apparently been told he was to talk about his property situation but Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens Failed to place him on the agenda.

The council moved quickly to approve the agenda and the minutes of the November 4, 2019, meeting. Of course unanimously without discussion as usual.

Agenda Item #5-Next to be seen and not-so-seen was William Shorma, candidate for District 16 (Representative-a correction from the erroneously (00:03:50))agenda listed item as Senator Candidate. Notable candidate comment was (00:06:25) he wanted address the important, ‘key stake holder’ people in the communities: the city council, the chamber of commerce and the school officials as he stood with his back to the camera and the gallery. H-m-m so is that one calls putting your best side backward?

Agenda Item #6-Next up were the Chamber of Commerce request for temporary street closure for the Chamber sponsored Christmas Tree Lighting Party scheduled for December 6th. The council voted to close the street for the Chamber function.

Agenda Item #7-Input

I started the input with an explanation of the document I placed at each council members place and the Alcester city attorneys place. This document was a copy of the Regulations, Agreements and Conditions Running with Land which is attached to the Deed of property. This particular document was attached to the deed of Councilman Lance Johnson property address listed as 518A Anderson Street and future home of ‘hog barn and other mechanical things’?

I pointed out the obvious error the city council had the power to grant a variance to a piece of land over which they had no control to change the agreements, regulations and conditions attached to that land.

Councilman Lance Johnson stated he did not know of the deed attachment until (00:15:15), “…Tom Frieberg recommended Michael McGill to him… last summer Finance Officer Pat Jurrens dug up the Regulations, Agreements and Conditions Running with Land Document…”. At which point in the discussion Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens interrupted (00:16:19) with the statement that, “…what we were told by (presumably Mike McGill) the twenty-five year condition was illegal…” In case you do not know of Mike McGill, he is an attorney out of Beresford, SD. He has his own law practice, is not to the best of my knowledge a member of the Frieberg, Nelson and Ask firm, nor was Mr. McGill a signer or contributor to the document titled, “Regulations, Agreements and Conditions Running with Land which was prepared by Charles B. Haugland.

So by what right did Alcester Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens stick her nose into a civil matter? I had heard Finance Officer Pat Jurrens had been running around collecting signatures concerning Councilman Lance Johnson’s edifice to hogs and combines on Anderson Street but I had no personal knowledge with which to confirm the validity of the claim. But last night Alcester Finance Officer Jurrens comment (00:16:19) about the opinion from Mr. McGill seems to give some credence to the rumor.

So why was Alcester Finance Officer Jurrens involving herself in a civil legal matter on the part of Alcester Councilman Lance Jurrens trying to do an end run around the Regulations, Agreements and Conditions Running with Land Document attempting to cheat his neighbors out of the equity value of their homes.

 Why is an attorney under retainer (Thomas Frieberg) to the city of Alcester as legal counsel to the CITY of Alcester recommending a lawyer (Michael McGill) to Alcester City Councilman Lance Johnson to give him (Lance Johnson) and the City of Alcester (Mr. Frieberg’s Client) the power to negate the terms and conditions afforded by the legal document titled Regulations, Agreements and Conditions Running with Land and defraud the residents of Numsen’s Addition without their right to vote for themselves whether Alcester City Councilman Lance Johnson can build a Hog House, Combine Cabin, Tractor Terminal ER or RV Rest Home!

 As I understand it, any owner who has this Regulations, Agreements and Conditions Running with Land Document attached to their Deed can take Councilman Lance Johnson to court as well as the City of Alcester if they vote to allow a variance contrary to the RAC’s Running with Land that they have all lived by!

Agenda Item #8-Legal Updates

Involved a lengthy discussion of the cemetery and Ordinance 2019-08 with amendments.

Community Building-Auditorium and present city offices. The council voted to declare the auditorium surplus property. Motion called by Mayor Glas, Motion was made by Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Second came from Councilman David Larsen and with no discussion the council voted unanimously – six AYE votes to declare the City Auditorium Surplus property.

The next step is to decide whether the Auditorium will be summarily disposed of by 1) sealed bids, 2) realtor, or 3) public auction after another appraisal.

Folks the reality of the Community Building/Golf Club house is still just a malevolent will-o’-the-wisp hovering over our city. Sell the Auditorium where does the police department go? Sell the Auditorium where does the finance office go? Not to the Community Building/Club House without a public vote!! Despite Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens fervent hope.

Agenda Item #9-Variance for Councilman Lance Johnson tabled.

