Regular Council Meeting
October 3, 2016
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, October 3, 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, Larson, Nefzger, and Wulfekuhle.
Mayor Wenthe administered the oath of office to Kris McGrane and he was sworn in as the City Administrator/Clerk.
Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 09/19/16 and Claims List of 09/20/16 – 10/03/16. Kragnes asked that the September 19th, 2016, meeting minutes be corrected, in the last paragraph, to read: Kragnes agreed that the council had set a precedent by asking the public if anyone is interested in the open city council seat to contact the Mayor or City Hall. If no one was interested, then taking the next in line from the previous special election. On roll call, all ayes, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Larson, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.
Mayor Wenthe informed everyone that the Halloween Trick or Treating in Fayette will be on Halloween, Monday, October 31st, 2016, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents planning to hand out treats should turn on their porch light.
Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported the Fayette County Engineer’s office sent a check for $22,669.42 for the county’s share of the Big Rock Road resurfacing project. Christie Dennis started training Kris McGrane for the City Administrator/Clerk position on September 30th, 2016.
Police Chief Pisanti gave a police report on the latest crimes in the city. The police department is offering landlords free background checks for new residents.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to introduce for discussion the City Attorney’s report regarding issues about the proposed rental housing code. Kragnes had a concern that Attorney Hofmeyer reviewed the entire rental housing ordinance on his own behalf and the city council only requested him to look into whether the landlords on the city council could vote on this ordinance. Kragnes is concerned that the city may receive a legal bill for this. Dennis reported that we have not received a bill for this yet. Kragnes also pointed out in the report from Attorney Hofmeyer that it states the city attorney will be enforcing the housing code. Mayor Wenthe advised he will visit with Attorney Hofmeyer regarding her concerns. Mayor Wenthe advised the council to let the City Administrator/Clerk or himself know if they would like to put the proposed rental housing code on future agendas.
Moved Nefzger, seconded Larson, to introduce for discussion the request for appointing a replacement for Kris McGrane, who resigned because he was appointed as the new City Administrator/Clerk of Fayette, to fill the vacancy on the City Council. Mayor Wenthe asked Randal Sandhagen to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. Kragnes inquired if the city needed to publish the name of the person who would be filling the council vacancy before the council voted. Dennis advised the city only needed to publish the intent of the council to appoint a replacement. Moved Nefzger, seconded Larson, to approve the appointment of Randal E. Sandhagen to fill the vacancy of Kris McGrane. All ayes, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to discuss the annual Urban Renewal Report FY2016. Dennis explained the report shows the TIF rebate agreements the city has and the outstanding amounts owed. Moved Kragnes, seconded Larson, to approve the adoption of the annual Urban Renewal Report FY2016. All ayes, carried.
There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 7:52 p.m.
Immediately following the meeting, Mayor Wenthe administered the oath of office to Randal E. Sandhagen and he was sworn in as a city council member. His term will be until the next city election in November 2017.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 19, 2016
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, September 19, 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 Larson, Kragnes, Wulfekuhle. Absent – Nefzger. Vacancy of one seat because Kris McGrane resigned after the September 6, 2016 meeting.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 09/06/16, claims list of 9/07/16 – 9/19/16, the August 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report & Budget Report, Annual Financial Report for FY16 and the renewal of a liquor license for Shiner’s Bar & Grill. Roll call, all ayes, carried.
Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of August 31, 2016: General $169,130.87; Streets $178,050.84; Debt Service $13,639.99; Water Utility $285,615.06; Water T&A $24,184.35; Sewer Utility $440,550.26; CDBG Sewer ($199,638.91); Landfill/Recycling $265.50; Yard Waste $8,301.87; Bolger Fund $183,595.14; TIF $41,387.06; Local Option Tax $13,392.97; Storm Water $5,734.76; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $38,184.61. August Receipts by Fund: General $28,410.60; Streets $18,347.08; Water Utility $3,902.51; Water T&A $4,337.66; Sewer Utility $5,243.07; LF/Recycling $901.48; Yard Waste $184; Bolger $54; Local Option $6,696.48; Storm Water $141; Franchise Fees $2,981.42. Total Receipts $71,199.30. August Disbursements by Fund: General $36,030.67; Streets $7,402.15; Water Utility $5,142.54; Water T&A $800; Sewer Utility $27,221.65; Bolger $1,805. Total Disbursements: $78,402.01. Investments: $1,285,045.06. Bank Balance $2,462,513.17. Balance with Library Funds $2,552,879.37.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes to approve, carried.
