HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.17.2025 Council Work Session MinutesFebruary 17, 2025
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
4:25 p.m.
Roll Call.
Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Ray Feuss in the Chair. Roll Call: Mr. Boesen, Mr. Nichols
and Mr. Feuss. Ms. Creighton -Smith arrived at 4:37 p.m. and Mr. Chiles arrived at 4:46 p.m. Mr.
Simon and Ms. Wilder were absent.
Approval of Agenda, as proposed or amended.
Boesen/Nichols
that the agenda as proposed be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes of the February 3, 2025, Council Work Session as proposed or amended.
Boesen/Nichols
that the minutes of February 3, 2025 Work Session, as proposed, be approved. Voice vote -
Ayes: Four. Motion carried
Update from the Grout Museum.
Margaret Moye, Grout Museum Director, shared that she has been director of the museum for
the last six months and provided an overview of activities that have occurred at the museum
during that time and various upcoming events and projects.
Discussion of providing sidewalk sand.
Mr. Boesen commented that the city in years past provided sidewalk sand at city parks for
citizens to use. The program was somewhat discontinued, though he was able to get sand both
last year and this year through Leisure Services. He shared that the Public Works Director
does not want to provide sidewalk sand and the comment he received was that the city does
not provide public funds for private use. Mr. Boesen gave an example of when the city provides
land for a dollar, so the developer can move forward with a project, stating that this is providing
public funds for private use.
Mr. Boesen shared that the cost of the sand would be about $300, and asked for council
support with a resolution to have sidewalk sand provided at four city parks, two on each side of
the river.
Mr. Boesen shared that he received concerns from Mr. Chiles that the sand would get into the
storm sewers.
Mr. Nichols questioned if this would be a one-time load or if it would continue to be replenished.
Todd Derifield, Interim Leisure Services Director, shared that in the past the left -over sand was
picked up by Public Works and used for construction projects. This year a larger load was
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purchased, and the price went up to $110. He confirmed that the loads did not have to be
replenished.
Council discussed the matter with Todd Derifield.
Mr. Boesen commented that he would like to hear if there is support from the other city council
members on whether they want to move forward with this.
Ms. Creighton -Smith supports providing sand for the citizens whether it be at four locations or
just one.
Mr. Nichols commented that he would support the sand but that it does not necessarily need to
be in four locations.
Mr. Feuss questioned the amount of people have contacted Mr. Boesen or Mr. Huting.
Mr. Boesen shared that it is between 8 and 10 people that have reached out.
Mayor Hart questioned why the practice stopped and who managed the program.
Randy Bennett, Public Works Division Manager, explained that the public works department
used to take care of sand distribution. After further review of the program, it was determined
that this practice was not a proper use of taxpayers' funds and that is why they stopped. This
was confirmed by the city attorney and the League of Cities.
Mr. Chiles commented that he does not believe $110 is a problem to spend if the citizens need
it and questioned which department would spearhead this.
Mr. Boesen commented that he would support spending $110 on one location with 13 tons of
sand.
ADJOURNMENT
Feuss/Nichols
that the council adjourn at 4:54 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Kelley Eelchle sIo
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk
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