11/02/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

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

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

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

The council and gallery members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agenda Item #8 – street updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agenda Item #17 – Finance Office Updates 

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

          2021 Operating Agreements – Liquor Licenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Melissa Kay     712-557-0689

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

10/31/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

November 2, 2020, Alcester City Council Agenda

6:00 P.M.

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.)

Let your council know what you think:

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Melissa Kay     712-557-0689

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

10/21/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

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?

Let your council know:

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Melissa Kay     712-557-0689

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

10/19/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

“Fear not those who argue, but those who dodge”

credited to Marie von Ebner Eschenbach

(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

Agenda Item #17 – Adjournment.

Contact City Council

Mayor Dan Haeder                   605-934-2287

Councilman David Larsen        605-934-2434

Councilwoman Melissa Kay     712-557-0689

Councilwoman Darla Reppe    605-934-2602

Councilwoman Linda Talbot    605-934-1849

10/10/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

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…” 

(author unknown)

10/07/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

Mayor Dan Haeder, opened the October 7, 2020, Special meeting of the Alcester City Council at 6:03 p.m. with council members Darla Reppe, Melissa Kay, Marcus Ireland, David Larsen, Linda Talbott,  Vickie Larsen and City Attorney Sam Nelson present.  Also present were Jon Serck, Pat Kast and Austin Schuller, police officer.

Now folks a quick explanation for Austin Schuller’s presence.  I have been in this situation before where a police officer has been put on notice to be present in case I got out-of-line.  Office Schuller was I presume ‘commanded’ to be present.  Sorry Austin.

Approve Agenda 

Public Input- none  I really should have but I didn’t.

Oh yes, somewhere along the line I turned and asked Wanda Halverson if she was on the clock.  Tax payers want to know.

Wasterwater Equipment Purchase was called.   The whole purpose for the special meeting, or so I thought.  It passed.

Then what appears to be the real reason for the meeting was called.  To remove Vickie Larsen from office.   The motion was called to go into Executive Session to discipline a Council person and quickly a second came.  I voiced an objection to executive session, I chose to waive any right to executive session if the council was going to discuss me, and I voiced my intent to keep the video camera rolling.

Oh my goodness.  City Attorney Sam Nelson told me I did not have that right.  I objected through the sniggers of the rest of the council and was promptly accused of misconduct and disorderly conduct.  I was told to shut down my video camera, I said no.  Officer Schuller was brought in and I was told to remove the camera or Officer Schuller would.  I want to be sure to state Officer Schuller was under orders of Mayor Dan Haeder and had no choice.  Mayor Haeder was not requesting he was demanding!  I was threatened with removal, I told the council they did not have that authority. 

The session continued with a litany of petty, outrageous accusations authored by Melissa Kay which I will address along with what video I did manage to get in the future.  I have been removed from the council for now!

To those who came to me for help, I will still be there but tonight Mayor Haeder, David Larsen, Darla Reppe, Linda Talbot, Marcus Ireland and lest we forget Melissa Kay successfully removed me from the Alcester City Council.  However I will be there every meeting, I will still be doing research on all proposals and I will still hold each and every council member accountable to you the people.

Oh yes for those of you who want to decide who you want to chose your own medical treatment provider be sure to give your opinion to Jon Serck 605-360-7255 and Pat Kast  605-934-6250 they have requested it in my 10/05/2020 A Voice From the Gallery.  They want  your opinion.  (00:08:22.60) 

10/05/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

a taxpayer’s opinion

“Be careful about reading health books.  You may die of a misprint.”

Mark Twain

Mayor Dan Haeder, opened the October 5, 2020,  meeting of the Alcester City Council at 6:00 p.m. with council members Darla Reppe, Melissa Kay, Marcus Ireland, David Larsen, Vickie Larsen and City Attorney Sam Nelson present with Council person Linda Talbott absent.

Agenda Item #3 – Approve the agenda.

Agenda Item #4 – Mayor’s Statement  (00:03:06.67)

Agenda Item #5b – Public Input – Vickie Larsen had brief input remarks. Fire Chief Pat Kast and Ambulance President Jon Serck had remarks:

(00:06:17.83) Pat Kast, Fire Chief(?) “to Mrs. Larsen…Letter sent…what is your plan for the ambulance…?”

(00:07:02.57) Vickie Larsen answer according to South Dakota BLS Patient – Care Guidelines…patient management page #12 “…Key Considerations…1) An adult or emancipated minor who has demonstrated, possessing sufficient mental capacity for making decisions has the right to determine the course of his/her medical care, including the refusal of care…”  https:EMS.sd.gov

(00:07:46.00) “Volunteer’s time?”

