REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

June 20, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, June 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle.  Absent:  Sorensen.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 06/06/16, Claims List of 06/07–20/16, the May 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and with the addition of the fire department payroll for the past six months be added to the claims list in the amount of $1,152.50.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of May 31, 2016:  General $338,862.42; Streets $411,127.96; Debt Service $10,424.36; Water Utility $270,582.71; Water T&A $23,085.98; Sewer Utility $464,484.93; CDBG Sewer ($193,990.01); Landfill/Recycling $375.69; Yard Waste $10,334.87; Bolger Fund $152,717.92; TIF $54,021.05; Local Option Sales Tax $88,728.37; Storm Water $4,184.24; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $32,462.95.  May Receipts by Fund: General $51,912.73; Streets $11,050.32; Debt Service $508.24; Water Utility $7,206.40; Water T&A $1,575; Sewer Utility $5,649.26; CDBG Sewer $129,708; Lf/Recycling $1,189.39; Yard Waste $209.95; Bolger $784; TIF $192.36; Local Option $7,243.60; Storm Water $205.38; Franchise Fees $3,358.81. Receipts $220,793.44. May Disbursements by Fund: General $81,904.03; Streets $8,760.64; Water Utility $1,578.81; Water T&A $2,259.69; Sewer Utility $16,142.52; CDBG Sewer $2,745.20; LF/Recycling $144; Yard Waste $2,694.67; Bolger $173.62.  Total Disbursements: $116,403.18. Investments: $1,282,577.32.  Bank Balance $2,925,054.50.  Balance with Library Funds $3,018,562.19.

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

     Mayor Wenthe reported that on June 17th a Petition in Equity had been filed against the City Council, Police Chief Pisanti and himself by Connie Conner and Randy Clark for not being allowed to stay in Klock’s Island Park.  It was the consensus of the council that City Administrator/Clerk Dennis forward the petition to the city’s insurance company.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Michael Saathoff, our city web page designer, transferred the police web site information to our city account so we can drop one GoDaddy account and UIU won’t have to do anything with the police web site any longer.  ~ Dennis said she has received 14 resumes from people applying for her job.  ~ The new warning sirens will be installed in a couple of weeks.

     Dennis asked that an action item be added to the agenda under Old Business regarding settlement by our insurance company on the Gary Goodell property matter.  Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to add the item to the agenda.  Three ayes, Kragnes abstained due to a conflict of interest, carried.  

     Police Chief Pisanti reported there had been a couple of burglaries in town.  He added that Ben Davis has passed all necessary tests and will start working for the City of Fayette on Monday, June 27th.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss the city having a citizen concern form.  All ayes to discuss.  Kragnes said the form could be used to track the types of concerns made and might be more accessible for citizens rather than complaining to other people or waiting two weeks for the next council meeting.  She added that it could be used to find out how we’re doing too.  McGrane said the form could be put on the city web site and also have paper copies.  Kragnes had forwarded Dennis two samples from other town’s web sites to use an examples.  Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to create a citizen feedback form, put it on the city web site, and also have a paper version and that city employees document citizen concerns and feedback.  All ayes, carried.  McGrane & Dennis will work on putting a form on the web site. 

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to discuss hiring NE Iowa RCD (Rural Community Development) writing a grant application for the IDNR Sponsored Project program.  All ayes.  Admin/Clerk Dennis explained that since Fayette will be borrowing $300,000 from the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF), the IDNR now has a program where 1% of the interest on the loan can come back to the city to pay for water resource restoration projects.  That would be $30,000 we could use toward the Downtown Rehab. Project for the box filters for planting the trees.  NE Iowa RCD said they would charge $500 to write the grant application.  Engineer Jon Biederman said that was a real bargain and that they have had good results on their applications in the past.  Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to hire Northeast Iowa RCD to write the Sponsored Projects grant application for Fayette.  All ayes, carried.

          Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce the U.S. Dept. of Labor new overtime rules for discussion.  Admin/Clerk Dennis said she got the information in the agenda packet from the Iowa League of Cities web site.  The new overtime rules that start December 1, 2016 won’t affect the police department employees because we have a department of fewer than five officers and they won’t affect Jerry, Linda or Christie, but they will affect our replacements if they make less than $47,476 per year.  Rick & Adam already fall under overtime rules, but they don’t get paid overtime because Jerry manages their time so they don’t go over 40 hours in a week.  Dennis suggested in the best interest of the city for budgeting purposes to change our Personnel Policy before December 1, 2016 and add that compensatory time off will be given in lieu of overtime pay or for employees to manage their hours so they don’t work over 40 hours a week.  There was no action taken on the matter.

Regular Council Meeting

June 6, 2016

    

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, June 6, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle. Absent - Nefzger.

   Moved Sorensen, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 05/16/16, letter from Catherine Miller, Fayette County Planning & Zoning, advising that the County is in the process of amending their zoning ordinance to include specifics for Commercial Wind Energy Systems, noting that the most common setback from corporate limits is one mile, Claims List of 05/17/16 – 06/06/16.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

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

  This being the time and place for a public hearing on the FY 2016 Budget Amendment, Mayor Wenthe opened the public hearing and asked if there were any comments.  City Administrator/Clerk Dennis said the $902,048 amendment is for the Big Rock Road & Mechanic Street asphalting projects ($177,048 more than originally budgeted) and also the income & expense for the sewer lagoon project ($725,000).  Dennis added that there isn’t any increase in taxes for these projects and the city already has the funds to cover the costs.  There being no further comments, Mayor Wenthe closed the public hearing.    

Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to approve Resolution 2016-07: Amending the current budget for the fiscal year 2016 by $902,048 in income and expenses.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Big Rock Road and Mechanic Street were being surfaced with asphalt on June 6th –June 8th. 

Police Chief Pisanti reported they caught some kids knocking loudly on doors and ringing door bells around 10 pm the other night.  The parents were cited for the problem. 

Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen, to introduce for discussion the CDBG Water/Sewer and Community Facilities & Services program grants that weren’t funded again this year.  Admin/Clerk Dennis said Iowa Economic Development Authority was going to start accepting applications on a quarterly basis starting in 2017, so maybe that would better our chances to get the awards.  Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to have Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission re-submit the applications since they said they wouldn’t charge the City.  All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce Resolution 2016-08: Revised Job Description for the City Administrator/Clerk position and also the job advertisement for the position, the Capital Improvements and Events Report 1993-2016 including the present Vehicle Inventory and the New Building Construction Report 1993-2015.  Mayor Wenthe asked Admin/Clerk Dennis to get the job ad out next week with a deadline for applications of July 8, 2016.  Wenthe said he would like to see someone hired around the first of September.  Someone asked if the new FLSA rules for overtime pay that start December 1st would affect this position.  Dennis said she was exempt from overtime, but she would check with the Iowa League of Cities to see about the new rules.  Mayor Wenthe noted that the 27 page report that Dennis provided was really interesting and was a good history record of the town.  Dennis said she would put a copy of the report at the library.  McGrane asked Dennis if she had gone to grant writing training.  Dennis said she never had any training for writing grants, that she just wrote them.  Dennis said the council will need to decide if they want her replacement to write grants or just have them written by others and pay the extra costs associated with writing and administering grants like other towns do.  She added that there are a lot of variables to her job so the council will have to decide what they want from the next person in her position.  Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to refer the job description to the Personnel Committee for further review.  All ayes, carried. 

Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce for discussion the Police Committee recommendation to hire Ben Davis as Fayette’s second police officer.  All ayes to discuss.  Chief Pisanti said there were 18 applicants for the position and three of those were certified.  They interviewed the top five and narrowed those down to three and then to one.  Pisanti said Davis has worked for Strawberry Point for two years and he would be a good fit for Fayette.  He said he did a background check and it’s clear.  Pisanti added that Davis had been in the Army for eight years prior to getting his police certification.  Pisanti said Davis has a contract with the City of Strawberry Point, similar to the one Fayette had with Sierra Fox, and he still owes $5,216.11 on that over two and a half years.  Pisanti said Fayette would buy out the contract so Davis wouldn’t responsible to Strawberry Point for that, then Davis would work off the forgivable loan in Fayette.  He added that it’s a good deal for Fayette because we don’t have to send Davis to the police academy and have him gone for the eight weeks of training.  Also, Davis makes $39,000 with Strawberry Point so he can’t afford to take less.  City Admin/Clerk Dennis handed out a spreadsheet showing the difference in the amount budgeted for a new officer at $35,714.62 for FY17 and the cost of benefits versus the increase of $3,992.39 if Davis was paid $39,000 plus benefits.  The total cost including benefits for a second officer is $66,169.77 at a salary of $39,000.  Pisanti also added that Davis lives west of Clermont and is trying to sell his present residence, so he has requested a waiver to the residency requirement for one year.  Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to hire Ben Davis for a salary of $39,000 with a waiver of the residency requirement for one year then re-address the matter and Davis won’t be allowed to drive the police vehicle to his home out of the Fayette City Limits.  All ayes, carried.

      There being no further business, moved McGrane, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:16 pm.

