Atkinson council approves donated fountain, licenses, permits and a part-time police hire

At its Aug. 5 meeting, the Atkinson Mayor and Council approved a package of routine items including a donated water fountain at the Bluebird Trail, multiple special designated licenses, several building permits and the hiring of a part‑time police officer.

The council approved placing a two-level water fountain donated by the Chamber of Commerce at the Bluebird Trail after a motion by Ken Counts and a second by Scott Shane. Chamber Vice President Perry Winer said the fountain—equipped with a bottle filler and a dog dish—would require minimal maintenance and that the Chamber would supply replacement filters when needed; volunteer Leo Seger and Mayor Josh Erickson offered to run the water line and donate a concrete base.

The council also approved special designated licenses for American Legion Farley-Tushla Post 86 for an Aug. 17 cornhole tournament, for Cast Iron Bar & Grill, LLC for a wedding reception and dance, and for Midwest Mixers Mobile Bar & Events, LLC for an event at The Frosted Lane Boutique. Voted approvals were recorded by roll call with no nays noted.

On building permits, the council approved a 30' x 60' x 14' manufactured home permit for Elizabeth Holloway (contingent on setback compliance and Utilities Supervisor Gary Thurlow’s review), a wood-frame addition and garage for Leo and Vickie Seger, and a 36' x 12' x 7' steel garage for Chad Deseive.

The council approved hiring Trenton Howard as a part‑time police officer at $30 per hour plus $50 per day for meals and travel. Members also approved Resolution 24‑03 (Annual Certification of Program Compliance for the One and Six Street Program), moved the September meeting to Sept. 9, 2024, approved a delinquent utilities report totaling $771.29, and approved all claims as presented (claims total listed in the minutes: $268,983.87). The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

These approvals were routine and recorded by roll call votes in the council minutes.