By Elaine Rassel
The agenda consisted of several items pertaining to the upcoming Marcus Community Fair in August. Many were of permission to be able to do “whatever”.
Kaitlin Letsche came before the Council asking for Marcus’ Liability Insurance to cover a RAGBRAI fundraiser event that the Trail Committee was having close to Cherokee. They were planning on selling apples, bananas, Gator Aid, etc to the “bikers” before they came to Cherokee. Vendors had to have proof of insurance before they could have a vendor booth. Approval was given adding the Trail Committee to the city’s Liability Insurance for that event.
A Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service was approved for the MAC.
Also approved was the amended Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service with Sunday Sales for the Marcus Community Center.
“Resolution Transferring Funds” was approved for Res 21-35.
Res 21-36, “Resolution Approving American Rescue Plan Award Terms and Conditions and Assurances of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights ACT of 1964” was approved by the Council.
Tax Abatement under the Marcus Urban Revitalization Plan was approved for Pat and Norene Bunt.
The AETNA Employee Assistance Program Contract was approved.
Lew’s Fireworks, Inc. has been hired to take care of the fireworks that the Marcus Fire Department usually does. A Fireworks Display Contract with them was approved. The fireworks will be done on Friday evening, August 13 at dusk (according to the printed flyer of all the five day events.) If you look north on Main Street, you will see them. Supposedly they are being shot off on the road north of Marcus. They can be easily seen and no one has to worry about injuries.
The Marcus 5 K Permit for August 14 was approved. This is for the 5K and 1-mile Fun Run/walk starting in front of the Marcus Pool at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning with registration at 7 a.m.
Approved was the Marcus Fair Parade Permit for August 14. Streets that the Parade will be on were given. The parade is listed in the flyer as starting at 1 p.m. on that Saturday afternoon.
The ICAP invoice was approved with recommendations to have insured building cost re-evaluated.
Matt Dreckman, representing MAC, spoke to the Council on plans for the street dances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Main Street will be closed to traffic all the way from the North end to the United Bank of Iowa corner. Tents will be set up starting Wednesday evening resulting in the Food Pantry NOT being opened that evening OR Saturday morning. (The Food Pantry will be open on TUESDAY evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Matt asked the businesses that have an outdoor liquor license if they would not serve outside after 6 p.m. so MAC could begin serving at that time.
A Charitable Trust Fund from Anna M. Healy was approved for termination.
In the absence of Doug Dreckman, Mayor Hansen gave the Public Works report. There are several places in the streets where the City has been patching. There was an estimate that Blacktop Services gave for Ottoseal. This was on South Walnut from West Amherst to West Spruce as well as paving North Linn from Cedar to Railroad, and Railroad Street from North Linn to the Alley west of Maple Street.
Jeff Schmillen was present and spoke on the condition of “the curve” going around Railroad Street into North Linn Street (that goes by his business place). This part of the street just never seems to be able to be “fixed” but for a short length of time. Covering it up isn’t going to solve the problem. If you take a drive there, you will see what Jeff is talking about.
Chief of Police Brian Flikeid was given appreciation by the Council for what he is doing that most residents don’t see or know about. Brian reported on the dog that had bitten a child and was supposed to have been gone. It is suspected it is back again. There have been reports on stray cats. The body cameras being used at the present time are good, but the software that uploads the recordings is slow. There are newer and better body cameras being offered and he is applying for a grant for this.
The fireworks, before and after the Fourth of July were discussed. Brian was busy answering calls pertaining to this.
Brian reported the following: On July 1, 2021 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Marcus Police Department arrested Henry Taumoepeau Lewis, 33 years old of Cherokee and Thomas Oldfield 47 years old of Larrabee. Both were taken into custody on warrants issued for their arrests out of Cherokee county during a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Taumoepeau Lewis. Both were transported to the Cherokee county jail were they were booked in on the following warrants_Henry Taumoepeau Lewis for Gathering where Controlled substance Used/Possessed, a class D Felony. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor. Taumoepeau Lewis was held in lieu of $5,300 bond.
Thomas Oldfield: Gathering where Controlled Substance Used/Possessed, a Class D Felony. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor. Oldfield was also additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana 3rd Offense, a class D Felony. Oldfield was held in lieu of $5,300 bond.
The Marcus Police Department was assisted during these arrests by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
On July 9, 2021 at approximately 4:00 p.m., the Marcus Police Department responded to 403 N. Ash St., Marcus at the request of the Wayne County Nebraska Sheriff’s Office. The Marcus Police Department was requested to attempt to locate Michael Kunkel, 59 years old of Marcus in reference to a warrant issued for his arrest out of Wayne County Nebraska. Kunkel was located without incident and was served his warrant for two counts of: Issuing or Passing Bad Check_$5,000 Felony or More, both a class a IIA Felony in violation of Nebraska code. Kunkel was released on sight after signing an Appearance Bond.
Closing remarks by Mayor Hansen were that the properties sold to Dale Cave and Mid-American, have been closed. The City Code can be updated by SIMPCO with new state codes and any new ordinances.
A potential buyer for the house the City has for sale on East Cedar Street has asked the City about cleaning out this house at “their” expense in order to get a better look at the structure and pipes, etc. The Council told them to check with the City Attorney about this.
The City’s worker’s comp insurance representative has explained the risks associated with tree removal and has recommended Public Works to take training before taking down any more trees.
Robin, City Clerk, will be gone from the City office the week of July 19 in order to attend the Municipal Professional Academy. Covering the office that week will be Marjo Daum.
The regular meeting of the Marcus City Council was Monday, July 12, 2021 at City Hall with Mayor Hansen present. Council members present were Ebert, Jenness, Enneking, Klassen, and Frangione. Absent: No one.