Dawson council approves pay-equity report, raffle permit; hears public complaints and public works updates

The Dawson City Council on July 2, 2024 approved its triennial pay-equity report and granted a raffle permit to the Church of St. James, and heard public concerns about blighted properties and mosquito spraying.

Councilman David Hansen moved and Councilman JT Schacherer seconded approval of the pay-equity report — submitted every three years and prepared using the city's new pay scale to compare pay across genders — and the motion passed with all six councilmembers voting in favor. Councilman JT Schacherer then moved and Councilman Jeff Olson seconded approval of the raffle application from the Church of St. James; that motion also passed unanimously.

During the 10-minute public forum, resident Liz Storlien presented a signed petition asking the city to address blighted homes, yards needing attention, young people driving golf carts, and the timing of the city's mosquito spraying program. City Manager Jill Kemen accepted the petition and said she would forward it to law enforcement. Resident Dave Peterson asked whether the street project remained on schedule; Kemen replied it was 95% complete and that Ryan Contracting would be back next week to begin curbing in the new development.

Public Works Superintendent Kurt Collin reported Riverfest went well and commended city crews. The city purchased a Scag mower; Collin said the Scag was the low bid by $2,300 and that Titan Machinery did not have a suitable alternative. Electric Pump was on site to inspect lift stations and the water plant, and high-service pumps were shipped on June 27 for updates. Collin and Manager Kemen said they are working on effluent limits for the plant — a multistage process that includes cybersecurity considerations — and that the city is considering installing security cameras at both the water and wastewater facilities.

Manager Kemen also reminded residents that receipts for the Phase 2 tree reimbursement program are due July 31; the Dawson Community Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the program and Phase 1 reimbursement had been $140 per tree. She also noted three council seats and the mayor re on the 2025 ballot and that the primary is Aug. 13; training for election judges was not yet available from the county and extra judges will be needed for Care Center voting. The city received $1,684 in reimbursements from the PNP.

On contract matters, Visu-Sewer (a subcontractor for Ryan Contracting) had done prep work for sewer lining in the alley, but city staff decided not to bring a pay request to council at this time. Manager Kemen also reported she had not yet received numbers from Kuhn on the football field road project.

The council scheduled its next regular meeting for Aug. 6, 2024, when auditors will present and representatives from Prairie Waters and Countryside Public Health will speak about the opioid settlement.