City of Mechanicsville

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

May 9, 2005

 

The Mechanicsville City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 9, 2005 at City Hall.  Mayor David L. Furry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Council persons present for roll call were Larry Beck, Martin Meyer, and Bryan Lovell.  Chris Yancey was absent and one vacant seat.  Others present included Alan Zerbe, Jim Barber, Sherie Paup, Dan Koch, Thom Hall, Pat Barker, Viola Johnson, Pat Trout, John Deahl, Charlie Cate, IIW; Rob Black, IIW; Donna Kuehnle, Maurice Ford, Tim Crabb, ECIA; Dorothy Russell, and Ryan Steinberg.

 

OPPORTUNITY for any citizen present to discuss items not on the agenda: Viola Johnson and Pat Barker asked the council what they were planning next in regards to the nuisance abatement that is taking place in Pioneer Valley Trailer Park.  The council and police officer stated that their case is set for trial on June 16 at 9:30 a.m. and as of this date the mobile home and van located on Lot 16 are the only two items remaining to be addressed from the charges filed on the original nuisance abatement.  It was further explained to them that if they would have complied with the original request to have the nuisance abated over a year ago, we would not have been forced to take the issue to court or to press criminal charges for failure to abate. They also inquired about sidewalk requirements for the trailer park and pot holes in the alley.

 

Pat Trout provided the council with information that she felt that the residents of Mechanicsville are not doing their part to support the recycling program.  Recycling in the city is mandatory and not all residents are complying.  She pointed out that the recycling company requires that the cans and jars be clean and residents are not rinsing out their spaghetti jars.  She felt that more education needed to be done and penalties enforced for those not complying with the recycling rules.  The council will take under consideration.

 

Donna Kuehnle and Dorothy Russell visited with the council regarding the amount of concrete that is buried down by the city shed and that there isn’t enough dirt to plant trees; Council directed Zerbe to follow up on to see about using W. Weber’s back hoe to dig out the concrete.

 

CONSENT AGENDA: Bryan Lovell motioned, Larry Beck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the agenda, minutes from 4/11/05, finance reports, and claims.  Roll call vote: Ayes:  Beck, Meyer and Lovell. Yancey absent. (Millers seat vacant.)  Motion carried.

 

The claims approved were as follows:

 

STRACKBEINS, INC.

88.50

IA ASSN MUN UTILITIES

6.00

CARRIE ALBAUGH

31.67

IOWA WIRELESS

163.51

THOMAS ALBAUGH

758.23

JENSEN READY MIX

227.25

JAMES BARBER

990.74

JOHNSON CO REFUSE INC

4,183.00

LINDA COPPESS

1,111.73

KEYSTONE LAB, INC

295.00

STEVE DAY

193.98

KOCH'S PAINT & LUMBER

195.64

KELLY EBY

355.69

LISBON-MTVERNON

75.00

JUDY HARTMAN

412.97

MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO.

343.95

MICHELLE POTTEBAUM

12.23

MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL CO

3,332.00

ALAN ZERBE

987.13

ODD JOBBER

850.00

US POSTAL SERVICE

57.88

NEW HORIZON FS INC.

1,146.43

US POSTAL SERVICE

117.07

QUILL CORPORATION

63.61

AMAZON.COM

594.34

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

73.35

BARNES & NOBLE

49.72

STRACKBEINS, INC.

16,722.62

IA OFFICE SUPPLY

431.11

DONALD WEBER

50.00

TARGET

97.94

SAM WATKINSON

300.00

THE PENWORTHY COMPANY

393.14

BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK

3,056.25

UPSTART

9.00

I P E R S

1,367.00

ADVANCED WATER TECH.

423.00

CEDAR COUNTY TREASURER

5,184.87

AIRGAS, INC.

121.08

PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER INC

95.89

ALLIANCE MEDICAL

477.50

SECRETARY OF STATE

30.00

AME SERVICES

488.00

DEAN KURTH, OWNER

1,324.10

ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICE

137.10

KIRKWOOD COMM. COLLEGE

25.00

ALLIANT ENERGY

3,891.60

ODD JOBS INC

350.00

BARCO MUNICIPAL PROD INC

336.84

CARRIE ALBAUGH

95.01

BOOT'S BODY SHOP

118.53

THOMAS ALBAUGH

758.23

CASEY'S GENERAL STORE

231.64

JAMES BARBER

990.74

CEDAR CO. SOLID WASTE

1,648.50

LINDA COPPESS

1,051.86

CONSERVATIVE PUBLISHING

260.02

STEVE DAY

595.61

L E DENDINGER

849.00

KELLY EBY

381.81

ROBERT DOHMEN

100.00

JUDY HARTMAN

328.09

FARM PLAN

14.98

MICHELLE POTTEBAUM

24.45

GALL'S, INC.

