City Council makes first attempt at a virtual meeting
HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council made its first attempt Monday at holding a virtual meeting.
Gov. Pete Ricketts issued an executive order last month allowing governmental entities across the state to hold the virtual meetings because of the pandemic.
A Zoom meeting was planned by the Council with Council members Cody Christensen, Brad Peitz, Chris Bartling and Roman Wortmann expected to attend through that platform, while Mayor Mark Becker, City Clerk Natalie Schaecher and assistant clerk Shelly Becker sat in the Council chambers.
After 10 minutes of attempting to establish the connection, Councilman Bartling texted the Mayor, asking if they could abandon the original link, and set up a new Zoom meeting.
His wife, Alyssa, who works as the marketing director for Security Bank, then set up a new meeting, allowing the off-site Council members to connect. Wortmann was still not able to access the site, though.
After a few minutes of adjusting the sound and eliminating the echo from the program, the meeting was called to order and Mayor Becker waived the traditional recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance so the meeting could begin.
Council members were told Park Dept. employees put signs up at the city parks closing the playground equipment. Restroom facilities at the parks are also closed. The actions were taken after hearing COVID-19 guidance from the State, Mayor Becker said.
Becker also met with city staff last week and talked about observing social distancing.
“We don’t want to see two guys in a cab together,” he said. “We need to take this seriously.”
Also Monday, Council members approved three building permits submitted by City Zoning Official Leroy Hansen.
A permit for the construction of a handicap accessible ramp at the Gary and Barb Bowers residence was approved.
The Council then approved a permit for the construction of a garage on the north side of Joan Steffen’s house on South Madison Avenue.
Council members also approved the construction of a new basement for Alton Heimes.
Also Monday, the Council approved an $11,402 payment for land that Economic Development is buying over time from Bill and Jean Yates. A payment of $658 for property taxes on the land was also approved.
The land, located along Highway 84 between Pomps and Bomgaars, will be used as the site for a new Industrial Park. The community’s current Industrial Park site is nearly full.
The Council approved and the Mayor read an Arbor Day Proclamation, proclaiming April 24 as Arbor Day.
The Council also heard a proposal from the League of Heroes Youth Wrestling program. They would like to rent the basement of the City Auditorium two nights a week from December through March.
In past years, the Cedar Catholic wrestling team had used the facility. There were some issues with odor in the past, Council President Brad Peitz said. It was decided to table the request until Wortmann can attend the meeting, since he oversees the Auditorium.