June Town Council Brief

Owner and CEO of Coffey Engineering, Dave Coffey gave the council an update on the water project. “It’s been a very interesting and challenging project. The town should be grateful that we had a good, solid bid from WyoDak, and they’ve been very responsive and professional in getting this project this far. Seth Ross, the superintendent on the project site is doing a solid job of installing the water lines and all the service connections with the fire hydrants per spec.” Coffey discussed the contingency budget and how they will be pulling from it. “The service connections throughout town aren’t up to code. We have some of them that are galvanized pipe, connected with old irrigation black poly pipe, connected to steel pipe, that’s connected to brass. I would venture to guess at some point in time we may get sick people because of this. I’m surprised we haven’t, so this is good. It’s good the community is moving forward with replacing their water system, it is desperately needed.” The water project is two-thirds of the way done. WyoDak will be moving in topsoil and focusing a little more on cleanup. Mayor Juschka said, “I think you guys are doing a very professional job. Everyone is very kind and patient. We appreciate it. Thank you.” 

Heather Schoning had received some complaints about three properties in town that have tall dry grasses that need to be mowed. They are fire hazards. Schoning wondered, “Can we send them a letter under the nuisance ordinance and give them 14 days from the date of the registered letter?” She also had a question about chip sealing the road instead of asphalting. According to Dave Coffey, “I don’t disagree that chip seal is an option. It is, in my opinion, not the best option. Chip seal is typically best used to prolong the life of the existing asphalt.” 

Genelle Petsch also received some complaints about the park not being mowed, the bathrooms not being open and the water not being turned on. Petsch reported that the park is mowed, the bathrooms are open and the water is turned on. Petsch mentioned that all of the flags needed to be changed on Memorial Day.  Town Hall and the cemetery were changed Steve will get the park flag changed. Petsch also mentioned the volleyball court and the horseshoe pits needed to be weeded. The topic of cameras being placed at the park was brought up because of the truck or dirt bike marks that were found going into the park. 

Tristany Hoffman gave an update on Glendo Days. Kelsey Crabtree gave an update on the Special Purpose Tax account #3. The interest that has been collected on the account totals $4,682.91 which gives a total of $405,071.35.

In New Business, new council member, Jeston Cundall was sworn in by Town Clerk, Tristany Hoffman. After Cundall was sworn in Mayor Juschka said, “Welcome Jeston. I would like to thank Genelle Petsch very much for filling a position.” 

Amy Gruwell’s firework application was passed. 

Paul Bauder discussed the lot he had leased from the town for nine years. He wanted to make sure that the lot was left satisfactory and that all payments had been made. He also wanted to express his disappointment, “I don’t think we should spend the town’s money to send me a letter to vacate the lot.” Council Member Schoning explained, “To make it official, it always has to be in writing.”  Bauder continued, “The biggest disappointment to me, was getting a letter from a lawyer on May 3 saying I had to be out by May 31.” When originally, Bauder said the agreement gave him 60 or 90 days to vacate, in case it was his busy season. He did understand that he didn’t keep up with the contract. In the end, the council was happy with the lot which made Bauder happy. 

Two building permit applications were discussed. Tom Green’s permit for a garage was passed by the council. Council Member Schoning did ask if Mr. Green would like to put in plans for the house now too so he only had to pay one permit fee. Mr. Green declined to do that at this time. The next building permit was for Derick Wilson there were many questions by the council one being it is an R1 zone and not an R3 zone. Mr. Wilson was not in attendance to answer the council’s questions. The council tabled the permit until next month and asked that Mr. Wilson be notified that the council has questions.  

Christina Mangan from EMS along with Lisa Millikin gave an update. They held an EMR class they had 15 people attend 8 of which will be on in Glendo. The EMT Auction Fundraiser will be held on August 17 at the marina. The ambulance is staying in the shop more than out. They are looking for funding to get a new ambulance. Ambulances are priced between $300,000-$400,000 they are currently in the process of applying for a $50,000 grant. “If we don’t get an ambulance soon, and this one keeps in the shop the way it is, there’s not going to be a service to be able to transport patients much longer. We don’t want that at all.” The timeline for an ambulance is years out. They tried to get on the ballot to become a special district but missed the deadline. The Mayor and Council Members discussed other funding options. Greg Burke, chairman of the Keep Glendo Great Steering Committee, mentioned that the committee could help them find grants. 

The next meeting will be July 10 at 6:00 PM. If you’d like to get on the agenda the deadline is Monday, July 8.