02/06/2024 A Voice From the Gallery

“…A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams…” 

Herb Caen

“…There is nothing here that’s broken that can’t be fixed, but it won’t happen on its own!…” 

Mitch Landrieu

The February 6, 2024, Alcester City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Lukas Driesen with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by the council and members of the gallery.  Present were Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Kendra Hatle, Councilman Kerry Hedden, Councilwoman,  Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom, and Alcester Finance Officer David Hodgson, Councilman Brian Johnson was absent as well as City Attorney Sam Nelson.

Agenda Item #3 –Approve the Agenda (00:37.39) Motion by Councilwoman Sundstrom, Seconded by Councilwoman Reppe, no further discussion.  Motion passed 4 X aye votes.

Agenda Item #4 – Vacant Ward I. (00:01:04.67) Vacant Council Seat Candidate interviews if needed.  Since there were no candidates present for this vacant Ward I seat, no action was taken. 

Agenda Item #5  – Approve January 16, 2024, regular meeting minutes.  (00:01:13.32)  Motion by Councilman Hedden, Seconded by Councilwoman Hatle, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

Agenda Item #?  –  Public Input (00:01:38.84)– Vickie Larsen had public;  Aaron Larsen addressed the council regarding dissolution of the Alcester Police Department, Kama Johnson addressed the council regarding the sale of the downtown bar.

Agenda Item #6  – Water Meter project presentation  Core & Main (00:12:05.61)

Agenda Item #7  – Public Safety (00: 36:42.59)  Union County Sheriff Dan Limogesa) Blank

b)  PD inventory by City Council

i)  Motion to approve inventory of Alcester Police Department as surplus.  Motion by Councilman Hedden, Second by Councilwoman Sundstrom, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

ii)  Motion to approve sale of surplus property of City of Alcester Police Department.  Motion tabled for complete inventory.

iii)  Motion to approve surplus of Dodge Ram PD vehicle, vin 1C6RR7XT7HS821450.  Motion table for complete inventory.

Agenda Item #8  – Bar Update discussion of the appraisal price and a final inventory update.  (00:01:00:40.01)

Agenda Item #9  –   Clubhouse/Golf Course (00:01:21:32.36)

a)  Motion to approve purchasing advertisement in the South Dakota Womens Magazine for Morningside Event Center for up to $525.00 for two months-Landon.  Motion by Councilwoman Reppe, Second by Councilwoman Sundstrom, no further discussion. Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

b)  Motion to approve $580.00 for annual one-half (1/2) page advertisement in the Sioux Links Magazine-Landon.  Motion by Councilwoman Hatle, Second by Councilwoman Reppe, no further discussion. Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

c)  Motion for approve hireing McKenna Huenik as a server at $7.87 per hour effective immediately.  Motion by Councilman Hedden, Second by Councilwoman Sundstrom, no further discussion. Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

d)  Clubhouse Signs-(Landon/Darla)  Selection of sign choice #103246 at projected cost of $48,675.00 to come from the 2nd (second) penny sales tax fund and donations. Motion by Councilwoman Reppe, Second by Councilwoman Sundstrom, discussion included selection of sign design with projected cost and funding source for payment. Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

e) Golf Fees on 2024 Resolution of golf Fees discussion

i)  Motion to approve amending 2024 resolution of fees to change High School land College rates so they do not increase after 5/15/2024.  Motion by Councilwoman Reppe, Second by Councilwoman Hatle, no further discussion. Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

ii)  Motion to approve decreaseing the All-Day golf rate, with cart, from $60.00 to $40.00 and adding this descrease excludes after 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday for golf league.  Motion by Councilwoman Sundstrom, Second from Councilwoman Reppe, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

Agenda Item #10  – Finance Office  (00:01:40:10.21)

a)  Motion to approve January warrants.  Motion by Councilwoman Reppe, Second by Councilwoman Hatle, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

Agenda Item #11 – Union County Fair (00:01:42:37.69 )  Fair Board (August 1-August 3, 2024)  Update by Councilwoman Reppe who spoke to the date placement of the Tractor pull and Union Commissioner budgeting more money to the fair but contingent of fair attendence result.

b)  Motion to approvea donation to the Union County Fair in the amount of $500.00.  Motion made by Councilwoman Hatle, Second from Councilman Hedden, nor further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

Agenda Item#12  – Wastewater Updates  (00:01:49:55.93) 

 a)  Motion to approve payment application #9 to Industrial Process Technology (IPT) in the amount of $63,658.71.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Sundstrom, Second by Councilwoman Reppe, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

b)  Motion to approve payment of Invoice #41786 in the amount of $1,352.17 to Banner Engineering for work completed in January.  Amendment to amount to show $3608.63 correction.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Hatle, Second by Councilman Hedden, no further discussion other than amendment to cost number. Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

c)  Motion to approve reimbursement to John Serck for Invoice from Dan’s Drain and Dust Cleaning in the amount of $446.04 due to city line  clog.  Motion by Councilwoman Sundstrom, Second by Councilman Hedden, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

d)  Motion to approve payment of invoice #9016 from Dan’s Drain and Dust Cleaning in the amount of $860.00 for the city line clog.  Motion by Councilwoman Hatle, Second by Councilwoman Reppe, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

e)  Motion to approve Job Title change for city employee Lonne Johnson from Street Superintendent to Superintendent of Public Works.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Reppe, Second by Councilwoman Hatle, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

f)  Motion to approve advertising for Assistance Superintendent of Public Works Position.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Hatle, Second by Councilwoman Sundstrom, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

Agenda Item #13  –  Union County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning (00:01:55:09.07) – Finance Officer Hodgson/Jeff Nohava.  Brief discussion.  Jeff Nohava not present.

Agenda Item #14   Street Department  (00:01:56:39.15)

  1. Contract labor rates discussion. 
  2. Motion to approve changing Contract Labor rate to $17.00 per hour for non-CDL operations and $20.00 per hour for SDL perations for snow and asphalt driving.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Sundstrom, Second by Councilwoman Reppe, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes. 

c.  Motion to approve request to purchase new Stihl MS 500i or 600 chainsaw for amount up to $1700.00.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Reppe, Second by Councilman Hedden, no further discussion.  Motion passed X 4 aye votes.

     Agenda Item #15  Text Alert System (00:02:04:27.59) 

  1.  Motion to approve TextMyGov proposal for text alert system up to the amount of $2800.00  Motion by Councilwoman Hatle, Second by Councilwoman Reppe, discussion included the up to amount phrasing and all departments share the cost of this system.  Motion by Councilwoman Reppe, Second from Councilman Hedden, no further discussion.  Motion was passed X 4 aye votes.

    Agenda Item #16 – Executive Session (00:02:14:37.44)  Not needed.

   Agenda Item #17  ADJOURN  (00:02:14:44.80)   Adjourned 8:15 p.m.

* I congratulate the Current City Council and Mayor Driesen on their hard work in fixing and attempting to fix what was broken by accident and intent by past actors. Keep up the good work for the citizens of Alcester, future residents of Alcester, local businesses, being role models for our youth and for yourselves.

