REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

March 4th, 2024

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 4th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Larson, Scott, Potratz, Luchsinger, and Lowery.  

Moved Scott, seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/20/24 and the approval of the claims list 2/17/24 – 3/1/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Potratz, Second Luchsinger, to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Post stated in his report that he has been working with Tiffany Johansen, the recent HR consultant hired for the City, to update some policies. The mayor requested a motion for the appointment of James Hanson to the fire department; a motion was not made by the council and therefore no action was taken.

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with the previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane, on the FY25 budget process. McGrane also trained Hawes on some HR-related items, including preparation for the new Public Works employee to start this month.

Police Chief Davis informed the council they are doing open testing for the open police officer position. The police are hoping to have the series of tests done by the end of the month.

Motion Larson Seconded Scott, to approve the Third and Final Reading of Ordinance 519. Roll Call. All ayes. Motion Carried.

Motion Lowery Seconded Scott to permit outdoor live music at 103 Washington St from 6-11pm on June 29, 2024. All ayes. Motion Carried.

Motion Potratz Seconded Lowery to accept receipt of minutes from Fayette Safety Committee meeting minutes from 2/21/24 and Finance Committee meetings from 2/28. All ayes, motion carried.

Wayne Moss of WEE Investments addressed the council with a February Utility bill of over $3,000. Motion Potratz Seconded Scott to grant an extra 30 days for the WEE Investment utility bill to find out information about the previous precedent set. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Potratz, Seconded Larson, to pass Resolution 2024-05 Insurance Requirements for Emergency Response Vehicles. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz, to provide Fayette County with the City of Fayette’s Proposed Tax Levy. All ayes, motion carried.

Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 6:37pm.

The next meeting will be at 6:00 PM Monday, March 18th at the Fayette Community Library.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

February 20th, 2024

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, February 20th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Potratz, Larson, Scott, Lowery, and Luchsinger.  

Moved Potratz seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/05/24 and, Approval of the claims list 2/3/24 – 2/16/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

    Citizen Comments:  Dan Bolberg addressed the council to clear up any misconceptions stating that the redemption money from the can donation location in Fayette all goes to non-profit organizations around the Fayette area. James Opperman of the Kornhill Redemption Center was present at the meeting and provided a donation to the American Legion with Scott Bowen of Fayette present to accept the donation. Opperman offered to donate to causes in the Fayette area. Opperman stated that donations from redemption total $160-$200 per month returned to the community. Opperman requested for those donating cans to please tie the bags shut to make it easier to pick them up.

Motion Scott, Second Lowery to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Post in his report, talked about the finance committee meetings on the budget that were held over the past week.  Mayor Post met with Andrew Wenthe at UIU to discuss different ways to work together.

Upon recommendation from the Fire Department meeting minutes 2/13; Motion Scott, Seconded Luchsinger to approve adding Zach Bennett to the Fire Department. All ayes. Motion Carried.

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane FY25 budget process. The budget process is coming along with the finance committee having multiple meetings over the past week.

Police Chief Davis informed the council that he is working with UIU to finalize their contract. Picking up the new police vehicle from the outfitter this week.

Fire Chief Kenny Schulmeister promoted to the council that the Fire Department Spaghetti Supper will be March 9th. The Spaghetti Supper starts at 5PM at the Fayette Fire Station.

Ambulance Service Director Roger Post reported that the Fayette Ambulance/EMS Waffle Breakfast will not be held in April, instead it will be held the Saturday morning of the Sesquicentennial celebration weekend.

Library Director Annette Butikofer informed the council that there is legislation that the state is trying to pass that would do away with the library board and put the city council in charge of community libraries.

Motion Scott Seconded Larson to approve the Second Reading of Ordinance 519. Roll Call. All ayes. Motion Carried.

Motion Larson Seconded Lowery to pull out Ambulance CD at maturity and put into a 5 month CD to obtain highest interest rate. All ayes, Motion Carried.

Motion Lowery Seconded Larson to accept receipt of minutes from Finance Committee meetings from 2/7, 2/13,2/14, 2/16, and 2/19. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott Seconded Luchsinger to approve receipt of Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from 1/10/24 and Fire Department meeting minutes from 2/13/24 All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Potratz, Seconded Larson, to approve building permit for Brian and Anita Vanous All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Potratz, seconded Luchsinger to hire Tiffany Johansen of Johansen Consulting as a Human Resources Consultant for the City at the package agreed to during finance committee meeting. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Potratz, Seconded Lowery to hire Curtis Steil as a Public Works Technician pending background check All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery, to approve the purchase of 2 ALS jump bags up to $2,000 from the current budget. All Ayes, Motion Carried.

Motion Scott Seconded Lowery for the approval of 3 active threat medical bags for Fayette Ambulance Service up to $4,000 from the current budget. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Luchsinger, Seconded Larson, to use the American Rescue Funds by the end of FY25 on a CIPP Pipe Lining project repairing sewer lines throughout Fayette. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Lowery, Seconded Larson, to close the open session approve Roll Call, All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Larson, to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City would receive that property. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

Motion Larson, Seconded Scott to end closed session Roll Call, All Ayes, Motion Carried

Motion Potratz, Seconded Scott to open the open session. Roll Call. All Ayes. Motion carried.

Motion Scott Seconded Potratz to table topic discussed during closed session for a later date. Roll Call.

Ayes: Larson, Luchsinger, Potratz, Scott. Nay: Lowery Motion Carried.

Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 7:22pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

February 5th, 2024

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, February 5th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Larson, Lowery, Luchsinger, Potratz, and Scott.  

Moved Potratz seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 1/16/24 and, Approval of the amended claims list 1/13/24 – 2/02/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

    Citizen Comments:  Andrew Wenthe addressed the council with a petition signed by citizens who would like to see the Volga Recreation Trail completed. Louise Scott of Fayette spoke positively about Councilor Janice Larson in her work toward finding information about the trail.  Scott also advocated for the completion of the trail providing pages of a petition of Fayette residents wanting to complete the trail. Scott requested that the item be brought back onto the council agenda in the future. Sue Runyon of Fayette spoke positively toward the completion of the trail with hopes that Bolger funds would be used to pay for the trail and the city would use funds from Local Option Sales Tax or Hotel/Motel Tax. Runyon also made note that she lives next to the trail and many people are using it daily. Councilor Larson mentioned two grants that the city could apply for. Mayor Post mentioned looking into funding as well as putting a committee together to apply for grants on behalf of the city. The mayor and council agreed that this will be something the Finance Committee looks at this budget season.  Finance Committee meetings are open meetings and agendas are posted 24 hours in advance at the post office, bank, and city hall.

