REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 5, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 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 Scott (via telephone due to a family emergency), Tenney and Tucker; Absent - Post and Potratz.
Moved Tucker, seconded Tenney, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 6/20/22, the claims list of 6/18/22-7/1/22, the approval of the new Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service, Sunday Sales and Catering Privileges for Aramark Educational Services, LLC/Pete's/Upper Iowa University. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood encouraged the council members to register for the Iowa League of Cities annual conference in Waterloo this year. Wood provided an update on the strategic planning committee and how they have completed their recommendations and will soon be providing the information to the city council. The Fayette Fire Department included a list of responses from 12/20/21-6/21/22.
Upon recommendation from Mayor Wood, moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to appoint Tim Wolff to the Fayette Board of Adjustment to complete the 5-year term that will expire on 5/15/2024. All ayes, motion carried.
Upon recommendation from the Fayette Recreation Board and Mayor Wood, moved Tucker , seconded Tenney, to appoint Patrick Lynch to the Fayette Recreation Board to complete the 3-year term that will expire on 12/31/2024. All ayes, motion carried.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane updated the council on the Homes for Iowa home project. The home should be delivered later this month.
Police Chief Davis advised the council K9 Odin started training today in Minnesota. Davis has not received anything from the City Attorney on updates in reference to the house inspections. The property owners need to be notified and given adequate time to respond to the violations. Davis believes if the violations are not addressed, the city attorney would file paperwork and it would go to court. Davis provided an update on the Goodell property. The city is completed with everything, and the property is cleaned up. McGrane is working on an invoice to send to Goodell on reimbursement expenses. An offer has been made to Michael Foland in accepting the full-time police officer position and Foland will get back with the city if he will accept the position.
Jaime Hackley provided updates on the improvement project for the mobile home park. His estimates came in at $109,925 for improving the 8 existing/vacant lots ($29,270), adding 12 new lots ($78,155) and extending the drive (24' x 211' $2,500). The council reviewed the "Agreement for Private Development" draft. The agreement would assist Hackley by reimbursing him some of the expenses for the water and sewer lines once he has completed the project and mobile homes are placed on the lots. Council member Susan Scott will review the agreement and provide another draft for the city council to review.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to adopt Resolution 2022-29, accepting the Engagement Agreement and Scope of Engagement with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. with the Hackley Homes & Communities, LLC Development Agreement. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand advised North Main Street needs to be widened and resurfaced. The culverts need cleaned and reshaped, as well. Hildebrand recommends getting a cost estimate so the city council may decide if they want to move forward with the process and how to budget for it. Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to get an estimate for widening, resurfacing and cleaning and reshaping the culverts along N. Main Street with Fehr Graham Engineering. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:02 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 20, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, June 20, 2022, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Pro-Tem Potratz presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Post, Potratz, Scott and Tucker; Absent - Tenney.
Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 6/6/22, the claims list of 6/4/22-6/17/22, renewal of the Iowa Retail Permit Application for Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor for The Pumper, Inc., renewal of the Class C Liquor License with Catering Privilege and Sunday Sales for ARAMARK Educational Services, LLC/Upper Iowa University, and the renewal of the Class E Liquor License with the Class B Native Wine Permit, Class C Beer Permit and Sunday Sales for the Pumper, Inc. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Scott, seconded Post, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed the council the new Fayette ambulance was involved in an accident when it struck 2 Texas Longhorn Cattle. No one was injured but the ambulance had quite a bit of damage. They will be renting an ambulance for the time being. McGrane provided an update on the dispatch contract negotiations with the Fayette County Supervisors and Fayette County Sheriff's Office. McGrane was notified that the city could be awarded a maximum of $50,000 of grant funds from the USDA, Rural Development grant instead of $156,357 that would be used to assist with the Fayette County emergency radio project.
Police Chief Davis advised Gary Goodell's property will be cleaned up this week in reference to the nuisance abatement. Reports were received by the building inspector on two properties that were inspected. Davis is working with the city attorney on next steps. K9 Officer Odin will be going to training soon and should be done by the end of the summer.