11/21/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

“A hypocritical businessman, whose fortune had been the misfortune of many others, told Mark Twain piously, “Before I die, I intend to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  I want to climb to the top of Mount Sinai and read the Ten Commandments aloud.”  “I have a better idea,” suggested Twain.  “Why don’t you stay right at home in Boston and keep them?”

The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain

Mark Twain

The November 21, 2023, Alcester City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Lukas Driesen with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by the council and members of the gallery.  Present were Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Kendra Hatle, Councilman Kerry Hedden, Councilwoman,  Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom, Alcester City Attorney Austin Felts Councilman and Alcester Finance Officer David Hodgson, Councilman Brian Johnson was absent.

Agenda Item #3 – Approve the Agenda-  (00:39.18)  Motion was made, seconded, no discussion with unanimous approval of four (4) Aye votes.

Agenda Item #4 – Vacant Ward I Council Seat Candidate interviews if needed.  Since there were no candidates present for this vacant Ward I seat, no action was taken.  (00:01:10.20)

Agenda Item #5  – Approve November 7, 2023, regular meeting minutes.  (00:01:19.49)  Motion was made, seconced, no discussion with unanimous approval of four (4) Aye votes.

Agenda Item #6  – Approve November 9, 2023, Special meeting minutes. (00:01:37.42)  Motion was made, seconded, no discussion with unanimouse approval of four (4) Aye votes. 

Agenda Item #7  – Public Input (00:01:59.62) Vickie Larsen had public input. (00:02:06.60) I made the following comment regarding MY blog,

“…I want to reiterate something that was discussed in a meeting I was not present at.  I am the author of ‘avoicefromthegallery’, it is MY opinion!  If anybody has a problem with it…they contact me!  DON’T jump all over the city!…

thank you.

Agenda Item #8  –  6:15 p.m. Public Hearing  Phase I Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvements (00:02:35.11)

Agenda Item #9  – 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing Variance request for 301 Lincoln Drive, Alcester.  (00:02:52.22)

Agenda Item #10  – Finance Office  (00:03:05.01)

  1.  Approve abatement of taxes on 505 Ofstad, 204 Ofstad and 103 west second street. (00:03:12.26) Motion made, seconded, no discussion with unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.
  2. Approve payment of taxes still due o properties of 505 Ofstand, 204 Ofstad and 103 West Second in the amount of $321.64.  (00:03:48.53) Motion made, seconded, no discussion with unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.
  3. Approve purchase of Banyon Software per proposal to include UBLite Software, UBLite Online Pay module and annual support costs for $4,010.00.  (00:05:01.06) Motion made, seconded, no discussion with unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.
  4. Approve purchase discounted Banyon Software for fund accounting software for $3,196 and payroll software for $1,836 through South Dakota Municipal League discount program.  (00:06:00.52 ) Motion made, seconded, no discussion with unanimouse approval vote of four (4) Ayes.
  5. Approve sponsorship of Union County Fair 2024.  (00:06:43.36)  TABLED
  6. Approve donation to Alcester-Hudson High School after prom 2024. (00:07:56.13)  TABLED

Agenda Item #11 – Waste Water Treament Plant –  (00:09:17.89)   Motion to approve change order #5.  This involves a change in the contract price.  Original contract price was $5,338.000.00 plus increases from change orders 0-4 in the amount of +$27,743.05 bringing to new contract price to $5,360,186.65.  Change order #5 will add an increase of $9,635.86 bringing the total contract price to $5,375,378.91 with substantial completion date of November 30, 2024.  These costs are attributed to the second re-bid.  This project is important to the city of Alcester in that this involves repairs and necessary upgrades due to necessity not whim.  Motion was made, seconded with no discussion, unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.  Folks keep in mind the hard, difficult decisions the council of today is being forced to make due to decisions in the past.  Motion made, seconded, unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.

Agenda Item#12  – City Utilities  (00:10:31.17)  Discussion onLand fill price increases, (L.P. Gill) and contract with Fischer expires December 31st.

Agenda Item #13  – Legal Updates (00:13:28.38)  Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-09  Speed restriction in trailer park.  Motion, seconded, unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.

REVISIT OF AGENDA ITEM #8  PHASE I SANITARY SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS.  (00:16:31.69)  TANYA MILLER  (00:22:07.84)  HARLEY FERGUSON – SECOG  (00:37:12.58)  Motion made, seconded to authorize application for public funding of Phase I Collection System Improvement with Banner CBDG and state Revolving Loan Funding unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.

REVISIT OF AGENDA ITEM #9   – VARIANCE FOR 301 LINCOLN DRIVE.  (00:38:08.14)  Council took no action after explanation, due to lack of information on property lines. 

AGENDA ITEM #14  OLD SCHOOL BUILDING   (00:42:36.66)  Discussion took place on a proposed 6 month lease agreement with Alcester Industrial Park in the amount of $1000.00 including gas and electric utility costs for city offices.  Motion made, seconded and unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes for a six month lease agreement.

AGENDA ITEM #15 CLUB HOUSE DISCUSSION (00:56:57.65)  Discussion with Councilwoman Kendra Hatle regarding employee acknowledgement document to job description, duties of job, restrictions regarding duties, agreement to these provisions of employment and signature acknowledging prospective employee.

AGENDA ITEM #16 EXECUTIVE SESSION  SDCL 1-25-2.3 LEGAL COUNSEL  (00:59:25.64)  Motion made, seconded, and unanimous approval vote of four (4) Ayes.  Council went into Executive session at 7:00 P.M. and back into open session at 7:42 P.M.  No action taken on subject of executive session.

AGENDA ITEM #17  ADJOURN  (01:00:42.45)  

07/18/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

You have enemies?  Good.  That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life.

WINSTON CHURCHILL

https://youtu.be/WYUHCMFzVFY?si=gFnIpCBbNk-UUcfI

The July 18, 2023, Alcester City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Lukas Driesen with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by the council and members of the gallery.  Present were Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Kendra Hatle, Councilman Kerry Hedden, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, Councilman Kyle Van Den Hul,Brian Johnson, Alcester City Attorney Sam Nelson and Alcester City Attorney Austin Felts.  This happened before recording began.

* I will note here that I am transcribing this information solely and directly from the recording of the July 18, 2023, meeting October 27, 2023.         

Agenda item #3  Approve Agenda.  Approved

Agenda item #4  Public Input  (00:19.39) Public input was received by Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples and Councilwoman Kendra Hatle.  (00:08:26.47) “Bookkeeping schooling” from an unknown female. 

My opinion of this query/interrogation, is that this individual has little to no experience in Class II (those with populations of 500 to 5000) South Dakota Municipal bookkeeping/accounting.

Agenda item #5   Community Center/Golf Course  (00:13:23.30)  Update was given by Landon Nygard.  Discussion of needed a double door freezer.

Agenda Item #6   Employee matter   (00:21:41.67)  Executive session SDCL 1-25-2.1 discussion from 6:23 P.M. to 8:19 P.M. which given the roll call vote taken at 7:53 P.M. in the July 24, 2023, special meeting, culminated in the termination of Patricia Jurrens as Alcester City Finance Officer. 