(00:08:01.90)  “Volunteers don’t want”

 (00:08:22.60) “…Doesn’t matter where the patient wants to go…”

 (00:08:27.23) “…Medicare and Medicaid won’t pay…”

 (00:09:20.27) “You’re not involved…(in the ambulance)”

(00:10:07.97)  “…The ambulance was “broke”…

 (00:13:00.47)  “…clearly wrote in SD law, we (the ambulance)can do this…”

The above are video markers for people to see and hear the “ambulance opinions and attitude”.  I would identify the two ‘ambulance speakers’ in public input are Pat Kast, Fire Chief – Alcester Fire Department and Jon Serck, President – Alcester Emergency Medical Services per the annual SD Secretary of State statement. Folks these two want your input, voice to voice. Call them let them know. They are asking for your opinion, let them know. Pat Kast 605-934-6250 and Jon Serck 605-360-7255 tell them what you want.

Fire Chief Kast took special pains to point out I was not involved in the Alcester Ambulance anymore.  Wrong Chief Kast! I was brought into this Mongolian Goat Rodeo recently by a company’s accounts payable department looking for payment on a past due bill owed by the ambulance.  I was contacted because I was listed as the Treasurer of the Alcester Emergency Medical Service (Ambulance) and which position I held until 2012.  I paid the bills of the ambulance in full and on time.  I contacted Mr. Serck and Chief Kast with regard to this dunning telephone call and President Serck promised payment had been made in one call, in a second call a week later I was promised payment would be made and in the third call I was told, “the check is in the mail” and I warned it was my name on the block and I did not appreciate my reputation dragged through the muck.  It took another week or so before the payment was received and cleared. 

Then I was called by residents whose medical insurance carrier contacted them asking for bill for their ambulance service which was some two months after service was rendered and the insurance company wanted to clear this item.  The insured called the ambulance and received no response. 

If these folks could not get a response from the ambulance then, why should they believe the ambulance related powers-that-be are going to respond any better now.  When I was on the ambulance, I along with the rest of the crew at that time  gave our time and talents without reservation and without whizzing and moaning about time.  We missed the concerts of our kids, we missed holiday dinners, we got out of our warm beds to go out in snow storms and the wee hours of the morning because we cared for our neighbors and our families.

So yeah, I am not involved with the ambulance anymore!  Now I represent the good people of Alcester and their voiced medical provider choices. 

 I would ask the question, Is it accurate the ambulance’s medical director is employed by the Hawarden Hospital and now all of a sudden the ambulance is ‘dictating’ all patients are to go to his employer?  Conflict?

 So tell me boys, if I am transported to hospital A by ambulance A. Hospital A takes one look at me, after one hours delay decides, “we cannot handle that” and has me transported to hospital B by ambulance B, HOW MANY BILLS WILL I RECIEVE AND HOW MANY WILL MEDICARE PAY?  H-m-m?

Folks let’s work together so our healthcare wishes are met to our satisfaction and our healthcare bills and co-pays do not bankrupt us. 

Agenda #6 – Street Updates

Agenda #7 – Water-Wastewater –  We have some pump issues which has necessitated a special meeting to provide funding to head off a catastrophe.  The meeting is set for 6:00 p.m.  Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at the council room (500 Dakota Street) and public is welcome.  It will be a short meeting to make the vote on the funding of wastewater pumps there should be an opportunity to be heard through public input because we are voting on monetary expenditure.

Agenda #8 – Discussion on after-the-fact payment to Tim Renken for his coverage of Dale Pearson’s duties.

Agenda #9 – Police Department-Updates software purchase to aid in reporting on the run so-to-speak.

Agenda #10 – Pleasant Hill- Parker Dooley not present

Agenda #11 – Golf Course Update

Agenda #12 – Legal Updates Sam covered the special emergency meeting.

Agenda #13 & #14 Plat maps for sale of railroad property with regard to FCS and Union County.

Agenda #15 – Executive Session – Not needed

Agenda #16 – Finance Office

Updates, Warrants

Health Compensation Resolution Full time Employee Health Insurance   down to Yes the FT employee wants to participate or NO the FT employee does not want to participate and there will be no cash payouts.

Reminders and Updates

New Voting site, since the sale of the auditorium make it no long a    polling place, the new polling place will be located at the city offices on         Dakota Street.

Agenda #17 – HRC  Meeting to be announced

Agenda #18 – Alcester Community Center Update

Agenda #19 – EMS

(01:20:36.77)  “…Ambulance is running with FD on their calls…”

(01:22:54.17)   “…Ambulance responded with Beresford to a grass fire…”

Help me understand here–the ambulance could not crew because of length of times on medical calls, but now the ambulance is crewing for all fire calls and grass fires?  What is the response time for being on a grass fire call compared to the medical call time?  I am confused ’cause during public input it was all about time, so now what is it?

Agenda #20 – Update volunteer roster.  None

Agenda #21 – Executive session – not needed

Agenda #22 – Adjourn  Meeting Adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

Check out your patients rights!

