Beaver City Council approves conditional use permit for cow/calf operation

BEAVER CITY — The Regular City Council meeting was called to order on January 18, 2021 by Mayor Leighton Schmidt with all six city council members present. Three City staff were in attendance: Teresa Youngquist (City Clerk), Jackie Mayberry (Deputy Clerk), and Grant Jurgensen (Utility Superintendent). Visitors present were: Ben Ellis (Lion’s Club), Kale Shafer (Beaver City Volunteer Fire Department), Angie Woodring (Beaver City Manor Administrator), Laura Mclnturf and Isaac Watson (Cow/Calf Operation), and Guyla Mills (Valley Voice).

The minutes of the last meeting and the claims presented were approved.

In speaking on behalf of the Lion’s Club, Ben Ellis thanked the City Council, noting that the new “Welcome to Beaver City” sign located at P and 9th Streets is fully operational and looks great. The previous electronic sign was erected in 2010 but quit working in 2018. Replacing it was cost prohibitive, so the new sign’s purchase was a joint effort of the city, the Beaver City Area Foundation, and the Beaver City Lion’s Club. Ellis was also complimentary about the recent improvements to the Community Center.

The City Council approved a conditional use permit for a cow/calf operation at the feedlot east of town previously owned by Steve Clason with three members (Roger Powell, Russell Rickert, Kevin Harper) voting in the affirmative, two members (Becky Robinson, Chris Joppa) voting nay and one member (Quinn Barnas) abstaining.

Two new members for the Fire Department were affirmed pending City Council Ambulance and Fire Department Sub Committee approval for one candidate, and Fire Department approval for the other candidate. The two new members were approved with four “yeas” with Russell Rickert and Quinn Barnas, who are on the Fire Department, abstaining from voting. If both candidates are given the green light, Beaver City will have 22 Fire Department volunteers. There was discussion about increasing the force to 3o. Those interested in being considered for the volunteer force may contact the Fire Department.

The Council also approved the Fire Department Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations Update which changes the officer voting period from December to late January and early February. Members of the Fire Department elect officers and this year’s voting will be held from January 27 through February 3. The positions are: Chief, Assistant Chief, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Training Officers.

Kale Shafer reported that some Fire Department vehicles are having mechanical problems and asked for and received permission to get bids.

Angie Woodring presented the Beaver City Manor Quarterly Report and shared that all but two residents received the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on January 8 and the second round of doses is scheduled to be administered on January 29. To date, only one resident has tested positive, but 13 staff members have tested positive and several staff have been quarantined. By the one-year mark on March 14, she hopes to have the doors unlocked. Although social distancing is still in place, residents can go outside on nice days and meet with friends and family members. Woodring also reported that the Manor Board and Administration have been working well together—and that the varied skill sets of the respective board members have been beneficial during this time of lock-down.

Since it has been seven years since the City Employee Handbook has been revised, Teresa Youngquist is preparing a draft that will be presented to the City Council for review at the next board meeting. The City Council unanimously approved the Community Building Rental Policy that she presented, and the Check List was approved with one addition.

Youngquist reported that the City is waiting on final USDA approval for the grant and loan money needed for the new water tower project that also includes two new wells, transmission lines and water main replacements.

The City Council also discussed the possibility of metering the stand-alone well that is owned by the City and used by local farmers.

The Beaver City Council meeting meets the first and third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for February 1, 2021.