Agenda item #7   Police Department  (00:22:46.41)  Discussion and updates included the ever present need for part-time law enforcement, the need for hire wages for the department and the lack of cooperation between the sheriff’s department with regard to mutual aid situations.

Agenda item #8   Legal Updates (00:40:24.84)  After the action discussed in Agenda item #6 any need for update was not shareable.

Agenda item #9  East Clark Building Permit  (00:40:38.43)  This issue involved a commentary by Cecil Gylfe and John McDaniel with regard to the railroad easement and FCS building permit.  At no point in the video nor in Finance Officer Pat Jurrens rendition of the July 18, 2023, city meeting minutes did I hear or see an approval to issue a building permit to FCS for their scales.  (00:52:27.70)  Executive session SDCL 1-25-2.3 Legal counsel in at 8:49 P.M., out at 9:12 P.M.

Agenda item #10  Fairgrounds Evidently was tabled to the next meeting.

Agenda item #11   Camera Quote  (00:53:25.36) 

Agenda item #12   Burn permit   (00:54:04.44)  Flag retirement

Agenda item #13   Finance Office Update  (00:54:51.18) 

Agenda item #14   Executive session not needed  (00:01:01.57)

Agenda Item #15    Adjourn  (00:01:11.02)   9:19 P.M.

*This video was delayed in publication. Many things were going on, I had someone else video the meeting and it took me forever to get back to it and process it. I do apologize.

10/17/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

ALL THINGS ARE DIFFICULT BEFORE THEY ARE EASY.

THOMAS FULLER

The October 17, 2023, Alcester City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Lukas Driesen with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by the council and members of the gallery.  Present were Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Kendra Hatle, Councilman Kerry Hedden, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom, Councilman Brian Johnson, Alcester City Assistance Finance Officer Abigail Moore and Alcester City Attorney Austin Felts.

Agenda item #3   Approval of the agenda.  (00:42.03) The agenda was approved with the amendment of adding an executive session 1-25-2.1 to Agenda Item #7 Police Department SDCL 1-25-2.1 Personnel.  Motion was made by Councilman Brian Johnson to approve the agenda as amended; Second came from Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom.  Unanimous vote aye, motion passed.

Agenda item #4   Approval of minutes of the October 3, 2023, meeting.  (01:40.87)   Councilwoman Peeples moved to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2023 meeting with no changes, second from Councilwoman Hatle.  Unanimous vote aye, motion passed.

Agenda item # 5   Public Input (02:01.41)     Vickie Larsen input dealt with revising the existing warrant form and possibly consider app. which would convert audio recording of meeting minutes to written form.  The logic being a back up so meeting data is not missed and as a second source to make sure the minutes are accurate reporting of meeting discussions.

I would like to make some comments here to clarify my process of my videos of the Alcester City Council meetings.  It is my practice once I have assembled the segments of my recording is to listen to the entire video so I may log and enter what I call time markers for salient points in my video and accompanying blog.

During the video of the October 17, 2023, Alcester City Council meeting I was logging the time markers in my video and when I got to the Agenda Item #9 Public Hearing part of my video, I realized in order to present the proposed amendments to the 2018 revised Alcester Zoning Regulations I needed to explain what was being changed and what exactly the changes were.  I needed to have a copy of the 2018 revised Alcester Zoning Regulations for that information.

          I went to the existing city website expecting to find those regulations on the site.  Unfortunately, the Zoning Regulations were not there and the most current collective Alcester, City Ordinances were 2014 with the only ordinances approved after that 2014 Document were from 2022 and 2023.  So, any ordinances, resolutions and so-on from the intervening years of 2015-2021 were apparently not recorded for public viewing on the Alcester website by previous finance officer Jurrens.  If the City Municipal Ordinances appeared on the website, so should the Zoning Regulations in their entirety on the city website.  If the residents are expected to abide by these regulations, they should have ready access to read them and apply them to their property projects.  Property owners should have the ability to read and understand before they receive a violation notice from the city via Geoff Fillingsness.

          As you will hear during this discussion of the push back from some residents as it deals with Alcester ordinances and zoning regulations.  These ordinances and zoning are for the benefit, safety and property values of all residents of Alcester.  

          With that said, I would respectfully suggest the city publish the Zoning Regulations on the city website along with the City Ordinances.  So, residents can actively work with the city to fix the problem, to find a workable and mutually agreeable solution to the issue and speak to their municipal representatives to that end.

          In my opinion those who challenge the city’s authority with words like, “…you can’t touch me” or “…do you know how influential I am?”  Well, me boyos, if y’all have such a large presence, then y’all can afford the fine with which you will be rewarded, you can afford the gas to Union County Court and recompense/expenses back to the city and its residents who made the effort to comply with the city regulations.

           Agenda item # 6   Finance Office (03:54.46) 

Council discussed the implementation of Banyon Software (accounting program user friendly and suitable for Alcester’s municipal needs).  This discussion was tabled to the next regular meeting of the city council.

(06:11.53)   Motion and second for Executive Session for SDCL 1-25-2.1 Personnel, unanimously approved.  In session at 6:07 P.M., Out of session at 6:29 P.M.  (07:13.26) Motion and second to hire Chris Hedden as Deputy Finance Officer at $16.00 per hour. Roll call vote:  Councilman Johnson – Aye, Councilwoman Sundstrom – Aye, Councilwoman Peeples – Aye, Councilwoman Reppe -Aye, Councilwoman Hatle – Aye and Councilman Hedden – abstain.  Motion approved.

(00:15:51.05) Motion to pay City’s share amounting to $2268.93 of the city obligation of utilities at Old School Center, 500 Dakota Street.  Motion and second to pay, 5 ayes and one temporarily absent.  Motion approved.

          Agenda item # 7   Police Dept.  (02:16:28.94) Updates on city building security and lock changes.  Discussion on types of locks for all city offices and buildings.  (00:02:24.08) Motion and second to go into Executive Session SDCL 1-25-2.1 Personnel   In session at 6:44 P.M., Out of session at 7:00 P.M.  (00:22:07.33) Motion and second to hire Kyle Kleinschmit as part-time police officer at $25.00 per hour.  Vote x 5 ayes, 1 nay.  Motion carried.

          (00:25:48.95) Further discussion relating to Bonding information for the police department.

          Agenda item #8   City Website Renewal (00:24:13.25) Discussion on WIX.com website regarding Wix Plan $2000.00 per year opposed to the WIX Core plan at $354.00.  (00:37:20.38) Motion and second to go with the WIX.com, Core Plan paid upfront for one year at $324.00.  Vote X 6 aye, unanimous. 

          Agenda item #9   Public Hearing.  (00:37:54.27)    Motion and second to adjourn city Council.  Motion carried City Council adjourned at 7:19 P.M.  (00:40:17.55) Motion and second to convene Alcester Planning and Zoning Board convened, (00:40:58.53) at 7:19 P.M. 