10/06/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

SPECIAL ALCESTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
OCTOBER 7, 2020
ALCESTER LIBRARY BUILDING (500 Dakota Street)
6:00 PM – MEETING

  1. Open Meeting
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Approve Agenda
    Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _
  4. Public Input: _____________________________________________________________
  5. 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 _
  6. 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 _
  7. 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 _
  8. Adjourn
    a. Motion to adjourn Council
    Motion by: _ Seconded by: _ All Yes: _ Yes No _

10/02/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

  • 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

Changes in agenda , please note.

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 #15 – Executive Session SDCL 1-25-2.3 Legal Constractual Matters – If needed 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_____

*indicates my insertion of the word–discussion

09/21/2020 A Voice From the Gallery

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

The council approved the agenda.

Agenda Item #4 Public Input

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

Marcus Ireland announced the dump gate was left open.

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

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

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

 Mayor Haeder announced the DENR guidelines are stricter.

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

Agenda Item #5 Public Hearing of Variance set at 6:16 p.m. for the Sunnyside LLC.  Present to push his variance through was Rob Huber of Lennox, SD.  He was disappointed it was not a slam dunk.  Mr. Huber announced he was a civil engineer, definition of which according to the dictionary is, “an engineer who designs and maintains roads, bridges, dams, and similar structures.” 

Currently, the municipal employee who issues the Building Permits is Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens.  So let’s take a look at the building permit, a couple of the accompanying documents and the permitting process. 

First the front page of the building permit issues on August 18, 2020, by Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens and as provided to the city council for review late September 18, 2020.

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

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

Pease note the yellow highlighted areas (addenda to Huber mortgage certification containing just the date of March 8, 2013) here.  Addition to Existing Storage units, Note the date of certification of the original drawing for mortgage purposes, Note the highlighted area on the drawing on the south side of lot #10 with the notation Small concrete Block Wall.  Now to (0:20:20.67) Councilman David Larsen’s question of a retaining wall.  Mr. Huber’s answer (0:21:30.60) explaining he didn’t feel it was justified and Mr. Huber’s excuse (0:22:02.10)  Why pencil in an addenda of small concrete block wall? Obviously expert opinion felt it was needed.  Mr. Huber states (22:56.63) “…We’ve built a lot of storages facilities…“, (33:37.47) “…gladly give you information …” already digging, a little late if you ask me, (44:55.10) “ …I have already ordered the materials…” and (45:13.13) “...Been in the business…If I would have known…“.

          Since this building permit involved our Industrial District the requirements for a variance are found in Chapter 15 of the Alcester Zoning Regulations…15.04  A) “…Convenience, loss of profit, financial limitations, or self-imposed hardship shall not be considered as grounds for approving a variance by the Zoning Board of Adjustment” (the city council) 

          So why did the majority of the council vote to allow the variance, could it be (45:59.10)  where Mr. Huber says, “…I wasn’t expecting this…” and (0:48:25.70)  Mr. Huber, “…if you don’t want to do this…just let me know…” ?  Insinuating he would cancel the project if Alcester would not give him a variance.  Really?  What about all those pre-ordered materials? (44:55.10) on the expectation this convenience variance was a cakewalk?  Mr. Huber spoke of the financial impact his project will have on our city.  Property Tax on the current property is around $1978.42 , add a like sum for the additional units for a grand total of $3799.84 per year split with the school, the county and the city, no jobs that I see for the locals and according to my information self-storage facilities are not subject to sales tax.

          Our Building Permitting and Variance Processes are flawed, encompassing convenience variances, preferential variances and lackadaisical implementation, often supporting documents lack dates and even legal documents lack dates.  In my opinion, these flaws put Alcester at financial risk and liability and cost our citizen taxpayers. 

          The city agenda is typically sent out after hours on Friday before a meeting.  SDCL 1-25-1.1  “…Each political subdivision shall provide public notice, with proposed agenda, that is visible, readable, and accessible for at least an entire, continuous twenty-four hours immediately preceding any official meeting, by posting a copy of the notice, visible to the public, at the principal office of the political subdivision holding the meeting…”  The council should get copies of any materials pertinent to specific items of the agenda particularly any items requiring a vote, presumably so the council has best information or the opportunity to investigate on their own.  Getting the agenda emailed after-hours on a Friday afternoon before a Monday meeting creates a major impediment in the council’s ability to gather facts on their own, effectively blocking council independent inquiry and beware the wrath if a council member shows the initiative to investigate on their own.  Better to ask for forgiveness than for permission, Keep the council in-the-dark, can’t hurt can it?

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

Agenda Item #7-Glock Surplus

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

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

Agenda Item #9 – legal Updates –   

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

Resolution 2020 -13 applications for Financial Assistance Funding.

Resolution 2020-14 – Sewer rate increase.

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

Agenda Item #11 – Finance Office Updates

 Ambulance allowance $1000.00

 Fire Department allowance $1000.00 Fire School

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

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

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

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