This being the time and place published for a public hearing for comments on the authorization of a loan and disbursement agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $65,000 for a 2023 Chevy Tahoe PPV police vehicle, Mayor Pro-Tem Potratz opened the hearing and asked for comments. There being no comments, Mayor Pro-Tem Potratz closed the hearing.
Moved Scott, seconded Tucker, to adopt Resolution 2022-28, approving the authorization of a loan and disbursement agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $65,000 for a 2023 Chevy Tahoe. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve and accept the Fayette City Tree Board meeting minutes from 1/12/22 and 6/15/22, the Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from 4/13/22 and 5/11/22, and the Fayette Ambulance Service meeting minutes from 10/6/21, 11/3/21, 12/1/21, 2/2/22, 3/2/22 and 4/6/22. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve the hire of Mike Foland as a reserve police officer at the rate of $20.00 per hour. All ayes, motion carried.
Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand advised the frame was bent on the 2019 tractor and it is still having issues mowing after it was repaired. Hildebrand received two quotes, one from P&K Midwest, Inc. for $4,052.98 and the other from Bodensteiner Implement Co. for $5,250. Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve the purchase of a new tractor/mower from P&K Midwest, Inc. in Sumner at the cost between $4,000 and $5,500 out of the Streets fund, however, if it's sold before we purchase it, then to purchase a new tractor/mower from somewhere not to exceed $5,500. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to approve $1,011.19 to Dave's Standard Service from the Parks fund for the purchase of new batteries and parts for the golf cart used for watering downtown plants. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Tucker declared the meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 6, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, June 6, 2022, 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, Scott (via telephone due to illness), Tenney and Tucker; Absent - Potratz.
Moved Tucker, seconded Tenney, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 5/16/22, the claims list of 5/14/22-6/3/22, renewal of the Iowa Retail Permit Application for Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor for Dollar General Store #20268, the March 2022 financial reports and the April 2022 financial reports. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Balance for Fund Accounts as of March 31, 2022: Total March Receipts: $127,650.66 (General $24,892.82; Streets $8,208.67; Employee Benefits $1,313.01; Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) $18,350.62; Tax Increment Financing (TIF) $321.66; Revolving Loan $230.50; Bolger $5,670.03; Library Fund $114.93; Debt $289.39; Water Street Project $4,840.75; Water $23,946.36; Water T&A $600; Sewer $33,878.64; Water/Sewer Capital $4,403.28; Storm Water $590). Total March Disbursements: $149,272.90 (General $43,283.61; Streets $9,085.95; Employee Benefits $19,095.87; CDBG $34,925; Bolger $97.13; Library Fund $1,230.92; Homes for Iowa $3,182.50; Water $17,907.44; Sewer $20,464.48). Transfers in: Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Transfers out: Sewer $9,575.50. Treasurer’s Balance: $4,252,398.88.
Treasurer’s Balance for Fund Accounts as of April 30, 2022: Total April Receipts: $224,828.13 (General $89,892.71; Streets $19,154.38; Employee Benefits $30,414.56; LOST $9,175.31; TIF $14,002.29; Revolving Loan $230.25; Bolger $200.41; Library Fund $68.97; Debt $6,891.07; Water Street Project $2,294; Water $18,805.10; Water T&A $450; Sewer $28,608.27; Water/Sewer Capital $4,054.81; Storm Water $586). Total April Disbursements: $142,442.07 (General $55,264.29; Streets $8,899.06; Employee Benefits $8,569.36; CDBG $30,305; Bolger $62.39; Library Fund $1,709.70; Water Street Project $180; Homes for Iowa $3,000; Water $14,082.47; Water T&A $300; Sewer $20,069.80). Transfers in: Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Transfers out: Sewer $9,575.50. Treasurer’s Balance: $4,335,359.06.
Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood informed the council that he attended the nuisance abatement conference on 5/18 and recommended the city look at adopting ordinances including an abandoned property ordinance. Wood provided an update on the strategic planning committee and hopes to present the plan to the city council at a July council meeting.
Upon recommendation from the Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees and Mayor Wood, moved Tenney, seconded Post, to appoint Keisha Formanec to the Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees to complete the 6-year term expiring 6/30/26. All ayes, motion carried.
Upon recommendation from the Fayette Ambulance Service and Mayor Wood, moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to appoint Paul Becthold to the Fayette Ambulance Service. All ayes, motion carried.
