REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

May 21, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 21, 2018 at 6pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Cowley, Larson, Nefzger, Tucker and Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 5/7/18, the claims list of 5/8/18 – 5/21/18 and the April 2018 Financial Reports.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of April 30, 2018:  Total April Receipts: $387,589.06 (General $123,256.70; Streets $6,507.15; Employee Benefits $47,750.29; Local Option Sales Tax $7,063; TIF $27,874.56; Bolger $229.65; Library Fund $185.71; FEMA $51,745.02; Water $42,672.12; Sewer $69,157.36; Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Storm Water $1,572).  Total April Disbursements: $92,911.49 (General $48,962.78; Employee Benefits $9,917.36; Library Fund $584.89; Water $11,611.66; Sewer $21,834.80).  Treasurer’s Balance: $3,240,458.23.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to appoint Dan Boberg to the Fayette Board of Adjustment.  Wenthe advised he attended the HWY 150 Meeting on May 10 and they are still having conversations and gathering information to present to the Iowa DOT on looking at the possibility of expanding HWY 150.

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed the council that Fayette City Hall will be closed on Memorial Day, May 28.  McGrane also shared a list of all the cities and states where campers at Klock’s Island Park in 2017 had come from.  He was only able to gather the information from the checks the city had received and advised the council most of the campers pay by cash.  The information listed 27 cities in Iowa, one city in Illinois and 5 cities in Wisconsin.  Last weekend the city received a thank-you note from campers from Whitefish, Montana that said, “It’s obvious you too take great pride in such a clean, well maintained facility!”

     Police Chief Davis told the council that he has 5 applicants so far for the full-time police officer position.  Davis also started a social media page for the Fayette Police Department. 

     Moved Tucker, seconded Nefzger, to discuss and approve to advertise the 2018 Sanitary Sewer Repair/CIPP Lining Improvements Project and increase costs to $400,000.  Adam Moris with Fehr Graham was present and shared the plans.  Moris advised there will be two divisions of the project because there are two different types of contractors that work on the repairs.  One being excavation and the other being lining.  This will also help to get the best price.  The estimated cost of the excavation and spot repairs would be around $144,000.  The estimated cost of the lining would be around $224,000.  There would also be engineering costs on top of that.  Moris explained they reviewed the televising reports to prioritize and determine the areas that need repaired within the price range we provided them.  This type of project can be flexible, so if low bids are received and there are additional funds to work with, more can be added to the project.  If bids are higher, then the project can be cut back.  The lining is for the main line itself and not the laterals.  McGrane advised the council originally planned on spending around $300,000 for this project.  McGrane had Speer Financial, Inc. (the cities Financial Advisor) determine if the city could afford to raise project costs up to $400,000 without having to raise sewer rates more than the 2% each year that is already approved.  Speer advised the city could afford to raise the project cost to $400,000.  The city is planning on taking a SRF Loan to pay for this project.  After a brief discussion, moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to advertise the 2018 Sanitary Sewer Repair and CIPP Lining Improvements Project and increase the project costs to $415,000.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss setting a Public Hearing for the 2018 Sanitary Sewer Repair/CIPP Lining Improvements Project.  Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to set the Public Hearing for the 2018 Sanitary Sewer Repair and CIPP Lining Improvements Project for 6PM on Monday, June 18, 2018.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to discuss and approve the proposal from Kluesner Construction, Inc. for crack filling.  This is already a budgeted expense.  After discussion, moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to approve and accept the proposal from Kluesner Construction, Inc. for crack filling.  All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to discuss and approve the proposal from TSI Tennis Services of Iowa for repairing the pickleball and basketball courts.  The cost that was originally budgeted has increased by approximately $6,450 because an extra coat of acrylic resurfacer is needed as well as fixing the cracks.  This project will repair the asphalt for the basketball court and the tennis court and transform the tennis court into two pickleball courts.  There will be additional costs for the pickleball nets and hardware.  The Parks Department has additional money in savings to cover these costs.  After a brief discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Larson, to approve and accept the proposal from TSI Tennis Services of Iowa for repairing the pickleball and basketball courts.  All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss Resolution 2018-12.  After a brief discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Cowley, to approve and accept Resolution 2018-12: adopting the Fayette County, Iowa Multi-Jurisdiction (MJ-14) Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to discuss and take action on the storm water drainage system violation by Chris Matt and Matt Properties, LLC at 105 W. Madison along King Street.  Chris Matt, his wife and Jana Olson were present.  It was noted by Wenthe that Matt had requested to be placed on a council agenda, possibly last fall, in regard to the issue and he was, however Matt did not show up.  Matt advised he was waiting to receive a written notice about being placed on the agenda and the date and time of the meeting, but he never did.  Matt advised the council they built the house at 105 W. Madison Street in 2013.  Matt said he spent $350,000 on the house at 105 W. Madison Street to make it look nice and he takes pride in the house.  Matt advised they did not fill in the ditch, they put in a culvert with intakes and had worked with the Fayette Public Works Department during the process.  Matt advised it was approved when he built the house that he could place a dual-wall pipe, embedded in rock with intakes to the pipe. Matt said he did not fill in the ditch to make the water go to the street and believes he spent money to make it better.  Matt advised he will have to spend more money to tear it out and he will if the council directs him to do that, but he doesn’t believe it will fix the drainage issues.  He had met last fall with Public Works and the Streets Committee about drainage issues.  Olson advised the council has the responsibility to conduct inspections and tests to make sure there is compliance with Chapter 88 of the City Code and in this area of town all of the pipes are filled up at this point.  Olson said the pipes on almost every side are filled up.  Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand advised when Matt put the culvert in, he was not aware of it, but afterwards, he met with Matt and the intake was too high.  Hildebrand asked Matt to lower it and Matt did.  After last year’s heavy rains, Hildebrand asked Matt to put another intake in and Matt did.  McGrane had indicated there are other areas in town that Fayette citizens have complained about storm drainage issues that the council will need to address as well.  After further discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to put the process on hold at this point until further investigation and studies are done and a recommendation is made by the Streets Committee with future action.  Nefzger, Wulfekuhle, Tucker, Cowley ayes, and Larson nay, motion carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Cowley, to discuss Ordinance 498, first reading.  McGrane advised the city attorney recommends we stay consistent with the Iowa DNR regulations regarding hours of operations, which is from dawn to dusk, and to stay consistent with the Fayette County code in regard to the engine sizes.  The council agreed to take out the “egress from the city limits” and to take out all the streets that are prohibited in Section 75.08 (3) A-E, except leave in section F: Any portion of HWY 150 including right of ways and ditches.  Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Larson, to approve the changes mentioned and approve the first reading and adopt Ordinance 498: Amending Fayette City Code Chapter 75 All-Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles.  On roll call, all ayes, motion carried. 