* Note here I failed to spell check the word convene and it made it into the video spelled incorrectly…what can I say…OOPS

(00:42:37.17) 2023-05 change in Chapter 4, section 4.09 of the 2018 Revised Zoning Ordinance Regulations 2023-05.  Simply put, the change reduces the rear set-back on residential from 25 feet to down to 15 feet for multi-family dwelling, single family detached dwelling, single family attached dwelling, all other uses 25 foot down to 7 foot and with the addition of stand-alone garage uses with a 7-foot rear set-back.    Motion to recommend approval of 2023-05 amendment of Chapter 4, section 4.09.  Unanimous vote X6 

(00:43:02.25)   2023-6 change in Chapter 10, section 10.03 (k) of the 2018 Revised Zoning Ordinance Regulations.  Simply put from the current language of the 2018 Revised Zoning Regulations of Chapter 10, Section 10.03 (k)… “In the event a fence is to be constructed on the property line, abutting property owners shall be notified prior to the issuance of a permit.  It is recommended, but not required, that the property owners sign a fence maintenance agreement and file it with the Finance Officer and Union County Register of Deeds…”   to the 2023-06 Chapter 10, Section 10.3(k) change of language presented to the Planning and Zoning Board “…1.  Section 10.03(k) to amended to read:  Chapter 10, Section 10.3(K) “There shall be no required setback for any constructed fence.  In the event a fence is to be constructed on the property line, abutting property owners shall be notified prior to the issuance of a permit.  For a fence constructed on the property line, property owners shall sign a fence maintenance agreement and file it with the Finance Officer and Union County Register of Deeds…” *

*NOTE-I would be careful of the definition of the terms ‘constructed’ fence and include ‘all abutting property owners’ shall sign agreement.

I would also strongly suggest to legal that any changes in existing ordinances/regulations use the strike-through option of what is being changed or deleted, followed by the amendment for clarity to the council and to the public.

Motion was made with a second to recommend approval of 2018 Revised Zoning Regulations amended listed as 2023-06. Unanimous approval.

(00:44:02.89) Agenda item 9(g) which involved approval of the plat for Farmers Elevator Tract, an addition in the SD1/4 of NE1/4 and NE1/4of SE1/4, Section 28T95N, 5th P.M., Union County, SD.  This item was tabled due to a question on a private residence being assigned to FCS.  Also. the lawsuit FCS launched against the City of Alcester and Tristam Rhoads family has not been resolved.

(00:53:19.43)   Motion and second to adjourn the Planning and Zoning Board, unanimous aye Vote.  The P&Z Board adjourned at 7:32 P.M.

(00:53:49.19)   Reconvene the Alcester City Council Meeting at 7:32 P.M.  (00:54:27.76) Motion and second to approve the recommendation of the Alcester Planning and Zoning Board on 2023-05 and First Reading of 2023-05.  Unanimous Aye vote X 6, (00:54:51.29) Motion and second to approve the recommendation of the Alcester Planning and Zoning board on 2023-06 and First Reading of 2023-06.  Unanimous vote X 6 Ayes.

          Agenda item #10 – Legal Updates (00:55:25.28) Discussion on Building Permits, Regulation and Ordinance enforcement and remedies for those folks who violate regulations and ignore notices of violation.  My comments which I expressed under Agenda item #5 stand.  Folks, please contact your city council representative, the council as a whole or feel free to view the regulations yourselves to seek resolution to any regulation infringements.  Instead of adopting a “tude” about your infringement, look at how it affects your neighbors, your safety, your property taxes, your insurance and your liability.  Think about it.  Just think about that $25.00 per hour the city must pay Geoff Fillingsness to spend distributing violations notices can instead go to reducing your taxes or those taxes of your neighbors.

          Agenda item #11– Banner Associates – (01:20:51.17) Motion and second to pay Banner Invoice # 40853 for $3325.00.  Unanimous X 6 Ayes.   (01:21:25.00) Motion and second to pay Banner Request #6 for $226,857.95.  Unanimous vote X 6 approval of payment.  (01:22:52.72) Motion to schedule public hearing for CDBG and DANR 2024 Funding application.  Date set for public hearing is November 21, 2023.  Unanimous Vote X 6 approval.

          Agenda item #12 – Community Center (01:24:03.56) Visions payment in the amount of $24,000.00.  Motion, Second and Unanimous approval X 6 to pay the amount due.  (01:28:10.56) Bond payment $7,486.83 approval.  Motion, second and unanimous vote X 6 ayes for approval of payment.

          Agenda item #13 – Annual Liquor License Renewals (01:29:11.61)   It is noted here to make mention of abstentions in some of the votes.  This happens when a council member has a pecuniary interest in the vote.  In other words, the council member’s vote could be accused of benefiting, themselves or an employer.The mayor will call for a roll call vote to make a clear record of aye votes, nay votes and any abstentions.

          Agenda item # 14 – Golf Course (01:33:58.84) Golf course discussion on the rental of a John Deere Gator.  Lease amount is $912.00 for a ten (10) month duration of usages.  Motion, second and unanimous approval of entering into this lease.

          Agenda item #15 – City Government Forum Night (01:37:25.27) Scheduled for December 11,2023, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.  Motion, second and unanimous X 6 aye vote. 

          Agenda item #16– City Insurance (01:39:04.58) This item was table for more information.

          Agenda item #17 – Street Department (01:39:59.53) Motion, second and unanimous vote X 6 ayes to approve the expenditure of $12,791.58 due November 1, 2023, for street sweeper.  Discussion on street signage with no action taken.

          Agenda item #18– Park and Pool (01:50:12.23) discussion on three posts.

          Agenda item #19 – Executive session if needed (02:04:40.17) No Executive Session needed.

          Agenda item #20– Reminders (02:04:48.84) 

          Agenda item #21 – Adjourn (02:05:24.91) Meeting adjourned 8:44 p.m.

ALCESTER CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

MAYOR LUKAS DRIESEN

COUNCILWOMAN DARLA REPPE

COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA HATLE

COUNCILMAN KERRY HEDDE

COUNCILWOMAN JULIA SUNDSTROM

COUNCILMAN BRIAN JOHNSON

CITY FINANCE OFFICER DAVID HODGSON

10/03/2023 A Voice from the Gallery

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP,  FINALLY

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our mayor and council members for all they have endured, the extra miles they are taking to get our city back on track.  I know the time, effort and research you all have taken to rescue our city.  We are still not out of the woods, but with the help of residents, Mayor Driesen and our council, Councilwoman Reppe, Councilwoman Peeples, Councilman Hedden, Councilman Johnson, Councilwoman Hatle and Councilwoman Sundstrom.  Folks I have gone through just four or five tubs of city records which I had requested FOIA and for which I paid the fees for copying, and I cannot even imagine the time Councilwoman Kendra spent trying to get the city budget in line and on time.  Thank you for the councilmembers who have vounteered their time and expertise to solve some of the city’s more pressing problems.

Alcester City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Lukas Driesen with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by the council and members of the gallery.  Present were Councilwoman Darla Reppe, Councilwoman Kendra Hatle, Councilman Kerry Hedden, Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples, Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom, Councilman Brian Johnson, Alcester City Finance Officer David Hodgson and Alcester City Attorney Austin Felts.