/s/Christie Dennis, City Administrator/Clerk

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

May 16, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 16, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, Nefzger, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle. Absent – McGrane.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 05/02/16, Claims List of 05/03–16/16 and the April 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report. Admin/Clerk Dennis noted that the cost of the two heart monitor life packs of $48,339.36 is offset by more than one-half from a grant the Fayette Ambulance Service received from the American Heart Association in the amount of $23,475.66. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of April 30, 2016: General $368,853.72; Streets $408,838.28; Debt Service $9,916.12; Water Utility $264,955.12; Water T&A $23,770.67; Sewer Utility $474,978.19; CDBG Sewer ($320,952.81); Landfill/Recycling ($669.70); Yard Waste $12,819.59; Bolger Fund $152,107.54; TIF $53,828.69; Local Option Sales Tax $81,484.77; Storm Water $3,978.86; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $29,104.14. April Receipts by Fund: General $115,774.23; Streets $9,980.85; Debt Service $2,964.01; Water Utility $49,462.24; Water T&A $1,075; Sewer Utility $77,782.99; Lf/Recycling $14,299.44; Yard Waste $2,845.05; Bolger $1,419; TIF $13,838.54; Local Option $7,243.59; Storm Water $1,422.89; Franchise Fees $1,501.55. Receipts $299,609.38. April Disbursements by Fund: General $24,216.59; Streets $18,826.14; Water Utility $12,535.34; Water T&A $48.84; Sewer Utility $13,883.03; CDBG Sewer $53.74; LF/Recycling $14,957.71; Yard Waste $3,900. Total Disbursements: $88,421.39. Investments: $1,282,521.54. Bank Balance $2,820,608.46. Balance with Library Funds $2,915,273.68.

     Randy Clark & Connie Conner were present because they requested a hearing in front of the city council regarding a nuisance notice they were given that was authorized by Fayette Police Chief Pisanti and Mayor Wenthe. The two items in the nuisance notice were 1) Camping trailer is emitting a noxious odor believed to be associated with illegal drug production and consumption/usage, and 2) camping trailer does not bear a current registration. Clark said the city has no proof that they were manufacturing drugs inside the camper. He added that they have always paid their camping fees and they could have gotten the registration handled in one day instead of being evicted for 180 days. Mayor Wenthe said he felt there were legitimate concerns from law enforcement so that is what he acted on and there was a citizen complaint. The mayor added that it was his decision to sign the nuisance notice. No action was taken on the couple’s appeal. The camper was removed from Klock’s Island City Park as requested within the specified time.            

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

     Mayor Wenthe reported that a preconstruction meeting was held in City Hall on May 12th for the construction of a two-story gazebo by the recreation trail (about a mile from Cardinal Park) going from Fayette to the Volga River Recreation Area. Upper Iowa University received an IDOT grant to fund this project, so the bids were let by the IDOT. The mayor said the gazebo is expected to be finished in 30 days so probably around June 30th. He added that UIU will be applying again for a grant to finish the north end of the recreation trail.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported Public Works Jerry Hildebrand and she met with Fehr Graham engineers, Jon Biederman and Jeremy Bril, in City Hall to discuss the FY17 sewer main lining & repair project. The plan is to slip-line approximately 5,000 – 6,000 feet of sewer main, plus spot repair parts of the city mains that will require excavation. The city will apply for a SRF loan through the IDNR for the estimated cost of around $300,000. A telephone conversation with Terry Kirschenman, IDNR Engineer, was done and counted as our required project initiation meeting. Fehr Graham plans to submit the Intended Use Plan (IUP) before June 1, 2016. ~ Dan Boberg took delivery of the golf cart for Main Street Matters flower watering. The cost was $2,000, as approved by the council on May 2, 2016. The cart is a 1998 electric Club Car purchased from Rudy’s Sales and Service, Denver, Iowa. Rudy’s mounted the 25 gallon water tank on the cart that cost $133.70. Donations will cover the cost of the tank.

   Police Chief Pisanti reported he and the police committee interviewed five police officer candidates. Three of the officers are certified and a decision of who to hire will be made soon.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to introduce Resolution 2016-06: Supporting the Home Base Iowa Initiative. All ayes to discuss. Sam Whitehead, the new Fayette County Economic Development Director and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission employee, was present and introduced himself. He explained that Home Base Iowa is a State of Iowa initiative which is an effort to match military veterans with jobs available across Iowa. It involves communities and businesses promoting and supporting the initiative by listing their names and jobs on a state database where veterans may go to find a job and community that suits them. Upper Iowa University and Blessing Industries have already signed up and pledged to be Home Base Iowa businesses.  

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve Resolution 2016-06: Supporting the Home Base Iowa Initiative. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the FY16 Budget Amendment for discussion. Admin/Clerk Dennis explained the FY16 budget needs to be amended because the Mechanic Street Paving Project and Sewer Modifications Project weren’t budgeted for in FY16. The city has the money for these projects so there will be no increase in tax levies or sewer fees. Moved Nefzger, seconded Sorensen, to set a public hearing for June 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall and direct City Admin/Clerk Dennis to publish the notice as required. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to discuss the request from the Fayette American Legion for a $7,000 no-interest loan to be paid back over four years or less. Dan Boberg was present and explained that the Legion plans to finish the front upstairs apartment, since the back and middle apartments are completed, and also to finish the flooring on the back steps and hallway. Boberg added that both apartments are rented. Kragnes asked if the Legion had tried to get a conventional loan or done fund raising. Boberg said they do fund raising but haven’t talked to a bank. Nefzger said she recalled that in the past when the City loaned the Legion money from the Bolger Fund it would be a one-time request and that the Legion would have funds from rental income to fix up the second and then third apartment. Wulfekuhle said she wants to see improvements on Main Street. Kragnes said she was concerned with setting a precedent, that the City isn’t a bank and where do they draw the line if someone else asks for money. Wulfekuhle suggested that the Legion pursue a “Go Fund Me” page on the internet to raise funds and offered to help Boberg set it up. Boberg said the Legion would raise the money on their own. Sorensen said he recalled that the council previously had discussed to not make loans anymore. There were no further comments or motions on the request.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the completion letter from IIW Engineers for the Wastewater Treatment Facilities 2013, Contract B Lagoon Improvements Project. The letter stated that Blazek Corporation, Lawler, Iowa, had completed construction of the Lagoon Improvements portion of the sewer project in compliance with the drawings and specifications and the project is ready for acceptance. The final project construction cost, including previously approved Change Orders, is $1,370,945. Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the project per IIW Engineers recommendation. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce the request from John Kelly for additional street lighting in the 100 block of Mechanic Street. All ayes to discuss. Admin/Clerk Dennis furnished the information she had received from Alliant Energy about the cost to install another street light. To set a new pole the cost would be $473, as long as Alliant doesn’t need to go further than 100 feet away from their wire and the annual cost would be $72.12. If there is already a pole, then the annual cost would be $104.52 per year. Admin/Clerk Dennis said the city already spends $19,000 per year on street lighting. Dennis provided the council with a map showing the location of all the street lights surrounding the 100 block of Mechanic. She noted there are two parking lot lights in the middle of the block for the apartment building at 103 Mechanic, one door down from the Kelly property, which no other block in town has. The council took no action on the street light request.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:09 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

May 2, 2016

    

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 2, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle. Absent - Sorensen.

   Moved Kragnes,seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 04/18/16, Claims List of 04/19/16 – 05/02/16 and the renewal of liquor licenses for Aramark at UIU and The Pumper. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Under communications, John Kelly, 110 Mechanic Street, said the town is looking kind of decayed with lawns not mowed, cars parked in yards, a junk pile at the south end of Mechanic Street and in the yard on the other end of Mechanic. He added that there was a travel-trailer parked on his street for most of the winter. Kelly also asked that the council to consider having an additional street light installed near his house.

Resident Dan Boberg, 103 Mechanic, added that there is an abandoned car with an open window and no license plates, that has been sitting in a parking lot on the west side of 106 Mechanic that has been there for over 1 ½ years that he would like to see moved.

Mayor Wenthe said he would discuss the nuisance issues with Police Chief Pisanti. Wenthe directed Admin/Clerk Dennis to have the street light matter on the next agenda and what the cost would be.      

Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agenda as presented, including two emergency action items under new business by McGrane, a proposal from Heartland Asphalt for paving and Kluesner Construction for crack filling (budgeted in FY16) (both received today). All ayes, carried.

Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to approve the appointments of Melle Starsen to the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill a vacancy for one year (term expires 5/31/17) and Sue Runyon to the Board of Adjustment for five years (5/15/16 to 5/15/21). All ayes, carried.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported a preconstruction meeting for the Big Rock Road project was held in City Hall on April 19th. The work was started on April 26th and is planned to be completed before the end of May 2016. ~ Jon Biederman, Fehr Graham Engineering, filed a “Work Record Request” through the Iowa DNR for Fayette’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvements project to start the process for getting funding from the SRF (State Revolving Loan Fund) for the $300,000 sewer main repair and lining project that was budgeted for FY 2017. The plan is to take bids for this project the first part of July 2016. ~ Dennis noted her report from August 2010 about the long range plan to drill a new well in FY 2023 or FY2024.

Police Chief Pisanti reported that he has been busy handling some crimes at the university. Also, that he and Officer Rodas would be monitoring a party that university students have planned for Tuesday evening, May 3rd. Pisanti said he asked the students to move the party from Main Street to behind the condos and that it can only be from 3 to 11:30 pm.

Moved Kragnes, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the Main Street Matters subject of a golf cart for watering flowers on Main Street. All ayes to discuss. Bill Dohrmann was present representing the group and said they are requesting that the city purchase a used golf cart for $2,000 and he would like the money to come from the Bolger Fund. He added that the group has sent out cards asking for donations because they will have the expense of fitting the golf cart with a water tank and sprayer, which should hold up better since the tank will remain on the cart instead of being moved weekly as was done before. Mayor Wenthe said they are still checking at the University for a Work-study Student to do the watering. Wulfekuhle said they are planning to have the wine fest one more year, since they still have glasses and bags, so there will be some revenue from that to help pay for watering if we can’t get a student through UIU.

Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to have Bill Dohrmann and Dan Boberg purchase a used golf cart from Rudy’s Golf Cars, Denver, IA, for $2,000 or less, to use for watering the flowers on Main Street and for it to be paid from the Bolger fund. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the proposal from Heartland Asphalt, Mason City, Iowa, to repair and install a three-inch asphalt mat on two blocks of Mechanic Street (from 7th Street to Madison Street) for a cost of $47,048.30. Public Works Director, Jerry Hildebrand, was present and said the street will be a little higher to help the water stay on the separate sides of the street. Hildebrand said the work is planned to start next week and he asked Heartland to give the city more advanced notice in the future. Nefzger asked that a letter be sent to the property owners about the project and when it would start. Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to go ahead with the Heartland Asphalt proposal and send notification to the property owners. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the proposal from Kluesner Construction, Farley, Iowa, to do crack routing and joint sealing on concrete and asphalt streets (16 blocks). Hildebrand said he hopes for this project to be completed before July 1, 2016. Dennis said this was budgeted for in FY 16 for $30,000. Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the bid from Kluesner Construction of $24,033.28 to do the crack filling project. All ayes, carried.

Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to approve the Board of Adjustment meeting minutes of April 26, 2016, where the Board approved a variance from the front yard set-back requirements for Jon Biederman to construct a garage onto the south side of his house. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to set a time and date for a work session to review the draft Rental Housing Code. All ayes to discuss.   It was a consensus that May 24, 2016, at 6 p.m. would work for everyone for a work session. Dennis said she would invite Lori Brockway to the work session.

   There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:08 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

April 18, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 18, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger 7:34, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 04/04/16, Claims List of 04/05–18/16 and the March 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of March 31, 2016: General $277,296.08; Streets $417,683.57; Debt Service $6,952.11; Water Utility $228,028.22; Water T&A $22,744.51; Sewer Utility $411,078.23; CDBG Sewer ($320,899.07); Landfill/Recycling ($11.43); Yard Waste $13,874.54; Bolger Fund $150,688.54; TIF $39,990.15; Local Option Sales Tax $74,241.18; Storm Water $2,555.97; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $27,602.59. March Receipts by Fund: General $19,676.98; Streets $14,665.20; Debt Service $130.30; Water Utility $1,372.94; Sewer Utility $2,084.29; Lf/Recycling $400.84; Yard Waste $88; Bolger $2,503.52; TIF $47.83; Local Option $7,243.59; Storm Water $63. Total Receipts $48,276.49. March Disbursements by Fund: General $32,511.20; Streets $4,856.51; Water Utility $30,131.52; Water T&A $616.16; Sewer Utility $5,074.10; CDBG Sewer $8,284.15; LF/Recycling $15; Bolger $25.67. Total Disbursements: $81,514.31. Investments: $1,282,467.57. Bank Balance $2,609,366.50. Balance with Library Funds $2,704,180.38.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. McGrane asked that “Draft Rental Housing Code” be added to the agenda for discussion under old business. All ayes to approve the agenda with the amendment, carried.

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the appointments of Chris Varzavand to the Fire Department and Tony Reinking (EMT) to the Ambulance Service. All ayes, carried.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Floyd Alber donated $500 to be used for Main Street flowers and plants. ~ The new Jayhawk Utility Billing Suite software will be installed in July or August, which will have features for ACH & credit card payments, remote reading downloads and more detailed history and screen views. ~ The public works department has turned on the water at the city parks. ~ New business in town: Last Stand Tatoo. ~ Board of Adjustment meeting will be April 26th at 7:15 pm. ~ The Big Rock Road Asphalting Project will start April 22nd and be finished near the end of May 2016. ~ Forwarded Municipal Derivatives Settlement Claim Form to Davis Brown Law Firm, UIU’s Bonding Attorney, relating to a refund on the college bonds that UIU ran through the City of Fayette in 2004 and 2009.

   Police Chief Pisanti reported interviews of police officer candidates would be the first or second weeks of May. ~ Chuck Rodas is back to work.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce Resolution 2016-05: Iowa DOT Road Maintenance Agreement (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021). Dennis said this is the same agreement that is approved every five years. Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agreement. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce for discussion the Gary Goodell nuisance matter. All ayes to discuss. Mayor Wenthe said Chris Kragnes and his students were planning to clean up Goodell’s property, 101 King Street, on UIU Fayette Appreciation Days, and thanked Kragnes for working to get the property cleaned up. Mayor Wenthe said Kragnes has asked to move Goodell’s items to Kragnes’ property at 622 Mechanic Street as a temporary holding place. Nefzger said she would rather see the items taken out of town. Wulfekuhle said she would think UIU would be complaining about the old TV sets and items being piled up by the baseball field on Mechanic Street. Kragnes said he plans to move the items from his Mechanic Street property within six months. Sorensen and Wulfekuhle said if it’s a temporary arrangement and it will get the Water Street property cleaned up then they agree. McGrane said he agrees 100% and said the city has tried numerous things to resolve the nuisance on Goodell’s property, but nothing has worked. McGrane also thanked Kragnes for helping to get the property cleaned up. Citizens Pat Whelan and Dan Boberg were present regarding the Goodell matter. Whelan said he noticed Goodell’s brake lights on his trailer don’t work and the trailer isn’t licensed so maybe that would be a way to stop him from going and picking up stuff and bringing it back into Fayette. Tiffany Kragnes said that would be a law enforcement issue and we couldn’t take his trailer away. Whelan questioned if the city still owns the property. Wenthe explained that we do, but we’re working through that as was noted in the newspaper. McGrane asked Kragnes if his big white building at 622 Mechanic is available to put Goodell’s items inside. Kragnes said it isn’t free presently, but he has thought about constructing another building behind that building that maybe Goodell could use. Mayor Wenthe said he is also looking into a couple of places for Goodell to take his stuff to. He added that the main goal now is to get the Water Street property cleaned up and then keep on top of it and with Kragnes’ help we hope to do that. Kragnes said he thinks Goodell is ok with the cleanup. Again, Mayor Wenthe thanked Kragnes for his help with this.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen, to discuss the Draft Rental Housing Code. All ayes. Dennis handed out hard copies of the Code that was last discussed in August 2015. McGrane said he wanted to get this information to our two new council members so they may review and study it. He added that the council had thought about doing the town in sections so a landlord with multiple properties wouldn’t have to make repairs on all their properties at one time. Another work session will be needed to continue fine tuning the code. McGrane said we don’t want to end up like some towns who allow landlords to let their properties deteriorate so much that the city ends up having to buy them and tear them down.      

   There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:24 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

April 4, 2016  

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 4, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle.

   Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 03/21/16, Claims List of 03/22/16 – 04/04/16.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

   Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented, including an addition from Wulfekuhle to new business to discuss using an Upper Iowa University work-study student for parks and recreation.  All ayes, carried.

   Mayor Wenthe noted that he has met the new Fayette County Economic Director, Sam Whitehead and made him aware of Fayette’s vacant business buildings on Main Street.  Whitehead previously worked with Community & Economic Development Associates in southeastern Minnesota.

  Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the Mayor’s Council Committee appointments as follows:  Finance:  McGrane (Chair), Kragnes, Nefzger; Personnel:  Nefzger (Chair), Kragnes, McGrane; Safety:  Sorensen (Chair), Kragnes, Wulfekuhle; Streets & Sidewalks:  McGrane (Chair), Sorensen, Wulfekuhle; Police:  Wenthe (Chair), McGrane, Nefzger; Mayor Pro-Tem Patty Nefzger.  All ayes, carried.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported fire hydrants are being flushed on April 12th, city yard waste site is opening on April 13th, city-wide garage sales will be April 29th & 30th and spring clean-up for landfill items will be on May 4th.

Police Chief Pisanti reported that he had been very busy the past week and this weekend with a couple of break-ins with a robbery, domestic abuse, stop sign pulled out, broken picture window and an assault.  He added that he is going to be proactive in attempting to abate situations that could result in any increased criminal activity.  The Chief said he had received eleven applications for the police officer position so he would be narrowing those down for interviews.        

Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to introduce for discussion the Shrubb’s Street Eatery, mobile food truck, proposed by William & Brandi Shrubb.  Billy Shrubb addressed the council and said they were building a mobile food truck and are planning to sell gourmet sandwiches and sides from the truck to start.  They would like to park the truck near UIU campus or sometimes at the corner of Hwys. 150 & 93 one or two days a week in Fayette and they would also be going to other towns and events to sell food.  They hope to have it ready in mid-April.  He added that they are required to have a generator to power the food truck, but it would be lower than 72 decibels.     

Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to grant permission for William & Brandi Shrubb to operate a mobile food truck/trailer in Fayette and allow them to park the vehicle on the city right-of-way, after showing proof of having a state inspection by Black Hawk County Health Department and a copy of their State of Iowa Sales Tax permit to City Administrator/Clerk Dennis.  All ayes, carried.     

Moved Kragnes, seconded Sorensen, to introduce for discussion using a UIU work-study student to water the flowers on Main Street and help out maintaining the ball field for summer recreation and other work related to recreations and parks.  Wenthe said UIU has funding for a work-study position up to 25 hours through June 30, 2016 and up to 20 hours during July & August 2016. Wenthe asked Wulfekuhle to prepare a job description for the work the individual would be needed to do so he could submit it to the office at UIU that handles this program for approval.

Wulfekuhle handed out a page of notes she took at an Iowa League of Cities council training program which she attended April 2nd in Waterloo.  The meeting was about budgets and other city matters related to nuisance abatements, planning, visioning, housing and branding. 

      There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:17 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

March 21, 2016

 

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Just prior to this meeting, Nancy Wulfekuhle took the oath of office from Mayor Wenthe as a newly elected city council member, to fill the vacancy of Rich Patrick who resigned Jan. 12, 2016.  A special city election was held March 15, 2016 to fill this council vacancy and the results for the three candidates who filed nomination papers were: Nancy Wulfekuhle 52 votes, Curtis Larson 45 votes and Randy Sandhagen 42 votes.   

