April 1, 2024

Posted: April 2, 2024

Present: Holthaus, Knutson, Langreck, Lienau. Absent: None. There is currently one vacancy.
City employees present: Chad Bohr, Kyle Tieskoetter, Ashley Goltz
Also present: Art Uhlenhake, Terri Wenthold, Raj Rajan, Karla Kelly

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Beckman called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.

Terri Wenthold discussed the value of the Ossian Ambulance.

Mayor Beckman opened the public hearing for the Soo Green Franchise Agreement. There were no written or public comments. Mayor Beckman closed the public hearing.

Council reviewed the submitted police report for March.

Lienau made a motion approving the following consent items: March 4, 2024 council minutes, clerk’s reports, and the monthly bills; second by Langreck, carried.

Lienau made a motion to set a public hearing for the purpose of adopting the FY25 budget for April 22, 2024 at 5:00pm; second by Knutson, carried.

Langreck made a motion approving the second reading of Ordinance 98, an ordinance adopting the Soo Green Franchise Agreement; seconded by Lienau.
Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Holthaus, Langreck, Knutson, Lienau. Nays: None. There is currently one vacancy.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion carried.

Langreck made a motion to waive the third reading of Ordinance 98, an ordinance adopting the Soo Green Franchise Agreement; second by Lienau.
Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Lienau, Knutson, Langreck, Holthaus. Nays: None. There is currently one vacancy.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion carried with Ordinance 98 becoming effective upon publication.

Lienau made a motion approving Resolution 699, a resolution approving changes to the Employee Handbook; seconded by Holthaus.
Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Holthaus, Langreck, Knutson, Lienau. Nays: None. There is currently one vacancy.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion carried and the resolution adopted.

Lienau made a motion to fill the council vacancy by appointment; second by Langreck, carried.

After discussion, Hillside Cemetery will be mowed by City staff.

Discussion on purchasing a lawn mower was tabled.

Lienau made a motion to sweep the streets of Castalia for $750; second by Knutson, carried.

Discussion on sponsoring the Ossian Fest Entertainment was tabled.

Discussion on the Ossian Ambulance was tabled for more information.

Nuisance properties were discussed.

The tax abatement application was tabled to gather more information.

There was no additional discussion on property insurance at this time.

Lienau made a motion approving building permit for Dale & Betty Gerleman; second by Langreck, carried.

Council had a general discussion regarding FEMA grant, ICAP grant, and railroad crossings.

Lienau made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Langreck; carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:57pm.

Attest: ________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor