City of Mechanicsville
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 21, 2007
The Mechanicsville City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 21, 2007 at City Hall. Mayor David L. Furry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Council members present for roll call were Jeff Christianson, Larry Beck and Karrie Johnson. Absent: Hall and Logue-Newcomb. Others present included Jim Barber, Sherie Paup, Rhett Taylor, Alan Zerbe & Steve Mertka.
OPPORTUNITY for any citizen present to discuss items not on the agenda:
Steve Mertka addressed the council about a building permit he needed to obtain and that it would not be in compliance with city code. Council directed him that the process would need to be followed in requesting a permit, having it denied by the zoning administrator, and then having the option to appeal it to the Board of Adjustments.
CONSENT AGENDA: Larry motioned, Karrie seconded to approve the consent agenda including the agenda, minutes from 4/9/07, finance reports, claims including the Contract Payment No. 7 for Jim Schroeder Construction and the final payment for the windows installed in the Memorial Building and Post Office, and renewal of the annual cigarette permits. Roll call vote: Ayes: Christianson, Beck and Johnson. Nays: None. Logue-Newcomb and Hall were absent. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows:
|
WELLMARK |
HEALTH INS |
2,553.06 |
|
PAYROLL |
WAGES |
5,756.18 |
|
BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK |
FICA/MC |
3,469.64 |
|
US POSTMASTER |
POSTAGE |
115.68 |
|
I P E R S |
IPERS |
1,573.37 |
|
AIRGAS, INC. |
MED SUPPLY |
278.69 |
|
ALLIANCE MEDICAL |
MED SUPPLY |
331.75 |
|
ALLIANT ENERGY |
UTILITIES |
4,574.79 |
|
ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICE |
CLOTH ALLOW |
179.93 |
|
DOUG BEAN |
HOUSING REHAB |
1,235.00 |
|
CASEY'S GENERAL STORE |
VEH SUPPLY |
95.32 |
|
CEDAR CO. SOLID WASTE |
FEES LANDF |
1,743.00 |
|
CR PHOTO COPY |
MAINTENANCE |
113.59 |
|
CONNERLY CONSTRUCTION |
HOUSING REHAB |
8,845.00 |
|
KEN MCCULLOUGH |
HOUSING REHAB |
1,549.00 |
|
I P E R S |
IPERS |
29.59 |
|
IA EMS ASSOCIATION |
DUES/MEMBERSHIP |
25.00 |
|
IOWA WIRELESS |
TELEPHONE |
79.04 |
|
JOHNSON CO REFUSE INC |
RECYCLING |
2,232.50 |
|
KEYSTONE LAB, INC |
PMTS TO AGENCY |
276.80 |
|
KIRKWOOD COMM. COLLEGE |
TRAIN/CONF |
30.00 |
|
KJ'S REPAIR |
VEH REPAIR |
355.00 |
|
L L PELLING COMPANY |
STREET REPAIR |
219.00 |
|
LUKE OBERBRECKLING CONST |
REMOVE BLDG |
1,250.00 |
|
KELLEY MCCULLOUGH |
HOUSING REHAB |
1,235.68 |
|
CONNIE KNUTSEN |
TRAIN/CONF |
40.00 |
|
LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS |
OP SUPPLY |
110.00 |
|
MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO. |
TELEPHONE |
754.26 |
|
OROURKE MOTORS |
VEH REPAIR |
39.95 |
|
QUILL CORPORATION |
OFFICE SUP |
303.93 |
|
STRACKBEINS, INC. |
VEH REPAIR |
843.07 |
|
TREES FOREVER PROJECT |
UPKEEP/TREES |
325.00 |
|
WALMART |
VEH SUPPLY |
12.66 |
|
AMAZON.COM |
LIB BOOKS |
230.67 |
|
DEMCO |
LIB SUPPLIES |
45.82 |
|
EAST CENTRAL LIBRARY SER |
LIB CONTINUE ED |
30.00 |
|
IA OFFICE SUPPLY |
LIB OFFICE SUP |
173.53 |
|
PENWORTHY |
LIB BOOKS |
583.25 |
|
PEOPLE |
LIB SUBSCRIPT |
49.95 |
|
VOGUE |
LIB SUBSCRIPT |
16.00 |
|
KELLY EBY |
LIB SUPPLIES |
16.47 |
|
PAYROLL |
WAGES |
