Jewell City Council

The Jewell City Council met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. on Monday Feb. 3, at City Hall. Those in attendance were Darrell Bohnert, mayor ; Council members, Max Burks, Bob Freeman, Gaye Daniels and Derek Birdsell. City clerk, Shelby Bohnert, also attended.

Jewell County Sheriff arrived to address any questions or concers. Several community members were present to express concern regarding past and recent issues of dogs at large. The council also discussed unauthorized water connection turn on of a delinquent account.

Additional business from the floor included a Schwab Eaton representative to discuss a recent property survey and specifications to the location of the adjoining alleyway.

Code enforcement officer James Reed was absent but provided a written report. Jewell City court had two cases take place on Jan. 8 in violation of ordinance 545 defining nuisances. Mark Heinen pled guilty of public nuisance ordinance 545, section 10 and was fined a total of $200 in addition to court costs. Warren Heined pled not guilty and the trial will take place on April 1, 2020.

David Knappert provided his monthly maintenance report. Site preparation for the community storm shelter has started. Knappert’s request for the purchase of a new chain saw was approved.

Shelby Bohnert presented the clerk’s report. Included in the report, Bohnert proposed raising awareness of the upcoming 2020 census.

Billing Ordinance No. 1088 was approved as presented.

In other business, a motion to approve a building permit for 905 Logan Street was made by M. Burks, seconded by Daniels, all approved.

A motion to approve GAAP Waiver Resolution for 2020 financial records was made and seconded by M. Burks and J. Burks, all approved.

This year is Jewell’s sesquicentennial and the council discussed the many events that are planned. As part of the celebrations, an effort has been made to seek grant funding for buffalo statues to commemorate Jewell’s heritage as the heart of Buffalo Valley. If awarded the funding, the following locations for placement of the buffalo were approved - Emerson lake, Maag Park and at the north and south ends of town along Highway 14.

Discussion also included relocating some of the storage items located in the Daycare kitchen. Daniels and Freeman are making progress on a cart to store items in the old Legion room.