Independence council sets special meeting to discuss library project

Library Director Kayla Mathson presented a regular monthly update on the new Independence Community Center to the city council. While the funding for the building requires the city to follow strict deadlines, city officials expressed reservation about moving forward without speaking to the contractor for the project. 

The library was awarded a $4.12 million state grant for the new facility; however, to retain the funding, the state has outlined strict project deadlines that must be met. A key deadline requires construction to be underway by June 30, including signed contracts, visible site progress, and designated signage identifying it as a Flexible Facilities project. To stay on track, bidding must begin soon, with documents planned to be released by May 16, bids opening on June 11, and a final contractor selected by June 16, which allows only two weeks to meet the needed criteria for the June 30 deadline. 

During the presentation, city attorney Rick Schaumberg expressed concern that River Architects, the firm leading the project, was not present to answer critical questions, emphasizing that the responsibility should not fall on Mathson.

“I think they need to be at every council meeting and update us at every council meeting, they shouldn’t have to have (Mathson) here to answer our difficult questions, that’s their job,” Schaumberg said.

Mayor Tom Kloss agreed, “To me it’s irresponsible as a city council to not be involved.”

While Kloss suggested tabling the issue for now, Mathson urged the council to proceed, warning that delays could jeopardize grant funding if deadlines weren’t met.

Schaumberg continued to express concern over the position he believed River Architects had placed Mathson in. Mathson clarified that she didn’t feel pressured and that River Architects had been highly responsive and eager to engage with the council.

“Until today there has never been any interest from this table to talk with them or have them involved. They’ve asked many times, sent questions, and been in communication with the city. They have offered to come and asked if they should come,” Mathson responded.

Following discussion, the council agreed to hold a special joint meeting with the library board on May 14 to address outstanding questions and ensure the bid opening could proceed on schedule. Moving forward, River Architects will be invited to attend future council meetings to support continued progress and to answer questions related to the new community center construction.

During the meeting, Mathson reached out to River Architects and received a response before the meeting adjourned, expressing their excitement about the council’s renewed engagement and confirming their availability for the upcoming discussion.

Separately, the Independence Historical Society reported challenges in becoming open to the public. While insurance and security matters have been addressed, a fire inspection and installation of appropriate exit lights remain. Due to recent council turnover and other delays, the city has fallen behind on fulfilling its part of the process, including scheduling the fire inspection.

Members of the historical society voiced frustration about the lack of progress and questioned whether they should seek a new location, noting they have worked to move the project forward since October of last year. Kloss offered reassurance:

“I’ve been playing catch up…but I guarantee I won’t leave it alone,” stated Kloss.

Kloss also raised concerns about the city continuing to mow and provide snow removal for private properties. Schaumberg supported this concern, warning that by offering these services for free, the city could be undercutting private businesses and exposing itself to potential legal issues.

“This ends now,” assured Kloss. “The longer I’m here, the more layers I’m uncovering.”

Kloss stated that the approximately six affected property owners would be notified immediately, and that the city would no longer provide mowing or snow removal for any private properties.

Additionally, Kloss discovered that the city had been relying on a small rider mower for city maintenance. He recommended purchasing a larger pull-behind brush hog mower to reduce mowing frequency and labor time, noting that the city already owns a compatible tractor. The council approved the purchase.

The council reviewed a proposal from Chief of Police Jim Waniorek to upgrade the police department’s 10-year-old computer. The new system, which includes both local and cloud storage, was quoted at approximately $1,999 and is covered by the current police budget. The council approved the purchase.

The council voted to hire Dawn Abrahamson as the new city clerk. Abrahamson previously served as the deputy clerk.