This being the time and place for a public hearing on the proposal to submit CDBG program grant applications to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), Mayor Wenthe opened the hearing. Wenthe stated the funds would be used to help pay for the 2017 Fayette Downtown & Water Street Infrastructure and Reconstruction Projects consisting of sewer & water main replacements and storm water drainage construction measures involving “green streets criteria”. The Mayor added that this isn’t our first effort to apply for this funding, so hopefully we would be successful this time. Mayor Wenthe then introduced Rachelle Howe, Director of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission and she read the following “nine-points”:
(a.) 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 contamination seems to be expanding. Contaminated soils have been known to cause deterioration of the rubber gasket joint material and replacement of water main with Nitrile Gaskets (gaskets that withstand effects of petroleum products) at this time would be 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.
(b.) 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 water/sewer project is estimated to be $2,195,642.50 and the overall cost for the storm water project is estimated to be $1,207,162.50, leaving the City of Fayette to cover the local match portion.
(c.) The CDBG Water/Sewer application will be submitted on or before January 1, 2017 to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The CDBG community facility (which includes the storm water project) application will be submitted on or before January 1, 2017 to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
(d.) The requested amount is $500,000 from CDBG Water/Sewer and $500,000 from CDBG Community Facilities & Services.
(e.) According to the 2014 HUD LMI numbers, 52.76% of the population in the City of Fayette is considered as low-and-moderate.
(f.) 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.) There will be no displacement of persons and businesses as a result of funded activities for the water/sewer project or the community facility project.
(h.) There are no plans to displace any persons.
(i.) 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.
City Administrator/Clerk explained about the various sources of revenue the city would utilize to fund the match for both grant applications, as noted in the following resolution. Director Howe explained that the IEDA have changed the process in which they are accepting applications. She said that instead of having one deadline, they would be having them quarterly. The first 25 applications are due January 1, 2017 and then the next round of 25 would be accepting in April, and so on. Howe said she plans to submit Fayette’s applications as soon as the acceptance period opens in October. She added that one of the reasons she thought Fayette wasn’t funded in previous applications was because the 2009 sewer project hadn’t been completed, but now it’s finished and there is a lot of debt from that project. There being no further comment, Mayor Wenthe closed the public hearing.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve Resolution 2016-12: Resolution authorizing the submission of a CDBG Water/Sewer application and a CDBG Community Facility & Services application to the Iowa Department of Economic Development Authority for the 2017 Downtown & Water Street Infrastructure Projects. On roll call, all ayes, carried.
Mayor Wenthe asked for approval to appoint Isaiah Ruckdashel and Mason Bantz as new members to the Fayette Fire Department, pending the out-come of their physicals. Moved Kragnes, seconded Larson, to appoint the two men to the fire department. All ayes, carried.
Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported there would be a work session before the October 3, 2016 council meeting at 7 p.m. for the auditor to give his presentation of the FY2016 audit.
Police Chief Pisanti reported it had been fairly quiet with only one burglary and two vehicle accidents in the past week.
Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Kragnes, to introduce for discussion a Big Rock Country Club update from Bill Dohrmann, Rich Patrick and Ron Ahrens and their request for a donation. All ayes to discuss. Dohrmann said he had contacted Doug Egeland about the roots in the tile lines and the condition of the sand traps. Egeland examined the back nine issues and estimated it would cost around $50,000 to make the improvements. Dohrmann requested that the city pay for this work by using funds from the back end of the Local Option Sales Tax and other city sources of revenue. He added that the equipment at the golf course needs to be upgraded, but that’s down the road. Patrick said the membership has declined over the past 15 years and they are trying to keep 18 holes in good shape. He added that they are looking into filing for 501©3 status so donations to the club can be tax deductible. Mayor Wenthe said in the meantime donations may be given through the city as tax deductible the auditor said. Kragnes asked if there was a plan with designs and a quote for the $50,000 and a timeline for the work? Dohrmann said Egeland had prepared that and he would get that information to the city. Kragnes also asked Dohrmann what other funding sources he had looked at besides donations and the city? Dohrmann said none. Wenthe & Howe suggested applying for funds through the Fayette County Community Foundation when they are taking grant applications. Ahrens said he visited with the banker about a loan for equipment and could get $90,000, but the club can’t afford more debt.