Agenda items #10 Street Update and #11 Water and Wastewater no reports from the department heads who were not in attendance. Oh Mayor Glas was given the okie dokie to sign the small community grant. Geesh, I hope he at least gets his signature over his name this time.

Agenda Item #12– Police Department-Chief Christie announced the PD was gifted with two brand new AED and he has taken the training to train others how to use the AED (automated external defibrillator). New police car is on its way.

AND ON CUE  Alcester City Attorney Thomas Frieberg gathered his case and left 7:00 p.m. (01:02:01)

Agenda Item #13– Finance Office

Architect is almost finished with the kitchen. Are ya kidding me? I am sorry Wofgang Puck does not like the cold, Emeril Lagasse just got nibbled into oblivion and doesn’t want to move to Alcester. Julia Child passed on, and Rachael Ray’s Nutrish culinary art has gone to the dogs. So what we have here is a failure to communicate, short order cafe does not need a haute cuisine kitchen delicately placed between the bar and the biffy AND certainly cannot afford a staff commensurate with haute cuisine tips.

Resolution for Fees 2020 Pat’inflation has struck again and I do not mean helium go-fund- me jail bond balloons in the auditorium atrium. Although every time Mayor Glas walks in, there is certainly an updraft of hot air.

Finance Officer Patricia still wants to bell the cats. I think a certain FO should be belled.

It has been determined and if I understood the subject matter discussion correctly the 2019 audit is going to cost $8K. Finance Officer Patricia moaned, “I do my best and I work really hard” (01:30:20)

Supplemental appropriation, without a copy to follow along with it was a jumbled mash but the one thing that really caught my attention was the Robbing the water enterprise account of $50K to bolster the general fund. I am not sure that is legal. Water Enterprises funds must go to either pay to reduce water rates or upgrades of the water system not to go to the general fund where it could be used to purchase more clutter for the auditorium atrium. Or pay community center expenses arising out of the question,  should the kitchen be next to the bar or should it be close to the fire exit.

The date for the Special Meeting in December was set for December 9, 2019, at 5:00 p.m.

Updates and reminders:

One reminder was missing, Item V as in the appearance in court for Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens for Violation of state and local Liquor laws. December 5, 2019, Union County Magistrate Court at 9:00 a.m. to answer the complaint with fines and fees.

Agenda Item #14– City Website- Still dinkin’ with the city website first voted and around $1500 was appropriate for its design and implementation. I told the council the South Dakota Municipal League would help set up our website as we are members of the SDML. Mayor Glas mumbled something about open meeting. Since I was (hearsay) accused of setting the council up in the ballot box violation complaint and that I should have said something. First I did not know at the time and Every time I try to advise when the council is erring, I get shut down and ignored just as I did last night when I spoke up about the South Dakota Municipal League.

Agenda Item #18 Executive Session at 7:57 p.m. to discuss Personnel-H-m-m  At 8:21 p.m. the meeting was declared open and the council accepted the resignation of Librarian Dee Cole and Curtis Saugstad.

Agenda Item #19 Adjournment- Meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

11/06/2019 A Voice From the Gallery

“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t goin’ away.”

Elvis Presley

 …and neither am I…

Vickie

 Mayor Glas called the November 4, 2019, regular city council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with Council members Melissa Kay, Linda Talbott, David Larsen, Dan Haeder and Darla Reppe present. Also present was Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson, Chief Jeff Christie and Alcester Police Officer Austin Schuller. Absent again this month was Council member Lance Johnson.The council approved the agenda without change and the October 2nd meeting minutes without change.

video was to be inserted here but due to human error and foul up the memory card was compromised.  My profound apologies.

Dwight Berglin presented the 2018 audit which was after a question posed by Councilman David Larsen concerning a rumored $60K shortage was approved as presented.

Mark DeRaney AMKO Advisors representative presented an option to change from the outstanding USDA Loans on the waste treatment and water tower to bonds. Mr. DeRaney needed signature approve by the mayor to move the process forward. The Mayor’s signature did not commit the city to anything more than a forward movement on the process. The council voted to allow the mayor to sign the agreement. Judging from the mayor’s expression, now they just have to ‘splain it to him.