186.89

JOEY D WENNDT

82.65

GATEWAY CENTER

82.95

ALAN ZERBE

987.13

HEARTLAND INN-AIRPORT

73.83

 

 

 

 

Total Receipts for the month of April per fund:

Agency-Water

50.00

Ambulance Trust

4,520.74

Fire Trust

238.90

General

72,556.79

Library Exp Trust

3.89

Perpetual Care

1,147.50

Road Use Tax

7,707.08

Sewer Utility

5,904.54

Solid Waste

7,187.16

Special Revenue

5,184.86

Water Utility

8,111.19

Special Rev-Emp Benefit

12,999.94

 

 

Total disbursements for the month of April per fund:

Ambulance Trust

378.47

General

38295.55

Road Use Tax

4,798.13

Sewer Utility

5,503.33

Solid Waste

3,851.32

Special Revenue-Opt Tax

5,184.86

Special Revenue Emp Benefit

1,582.00

Water Utility

3,595.15

 

 

Guests:

John Deahl:  Request to block West First Street on May 21 & 22 for a household auction:  Deahl informed the council that his yard would not be large enough for the auction he is having.  On May 21 a portion of the alley would be needed and on May 22 the street area in front of 303 West First street to the next intersection to the west would be needed.  Council stated that the street cannot be completely blocked; temporary barricades may be put up; however, he must have someone designated to remove them if an emergency occurs and at least one lane of traffic would need to be available and open for emergency vehicles to travel through if needed.  Council also indicated that furniture and other items should not be put in the traveled portion of the street.  Meyer motioned, Lovell seconded, to approve putting barricades up on May 22 from Noon until 4 for the purpose of the auction so long as the other criteria was met. Ayes all. 

 

Maurice Ford, request to be issued authority to turn water hydrant on (Chapter 90.19) Ford requested an apparatus to hook up to the fire hydrant in order to water the trees in the park; after review of the ordinance it was decided that Ford would call ahead and schedule the days he would like to do watering and the PWD would see that the water is available.

 

Charlie Cate, IIW:  The city received the construction permit for sewer improvements from the DNR; set date for bid letting for lagoon project; Charlie Cate reviewed the next steps that needed to be completed by the council in order for the continuation of the lagoon project.  Since the city has received the construction permit from the DNR, Meyer motioned, Beck seconded to authorize the publication of the bids and notice of public hearing with the hearing and opening of the bids to take place at the next council meeting on June 13.  The bids will be due in the clerk’s office by Friday June 10.  The plans and specifications will be disbursed from IIW’s office and a notice will also be sent to a list of contractors that IIW has and who have indicated an interest in this type of project.  After the public hearing on the plans and specifications; IIW will check the bids and if all the paperwork is in order; will make a recommendation to the city for an award of contract; a notice to proceed will then be issued and they anticipate the construction to be completed in about 150 days.  The project entails work at two locations including the lagoon and the pumping station.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Tim Crabb, ECIA; Housing Project:  Tim was present and reviewed information with the council regarding the need for establishing a housing committee in order to form the administrative plan, then a public informational meeting can be held for all interested applicants, and a time frame established for accepting the applications.  He also answered questions the council had regarding the signing of the alternate signatures form for the State Historic Preservation Office.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

 

ADMINISTRATION:  Coppess reported that 2 water accounts that had went into disconnect status for non payment needed to have the shut off valves repaired as Zerbe was not able to shut off the water.  The work was ordered to be done to repair the valves and will be billed to the property owner; also, the paperwork for the purchase of the Paup property is completed and ready for closing July 1; 3 bids have been received for a copier replacement and a selection should be made after a trial of the machines is done; and a letter was sent to the property owner of 309 W First Street regarding the cistern that was noticed.