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 03/07/16, Claims List of 03/08–21/2016 and the February 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and Budgetary Report.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of February 29, 2016:  General $290,130.30; Streets $407,874.88; Debt Service $6,821.81; Water Utility $256,786.80; Water T&A $23,360.67; Sewer Utility $414,068.04; CDBG Sewer ($316,614.92); Landfill/Recycling ($397.27); Yard Waste $13,786.54; Bolger Fund $148,210.69; TIF $39,942.32; Local Option Sales Tax $66,997.59; Storm Water $2,492.97; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $27,602.59.  February Receipts by Fund: General $17,142.17; Streets $13,946.61; Debt Service $89.58; Water Utility $4,203.18; Sewer Utility $6,298.06; Lf/Recycling $1,062.97; Yard Waste $222.28; Bolger $393; TIF $15.82; Local Option $8,566.56; Storm Water $156; Franchise Fees $3,322.32.  Total Receipts $55,418.55.  February Disbursements by Fund: General $26,701.76; Streets $7,371.16; Water Utility $6,486; Water T&A $535; Sewer Utility $17,482.70; CDBG Sewer $76,460.30; Bolger $133.21; Downtown Project $1,000. Total Disbursements: $136,170.13. Investments: $1,281,411.98.  Bank Balance $2,641,548.73.  Balance with Library Funds $2,736,828.82.

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

     Mayor Wenthe welcomed Nancy Wulfekuhle to the city council.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that she and a UIU IT employee got her new Dell computer set up the week of March 7th with Office 365 and Windows 10.

     Police Chief Pisanti made a verbal report to the mayor and council. 

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to introduce for discussion the item concerning the Show & Shine with Lloyd Carnicle present.  Lloyd said this will be the fourth year for the car show on Fayette’s Main Street.  Lloyd requested permission to have the event May – September 2016, again on the third Thursday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm.  Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle to approve, all ayes, carried.  The council thanked Lloyd for taking care of the event each year. 

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to approve Fayette’s FY 2015 Annual Review performed by Roger Shaffer, CPA, Sumner, Iowa.  There were only a few minor recommendations and Admin/Clerk Dennis explained in her Clerk’s Report the reasoning or actions needed for each.  All ayes to approve, carried.

      Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to go into closed session at 7:55 p.m. per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c.), possible real estate litigation with Attorney John Hofmeyer present.  All ayes to go into closed session, carried.

     The council came out of closed session at 8:24 p.m.  

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:24 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

March 7, 2016

    

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 7, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members McGrane, Nefzger and Sorensen. Absent: Kragnes.

   Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 02/16/16 letter of appreciation from citizens for the work of our Public Works employees, Claims List of 02/17/16 – 03/07/16 with the addition of Shieldware software in the amount of $9,000 for the Police Dept. (that will link our PD with other agencies) and utility billing software for city hall in the amount of $4,335 which is $900 more than first quote to add a NACHA file for customer auto-withdrawal from bank accounts (both had been previously approved by the Finance Committee during their budget meetings), renewal of liquor license for Cabo Blue, Native Wine Permit for Touch of Elegance and Beer License for Boarders Inn. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

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

   This being the time and place published for a public hearing on the FY 2017 Estimated Budget, Mayor Wenthe opened the hearing and asked for any comments. Admin/Clerk Dennis said the Fayette Leader cut off most of the category descriptions on the left side of the public hearing notice but fortunately our notice lined up perfectly with Maynard’s notice so people could know what the numbers related to. Dennis said she called Ted Nellesen, IDOM, and told him about the notice. Nellesen said the notice was acceptable, but to republish the full notice and mail both proofs of publication with the budget to the Fayette County Auditor. The second publication had the whole notice. The tax asking for FY 17 will be $14.43 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. There being no further comment, the mayor closed the hearing. Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve Resolution #2016-04: Fayette’s FY 2017 Budget. On roll call, all ayes.  

Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to appoint Megan Kohr as Fayette’s representative to the UERPC Housing Authority Board for three years. Her term will expire 01/01/2019. All ayes, carried. ~ Mayor Wenthe also noted that Sam Whitehead is the new Fayette County Economic Development Director, replacing the vacancy from Karla Organist. Sam also works for UERPC, like Karla did, and will be in the West Union Ec. Development office part-time.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported the GIS mapping has been completed, except for a few corrections after Jerry reviews everything. The full cost of $12,500 has been paid and James Krivachek, Midwest Geographical Services, was very good to work with.

Police Chief Pisanti said the ads for a police officer were sent out to 12 different places with a deadline of March 28th. He added that he had received four applications already. ~ Pisanti also mentioned that Reserve Officer Chuck Rodas had knee surgery and that went well. He added that he would be starting a list of repeat parking offenders and tow vehicles when several tickets haven’t been paid. 

Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce the third and final reading of Ordinance 490 – Lowering the speed limit on Big Rock Road from 35 mph to 25 mph, since it’s a shared road with pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen to approve the final reading. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen, to introduce for discussion the audit proposals from Ridihalgh, Fuelling, Snitker, Weber & Co., $9,000, Oelwein; and Hacker, Nelson & Co., $8,900, Decorah. McGrane recommended Ridihalgh’s firm since they are closer and because they have done Fayette’s audits and annual reviews for the past several years so they would have our background and the audit should go quicker. Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the bid from Ridihalgh and company to perform Fayette’s full audit for FY 2016 in August 2016 for the amount of $9,000. All ayes, carried.    

Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce the matter to change the name of Lima Road, in the city limits, to Jade Road, which is the name in the county for the same road. Dennis explained that Jerry Kleppe, resident living on Jade Road in the county, made this request to the city after talking to the county supervisors and they told him that would be up to the city. Kleppe said it would be less confusing giving people directions to his house if the name was the same all the way. Dennis said there are several roads that have one name in town then turn into a different name out of the city limits, as in all towns. Dennis said there isn’t anyone living on that section of Lima Road so there wouldn’t be any address changes needed. Public Works Director Hildebrand would have to order two new signs and Dennis said she would need to make a couple of map changes and let the county know if the name is changed. Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to change the name of Lima Road in the city limits to Jade Road. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to consider the bids for two warning sirens and their installation for the IHSEMD/FEMA grant. The four bids received were from these four companies: RCSystems Radio Communications Co., Waterloo, $33,600; Electronic Engineering Co., Waterloo, $39,045; Feld Fire, Carroll, $40,180; and Graybill Communications, Hiawatha, $50,639. The bid opening was held at 9:30 a.m. on March 3rd with Fire Chief Rohde, Public Works Director Hildebrand and Admin/Clerk Dennis present. Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the low bid from RCSystems Radio Communications Company for $33,600. All ayes, carried.    

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Sorensen, to go into closed session at 7:57 p.m. per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c.), possible real estate litigation with Attorney John Hofmeyer present. All ayes to go into closed session, carried.

     The council came out of closed session at 8:43 p.m.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:43 pm.

 

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

February 16, 2016

    

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Sorensen.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 02/01/16, Claims List of 02/02–16/2016, January 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and Budgetary Report.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of January 31, 2016:  General $299,689.89; Streets $401,299.43; Debt Service $6,732.23; Water Utility $259,069.62; Water T&A $23,895.67; Sewer Utility $425,252.68; CDBG Sewer ($236,154.62); Landfill/Recycling ($1,460.24); Yard Waste $13,564.26; Bolger Fund $147,950.90; TIF $39,926.50; Local Option Sales Tax $58,431.03; Storm Water $2,336.97; Downtown Project ($23,926.26); Franchise Fees $24,280.27.  January Receipts by Fund: General $8,504.06; Streets $12,163.96; Debt Service $127.99; Water Utility $63,391.99; Water T&A $450; Sewer Utility $84,421.43; Lf/Recycling $14,054.56; Yard Waste $2,799.83; Bolger $453; TIF $76.15; Local Option $8,566.54; Storm Water $1,245.64; Franchise Fees $740.45.  Total Receipts $196,995.60.  January Disbursements by Fund: General $28,250.45; Streets $25,973.04; Water Utility $8,013.32; Water T&A $350; Sewer Utility $32,250.66; CDBG Sewer $40,218; Landfill/Recycling $14,957.71; Bolger $127.35; TIF $32. Total Disbursements: $150,172.53. Investments: $1,281,360.12.  Bank Balance $2,722,248.45.  Balance with Library Funds $2,817,610.01.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to approve the agenda as presented.  All ayes, carried.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis included her FY 2017 Estimated Budget Report in the agenda packet.  Mayor Wenthe and Finance Chair Kris McGrane thanked Dennis for her detailed budget report.  Mayor Wenthe noted from the report that the FY 2017 tax levy was going up five cents, so the taxes on a house valued at $100,000 will be going up only $1.37 from FY 2016.  The highlights from the report are:  100% city valuation increased $2,503,346 which gives us $125,168 in general fund bonding capacity; 2% Cost of Living Allowance for city employees July 1, 2016; health insurance increasing 6.18% March 1, 2016; the rollback on residential property is decreasing 0.10% to 55.63%; township valuations increased so we will receive $1,646.50 more for the Ambulance and Fire Departments.  We are budgeting $357,000 for the Big Rock Road resurfacing project; $51,954 to resurface several blocks of streets; $300,000 for a sewer main lining/repair project; $42,866 to purchase 250 remote transmitters, software and equipment to start remote reading, then in FY18 finish purchasing transmitters and meter so the city can go to monthly billing once all the transmitters are installed; $3,164,795 for the Downtown & Water Street projects if CDBG program awards are received. FY 17 estimated resources $5,369,830 and estimated expenditures $5,325,469.  Tax levy $14.43.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to adopt the proposed FY17 Budget Estimate, set the time and date for the public hearing on the proposed budget for March 7, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in Fayette City Hall and direct Admin/Clerk Dennis to publish the budget hearing notice.  All ayes, carried.

      Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the second reading of Ordinance 490 – Lowering the speed limit on Big Rock Road from 35 mph to 25 mph, since it’s a shared road with pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce for discussion the bids and proposals for engineering for the FY17 Sewer Main Rehabilitation Project.  Bids were received from Fehr Graham $19,000 and The Burrington Group $20,200.  Dennis said Public Works Director Hildebrand recommended Fehr Graham because they have the low bid and due to the close proximity of their West Union office to Fayette.  Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to accept the bid from Fehr Graham.  All ayes, carried.

      Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to go into closed session at 7:41 p.m. per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c.), possible real estate litigation. All ayes to go into closed session, carried.

     The council came out of closed session at 8:10 p.m.  

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:10 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

                                                         February 1, 2016    

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, February 1, 2016, at 6:15 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger and Sorensen.

   Moved Kragnes, seconded Sorensen, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 01/18/16 and the Claims List of 01/19/16 – 02/01/16. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

   Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

   Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to appoint Linda Tenney and Amy Tucker to the Fayette Recreation Board. Their terms will expire 11/01/2017. All ayes, carried.   Also, moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to appoint Roger Post to the Fayette Board of Adjustment. His term will expire 5/15/2020. All ayes, carried.      

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Jerry got the new Chevy Silverado pickup truck on January 25, 2016.  

Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to introduce Resolution 2016-03: Approving an Award of Contract for the 2016 Big Rock Road Project. Admin/Clerk Dennis handed out the bid tabulations from Jon Biederman, Fehr Graham Engineering, and Jon’s letter of recommendation to award the contract to Heartland Asphalt of Mason City, Iowa, in the amount of $303,085. Dennis noted there were two bids, with the other bid coming from River City Paving, Decorah, for $308,472.90. Heartland’s bid was 22.3 percent below the engineer’s estimate. Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to approve the bid from Heartland Asphalt and award the contract to them for the Big Rock Road project. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce for discussion the matter of filling the vacant council seat due to the resignation of Richard Patrick on January 12, 2016. All ayes to discuss. Dennis said she spoke with Lori Moellers, Fayette County Auditor, about the special election process. Dennis said if the election was held on March 15th, then citizens running for the election would need to file their papers (Affidavit of Candidacy and Nomination Petition signed by ten eligible voters living in the City of Fayette) to Lori at the Fayette County Court house on February 19, 2016 before 5:00 p.m. Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to hold a special election on March 15, 2016 for the purpose of filling the council vacancy. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the Finance Committee meeting minutes of January 27, 2016. McGrane said the minutes cover everything. Dennis said she would have her full FY17 budget report in the February 16th council agenda packet. Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to approve the minutes, all ayes, carried.

Moved Kragnes, seconded Sorensen, to introduce the first reading of Ordinance 490 – Lowering the speed limit on Big Rock Road from 35 mph to 25 mph, since it’s a shared road with pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. It was a consensus of the council to have all three readings of this ordinance separately to provide more communication about lowering the speed limit on this road. Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the first reading of Ordinance 490. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to discuss a letter from IIW Engineers recommending acceptance of the Wastewater Treatment Facility 2013 Contract C Lagoon Sludge Removal Project, Contract Payment #2 for $76,316.35 and Change Order #1 (Reduction of $69,667). All ayes to discuss. Dennis said this is a considerable cost savings and will lower the bottom line of our SRF loan amount. Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to approve the recommendation from IIW Engineers to accept the project, approve Pay Request #2 and Change Order #1. All ayes, carried.

There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 6:37 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

                                                     January 18, 2016    

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, January 18, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger (7:33 pm), Sorensen.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 01/04/16, Claims List of 01/05–18/2016, December 2015 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and Budgetary Report.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of December 31, 2015:  General $319,436.28; Streets $415,108.51; Debt Service $6,604.24; Water Utility $203,690.95; Water T&A $23,795.67; Sewer Utility $373,081.91; CDBG Sewer ($195,936.62); Landfill/Recycling ($557.09); Yard Waste $10,764.43; Bolger Fund $147,625.25; TIF $39,882.35; Local Option Sales Tax $49,864.49; Storm Water $1,091.33; Downtown Project ($23,926.26); Franchise Fees $23,539.82.  December Receipts by Fund: General $48,260.47; Streets $14,562.30; Debt Service $4,978.92; Water Utility $1,411.24; Water T&A $225; Sewer Utility $2,426.38; Lf/Recycling $376.92; Yard Waste $77.72; Bolger $552; TIF $269.87; Local Option $8,179.69; Storm Water $52.28.  Total Receipts $81,372.79.  December Disbursements by Fund: General $46,923.68; Streets $11,224.02; Water Utility $21,355.63; Water T&A $797.52; Sewer Utility $14,238.98; Yard Waste $324; Bolger $169.50; TIF $22; Downtown Project $3,615.15. Total Disbursements: $98,670.48. Investments: $1,281,304.70.  Bank Balance $2,675,369.96.  Balance with Library Funds $2,769,542.17.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Sorensen, to approve the agenda as presented.  All ayes, carried.

     This being the time and place set for a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications and estimated cost of the 2016 Big Rock Road Improvement Project, Mayor Wenthe opened the hearing for comment. (Nefzger arrived) Admin/Clerk Dennis said Public Works Director, Jerry Hildebrand, and she got together with Jon Biederman, Fehr-Graham Engineer, this morning and reviewed the plans.  The engineer’s estimated project cost is $351,576 for the city and $35,225 for the county share, making a total cost of $386,801.  She added that the bid opening will be February 1st at 11:00 am in the Fayette City Hall and work is to be completed by August 19, 2016.  There being no further comment, Mayor Wenthe closed the hearing.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to approve Resolution 2016-02: Adopting the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of the 2016 Big Rock Road Improvement Project prepared by Fehr-Graham Engineers.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe reported that the annual Fire Advisory Board meeting that he attended on January 14, 2016 at the Fayette Fire Station was well attended by the Township Trustees.  There weren’t many questions since the Fire Dept. budget is remaining the same as the FY16 budget. 

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Floyd Alber donated $400 to be used for Main Street flowers.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce for discussion placing signs along Big Rock Road for pedestrians and bicyclers.  All ayes.  McGrane showed a picture of a sign he found on the internet that said “Share the Road” and had a picture of a walker, bicycle and vehicle on it.  There was discussion about painting a sign on the road of a bicycle with arrows pointing out, but it wasn’t recommended because of the expense and time to repaint it every year.  Hildebrand said the cost of regular signs from Iowa Prison Industries is $85 for two signs plus the cost of the posts and hardware.  Hildebrand said he would look into the cost of a custom made sign like the picture that McGrane had.  Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to go ahead with the purchase of four signs that say “Share the Road” with the three symbols on them pending the cost, to place on Big  Rock  Road  after the improvement project is completed.  The signs should be placed near the trail bridge, mid-way on the road and near Lima Road as people enter on to Big Rock Road.  All ayes, carried.         

     Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen, to discuss changing the speed limit on Big Rock Road from 35 mph to 25 mph.  All ayes.  After some discussion, moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, that Admin/Clerk Dennis prepare an ordinance amendment to lower the speed limit on Big Rock Road from 35 mph to 25 mph.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to approve the Personnel Committee meeting minutes of January 12, 2016, where it was recommended by the committee to continue to pay the cash health benefit for the four city employees (Adam Hildebrand, Rick Briggs, Linda Adams & Christie Dennis) who have been receiving this benefit.  Kragnes said since Christie is retiring the end of October 2016 and Linda is retiring in a few years, we’re only talking about two employees continuing to receive this benefit so it doesn’t seem worth stopping it because of all the arguments it’s causing.  Nefzger said she would like to see the cash benefit grandfathered in because it has been a part of the employee’s income that they have become dependent on.  She added that she doesn’t want to lose our present employees who are dedicated and it would cost a lot more to hire replacements because of all the certifications our employees have.  Mayor Wenthe said he doesn’t feel comfortable taking it away because the employees have earned it and we’re not in a financial crisis at this time.  The cash benefit doesn’t apply to new employees who were hired  after  April  2015  when  benefits  were  changed  in  the  Personnel  Policy.   The Personnel Committee also recommended a 2% Cost of Living Allowance for all employees for FY2017.  At the Personnel Committee meeting Nefzger & Kragnes voted aye for both recommendations, where the other committee member, Rich Patrick, abstained on both votes.  Clerk’s Note:  According to the “Rules of procedure governing the conduct of business of the Fayette City Council, Rule 12. Voting.  An abstention shall be deemed as a “yes” vote except where the member has a conflict of interest, which conflict shall be stated at the time of abstention”.  On the motion to approve the Personnel Committee meeting minutes, three voted aye, Sorensen voted nay, the minutes were approved.

    Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce for discussion a replacement on the city council for Richard Patrick who resigned on January 12, 2016 following the Personnel Committee meeting.  All ayes.   It was a consensus of the council that they would like feedback from the community for filling the position before potentially making an appointment.  Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, that Admin/Clerk Dennis post and publish a notice stating that anyone interested in filling the council position for the remainder of the term contact Dennis or Mayor Wenthe before noon on February 1, 2016.  The council will make a decision at the council meeting February 1st.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to change the time of the February 1, 2016 council meeting to 6:15 p.m. due to the Iowa Presidential Caucuses.  All ayes, carried.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, to adjourn at 8:02 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

January 4, 2016

    

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met in the Fayette Community Library ICN Room at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016, council member Kris McGrane presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members McGrane, Patrick, Sorensen. Absent Nefzger, Kragnes.

