Oxbow council approves several transfers, weighs sidewalk ballot and winter services

The Oxbow City Council at its Jan. 19 meeting approved several financial actions, reviewed service reports and proposals for winter and solid-waste services, and set next steps on a sidewalk proposal and floodplain zoning.

On finance, the council approved transferring $5,000 from the City Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund (motion by Council member Triebold, second by Council member Furstenau; motion carried) and transferring $50,000 from the City Sales Tax Fund to the Sewer/Water Fund (motion by Council member Furstenau, second by Council member Triebold; motion carried). Council requested a cost-breakdown report for the next meeting, and it approved the financial statements (motion by Council member Furstenau, second by Council member Bindas; motion carried). The minutes record a motion to designate Bravera and Kindred State Bank as depositories of public funds (motion by Council member Triebold, second by Council member Sanders); the minutes do not explicitly record the vote result for that specific designation motion.

The council reviewed a snow-removal proposal from Western Excavation that would pay $5,000 per month for February and March; the contractor would be allowed to park equipment in the city shop (with some vehicle parking logistics to resolve) and warned there might be an additional fee, which Mayor Jim Nyhof said he would discuss with the contractor. A volunteer snow-removal crew expects to participate in about 20% of events; a revised contract was expected within two weeks.

On infrastructure and services, staff reported the water treatment plant heater needs replacement but otherwise was in working order. Deputy Justin Hanson reported six calls for service in December and noted he replaces Corporal Krause as the main contact for the sheriff's department. Southern Valley Fire & Rescue reported no activity.

Councilmember Furstenau asked that the sidewalk project be returned to the agenda after residents contacted him; the City Engineer's October cost estimates were cited. Council discussed trimming trees for visibility, adding lane lines, and speed bumps as possible mitigations; members agreed to send a straw poll to residents. If 50% of respondents oppose the project, it would stop; if more than 50% support it, the matter would go to a vote at the next election with required public hearings and protest periods.

Mayor Nyhof and City Auditor Stacey Fett outlined a customized request-for-proposal for garbage services to be sent to vendors. Councilmember Sanders moved (second by Council member Furstenau) to allow shutting off water to residents who are 90 days past due after written notice if they do not pay within 10 days; the minutes record the motion but do not record the vote outcome for that motion. The council adjourned at 7:39 p.m. (motion to adjourn by Council member Furstenau, second by Council member Bindas; motion carried).