Upon recommendation from the Fayette Ambulance Service and Mayor Wood, moved Tucker, seconded Tenney, to appoint Heather Becthold to the Fayette Ambulance Service. All ayes, motion carried.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane advised the council city hall has remained busy with the transition to PACE, assisting citizens with permits and utility customers moving in and out. McGrane completed the budget amendment process and submitted the paperwork to the courthouse on 5/24. McGrane has attended the strategic planning committee meetings, continued to assist with paperwork for the solar panels and has researched tax increment financing (TIF).
Police Chief Davis updated the council on the nuisance abatement for the Gary Goodell property. Davis is waiting for the paperwork from the court before the city can contact a company to clean up the property. Davis advised the city has hired a building inspector to inspect 507 W. Clark Street and 309 W. Water Street later this month. Davis is waiting to receive the POST test for the 4 applicants to take.
This being the time and place published for a public hearing for comments on the conveyance at the cost of preparation of an easement allowing Tim and Holly Wolff to build upon city right of way at 308 E. Water Street, Mayor Wood opened the hearing and asked for comments. There being no comments, Mayor Wood closed the hearing.
Moved Post, seconded Tucker, to adopt Resolution 2022-26, approving the conveyance of an easement allowing building upon city right of way by Tim and Holly Wolff. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Post, to accept and acknowledge the Fayette Personnel Committee meeting minutes from 5/4/22. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to accept and acknowledge the Fayette Ambulance Service meeting minutes from 5/4/22. All ayes, motion carried.
Jaime Hackley was present and discussed his planned project of updating the mobile home court in Fayette. He is planning on replacing and adding water, sewer, and electrical lines in the park to some of the vacant lots in hopes to get more mobile homes. Hackley is working with city officials in Iowa City to possibly relocate some of their mobile homes to Fayette. Hackley is looking at spending around $50,000 to update and run new water, sewer, and electrical to the vacant lots. Hackley may also add additional lots in the back of the mobile home park. Hackley inquired with the city about TIF or other incentives the city would be willing to offer. McGrane had researched TIF, and the city could offer that, however, the bond council advised this would be an unusual use of TIF funds. McGrane suggested the council discuss a new city incentive using Bolger funds to assist projects like this to gain more residential properties in town. The council requested Hackley bring back accurate amounts for costs of running the water and sewer to the vacant lots. The council requested McGrane to have the bond council start drafting a contract for an incentive to present to the council to review. No formal action was taken.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to adopt Resolution 2022-27, fixing a date for a meeting on the authorization of a loan and disbursement agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $65,000 for a 2023 Chevy Tahoe PPV police vehicle and providing for publication of notice thereof. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tucker, seconded Tenney, to approve using up to $1,000 from the Parks Department to purchase new batteries for the golf cart used for watering the downtown plants. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 16, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 16, 2022, 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, Potratz and Scott; Absent - Tenney and Tucker.
Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 5/2/22 and the claims list of 4/30/22-5/13/22. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Scott, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood informed the council that McGrane and him worked on a counter offer for the cell tower company lease. Wood provided an update on the strategic planning committee and advised he will be attending the Nuisance Abatement conference on Wednesday, May 18.
Upon Mayor Wood’s request, moved Potratz, seconded Post, to reappoint Melle Starsen to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a 5-year term expiring 5/31/27. All ayes, motion carried.
Upon Mayor Wood’s request, moved Post, seconded Scott, to reappoint Jeff Potratz to the Board of Adjustment for a 5-year term expiring 5/15/27. All ayes, motion carried.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane advised the council city hall has been busy learning the new online payment software, assisting citizens with permits and assisting college students utility accounts as they move out.
Police Chief Davis updated the council on the nuisance abatement homes and explained he is working with McGrane on hiring a building inspector for the home inspections. Three police officer applicants tested last Saturday for the open police officer position. Davis will hold another test date in the near future for more applicants.
