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Shafer City Council held a regular meeting May 6. All members were present.

The meeting began with three residents voicing their concern over a property on the corner of  Regal Avenue.  and 302nd Street.  All three residents questioned if there were people living in the garage at the property. The residents also questioned if there were people living in the Shafer Creamery building because they claim they see people coming and going all times of the night.  

The council told them it is zoned commercial and if they see something to call the sheriff’s office.  Sergeant Grant Kinnamon told the audience the sheriff’s office needs evidence to pursue the matter.  Kinnamon said if they have  photos or security video footage that would allow the department   to follow up.  Kinnamon said the department and the city need to build  a case with reports of wrongdoings and such in order to prosecute. Council member Nick Brehm told the residents the owner has  conditional use permits on many of his properties and many uses are grandfathered in because the council back then failed to put stipulations upon the properties.  “Our hands are basically tied unless there is proof of wrongdoing. “ Brehm said.  Mayor Paula Hanson reiterated that a CUP is almost impossible to revoke. Another resident told the council he had criminals run through his yard multiple times, sometimes being pursued by the police.  The resident voiced his worries about potential gunshots in the pursuits.  Council agreed with the concerned citizens to watch and clearly document all activity that is out of the norm in order to build a case.

Council then accepted a donation of five percent from the Shafer Fire Gambling Relief for $102.53.  

Council then accepted a Shafer Days donation from Bonnie Olmschenk for $100.  

City engineer Jake Guzik told the council he has looked into the second addition of Shafer Meadows and it appears the out lots were platted with a PUD. That would mean the new potential developer would only need a preliminary plat and not a planned unit development PUD.  

In the maintenance report supervisor Dan Cooper was approved $700 for the rental of a stump grinder for removal of stumps in Buffalo Ridge park and compost site.

Council then approved the purchase of a tractor for snow removal, mowing, landscaping and aerating.  Cost of the tractor is $18,706.  

In the clerk’s report, city clerk Valerie Fox and Cooper told the council about a sewer back up March 10 affecting two residences along Redfield Blvd.  The  back up caused basement damage to both properties and the city has reached full and final settlements for the properties, One property settled for $29,570 and the other had less damage and settled for $3487.  Costs will be submitted to the claims adjuster for LMCIT for reimbursement.

Fox then told the council there were 92 late notices sent for sewer and water payment.

Council adjourned at 6:40pm.

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