December 14, 2022 at 5:30 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  Traci Haglund, WHCC administrator, gave her quarterly update to the Council.  

Discussion:  Because Ekberg was not present, this item of business was tabled until the January 11, 2023, meeting

Discussion:  The construction agreement with John T Jones was tabled until the January 2023 Council Meeting. 

Discussion:  No report was given by the Light, Water, and Sewer subcommittee this month.

Discussion:  During the Mayor's public comment period, out-going council member thanked members of the council, city staff, and city attorneys for the years spend working together.  Out-going mayor, Paul Eaton, also expressed his appreciation the council, city staff, and city attorneys. 

Discussion:  City Administrator Mackling shared his report with the Council. He expressed his thanks for being allowed to participate in the Certified Public Manager program at UNO this past year.  Mackling graduated from the program December 8, 2022.  

Discussion:  After City Attorney Miner gave the oath of office to newly elected officials Matt Brenn, Scott Hansen, and Jim Lehmkuhl, City Clerk Vander Veen took roll with the following present:  Mayor Lehmkuhl, Council members, Bard, Brenn, R. Hansen, and S. Hansen; City Attorney Miner, City Administrator Mackling, and Administrative Coordinator Decker. 

Discussion:  Mayor Lehmkuhl has proclaimed Thursday, April 27, 2023 as Arbor Day in the City of Wakefield

Discussion:  One of the properties the City is planning to demolish has been found with asbestos which will need to be removed before demolition can be done.   

  
 

Discussion:  The Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department has no burn restrictions currently; therefore, the City council must approve any open-fire permits.  The ministerium is holding their annual Blue Christmas service this year at Graves Park and would like to include a bonfire in a big tire rim at the north end of the park loop. 


 

Discussion:  No current City employee has wastewater certification; as a consequence, the City must hire someone to not only test the lagoons but prepare the annual report in January.  City Administrator Mackling has contacted a former employee, who is certified, and would be willing to contract his services for this purpose.  Mackling plans to obtain his wastewater certification in 2023.

Discussion:  The City has completed its first round of snow removal in the community and several issues were noted: mainly that residents are not educated on the current snow removal ordinance (5-406).  Parking is a huge issue with many vehicles not being moved making it near to impossible to properly remove snow on city streets. Several citations have been issued for vehicles that have not moved and/or impeded snow removal.  City Administrator Mackling would like the Council to consider amending the current snow removal ordinance that would change the verbiage from two inches of snow to any snow event as well as give residents an easier to understand plan during a snow event.  City Attorney Miner and Mackling will bring a proposed amendment to the January council meeting.

 

Discussion:  Economic Developer Megan Weaver approached the council about applying for funds through the Department of Economic Development (DED).  The DED has Covid monies available for land development including purchasing vacant/abandoned residential properties to rehab or demo for redevelopment.  Up to one million dollars is available; however, if the City pledges $100,000 then they are guaranteed a minimum $100,000 match from the DED.  If awarded the grant, the City would have to spend the dollars within three years.  Weaver would like to submit a letter of intent for the grant, yet the final grant application will be due in mid-January 2023 with awards being distributed in February-March 2023.

 

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding the update of the City's website.  

 

Discussion:  In previous years the council held an annual retreat.  Mayor Lehmkuhl will make a decision whether to continue this practice or not at the January meeting

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding the City's boards, committees, and authorities.  Mayor Lehmkuhl plans to approve these members as well as appoint pertinent city officials at the January meeting.