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss the rental code.  After discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Wulfekuhle, to redraft the rental code and take out the portions that require inspections for all properties and add the city would take complaints and the inspection process would start when a complaint is filed.  All ayes, carried. 

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 7:05pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

May 7, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 7, 2018 at 6:01pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Cowley, Larson, Nefzger (by speakerphone), Tucker and Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 4/16/18, the claims list of 4/17/18 – 5/7/18, the renewal of the beer license & native wine permit for Upper Iowa University/Aramark and the renewal of the liquor license, beer permit, native wine permit & Sunday sales for The Pumper. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     This being the time and place published for a public hearing on the conveyance of an easement allowing the Fayette County Food Shelf (FCFS) to build upon city right-of-way (ROW) at the intersection of E. Water St. and Washington St., Mayor Wenthe opened the hearing and asked for comments. There being no comments, Mayor Wenthe closed the hearing. Moved Tucker, seconded Cowley, to approve Resolution 2018-10: Authorizing the approval of the conveyance at the cost of preparation of an easement allowing the FCFS to build upon the city ROW. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     This being the time and place published for a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) Budget Amendment, Mayor Wenthe opened the hearing and asked for comments. There being no comments, Mayor Wenthe closed the hearing. Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to approve Resolution 2018-11: Authorizing the approval of the FY18 City Budget Amendment. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe advised the council it was the 50^th year of the municipal Home Rule in Iowa and the flexibility it provides to make decisions at the local government level. Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Tucker, to have the Mayor sign a Home Rule Proclamation recognizing the 50^th Anniversary of the municipal Home Rule in Iowa and proudly supporting its continued authority. All ayes, carried.

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Tucker, seconded Larson, to appoint David Runyon to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a 5-year term starting on 6/1/18.

     Mayor Wenthe updated the council on the Main Street Bridge repair. After determining how much of a void was underneath the approaches, Fehr Graham received a bid for about $13,850 from Iowa Wall Sawing to repair the bridge, including the sidewalk. Iowa Wall Sawing believes they will be able to start repairing the bridge soon.

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane advised the council that Klock’s Island Park is now open. The city will no longer be offering the buy 6 nights, get the 7^th night free at the campground to help recoup some money for the park to continue with upgrades. The bathrooms at Cardinal Park are also open. Cardinal Park was seeded on 4/26 which was the last thing on the list to be completed at the park. We have received $46,676.03 for the Parks and Trails and $5,068.99 for the Debris Removal from Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the flood damage. On 5/4 McGrane signed the last claim form for the Roads and Surfacing damage from the flood. McGrane attended the IMFOA Spring Conference 4/18-4/20 and the Fayette County Tourism Meeting on 5/1. On 4/11 the 2018 CDBG Fayette Owner Occupied Housing Grant application was submitted to the state. On 4/30 the 2018 Rural Business Development Grant application was submitted.

     Police Chief Pisanti told the council that this would be his final council meeting. Pisanti said it has been a great honor to work here. Pisanti gave a brief report. Mayor Wenthe thanked Pisanti for all he has done for the City of Fayette and wished him best of luck in the future.

   Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss the Fayette Community Library Board minutes from 4/11/18. Library Director Annette Butikofer was present and said she is looking forward to the Summer Reading Program that starts 6/1. Butikofer encourages everyone to register at the Fayette Community Library for the program and is hoping that 3,379 books get read, from people of all ages, through the end of August. Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Tucker, to approve the Fayette Community Library Board minutes from 4/11/18. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to discuss financially assisting the Big Rock Country Club Golf Course with fixing cart paths. Bradley Minger with Big Rock advised there are 2 cart paths on the back 9 that are in need of repair and one path is currently unusable. To replace the cart path on hole 16 would be around $12,000. Frontier Mudjacking out of Ridgeway provided a quote for $14,869 to repair both cart paths. There may be some additional costs if they decide to install a drain tile along the path. Minger would like the city to help pay for some of these repairs. The Golf Course currently has about $2,000 budgeted to help with these repairs. After further discussion, moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to donate a $5,000 gift from the Bolger fund to the Big Rock Country Club Golf Course to be used toward the repairs of the cart path. Wulfekuhle, Nefzger, Cowley and Tucker ayes, and Larson nay, motion carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss partnering with Upper Iowa University with financial support for an Iowa Economic Development Authority Enhance Iowa/CAT grant to make improvements to the UIU Rec Center and swimming pool. Ismael Betancourt with UIU advised the UIU Rec Center needs the floor replaced as it is about 3 years over the 12-year life expectancy. The swimming pool also needs some repair and the heating and cooling units need repair. The total amount of repairs is $1.1 million. UIU will be applying for a CAT grant that, if awarded, will pay for 25% of the entire project. To make their grant application stronger, they are looking for financial partners. Council members discussed if they provide financial assistance for the grant, then the Fayette Rec Board may have access to UIU’s facilities at no cost or a discounted cost and Fayette residents may receive a discount off of memberships to the UIU Rec Center. Betancourt believed that would be possible. After further discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Cowley, to become a co-applicant of the CAT grant with UIU and to use $10,000 from the Local Option Sales Tax designated to be used for the Rec programs in fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022, making a total contribution of $30,000, if the grant is awarded and with the understanding that Fayette residents receive a minimum of a 75% discount for UIU Rec memberships from fiscal year 2020 through 2022. All ayes, carried.  