Agenda Item #7-Public Input-

  1. I gave my opinion of the City Office proposed move to the Golf Course/Community building if it is built.
  2. Gordon Richard of the Alcester Union-Hudsonite Newspaper asked the question, what progress was being made on the ballot box complaint and investigation. Alcester City Attorney paused, then answered, “…no comment…”.
  3. Councilman Dan Haeder said he had been approached about a city dog park. Discussion ensued concerning where such a facility would be located the former ice skating rink in the park, maybe the ball field, who would pick up the poop–honor system (?) etc.

Agenda Item #8-Legal updates

  •  Cemetery transfer 01/01/20
  •  Sewer discharge/lines update-easement needed
  •  On-sale liquor-Hillbillies not renewing their liquor license

Agenda Item #9-Community Clean Up

  •  Possible condemnation of two properties

Agenda Item #10- Street Update

  •   Street Update-sump pump discharge into street. No discharge in winter
  •   Street sweeper-two broken sprockets and chain. Unknown fix-it charge.

 Agenda Item #11- Police Dept.  Up-dates

  •  Meth resurgence
  •   Suicide alerts
  •   School sign battery issues
  •  Advisory board make-up: Police Department, Fire Department, Alcester EMS and council members Haeder and Kay.

Agenda Item #13-Update given by Councilman David Larsen

Agenda Item #14-Tiny House

  •   Contact Patrick from Secog for zoning change
  •   Add R-4 to Residential district

Agenda Item #15-Finance Office

  •   Approve Warrants.
  •   City Letterhead change-FO Pat did not like the green.
  •   2020 Resolution for Fees.
  •   Community Building-according to FO Pat they must develope a menu to design the kitchen. Ya’all cannot afford the building let alone hire a chef that requires a speshal menu to design a commercial kitchen.
  •  Approve $2500 appraisal fee on the auditorium. Mayor failed to ask for discussion during the motion process.  Council voted to approve.
  •  Approve operating agreements with local bars.  With the community building bar set-up (no pun intended), the city will be a full-blown competitor with the private bars in the city.
  •   Resolution of fees 2019-08 Waste water discharge-a 5% raise in fees with a specific   minimum.
  •   Water Deposits levied.
  •   Flag Burning-Legion-Council approved.
  •   Special Meeting set in December approved for December 30th at 6:00 p.m.
  •   Reminders and updates.
  •   Wanda brought up the need for extra funding for meals for kids.  Councilman Dan Haeder made the comment, “…Prisoners eat free…”*  

*Funds received for the inmate, from any approved source, while the inmate is in custody of the Department of Corrections will be deposited into the inmate’s account.

Inmates may use the funds in their bank account to purchase items such as writing supplies, hygiene items and snacks. Court ordered financial obligations, special program financial obligations and costs incurred while in custody of the DOC are automatically withdrawn from an inmate’s account.

Each inmate has a bank account set up in their name. There are a number of subaccounts that can be utilized depending on DOC policy. 

https://doc.sd.gov/about/faq/finances

Agenda Item #16- HRC Update

  • Rents to increase $25 per month

Agenda Item#17-Community Flyer

  • Finance Office worked hard on getting the community flyer out-who paid for this? The labor and postage?

Agenda Item #18-Volunteer roster-nothing

Agenda Item#19 Executive Session-Contracts SDCL #1-25-2-4*

*1-25-2.   Executive or closed meetings–Purposes–Authorization–Violation as misdemeanor. Executive or closed meetings may be held for the sole purposes of:

 (4)   Preparing for contract negotiations or negotiating with employees or employee representatives;

                *https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/DisplayStatute.aspx? Type=Statute&Statute=1-25-2

Agenda Item #19-Council went into Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. ostensibly to discuss contracts with the mayor, the council, FO Pat Jurrens and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson.

FO Pat Jurrens exited the executive session at 8:36 p.m. and remained in the atrium pacing back and forth until the Council was declared out of executive session at 9:09 p.m. Take my word for it, this never happens unless the council is discussing FO Pat. Please note the agenda notations for Agenda Item #19, obviously there was some sort of decision to occur. What happened?

Agenda Item #20-Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel. SDCL 1-25-2-1*

*1-25-2.   Executive or closed meetings–Purposes–Authorization–Violation as                         misdemeanor. Executive or closed meetings may be held for the sole purposes of:

(1)  Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. The term, employee, does not include any  independent contractor;

*https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=1-25-2

It is to be noted here the police department appeared to have been instructed to be available for Agenda Item#20 to be declared. Was there maybe some idea to interview about the Indictment?

Agenda item #20 did not happen.