This being the time and place published for a public hearing for comments on the proposed fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget amendment and certification, Mayor Wood opened the hearing and asked for comments. There being no comments, Mayor Wood closed the hearing.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to adopt Resolution 2022-25, approving the FY 2022 budget amendment and certification. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Roland and Magda Vazquez (100 King Street) provided a letter to the Mayor asking the city council to reconsider their previous decision and provide them permission to plant small, decorative flowers in the city right of way. They also explained a few issues they experienced with the city's W. Water Street project and are requesting reimbursement from the city for: 1) $428 for sidewalks, 2) $144.45 to replace plants and 3) $48.15 for drywall damage. Jon Biederman, the W. Water Street project Engineer with Fehr Graham, was present and provided a statement about the concerns. The council discussed the request to plant small, decorative flowers in the city right of way and denied the request. Moved Post, seconded Scott, to table the reimbursement requests until after the W. Water Street project is completed. All ayes, motion carried.
Tim and Holly Wolff (308 E. Water Street) presented a request for a variance to the city of Fayette zoning ordinance application and drawing of a new garage they would like to build on their property. McGrane explained they will need to go through the Board of Adjustment, however, they would like a conveyance at their cost of preparation of an easement allowing them to build on the city right of way. They would like to build the new garage on approximately 4 feet of the city right of way. Public Works Director Hildebrand did not have any concerns with the request because the only utilities on that road go down the middle of the road to 102 Union Street. Moved Post, seconded Scott, to set a public hearing for the next council meeting, 6/6/22, for the conveyance at the cost of preparation of an easement allowing Tim and Holly Wolff to build upon city right of way at 308 E. Water Street. All ayes, motion carried.
Hildebrand presented a quote from Albert Cline to grind 36 tree stumps for $2,012. Hildebrand mentioned that the price will be a little higher because we have 3 more stumps since he received this quote and Cline will grind those as well. Moved Potratz, seconded Scott, to approve the quote from Albert Cline. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Scott, to reimburse Sugar Bowl $1,000 for the marketing incentive. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 6:49 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 2, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 2, 2022, 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, Scott, Tenney and Tucker; Absent - Post.
Moved Scott, seconded Potratz, to amend the meeting minutes of 4/18/22 by taking out the words "One of the" in the Mayor Wood report so it reads "Strategic planning for cities was one of the training sessions at the Leagues training". Motion Potratz, seconded Tucker, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the amended regular meeting minutes of 4/18/22 and the claims list of 4/16/22-4/29/22. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Everett (Roy) Karlson, 506 W. Clark Street, informed the city council that he presented a letter last week to the mayor and council in regards to the poor condition of the home located at 507 W. Clark Street. Karlson contacted the police about the house a few years ago and they were able to get the yard picked up and mowed. Karlson advised since then, the house has continued to deteriorate. Karlson advised Mayor Wood contacted him and they discussed and looked at the house. Karlson advised he is losing property value on his home located next door. Karlson requested copies of the city ordinance. Police Chief Davis and City Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed Karlson that there is a process that must be followed, and someone will follow-up with him.
Mayor Wood acknowledged that he and the council received the letter of concern from the Karlson's. Wood is concerned about abandoned property issues and dilapidated properties in town. Wood has been reading the city code and is planning on attending a training later this month for guidance on municipalities to address these issues. Wood advised the first Steering Committee meeting took place on 4/28/22.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane advised the council the switch to PACE, the new online payment software, went well on 4/19 and Deputy Clerk Creery and him have had a few training sessions. They have also been assisting customers with the change. McGrane attended the IMFOA conference on 4/21 and 4/22. He completed and submitted the required American Rescue Plan report on 4/26.
Police Chief Davis informed the council that the Goodell property abatement court date is 5/11 and they are waiting for a court date for the Smith property. The bike helmet/story walk event that the Fayette Library and Police Department are organizing is developing well and they will be promoting it soon. The annual Upper Iowa University off campus end of the year college student celebration did not take place this year.
Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to accept and acknowledge the Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from 1/12/2022 and 3/9/2022. All ayes, motion carried.
The council discussed homeowners planting specific types of plants in the city rights-of-way. The city attorney recommended the council not allow anything other than grass planted in city rights-of-way because it could become time consuming for the council to manage the variety of homeowners requests and determine what can and cannot be planted, among other things. Moved Potratz, seconded Tenney, to have the city rights-of-way that are currently grass or undeveloped areas to remain grass or to have grass seeded as of todays date of May 2, 2022 and moving forward. All ayes, motion carried.