6,004.20 |
|
JIM SCHROEDER CONSTRUCTI |
LAGOON UPG |
24,621.20 |
|
SEEHUSEN INS. AGENCY,INC |
INSURANCE |
601.00 |
|
IA DEPT NAT RESOURCES |
TEST FEES |
60.00 |
|
IA DEPT NAT RESOURCES |
PMTS TO AGENCY |
25.00 |
|
WELLS FARGO BANK |
LOAN PAYMENT |
22,299.82 |
|
KUNDE OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT |
VEH REPAIR |
44.92 |
|
CONNIE KNUTSEN |
TRAIN/CONF |
100.00 |
|
PETROMART |
VEH SUPPLY |
217.57 |
|
NEW HORIZON FS INC. |
VEH SUPPLY |
842.83 |
|
QUILL CORPORATION |
OFFICE SUPPLY |
180.43 |
|
SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY |
OP EQ REPAIR |
1,029.00 |
|
SHEPLEY SNYDER PHARMACY |
MED SUPPLY |
163.44 |
|
CLIFFORD TAYLOR |
VEH REPAIR |
125.00 |
|
DAN KURTH |
VEH REPAIR |
72.72 |
|
ACS FIREHOUSE SOLUTIONS |
SUBSCRIPT |
210.00 |
|
ADVANCED WATER TECH. |
OP SUPPLY |
335.20 |
|
IA ONE CALL |
PMTS TO AGENCY |
18.00 |
|
LISBON-MTVERNON AMB |
MUTUAL AID |
75.00 |
|
ODD JOBS INC-JERRY DAKE |
BURIALS |
875.00 |
|
PETROMART |
VEH SUPPLY |
93.99 |
|
LINDA COPPESS |
MILEAGE |
168.00 |
|
BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK |
OFFICE SUPPLY |
37.80 |
|
JOHN TROUGHTON |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
LINDA SULZNER |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
STAR BRITE CAR WASH |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
MARK/PAM SPICKERMAN |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
STEVE SCOTT |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
BRAD PUMPHREY |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
JAYME OBERBRECKLING |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
NICK KUNDE |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
ROSS FIRST |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
SARA BECKLEY |
REFUND DEP |
50.00 |
|
ACCO, UNLIMITED CORP. |
WATER REPAIR |
60.82 |
|
ALLIANCE MEDICAL |
MED SUPPLY |
31.34 |
|
AME SERVICES |
FEES LANDFILL |
184.00 |
|
WELLMARK |
HEALTH INS |
2,603.12 |
|
KIRKWOOD COMM. COLLEGE |
TRAIN/CONF |
60.00 |
|
KERRI PODUSKA |
MILE/CONF |
150.00 |
Total Receipts for the month of April by fund:
|
Agency-Water |
200.00 |
|
Ambulance Trust |
7,017.65 |
|
Fire Trust |
673.39 |
|
General |
70,550.34 |
|
Road Use Tax |
7,032.22 |
|
Sewer Utility |
5,299.53 |
|
Solid Waste |
7,362.26 |
|
Special Revenue |
6,285.46 |
|
Employee Benefit |
11,339.36 |
|
Water |
9,956.91 |
Total disbursements for the month of April by fund:
|
Agency-Water |
50.00 |
|
Ambulance Trust |
741.48 |
|
General |
34,348.77 |
|
Road Use Tax |
4,727.41 |
|
Sewer Utility |
8,110.92 |
|
Solid Waste |
5,605.47 |
|
Special Revenue Emp Benefit |
2,562.61 |
|
Water Utility |
3,322.61 |
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Police Report: Police Chief Jim Barber presented the council with his written report of activity for the month which included 13 agency assists; 1 alarm; 4 animal cases, 1 assist motorist; 3 assults;1 building check 1 found unsecured; 16 citizen’s assist; 6 criminal mischief; 2 harassment; 1 death investigation;10 - 911, 3 thefts; 4 traffic stops with 1 citation and 3 warning’s. In addition to 4 nuisance abatements filed, and 8 code violations for bb gun violation; illegal parking, noise disturbance, fireworks violation, open container violation, stop sign violations and disorderly conduct.
