March 13, 2020 Special Meeting

The Lakota City Council held its regular meeting March 13^th, 2020, at the City Hall.  Mayor Russo called the meeting to order at 12:06 p.m. All Council Members were present, Mayor Russo, Member Vasichek and Member Rainsberry were in attendance on speaker phone.  City Supt. Matt Herda was in attendance.

Mayor Russo stated the item on the agenda was to review recommendations for the city position for general laborer.

Member Solberg stated he along with Member Hess and Supt. Herda conducted interviews with Steve Richardson, Jesse Schuh and Cody Schneider.  Member Solberg stated Mr. Richardson and Mr. Schuh interviewed very well, but their recommendation was to offer the position to Steve Richardson. 

Mayor Russo stated with the potential retirement of employee Burkland within 3 years, it might not be a bad idea to hire both individuals who interviewed well.  Member Vasichek questioned if anyone has spoken to employee Burkland on his retirement.  Supt Herda stated he has visited with Mr. Burkland about it but not a timeline. 

Mayor Russo stated it takes 3 years of experience to be able to test as a level 2 water operator and felt a new employee could train off employee Burkland in that time. 

Member D. Mattern suggested offering Jesse Schuh a part time position until the city finds out any retirement plans for employee Burkland.  Member Vasichek stated the council has two separate issues, first the offer needs to be made to Mr. Richardson on the position and the second would be to visit with employee Burkland for a succession plan.

Auditor Vasichek stated employee Burkland will be celebrating his 30^th year being employed with the city in April and she would like to plan an open house for him.

Member Hess made a motion to offer Steve Richardson a full-time position as a general laborer for $20/hr., seconded by Member Solberg.  On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor.  Motion carried.

Some discussion on offering Mr. Schuh a part time position was had.  Member Solberg and Member Hess stated they will visit with Mr. Schuh on the option of part time and report back to the council at the next regular meeting.

Member D. Mattern made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Member Rainsberry. 

Meeting adjourned at 12:27 p.m.

            APPROVED BY:                                             SUBMITTED BY:

           

 

Jeff Russo, Mayor                                            Amie Vasichek, Auditor