The Henderson City Council had a lengthy agenda on Tuesday evening, tackling a wide range of issues – HeartlandBeat photo
The Henderson City Council met for its November regular meeting on Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m. at Henderson City Hall.
Present for the meeting were Mayor Corbin Tessman, City Clerk Connie Brown, and council members Kevin Friesen, Jordan Hiebner, and Teri Pollet. Brian Hiebner was absent. There were 10 people in attendance, including patrons, city employees, and Police Chief John Prusia.
MOM Update on Downtown Playground Project
The Moms on a Mission group, represented by Jacqueline Goertzen and Sidney Morton, reported to the council on their progress, plans, and fundraising for the downtown park play structure project. After the Council advised them to get another bid, they recently met with Crouch Recreation and were impressed by the customer support and fundraising assistance that owner Eric Crouch promised.
Their original bid is from Burke Playground Equipment, and they asked the council for their opinion on whether to switch to working with Crouch. The council advised them to go with Crouch since the customer support would be in-state and more apt to assist with follow-up on the project.
Their next step will be to plan a public forum where Crouch would be present to field questions from the public.
A+ Construction Triplex Project
Tyler Bukaske from A+ Construction met with the board to update them on his progress in pursuing a building project in the new Highland Addition. He is working on designs, pricing, financing, and marketing options for building two triplexes with six units total. The design would include 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a two-stall garage, no basement, zero-entry, and private back porches.
He asked to be added to the December agenda and said he would return with more information about his progress on the project.
Rural Workforce House Building Project
City Clerk Brown discussed the progress and planning for the next house-building project through the SENDD program. They are considering two different plans for two adjoining townhouses to be built on a lot the City purchased on Fairway Lane in the Bergen Subdivision next to the golf course. The City previously purchased the lot for $39,000. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $700,000, with the City contributing $200,000.
The Council had an extensive discussion about the two plans, including differences in square footage, unfinished basements, and design details. Brown will continue to gather more information about each design before the Council makes a decision and submits its grant application to SENDD.
Cleanup of Charlie Quiring Property on Oak Street
Police Chief Prusia reported to the Council on his ongoing efforts to enforce Ordinance #93.02 to clean up the property on Oak Street owned by Charlie Quiring. This ordinance concerns properties considered a nuisance, including trash, waste, unsightly buildings, junk yards, and abandoned vehicles. He is also working with a few other properties in town in violation of the ordinance.
According to Prusia, Quiring was served a notice on April 21, 2026, to abate the nuisance and was given 90 days to clean it up. He was warned that he may be cited for maintaining a nuisance in violation of city code and subject to fines imposed by the courts.
“Basically (Quiring) he said he can’t or he won’t. It’s been this way for 20 years, and this is a big thing to tackle. If the City is going to have an ordinance like this, and I am asked to take care of it, we need to either enforce it or we don’t. I get complaints from the neighbors, and I don’t blame them,” said Prusia. He has been in contact with the City’s attorney, Charlie Campbell, about the steps to address the situation.
“I’m asking permission from the board to have our city attorney issue a citation for ordinance violations to Quiring,” said Prusia. The daily fine would be $100, and the board discussed the ramifications for the City if it ends up foreclosing on the property.
The issue will be put on the December agenda for follow-up.
The Charlie Quiring property on Oak Street that the City is requesting be cleaned up – HeartlandBeat photos
EPA Lead & Copper Rule Improvements Report
Henderson’s Utility Supervisor, Aaron Johnson, gave a detailed report on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule improvement requirements. Johnson said the City has to update its service-line inventory and replacement plan by November 2027. He estimated that 150-200 lines may need replacement or investigation for lead goosenecks or galvanized lines, which can be completed over the next 10 years.
Highland Addition Mailbox Pad
Brown reported that Friesen Construction completed the pouring of the concrete for the community mailboxes in Highland Addition. They forgot to include a handicap ramp, but they will add one. She showed the Council photos of the mailboxes and the cover for the area.
Recently poured concrete pad for the community mailboxes in the Highland Addition – HeartlandBeat photo
Trail Grant Applications
The Council adopted a resolution for the Lakeview Park LWCF grant commitment, paving the way for the City to replace the Lakeview Park walking path if it receives the grant. Nicole Mierau reported on the additional LWCF grant she is working on that would expand the trail around the ballparks and include a dog park, two docks, and parking.
Other Misc. Items Discussed
The Council spent considerable time discussing whether to repair or purchase a new mower and decided now was not the time to spend the money for a new one. They will proceed with repair options for the mower. They also discussed revisions for a new sidewalk repair loan program.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