Ambulance Report: Sherie Paup reported 19 calls with 5 being traumas and 14 medical; 3 refusals; with 2 mutual aid with A-4 and 2 with A-5 and one canceled in route. Sherie informed the council that a grant from the Community Foundation of Cedar County will be received to go towards the purchase of the 12-lead monitor and another grant will be received in the amount of $1250 from St. Luke’s Hospital. Sherie also requested payment be made to Connie Knutsen in the amount of $1000 for time involved in updating the protocols. Due to the ambulance department currently being over budget this request will be deferred and reconsidered after July 1.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Fire Chief Rhett Taylor reported a total of 4 calls with 1 being an alarm at the school; 2 house fires; and 1 anhydrous leak. There were 12 members present for the training which was held at Farm Service to familiarize volunteers with the chemicals and how they may react with each other.
Taylor also requested permission to install a storage rack at the rear of the building for the water ball set. It was indicated that no costs should be incurred for this project. Larry motioned, Jeff seconded to approve this request. Ayes all. Motion carried.
Public Works Report: Public Works director Alan Zerbe reported that spring clean up was completed; the old park bathrooms were removed and area seeded down; they have removed the smaller trees from the right of way west of the cemetery and busy mowing and trimming in preparation of the Memorial Day Holiday.
Administration Report: Coppess reported attending the East Central Iowa Clerks Association in Dubuque on May 17; Who’s on First is planning to hold their grand opening on June 2; appreciation to the North Cedar students who helped clean the park and the scouts for putting the chips around the Frisbee golf cages. Coppess also indicated that the rules for renting the Memorial building should be reviewed by the committee & possibly require police protection to be provided during certain types of events that are held in the building. The hand railings at Clarence were obtained through Hunwardsen Fabrication and a thank you letter from Trees Forever was also acknowledged.
Coppess requested approval to attend the Iowa Municipal Clerks Academy July 25-27 in Ames at a cost of $181 plus 2 nights at $89 each. The request was approved by Karrie Johnson, and seconded by Larry Beck. Ayes all. Motion carried.
Old Business:
Discussion and possible action on:
Update on FEMA Grant and Information from Bond Attorney: Coppess provided information to the council that FEMA Plans to notify all applicants of the final disposition of their application by December 31, 2007; the total budget for the grant application was $202,000 with 5% or $10,100 coming from the City and $191,000 to be provided by FEMA; and additional information on the requirements for Advance Payment bonds and performance clause stipulations.
Information from the Bond Attorney included a recommendation that formal proceedings for borrowing general obligation funds not be prepared until the grant application would be officially denied and then proceed with the public hearing and borrowing the necessary funds of which this process will take 2 council meetings; one to adopt the resolution that sets the date for the public hearing and then the second to adopt the resolution to borrow the money. He also recommended beginning discussions with a local bank to determine willingness to purchase the tax exempt bonds giving the city the flexibility in repayment options including utilizing township trustee tax collections; portions of local option sales tax collections, and debt service tax levy or any combination of these as may be needed. It was also suggested that we could do a short term project note if needed in order to wait for an definite answer on the grant application.
Draft of Resolution 2007-10 for plans to proceed with procurement of Fire Truck:
In consideration of the above information and further discussion regarding the bid process that has already taken place, the council made some additional modifications to the resolution and added authorizing the Mayor to sign the purchase contract provided by Smeal with the condition that a performance clause be added to the contract. This resolution was then approved as 2007-10 with a motion from Jeff, seconded by Larry. Roll call vote: Ayes: Jeff, Karrie, Larry. Nays: None. Absent: Hall and Logue-Newcomb. Resolution adopted.
First Street Improvements: No action.
New Business:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON:
Renewal of Adopt a Highway Application from Lions Club was approved with a motion from Larry Beck, seconded by Jeff Christianson. Ayes all. Motion carried.
Request to replace drinking fountain at park: Zerbe informed council that he is not able to obtain parts to fix the drinking fountain at the park. Council reviewed several options and Jeff Christianson made a motion, Larry Beck seconded to purchase the 4400 Bubbler with a self closing handle. Ayes all. Motion carried.
