September 5, 2019

Posted: September 5, 2019

Present: Knutson, Beckman, Holthaus, Langreck, Lienau.
Absent: None.
Don Dilaura was present at the meeting as was Zak Kriener from the Ossian Bee. Art Uhlenhake, JoAnne Schroeder and Amber Uhlenhake were also in attendance during the meeting.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Green called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

Amber Uhlenhake, the City’s representative serving on the Board for the SW Recreation Program, updated the Mayor and Council on what has been happening with the program. Uhlenhake noted: the program Director resigned resulting in Board members taking over to run the fall activities; the Director’s position will be advertised and hopefully filled this fall or early winter; program costs and participation are being evaluated to help determine funding needs.

Joanne Schroeder addressed the Council with concerns regarding a police raid involving drugs at the rental property located adjacent to her property.

The written police report was reviewed by the Council.

Mayor Green praised the volunteers for their efforts keeping the flowers throughout the downtown looking so nice and noted the upgrade done to the Lydia Street railroad crossing is finished, commending the city maintenance men for their part in the project. Green also mentioned contractors continue doing what is needed for installing Acentek’s fiber optics throughout the community.

Holthaus made a motion approving the following consent items: August 5, 2019 council minutes, clerk’s reports and the monthly bills, seconded by Beckman, carried.

Holthaus made a motion approving the renewals of Blooms on Main Class Be Native Wine Permit and Bambinos Class C Liquor/Sunday Sales Permit, seconded by Knutson, carried.

The city clerk presented the updated version of an ordinance regulating golf carts and utility trail vehicles (UTV) within the city limits. After reviewing the ordinance, the Council directed the city clerk to make a couple of minor changes so it is ready to be introduced for the first reading at the October 7, 2019 council meeting.

The Council did a final review of the proposed ordinance amendment pertaining to vicious animals and determined it was ready to be introduced at the October 7, 2019 council meeting.

The city clerk updated the Mayor and Council with information given from the city attorney as to what the next steps will be in proceeding with the abatement of the nuisance property at 209 Fisher Avenue.

Langreck made a motion authorizing Payment #2 in the amount of $7,466.70 to M.B. construction, for the City’s share of infrastructure costs for the Military Trail Estates-2018 Infrastructure Improvements, seconded by Beckman, carried.

Lienau made a motion approving building permits for Dan Luzum and Gary and Connie Rothmeyer, seconded by Holthaus, carried.

The Mayor and Council reviewed the City of Ossian’s independent accountant’s report performed by Rachelle K.

Thompson CPA,PLLC for the period April 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019. The detailed recommendations submitted by Thompson were also discussed.

Beckman made a motion approving Mayor Green’s recommendation to appoint Jadene Wegner to the Ossian Library Board filling the seat left vacant by Kay Elsbernd, seconded by Holthaus, carried.

The city clerk updated the Council on the September 20th and September 21st city wide fall clean-up.

Beckman made a motion setting a public hearing for October 7, 2019 at 5:00 pm for the purpose of amending the FY2020 Budget, seconded by Langreck, carried.

The Council had a general discussion that included: apply for a grant to help fund the installation of cameras on the shop/fire station building; funding for cement and rock around the pavilion; restoration to the old city hall building; street painting request; sharps and biohazard waste containers ; repair on S. Mary Street.

Holthaus made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Langreck, carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.