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss the 28E Agreement with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) for Dispatching Services. The council had requested Chief Pisanti to continue negotiating with the FCSO on the agreement. Pisanti advised the Sheriff was willing to decrease the three annual fees by $700 to $3,983 for FY2019, $4,652 for FY2020 and $5,321 for FY2021. The council had previously budgeted 75% of the annual fees to be taken out of the police budget and 25% taken out of the ambulance budget for FY2019. After discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve and sign the Dispatching Services Contract with Fayette County, Iowa, and the FCSO. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Cowley, to discuss forming a small committee to draft paperwork for the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and start reaching out to the public for serving on the committee. After discussion, Wulfekuhle and Tucker volunteered to be on the RLF committee and will present the paperwork to the council at one of the next council meetings.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss the storm water drainage system violation by Matt Properties, LLC at 105 W. Madison along King Street. After discussion, moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to have the Fayette Public Works Department repair the storm water drainage at 105 W. Madison Street by digging out the ditch and notify Chris Matt of when it will take place. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Larson, to discuss updating the rental business property lease contract for 9 S. Main St. After discussion, moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to add to the contract a $350 deposit, add a $10 per day late fee after the 1^st business day of each month for non-payment of rent and to take out “except for ordinary wear and tear or damage without fault or liability of Tenant.” All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Tucker, to discuss hiring a new Police Chief, starting date and starting salary. The Police Committee met and recommends the council promote Fayette Officer Benjamin Davis as the next Fayette Police Chief with a starting salary of $48,000 per year. Davis would be placed on the current wage scale around $48,000. Davis’ starting date would be on 5/12/18. After discussion, moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to promote Benjamin Davis as the Fayette Police Chief starting May 12, 2018 with a starting salary of $48,000 per year. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Cowley, to discuss the high-water bill at 404 Wadena Road Lot #202. Craig and Jeanie Kleitsch provided pictures and a receipt of the leaky valve that proved the water did not drain through the city’s sewer system. McGrane advised Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand said he feels this is adequate proof to forgive some of the sewer charges. After discussion, moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Cowley, to have McGrane find a fair amount of the sewer charges, by figuring out their average usage for this time of year, on the March 2018 to forgive. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss the rental code. After discussion, McGrane advised the council to review the rental code and documents associated with it and bring any revisions or changes to the next council meeting. Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger to continue to move forward with the rental code. Wulfekuhle, Nefzger, Cowley and Tucker ayes, and Larson nay, motion carried.

   There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 7:54pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

April 16, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 16, 2018 at 6pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Cowley, Larson, Nefzger, Tucker and Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 4/2/18, the claims list of 4/3/18 – 4/16/18 and the March 2018 Financial Reports. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of March 31, 2018: Total March Receipts: $73,844.43 (General $28,294.18; Streets $11,915.91; Employee Benefits $1,595.64; Local Option Sales Tax $14,126; TIF $43.26; Bolger $2,576.51; Library Fund $171.22; Water $1,909.41; Sewer $3,573.80; Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Storm Water $63). Total March Disbursements: $112,380.79 (General $51,287.80; Employee Benefits $11,689.45; Bolger $11,120; Library Fund $426.88; Water $13,807.37; Sewer $24,049.29). Treasurer’s Balance: $2,945,890.20.

     Matt Campbell with Upper Iowa University advised the council that they had to cancel their 5K Color Run/Walk that was scheduled for last Saturday, April 14^th, due to the winter weather. He wanted to advise the council that they rescheduled the event for Saturday, April 28^th and wanted to make sure the council was still in favor of the event. The police department and the council had no concerns with the date change.

     Bill Dohrmann advised the council that a group will be starting to collect money soon for the flowers on Main Street. Dohrmann advised he will be donating $100 to get it started.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request and the Fayette Recreation Board’s recommendation, moved Nefzger, seconded Larson, to appoint Susan Scott to the Fayette Recreation Board.

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane advised the council the Fayette Ambulance Service received $3,246 from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa to be used for EMT Training. They also had a great turnout at their Belgian Waffle Fundraiser last week. Jim Thompson with the Iowa Economic Development Authority will present to the Fayette City Council on Tuesday, May 8^th at 6PM at Fayette City Hall. McGrane attended a Fayette County Tourism meeting on April 3^rd, a Housing meeting with Mayor Wenthe on April 9^th and a UIU Community Development Opportunities meeting on April 12^th. McGrane asked the council to provide him with any ideas of a location in Fayette to place another cardboard recycling bin that the Transfer Station will be providing at no additional cost to the city. McGrane included his FY2018 Budget Amendment report to the council. An explanation of increases or decreases in revenue and expenditure estimates and appropriations include: repair damage from the July 22, 2017 flood, starting the sewer lining project, trainings, computer/software/website upgrades, FY17 audit expenses, adjustments for the new accounting software as well as transitioning to the Iowa chart of accounts. The amendment will have a new ending fund balance as of June 30^th, 2018 of $2,446,042. Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Cowley, to direct the City Administrator/Clerk to publish the budget estimate and set a public hearing for Monday, May 7^th at 6PM at Fayette City Hall on the Amendment of FY2017-2018 City Budget. All ayes, carried.