Motion Scott, Second Luchsinger to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Post recommended to the council that they appoint April Ransom to the Library Board.  Mayor Post also recommended appointing Wanda Crawford to the Park and Rec Board.   Mayor Post told the council that he has several meetings planned with the finance committee and other city groups throughout the next couple of weeks. Mayor Post gave kudos to the Fire Department for volunteering to shovel out fire hydrants around the city.

Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery to approve adding April Ransom to the Library Board. All ayes. Motion Carried.

Motion Larson, Seconded Potratz to approve adding Wanda Crawford to the Park and Rec Board. All ayes. Motion Carried.

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on sending out W-2s and 1099’s as well as the FY 25 budget process.

Police Chief Davis informed the council that he spent last week at the state capitol meeting with dozens of representatives advocating against the ban on automated traffic enforcement cameras. 

Library Director Annette Butikofer informed the council that she and library board members are advocating against a piece of legislation (SSB 3166) changing the verbiage from “The city shall support their library” to the “The city may support their library”. This change could set a precedent for libraries to lose funding from their city.

Motion Potratz Seconded Lowery to receive minutes from Economic Development Committee Meeting and Finance Committee meeting. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Lowery Seconded Larson to table approving payment for the Downtown & Neighborhood Revitalization Program to Bob Schultz.  All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Luchsinger to table discussion on permitting outdoor live music from 6pm-11pm on 6/29/24 at 103 Washington St.  All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, seconded Lowery, for the City to join the Fayette Chamber of Commerce at the going membership rate and table chamber funding to another meeting. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott Seconded Luchsinger to move forward with getting bids for altering the Open-Air Market sign and updating it to Hofbauer Park (as originally named). All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Luchsinger, Seconded Lowery, to approve selling the 2017 Police Ford Explorer to Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for $7500. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Potratz Seconded Larson to check with the Ambulance Department Chief regarding how they want to handle Ambulance CD at maturity.

Moved Lowery, seconded Larson, to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City would receive that property. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

Motion Larson Seconded Scott to open the open session. Roll Call. All Ayes. Motion carried.

Motion Scott Seconded Lowery that Mayor Post move forward with directions as discussed during closed session. All ayes. Motion Carried.

Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 7:44pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

January 16th, 2024

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, January 16th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

    Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Luchsinger, Larson, Potratz, and Scott.  

Moved Potratz seconded Luchsinger to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 1/02/24, Approval of claims list 12/30/23 – 1/12/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Lowery Second Larson to approve the agenda. Roll Call, All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Post addressed the council giving kudos to the public works department on their efforts with the snow removal after the recent snowstorm. Mayor Post also spoke about a 5-year Capital Improvements plan that he would like to start working on.  This plan would provide a schedule of projects to have a clearer understanding of what the city’s goals are and when and how the city will need to budget for projects.

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he is working on budget worksheets with department heads and plans to work with previous city administrator Kris McGrane to work through the budget process. Hawes virtually attended the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy with meetings on Jan 3-5th.  Hawes has been working with Simmering Cory on updating Fayette’s city code. Hawes is working with Access Systems to get the new city hall location set up with network lines.

Fayette Police Chief Ben Davis reported to the council that he is working with state legislators on advocating for smaller towns to have more representation on curriculum at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Davis was invited to visit with them in Des Moines on January 31st. The new police truck will be outfitted with equipment over the next couple of weeks. Expected arrival is shortly after it’s outfitted.  

    Motion Larson Seconded Scott, to approve the First Reading of Ordinance 519 – Amending Fayette City Code Chapter 69.08 No Parking Zones. Roll Call. Luchsinger: Aye, Scott: Aye, Larson: Aye, Lowery: Nay, Potratz: Aye. First reading passes.

Brian and Anita Vanous addressed the council with plans to repurpose the Fayette elementary school as a rental with 8 units of 2-bedroom apartments.  Their goal is to be completed with construction by the end of the year.

Motion Larson, Seconded Lowery, to approve removing Kurt Wood as mayor and Nathan Post as mayor pro-tempore from all the city of Fayette bank accounts and safe deposit box and adding Nathan Post as mayor and Susan Scott as mayor pro-tempore in addition to city administrator/clerk Markus Hawes and deputy clerk Nancy Creery to all the city of Fayette bank accounts and safe deposit box. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Lowery Seconded Luchsinger to approve removing Kurt Wood as mayor and Nathan Post as mayor pro-tempore and adding Nathan Post as mayor and Susan Scott as mayor pro-tempore in addition to city administrator/clerk Markus Hawes and deputy clerk Nancy Creery to sign City of Fayette Checks. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Luchsinger, Seconded Lowery, to approve removing Kurt Wood as mayor and Nathan Post as mayor pro-tempore and adding Nathan Post as mayor and Susan Scott as mayor pro-tempore in addition to city administrator/clerk Markus Hawes and deputy clerk Nancy Creery to the City of Fayette’s CDs. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz to approve to roll over existing CDs for another 9 months. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz to approve Resolution 2024-02: Updating the Rules of Procedure Governing the Conduct of Business of the City Council.  Potential agenda items are now due to the city clerk by no later than noon, 6 days prior to the next meeting. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery, to approve Resolution 2024-03 Adopting New Housing and Business Incentives. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery to approve Resolution 2024-04 Real Estate Lease Agreement with Verizon Communications Inc. for the Cell Tower Real Estate, updating the revenue shared and extending the agreement through 2033. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Luchsinger Seconded Larson to reappoint Pat Dillon as the Fayette city attorney. All ayes, motion carried.

Discussion was had about tourism ideas for the city as it is the 150th anniversary of Fayette. The mayor is looking for creative ways to bring more people into Fayette. Motion Scott, Seconded Larson to send discussion on tourism ideas for the city to economic development committee.

Potratz motioned to adjourn.  Post declared the meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

January 2nd, 2024

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, January 2nd, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Luchsinger, Larson, Potratz, and Scott.  

Moved Potratz, seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 12/18/23, Approval of claims list 12/16/23 – 12/28/23. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

Motion Lowery, Second Scott to approve the agenda. Roll Call, All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Post addressed the council with a positive and encouraging speech during his mayor’s report. Post presented the recommended council appointments for committees. Moved Lowery Seconded Larson to accept Mayor appointments as amended: Mayor Pro Tempore: Scott. Public Safety: Luchsinger (Chair) Larson, Potratz. Streets and sidewalks: Lowery (Chair), Scott, Larson. Personnel: Potratz (Chair), Lowery, Scott. Finance: Scott (Chair), Potratz, Luchsinger. Economic Development: Larson (Chair), Lowery, Luchsinger. Post also made recommendations to the council from recent meeting minutes of the Fayette Ambulance Service and Fayette Fire Department, which recommended the Service Director and Fire Chief. Moved Scott, Seconded Luchsinger to approve appointing Fayette Ambulance Service Director Roger Post and Fayette Fire Chief Kenny Schulmeister. The oath of office was administered after the meeting.

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he is working on budget worksheets with department heads and plans to work with previous city administrator Kris McGrane to work through the budget process. Hawes is also virtually attending the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy with meetings on Jan 3-5th.  Hawes confirmed the date and location of the next council meeting will be Tuesday January 16th at 6:00pm in the Community Room of the Fayette Community Library.

Motion Potratz, Seconded Larson to acknowledge receipt of Fayette Safety Committee meeting minutes from 12/20/23. All ayes, motion carried.

    Motion Potratz Seconded Lowery, to pass Resolution 2024-01 Establishing Public Work Employee Salaries and Wages. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery to have personnel committee look into potential cost for retaining a Human Resources consulting firm to assist with city HR related concerns and to have finance committee follow up to confirm where funds for agreement are come from. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Larson, Seconded Luchsinger to approve changing deadline for council meeting agenda items due to the city clerk from Thursday at noon of the week before to Tuesday at noon the week before the council meeting. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Lowery, Seconded Larson, to approve payment to Blazek Corporation in the amount of $14,650.00 for work completed at Fayette WWTP. All ayes, motion carried.

    There being no further business, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm.

 

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

December 18th, 2023

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, December 18, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Potratz, Lowery, Luchsinger, Scott, and Post.  

Moved Post seconded Lowery to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 12/04/23, Approval of claims list 12/03/23 – 12/15/23, Accepting of the Financial Reports from July, Aug, Sept, Oct., and Nov. 2023 Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

Citizen Comments:  Kris McGrane of Fayette addressed the council thanking them for tabling the resolution on the salary/wage increases for city employees. McGrane sent the council an email with information forwarded from the Iowa League of Cities echoing McGrane’s advice to make sure that all areas of the budget are considered before giving wage increases as budgeting for raises is best practice.

Motion Scott, Second Luchsinger, to approve the agenda. All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Wood informed the council that he contacted Nathan Overberg with Ahler’s and Cooney Law office regarding the Hackley Homes and Communities Agreement. Hawes will work with Hackley and Ahler’s and Cooney to complete a new draft of the agreement and present it to the council for approval. Wood congratulated officer Joshua McCraney as he graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on 12/05 to complete the 941 quarterly report, monthly financial reports for July, August, September, October, and November. Hawes worked with Rachelle Thompson to complete the annual city exam on December 11th. Hawes attended the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy on December 14th

Police Chief Davis informed the council that the toy drive and Letters to Santa were a big success. The Police Department received around 50 letters to Santa and $500 in monetary donations that will be used to purchase toys and gifts from Fayette businesses. Davis mentioned Officer McCraney graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and will be back serving Fayette this week. Davis gave McCraney the floor to speak and McCraney mentioned the great training he received with the Fayette Police Department prior to attending the academy was a big advantage among his class.

Fayette Community Library Director, Annette Butikofer informed the council of the wonderful events going on in the library.  The Fayette Community Library has been successful and sends materials across the state and has programs that other libraries do not have and wants to make sure these continue. Director Butikofer expressed concern about the resolution of city employee wage and salary increases saying it would be best to wait to budget for the raises.   

Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz for Fayette Ambulance Service to hire Brandon Johnson as a volunteer. Ayes: Post, Potratz, Luchsinger, Scott. Abstained from voting: Lowery. Motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz to table Resolution 2023-55 Establishing City Employee Salaries and Wages. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Post, Seconded Scott, to accept receipt of 12/5 meeting minutes from Fayette Fire Department and the 12/8 Public Works Committee Meeting. All Ayes, Motion Carried.

Motion Scott Seconded Lowery to table the first reading Ordinance 519 Chapter 69.08 No Parking Zones to include both sides of Madison St. Roll Call, All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Post, Seconded Luchsinger to approve Resolution 2023-56 Establishing City Fee Schedule for Services. Roll Call, All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Lowery, Seconded Post in approval of Pay Estimate Number 5 to Wicks Construction, Inc. for N. Main Street Improvements project in the amount of $34,503.68. All ayes, motion carried.

  There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

December 4th, 2023

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, December 4, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Luchsinger, Post, Potratz, and Scott.  

Moved Post seconded Lowery to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 11/20/23, Special Meeting Minutes 11/29/23, Approval of claims list 11/18/23 – 12/02/23, Accepting of the Street Finance Report. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

    Citizen Comments:  Kris McGrane of Fayette addressed the council recommending that Resolution 2023-55 be tabled until either the next fiscal year to budget for changes, or until the finance committee of the council knows where the money will come from to pay for the raises. Louise Scott of Fayette addressed the council that her opinion is that the city employee raises should be postponed until the next budget season. 

Motion Lowery, Second Luchsinger to approve the agenda. All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Wood informed the council that he met with the city attorney, Pat Dillon, prior to the meeting about Resolution 2023-54.   

