Two Maine Prairie representatives, Brent Nehring and Jim Unterberger, came to the Kimball City Council meeting Monday, July 21. They asked the council to help resurface 135th Street East and repair the detour damage that happened on 83rd Avenue, which was used as an alternate route for part of the Hazel Avenue project. Before the meeting, Kimball City Engineer Randy Sabart looked at the damage on these roads. He commented that he didn’t think that the damage on 83rd Avenue could solely be attributed to the detour. “From my car, I could feel some washboarding [on 83rd]. Would I say it was severe? No.” Sabart and the council noted that this road was only used as an alternative route for two days. However, detour signs were posted for a week-and-a-half, even thought the detour was not needed. Sabart talked with the contractor, Kuechle Underground, about removing the signs. They said their signing contractor hasn’t come out to remove these signs. They were asked to knock down the signs, most of them were down within the day. Feeling the discussion over 83rd was going nowhere, Nehring changed topics and said, “So we lose on that one, what about 135th?” Maine Prairie also wants this road resurfaced. Since different companies used the roads with heavy equipment, the township and Kimball thought these companies should be involved with the repairs. Kuechle Developers, in charge of the Greely Edition, said they would repair the first section of the road off of Highway 55. Similarly, the Bauerly Company agreed to pay half of the repairs since they often traveled the road. Mayor Karla Davis questioned where the city was going to find the money for these repairs, since the council didn’t put it in their budget. Maus said, “Kimball people use this road just as much as Maine Prairie.” Orbeck added, “I would like to work together with you guys.” The council said that Maine Prairie representatives were tired of waiting for a response and took action. Councilmember Andy Maus made a motion to pay $8,750 to repair the road. The motion was seconded by councilmember DuWayne Orbeck. Maus, Orbeck and councilmember Mickey Fischer voted in favor of the cost, feeling they needed to foster a better working relationship with the township. Davis and councilmember Steve Edwards voted against the motion. With a 3-2 vote, the motion passed and the council will build the road with Maine Prairie. The council also approved a contract change order on Hazel Avenue. The cost of the project increased $7,919.56. Sabart explained this increase was necessary since the contractor encountered black, unstable material under the road from Elm Street to the west. Sabart said the material should not be built upon. In other business, the council o Approved the consent agenda. o Authorized majority of claims but set some aside for further inquiry. o Heard a noxious weed inspection report from Public Works director Brent Neisinger. o Received an update from Neisinger about baseball fence staking. o Agreed to set up a time line for when the baseball field fencing would be finished. It was noted that the fence has bolts that need to be grinded, and reflective strips needed to be put up. The council asked for all of this to be done by 8 a.m. Monday, August 4. o Made and approved a motion stating that the baseball team and all other teams using city property must get city approval before placing anything on the land. o Received June police reports from Chief Todd Rohloff. o Was briefed on the purchase of a bullet proof vest for Rohloff. He said that he applied for a grant which pays half of the cost of his vest and half of the cost of the other officer’s vest. o Discussed the signs posted on Main Street Pub stating they are open until 2 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night. The council noted that they only approved for the business to be open for special activities and events. This item will be looked into, the council asked for the manager to be invited to another meeting to discuss the issue. o Approved a motion to make a 30 foot curve on the Hazel Avenue project by Magnus Johnson. The council hopes that this will better accommodate farm equipment. o Were briefed on the Hazel Avenue project by Sabart. The new completion date is expected to be July 31. o Discussed property damage to Steve Edwards’ place because of the construction on Hazel Avenue. He will meet with the contractors to determine what repairs need to be made and who will be responsible for them. o Appointed councilmember Mickey Fischer to the fire board. This position was previously filled by Wayne Mackereth. o Adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.