     Police Chief Pisanti presented the Fayette Police Department’s 2017 Annual Report to the council. The report stated residential burglaries have gone down 90% and thefts have gone down 21% from 2016 to 2017, among other statistics.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to approve the Fayette Recreation Board meeting minutes from April 2, 2018. Fayette’s Music in the Park will be on the 2^nd Monday’s of the month this summer (May 14^th, June 11^th, July 9^th, August 13^th and September 10^th) from 6PM to 8PM at the Open Air Market Park on West Water Street. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Tucker, to approve the Fayette Community Library Board minutes from March 14, 2018. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Cowley, to discuss and request a public hearing for the conveyance of an easement allowing the Fayette County Food Shelf to build upon city right of way. After a brief discussion, moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to schedule a public hearing at the next council meeting, Monday, May 7^th, 2018 at 6PM at Fayette City Hall for the conveyance at the cost of preparation of an easement allowing the Fayette County Food Shelf to build upon city right of way at the intersection of E. Water St. and Washington St. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss and take action reference a high water bill for Craig and Jeanie Kleitsch at 404 Wadena Road Lot #202. The Kleitsch’s were unable to attend the meeting, but provided a letter and copies of their previous water bills to the council. The Kleitsch’s mentioned their last bill was $470.25, when normally it is a minimum ($128.41). After contacting Fayette City Hall and looking over the trailer for leaks, they discovered a crack in the water shut-off valve underneath the trailer. The valve is located after the water meter and the water from the leak was soaking into the ground and not going through the sewer. They would like to request the council forgive some of the sewer fees. After discussion, the council would like the Kleitsch’s to provide any type of proof the shut-off valve was replaced or leaking (for example, any pictures or receipts of parts). Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to table the request.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to discuss and take action on fixing the Main Street bridge over Volga River. Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand advised the council that part of the sidewalk has collapsed, the bridge approaches are undermined and the expansion joints need to be repaired. Hildebrand had a quote of around $1,100 from a company that could come in with some equipment to help determine how much void is underneath the approaches to help us bid the project. Hildebrand advised that he spoke with Jon Biederman with Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental and they are roughly estimating the total cost of the repair project would be somewhere around $50,000 to $60,000. Hildebrand believes the cause of the damages are a combination of the 1999 flood, failure of the expansion joints and the 2017 flood. Upon Hildebrand’s recommendation, moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to move forward and hire Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental to start the process for the repair of the Main Street bridge over the Volga River. All ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Tucker, to discuss and take action on 9 South Main Street. City Administrator/Clerk McGrane was notified on April 2, 2018 that the tenants at 9 S. Main St. will be terminating their lease effective April 30, 2018. Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Cowley, to start advertising the empty space for rent online, including the website and Facebook. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss John and Sharon Orr’s request to start preparing the land at the Open Air Market for the Freedom Rock. The Orr’s had placed flags in the approximate place where the cement and rock would be located. John Orr advised the rock and cement may move approximately 2 feet around that area as it will depend on where the foundation that is buried in the lot is located. The council recommended waiting to remove any trees until after the rock was in place. The council would also like to look at possible locations on where to move the current rock that has the UIU appreciation plaque on it. Moved Larson, seconded Tucker, for the Orr’s to start preparing the land at the Open Air Market for the cement and the Freedom Rock, without removing any trees or moving the existing rock at this time. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to discuss and take action reference the high water bill for Diego Duran and Charles Miles at 520 Mechanic Street. Miles was present and advised the council his roommate and him have made some payments on their water bill and would like to request the water be turned back on at their residence. After discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Cowley, to have the water turned back on at 520 Mechanic Street under the following conditions: Miles makes a payment of $300 this evening; the tenants make a $300 payment every Thursday until the outstanding bill is paid off; if a $300 Thursday payment is not paid, the water is immediately turned back off; and the landlord/property owner agrees with these conditions and provides approval to turn the water back on. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss and take action reference the Fayette Revolving Loan Fund including committee members, interest rates and application fees. McGrane advised the council may make changes later, but need to agree on something now to complete the application process for a chance to get funds. Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to have committee members include: an Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission representative (not a voting member), the Fayette Mayor, the Fayette City Administrator/Clerk, one Fayette City Council member, three business leaders/owners, the Fayette County Economic Development Director (not a voting member); an interest rate of 1% over prime not to exceed 5%; and an application fee of $50. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Larson, to discuss new construction, rehab and business incentives. After discussion, the council would like to continue to take community members ideas and wait until after the May 8^th presentation by Jim Thompson. Moved Cowley, seconded Wulfekuhle, to table.

   There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 7pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

April 2, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 2, 2018 at 6pm in the ICN Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Cowley, Larson, Nefzger, Tucker and Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 3/19/18 and the claims list of 3/20/18 – 4/2/18. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe informed the council that we are still taking community interest in the open positions for the Planning and Zoning Committee, the Board of Adjustments and the Recreation Board. If anyone is interested, contact City Hall. Wenthe put together a small housing task force based on one of the recommendations the city received from the creative placemaking plan. The group consisted of Dave Runyon, Jeff Bradley and Wenthe, with the hope of the group to grow. The group reached out to Lori Brockway with Upper Explorerland to find out if the group could partner with them to help with funds. Brockway is planning on attending a future meeting with the housing task force.

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane advised the council that he has been finishing up the paperwork for Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management in reference to last summer’s flood. McGrane has also been gathering all the information needed for the CDBG Housing Rehab Grant and the USDA RBDG program to fund a revolving loan fund. McGrane reminded the council of some up-coming training opportunities they may attend.