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on 11/26 to complete the Annual Street Finance Report, GASB 77 paperwork, and to get answers on budget/finance questions, Hawes is working on monthly financial reports for August, September, October, and November with plans to meet with the city treasurer before the next council meeting. Hawes attended the Iowa League of Cities Advanced Budget Workshop on November 21. Hawes is attending the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy on December 14. Hawes and McGrane will be working to provide financial reports for the council as well as preparing for the upcoming budget season.

Public Works Director Hildebrand informed the council that the lift station project at the wastewater treatment plant has been completed.

    No formal action taken on Resolution 2023-54.

Motion Potratz, Seconded Post, to table discussion with Brian Vanous.

Motion Lowery, Seconded Potratz, to approve Oath of Offices for Fayette Fire Chief and Fayette Ambulance Service Chief. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Potratz, Seconded Luchsinger to approve city employee health insurance renewal. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Lowery Seconded Scott, to table Resolution 2023-55 Establishing City Employee Salaries and Wages until finance committee reviews monthly financial reports from July-November.

    There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:04 pm.

 

Transaction Report

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

November 29, 2023

    The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Fayette City Hall meeting room pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding.

   Roll call: Present – Council members Lowery, Luchsinger, Post, Potratz. Absent – Scott.

   Moved Post, seconded Luchsinger, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

   Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve the liquor license renewal of Downtown Lounge Inc. Roll Call, All ayes, motion carried.  

   Being no further business, Wood to adjourn the meeting at 6:02 pm. All ayes, motion carried.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

November 20, 2023

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, November 20, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Post, Lowery, Scott, Potratz, and Luchsinger. (Scott Luchsinger sworn in as council member before the meeting.) 

Moved Potratz seconded Lowery, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 11/06/23, Approval of claims list 11/04/23 – 11/17/23, Accepting of the Annual Financial Report and Annual Urban Renewal Report. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.

    Citizen Comments: Darwin Vandersee of Fayette addressed the council saying that there are several vehicles who are parking along the street in a designated “No Parking” area on Madison St.  Scott Bowen of Fayette asked the council for an update on the revenue the city has received from the safety cameras on HWY 150.

Motion Post, Second Scott to approve the agenda. All ayes, Motion carried.

Mayor Wood, in his report, congratulated those who were elected to the city council as well as the mayor elect. Wood encouraged all elected officials as well as city officials to attend the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy.  Wood addressed an error in the Fayette Union Echo Leader on November 8th. There was a public notice stating that a public hearing would be held about the council appointing the highest non-incumbent vote getter in the November 7th election to fill the vacant seat on council. There was no requirement to have a public hearing and the council had no intention of doing so. Scott Luchsinger was sworn in as a council member moments before the meeting as appointed by the council at the October 16th meeting.

City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes and Police Chief Davis gave an update on the speed camera revenue as requested in the previous meeting. Additional information can be found at City Hall.  Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on 11/7 and 11/19 to complete the Annual Financial Report, the Annual Urban Renewal Report, and the council packet. Hawes is working on monthly financial reports for August, September, and October. Hawes is attending the Iowa League of Cities budget workshop on November 21st and is looking into other budget workshops to prepare for the upcoming FY budget season. 

Police Chief Davis informed the council that the Police Department received their new radios.

The toy drive and Letters to Santa (mailbox at 11 S Main) will continue through December 11th.

Public Works Director Hildebrand informed the council that they’ve been working on winterizing equipment and working on the construction at 9 S Main.

Motion Lowery, Seconded Scott, to accept Resolution 2023-53 Establishing Police Department Salaries and Wages. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.

    Motion Potratz Seconded Post to table Resolution 2023-54 until December 4th pending more information from the city attorney. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Post, Seconded Scott, to approve FY24 funding NE IA Community Action in the amount of $500. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Post, Seconded Lowery to accept the receipt of meeting minutes from October 18th and November 15th Fayette Safety Committee Meetings.  All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery, to approve Police Department to donate light bar and accessories to Fayette Fire Department pending approval by the FFD of the donation. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery to table hiring Brandon Johnson until December 18th meeting. All ayes, motion carried.

Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz, to allow Public Works Director to rollover accrued vacation time. All ayes, motion carried.

   There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

November 6, 2023

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, November 6, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Post, Lowery, Potratz, Scott. One council seat vacant.

     Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 11/06/23 and Approval of claims list 10/14/23 – 11/03/23. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

    Citizen Comments: Scott Bowen of Fayette addressed the council about a difference in amounts that was received from two information requests, one from each the police and city administration about the total amount of income the city has received from the speed camera citations. City Administrator Hawes stated he will investigate this and report back at the next council meeting. There were letters written to the council and Mayor Wood from Daryl Grove and Shawn Petsche in encouragement of Police Department wage increases.

Moved Post, Seconded Potratz in amending the city council agenda to move Item 8B from Old or Unfinished business to Item 11C under New Business and moving all following items down a position on the agenda.

Mayor Wood, in his report, reminded the council of Resolutions 2022-36 and 2022-37 indicating authority and duties of council members. Wood stated that he received a notice from a concerned citizen indicating that that the debris built up on the upstream side of the Volga bridge was concerning. Public Works Director Hildebrand commented on the concern and said the public works employees pulled out the majority of the larger logs earlier in the year and cut through the trees that they couldn’t pull out. The debris should move through if the water gets high enough.

City Administrator/Clerk Markus Hawes worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on 11/5 to print checks, complete council packet.  McGrane is training Hawes on Annual Financial Reports needed to be complete by December 1.  Hawes has been completing paperwork for the IMWCA Audit, as well as paperwork for the HWY 150/S Main project.  Hawes is working on monthly financial reports for August, September, and October. Hawes stated he is attending the Iowa League of Cities budget workshops on November 8th and November 20th and is looking into other budget workshops to prepare for the upcoming FY budget season. 

Police Chief Davis informed the council that the Fayette Police Department along with Riverview and Helping Services are having a toy drive for sexual assault victims and their families. There is now a drop box for Letters to Santa out front of the Police Station (11 S Main).

Public Works Director Hildebrand informed the council that leaf Pickup to end Monday, November 13th. Yard waste to close Wednesday, November 15th. Public Works is working to fix spots in the streets before winter hits.