Mayor Wenthe said we would need to have a Finance Committee meeting to discuss the request further, but he would like to see the dialog continued because he sees the golf course as an economic development tool for the city and that it is different than other non-profits.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Larson, to discuss the City Attorney’s opinion regarding landlord- council members voting on the proposed Rental Housing Ordinance. All ayes to discuss. Hofmeyer was present at the meeting and said the landlord-council persons would not be receiving direct financial benefit from the rental housing ordinance, therefore they are not disqualified from voting on the ordinance.
Concerning the subject of updating the personnel policy to change the timeframe for new employees to use vacation policy and to update requirements for compensatory time to meet the new US Dept. of Labor overtime rules that take effect Dec. 1, 2016, Mayor Wenthe referred these matters to the Personnel Committee. Wenthe said he thinks the one-year anniversary of an employee is too long to wait to take vacation, which is stated in the city’s present policy.
Chief Pisanti explained the reasoning behind Ordinance 491 – Amending Fayette City Code Chapter 50.13, by deleting the $1,000 maximum penalty for Failure to Abate. He said there is a house in town where no one has lived for ten years and if the owner doesn’t comply with cleaning up the place the most he can be fined is $1,000 and then the place never gets cleaned up. He added that this ordinance removes the limit so the city has more authority to get these nuisance places cleaned up or junk vehicles removed. Attorney Hofmeyer agreed that this was a good idea and had drafted the ordinance. Moved Wulfekuhle, to approve the first reading of Ordinance 491, but the motion died for lack of a second.
Regarding the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy of Kris McGrane on the city council, Mayor Wenthe said he would appoint a replacement at the October 3, 2016 council meeting. Larson suggested asking Randy Sandhagen since he was the other person interested in a council seat. Kragnes agreed that the council had set a precedent by taking the next in line from the previous special election. Admin/Clerk Dennis explained that she had asked Fayette County Auditor, Lori Moellers, about a special election being on the general election ballot and was told that it’s past the August 31st deadline. She added that because of the timeline of filling a council vacancy in 60 days from the time the seat was vacant, we couldn’t have a special election because Moellers said by law there can be no elections three Tuesdays before or after a general election. Wenthe said he would ask Sandhagen, then if he wasn’t interested we would solicit anyone interested to contact the city.
There being no further business, moved Kragnes, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:24 pm.
Regular Council Meeting
September 6, 2016
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, September 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, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle. Absent: Larson.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 08/15/16 and Claims List of 08/16/16 – 09/06/16 with the addition of $6,500.85 to Heartland Asphalt for seeding & misc. on the Big Rock Road project. On roll call, all ayes, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle,to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.
Mayor Wenthe informed everyone that on August 18th the city signed the agreement presented by Gary Goodell’s attorney to put the property at 101 King Street back in the name of Goodell. We’re now waiting on Goodell’s attorney to sign the agreement and file it with the court system. Once the property is back in Goodell’s name, the city will notify him that he has 30 days to clean up his property. Nefzger arrived at 7:33 p.m.
Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported there would be a work session at 7 pm on Sept. 19th, before the next council meeting, for the auditor to give the annual FY 16 audit presentation. ~ Regarding a check for $500 donated for Watermelon Days by Floyd Alber, moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to give the money to the Watermelon Days Committee to use for the raffle grand prize, as was done last year. All ayes, carried.
Police Chief Pisanti reported there was only one vehicle remaining in town from the nuisance vehicle list and he was going to address that next week. Pisanti added that he was going to start nuisance abatements for the three worst properties in town, not including Goodell’s. He said he spoke to the Attorney Hanson today and asked him to edit the ordinance section regarding the fines, because they are low right now, and with a higher penalty it may help to get some property owners to clean up their properties since it would cost them more if they don’t comply with our city code.
Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to table the item regarding voting on the rental housing ordinance since Attorney Hofmeyer needed more time to look into the matter. The subject will be on the Sept. 19th agenda. All ayes to table, carried.
Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce for discussion the request from Big Rock Country Club & Golf Course that individuals be able to make donations to the City of Fayette for improvements on holes ten (10) through eighteen (18) of the golf course (city leased property), so they would be tax exempt. All ayes to discuss. Administrator/Clerk Dennis explained that the property where the back nine holes are located is owned by the City of Fayette and is leased to the Big Rock Country Club for one dollar per year for 99 years. When the auditor was preparing the full FY16 audit, Dennis asked him about receiving donations for the golf course. The auditor said according to the lease agreement, that donations may be run through the city for the golf course if the work being done is on the city owned back nine golf course and that the council approves the project with the expense for the work being paid by Big Rock Country Club. Dennis said when the new nine holes were added to the Big Rock Country Club, all of the funds and donations were run through her office at the request of Bill Andres. Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Kragnes, to approve that donations may be given to the City for Big Rock Country Club work on the sand trap project on the back nine holes so the donations may be tax exempt. All ayes, carried.