   Moved Patrick, seconded Sorensen, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 12/14/15, notices from Mediacom and Claims List of 12/15/15 – 01/04/16. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

   Moved Sorensen, seconded Patrick, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes to approve the agenda, carried.

The following council committee appointments were listed under the mayor’s report: Finance – Patrick (Chair), McGrane, Nefzger; Personnel – Nefzger (Chair), Patrick, Kragnes; Safety – Sorensen (Chair), Patrick, Kragnes; Streets & Sidewalks – McGrane (Chair), Sorensen, Kragnes; Police – Mayor Wenthe (Chair), McGrane, Nefzger. Mayor Pro-Tem – Nefzger.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that the public works employees hauled 50 truck-loads of leaves and traveled 500 round-trip miles to the farm to dump the leaves. They also traveled 321 miles in town using the vacuum truck.

Moved Sorensen, seconded Patrick, to discuss the petition from Dave & Sue Runyon requesting construction of a four foot pedestrian trail adjacent to Big Rock Road in the ditch from the trail bridge to Lima Road – approximate cost $175,000 to $200,000. Dave Runyon read the petition and then handed out copies to the council, with the original going to Admin/Clerk Dennis. The petition was signed by 56 Fayette citizens, three children, and 12 people from out of town who use Fayette’s recreation trails. The petition stated all of the progressive projects that the City of Fayette has done over the past 15 years to move the community forward and the continuing projects to invest in our future. The petition also stated, “All these, and more, have enhanced the City’s “live-ability” ensuring that future generations will enjoy the community’s natural and cultural assets”. Runyon noted that they have seen a big increase in pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic on Big Rock Road since the golf course was expanded to 18 holes (15 years ago) and since the trail was completed with the bridge over the Volga River (over seven years ago). Runyon said the road is a multi-use corridor that isn’t safe for walkers and bikers. The petition stated: “We the undersigned request immediate attention by the Fayette City Council to revise the Big Rock Road rebuilding to include a pedestrian and bike lane”. Runyon added that signage should be installed, at the very least, referring to a legal case from Clayton County where signage was missing. Patrick said in theory he is not opposed to a trail along Big Rock Road, but he said he didn’t want to use the Bolger fund before we’re finished paying off a previous loan to the fund and would like to look into grants and fund raising for construction of a trail. McGrane noted the financial options that Admin/Clerk Dennis had provided to the council and said he would like into where the trail could be taken to and not rush into anything with research it first. Sorensen agreed that we need to look into other options and not rush. Jon Biederman, Fehr-Graham Engineer, was present and said that a four foot width isn’t a trail, it’s just widening the road and that’s all the room there is on the north side of the road. He added that it would actually be a one-way trail because pedestrians should travel against the traffic. Admin/Clerk Dennis said Biederman looked into putting a trail on the south side of Big Rock Road when the trail committee was deciding where to run the trail that was built in 2008 and it was going to be cost prohibitive because of the stream being so close and the dampness of the area, so that’s why it was decided to go across UIU property and construct a bridge over the Volga River. In the grant applications that Dennis wrote to the DNR and DOT, it was shown that the bridge came out on Big Rock Road and that pedestrians and bikers could go east or west on Big Rock Road if they didn’t want to turn around. Biederman said a standard trail is ten feet wide and an exception can be requested to narrow it to eight feet, which we did on the trail from Klock’s Island Park. It was a consensus of the council to have Biederman and Public Works Director Hildebrand look into various signage that could be installed along Big Rock Road to make people more aware that they should “Share the Road”, and that the road is a “Shared Corridor” and perhaps put up some bicycle and pedestrian signs. Also, to review the speed limit ordinance and perhaps lower the speed limit on Big Rock Road from 35 mph to 25 mph and have the Fayette Police do more enforcement of the speed on the road. McGrane thanked the Runyon’s for bringing the matter to the council’s attention.  

Moved Patrick, seconded Sorensen, to approve Resolution #2016-01: Setting a public hearing for the 2016 Big Rock Road Improvements Project for January 18, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in Fayette City Hall. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     There being no further business, moved Sorensen, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:13 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

December 14, 2015

    

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, December 14, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Jon Biederman, Fehr-Graham engineer, had another commitment at 6 pm, so he was on the agenda prior to Nefzger arriving. Biederman informed those present that the Big Rock Road project would be closer to $352,000 because of the steep cross slope of the road would require the asphalt to be thicker in some areas. He added that he has estimated the cost to core out the bad area at $70,000, which is part of the above figure. The road will be 18 feet wide with a two inch overlay, although it will be three to four inches in some areas. Biederman said the cost includes a couple of feet of widening in the corner by the sewer lagoons. He added this cost doesn’t include the east 830 foot portion the county is paying for, which is estimated to be $31,000 and the county will reimburse the city. Biederman said we could drop the Lima Road portion of the project to save some money. Dennis said there is enough money to do the whole project. The consensus was to do it all so it is taken care of and done right.  

     Roll call: Present - Council members Boberg, McGrane, Nefzger (5:35 pm). Absent: Patrick, Sorensen.

     Moved Boberg, seconded McGrane, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 12/07/15, Claims List of 12/08–14/15, November 2015 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and Budgetary Report and the Fire Department payroll June-Dec. and report of fire calls. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of November 30, 2015: General $318,099.49; Streets $411,770.23; Debt Service $1,625.32; Water Utility $223,635.34; Water T&A $24,368.19; Sewer Utility $384,894.51; CDBG Sewer ($195,936.62); Landfill/Recycling ($934.01); Yard Waste $11,010.71; Bolger Fund $147,242.75; TIF $39,634.48; Local Option Sales Tax $41,684.80; Storm Water $1,039.05; Downtown Project ($20,311.11); Franchise Fees $25,539.82. November Receipts by Fund: General $61,044.26; Streets $14,430.10; Debt Service $1,507.89; Water Utility $4,286.42; Water T&A $900; Sewer Utility $4,836.70; Lf/Recycling $679; Yard Waste $140; Bolger $717.45; TIF $13,063.65; Storm Water $87. Total Receipts $101,692.47. November Disbursements by Fund: General $42,202.04; Streets $6,464.52; Debt Service $9,403.07; Water Utility $4,436.45; Water T&A $175; Sewer Utility $16,472.10; LF/Recyling $22; Yard Waste $48; Bolger $5,021.92; Downtown Project $556.95. Total Disbursements: $84,802.05. Investments: $1,281,249.29. Bank Balance $2,692,612.24. Balance with Library Funds $2,785,769.03.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Boberg, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that the four new computers and monitors were delivered so Michael Saathoff, city web designer, will be setting them up.  

   Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to introduce a proposal from CK & TK Properties, LLC. to rent the city owned building at 9 S. Main for $350 per month for twelve months beginning January 1, 2016. Chris Kragnes said they would use the space for a business office for their rental business and as a work area away from home. Moved Nefzger, seconded Boberg, to approve the proposal from the Kragnes’ to rent the building for $350 per month. All ayes, carried.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Boberg, to introduce the purchase of a new heart monitor by the Fayette Ambulance Service for $25,000 from their budget. Dennis explained that this would be in addition to the new heart monitor that the Service is purchasing with the $25,000 grant they received in November through Mission Lifeline, so each vehicle would have the same monitor. Moved McGrane, seconded Boberg, to approve the purchase. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce the letter from Attorney James Burns for Sierra Fox regarding the agreement to pay back her training funds. All ayes to discuss. The letter, to Attorney John Hofmeyer III, stated that Hofmeyer draft a Judgment because Fox has decided that she will take the offer of Judgment plus attorney’s fees minus $500 discount and will agree to the Judgment. If it is accompanied by an agreement that no execution will be issued on the Judgment as long as the defendant (Fox) pays $200 every other week. Hofmeyer addressed the council and said payments are often done like this by new officers and that Fox is having her wages sent to the city already from the City of West Union already. He added that he agrees to take $500 off his bill. He also added that a Judgment will follow Fox wherever she goes and even in a new state. Hofmeyer said Fox is paying 5% interest on the outstanding amount that she owes, per State Code. He added that it’s his recommendation to do as the letter states. Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to accept the letter and have Hofmeyer proceed with the Judgment. McGrane & Nefzger voted aye, Boberg voted nay, motion carried.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, to adjourn at 5:50 pm.

     Mayor Wenthe then swore in newly elected council members, Tiffany Kragnes, Kris McGrane and Patty Nefzger. Then City Admin/Clerk Dennis swore in Mayor Wenthe for his new term. Rich Patrick and Todd Sorensen will be sworn in sometime before January 1, 2016.           

                                                       Regular Council Meeting

December 7, 2015

    

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met in the Fayette City Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2015, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Boberg, McGrane, Nefzger, Patrick, Sorensen.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Sorensen, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 11/16/15, Claims List of 11/17/15 – 12/07/15 and a Native Wine Permit for Pavo Blue.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented.  Patrick asked that the following addition be added to the Fayette Ambulance Service meeting minutes:  approval of Dr. Troy Buchholz, Sumner, as the Emergency Medical Director for the Fayette Ambulance Service.  All ayes to approve the agenda with the addition, carried.

     This being the time and place set for a public hearing on the proposal for authorizing the submission of a CDBG Water/Sewer application and a CDBG Community Facility & Services application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority  for the Fayette Downtown Reconstruction Project 2017 to replace water/sewer & storm water mains and the installation of a sewer main on West Water Street, Mayor Wenthe declared the hearing open for public comment.  Rachelle Howe, Director of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, included a review of the following:

 

  1. (a)how the need for the activity was identified;

The need was identified as the existing sanitary sewer lines were televised.  The results have indicated cracks and holes throughout the pipe and deterioration at some of the service tees. There are also two sections of private sanitary sewers, one on each side of Water Street from Vine Street to King Street. These sections have been problematic causing several blockages and sanitary sewer backups into the homes.