     Police Chief Pisanti told the council that he is finalizing the yearly report and it should be released soon. The biggest highlight in the report is that crime in Fayette was reduced by 40%.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Larson, to discuss the Board of Adjustments meeting minutes. Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Cowley, to approve the Board of Adjustments meeting minutes from March 15, 2018. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to discuss Lloyd Carnicle’s request to close off the 100-block of S. Main Street on the third Thursday of the month from May through September 2018. Carnicle advised this would be the 6^th year of the Fayette Show and Shine Car Show. The council expressed their appreciation to Carnicle for organizing this event each year. Moved Larson, seconded Tucker, to approve Carnicle closing the 100-block of S. Main Street on the third Thursday of the month from May 2018 through September 2018 to host the Fayette Show and Shine Car Show. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss John and Sharon Orr’s request to start preparing the land at the Open Air Market park (OAM) for the Freedom Rock. Sharon Orr updated the council on the progress of the Freedom Rock project. Orr advised they currently have the rock, the movement of the rock, the concrete, the fill and the dirt work all donated. Orr would like the city to remove the first tree to the east of the old drive-way in the city right-of-way at the OAM. The tree would be in the line of vision from the front view of the Freedom Rock to W. Water Street. Nefzger asked if the tree could be relocated. Orr advised the ground does need to be leveled out at the location. The slab of concrete would be 8 feet by 8 feet and the rock weighs between 6-7 tons. The goal is to pour the concrete this month (April) or in May. Wulfekuhle requested the Orr’s stake out where the cement would be poured for the rock at the OAM so the council may review the placement. Orr would like to request the rock with the UIU appreciation plaque on it be relocated to another location, such as near the beginning of the recreation trail at the OAM. They could possibly have their volunteers move the rock with the UIU plaque. Fayette is on the list to get the rock painted in the year 2020, but it could be painted in 2019. Orr advised she still needs to do fundraising to get the rock painted, which would cost around $6,000 to $7,000, but she believes it would be easier to do the fundraising when people can visually see the rock at the park. If they raise more money then what is needed, they would spend the money on landscaping around the rock. Moved Tucker, seconded Cowley, to table the request until after Orr stakes out the placement of the rock and the council can review it. All ayes, carried.  

     Moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss community members starting a community garden on city property. Andrea Scott informed the council that the Women for Progress group, the Master Gardner’s and the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Office have been working on the idea of creating a community garden in Fayette. They would like the community garden to be located on the city property at 6 S. Main Street, located between Full Circle Services and Poor’s Automotive. Scott said this location would be the most accessible for everybody in town and they would have access to water from Full Circle Services. Full Circle Services’ clients would be able to assist in helping with the garden. The group would also utilize rain barrels for water. The goal of the community garden is to help teach those interested on how to garden. The community garden would be free to anyone who participates and helps with the garden. They are still working on all the details, but Scott believes any produce that is grown would be given to those who help with the garden for free. If there are any left-over produce, then they may be able to sell it at a low price at the Fayette Farmer’s Market or provide it to our local Food Shelf. The ISU Extension office thought they may be able to offer some canning classes, as well. If the garden doesn’t go over well, they have people from the organizations who would help clean the property back up so the city employees would not be responsible. If the council approves the groups to use that property, they will have someone come down to do soil testing. Scott advised they currently have about 10 consistent volunteers to assist with the community garden. If anyone has any questions or would like to help, they can contact Andrea Scott at either Scott Pharmacy or Yoga Genesis or find the Women for Progress group on Facebook. Moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the Women for Progress, the Master Gardner’s and the ISU Extension Office to start a community garden on the cities property at 6 S. Main Street. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss providing permission to the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) to exchange the lot at 104 King Street with another lot in town. Pastor Andy Sayer with the Fayette Community Church (FCC) informed the council that the FCC is growing and have exceeded the space in their current building. They are currently looking at expanding their building to the north where they currently have a parking lot. The parking they currently provide is not large enough for all the vehicles they currently bring in. They would utilize the lot at 104 King Street for additional parking as they expand their building. Sayer advised the FCC has spoken to NEICAC and they are willing to exchange lots if the FCC could find another lot in town for them to build a house on and as long as the city council grants permission for NEICAC to exchange lots. Sayer advised the FCC would be willing to cover any fees that NEICAC would request from them to help reimburse for the expenses that have already went in to that property. After discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Larson, to approve the land exchange of 104 King Street between NEICAC and the Fayette Community Church pending the purchase of the lot on Main Street. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Tucker, to discuss the Fayette County Fair Board’s (FCFB) request for a donation. At the previous council meeting, Andy Bilden had advised the council that the FCFB is hoping to offer a free carnival for fairgoers this year. To help cover the cost of the carnival, they are asking cities in Fayette County for donations. The city of West Union donated $5,000 and the city of Hawkeye donated $1,000. After discussion, moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Larson, to donate $1,200 from the Bolger Fund to the Fayette County Fair Board to help with carnival expenses. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to discuss the 28E Agreement between the Fayette EMS and the Fayette County EMS Association. After discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the 28E Agreement between the Fayette EMS and the Fayette County EMS Association. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss Resolution 2018-09. After discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Wulfekuhle, to adopt Resolution 2018-09: agreeing to apply for financial assistance with the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development to finance a revolving loan fund project for the city through the USDA RBDG Program and commit $100,000 of local match funding towards this project pending the approval of the RBDG application. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss Roland Vazquez request for financial assistance from the city to try and bring members of the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra to the Fayette Opera House for a performance and to give a presentation at the Fayette Community Library. Tucker advised the Recreation Board met and decided to not financially assist with this event because their finances are tight due to the events they already have planned. The Friends of the Library will be helping financially. After discussion, moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to decline financial support for this event, but the city will help with marketing the event through the cities website and social media. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Cowley, to discuss new housing construction, rehab and business incentives. Nefzger suggested we try and get Jim Thompson to present to the council about tax abatement and other incentive ideas. After discussion, the council would like to reach out to Thompson to see if he can give a presentation and to put out the current incentive ideas to the community for feedback. Moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to table this until a future meeting.

   There being no further business, moved Wulfekuhle, unanimous, to adjourn at 7:05pm.

     Following this meeting, at 7:17pm, the mayor and council held a work session to discuss vacating part of a city right-of-way or possible easement of property in the 10-block of Washington Street. The work session adjourned at 7:44pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

March 19, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 19, 2018 at 6pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Larson, Tucker and Wulfekuhle.  Nefzger arrived at 6:01pm.  Absent - Cowley.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 3/5/18, the claims list of 3/6/18 – 3/19/18, the February 2018 Financial Reports and approve the renewal of a beer license and native wine permit for Boarders Inn & Suites.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of February 28, 2018:  Total February Receipts: $56,253.55 (General $13,747.04; Streets $18,810.26; Employee Benefits $1,511.71; TIF $26.42; Bolger $1,184.46; Library Fund $717.55; Water $4,731.08; Sewer $5,833.53; Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Storm Water $116).  Total February Disbursements: $107,783.07 (General $27,651.85; Employee Benefits $7,882.46; Library Fund $758.49; FEMA $39,046.25; CDBG Downtown Project $753; Water $11,236.44; Sewer $20,454.58).  Treasurer’s Balance: $2,987,148.05.