Wanda Crawford with the new Fayette Chamber would like to request a donation of $600 from the city to assist the Fayette Chamber with promoting businesses in Fayette during RABGRAI 2022. Moved Scott, seconded Tucker, to donate $600 out of the Bolger Fund to the Fayette Chamber for the public purpose of promoting the city of Fayette and the city of Fayette businesses and to have $600 from the hotel/motel tax be transferred to the Bolger Fund to cover the costs when available. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Scott, to approve a $20.00 per hour wage for part-time, reserve police officer Charles Rodas effective April 1, 2022. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Tucker, to approve signing a letter of support for the Community Services Block Grant that benefits the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to approve Resolution #2022-23 adopting and accepting the established city employee salaries. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to approve Resolution #2022-24 adopting and accepting the Fayette Visual Security and Surveillance Policy. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 18, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 18, 2022, 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, Potratz, Scott, Tenney and Tucker.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 4/4/22 and the claims list of 4/2/22-4/15/22. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tucker, seconded Tenney, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood updated the council that Jeff Scott will be the final member of the Strategic Planning steering committee and the committee will meet for the first time this month. Wood attended part three of the Municipal Leadership Academy training in Waterloo.
Upon Mayor Wood’s request, moved Potratz, seconded Scott, to reappoint Steve Post to the Fayette Board of Adjustment for a 5-year term expiring on 5/15/2027. Potratz, Scott, Tucker and Tenney ayes, Post abstained, motion carried.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed the council that he completed the USDA Rural Development grant and submitted it on 4/14/22. Upper Iowa University will probably postpone appreciation day to 4/27 due to the forecast.
Police Chief Davis advised the council the next few weeks is a traffic enforcement wave for the GTSB grant. A nonjury trial is set in May for the nuisance abatement issue for the Goodell property. Smith properties are still being documented for the city attorney. The police department is teaming up with the Fayette Library for a storywalk scavenger hunt event to hand out bike helmets. More details will be announced soon. The city is now accepting applications for a full-time police officer.
This being the time and place published for a public meeting/hearing for comments on the City of Fayette filing an application with the USDA Rural Development for financial assistance to purchase new radios and equipment for the new Fayette County public safety radio network project, Mayor Wood opened the hearing and asked for comments. There being no comments, Mayor Wood closed the hearing.
Moved Tucker, seconded Potratz, to acknowledge we received the Fayette County Economic Development and Tourism Quarterly Report for January through March 2022. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Potratz, to accept the Fayette Personnel meeting minutes from 4/6/2022. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Scott, seconded Post, to approve closing the 100 block of S. Main Street on Saturday, May 21, 2022, for Fayette's Main Street Market. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve closing the 100 block of S. Main Street from 5:30PM to 9PM on the 3rd Thursday of the month starting in May until September 2022 for the Fayette Show and Shine Car Shows. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Scott, seconded Tenney, to approve purchasing a security camera system capable of 7 or 8 cameras with Iowa Surveillance Team. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Post, to approve and direct the City Administrator/Clerk to publish the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget Amendment and setting a public hearing for May 16, 2022, at 6PM in the Fayette Community Library on the FY 2022 Budget Amendment. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 4, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 4, 2022, 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, Potratz, Scott, Tenney and Tucker.
Moved Potratz, seconded Tucker, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 3/21/22, the claims list of 3/19/22-4/1/22 and the February 2022 financial reports. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Balance for Fund Accounts as of February 28, 2022: Total February Receipts: $106,049.07 (General $34,788.01; Streets $14,184.25; Employee Benefits $862.49; Revolving Loan $230.10; Bolger $73.58; Library Fund $48; Debt $184.05; Water Street Project $1,390; Water $19,615.17; Water T&A $150; Sewer $29,714.61; Water/Sewer Capital $4,240.81; Storm Water $568). Total February Disbursements: $79,990.67 (General $35,718.27; Streets $7,234.72; Employee Benefits $8,047.17; CDBG $766.40; Bolger $118.08; Library Fund $1.082.88; Water Street Project $600; Water $12,456.11; Water T&A $570; Sewer $13,397.04). Transfers in: Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Transfers out: Sewer $9,575.50. Treasurer’s Balance: $4,279,674.54.
Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Upon Mayor Wood’s and the Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees requests, moved Tenney, seconded Potratz, to appoint James Lowery to the Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees to finish the term ending 6/30/2026. All ayes, motion carried.
Upon Mayor Wood’s request, moved Scott, seconded Potratz, to appoint Mallory Hanson, David Runyon, Amanda Pasket, Pete Shea, Shannon Nix, Linda Tenney, Wade Whitcher, Kris McGrane and one more Fayette business owner who is also a city of Fayette resident to a Strategic Planning steering committee which will work on an identity and vision for the city as well as strategic goals and to have Mayor Wood facilitate. The committee will eventually refer everything to the city council for final approval. All ayes, motion carried.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane updated the council on the transition to the new online electronic payment company (PACE) that will take place on 4/20/22. The 4th CDBG Rehab home paperwork is almost completed and the process has started for the 6th and final home. The fiscal year 2023 budget has been submitted to the state and the county. McGrane will now be working on a budget amendment. Upper Iowa University will be having their Appreciation Day on 4/20/22. Any adults who are able to volunteer and help students clean-up downtown Fayette or businesses wanting their outside windows washed may contact Amy Tucker.
Police Chief Davis advised that the public safety radio project is moving forward for Fayette County. The Fayette police and library are working together on an event to hand out free bike helmets. K9 Odin will be headed to training on 5/19 for a few months.
Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to approve Resolution #2022-19 approving change order #5 to the Fayette Housing Sustainability Project for the Clark KB home project. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tucker, seconded Post, to approve Resolution #2022-20 approving change order #6 to the Fayette Housing Sustainability Project for the Clark KB home project. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Scott, to approve Resolution #2022-21 approving the final acceptance of the Fayette Housing Sustainability Project for the Clark KB home project. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to approve Resolution #2022-22 agreeing to apply for financial assistance with the USDA, Rural Development to finance new radios and equipment for the Fayette County Public Safety Radio Project and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign all documents. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Tenney, to direct the City Administrator/Clerk to publish the public meeting notice and set a public meeting for April 18, 2022, at 6PM in the Fayette Community Library on applying for financial assistance with the USDA, Rural Development to finance new radios and equipment for the Fayette County Public Safety Radio Project. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tucker, seconded Potratz, to agree to forward the USDA, Rural Development financial assistance to the Fayette County Board of Supervisors to assist with the Fayette County Public Safety Radio Project, if we are awarded the financial assistance. All ayes, motion carried.
The council discussed options for the flagpole and log cabin that are located at the old Tourism home. The council would like to find out the condition and size of the flagpole and the possibility of moving it next to the Freedom Rock. They discussed if it was able to move to the Freedom Rock, possibly having the Fayette American Legion taking care of it. The council would like McGrane to draft something for the public to make suggestions on the future of the log cabin. Moved Tucker, seconded Potratz, to allow the Watermelon Days committee to have a banner or sign on the old tourism lot this summer pending the city remains the owner of the property. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:18 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 21, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 21, 2022, 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 (via telephone), Potratz, Scott, Tenney and Tucker.
Moved Tucker, seconded Potratz, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 3/7/22, the claims list of 3/5/22-3/18/22. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tucker, seconded Potratz, to amend and approve the amended agenda to add discussion on combining the Parks Board and Recreation Board under old business, agenda item #7C. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood advised the council he attended the new city of Fayette chamber of commerce meeting last Thursday. They appointed chairs, discussed their constitution and how they want to proceed as an organization. Wood will also be working on forming a committee for a Strategic Planning session.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed the council that the city is planning on transitioning to the new online electronic payment company (PACE) on or around April 20, 2022. A letter will be mailed or emailed out to all utility customers. Autopay customers will need to reapply for the automatic bank withdrawals each month because there will now be a $0.99 fee for payments under $500 or 1% of the payment amount for payments over $500. McGrane also updated the council on the CDBG Rehab grant and legislative updates.
Police Chief Davis advised Gary Goodell was served citations and Davis met with the Iowa DNR in reference to the situation. The Smith property cases are still open and being monitored.