 

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Zerbe submitted work logs and requested vacation days of May 26 & 27.  He indicated that it would be a temporary approval depending upon if the cemetery mowing and things being done for the Memorial Day weekend.  If they were not done, he would not take the days off.  Meyer motioned, Beck seconded to approve the request.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

POLICE REPORT:  Police Chief Jim Barber presented council with his summary of activity (4/11/05-5/8/05) which included 7 agency assists, 1 ambulance assist; 2 animal cases; 1 assist motorist; 11 citizen assist; 2 – 911, 3 traffic stops with 3 warnings; 6 code violations 2 for noise disturbance and 4 illegal parking, 3 abatement notices served; 4 citations with 3 being for illegally parked trailer and 1 illegally parked car.  He also updated the council on additional nuisance abatement notices that were filed.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Dan Koch, Fire Chief, reported 5 calls for the month; including 1 motorcycle accident; 1 auto/truck accident; 1 mutual aid with Lisbon; 1 lost child; 1 tractor fire.

 

Koch requested to purchase 3 hoses for 161 at a cost of $260.89 and oil sucker pump for $60.00; he also stated that an application was received from Mike Techau to join the fire department.  Meyer motioned, Lovell seconded to approve the application and the requests to purchase the items.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

AMBULANCE REPORT: Sherie Paup reported that the ambulance had 12 medical calls and 9 traumas for a total of 21 calls for the month. She also reported that Keri Poduska and Ron Baker have completed the Intermediate class and will be able to start IV’s upon taking the test.

 

OLD BUSINESS-Discussion and possible action on the status of the following:

Authorization for alternate signatories for SHPO comment forms:  Upon having their questions answered previously by Tim Crabb, Meyer motioned, Beck seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the SHPO form.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Extending the filling of the ditch on X-40 to 125th:  Clerk passed along information received from the Cedar County Engineer regarding the start date on the resurfacing and construction work on X-40 indicating that it has been moved up to May 12.  The work includes the area north of town to the county line.  Oberbreckling has been notified that the project has been moved up and will begin filling in the ditch this week.

 

Bid for Street, curb & gutter repair list & retainer wall on Crestview:  The council received two bids for the repair work to be done on curbs and gutter and some catch basins.  One being $12,051 (Leeper Construction) and the other at $11,010; the motion was made by Beck and seconded by Meyer to accept the low bid from Luke Oberbreckling.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.  It was also directed that communication take place with the property owner at Crestview and Walnut regarding shaping the corner rather than replacing the retainer wall again.  It was felt that this would also improve the visibility at the intersection.

 

Identification of sidewalks to be replaced along South Street & approval of letters to be sent:  Meyer motioned, Beck seconded, to send letters to property owners along South Street asking that they complete the necessary sidewalk repairs and replacement by September 1. Ayes all.  Motion carried.  If the required repairs are not completed, the city will proceed with doing the necessary work and assessing the charges against the property in the same manner as property taxes.  A copy of the critique sheet and sidewalk permit form will also be included with the letter.

 

Appointment of council member to vacancy:  The council reviewed two letters of requests to be considered for the appointment.  The two candidates considered for the position were Pam Logue-Newcomb and Thom Hall.  After due consideration, Meyer motioned and Lovell seconded, to appointment Pam to fill the unexpired term of Tim Miller (December 31, 2007).  Ayes all.  Motion carried. The primary reason for this selection was based on an effort to remain consistent with how the last vacancy was filled and the candidate had indicated interest in the position at that time as well and also took out nomination papers for the last election.

 

New Business

Discussion and possible action on:

Bids for 1862 Cub Cadet with 54 inch mower deck, 1992 18 hp motor: The council reviewed 3 sealed bids for the mower and Beck motioned, Meyer seconded, to select the highest bid from Scott Moffit for $976.00 Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Authorizing the Mayor to sign:

1) Contract Number 05-HSG-059 from IDED for the housing grant

2) Concurrent notice to public for the finding of no significant impact on the environment and notice to public of intent to request release of funds

3) Request for release of funds and certification of the Iowa CDBG Program

4) The Finding of no significant impact (FONSI) statement

After review of the documents a motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Beck, to authorize the Mayor to sign all 4 of the documents on behalf of the city.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Resolution 2005-8 for budget transfer of appropriation between activities within the Culture and Recreation Program areas in the amount of $2,850:  The resolution was read and a motion made by Meyer, seconded by Lovell to adopt.  Following a roll call vote: Ayes: Meyer, Lovell, and Beck; Nays: None; Absent: Yancey; and 1 vacancy.  Resolution adopted.