IDOT Sign Replacement Program Available: Council directed that Butch and Tom assess the signs that are needed and apply for the grant opportunity.
Resolution 2007-11 Budgeted Transfer from General Fund to Fire Trust Fund: Larry Beck motioned, Jeff Christianson seconded to adopt the resolution authorizing the clerk to complete the budget transfer of $10,000 from the General fund to the Fire Trust Fund. Roll call: Ayes: Larry, Jeff, Karrie. Nays: None. Absent: Hall and Logue-Newcomb. Resolution adopted.
Resolution 2007-12 Budgeted Transfer from Ambulance Trust Fund to Fire Trust Fund: Karrie Johnson motioned, Larry Beck seconded to adopt the resolution authorizing the clerk to complete the budget transfer of $5,000 from the General fund to the Fire Trust Fund. Roll call: Ayes: Larry, Jeff, and Karrie. Nays: None. Absent: Hall and Logue-Newcomb. Resolution adopted.
Resolution 2007-13 Adjusting the amount budgeted within the public safety program: Jeff Christiansen motioned, Karrie Johnson seconded to adopt the resolution authorizing the clerk to complete the adjustment of the amount budgeted within the public safety program by $9,000 lowering the Fire Department budget and increasing the ambulance amount. Roll call: Ayes: Larry, Jeff, and Karrie. Nays: None. Absent: Hall and Logue-Newcomb. Resolution adopted.
Resolution 2007-14 authorizing the establishment of the TIF Fund for payment of the water and sewer improvements to the school: Larry Beck motioned, Jeff Christianson seconded to adopt resolution 2007-14 authorizing the transfer of 21,500 from the water and sewer funds and to certify the internal debt with the county auditor. Roll call: Ayes: Larry, Jeff, and Karrie. Nays: None. Absent: Hall and Logue-Newcomb. Resolution adopted.
Draft of Ordinance establishing Fire Service Fees and Charges: Council reviewed and discussed with no action to be taken at this time.
Draft of Resolution setting the fees for fire service: This item was reviewed and discussed as a future possibility.
Possible tax sale of property and fines not being paid; The council was informed about a situation involving a possible tax sale and if the property does not sell at tax sale, it could become a county held certificate. The council has directed the clerk to inform the city attorney that the city wishes to protect their interest in the property and to take the necessary steps to do so.
Bid for tree trimming and removal of 5 trees: Upon publishing a notice in the paper and receiving a qualified bid with the proof of insurance, Larry Beck motioned, Jeff Christianson seconded to accept the bid of $1,975 from Odd Jobber. Ayes all. Motion carried.
Safe Routes to School grant application: Council gave consideration to possibly having ECIA reapply for this grant at a cost of $600 or to complete the application on our own. The city will attempt to complete.
Request to approve purchase of chair lift for Memorial Building $4,700: Karrie motioned, Jeff seconded to approve the purchase of the chair lift with the grant proceeds and the funds raised by MAC. Ayes all. Motion carried.
Request to purchase message board for display of cemetery map: A motion was made by Larry Beck, seconded by Jeff Christianson to approve the purchase of a message board for the cemetery with the memorial funds donated by the Velma Smith Estate. Ayes all. Motion carried.
LL Pelling proposal $6,344: Larry Beck motioned, Karrie Johnson seconded to approve the proposal for seal coating to be done on No Name, Second, and Oak Streets. Ayes all. Motion carried.
Committee Reports: No additional reports.
Correspondence: IDNR sewage treatment plant letter of advisement, IDNR approved sewer construction permit 2007-0283S; letter from Elderkin & Pirnie; and a letter from USDA Rural housing rental programs were reviewed.
Mayors Comments: Mayor Furry indicated that he had received several lawn mowing complaints of which the Police Chief has started the procedures for Nuisance abatement on those properties.
Set next regular meeting date: 6-11-07 at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, council member Beck motioned, Johnson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Ayes all. Meeting adjourned.
ATTEST:
____________________________ _______________________________
Linda K. Coppess, CMC David L. Furry, Mayor
City Clerk/Finance Officer