     Andy Bilden with the Fayette County Fair Board advised the council that they have hired a carnival for the Fayette County Fair and are planning on offering it free for fairgoers.  The carnival is the same one that Allamakee and Clayton Counties will have at their fairs.  The total cost of the carnival would be about $15,000.  The Fair Board members are asking cities in Fayette County if they would be willing to make a donation to help cover the cost of the carnival.  Andy said the City of West Union has donated $5,000, Hawkeye has donated $1,000 and he believes Westgate donated $500.  Mayor Wenthe advised we will put the item on a future council agenda to discuss it.

     Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request and the Fayette Ambulance Services recommendation, moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Larson, to appoint Hunter Hoffman to the Fayette Ambulance Service, pending a background check.  Hoffman is planning on taking the EMT class.  All ayes to approve, carried.

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane advised the council he had learned about services that NE Iowa Community Action offers community members at a recent meeting he attend and included a brochure to the council members.  McGrane also advised that Roger Post with the Ambulance Crew presented him with a 28E Agreement today that will be on the next Council Agenda.

     Police Chief Pisanti advised the council that he had many reports of missing trash cans recently.  He discovered that Black Hawk Waste Disposal were cleaning up some of their accounts from the recent merge with Bunn Services.     

     Moved Tucker, seconded Nefzger, to approve the Fayette Community Library Director’s March 14, 2018 Report.  Nefzger commented on the great reports the council is receiving from the Library.  Tucker commended the new Library Director, Annette Butikofer, for the great activities she’s been organizing.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to discuss UIU students request for a color run in Fayette.  Matt Campbell and Erik Zorilla from UIU advised the International Student Association (ISA) is hoping to host a fundraiser where all the proceeds will go to a tribal school in India.  They would like to do a color run/walk on Saturday, April 14^th at 10AM.  The color run/walk would be a 5K, or a little over 3 miles.  As the participants would run or walk the route, volunteers would throw a non-toxic, washable, powdered paint at them.  The route would start on the UIU Campus and would utilize some roads and trails throughout Fayette and end at Klock’s Island Park.  They may also look into having a few food vendors at the event.  Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to approve the UIU students color run request.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Tucker to discuss Roland Vazquez’s request for financial assistance for an event.  Roland Vazquez is seeking sponsors in hopes to raise enough funds to bring the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra (CCO) to Fayette to give a presentation on the Puerto Rican culture at the Fayette Library and to perform at the Opera House.  The total estimated cost would be around $5,100 to bring nine members of the CCO to Fayette.  After a brief discussion, the council decided that the city could help advertise the event and help get the word out that sponsors are needed.  The council requested Roland to provide them an update in the future on how he is doing with raising funds.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss appointing Curtis Larson, Roger Post and Kris McGrane to the CDBG Housing Committee.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Tucker, to approve the appointments.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Larson, to discuss the water/utility bill at 520 Mechanic Street.  Diego Duran and Charles Miles advised the council that their water had been turned off at their residence and they are still unable to come up with the amount due on their utility bill.  After discussion, no action was taken. 

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Tucker, to discuss new business incentives and a revolving loan fund (RLF).  Tucker and McGrane met with Diana Johnson with Upperexplorerland on March 16^th to discuss how a RLF works.  Diana advised that there is an Iowa Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) that is due on April 30, 2018, that could help with start-up funds for a RLF.  Upperexplorerland believes they still may have time to get the grant written and submitted by the deadline at a cost of $1,500, if the city is interested.  The city would apply for an amount under $100,000 to increase the chances of being rewarded the grant.  The city would have to come up with a match to the grant funds.  The cities match could come out of the Bolger Fund since that is what we’ve used in the past for incentives.  An RLF is a loan with a low interest rate that business owners could apply for to provide financing for a new or expanding business for which credit is not otherwise available.  Other counties, cities and organizations have RLF’s, including the City of Oelwein, West Union, Elgin, Decorah and Elkader.  Wulfekuhle shared some ideas for incentives the city could offer for new residential homes and for people interested in fixing up houses.  After further discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Wulfekuhle, to hire Upperexplorerland to write the grant and provide technical services for the RBDG Revolving Loan Fund Grant for the City of Fayette.  All ayes, carried.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 7:28pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

March 5, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 5, 2018 at 6pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Cowley, Larson, Nefzger, Tucker and Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/20/18, the claims list of 2/21/18 – 3/5/18 and approve the renewal of a native wine permit for Touch of Elegance.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request and the Fayette Ambulance Services recommendation, moved Tucker, seconded Wulfekuhle, to appoint Sammantha Larisch to the Fayette Ambulance Service.  Larisch is currently an Iowa EMT and passed a background check.  All ayes to approve, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Tucker to move forward in appointing Curtis Larson, Roger Post and Kris McGrane to the CDBG Housing Committee.  All ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe informed the council he met with Alex Soderquist with Hawkeye Telephone Company on March 1 to get an update on the fiber project.  They will be continuing to work on the project this spring and summer.  Wenthe advised the council that on March 1^st Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand has worked 40 years for the City of Fayette and appreciated his dedication to Fayette. 

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane told the council that he attended the Fayette County Advisory Committee meeting on March 1 and they are still on schedule to build a new house at 104 King Street this spring or summer.  McGrane also reminded the council of some up-coming training opportunities they may attend.

     Police Chief Pisanti gave a brief report to the council. 

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Larson, to approve the Fayette Community Library Board minutes from January 10, 2018.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Larson, to approve the Fayette Community Library Board minutes from February 14, 2018.  All ayes, carried.

     There was no discussion on the water/utility bill for 5 S. Main Street #2 as the bill had been paid that day.