The condition of the water mains is unknown. The City reports that minimal repair work has been needed on the water main. However, the south block of Main Street has several leaking underground storage tanks (LUST) and replacement at this time seems appropriate to coincide with the replacement of the sanitary sewer line.

The storm sewer would be replaced at the same time and the City will be exploring the use of green solutions that would affect the quality of the storm water runoff of Main Street. The storm sewer empties into the Volga River, which is only 1,300 feet from the farthest point of the proposed project and the Volga River State Park is just downstream of the City of Fayette.

  1. (b)how the proposed activities will be funded and the sources of funds;

The proposed project will be funded by CDBG Water/Sewer funds in the amount of $500,000 and by CDBG Community Facilities & Services funds in the amount of $500,000.  The overall cost of the project is estimated to be around $3,164,795.00, leaving the City of Fayette to cover the local match portion.

           

(c)       date the CDBG application will be submitted;

The CDBG Water/Sewer application will be submitted on or before January 8th, 2015 to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

 

  1. (d)requested amount of federal funds;

The requested amount is $500,000 from CDBG Water/Sewer and $500,000 from CDBG Community Facilities & Services.                                       

 

  1. (e)estimated portion of federal funds that will benefit low-and moderate-income persons;

According to the 2014 HUD LMI numbers, 52.76% of the population in the City of Fayette is considered as low-and-moderate.

 

(f)        where the proposed activities will be conducted;

The project will be conducted downtown along South Main Street from approximately 200’ north of Water Street to Clark Street and along West Water Street from Highway 150 to Main Street, which is within the city limits of Fayette, located in Fayette County.

 

(g)        plans to minimize displacement of persons and businesses resulting of funded activities;

There will be no displacement of persons and businesses as a result of funded activities for the water/sewer project. 

(h)        plans to assist persons actually displaced;

There are no plans to displace any persons.

(i)         the nature of the proposed activities.

The nature of the project is to assist the City of Fayette with the replacement of their water, sewer and storm sewer lines throughout the downtown and install city sewer main on West Water Street to replace private  sewer lines for six residences. 

     City Administrator/Clerk Christie Dennis handed out a spreadsheet to the Mayor and City Council showing where the $2.165 million for the city match for the project would come from with a combination of Revenue Bonds, Road Use Tax and General Obligation Bonds.  Dennis noted these grant applications would be Fayette’s second try through the CDBG program.  She added that the project wouldn’t start until 2017 if we were awarded both grants.       

     There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Wenthe closed the public hearing. 

     Moved Patrick, seconded Boberg, to approve Resolution #2015-21: Authorizing the submission of a CDBG Water/Sewer application and a CDBG Community Facility & Services application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority and authorizing the expenditure of city funds for the required match, pending approval of the applications, and authorizing Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission to perform the administration of the grants.  On roll call, all voted aye, carried.

  Mayor Wenthe thanked the Girl Scouts and Shirley Ungerer, Scout Leader, for furnishing the cookies and drinks for the meet & greet for Fayette’s new police chief, Rich Pisanti, this evening prior to the council meeting.  Also, thanked Linda Adams for having the library open for the event. ~ The mayor also thanked Kris McGrane for researching the new computers for the police department and the clerk’s office. 

Upon the mayor’s recommendation, moved Boberg, seconded Nefzger, to reappoint Jason Rohde as the Fayette Fire Chief for 2016 and to reappoint Bradley Minger for three more years to the Fayette County Community Foundation Board as Fayette’s representative.  Minger’s new term will expire 01/01/2018 and will be his final term because representatives may only serve two terms, three years each.  All ayes, carried.

  Administrator/Clerk Dennis handed out brochures from Fayette Co. Economic Development that she had received in the mail this date. ~ Dennis announced that Floyd Alber gave a $500 donation and didn’t specify the use. ~ Dennis said she would be listening to a webinar through the EPA for an hour the next day about green infrastructure ideas and Jon Biederman would be one of the presenters, speaking about Monona’s pervious paver parking lot. ~ Dennis called Windstream and had the bandwidth increased in City Hall from 1.5 mbps to 12 mbps, for $20 more, so the internet is faster for the ambulance, police and clerk’s office. ~ The sludge removal from the fourth cell of the sewer lagoons was completed, then Blazek Co. installed the aeration system in that lagoon, finishing on Dec. 4, 2015.  Some ventilation issues still need to be looked at and the heater checked in one of the buildings. ~ Dennis gave the abstract and deed for 104 King Street to NEICA, so they officially own that property now.  NEICA is applying for funding through a grant application that will be submitted in May 2016 to construct a house on that property.

   Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce for discussion a funding request from the Main Street Matters group for flowers on Main Street for 2016.  All ayes to discuss.  Sue Dohrmann addressed the council and gave them a copy of the group’s latest meeting minutes explaining what their plan is for the flowers and pots.  The cost of the flowers will cost $1,050 and they plan to have Lucy Fox plant 8 wave petunias into each of the 30 hanging brackets on February 1st, to give the plants a better start.  Dohrmann said getting volunteers to water the flowers was an issue this past summer so their group is going to advertise to try to get groups to volunteer to do the watering.  Dennis said she can put their ad on the city web site, city Facebook page and send to the community e-mail list.  There isn‘t enough space on the water bills to write much.  The group is planning to purchase a new pump/tank because the last one broke near the end of the season.  Moved Boberg, seconded Nefzger, to donate $1,000 for the plants, using the $500 donation from Floyd Alber and taking $500 from the General Fund.  All ayes, carried.

    Moved Boberg, seconded McGrane, to introduce Dave Runyon’s request to widen Big Rock Road for a pedestrian trail when the Big Rock Road project is done next year.  All ayes to discuss.  Runyon addressed the council and said since the trail and bridge were completed several years ago, they have seen a significant increase in the amount of foot and bicycle traffic go by their house on Big Rock Road.  Runyon said because the road is so narrow, he and his wife, Sue, have seen some near misses of people getting hit by vehicles, so they would like to see the road widened for safety.  Runyon said they would donate their land for a trail in the ditch.   Runyon said they appreciate the trails the city has built and they are a great enhancement to Fayette.  Jon Biederman, Fehr-Graham Engineer for the Big Rock Road project, addressed the council and explained that the cost for a four foot trail would be approximately $150,000 and that doesn’t include land acquisition, or additional intakes and storm piping, if needed.  Biederman said they are planning to go to bid on the road project in January or the first of February 2016 so construction can begin in the spring/summer.  There was discussion about the need for consistent speed enforcement when the new surface is finished on Big Rock Road because people will be speeding.  Biederman mentioned that the cost estimates for the Big Road project are coming in a little higher than the allowed budget, so he will present those figures at the next council meeting, Dec. 14th.  No decision was made on the pedestrian trail in the ditch because funding would have to be researched.

     Moved Boberg, seconded Patrick, to approve the Fayette Ambulance Service meeting minutes of Nov. 4th and to approve Dr. Troy Buchholz, Sumner, as the Emergency Medical Director for the Fayette Ambulance Service.  All ayes, carried.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to introduce the Dec. 3rd meeting minutes of the Fayette Recreation Board.  The Rec. Board provided craft activities at the soup supper put on by Rainbow Land Preschool on Dec. 4th.  Looking into having open gym time at the middle school for the winter for children.  Moving their meeting time to third Tuesday each month, starting Jan. 19, 2016.  Moved Boberg, seconded McGrane, to approve the meeting minutes, carried.

  Moved Patrick, seconded McGrane, to approve an amendment to the FY 2015 Annual Urban Renewal Report with the addition of debt obligations for Colonial Manors Memory Care and the low-to-moderate income requirement for Northridge Condominiums.  All ayes, carried. 

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:23 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

November 16, 2015

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, November 16, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Boberg, McGrane, Nefzger, Patrick, Sorensen.

     Moved Patrick, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 11/02/15, Abstract of Votes from the City Election on November 3, 2015, certified by the Fayette Co. Supervisors, with the following abstract of votes: Mayor - Andrew Wenthe 133, Daniel Boberg 64, scattering 15. City Council - Kris McGrane 167, Rich Patrick 155, Tiffany Kragnes 134, Patricia Nefzger 130, Todd Sorensen 108, Curtis Larson 103, write-in Randy Sandhagen 61, scattering 6. Total number of voters in this election 212, which is 33.13% of the 640 registered voters in the City of Fayette. All terms are for two years and take effect January 1, 2016. The election cost for the Fayette city election was $833.72. Claims List of 11/03–16/15, October 2015 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and Budgetary Report. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of October 31, 2015: General $299,257.27; Streets $403,804.65; Debt Service $9,520.50; Water Utility $223,785.37; Water T&A $23,643.19; Sewer Utility $396,529.91; CDBG Sewer ($195,936.62); Landfill/Recycling ($1,591.01); Yard Waste $10,918.71; Bolger Fund $151,547.22; TIF $26,570.83; Local Option Sales Tax $41,684.80; Storm Water $952.05; Downtown Project ($19,754.16); Franchise Fees $23,539.82. October Receipts by Fund: General $111,165.20; Streets $12,728.06; Debt Service $2,386.41; Water Utility $60,399.09; Water T&A $675; Sewer Utility $63,016.69; Lf/Recycling $13,686.90; Yard Waste $2,704.34; Bolger $297.80; TIF $1,495.74; Local Option Tax $16,631.76; Storm Water $898.05; Franchise Fees $4,591.80. Total Receipts $290,976.84. October Disbursements by Fund: General $29,740.81; Streets $17,273.90; Water Utility $12,506.54; Water T&A $222.24; Sewer Utility $10,081.71; LF/Recyling $14,957.71; Bolger $1,906.88; TIF $31,683.29; Downtown Project $141.90. Total Disbursements: $118,514.98. Investments: $1,281,195.69. Bank Balance $2,675,668.22. Balance with Library Funds $2,768,254.37.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Boberg, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe introduced and welcomed Fayette’s new police chief, Richard Pisanti, and council member elect, Tiffany Kragnes. Mayor Wenthe swore in Chief Pisanti on November 10, 2015.

