Grace City Council Report

Adapted from the official minutes recorded by City Clerk Shelley Reeves

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.  The invocation was given by Councilmember Allen and the pledge was led by Clerk Reeves.  The minutes of the regular meeting from July 3 were accepted and approved.  

Fire Chief Peck reported that the concert had gone well.  He stated that there were some adjustments that the Chamber of Commerce would make in the future.  The council commended the Chamber of Commerce for doing a great job.  

 Chief Peck also reported that the fire department responded to a fire north of town.  The fire department was made aware of the fire before the call came into dispatch so they were able to respond very quickly.  He reminded the council that fire season is upon us and it could be ugly this year due to it being so hot and dry.  He stated that the city will follow the lead of the county and issue a city burn ban.  No burning is allowed except cooking fires in an established fire pit.

Superintendent Crookston presented the following permits that were approved:

County Permit #2024-029 was issued for Ken and Melonie Rasmussen’s hay shed; #2024-14 Tim Ochsenbein’s shed was permitted; and #2024-15 permitted Jackie Barthlome’s shed.

Sheldon Mayne asked the city council to explain the reasoning behind him receiving letters stating that he needed to remove junk and weeds.  He stated that the had some vehicles in his backyard, some licensed and some not.  He stated that some of them belong to his neighbor and that they will be getting rid of them.  He stated that he has been working on taking care of the weeds.  The city council thanked him for working on it and for coming to the meeting and talking to them about it.

Mayor Barthlome stated that after further research it was found that the property that Tim Ochsenbein requested to purchase at the June 19, 2024 meeting is used for drainage for the subdivision.  The city needs to keep possession of it for future drainage and development.  Councilmember Allen moved that the city not sell the property and keep it in the city’s possession.  Councilmember Toone seconded the motion, which passed.

Councilmember Tollotson moved that the city purchase parade candy for the far parade on August 10.  The motion passed.

Superintendent Crookston requested to purchase a flatbed, tilt decked trailer to haul the mini excavator from Valley Implement for $12,700.  Councilmember Allen moved to approve the request, which passed.

Cost of Living adjustments and merit raises were discussed.  Councilmember Allen moved to approve a 5% COA adjustment for all employees of the city and to discuss merit raises at the upcoming budget meeting.  The motion passed.

Superintendent Crookston reported that while they were flushing the sewer lines that the outside sheathing on the jetter hose split.  The repair will cost $1,936 and is 2 to 3 weeks out.  He is sending the employees to work at the springs and on the road to the springs as often as possible.  They have got all the asphalt ripped out on 1st south and he is hoping to have Liddle Constriction repair it while they are here doing other road work.  He has been having issues with the SCADA system at the wells.  Latech Equipment, the company that installed the radar eyes, is willing to come back and work on the system and train the employees on using it.  Councilmember Allen moved to approve Latech to work on the system in and train the employees.  Councilmember Tillotson seconded the motion, which passed.

Councilmember Toone complimented Jake Wright on his knowledge and expertise in helping teach Toone Dairy about a waste removal system.

The mayor reported that the sidewalk contractor has all of the paperwork that needed to be done and they should be able to start the week after the fair.