     Moved Larson, seconded Tucker to discuss and approve to purchase a new swing set from All Inclusive Rec.  McGrane informed the council they budgeted for this purchase next fiscal year, using money that was previously saved in the Parks budget.  If we purchase the equipment now, we may be able to get volunteers from Upper Iowa University to help put the swing set up at Rainbowland Park near the sand volleyball courts in April during the UIU “Fayette Appreciation Day”.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the purchase of a new swing set in the amount of $2,187.99.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss and approve to sell Fayette County Fair concert tickets at Fayette City Hall.  McGrane advised the council that the Fayette County Fair Board contacted a few cities in Fayette County asking if they would be willing to sell Fayette County Fair concert tickets at their City Halls.  Country singers Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw will be headlining the concert on July 28, 2018.  The cost of the tickets is $30 for a grandstand ticket or $40 for a track ticket.  For each ticket that is sold at the Fayette City Hall, the Fair Board will donate $1 back to the city.  Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to approve to sell Fayette County Fair concert tickets for the up-coming concert at Fayette City Hall.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Nefzger, to discuss the water/utility bill at 520 Mechanic Street.  Diego Duran and Charles Miles were not able to attend the meeting, but provided a written letter to the council.  After discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Cowley, to have the water turned off at 520 Mechanic Street until the delinquent bill is paid in full.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Cowley, to discuss and appoint a contractor for technical services to assist with the housing rehabilitation program receiving CDBG funds through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).  The city only received one proposal and that was from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC).  Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to appoint UERPC as contractor for technical services to assist with the housing rehabilitation program receiving Community Development Block Grant funds through the IEDA.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss revising City Code Chapter 75 – All Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles.  After looking at some other cities codes to compare, the council made some other suggested changes in wording.  McGrane will make the revisions and have the city attorney review the code again.

     Mayor Wenthe opened the public hearing on the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Funding for the City of Fayette.  Notice of this hearing was published in the Fayette Leader on February 21, 2018.  McGrane read through and covered 9 points. How the need for the proposed activity or projects were identified.  The need for the Fayette Occupied program was identified through meetings held by public officials and the identified unmet need for housing rehabilitation through the Fayette County Local Housing Trust Fund Program.  As the LMI population is at 52.76% there is a need of the CDBG funds to improve the homes for those citizens.  The age of the housing stock was also an identifier with 42.1% of the housing being constructed in 1939 or earlier and 78.2% of the housing being built in 1979 or earlier.  How the proposed activity or projects will be funded and the sources of funds.  The proposed activity will be funded with $251,790 of Community Development Block Grant Funds for the owner-occupied program for six homes.  The date the Housing Fund applications will be submitted.  The Housing Fund Owner-Occupied applications will be submitted on or before May 4, 2018 to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).  Requested amount of federal funds (Housing Fund).  The requested amount is $251,790 for the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program.  Estimated portion of federal funds that will benefit persons of low and moderate income.  The City has proposed assisting six (6) LMI households with rehabilitation of their homes.  The intent is to target those living in homes considered to be in deteriorated condition.  In looking at the 2006-2010 LMI of the community, 52.76% of Fayette’s residents are considered low to moderate income persons, it is expected that these funds will benefit six (6) homes of that 52.76% population.  Where the proposed activity or project will be conducted.  The projects will be conducted within the city limits of Fayette.  Plans to minimize displacement of persons and businesses as a result of funded activities or projects.  No businesses or persons will be displaced during this process.  Plans to assist persons actually displaced.  There are no plans to displace any persons.  The nature of the proposed activity or project.  The nature of the proposed projects within Fayette is to assist in the rehabilitation of 6 existing homes for low to moderate income families.  The programs mission is to stimulate the City of Fayette’s economy one home at a time.  No written or oral objections were filed or offered from the audience.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Larson, to close the public hearing.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to discuss Resolution 2018-07.  Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to approve and adopt Resolution 2018-07: Authorizing the submission of a CDBG application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), the expenditure of funds be applied for a Housing Fund General Application for Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation and authorizes the administration of this grant to be performed by Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Larson, to discuss Resolution 2018-08.  Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to approve and adopt Resolution 2018-08: Authorizing the approval of a CDBG administration plan to the IEDA for Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 6:50pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

February 20, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 6pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Cowley, Larson, Nefzger and Tucker; Absent - Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Cowley, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/5/18, the claims list of 2/6/18 – 2/20/18, and the January 2017 Financial Reports.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of January 31, 2018:  Total January Receipts: $258,496.88 (General $76,466.69; Streets $11,162.03; Employee Benefits $6,179.41; LOST $8,340.88; TIF $338.84; Bolger $417.07; Library Fund $250.04; Water $65,568.72; Sewer $78,748.37; Sewer Fund $9,575.50; Storm Water $1,449.33).  Total January Disbursements: $120,881.68 (General $58,750.24; Employee Benefits $14,094.60; Library Fund $7,825.88; Water $14,395.33; Sewer $25,815.63).  Treasurer’s Balance: $3,036,117.97.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented.  All ayes, carried.

     This being the time and place published for a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Estimated Budget, Mayor Wenthe opened the hearing and asked for any comments.  The tax asking for FY19 will be $14.28785 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.  There being no comments, Mayor Wenthe closed the hearing.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Cowley, to approve Resolution 2018-06: Adopting the budget and certification of city taxes for Fiscal Year 2019.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe wanted to thank everyone who attended WinterFest, the Fayette Opera House and Lions Club Fundraiser, on February 10th.

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane informed the council that he had met with Lori Brockway with Upper Explorerland on February 6^th to discuss the process and get an update of the CDBG Housing Grant – Owner Occupied Rehabilitation.  Brockway has received 4 applications from residents who qualify and we need at least 6.  McGrane has taken some steps to continue to promote residents to apply.  McGrane attended a Highway 150 Coalition meeting on February 16^th.  The coalition is gathering information and support to hopefully present to the Iowa DOT to encourage them to perform a study on HWY 150 in NE Iowa.  The goal is to make HWY 150 safer and better to encourage more people and industries to travel on HWY 150.  McGrane advised he received a letter today from Poor’s Automotive indicating they will stop selling fuel on April 1, 2018.  McGrane also passed out a brochure for a “Introduction to Planning & Zoning for Local Officials” workshop in the Spring of 2018.     

