Legal Notice
The Sanborn City Council met in special session Monday, March 27th, 2023 in the Donald Kroese Council Chambers. Mayor Randy Lyman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Councilmen present: Brian Visser, Aaron Wiekamp, Tim Devitt, Larry Reitsma, and Jerry Back. Others present: Josh and Shannon Rydberg, Alan and Briana Visser, Terry Jaycox, Seth and Shelby Irmiter, Dale and Julie Elgersma, Jerry and Josh Bosma, Adam Roelfs, Amber Rogers, and Jim Zeutenhorst.
Motion Devitt, seconded by Back to adopt the agenda. Roll call was taken.
Vote results:
Ayes: 5 / Nays: 0
Under visitors, Terry Jaycox requested closure of a portion of his street on 4th of July weekend. The City will reach out to Terry for further information to formally take action on the request at a later meeting date.
Mayor Lyman advised the residents in attendance that they would each get a time to express their thoughts and concerns regarding the potential relocation of the City’s tree dump to the 902 N Western Street location. He opened the discussion for the visitors in attendance.
• Shannon Rydberg asked to hear the City’s official proposal. Lyman advised that the city intends to install fencing around the property. Lawn and grass clippings would go into their own area barricaded by cement barriers. Trees would be chipped, and no burning would take place on site. The current buffer zone of trees would be left intact. The existing mulch and compost pile would be relocated. Cameras and signage would be hung throughout the site. Zeutenhorst added that upon speaking with the City Attorney, the fines that could be imposed should someone light the tree dump on fire could amount to 1 year in jail, a $2,500 legal fee, and a $10,000 fee from the DNR. If a Sanborn resident were to utilize the site for reasons other than the intended purpose of trees and lawn clippings, such as furniture, tires, and other waste, the City could impose a municipal infraction of $500 for each violation.

• Terry Jaycox expressed his concern about the proximity of the proposed location to residential properties. Jaycox inquired about the land near the City’s wellfield. Is that an option? Zeutenhorst advised that the city does not own the land.
  • Josh Rydberg requested further information about fencing options and what it will entail. He inquired if new fencing would be installed and if it would go around the entire perimeter of the site. Zeutenhorst advised that it is dependent on if this location is intended to be a permanent site or if the City continues to plan to look for other locations.
  • Dale Elgersma expressed his frustration that he was not contacted regarding the City’s plan to relocate the tree dump to the old Joe’s property. He inquired if the City had exhausted all options and had discussions with all farm ground owners in proximity to City limits to see if they would be willing to sell a piece of ground.
  • Briana Visser also asked if all options had been exhausted. Briana expressed that she understands the need for a tree dump. She requests the City thoroughly investigate other options. If the old Joe’s location ends up being the City’s only option, she is concerned with the appearance and proper upkeep over time.
  • Councilman Brian Visser mentioned that there has been interest from other parties in purchasing the lot. One party is interested in constructing a home and business on the lot. Zeutenhorst advised that it is not zoned for that, and while a variance can be considered to change the zoning, there are still other factors that come into play. One of them being that the site does not currently have sewer connection. An additional lift station would need to be installed.
  • Councilman Jerry Back expressed that he understands the citizen’s concern of the appearance of the tree dump and does not want an eye sore either. He suggested the new site be considered a tree recycling center and reiterated that if the Joe’s property were to become the permanent site for recycling yard waste, the City would install new fence and provide a lay out that keeps the property in order, which isn’t something that is easily accomplished at the current site due to its size.
  • Councilman Tim Devitt asked if we still need to move forward with forming a committee consisting of two councilmen and the mayor to further investigate all options for the tree dump’s location.
  • Mayor Randy Lyman thanked the visitors for attending the meeting and voicing their concerns. Lyman asked the Council who would be willing to serve on the committee. Councilman Visser and Councilman Reitsma both agreed to serve on the committee.
  Under new business, City Administrator Zeutenhorst introduced the Council to our new Chief of Police, Travis Hamilton, and our new patrol officer, Rob Hegenbarth.
  There being no further business to come before the Council, Motion Back, seconded by Reitsma to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will take place on Monday, April 10th at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Roll call was taken.
  Vote results:
  Ayes: 5 / Nays: 0
  Published in the Sanborn Pioneer April 6.