Jamie Hackley addressed the council asking for additional assistance for developing sewer infrastructure on new lots at his property in Fayette. Hackley has an existing agreement for developing 12 new lots in Fayette. Hackley stated there were increased costs due to tree roots where the sewer and water lines need to be that will connect to the city sewer lines.  Hackley received an estimate of $15,000 cost to complete the project. He requested an additional $10,000.

Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz to have Mayor Wood reach out to the city attorney for recommendation on how to move forward with assisting Hackley Homes and Communities LLC with a portion of the infrastructure cost. All ayes, motion carried.

Counselor Post presented research to the council comparing city police wages by position and median household price. Post recommended an increase in police wages of $3.60 per officer and a $7500 salary increase for the police chief.  Chief Davis countered on the offer and asked that $1 .50/hr be taken from his increase and spread amongst the officers. Post plans to research each city department for comparative salaries and wages as well. The consensus of council was to move forward with creating a resolution to activate the salary and wage increase of$4.10/hr for full time officers and an increase in salary for the police chief of $4,368. The resolution will be presented at the November 20th council meeting.

Moved Scott, seconded Post to accept Personnel Meeting Minutes from October 18.  All ayes, Motion Carried.

Andrea Scott of the Fayette Chamber addressed the council asking to allow the Fayette Chamber to update holiday decorations/lights for the street poles on S Main St. Crawford Creations in Fayette will create the decorations.

A Public Hearing was held on the authorizing a loan and disbursement agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $65,000 for a police 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck. Charles Clark of Fayette asked if the vehicle is replacing one or if this is adding to the fleet.  Police Chief Davis responded that the vehicle is replacing one that is 7 years old.

Moved Post, Second Scott to approve Resolution 2023-53.  All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Scott, Second Lowery, to approve using Police savings account to outfit 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck in an amount not to exceed $35,000. Roll call, All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Scott, Second Potratz, to approve Resolution 2023-52. Updating the policies for Public Works and Police living requirements. Roll Call, All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, Second Potratz to award Hawkeye Farm Services $1750 to grind 35 stumps in Fayette.  All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Lowery seconded Post, to table discussion on payment to Northeast Iowa Community Action for 2024 funding of services, until November 20th council meeting. All Ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve Change Order #3 for the N. Main Street Improvements project in the amount of $-11,798.20. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Lowery, seconded Scott, in approval of Pay Estimate Number 4 to Wicks Construction, Inc. for N. Main Street Improvements project in the amount of $21,120.24. All ayes, motion carried.

There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:41 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

October 16, 2023

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, October 16, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Post, Lowery (via phone), Potratz. Absent: Scott. One council seat vacant.

     Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 10/2/23, Approval of Claims List 9/30 - 10/13/23.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Citizen’s Comments: Joy Jaeger of Fayette addressed the council about the fire department members pictured in the Oelwein Daily Register and Fayette Union paper. Not all those pictured are members and the pictures were unprofessional.   Nancy Wulfekuhle of Fayette addressed the council that she believes that the police department are doing a good job and deserve an increase in pay.  Scott Bowen of Fayette addressed the council saying that he wanted to thank the police department for the work they’ve done in response to a concern on Jones St. and slowing traffic in that area.  

     Moved Potratz, seconded Post to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

     Mayor Wood informed the council that he spoke with the city attorney and the city council is required to fill the vacant seat in council. Wood also informed the council that he spoke with Andrew Wenthe at Upper Iowa University and the UIU board of trustees will be going through the process to gift UIU’s portion of the Volga River Recreation Trail to the city of Fayette.  

City Administrator/Clerk Hawes worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane, on 10/12 and 10/15. The two worked on monthly bank statements/financials, Resolutions/Public Hearings/Lease Agreements, Claims/Payments, journal entries, Personnel/Human Resources, claims/bills and council agenda/packet.  Hawes registered for budget workshops with the Iowa League of Cities for November 8th and 21st.  Hawes has submitted all paperwork to the IMWCA Auditor for their FY23 annual review. Hawes has also begun submitting items for City Exam.

Police Chief Davis addressed the council that the drone for the police department arrived.

Public Works Director informed the council that the work of laying fabric and rock around the city wastewater lagoons should begin this week.

Moved Post, Seconded, Potratz, to table the discussion on Hackley Homes and Communities LLC.

Moved ­­­­Potratz, seconded Lowery, to approve and acknowledge receipt of Personnel Committee meeting minutes from 10/11/23. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve closing most of the 100 block of S. Main Street for UIU Fall festival from 3PM to 9PM on October 21, 2023. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve payment for the Downtown & Neighborhood Revitalization Program to Lois and Rick Shurtleff in the amount of $4750.00. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve hiring Blazek Corporation out of Lawler, Iowa, to complete the wastewater treatment facility wall project in the amount $15,150.00. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve Resolution 2023-48, approving the employee Health Insurance Handbook. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve Resolution 2023-49, approving the Personnel Policy to include updated to Section 5.1 Health Insurance. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve Resolution 2023-50, fixing a public hearing date for authorization of a loan and disbursement agreement and issuance of not to exceed $65,000 for a Police 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Truck and providing for publication of notice. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to take police department wages discussion to the personnel committee.  All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to appoint to fill the vacancy on the Fayette City Council with the highest non-incumbent city council member vote-getter at the November 7th election. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve having city wide trick or treating on Tuesday, October 31 from 5PM to 7PM.  All ayes, motion carried.

There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:00pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

October 2, 2023

      The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, October 2, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Post, Lowery, Potratz, Scott. One council seat vacant.

     Moved Potratz, seconded Lowery, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 9/18/23, Approval of Claims List 9/16 - 9/29/23. Receiving June 2023 Financial Reports, and Accepting resignation of council member Amy Tucker.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Potratz to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

     Mayor Wood informed the council that during the September meeting with IMWCA, Wood and Administrator Hawes were told that the Fayette Fire Department were not all current with required physicals and fit testing (for oxygen face masks).  The IMWCA personnel highly recommended Med Compass, which is a mobile service that comes on-site, making it more convenient and cost effective for firefighters. Wood met a rep from Med Compass when he attended the Iowa League of Cities conference in Cedar Rapids from 9/20-9/22 and forwarded contact information to Fayette Fire Chief Niles, copying Public Safety Committee Chair Lowery, also informing the Fire Chief that the FFD must get current with needed physicals. 