     Police Chief Pisanti advised last summer the police department took part in a “Rescue Task Force” training at Upper Iowa University (UIU).  The Fayette County Emergency Management is working on sponsoring a full-scale exercise training this year at UIU which will include area Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement agencies.

     Moved Tucker, seconded Nefzger, to discuss and approve of requesting proposals for technical services to assist with a housing rehabilitation program and receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).  After discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Cowley, to approve and take the next steps in requesting proposals for technical services to assist with a housing rehabilitation program and receiving CDBG funds through the IEDA.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Larson, seconded Nefzger, to discuss and approve of the Community Development and Housing Needs Assessment.  After discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Tucker, to approve the Community Development and Housing Needs Assessment.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Tucker, to discuss and review the CDBG Administration Plan, Relocation Policy, Reuse Plan and Elderly Waiver.  After discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Cowley, to adopt the CDBG Administration Plan, Relocation Policy, Reuse Plan and Elderly Waiver.  All ayes, carried.  

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Tucker, to discuss and approve of setting a public hearing regarding submittal of an application for a CDBG provided by IEDA for owner occupied rehabilitation funding for the city of Fayette.  After discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Nefzger, to set a public hearing for Monday, March 5^th, 2018 at 6PM in the Fayette City Council Chambers at City Hall regarding submittal of an application for a Community Development Block Grant provided by Iowa Economic Development Authority for owner occupied rehabilitation funding for the city of Fayette.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Larson, to discuss revising City Code Chapter 75 – All-Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles.  After discussion, moved Tucker, seconded Larson, to send the revisions to Chapter 75 of the City Code to the City Attorney to review.  All ayes, carried. 

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 6:28pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

February 5, 2018

     The City Council of the city of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, February 5, 2018 at 5:30pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Cowley, Larson, Nefzger, Tucker and Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 1/15/18 and the claims list of 1/16/18 – 2/5/18.  Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     A rough draft of a revised ATV and UTV Ordinance was presented to the council.  Mayor Wenthe requested the council to look it over for any other changes to consider before we present it to the City Attorney to review. 

     Administrator/Clerk McGrane included his FY 2019 Estimated Budget Report reflecting the recommendations from the Personnel and Finance Committees in the agenda packet.  Mayor Wenthe and McGrane highlighted a few things from the report, including: 100% city valuation increased $4,612,123; regular taxable value is $26,047,322 which is up $2,081,344; the rollback on residential property is decreasing 1.3182% to 55.6209%; the rollback on multi-residential properties is going down 3.75% to 78.75%; township valuations increased so we will receive $1,935.65 more for the Ambulance and Fire Department; the FY 2019 tax levy will go down $0.84829.  The Finance committee recommended a 2% cost of living allowance (COLA) for city employees starting July 1, 2018.  Health insurance is decreasing 25.09% March 1, 2018. The city budgeted for an increase of 4 hours a week for the Library Assistant, 3 hours a week for the Library Aid, and 12 hours a week for the Deputy Clerk.  To continue with the plan implemented a few years ago, the city budgeted another $60,000 to purchase new water meters to replace the older meters and to continue to purchase remote transmitters, software and equipment to start remote water meter reading.  The goal is to purchase enough new meters and remote transmitters in FY19 so the city can move to monthly utility billing.  The budget includes resurfacing the tennis and basketball courts at Rainbowland Park, changing the tennis courts into two pickleball courts and adding a small swing-set.  Also budgeted is replacing the tower south of Fayette that houses the equipment to page out the Fayette Ambulance and Fire Department crews.  Tax levy $14.28785 (down from $15.13614).  The budget report is available at Fayette City Hall and the Fayette Community Library.  Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to adopt the proposed FY 2019 Budget Estimate.  On roll call, Cowley and Nefzger ayes, Tucker, Wulfekuhle and Larson nays.  Moved Larson, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss the FY 2019 Budget Estimate.  Four voted aye, Nefzger nay, motion carried.  Larson and Wulfekuhle recommended providing all the city employees a 2.5% wage increase instead of the wage scale increases for the employees that are on the wage scale and the COLA for all the employees.  After further discussion, moved Nefzger, seconded Cowley, to adopt the proposed FY2019 Budget Estimate as presented.  On roll call, Nefzger, Cowley and Tucker ayes, Larson and Wulfekuhle nays.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Tucker, to direct the City Administrator/Clerk to publish the budget estimate and set a public hearing for Tuesday, February 20^th at 6PM at Fayette City Hall on the FY2019 Budget Estimate.  All ayes, motion carried. 

     Police Chief Pisanti did not have anything to report to the council at this time. 

     Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to approve the Finance Committee meeting minutes from January 16, 2018.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the Personnel Committee meeting minutes from January 17, 2018.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to approve the Finance Committee meeting minutes from January 25, 2018.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to approve the Finance Committee meeting minutes from February 1, 2018.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Cowley, seconded Nefzger, to discuss and approve Jerry Hildebrand’s vacation and personal time.  The Personnel Committee recommended providing an additional 40 hours of vacation time to use before the end of this Fiscal Year (June 30, 2018) and to pay out an additional 42 hours of vacation time to Jerry Hildebrand since he has lost these vacation hours and was extremely limited on when he could take time off due to the July 2017 flood, an employee in his department off work due to an injury and another employee resigning.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve Jerry Hildebrand receiving an additional 40 hours of vacation time to use before June 30, 2018 and to pay him 42 hours of vacation time.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Cowley, to discuss Resolution 2018-05, recommended by the Personnel Committee.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve and adopt Resolution 2018-05: Amending the City Personnel Policy by increasing the clothing allowance reimbursement for Public Works employees from $300 to $500 annually.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 6:29pm.