Agenda item #3   Approval of the agenda.  The agenda was approved with the amendment of adding an executive session 1-25-2.1 Personnel to agenda item #8 Finance Officer to accommodate a change in employment of current staff, and approving authorization on city bank accounts.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Peeples to approve the agenda as amended; Second came from Councilman Johnson.  Unanimous vote aye, motion passed.

Agenda item #4   Approval of minutes.  (00:01:46.84)   Councilman Hedden moved to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2023, meeting and the minutes of the September 19, 2023, meeting as written.  Unanimous vote aye, motion passed.

Agenda item #5   Approval of warrants.  (00:02:27.51)   Councilwoman Peeples moved, Councilman Johnson seconded to approve the warrants from July 2023 through September 2023.  Unanimous vote aye, motion passed.

Agenda item # 6   Public Input (00:02:58.53)     (00:03:06.46)    Vickie Larsen input dealt with City Visa credit cards/statements and the computer App titled ‘work from home’ which was purchased the former finance officer.     (00:06:55.16)    Kyle Kleinschmit input dealt with the circumstances surrounding his resignation as full-time officer.     

Agenda item #7   Finance Office (00:09:10.64)   Motion from Councilman Johnson, second from Councilman Hedden to go into Executive session 1-25-2.1 Personnel.  Unanimous vote aye.  In executive session at 6:10 p.m. and out of executive session at 6:44 p.m.  (00:10:18.07)   Motion by Councilwoman Reppe, second by Councilwoman Sundstrom to hire Abigail Moore part-time in the finance office starting October 7, 2023 through October 31, 2023, at $25.00 per hour rate.  Unanimous vote aye.  (00:10:50.94)   Motion by Councilman Johnson, second by Councilwoman Peeples to authorize Finance Officer David Hodgson as User ACH at Premier Bank-City Bank accounts.  DISCUSION   IT WAS NOTED ON THIS ACTION OF AN PROCEDURAL ERROR BY COUNCILWOMAN REPPE.  PROCEDURALLY FORMER DEPUTY FINANCE OFFICER ABIGAIL MOORE HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMIER ACCOUNT DUE TO HER EMPLOYMENT CHANGE, THEN MOTION COULD BE MADE TO AUTHORIZE FINANCE OFFICER DAVID HODGSON AS ONLINE BUSINESS USED ACH PREMIER BANK.  (00:13:16.01)   Motion by Councilwoman Reppe, second by Councilman Johnson to remove Abigail Moore as authorized user on the city accounts at Premier Bank.  Motion passed by unanimous vote aye.  (00:14:15.06)   Motion (do over) by Councilman Johnson, second by Councilwoman Peeples to approve Finance Officer David Hodgson as authorized ACH user on the city bank accounts at Premier Bank.  Unanimous vote aye.

Agenda item #8   Police Department Update    (00:14:47:70)  Chief  Thompson gave an abbreviated update with some concerns.  (00:16:26.00)   Motion to go into Executive session to discuss PD personnel SDCL 1-25-2.1   Unanimous vote aye.  Council moved into Executive session to discuss hiring a part-time police officer at 6:50 P.M.  (00:17:02.18)   Council out of Executive Session at 7:04 P.M.  (00:17:10.13)   Motion was made by Councilwoman Peeples to hire Jason Baker as part-time police officer at $25.00 per hour, seconded by Councilwoman Hatle, motion passed with unanimous aye vote to hire.

Agenda item #9   City Website Renewal   (00:17:44.94)  Discussion included the renewal due date, the limited, convoluted administrative issues with this website.  Discussion took place on finding a better suited website and just plain over-all user-friendly city website which would cover all of the city’s needs.  Decision on final requirements to take place October 17, 2023, meeting.

Agenda item #10   Legal Updates     (00:27:04.73)  Discussion on the Property Maintenance ordinance with regard to fair for all not just a handful of residents. 

Agenda item #11   Summer Rec Program   (00:42:48.93)   Question over the lack of the city’s past funding contribution of $500 per year in past year few years.

Agenda item #12    Community Center   (00:51:15.47)   Pay the balance due even though it seems a final inspection has not been made or construction failures not corrected and discussion.

          Agenda item #13    Streets   (00:58:52.49)   John Deere repairs.  Discussion on repair or replace.  $7250.00 project cost of repairs which has already been approved versus what sounded like to me exorbitant machine replacement cost on a ‘new’ used machine. 

          Agenda item #14    City Government   (00:01:02:23.15)  A social event designed to involve residents with their city officials.  Discussion took place and develop a plan and date for this event.

          Agenda item #15   City Insurance   (00:01:05:30.29)  Discussion and review of city insurance policies.  At present the city insurance plan is replacement versus used.  $38,642.00 fee.

          Agenda item #16    Executive Session if needed    (00:01:07:11.54)  Was not needed.

          Agenda item #17      Reminders   (00:01:08:02:11)  Recap of upcoming events and a review of what clean items would be allowed in the dumpsters.

          Agenda Item #18    Adjourn     (00:01:10:07.90) 7:58 P.M.

          As you have seen on my blog, I have published the number and ilk of the anonymous, malicious maelstrom of Mailed letters I received.  Thank you, Anonymous Annies, for making it easy for me to prove what type and genre of harassment to which our Mayor and his family were exposed.  To date I have received 35 plus anonymous, malicious missives and I am still receiving them. 

I longer need to allow you any place on my blog to prove my point.

Contact City Council

Mayor Lukas Driesen

Councilwoman Darla Reppe

Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples

Councilman Kerry Hedden

Councilwoman Kendra Hatle

Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom

Councilman Brian Johnson

Finance Officer David Hodgson

09/19/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

Ah we have a quorum of the sisterhood of the white feather literary guild.

The Alcester City Council Mayor Lukas Driesen called the September 19, 2023, meeting to order with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance with council members Darla Reppe, Kerry Hedden, Brian Johnson, Cyndi Peeples, Kendra Hatle, City Attorney Austin Felts present.  Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom was delayed.

Agenda Item #3 Approval of Agenda (00:42.64) the printed agenda was amended to effect changes in order of consideration and lack of information at the time of the meeting to address a specific agenda item.  The agenda was approved with the changes – times 5 ayes (unanimous vote)

Agenda Item #4 Finance Officer appointment (00:02:25.18) Candidate David Hodgson was introduced. (00:02:56.97) DO-OVER  Item #4a Motion to appoint David Hodgson at $25.00 per hour was made by Councilman Johnson, Second came from Councilwoman Peeples and with no discussion roll call vote was taken with aye votes coming form Councilman Johnson, Councilwoman Peeples, Councilwoman Reppe, Councilwoman Hatle and one abstention from Councilman Hedden.  (00:03:30.73) Item #4b Approve adding Alcester City Finance Officer Hodgson as a signed on the City of Alcester Bank Accounts-Vote X 5 ayes.  (00:04:02.15) Item # 4c  Approve a $1.000.00 credit card for City of Alcester Finance Officer David Hodgson – Vote X 5 ayes.  (00:04:27.61) Item #4d  Approve appointment of Alcester City Finance Officer David Hodgson as the authorized official to act on behalf of the City pursuant to ordinance.  Vote X 5 ayes.  (00:04:56.79)  Approve the posting of vacant Deputy Finance Officer position.  Vote X 5 ayes.