City Administrator/Clerk Hawes informed the council that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane, on 9/17, 9/21, 9/28 and 9/30. Hawes and McGrane worked on FY23 transfers/bank transfers, closed out June 2023 financials, prepared for City Treasurer to work on June 2023 reconciliation, Treasurer/Cash reports, journal entries, sewer fund transfers, monthly council reports, Personnel/Human Resources, claims/bills, and council agenda/packet.  On 9/20 Hawes met with the city’s insurance broker who assists with health/dental/vision insurance for city employees. Hawes is continuing to research costs for the move of City Hall to 9 S. Main Street as well as working to complete paperwork for the Old HWY 150/N. Main Street project.  Hawes attended the Personnel Meeting on 9/25. Hawes has started submitting paperwork to the IMWCA Auditor for their FY23 annual review.

Police Chief Davis informed the council that mental health cases have been on the rise in the county and the police department have been assisting with many callouts over the past week.

Moved Scott­­­­, seconded Lowery, to approve and acknowledge receipt of the amended Personnel Committee meeting minutes from 9/25/23. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved ­­­­Post, seconded Potratz, to approve and acknowledge receipt the Fayette County Economic Development & Tourism quarterly report from July to September 2023. All ayes, motion carried.

     Roy Karlson addressed the council with ideas to improve the Freedom Rock area in Fayette such as covering the tribute rock and adding flags to honor service men and women from Fayette. Through his research, as well as visiting 35 locations himself, Karlson found that 80% of the freedom rocks around Iowa had a structure to cover the rock and help preserve its condition throughout various weather.  Many of the Freedom Rock areas that Karlson visited included flags. Karlson is also requesting the MIA flag, the Iowa flag and the USA flag be flown at the Fayette Freedom Rock site. The hope is to establish local donations as well as use of city funds to complete the project.  The Fayette Chamber of Commerce has agreed to apply for a development grant in which funding from the grant must be matched. Mayor Wood suggested that the Economic Development Committee of the city council work with the Chamber on completing the grant.

            Moved Lowery, seconded Scott, to approve looking into funding for improvements to the Freedom Rock area. All ayes, motion carried.

     Jaime Hackley addressed the council with increasing costs of his new development in Fayette.  There are many tree roots where the sewer lines are going in and he needed to hire a company with a roto-rooter to clear areas. He is requesting additional funds from the city as his lines will be connected to the city utilities. The city has an existing agreement with Hackley Homes & Communities, LLC for this development with a cap on the amount of funds received.

Moved Scott, seconded Potratz, to table the discussion on an agreement with regarding funding for running water and sewer infrastructure on new residential area that will tie into city utilities. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Potratz, seconded Scott, in approval for the police department to use savings funds to purchase from Access Systems new workstations in the amount of $9,766.16. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Lowery, seconded Potratz, to move forward with the purchase of a new police vehicle with Specialty Vehicle Source in the amount of $55,618. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Potratz, seconded Scott, to hire Heartland Asphalt, Inc. for work on S Main St from Jay St to 7th St at the amount of $47,690.90. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Scott, in approval of Partial Pay Estimate Number 3 to Wicks Construction, Inc. for N. Main Street Improvements project in the amount of $387,575.09.All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve Change Order #2 for the N. Main Street Improvements project in the amount of -$720.00.All ayes, motion carried.

 

   There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm.

City of Fayette – Council Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes

Monday, September 25, 2023

Post started the meeting with Roll Call at 6:00PM in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library as posted.

Members Present: Chairman Nathan Post and Patty Potratz.  Absent: Amy Tucker (resignation submitted on 9/18/23).

Others Present: Public Works Director, Adam Hildebrand, Library Director Annette Butikofer, Police Chief Ben Davis, Police Officer Jeremia Owens and City Administrator/Clerk Markus Hawes.

Moved Post, Seconded Potratz, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

Public Works Director requested to increase residency requirement radius for all city employees with residency restrictions. For the Public Works department, the most immediate emergency response needed would be if the wastewater lagoons have an issue where the lift station could not keep up.  This fall, the lift station at the lagoons will be moved to match elevation of lagoons, which would eliminate the emergency response.  Director Hildebrand proposed to change policy to 4 air miles from city limits.  Police Chief Ben Davis proposed removing the residency requirement and putting in place a response time requirement for on-call employees. Davis noted that this residency requirement restricts the applicant pool for these departments. Director Hildebrand and Chief Davis plan to get more information on current policies and bring them to next Personnel Committee meeting. No formal action was taken on the agenda item.

Director Hildebrand requested that city hall implement a complaint form for issues between citizens and city departments or employees.  Chairman Post advocated for a complaint form as well. Hawes agreed that a formal way to address valid complaints about the city would be good to have on file.  Chief Davis has a formal complaint form that he is planning to modify to match should such a form be passed by council.  More work will be done to draft a complaint form and add it to the agenda for the next Personnel Committee meeting. No formal action was taken on the agenda item.

City Administrator/Clerk, Mark Hawes, showed the committee that the Personnel Policy and the Health Insurance Handbook for city employees should be modified. The Health Insurance Handbook is updated annually, whereas the Personnel Policy is not, typically.  Information about HSA contributions from the city of Fayette is listed in the Personnel Policy but the policy does not include when new employees are eligible for this benefit.  Hawes proposed putting all HSA related information into the Health Insurance Handbook and having the Personnel Policy updated to refer to the Health Insurance Handbook for HSA information. Hawes also asked the committee to consider setting the city HSA eligibility for new employees to be the same as the date eligible for health insurance (the first of the month after the first 30 days of employment). 

Moved Post, seconded Potratz to recommend to the city council to update the Personnel Policy to refer to Health Insurance Handbook for HSA related items.

Moved Potratz, seconded Post to recommend to the city council to update 5.1 in the Personnel Policy to include HSA contributions with health insurance effective dates for new employees effective September 1st, 2023, moving forward.