This being the time and place published for a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Estimated Budget, Mayor Wood opened the hearing and asked for comments. There being no comments, Mayor Wood closed the hearing.
Moved Potratz, seconded Tenney, to approve Resolution #2022-18 adopting and approving the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Certification of Taxes. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Scott requested an update on combining the Parks Board and the Recreation Board. McGrane advised he is still working on a draft ordinance to provide to the Recreation Board to review as requested by the council at a November 2021 meeting. Mayor Wood advised he can start working on the draft ordinance.
Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to discuss and approve the Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from 2/9/2022. All ayes, motion carried.
McGrane updated the council on the 4th CDBG Rehab home, the Clark home. Moved Potratz, seconded Tucker, to approve Resolution #2022-14 adopting Change Order #1 for the Fayette Housing Sustainability Project for the Clark RS Home Project. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Scott, to approve Resolution #2022-15 adopting Change Order #2 for the Fayette Housing Sustainability Project for the Clark RS Home Project. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Scott, seconded Tenney, to approve Resolution #2022-16 adopting Change Order #3 for the Fayette Housing Sustainability Project for the Clark RS Home Project. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Potratz, to approve Resolution #2022-17 approving the Final Acceptance for the Fayette Housing Sustainability Project for the Clark RS Home Project. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
McGrane explained the Turkey River Recreational Corridor would like to add a post near the Fayette County Freedom Rock and make it one of its 20 sites for their 2022 Turkey River Safari. Moved Tucker, seconded Potratz, to endorse the Turkey River Safari project at the Freedom Rock as a site for the 2022 Safari scavenger hunt. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 7, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 7, 2022, 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, Potratz, Tenney and Tucker. Absent - Scott.
Moved Tenney, seconded Potratz, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/22/22, the claims list of 2/19/22-3/4/22 and the January 2022 financial reports. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Balance for Fund Accounts as of January 31, 2022: Total January Receipts: $185,363.52 (General $82,129.53; Streets $14,644.03; Employee Benefits $6,164.38; Local Option Sales Tax $10,800.59; CDBG $18,531; Revolving Loan $230.48; Bolger $582.79; Library Fund $53.33; Debt $1,315.51; Water $18,333.32; Water T&A $750; Sewer $27,292.27; Water/Sewer Capital $3,978.29; Storm Water $558). Total January Disbursements: $118,380.57 (General $46,632.70; Streets $7,437.89; Employee Benefits $4,299.74; CDBG $12,616.93; Bolger $448.14; Library Fund $748.18; Water Street Project $21,244.23; Water $11,468.36; Water T&A $634.11; Sewer $12,850.29). Transfers in: Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Transfers out: Sewer $9,575.50. Treasurer’s Balance: $4,253,301.37.
A letter was received by Herman Lenz addressed to the Mayor and Council in reference to the Iowa Legislature and speed cameras as well as his communication with the Fayette Police Department.
Moved Tenney, seconded Potratz, to amend the agenda and move correspondence from consent agenda items to agenda item 4, receiving and filing of any communications, petitions or please of protest and to approve the agenda as amended. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood advised he submitted an article to the Oelwein Daily Register listing things accomplished in Fayette within the last year and future plans. Wood wrote to Representative Ashley Hinson about the drug problems and the impact it has on our local law enforcement. Hinson replied to Wood's letter and sent a representative who met with Wood at the end of February.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed the council that he attended the Fayette County Supervisors meeting to discuss the dispatch contracts for the cities of Oelwein, West Union, and Fayette on 2/28. Fayette County Sheriff Fisher proposed an amount for each city based on calls for services (CFS) generated by each city. The city of Fayette's estimated CFS is 920 (based on FY2022) and the proposed cost to Fayette would be $11,082, which is a $5,601 increase of the current contract. The Fayette County Supervisors agreed to keep the fee the same as the current year for Fayette in FY2023 and to form an advisory committee made up of two representatives from Oelwein, West Union, Fayette, and Fayette County to discuss how to fund the dispatch center. McGrane and Fayette Police Chief Davis will attend the first advisory committee meeting in April.
Police Chief Davis advised the department has some upcoming events that they will be advertising soon.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to change the headings on the Finance Committee meeting minutes and to approve the amended Finance Committee meeting minutes from 2/24/22 and 2/28/22. All ayes, motion carried.