 

Proclamation 2005-9 proclaiming May 18, 2005 as “Poppy Day” in Mechanicsville:  The resolution was read and a motion made by Lovell, seconded by Beck to adopt and declare May 18 as Poppy Day in Mechanicsville.  Following a roll call vote: Ayes: Meyer, Lovell, and Beck; Nays: None; Absent: Yancey; and 1 vacancy.  Resolution adopted.

 

Request for renewal of Adopt-A-Highway Application for Mechanicsville Lions Club:  An application was received from the Lions club to adopt a portion of Highway 30 within the City Limits.  A motion was made by Lovell, seconded by Meyer, to approve the application.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Resolution 2005-10 to sponsor a City of Mechanicsville Farmer’s Market on Tuesday afternoons starting May 24 through October, 2005:  Some questions about whether the market was being established as a way to avoid the Peddler’s Permit and Solicitation Permit fees that are required by ordinance, it was determined that the market falls under one of the several exceptions that are listed in the Code Book and the exhibitors would not have to pay for a separate permit.  It was noted that the exhibitors will be charged either a daily exhibitors fee or a seasonal fee, of which will be paid and deposited into the cities general fund. The resolution was read and a motion made by Beck, seconded by Lovell to adopt.  Following a roll call vote: Ayes: Meyer, Lovell, and Beck; Nays: None; Absent: Yancey; and 1 vacancy.  Resolution adopted.

 

Inquiry about painting the old water tower before the Sesquicentennial:  After some discussion, it was felt that the tower definitely needed painting; although it probably couldn’t be done before the celebration; it was decided to proceed with getting bids and discuss further at the next meeting.

 

 

Purchase Basketball Goals for Park:  Council reviewed one option for purchasing new basketball posts and goals for the park as well as possibly resurfacing the asphalt when X-40 is completed.  Coppess was directed to check with the paving company in obtaining a price to have the work done while they were in town.  Meyer will get a price from Goalsetter Systems in Cedar Rapids.

 

Polling Place accessibility-changes will need to be completed:  Coppess reported receiving communication from the County Auditor regarding the issues of accessibility of Mechanicsville’s polling place and a need to have the corrections addressed and completed for the November 2006 election.  If the improvements were not made the polling place would need to be moved and could possibly be removed from town altogether.  The grant money that was being offered is on a first come basis; and it was stated that the work needed to be completed and then invoices submitted for reimbursement.  Coppess was directed to proceed with getting some additional information regarding options for the door.

 

Request for establishing fee for providing police security during coin auction:  Upon review of the request it was decided that the city did not want to get into the business of providing private security.

 

Establishing a Volunteer Park Clean Up Day:   After some discussion it was decided that it would be more of a Community Involvement Day rather than a clean up day.  The activities would include painting the playground equipment; making some repairs to the shelter; some work cutting trees in the ditch west of the cemetery; and then having hot dogs and chips for lunch.  A motion was made by Beck, seconded by Meyer, to establish June 18 from 9:30 – 2 as the “Day in the Park”.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.  It was also noted that a more detailed list will be compiled regarding the work to be done and a desire to make it a “fun day” it was suggested that challenges between organizations and or groups could be made to see which group can have the most representation available.

 

Establishing a meet the council night:   Mayor Furry indicated that it had been suggested to him to have an informal meet the council night.  The concept would include some light refreshments, giving the general public an opportunity to discuss in a one on one situation any issues that may be important to them.  Council felt the idea should be taken under consideration; however, no action was taken at this time.

 

Correspondence was reviewed from Living Hope Church thanking the city for the use of the building; information about SSB 1315 governance legislation; state auditors office informing us that we are due for an audit for the year ending June 30, 2005; information from US Hwy 30 Coalition and Project Taxpayer Protection.

 

Committee Reports:  Lovell reported that the safety committee had met and completed the inspections and will meet again in September.

 

Set next meeting date:  6/13/05

 

MAYORS COMMENTS:  Keep up the good work and he is looking forward to the Day in the Park with all of the community volunteers.

 

ADJOURN:  There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, council member Meyer, motioned, Beck seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m.  Ayes all.  Meeting adjourned.

 

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________                     _______________________________

Linda K. Coppess, CMC                                         David L. Furry, Mayor

City Clerk/Finance Officer