Being no further business, Post adjourned the meeting at 7:14pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

September 18, 2023

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, September 18, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Post, Potratz, Scott, and Tucker.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 9/5/23, the claims list of 9/2/23-9/15/2, accepting the resignation and retirement of Randy Streeter, and approval to renew the Class B Retail Alcohol License for Dolgencorp, LLC/ Dollar General #20268. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Citizen Comments: Charles Clark of Fayette expressed concern over city street conditions.

     Moved Lowery, seconded Scott, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

     Mayor Wood appointed Jason Niles as Fire Chief for the remainder of 2023.  Wood advised the council that he will be attending the League of Cities conference 9/20 through 9/22 in Cedar Rapids. Wood and administrator Hawes met with IMWCA about the potential of having quarterly safety meetings instead of monthly. IMWCA said that given the city of Fayette’ claim numbers, the city is required to continue monthly safety meetings.

     City Administrator/Clerk Hawes informed the council that he is continuing to work with previous city administrator McGrane to train for the position.  Hawes informed the council of progress made towards the future city hall location, 9 S Main, as the materials needed to continue the project are expected to arrive this week.

     Fayette Police Chief Davis informed the council that the state may be cutting local funding for police, EMS, and fire services, removing some control over expenditures. Davis will be drafting a template letter against such actions and urged the council and residents to write to their representatives opposing such measures.

     Public Works Director Hildebrand advised the council that they are working to replace water meters.  They are doing so gradually to spread out costs throughout the year.

Moved Tucker, seconded Potratz, to approve purchasing more water meters not to exceed $16,000. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve payment to Envirodyne Systems Inc. for the purchase of two take-up bearing assemblies in the amount of $17,034.32. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to approve Resolution #2023-47, setting rates/fees and for setting compensation rates for volunteers for the city of Fayette Ambulance Service. Roll call, Ayes: Lowery, Potratz, Scott, and Tucker; Abstained: Post, motion carried.

Moved Scott, seconded Lowery, to table discussion on completing pacing the trail from Fayette to Volga River Recreation Area. All ayes, motion carried.

    There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:04pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

September 5, 2023 

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Post, and Scott; Absent -  Potratz, Tucker.

     Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 8/21/23, the claims list of 8/19/23-9/1/23 and receiving of the Outstanding Obligations Disclosure Statement for fiscal year (FY) 2023. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Citizen Comments: Scott Bowen of Fayette, stated that closing State Street to Washington during Watermelon Days is potentially a hazard; in the event of a fire, the Fayette Fire Department would need immediate access to this area.

     Moved Lowery, seconded Post, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

     Mayor Wood advised the council that the public safety committee is looking into the fire and the response from local departments.  Wood read and signed a proclamation for National Clean Energy Week, September 25-29, 2023.

     Moved Lowery, seconded Post, to approve the proclamation to declare September 25-29, 2023 National Clean Energy Week.  

     Former City Administrator/Clerk McGrane provided a written report to the council stating he has worked with Markus and Nancy over the last few weeks. McGrane completed the Outstanding Obligations Disclosure Statement and trained Markus on it, completed the RFP for the city exam/posted it/emailed it out to some firms/later reviewed them and rated them for the council, worked on Homes for Iowa fund, pipeline requests and permits, claims/bills, employee health insurance payments, new property/auto/liability insurance breakdown and payment, the FY2023 fund transfers and trained Markus on a variety of things.

     Fayette Police Chief Davis informed the council of a security breach of email accounts. Davis is working with the Department of Justice on this issue. It appears 23 counties have been targeted and the DOJ is providing ransomware to the cities involved at no cost to the city.  Davis commented that it appears the city of Fayette was not the target, but a way to gain communication and access to larger organizations.

     Public Works Director Hildebrand advised the council that he met with Jon Biederman with Fehr Graham regarding the lift station. Biederman gave an update on the HWY 150/Water Street project. The updated plan is to finish the project over the following week.

     Moved Scott, seconded Lowery, to approve Resolution #2023-42, approval of transfers for fiscal year 2023. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Scott, seconded Post, to approve awarding Rachelle Thompson to perform the fiscal year 2023 city exam in the amount of $4,220. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Scott, seconded Lowery, to approve moving forward with advertising that we are accepting bids for cleanup of the property located at 101 King Street. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve partial pay estimate number 2 to Wicks Construction for North Main Street project in the amount of $170,396.78. All ayes, motion carried.
     Moved Post, seconded Lowery to approve the Change Order #1 for the North Main Street Improvements project in the amount of -$7,444.05. All ayes, motion carried.
     Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve payment to Granger Construction for the demolition and cleanup of the buildings at 309 E. Water Street in the amount of $34,975.00 All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve closing S. Main Street from Water St. to Clark St. and State St. from Mechanic St. to Washington St. from Friday, September 8th to Sunday, September 10th, for Watermelon Days and granting permission for live music outside until 11:59 PM on Friday and Saturday, September 8th and 9th. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve taking the steps to move Fayette City Hall to 9 South Main Street. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Lowery, seconded Scott, to approve hiring Basepoint Building Automations in the amount of $11,000 to remodel a portion of 9 S. Main Street. All ayes, motion carried.

    There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 6:58 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

August 21, 2023

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, August 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Post, Potratz, Scott and Tucker.

     Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 8/7/23 and the claims list of 8/5/23-8/18/23. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Citizen Comments: Louise Scott of Fayette addressed the council about trail repairs and ideas for pedestrians safely crossing Highway 150. Scott Bowen of Fayette expressed concern about the appointment of the fire chief.

     Moved Potratz, seconded Lowery, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

     Mayor Wood advised the council that Kris McGrane will help train Markus Hawes and the city council passed Resolution 2023-38 indicating McGrane's part-time wages. Wood thanked Deputy Clerk Nancy Creery for her extra work and time at City Hall. Wood thanked the area fire departments for their assistance at a recent house fire. Police Chief Davis is working with the fire marshal to investigate the house fire. Wood explained there were some emergency paging/communication issues between the Fayette County Sheriff's Office Dispatch and the Fayette Fire Department that are being looked into. Wood also advised that all five council seats and the Mayor are all up for re-election and any interested residents may complete the proper paperwork and submit them to the Fayette County Courthouse.

