Lennox Mayor Stacy DuChene read a Mayoral Proclamation during Monday night’s City Council meeting to proclaim National Library Week, April 3-9, 2022.
Mayor Duchene said, “During this week, I encourage all residents to connect with their library by visiting online or in person to access resources and services.”
Mayor Duchene offered her appreciation to the library staff and supporters of the Lennox Community Library.
Prior to the Mayoral Proclamation, Council added Recreation Manager under personnel, as well as adding legal and personnel under executive session. With no visitors to be heard, council made quick work of the agenda items.
The consent agenda was approved, which included Minutes of March 14, 2022 Regular Meeting and March 21, 2022 Equalization Board Meeting, Claims, Water/Wastewater Report, Ambulance Report, Police Report, Library Report, Streets Report, Economic Development Report, Building Inspector/Code Official, and the February, 2022 Performance Management Report. All reports can be found online at www.cityoflennoxsd.com (under Menu: Government > Mayor and Council > City Council Meeting Agendas > website link for boarddocs).
Under old business Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 628 - Amending Lennox Zoning Regulations with no revisions from the previous reading.
Under new business, Council approved a grievance procedure for the City of Lennox personnel policies. It outlines the procedure for formal grievances that city employees will follow.
Council approved a new agreement with the City of Hartford, with whom Lennox shares a building inspector per previous agreements. The City of Hartford has purchased a vehicle for Kyle Christensen to use in his duties as Building Official/Code Official. The City of Hartford is paying all expenses, and asked that the City of Lennox pay mileage for services rendered in Lennox, as well as travel between Hartford and Lennox. Council agreed.
An updated Fire Department roster was approved removing firefighter Craig Fodness, who passed away January 28, 2022.
Each year, the City of Lennox asks an independent firm to perform an audit of their financial records. The first step in that process is to approve an audit engagement letter with the firm, Schoenfish & Co. Council approved the audit engagement letter.
City Administrator Nathan Vander Plaats provided an update on the Senior/Community Center. As was discussed at a previous meeting a restaurant is interested in leasing the Senior/Community Center which is under the direction of the City of Lennox.
Vander Plaats said he has received several responses from area churches to host the seniors for mealtimes, but none were interested as of yet. Vander Plaats said he will be looking at a Main Street building as an option later this week with the building owner. Council expressed their interest with moving forward in efforts to get a lease available for the restaurant that has shown interest in the space. Discussion on a lease to purchase agreement was brought up and will be explored.
Seasonal employees were hired and include the following: Camden Wulf, Lead Groundskeeper; Connor Sherard, Lifeguard; Cade Sherard, Lifeguard; Ryan Benning, Lifeguard; Cody Plank, Lifeguard; Sawyer Hanson, Lifeguard; and Ethan Lundquist, Lifeguard.
Council approved the hiring of Jennifer Paetow as Assistant Finance Officer at $21 per hour.
Vander Plaats said that Steve Hale wants to transition out of Recreation Manager, but will stay on through this summer, sharing hours with a new hire. Council approved to advertise for the Recreation Manager role.
Council entered executive session, after which no action was taken. Vander Plaats did close with some good news, stating that the funding is shaping up for the Boynton Avenue project.