Agenda Item #5  (00:05:26.79) Public Input- no public input.

Agenda Item #10  (00:05:43.81)  Police Department.   Call to go into executive session to discuss on call issue and hiring part-time officer.  (00:06:03.63)  Council went into Executive Session SDCL 1-25-2.1 personnel at 6:07 P.M. and came out of Executive Session at 6:54 P.M.  It is to be note here Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom went into the session at 6:50 P.M.  (00:07:04.71) Motion was made and seconded to post a call for a full-time Officer position.  Vote X 6 ayes.  (00:07:31.15) Motion to approve the hiring of Robert Coleman for the part-time position at a rate of $25.00 per hour.  Vote X6 ayes.

Agenda Item #6  (00:07:5.90)  Finance Office Arrangements

Agenda Item #7  (00:13:08.04) Old Club House Discussion the decision came as a consensus of the council not to sell or lease the old club house property.  (00:20:43.06)  It was decided that Councilwoman Reppe would notify Ms. Rus of the council’s decision.

Agenda Item #8   (00:20:19.77)  Fairground Water Valve.  The council received notification FCS that the city water valve located on the northern end of the fairgounds needed to be moved to the south.  A bid was obtained from Dan Waterman of $3967.37 to effect the move.  Council votes X6 ayes to hire Mr. Waterman to do the move.    

Agenda Item #9     (00:24:02.74) still could not be addressed by the council due to a lack of information on all the necessary information needed.

Agenda Item #11     (00:24:10.17)  Legal Updates Discussion. 

Agenda Item #12    (00:35:45.37)  2024 Budget Second Reading. DO OVER   was needed due to the error in the date.  Vote X 6 ayes. 

Agenda Item #13   Reminders  (00:37:44.31) 

Agenda Item #14   Executive Session  (00:38:20.21)  Councilwoman Cyndi Peeples indicated there was a need for an executive session for the purposes of SDCL 1-25-2.1 Personnel.   The council went into executive session at 7:26 P.M. and exited executive session at 7:39 P.M.  with no action taken.

Agenda Item #15    Motion made to adjourn.  Council adjourned the meeting at 7:39 P.M.  Vote X 6 ayes.

It is to be noted here there was some murmuring in the gallery which was intrusive and distracting to members of the council.

09/12/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

I wish to make a statement here. I have received and continue to receive what I term as anonymous and not-so-anonymous bully mail or another term I call is coward’s mail. People whose intent is to bully and threaten those who do not goose step in the same manner they do. This is a handful of anonymous brethren of the white feather society who get off on cheap postcards and greeting cards inscribed with pathetic prose written with all the idiocy of an adult who has not been potty trained and has yet to figure out how to fold toilet paper for maximum coverage. Proving the width and breadth of the harassment dealt out to our city official. I have posted those missives so community members can see for themselves the iniquitous drivel this small band of mule track divots, scoop up and mail.

The Alcester City Council Mayor Pro Tem Darla Reppe called the September 12, 2023, meeting to order with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance with council members Kerry Hedden, Brian Johnson, Cyndi Peeples, Kendra Hatle, City Attorney Austin Felts present.  Councilwoman Julia Sundstrom was absent.

Agenda Item #3 Approval of Agenda (00:40.78) the printed agenda was amended to effect changes in order of consideration and lack of information at the time of the meeting to address a specific agenda item.  The agenda was approved with the changes – times 5 ayes (unanimous vote)

Agenda Item #15 Banner & Associates presentation, (00:03:30.46) discussion and vote (line item moved up in order).  Tele-conference with Banner Representative Tanya Miller to discuss and effect any change orders, facilitate payment application, feasibility questions and invoice numbers.

  1. Approve payment application of $244,190.82 to IPT from Sewer Fund.  Motion/Councilman Johnson, Second/Councilwoman Hatle, no discussion, Vote X 5ayes.  Motion passed.
  2. Approve payment to Banner Associates $234 for invoice #40614 from Sewer Fund.  Motion/Councilman Hedden, Second/Councilman Johnson, no discussion, Vote X 5 ayes.  Motion passed
  3. Approve payment to Banner Associates $11,975.02 for invoice #40589 from Sewer Fund.  Motion/Councilman Johnson, Second/Councilwoman Peeples, no discussion, Vote X 5 ayes.  Motion passed.
  4. Approve payment to Banner for the June 24, 2023 payment of $28,392.12 for invoice #40179 (forgotten).  Motion/Councilwoman Hatle, Second/ Councilman Johnson, no discussion other than the June payment was forgotten.
  5. Approve change order#4 for contract increase of $5,556.40 which will increase the overall cost of the project to $5,365,743.05.  Motion/Councilwoman Hatle, Second/Councilman Hedden, no discussion, Vote X5 ayes.

NOTE:  How was it that the payment in item #d was missed?  Ya gotta ask former finance office employee Pat Jurrens, it was her job to get it on the agenda.  Check out the agendas for May 1, 2023, May 15, 2023, June 5, 2023, and June 20, 2023, nothing regarding this payment.  Now it is to be noted she did manage to get two payments on the June 5, 2023, agenda.  One to pay IPT $155,610.00 for construction services and one to pay Banner Engineering for $6,318.08 for engineering services.  So, what happened?  Check out all the agendas for payments to Banner, no sign of a bill/warrant for that amount on that date.

          Agenda Item #8  (0:13:46.92) Old Golf Course Club House/Shelly Russ. The council listened to Ms. Rus’ presentation and elected to consider her plan.  I question the amount of money involved in re-siding and window replacement that was quoted in an upgrade proposal was in my recent experience was low, even considering a contractor discount.  For the city to sell the property and then buy it back should things not work out would be foolish in light of what a buy back dollar amount would raise to.  Worst case scenario, lease the property with a final say on all facility upgrades.

          Agenda Item #4  (0:22:22.14)  Approve Minutes of the July 24, 2023, July 31, 2023, August 16, 2023, and August 21, 2023, meetings.  Motion/Councilwoman Peeples, Second/Councilman Hedden, no discussion, Vote X 5 ayes.

          Agenda Item #5   (0:24:45.86) Mayoral executive session and appointment.  M/Councilwoman Peeples, Second/Councilwoman Hatle, no discussion, Vote X5 ayes to go into Executive session.  Executive Sesson at 6:28 PM to 6:40 PM.  M/Councilwoman Reppe, Second/Councilwoman Peeples to appoint Lukas Driesen as Mayor, no discussion with Vote X5 ayes. Oath of Office was administered to Lukas Driesen and he re-claims his seat at the table.