McGrane advised Resolution #2022-13 is an agreement with Gundersen to lock us in on rates. Moved Tenney, seconded Potratz, to approve Resolution #2022-13 adopting and accepting the Business Health Services and Occupational Health Service Agreement with Gundersen Health System. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to reassign the current lease with Big Rock Country Club, Inc. to Rock Bottom, LLC, and to accept the Rock Bottom, LLC, assignment of lease for the Big Rock Golf Course. All ayes, motion carried.
McGrane highlighted some of the items in the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) proposed budget estimate the Finance Committee is recommending. Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to direct the City Administrator/Clerk to publish the Budget Estimate and set a Public Hearing for March 21, 2022, at 6PM in the Fayette Community Library on the FY23 Budget Estimate. All ayes, motion carried.
McGrane explained he would like the council to consider having Deputy Clerk Nancy Creery start full-time on 4/11/22, which is a few months earlier than budgeted for. McGrane explained his work duties keep increasing and the city has time-sensitive priorities/projects to complete over the next few months including a budget amendment, the W. Water Street project, the Homes for Iowa project, the solar panel installation, the CDBG Rehab Housing grant and switching to the new electronic utility billing payment company. Moved Tenney, seconded Tucker, to make Deputy Clerk Nancy Creery full-time starting April 11, 2022, at the current wage of $12.96 per hour. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:19 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 22, 2022
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 6:02 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 Scott, Tenney and Tucker. Absent - Post & Potratz.
Moved Tucker, seconded Scott, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/7/22, the special meeting minutes of 2/10/22, the claims list of 2/5/22 - 2/18/22 and the December 2021 financial reports. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Balance for Fund Accounts as of December 31, 2021: Total December Receipts: $136,357.05 (General $53,639.72; Streets $12,912.19; Employee Benefits $776.93; Local Option Sales Tax $10,800.59; Revolving Loan $230.47; Bolger $317.74; Library Fund $74.96; Debt $165.77; Water $20,994.53; Water T&A $300; Sewer $31,224.98; Water/Sewer Capital $4,331.72; Storm Water $587.45). Total December Disbursements: $162,402.42 (General $81,892.17; Streets $9,232.91; Employee Benefits $12,281.42; CDBG $9,161.14; Bolger $113.14; Library Fund $694.98; Water Street Project $1,433.50; Water $13,441.77; Water T&A $846.17; Sewer $20,305.22; Sewer Fund $13,000). Transfers in: Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Transfers out: Sewer $9,575.50. Treasurer’s Balance: $4,185,392.73.
Moved Scott, seconded Tucker, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood advised the council he held a department supervisor meeting on 2/16 with the Public Works Director, Police Chief, Library Director and City Administrator/Clerk. Wood is planning on having these meetings monthly. On 2/16, he attended the Fayette County Conference Board with the Assessors office.
City Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed the council he is working with Ann Langerman, the Big Rock Golf Course Board President, on paperwork with transferring their current lease to the new owners of the golf course.
Moved Tucker, seconded Tenney, to approve the Fayette Finance Committee meeting minutes from 2/10/22. All ayes, motion carried.
Discussion on Resolution #2022-12 included the policy doesn't have to be reviewed by the city attorney because the Iowa Code protects the participating officers who are trained through the Peer Support Group. Police Chief Davis advised he may have to make some revisions to the policy as they get the program started. Moved Scott, seconded Tenney, to approve Resolution #2022-12 adopting an addition to the Fayette Police Departments policy and procedure manual as amended replacing "Sheriff" with "Peer Support Coordinator". Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
The city attorney recommended releasing the judgement liens in the case of Connie Conner that were due to nuisance abatement issues in the past. A potential owner would like to develop the property. Moved Tucker, seconded Tenney, to approve releasing the judgement liens in the case of Connie Conner in reference to case numbers 01331FACICV055805, 01331FACICV055806 and 01331FACICV055807. All ayes, motion carried.
McGrane explained the findings and recommendations that were in the fiscal year 2021 city examination. Moved Scott, seconded Tucker, to acknowledge receiving and reviewing the fiscal year 2021 city examination. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 6:37 pm.