   The report from Administrator/Clerk Dennis consisted of the following: The sludge removal from the sewer lagoon started on November 14th; the new tankless hot water heater and water softener was installed by D&D Plumbing on Nov. 13th; Alliant Energy is doing a street light inventory in Fayette and surrounding towns and hope to be finished by the end of February. The street lights will be listed on our new billing after that; the Fire Dept. transferred the IDNR 1986 Chevy brush truck to Westgate on Nov. 12th.

   Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce changing the last council meeting of the year on December 21st to December 14th and starting the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Wenthe and the five newly elected council members will be sworn in at the Dec. 14th meeting. Moved McGrane, seconded Boberg, to approve the date and time as noted above. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to introduce the Community Development & Housing Needs Assessment required for submitting the CDBG program applications for the Downtown Sewer/Water Replacement Project and for the Downtown Storm Water Drainage Construction Measures. Moved Nefzger, seconded Sorensen, to approve the Assessment. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Patrick, to set a public hearing for December 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in Fayette City Hall for submitting two CDBG program applications for the 2017 Fayette Downtown Reconstruction Projects. All ayes, carried.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, to adjourn at 7:42 pm.      

Regular Council Meeting

November 2, 2015

    

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met in the Fayette City Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2015, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Boberg, Nefzger, Patrick. Absent: McGrane, Sorensen.

     Prior to this meeting the council held a work session at 6:00 p.m., as posted, to discuss the drainage in the business blocks of Main Street in preparation for a grant application.  Present at this work session was the mayor, the full council except Sorensen, Dan Hingtgen with whks engineering, Casey Mai with UERPC, Public Works Director Hildebrand and City Admin/Clerk Dennis.  The council decided to not use permeable pavers in the downtown project because of the extensive and on-going maintenance required to keep the space between the pavers from plugging up with dirt, sand and vehicle fluids.   The grant application for the Community Facilities CDBG program will be submitted for a second try by UERPC (due January 2016) and use the same wording as last year.  The green street criteria we will use are street trees with grates around them that water can drain into and there may be some vegetative box filters.  It was a consensus that we don’t want large concrete plant boxes on Main Street that people could fall it, vehicle bumpers could hit, or that would take up parking spaces.  The storm sewers will be enlarged to accommodate more water to alleviate the rain water back-up that happens presently during a heavy rain further to the south at several Main Street intersections.  Dennis was asked to put some figures together for financing the projects.  Work on the projects won’t start until 2017.  

     Moved Patrick, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 10/19/15, Claims List of 10/20/15 – 11/02/15 and renewal of a liquor license for the Downtown Lounge. 

     Under communications from the public, Admin/Clerk Dennis noted that Janice Larson called and said she wanted it brought up to the city council that she didn’t think it was fair that she now has to pay $3.00 per quarter for a storm water fee when storm sewers weren’t installed when the new subdivision was built on the hill across from her house.  Dennis said she explained that this was a new mayor and council, and they started the storm water fee to try to build up some funds to be able to pay for installing storm sewers in the future.

     Moved Patrick, seconded Boberg, to approve the agenda as presented.  Nefzger asked that a closed session on litigation be added under old business and that it be moved to the last matter on the agenda.  Patrick approved the agenda with the amendment, all ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe thanked the members of the Police Chief Search Committee for the good job in finding a new police chief.  The committee members were Karla Gavin, Dave Runyon, Patty Nefzger, Kris McGrane and the mayor.  He said it took quite a lot of time, but he thinks we’ve found a good person for the job.  He added that Richard Pisanti, the new chief, is driving from Florida this week and plans to start work on Monday, Nov. 9th.

     The mayor said we will have a meet & greet for Richard and his wife sometime in the future. 

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that the grant application she submitted to FEMA through the Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management Department for two warning sirens was approved.  The total amount of the grant is $44,006. (Federal portion: $29,270/ State: $4,400 and local: $10,336, and the project must be completed in one year. ~ Dennis noted that she posted and published all of the winter notices on Oct. 22nd. ~ Letters (35) were mailed to property owners asking them to repair their water shut-off valves. ~ A letter was mailed to Connie Conner regarding removing her dog at 701 S. Main since there is no one living on the property because the house was removed and about a couple of junk lawn mowers on the property that need to be removed. ~ The Fayette Yard Waste Site will be closed for the winter after Nov. 11th and the last day for leaf pick-up will be Nov. 9th.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Patrick, to approve the FY 2015 Annual Urban Renewal Report.  Dennis explained that this report is more in-depth TIF information regarding the city’s TIF debt in our Urban Renewal Area that is required by the State Department of Management each year.  All ayes, carried.        

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Boberg, to go into closed session at 7:44 pm, allowed under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)C, for a litigation matter.  All ayes, carried.   

     The council came out of closed session at 8:07 pm

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:07 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

October 19, 2015

    

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, October 19, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Boberg, McGrane, Nefzger, Sorensen. Absent - Patrick.

     Moved Boberg, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 10/05/15, Special Council meeting minutes of 10/14/15, Claims List of 10/06–19/15, September 2015 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and Budgetary Report, renewal of a Beer Permit for Gavin’s Foods and a new Cigarette Permit for Zychski’s Boutique, 210 S. Main Street. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of September 30, 2015: General $217,532.88; Streets $408,350.49; Debt Service $7,134.09; Water Utility $175,592.82; Water T&A $23,190.43; Sewer Utility $343,594.93; CDBG Sewer ($195,936.62); Landfill/Recycling ($320.20); Yard Waste $8,214.37; Bolger Fund $153,156.30; TIF $56,758.38; Local Option Sales Tax $25,053.04; Storm Water $54; Downtown Project ($19,612.26); Franchise Fees $18,948.02. September Receipts by Fund: General $79,620.47; Streets $19,412.52; Debt Service $958.74; Water Utility $2,883.56; Water T&A $1,800; Sewer Utility $4,807.10; CDBG Sewer $5,648; Lf/Recycling $456.68; Yard Waste $100; Bolger $5,865.57; TIF $659.91; Storm Water $39. Total Receipts $122,251.55. September Disbursements by Fund: General $61,618.92; Streets $2,573.65; Water Utility $33,042.78; Water T&A $1,100; Sewer Utility $29,936.62; Sewer CDBG $1,921.54; Bolger $2,031; Downtown Project $2,206.05. Total Disbursements: $134,430.56. Investments: $1,281,140.32. Bank Balance $2,503,150.99. Balance with Library Funds $2,597,263.67.

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

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to appoint Pat Whelan as Fayette’s representative to the Fayette County Solid Waste Management Commission for a two year term (10/19/15-10/19/17) to fill the vacancy of Kerry Opel; to appoint Shawn McMurray to the Recreation Board for a two year term (10/19/15 – 11/01/17) to fill the vacancy of Elissa Wenthe; to reappoint Don McComb to the Planning & Zoning Commission for another five year term (expires 5/31/2020); and to reappoint Al Wagner to the Fayette County Local Housing Trust Fund Board for another three year term (expires 8/01/2018). All ayes, carried.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that D&D Plumbing, Htg. & Electric provided a bid for the installation of a tankless hot water heater and water softener in city hall at a cost of $3,700, which will be installed as soon as the equipment arrives. ~ Dennis handed out new brochures that Maple Memory Lane Assisted Living Center dropped off at her office today.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce for discussion the purchase of a new pick-up truck for the Public Works Department. Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand was present and said this would be a third pick-up truck for the department so the employees don’t have to drive their personal vehicles to perform city work and that $25,000 was budgeted in FY16 for this truck. Moved Sorensen, seconded Boberg, to approve the purchase of a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck for the Public Works Department for the low bid of $23,050 from Brown’s Sales, Elkader. All ayes, carried.

   Moved Boberg, seconded McGrane, to approve the Ambulance Service meeting minutes of Oct. 7, 2015. All ayes, carried.

   Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to introduce for discussion the rent to charge for the office space at 9 S. Main. Dennis reported she had checked with local realtor, Jeff Bradley, and he said $400 per month for the office size (1,219 sq. ft.) we have would be reasonable. Moved Boberg, seconded Nefzger, to approve a rent amount of $400 for 9 S. Main Street. All ayes, carried.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, to adjourn at 7:40 pm.      

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

October 14, 2015

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met in special session in the council chambers at City Hall, on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at 7 p.m. pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Andrew Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Boberg (on speaker phone), McGrane, Nefzger and Sorensen. Absent – Patrick.  

     Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as posted. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to discuss the hiring of Richard Pisanti, Florida, as the new Police Chief. All ayes to discuss. Mayor Wenthe explained that the Police Chief Search Committee recommended Richard Pisanti and a law enforcement panel, made up of the Fayette County Sheriff, the Fayette County Chief Deputy, the Oelwein Police Chief and the West Union Police Chief, also recommended him. He added that all the background checks came back with no issues and Richard passed the tests that are required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

     The Mayor said by having this special meeting, Pisanti could start working in Fayette two weeks earlier than if the council had waited until the regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 19th, to approve his hiring. Pisanti’s start date will be November 9th or very close to that date.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to hire Richard Pisanti as the new Fayette Police Chief at a salary of $55,000. Three voted aye, Boberg nay, motion approved. 

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 7:12 p.m., carried.

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