           Agenda Item #6  (0:27:10.22)  Temporary Finance Officer discussion.  M/Councilwoman Hatle, Second/ Councilwoman Peeples to go into Executive session to discuss, no discussion, Vote X 5 ayes.  Into executive session at 6:43 PM Out of executive session at 7:02 PM.  No action taken

          Agenda Item #7    (0:28:27.90)  Public Input  (0:28:46.72) Alcester PD Office Kyle Kleinschmit  submitted his resignation but stated he would still like to work part-time for Alcester.  (0:31:49.66)  Vickie Larsen  I spoke to the city applying for reimbursement in the bond required from Patricia Jurrens in her capacity as Finance Officer, to reimburse the city for the loss the city incurred from Ms. Jurresn failure to perform her duty.  i.e. to place an advertisement in the official newspaper and other appropriate publications for bids related to the Banner Engineering project.  According to my information, Ms. Tanya Miller wrote out the advertisement and sent it to then Finance Officer Patricia Jurrens and which Ms. Jurrens apparently blew off.  This failure of Patricia Jurrens to do her job, created a re-bid submission which cost the city of Alcester and its citizens somewhere around $60,000.00 to $70, 000.00 for a requote and advertisement.  (0:32:45.69)  Mayor Lukas Driesen  Mayor Driesen commented on his appointment, his desire to do the job of mayor and his intent to do his very best.

          Agenda Item #9  was tabled to a time when all the necessary information would be available act as a planning and zoning board with all the updates in plat request by FCS.

          Agenda Item #10     (0:34:48.53)  Industrial Board  Discussion update presented by Councilwoman Darla Reppe concerning change in circumstances of the old school building and costs related.

          Agenda Item #11    (0:40:46.74)  Community Ctr and Golf Course Discussion.  Need to declare as surplus items for kitchen in the community center which apparently purchased when there was no need for them.  Declared as un-needed, was a 36-inch griddle with table and a brand-new Salamander (a high-tech broiler using hi-temp broiling process).  Folks this Salamander thingy, when I looked it up was running at a price of $4100.00 and I would wager a guess that the thing came from Maxwell’s in Sioux Falls.  Just a guess on my part.  M/Councilwoman Peeples, Second/Councilman Johnson, no discussion, Vote X 5 ayes.

          Agenda Item #12    (0:43:21.95)  Police Department  Alcester Police Chief Jared Thompson gave updates on the PD.  Chief Thompson did bring up the subject of a recurring attempt for the county/Sheriff’s department to charge municipalities for 911 services.  This has been attempted before and it is untenable when the communities of North Sioux, Jefferson, Elk Point, Beresford and Alcester could conceivably be assessed a 911 fee charged just for the county to answer a telephone much less send officers out.  While just a few scant miles down the road there exists an unincorporated city which in the past would be exempt from the 911 fee charge.  Be sure to make your voices heard by the county commissioners, the city councils and the sheriff’s office.

          Also in Chief Thompson’s remarks was the surplusing of Officer Kyle Kleinschmit’s body armor ($1431.00 cost) to sell to Beresford.   M/Councilwoman Peeples, Second/Councilman Johnson, no discussion, Vote X 5 ayes. 

          Also appearing under Agenda Item #12C hiring a part-time police officer.  Folks this was addressed in council meeting, I chose to edit the discussion out of my video because I felt this should not have been discussed in a public venue but rather in Executive Session.

          Agenda Item #13   Legal Updates  (0:57:41.71)  City Attorney Austin Felts made updates

          Agenda Item #14   Camera Quote  (01:07:42.18)  This was tabled to the January 2024 meeting.

          Agenda Item #16   Finance Office   (01:08:11.40)  Assistant Abigail Moore was absent so Councilwoman Kendra Hatle made the budget presentation.  (01:09:37.53) Councilwoman Hatle spend many, many hours of her personal time to figure out what was going on the budget which is due October 1, 2023.  Nothing had been done what-so-ever on the budget prior to Councilwoman Hatle having it dumped into her lap.  Note the captions dealing with unassigned funds, large amounts of in-the-red funds with no explanation or justification.  With this information, the city needs a forensic audit.  Normally I do not do TikTok but there was an episode recommended to me.  You may find it interesting.  It is about a woman name Candice Matthews.  She got a hold of some items the finance officer in her Texas community has purchased on the city’s/taxpayer dime.  In the TikTok she holds up some underwear ($88.00) and etc.  Sound familiar?  She was asking for a forensic audit.  H-m-m

          (01:30:14.96)   Special Maintenance Fees 2023-05  (01:32:36.10)  City Attorney had a question on the numbering and title of the special maintenance fee.  The voices on my audio were very faint cause those who were discussing the issue did not speak loud enough for my camera to pick up.  However, motion to approve was made M/Councilwoman Peeples, Second/Councilwoman Reppe, no discussion, Vote X5 ayes. City Attorney Austin Felts most recent Date and Title was 2022 and was confused.  I will try to get the information.

          Agenda Item #17   Executive Session   Not Needed

          Agenda Item #18   Adjournment      Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM

09/09/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

SDLRC 22-11-3. Obstructing certain public officers or employees–Misdemeanor.Any person who intentionally obstructs or attempts to obstruct a public officer or employee, not a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician in the performance of any official duty, or who resists a public officer in performance of that duty, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, §§ 13.1106, 13.1302; SDCL, §§ 3-15-2, 3-15-3; SL 1976, ch 158, § 11-22; SL 2005, ch 120, § 192.

Oh Mz.Finger-Painter, it most definitely been a long time since I posed for the glamour shots photo. As many folks on facebook or email use memes, quotes and cartoons as identifiers, I use my glamour shot. Not to disguise or hide themselves as you accuse but to remind us of an event, a time or wondrous experience in our lives. My glamour shot visage reminds me of when my sister, Kari and I took our grandmother to Sioux Falls as a surprise for her December 25th birthday. The day was a wonderful outing for a grandmother and her two adult grand-daughters. As we entered the studio, my sister and I explained to Grams that we were there for a make-over. Grams looked around and said in a not-so-quiet voice there were quite a few there that needed a make-over and my sister bolted out of the shop. The stylist/make-up artists did their magic and turned us over to the male photographer who flirted with my 88 year old grandmother much to her delight. Everytime I look at my ‘shot’ and Grams ‘shot’, I remember with love that special day we had together.

If remembering my grandmother with love and affection is living in the past, so-be-it. She passed away on my birthday in 2004, exactly 19 years ago.

Ma’am my blog orginated out of the need for a public response medium ’cause the local newspaper editor, Mr. Hill refused my responses to accusations. I started using videos ’cause I was being called a liar by folks like FOPat. So Madame with your penchant of middle finger salutations, finger-pointing threats and obstruction of our duly elected mayor’s ability to perform his duty, what is your excuse beyond the obvious? My blog is not anonymous. How else would you know how to write me your complaints. You have used your voice to complain to me, however coward that YOU are you fail to sign you litany of accusations.

Now madame, I have elected to publish these virulent anonymous attacks. First to convince the powers that be that our Mayor was indeed under a malicious, venomous attack which pompted his resignation and once he felt he and his family was safe he rescined the resignation. Now madam, I realize you were not alone in sending me 18 pieces (at this point) of malevolent mail. However with this piece of mail, you have proved a pattern of ongoing harassment and threats suitable for charges. As I indicated in a previous blog, I have indeed contacted the police about this situtation as well as I have spoken to the local post offices out of which this mail was delivered. A small town post office usually has a pretty good idea of perpetrators such as you and your coven. At some point your quilling party members will cease to see the value in harassment, and will abandon you to your fate.