Agenda Item #21-Adjourn

      Council adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

05/06/2019 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor Tom Glas called the May 9th, 2019, regular meeting of the Alcester City Council to order with Councilman David Larsen, Councilwoman Melissa Kay, Councilwoman Linda Talbott, Councilman Dan Haeder, Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilman Lance Johnson and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson present.

Prior to the meeting an emboldened Tom Glas elected to attack me, telling me I was not to talk during the meeting.  I responded asking him, “does that apply to Pat Jurrens and Wanda Halverson”…”are they banned from talking during council meeting?” “Yes?”  “No?”  “What?”

I can only suppose it was my remarks about the deficient Alcester City Council Meeting Agenda which prompted the Tom Glas temper tantrum.  Glas’ proposed agenda or was it FO Pat’s agenda is a masterpiece of proposed open meeting violations and incompetence.

Mayor Glas started the council meeting with his usual, “it’s that time”, coming to his feet to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, which always evokes an errant thought for me.  Aha!  This is “Mayor Tom’s” anatomical, repositioning sphincter response to relieve pressure on his cerebellum.

The May meeting of the Alcester City Council has historically been two separate meeting in one night.  Typically this first meeting after the April election is where the ‘old’ council would finish up prior business and adjourn.  Upon adjournment the retiring council members exit giving up their places at the table to the incoming members. The new meeting is called to order with newly elected/appointed members reciting the oath of office and seated at the council table.  These are two separate meetings with the council receiving pay for each meeting.  However this night Mayor Glas or was it FO Pat’s ill-conceived aura of safety of position chose to imbed the Planning and Zoning committee meeting into opening meeting.  And by now I have lost many of you.  The Alcester City Council is ALSO the local planning and zoning committee.

Note on the agenda page 1) there is no public input for the initial meeting, no public input for the planning and zoning committee meeting and note there is no formal opening of the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting to let the gallery know a separate meeting has been opened, nor was there a formal adjournment on the agenda to close the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting.  Poor procedure!   Better never than late, Mayor Glas under duress added a public input at 9.5 on page 1) of the Alcester City Council meeting  agenda. However he neglected to add Public Input under the Planning and Zoning Hearing committee meeting.  Bad FOrm Mayor Tom and FO Pat!  FO Pat must not have found a form to co-op for a compartmented triple meeting.

The council made short work of the approval of the agenda, it’s deficiencies and dispatched the approval of Minutes with alacrity.

Tena Keiser and Amanda Ericson presented Alcester Police Chief Jeff Christie with a check representing the fundraiser proceeds for the police department.

At this point there was still time before the 6:30 p.m. start time for the Planning and Zoning committee public hearing.  Mayor Glas elected to move onto Agenda item 9.5 Public Input for the Initial Alcester City Council meeting.  I responded to Public Input and another dust-up began.  I commented on the violation of open meeting with the lack of proper Public Input both for the council meeting and the planning and zoning public hearing, plus the appearance of a violation of open meeting with Page 1, agenda item #9.  Mayor Glas butted into my short public input time with his argument public input was the Public Hearing.  I pointed out it was a public hearing, but no provision was made for specific public input.  Mayor Glas chose to argue semantics defined as a part of language, its structure, morphology, syntax, pho and logic concerned with meaning. (evidently he heard ce-mentics and alas he lacked a concrete argument!)

At this point Alcester Attorney Sam Nelson of Frieberg, Nelson & Ask of Beresford took over questioning my ‘authorities’.  I cited SDCL 1-25-1

“…The chair of the public body (city) shall reserve at every official meeting by the public body a period for public comment limited at the chair’s discretion, but not so limited as to provide for no public comment…” 

Note the word “shall”.  ‘Shall’ is used in statutes according to Black’s Law Dictionary, Abridged Sixth Edition (1891-1991), page 958 to mean “…generally an imperative or mandatory…”  Mr. Nelson and I continued with a spirited discussion of Executive Session as referenced in page 1) agenda Item 9 as defined in SDCL 1-25-2.,1

“… Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee…” 

My position being, compensation time is NOT a subject for executive session, it is an open session discussion with a determination whether the council is falling down a rabbit hole.  I based my opinion that Mayor Glas, FO Pat Jurrens and the Alcester City Council were Abusing Executive session, using past, numerous and lengthy personnel discussions.  That many discussions of qualifications, competence, performance, character, or fitness of city personnel?  And FO Pat is almost always is present with the council in the closed session…do you s’pose?  ‘Cause bookkeeping is not personnel, the book keeper is but not her position!