     City Administrator/Clerk McGrane provided a written report to the council stating he has taken steps to get Markus Hawes access to the city's computer servers and accounting software. McGrane has assisted Deputy Clerk Creery with bills/claims, meeting minutes, utility bills, approval of permits, employee payroll/personnel duties, financials, among other things, over the last few weeks.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Lowery, to approve purchasing a drone for the Fayette Police Department in an amount not to exceed $7500. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve remodeling the restroom at 9 S. Main Street. All ayes, motion carried.

    There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 6:51 pm.

 

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

August 7, 2023

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, August 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Post, Potratz, Scott and Tucker.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 7/17/23, special session meeting minutes of 7/27/23, the claims list of 7/15/23-8/4/23 and the approval to renew the Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service and Catering Privileges for Aramark Educational Services, LLC/Pete’s. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Citizen Comments: Glen Smith from Fayette addressed the council with his concerns over the demolition of his home, including Smith not being notified properly. Mayor Wood advised the city has notified him properly and demolition is scheduled for this week.

     Scott Bowen from Fayette expressed his concerns about the lawn needing mowed at 207 Alexander Street.

     Moved Lowery, seconded Potratz, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.

     Mayor Wood shared news that the Fayette Community Library has achieved accreditation through the State Library of Iowa and congratulations are in order.

     City Administrator/Clerk McGrane provided a written report that included some of the things he has been working on. The solar panels at the wastewater treatment plant were finally approved by Alliant Energy and will be turned on. McGrane completed the quarterly reports due in July, updated the employee health insurance breakdowns, worked on June and July financials, updated payroll changes, assisted with other human resource/personnel duties, assisted with city permits, completed the Wellmark Recredentialing for the Ambulance Service, assisted with some Homes for Iowa and CDBG grant paperwork, completed an RFP for full audit services and got it dispersed, assisted with some end-of-the-month reports, assisted with some utility billing duties, assisted with a few city incentives, and assisted with bills/claims and getting the council packet completed.

     Fayette Police Chief advised the council that Officer McCraney has passed his academy agility entrance testing exam to attend the academy starting August 28, 2023. A judgment has been obtained regarding clean-up at Gary Goodell’s property.

     Public Works (PW) Director provided a written report that included an update on the North Main Street project. The project is going well. The PW department has been able to catch up on projects, such as painting the curbs, parking lines, crosswalks and clearing out trees and brush along Big Rock Road. The flowmeter for the lagoons was received and they are now able to discharge.

    Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to table Resolution 2023-42 until the August 21st meeting. All ayes, motion carried.

    McGrane informed the council that no one submitted an offer to complete the city exam this year. Most of the firms said they were too busy this year. McGrane reached out to the State of Iowa Auditor to find out if they could provide a cost estimate to conduct the audit. Michelle Meyers with the State of Iowa advised it is extremely expensive for the State to do audits. Meyers investigated the city of Fayette’s previous city exams conducted by Rochelle Thompson and advised Thompson has a solid reputation and Fayette has gone above and beyond with their financial reports and reconciliations and there have been no concerns. Meyers is certain the State of Iowa would decline any bids to conduct Fayette’s audit due to labor shortages and an already busy schedule. Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to contact Rochelle Thompson and inquire if she would be available to conduct a city exam for FY23. All ayes, motion carried.

    Moved Scott, seconded Lowery, to acknowledge receipt of the Fayette Ambulance meeting minutes from 8/2/23. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Scott, seconded Lowery, to approve Resolution 2023-44, approving a 28E Agreement between the Fayette Ambulance Service, Inc., and the City of Fayette for the transfer of funds. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

    Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve Resolution 2023-45, approving the hiring of Markus Hawes as full-time City Administrator/Clerk at a salary of $60,500. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

    Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve removing Kris McGrane from all the city of Fayette bank accounts and safe deposit box and adding Markus Hawes to all the city of Fayette bank accounts and safe deposit box on 8/21/23. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve removing Kris McGrane and adding Markus Hawes to the cities CD’s on 8/21/23. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Lowery, authorizing Markus Hawes to apply for credit on behalf of the City of Fayette and receive a company credit card on 8/21/23. All ayes, motion carried.

    Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve Resolution 2023-46, adopting the City of Fayette’s Safety Manual. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Lowery, seconded Potratz, to approve the Terracon proposal for comprehensive asbestos assessment of 200 Volga Street property buildings at a cost of $10,150.00. All ayes, motion carried.

     Jon Biederman with Fehr Graham Engineers updated the council on the North Main Street project. Biederman advised work has progressed nicely; however, the general contractor will be providing a letter with a completion date extension, in which Biederman advised was acceptable without any penalties.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to approve Partial Pay Estimate #1 to WICKS Construction, Inc. for the North Main Street project in the amount of $76,477.74. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve payment to Granger Construction Inc. for house demolition and tree removal for $12,700.00. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Potratz, seconded Scott, to approve payment of sidewalk replacement program incentive for the Fayette County Food Shelf and reimbursement of $265. All ayes, motion carried.

     Mayor Wood conducted the swearing in of Markus Hawes and Hawes took the Oath of Office and will assume his new position on 8/21/23.

     Moved Lowery, seconded Scott, to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonable expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City would receive that property. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Post, seconded Scott, to open regular session. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to have Mayor Wood follow through with the city council’s direction during close session. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     There being no further business, Mayor Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

July 27, 2023

The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call: Present – Council members Lowery (via phone), Post and Tucker; Absent-Potratz and Scott.

Moved Post, seconded Lowery to approve the agenda as resented. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Tucker, seconded Post to open special session. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded by Tucker to direct the mayor to move forward with an offer to the chosen candidate for the City Clerk/Administrator position. All ayes, motion carried.

Moved Tucker, seconded Lowery to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the governmental body would receive for that property. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

Moved Post, seconded Lowery to open special session. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

Moved Lowery, seconded Tucker to direct Mayor set up a meeting with North Fayette Valley to review counteroffer prior to August 1, 2023. All ayes, motion carried.

There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.

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