Moved McGrane, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce for discussion the matter of Kevin Lehs completing the unfinished work on the old house at 516 W. Water Street. All ayes to discuss. Mayor Wenthe explained that the project has gone on quite a while. Lehs was present and said he replaced the roof last year. Lehs said he would have the project on the west side of the house completed in 30 to 45 days by having someone finish the foundation and level the dirt. Nefzger said the last time this was discussed you said you would keep us informed on a regular basis, but that didn’t happen. Kevin said he would. The Mayor asked Lehs to give us an update by November 7, 2016, if he hasn’t gotten the work done.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce and discuss hiring Kris McGrane as the City Administrator/Clerk to fill the vacancy when Christie Dennis retires on October 28, 2016. All ayes to discuss. Mayor Wenthe said we had received 32 applications and we interviewed five of those. He added that we had a good pool of applicants, but not many had city government experience. He said McGrane is committed to the community, has IT (Internet Technology) and computer experience, has experience working for the City of Oelwein Police Department, is a quick learner and should be good for the city. After some discussion concerning McGrane accruing vacation time upon hiring, which is different than the personnel policy states, it was decided to have the subject on the Sept. 19th agenda for further discussion. Admin/Clerk Dennis said she didn’t have a problem with McGrane taking a week of vacation before he had worked a year and that the Personnel Policy should be changed to be the same as the federal government where an employee starts accruing vacation time when they start the job.
Wulfekuhle said being new that she and council member Larson felt left out of the hiring process. Kragnes explained that’s the point of a committee to go through the resumes and interview process and make a recommendation. She added that she thought Kris would do a good job and wasn’t against hiring him. Andrew said he runs a very fair search committee and they would have been welcome at any time to ask to participate in the process. He added that her (Wulfekuhle’s) concerns are duly noted for future processes.
Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Kragnes, to approve hiring Kris McGrane as the City Administrator/Clerk, for a salary of $45,000 and starting on September 30, 2016. All ayes, McGrane abstained, carried.
Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the request from Frank Atchison that the city trim two maples trees located at 401 Mechanic and 406 E. College. All ayes to discuss. Scott Bowen was present to represent Atchison and said the Mechanic Street tree has some cracks in it and is a very old Maple tree that is dropping limbs. He added that he feels it is a safety issue. Public Works Director, Jerry Hildebrand, explained that the city doesn’t trim trees in the city right-of-way except when they are covering sidewalks. He added that if the tree is diseases, dead or dying then the city has the tree removed. Hildebrand said if a property owner wants a tree trimmed then the property owner may trim it at the property owners expense. McGrane said Jerry has done a good job in the past of keeping an eye on the trees in town. Bowen said he would like to see the tree on College Street moved to the top of the watch list. Kragnes said Jerry could just keep an eye on the trees and if it looks like they need to be cut down then he can take care of them. Mayor Wenthe agreed that Jerry should just keep taking a look at the trees and others.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce the Community Development and Housing Needs Assessment. Admin/Clerk Dennis explained this is required for the CDBG program applications for the Downtown Sewer/Water Main Replacement Project and the Downtown Storm Water Drainage Construction Project. It shows the housing and community needs in Fayette. Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the assessment. All voted aye, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to set a public hearing for September 19, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in Fayette City Hall for submitting two CDBG program applications for the 2017 Fayette Downtown Reconstruction Projects, as noted in the previous paragraph. All ayes, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce Resolution 2016-10: Naming Depositories (amending Res. 2012-12). Dennis explained when the auditors were here we discovered the library had a CD in a bank in Arlington, so that needed to be added to our list of banks where we have city funds. Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to approve Resolution 2016-10. On roll call, all ayes, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce Resolution 2016-11: Adopting a policy regarding use of city credit cards. Dennis explained this was recommended by the auditors. She added that the police chief, library director and she have credit cards and the ambulance service, police and public works director have gas cards. Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve Resolution 2016-11. On roll call, all ayes, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the proposal from Jon Biederman, Fehr Graham Engineering, for the 2017 Water Main Installation Project on Madison & Jones Streets, with an engineering cost up to $16,000. Dennis noted the project was budgeted for in FY16 and now FY17. Estimated cost of the project is around $140,000. All ayes to approve Fehr Graham to do the project engineering, carried.
Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to approve the letter from Jon Biederman, Fehr Graham Engineering, certifying substantial completion of the Big Rock Road Improvements Project and Change Order #3, decreasing the cost by $978.69. Total construction cost of the project was $275,952.83. Fayette County’s portion of the project was $22,669.42, leaving the City’s portion at $253,283.41. The engineer’s original estimated cost was $390,095, so actual costs came in around 29% lower. Dennis noted after 30 days she would pay the 5% retainage of $13,797.64. All ayes to approve the project, carried.
There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:15 pm.
Regular Council Meeting
August 1, 2016
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, August 1, 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, Larson, McGrane, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle.
Moved Kragnes,seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 07/18/16 and Claims List of 07/19/16 – 08/01/16. On roll call, all ayes, carried.
Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.
Mayor Wenthe noted that the hiring committee for the City Administrator/Clerk position (Nefzger, Kragnes, Dennis and himself) met in city hall on July 21st and narrowed down the 32 applicants to seven. The mayor added that three applicants are not local so he called them to explain the size of Fayette and the salary range and one is still interested. Interviews will take place the week of August 8th.
Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that the annual worker’s compensation review with the loss control representative took place on July 20th with Rich, Jerry and her. ~ On July 26th the annual payroll audit for IMWCA was performed by an auditor from Information Providers, Inc., as in previous years. ~ Dennis said she has e-mailed numerous documents to our regular auditor in Oelwein for the full city financial audit for FY2016. The auditors will do the in-house auditing in city hall the week of August 15th.
Police Chief Pisanti reported there was a break-in and burglary at a home in town last week and the people were in the house. He said he is investigating the incident.
Regarding the subject of a “Proposal for the Delivery of Law Enforcement Services to Upper Iowa University by the Fayette Police Department”, Mayor Wenthe said UIU showed interest in the Fayette Police Department taking over their campus security, so he asked Chief Pisanti to put together a proposal. Chief Pisanti said he looked back through the history of the department and found that in 1988 Mayor Dohrmann had proposed the Fayette Police Department handle the security for UIU for $15,000 per year, although it didn’t end up happening. He added that the Fayette PD has had to direct a great deal of effort and resources to calls and crime investigations at UIU or resulted in connection with the university. He said he feels there is a way to better allocate future resources and manpower to equally provide the best police services to our citizens and the university. Pisanti is proposing to hire two more certified police officers for Fayette with one officer being paid for by the university and the other officer being paid for half by UIU and half by the city. The cost to UIU to the City for this would be $93,300. The university would also have to purchase a police vehicle and equipment that would be dedicated to UIU at a cost of approximately $35,000. A 2% increase per year would go into effect the second year of the agreement. Admin/Clerk Dennis asked where the money was going to come from for the added costs for liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance and other unexpected expenses? Mayor Wenthe said the allocation for the Local Option Sales Tax could be changed between Police and Streets, and there will be some extra funds from lower wages when people retire. Dennis handed out a sheet with questions and concerns she had about the proposal. Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to explore the proposal further for the delivery of law enforcement to Upper Iowa University by the Fayette Police Department. Four voted aye, Larson voted nay, carried.
Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to take off the table the revised first reading of Ordinance 484 – Rental Housing Code for discussion. Three voted aye, Kragnes and Larson voted nay, motion carried to discuss. There were still questions about the billing by Upper Explorerland and several other items to clarify, so Dennis said she would contact Lori Brockway for those answers. Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to table until they have more clarification.
There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:30 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 18, 2016
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, July 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, Wulfekuhle (7:32).
Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the appointment of Curtis E. Larson to the city council to fill the vacancy of Todd Sorensen who resigned because he moved out of town. All ayes, carried. Mayor Wenthe then administered the oath of office to Curtis Larson and he was sworn in as a city council member. His term will be until the next city election in November 2017. Nancy Wulfekuhle arrived at this time.
Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 06/20/16, IDNR approval letter for the sewer main lining/repair project, Claims List of 06/21–07/18/16 including Change Order #2 from Heartland Asphalt for the Big Rock Road project decreasing the cost by $31,648.68, the June 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report & Budget Report and Investments Report ending 6/30/16. Roll call, all ayes, carried.
Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of June 30, 2016: General $226,462.54; Streets $368,697.07; Debt Service $13,551.51; Water Utility $246,827.51; Water T&A $19,723.51; Sewer Utility $407,070.38; CDBG Sewer ($262,465.91); Landfill/Recycling $1,282.89; Yard Waste $5,518.87; Bolger Fund $187,377.89; TIF $41,387.06; Storm Water $4,324.31; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $34,468.32. June Receipts by Fund: General $19,446.03; Streets $15,219.76; Debt Service $3,127.15; Water Utility $3,012.92; Water T&A $2,700; Sewer Utility $49,148.82; Lf/Recycling $907.20; Yard Waste $184; Bolger $2,369; TIF $57.93; Local Option $6,696.49; Storm Water $140.07; Franchise Fees $2,005.37. Receipts $105,014.74. June Disbursements by Fund: General $111,352.64; Streets $149,941.32; Water Utility $26,768.12; Water T&A $6,062.47; Sewer Utility $106,563.37; CDBG Sewer $68,475.90; Bolger $1,745.75; TIF $7,282.66. Total Disbursements: $478,192.23. Investments: $1,283,905.06. Bank Balance $2,553,204.75. Balance with Library Funds $2,643,875.91.
Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes to approve, carried.
Upon the mayor’s request, moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the appointment of Becky Wadian to the Library Board to fill the vacancy of Bruce Ingersoll and also to reappoint Diane Mohs to the Library Board. Both terms will expire on 6/30/2022. All ayes, carried.
Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported she signed a two-year agreement with Convenient Payments Company (CPC) to use for credit card processing for utility payments. Jayhawk Utility Billing Company works with CPC. CPC had the lowest customer fees of all the companies Dennis compared and they will furnish a link so Dennis can put a portal on our city web site so customers may pay utility payments and parking tickets/municipal citations on-line or in the Clerk’s office with a credit card. ~ Dennis reported that Jayhawk Utility Billing Co. installed the new software program, Jayhawk Utility Suite, and provided six hours of training on the system to Deputy Clerk Sellers and Dennis. ~ Michael Saathoff transferred the information from the Police web site to the city web site. An Upper Iowa University IT student changed the path from GoDaddy so citizens may go directly to the police site by typing in: www.fayettepolice.com (or they may go through the city web site). ~ July 6th the contractor started installing the two new warning sirens and finished on July 12th. Alliant Energy still needs to connect the electricity to the sirens and then they will be tested. ~ Thirty-two resumes have been received for the City Admin/Clerk position. The hiring committee will meet the evening of July 21st to review them and decide who to interview.
Police Chief Pisanti introduced Ben Davis, Fayette’s new police officer, who started working for the city on June 27, 2016. Pisanti also said the Fayette Police Department is currently conducting a two-week code enforcement sweep intended to identify and remove abandoned and junk vehicles at properties throughout the city. Three vehicles have already been removed by the owners and several others are pending removal. Failure to remove a junk vehicle can result in a nuisance abatement case being brought against the property owners.
Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce the FY2016 Ending Balances Transfers to Savings and Budget Transfers. Admin/Clerk Dennis explained that the auditors require council approval for the end of the year transfers, even though this is city policy and is discussed during budget meetings. The funds remaining on June 30th are put into savings for equipment, vehicles or projects for the following fiscal year. Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the transfers. All ayes, carried.
Moved McGrane, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce for discussion Ordinance 484, Rental Housing Code. All ayes to discuss. Mayor Wenthe explained that the ordinance is being proposed because of the condition of some of the rental properties in town and the concern by the council for health and safety of the tenants. Wenthe added that after the ordinance is official, the inspections wouldn’t start until June 2017. He added that half of the town would be done the first year, then the second half would be done the following year so the property owners who have several houses won’t have all of their properties inspected at once. Four landlords were present: Chris Kragnes, Shawn Kleppe, Kyle Bugenhagen, and Jim Mitchell. They voiced their concerns and weren’t in favor of the ordinance. Several items were pointed out, so a couple of revisions are needed in the ordinance. Council member Kragnes asked how the mileage cost for UERPC is calculated, so Dennis said she would check on that. McGrane said we have to start somewhere because unfortunately there are some landlords who don’t keep up their houses. Moved Kragnes to table the first reading of Ordinance 484, Rental Housing Code, seconded by Larson. All ayes, carried to table.
Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to approve the Recreation Board meeting minutes of June 13, 2016. All ayes, carried.
There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:43 pm.
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.