09/07/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

Attacks by bullies and religious bullies.  As I stated in an earlier posting of my blog, “…I will not quote the Bible.  I will not quote the Bible to bolster any argument, to defend my personal opinion, to justify any actions I take or any actions I do not take, bully another person or to put someone down because they dare exercise freedom of speech…”  What I have learned in my lifetime in Spirit Lake (the summer-time door-to-door bangers who were looking for their salvation through badgering donations from the residents of Spirit Lake), Woonsocket (rural door-to-door religious door bangers who walked into my farm home while I was away and left their coupon for salvation on my kitchen counter) and Alcester (again the summer-time door-to-door evangelists from the deep south who wanted to share their printed handout) is to watch out for the religious bullies.  Religious bullies who quote bits and pieces of the Bible, taking those bits and pieces out of context to use against me or others with whom they disagree.  The advice I would give is to avoid these religious bullies but unfortunately, bullies do not go away and they won’t leave you alone unless you do something about it. 

I learned in first grade at five (5) years old that a warning did not make Carl a second-grader stop bullying me.  This school yard bully stood a head taller than me had me backed-up against a school yard fence, refusing to let me go and who I warned I was going to “sock-him-in-the nose if he did not let me go.  He didn’t and I did.  He ran to the teacher in charge of recess (who was a disciplinarian) holding he nose and bawling that I hit him.  She came to me and asked why?  I told her the truth.  The boy did confirm what he had done to me and the teacher scolded him in front of me.  The lesson I learned, tell the truth but always be ready to follow up in convincing a bully to leave you alone. So, with that said I will share with you folks my recent batch of hate mail from anonymous porch pulpiteers with my commentary.

Also I would note that while I post these with the notation Coward #1 and so-on, several of these missives are from the same individual porch “postulate.” So I presume this group of Brethren of the Order of the White Feather has a small membership.

COWARD #9.1 AND 9.2 Appear to be from the same coward. Note the similarity of handwriting and the failure to get the zip code correct not once but twice.

COWARD #10 Makes the statement, “…she, … are praying for me, Makes me kind of wonder, Praying for What?

COWARD #11 Now folks this consitutes a threat against me, I have already talked to law enforcement and the post office officials. Now folks you can see why I have chosen to publish these missives of mistruths. You are correct in one thing sugar, people need to know WHO YOU are and indeed they can consider the source; a bottle bottomer, a pretentious, pious, porch profit or a Bible tympanist.

COWARD #12 Good People? Let’s see on-going criminality in a city office? Your idea of good people defies logic. Really? So how is your mirror image?

COWARD #13 We? Who? You and the turd you carry in your pocket and use for an ID? How did that photo turn out? And so, what is your reputation besides being a voting member brethren of the Order of the White Feather?

COWARD #14 Well congratulations Coward #14 if you do not like bullies, how do YOU face yourself in the morning while you shave? H-m-m-m You state you read my blog and it was hard for you to read. Well sugar, it is not written for children.

COWARD #15 Oyea, here they come. Honey ya’ll needed to have filled this little two-question test out before you sent it, to let me know what your answers revealed to YOU darlin’. I suggest you stick with the plastic bag of popcorn and a video you can hang on door knobs idea.

COWARD #16 Hey COWARD #16, do you want your stamp back. I see the post office missed cancelling the stamp on that little folded up missive of yours. Folks this missive measured three (3) inches by Five (5) inches all folded up with the stamp and cutesy little self-stick stickers. Oh-Oh you ended your suggestion with a preposition.

COWARD #17 GEE another postcard, ya gotta be a running out of those little buggers along with your floral forever stamps. Ah folks…Hoping now not Praying…must have a long ride and no bathroom stops.

09/02/2023 A Voice From the Gallery

I will never stand by silently allowing an innocent individual to be railroaded by misinformation, untruths, by cowards who let others take blame for their actions or people too lazy to investigate the truth whether it is in Spirit Lake, Iowa or here in Alcester, South Dakota.  To my critics, shame comes from continuing to perpetuate a wrong on a good man when he has been proven innocent.  If divisive means one faction fighting to restore a man’s good name while a second faction continues to perpetuate the wrong, Yup we are divided!  If airing the dirty laundry is the only way to clean it, get the clothes-pins ready honey and get the clothes-line wiped down!  I come from a line of fighters, the Magee and Culbertson in the Revolutionary War and the Newtons in both World Wars.  I am confrontational, I am pit-bull tenacious, I am obdurate but I AM NOT a quitter.  To the cowards who mail me the unsigned, anonymous sophomoric drivel, which passes for your opinions of my worth—I decline your invitation.  I am here—- so bring it on!  This one ‘little woman’ who will not only be seen but be heard.  I will no longer silently sit back hoping truth and justice will prevail.  I will fight, annoy, push, shove, bully, harass and antagonize to ensure justice has a chance.  I am more than willing to, as the title of a jazz song suggests, “Face The Music and Dance”!

With that said folks, please note the cowards continue in their bullying attempts as you will note below:

COWARD #7  I have to wonder at this coward, ‘cause it seems this card was hand delivered rather than sent through the post office.  There is no evidence that this postcard ever went through the postal service, yet it magically appeared in my residential mailbox in Spirit Lake.  Note the absence of any postal markings indicating it went through the postage system. I have spoken to the Spirit Lake Post Office about this and will be contacting other postal authorities.  Ms. Coward #7, do you realize it is a violation of Federal statute to place items in a designated post box:

18 U.S. Code § 1725 – Postage unpaid on deposited mail matter

“Whoever knowingly and willfully deposits any mailable matter such as statements of accounts, circulars, sale bills, or other like matter, on which no postage has been paid, in any letter box established, approved, or accepted by the Postal Service for the receipt or delivery of mail matter on any mail route with intent to avoid payment of lawful postage thereon, shall for each such offense be fined under this title.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 784; Pub. L. 91–375, § 6(j)(33), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 780; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(F), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)*

*“18 U.S. Code § 1725 – Postage Unpaid on Deposited Mail Matter.” LII / Legal Information Institute, www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1725.

COWARD #8   WOW you found my house in Spirit Lake!  I’m gonna give you a heads up Sugar, many of the folks in Spirit Lake know me by my maiden name (having been born in Spirit Lake and growing up in Spirit Lake) and my married name.  In fact one or two have come to me for help with city issues on occasion, a-w-w gee ya failed, again.  But one must expect that from a coward who presumes to step into the  pulpit of self righteous sanctimony, sententious and moral smugness, theatrically banging on a book that should be revered and not used as a bludgeon, screaming and shaking a raised fist, “…I got God’s back…”

Folks take a look at the message portion of this missive.  This copy does not show it well, but the message was generated by computer on a sheet of paper, appears to have been cut to size and tacked to a get well greeting card.  Now folks I gotta say, this coward did pay postage on his smug moral missive