GLENDO – After removing public comments as a standard element of their meetings earlier this year, the Glendo town council opened the floor for questions specific to the ordinances read in its May meeting last week.

Ordinance #270: 1 cent sales tax passed unanimously on its third reading without any questions from the public. The tax is a renewal of existing sales tax which was voted into the county’s tax structure by the 1990 general election county-wide.

Council member, Genelle Petsch discussed Ordinance #271: Cemetery Fees. She specifically wanted to establish not having the smaller fee for an infant to three-year-old burial. Even though an out-lying source recommends keeping the smaller charge, Petsch said, “I think still our equipment is out there, people are out there, it’s probably the same amount of time.”

Other council members agreed with Petsch. Other changes made by the council to the cemetery fees are as follows: $200 for a single plot, a one-time perpetual care fee for $200, opening and closing full burial is $600, opening and closing for cremation is $300, disinterment during working hours is $600, and disinterment during non-business hours is $800. These rates will increase by 5% per year, effective July 1 of the fiscal year. The increase shall not begin until July 1, 2025. Any equipment rented will be paid at the cost of rental plus 10%.

One question was asked on why they picked July 1, 2025. “We’re just passing it now. And we’ll pass it in June on a final reading then on July 1 it would go up 5%. And that did not seem equitable. So, that’s how July 1, 2025, began,” replied lawyer, Eric Jones.

The 2nd reading passed unanimously. 

Ordinance #272 concerning The Visionary Broadband Franchise had its third and final reading. There were questions about getting Visionary out in the Quilson Subdivision. Brian Worthen from Visionary Broadband said that after looking at Quilson and the Business Park he would like to put some fiberoptic over there, but it wouldn’t be until phase two of the project. When asked how deep Visionary was to dig, the response was only 24 to 36 inches.

When a concern about digging up unknown lines was mentioned, Worthen replied, “We’ve run into this before in small towns, we do our best. And the goal will be to have as little impact as possible.” He added, Visionary will provide maps of where they put their lines for the town records.

The ordinance passed unanimously. 

Ordinance #267: Vendor Permits is being revised and will be known as Ordinance #273. Councilwoman Heather Schonging said that community members have been talking about a farmers’ market and the current fees make this unfeasible. An idea of seasonal permits was made. Additionally, the old ordinance states that vendors are not allowed on town property. A suggested edit of vendors will be allowed on town property with an application and approval from the town council.

Councilman Dan Dugdale said, “We do a first reading tonight and pass it. Let everybody know we’re talking about vendor permits whenever we have this next meeting, [and] we’ll open it up to talk about vendor ideas and see if we get to make changes and address the Farmers Market concerns.”

Ordinance #273 passed on its first reading unanimously. 

Town Council approved $22,000 to buy a 2018 F150 Crew Cab truck as the second maintenance truck for the town. They also approved the Game and Fish lease agreement with the conversation, when construction of the community center starts they will relocate to another part of the parking lot. A community member asked council members what they looked over when they approved the treasurer’s report, revenue report, and claims for consideration. Malcolm Ervin reported on the town council elections that his office helped with. The town council approved the canvassing board members that town clerk Tristany Hoffman had recommended. 

A Poppy Day Proclamation of 2024 was made by Mayor Susan Juschka declaring Friday, May 24, as National Poppy Day. She asks, “...that all citizens pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by wearing the Memorial Poppy on this day.” The John Prince Auxiliary Unit #15 of Glendo will display American flags and take donations for veterans on Monday, May 27th.