(Le Mars) — Emotions were running high during Tuesday’s Le Mars city council meeting when Mayor Pro-Tem and councilman Rex Knapp opened the public hearing regarding the sale of property. The late Dennis Lundgren trust had indicated approximately 225 acres of his property would be given to Floyd Valley Healthcare. The pending sale of the land is scheduled for October 29th. Councilman Knapp read the agenda item.
Daniel Heuertz of Le Mars then approached the podium and was upset over the action of the city relating to the sale of the Lundgren property which is to be deeded to Floyd Valley Healthcare. Heuertz began by asking if any of the city council members attended the funeral of Dennis Lundgren? Heuertz shamed the city council and Floyd Valley Healthcare for not sending any flowers to the Lundgren funeral.
Heuertz wondered if the money from the Lundgren estate would be going to Floyd Valley Healthcare?
At this point, City Attorney, Michael Murphy, informed the gathering of the plan for the estate is to benefit Floyd Valley Healthcare. Heuertz insisted the land was to be leased, with the hospital to receive the lease payments. Heuertz says the land was not to be sold.
Heuertz continued to emphasize the city was wrong in their actions. He then referred to the city council as a “bunch of leaches.” Councilman Wayne Schipper then spoke, criticizing Heuertz, and defended the city and the city council.
Councilman Schipper said “there was a verbal attack from the podium to this counter up here, referring to the city council desk, “and I don’t like it.” Councilman Knapp then briefly explained the hospital, although it operates independently, is a part of the city.
City Attorney Murphy then explained the terms of the trust indicating there were no specific instructions or requests, other than the proceeds shall go to Floyd Valley Healthcare.
Heuertz left the council chambers before the vote was cast. The city council did approve on a 5-0 vote, the sale of the Dennis Lundgren property to be directed to Floyd Valley Healthcare. Auctioneer, Bruce Brock was sitting in the council chambers listening to the discussion. Following the vote, Councilman Knapp asked if Brock would report on how much money was made from the sale of the land, informing the gathering that the public should know how much money will be directed to the Floyd Valley Healthcare.