There was no formal adjournment of the Alcester Planning and Zoning committee. It is good there was no action on the draft of Ordinance 2019-01’cause Ordinance 2019-01 was already enacted on February 4. 2019, with the express purpose of changing FO Pat’s job from appointed to a quasi protected hire. Competency?  The Finance Office is charged with keeping a file of the Ordinances.  So what Happened FO??

CCI05082019.jpg

Now the third meeting has been opened and Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson has administered the oath of Office to the council members.

Mayor Glas handed out his and Pat’s 2019 committee assignments.  Page 2) under agenda item #4.  Councilwoman Melissa Kay was visibly upset as she read down the sheet of assignments.  Councilwoman Kay had held the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Chair of the Public Safety Committee but under the 2019 Committee assignments she had been removed.  Councilwoman Kay questioned Mayor Glas, asking him what she had done wrong to be removed from the Chair of these two committees?  (48:58:53)

Councilwoman Kay looked to Chief Christie and asked him for input. (50:39:00)  I believe Police Chief Christie asked permission to respond to Councilwoman Kay’s question.  Mayor Glas ignored him, a heated discussion was still taking place between Councilwoman Kay and Mayor Glas who by this time was making some questionable comments. (50:48:57)  Councilman Haeder asked Mayor Glas if Alcester Police Chief Christie could respond to Councilwoman Kay’s question.  Mayor Glas responded Alcester Police Chief Christie had to wait until public input!

ARE YOU KIDDING Mayor Glas?  What cognitive cripple would not allow Police Chief Christie respond to a DIRECT question from Councilwoman Kay!  Past mayors usually tried to match up councilpersons capabilities with committees. The best Mayor Glas could come up with was, “…I tried to mix everything up…”  Yeah Mayor, you surely did!

Next agenda item was Fire Chief Pat Kast report, notifying the council of the fire hydrant situation.  In a recent fire situation an inoperative fire hydrant was discovered which exacerbated an already dangerous situation. The fire hydrants are the responsibility of the city and Mayor Glas!  The uptake is the city is going to have to repair and replace fire hydrants.  Keep this in mind folks for the Finance Office spending spree!  The city did vote to pay two fire school tuitions.

Alcester Ems gave a report concerning the snow removal issue and the water bill.  I have been a member of the ambulance crew and I worked with the financial/billing side of the operation.  The ambulance has reached a point where the ambulance vehicle needs to be replaced.  In the past the only funding the city provided to the all volunteer ambulance was a cell phone.  I was surprised to hear the city did not supply free water to the service.  Contrary to FO Pat’s comment the ambulance had billing capability, the billing amounts had to cover fuel, medical supplies, linens, laundry, AED pads and leads, blood sugar kits, Epi Pens, IV supplies, saline and etc.  FO Pat do you think we get those out of a cracker jack box?  Do you realise what med supplies cost?

Reports and Updates from Street, Swimming Pool, Water tower, Water and Waste water.

Agenda Item #10 page 2).  The Crown Victoria that Mayor Rick Johnson got for a bargain price, has died and not worth repairing.  Therefore there is a need for a new police car.  The city has the ability to purchase a new Dodge Charge at $24K with delivery on or around January 2020 with some funding coming from the Second Penny Sales Tax according to Book Keeper Pat.  Check out the state of the sales tax income for the year.

David gave an update for the golf course.  Clubhouse personnel was hired but the groundskeeper position is still open.

Agenda Item #12 page 2) – Executive session SDCL 1-25-2.2 Litigation  This was notice the city had received a certified letter of demand for wages past due.  Not like the comp time FO Pat has been angling after but actual wages earned.  The council spent twenty-two minutes in closed session to discuss strategy?

Finance Office report:

Summer Equipment

-plastic chaise lounges, picnic tables, benches  $5,450.00**

-fold-up picnic tables   (10)                                     $1,599.00**

Garbage cans 300 gallon (2)                                    $   900.00**

Additional expenses

water tower maintenance                               $9,750.00*

audit required                                                    $6,000.00*

city website                                                         $   700.00/year for 3 yrs*

new police car                                                   $24,000.00*                                                            involves second penny sales tax

* unanimous vote for expenditure

** non necessity

We have failing fire hydrants but by golly we have to have our plastic chaise lounges and fold up picnic tables.  Mayor Glas did brag in a campaign speech something to the effect, “Just look what Pat and I have done for the city!”  Yeah right! More like, “Just look what Pat and I have done TO the city!”

Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.