March 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  Kyle Overturf, AMGL auditor, went over his draft of the 2023-2024 audit findings.  The City is in good financial health with water, sewer, and trash utilities steadily moving towards a positive number after years of being in the red.  Deficiencies noted by Overturf include the following:  segregation of duties, overall error of $3200in pooled funds due to bank reconciliations not always being balanced monthly.  needing a better inventory with prices, and CPI needing to be changed from an expense to an asset.  He also suggested that meter refunds go to unclaimed property after a predetermined period of time instead of waiting months/years for the checks to be cashed.

Discussion:  John Sandahl and Lyle Ekberg spoke on behalf of the Wakefield Rural Fire Board concerning a new fire hall.  The Board is asking the City for a commitment of half of the cost to build the new hall which has been estimated, at this time, to be around $7M.  The Rural Board is planning to bond their half of the project and would like to see the City do the same so that the project can be done as quickly as possible.  The Rural Board would like to see the project go to bid around April 2026.  The Rural Board's bond asking does not need to go before the citizens whereas the City's asking would.  Sandahl felt the bond issue passage would be the most difficult especially with the rural voter. He went on to say that no one like higher taxes especially in these uncertain times.  He felt if the voters were assured that the City is in favor of the project and showing there's a need for the new facility, that the rural voter would be more apt to vote favorably. The $7.3million dollar project covers all foreseeable costs; however, if bonded, the project cannot go over this amount.  Ekberg feels the project might come in at least $2M under the proposed amount and went on to say that this building should last forever because the building is 19,000 sq ft--double the size of the current building.  Sandahl noted that the board struggled with the size but want to make sure the building does not have to be remodeled to add more space within the next 10-12 years.  He also went on to say that a new building would be a good recruitment tool to gain new members. City Administrator Mogus briefly spoke regarding the sewer situation, and noted that the lift station is probably NOT an option, but a gravity feeder might be able to be used instead.  Adam Ulrich, Wakefield Volunteer Fire Chief, noted the new building would have four empty stalls, if it were built today.  When questioned about what will happen to the current fire hall, Ekberg noted that the building is owned 50-50 between the Rural Board and the City.  He is hopeful that the building would be sold or the City buy out the Rural Board share.  There was no explanation regarding levy when asked.  Ekberg asked Administrator Mogus to set up meetings with at least one, if not two, of the bonding agencies the Rural Board has been speaking with.  Ekberg would like to be in attendance at any meeting.  

Discussion:  Steve Greve petitioned the Council to install sprinklers at the ball field from around the flag poles over to first base so that hoses no longer need to be used.  Greve is not asking the Council for any money and noted that he already has some secured and will find more to cover the project.  He is waiting to get a bid from Robbie Pommer for installation of the lines but noted that Dave White and he will be doing the rest of the work themselves.  Mayor Lehmkuhl deferred any decisions regarding the sprinklers to Administrator Mogus stating he wants to make sure everyone is on the same page. 

Discussion:  No one has come forward to fill the several vacancies on City Boards.  The vacancies were advertised in the Wakefield Republican, the city's Facebook page, the City's website, as well as flyers around town.  The mayor encouraged all council members to help find people to fill these spots.  Luke Henderson noted that it is imperative to get people on Planning and Zoning as well as the Board of Adjustments before any issues arise. 

Discussion:  Council members Hansen and Dolen have met separately with Administrator Mogus to discuss Park & Rec issues.  The Park Board will resume monthly meetings this Sunday, March 16 at 5pm.  Hansen noted that Park Cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025.  

Discussion:  Tom Decker, Dixon County Sheriff, started by thanking the Council for the new office window.  He went on to state that the deputies are in the middle of negotiations and will probably be receiving a much-need pay raise.  Newest deputy Andy Vazquez has about five weeks left at the academy.  Decker went on to highlight some of the topics discussed at police review meeting  which included lights on the walking trail and cameras at the entrance to the trail.  Council member Hansen informed those in attendance of on-going issues at the Logan Creek Apartments; Decker pointed out that unless residents contact the sheriff's department, there isn't much he can do. 

Discussion:  Administrator Mogus highlighted the following in his report:  he is no longer receiving any applications for the Utility Superintendent position; however, he will keep it open.  For now, he would like to have at least two part-time employees to help around town, the park, and the cemetery.  He is unsure if last year's park mowing person is going to return this summer.  Mogus will begin placing ads and bring his recommendations to next month's meeting.  Mogus attended the Floodplain Management class even though he does not need to be certified.  He has signed a contract with Aces to conduct First Street Surveying.  JEO representative and Mogus continue to discuss electrical suppliers, and it is hoped that Wakefield will piggy-back off of whatever Wayne decides.  There are five areas around the community that need sewer repair and bids are beginning to come in.  Mogus will have those ready for the April meeting.  Barkley met with Mogus earlier this week, and he is waiting for them to get bids for street repairs.  Leland Miner continues to handle the Brad Biermann situation.  

Discussion:  Because Jerel Schroeder was not present to discuss his request to remove no parking signs near his residence, the Council tabled the request.

Discussion:  According to Attorney Henderson, Ordinance 1-2025 is cleaning up an old ordinance regarding sale of City property to make it in accordance with current State Statutes.  

Discussion:  Because one of the potential hires for this summer has a license to apply fertilizer, pesticides, etc., Administrator Mogus asked for this item to be tabled.  

Discussion:  With no public comments,