Regular City Council Meeting
City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
December 15, 2009 – 7:00 P.M.
A regular meeting was called to order on this date by
Mayor Murphy. Present: Council Member Peck, Leach, Mallory,
Burkhart, Stieneke, Administrator Eikmeier, City Attorney Miller,
Clerk-Treasurer Taylor.
Council Member Mallory suggested
that since Mr. Bieler, owner of the former middle school at 100 E. Willow, has
not complied
with clean up notices, the City Attorney should send him a letter.
Administrator Eikmeier indicated that he hasn’t yet discussed
this with the attorney, but that is the next step.
A motion by Stieneke, seconded
by Leach, approved the second presentation of an ordinance vacating the alley
east of 611 Clark
Street. Roll call was: AYES: All. NAYS: None.
On a motion by Stieneke,
seconded by Burkhart, the council waived the third presentation of Ordinance No.
547 vacating the
alley east of 611 Clark Street and ordered its publication. Roll call was:
AYES: All. NAYS: None.
On a motion by Burkhart,
seconded by Leach, the council adopted Resolution No. 09-24, a resolution of
desire to dispose of
the vacated alley east of 611 Clark Street and authorized advertising it for
sale, with a minimum bid to be established covering
advertising and legal costs. Roll call was: AYES: All. NAYS: None.
The council reviewed a proposed
ordinance that would increase the sewer base rate from $6.37/mon. to $8.00/mon.
and the
commodity charge from $3.47/100 cu. ft. to $3.75/100 cu. ft. This was proposed
to help spread the increase among all users
rather then more so on the higher end users. The council suggested this after a
proposal was presented at the last meeting to
increase the base and commodity charges by 12%, which would put the commodity
charge among the highest for northwest Iowa
communities. The new proposal would create a positive cash flow in the sewer
fund by next summer. Another option presented
at the last meeting was to increase the rates by 5% for the next 3 years, but
would keep the fund in a deficit situation until the
end of the 3 years. Administrator Eikmeier indicated that with the proposed
rate increase, Cherokee would still be on the high
end for rates in northwest Iowa, however, with the debt, operating costs and
projected improvements he doesn’t see much choice.
Neal Kuehl, Kuehl & Payer, was present and reminded the council that other
communities will also have to complete projects to
comply with water quality standards, similar to the ultraviolet project Cherokee
is currently working on, so their rates may
be increasing in the near future. This project should be the last major
improvement needed for the sewer plant. Administrator
Eikmeier reported that rebuilding two lift stations would be deferred for a year
to see if stimulus funds are available, which
will save $200,000 to $250,000. He also suggested deferring the replacement of
a pickup which saves $10,000-$15,000.
Council Member Burkhart doesn’t want to put the plant in jeopardy by not doing
necessary maintenance.
A motion by Burkhart, seconded
by Leach, approved the first presentation of an ordinance increasing the base
sewer rate to
$8.00/month and the commodity charge to $3.75/100 cu. ft. In discussion,
Mallory said that he wouldn’t like to see the rates
increase so much. He suggested waiting to see what the budget looks like for
next year and maybe raise a certain percentage
each year. Burkhart likes to see the base charge where everyone pays a little
more to keep the commodity costs down. She
doesn’t like the idea of running a deficit balance for the next couple years.
Roll call was:
AYES: Burkhart, Stieneke, Peck, Leach. NAYS: Mallory
A motion by Mallory, seconded by Leach, unanimously approved the following under “Consent Business”.
City council minutes of November 24th.
Bills totaling $186,366.44.
KEN WALTERS OVERPAID FINAL BILL-W. BEECH 9.35
CHEROKEE STATE BANK NSF CHECK-J. EBERT 80.00
CHEROKEE AVIATION AUTH. NOV. TAX DRAW 1,090.86
CHEROKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT VOL. ALLOWANCES-10/24-10 310.00
OFFICE OF VEHICLE SERVICE 14 SALVAGE AUTO TITLES 140.00
USPS POSTAGE FOR UTILITY BILLS 559.05
THREE RIVERS BENEFIT CLAIMS THRU 11/20/09 1,255.10
DEC. ADMIN. FEE 384.00
GE MONEY BANK/AMAZON DVD'S 165.76
K-MART #9222 DVD'S 100.00
JOBIES PASTIME LOUNGE REDEVEL. INCENTIVE GRANT 2,000.00
JIM PECK MILEAGE-SIMPCO MTG.-11/1 66.00
KELLY MITCHELL BAL. OF DEPOSIT-1005 PILOT 47.90
GE CAPITAL DEC. SKIDLOADER PAYMENT 365.05
IOWA LAKES ELECTRIC COOP ELEC. - 10/1/09-10/31/09 39.03
MASTERCARD MOTEL; MEALS-DES MOINES 216.44
SWEATSHIRTS 88.75
TODD MILLER MOTEL; MEALS-IAMU CONFERENCE 238.54
MARK NAPIER MEALS-IAMU CONFERENCE 55.60
PITNEY BOWES POSTAGE POSTAGE FOR METER 500.00
TERRY WOLTMAN BAL. OF DEPOSIT-930 W. BLUFF 17.28
CHEROKEE STATE BANK NSF CHECK-T. COLEMAN 98.67
INT. - INTERIM FINANCING 32,500.00
INT. - STREET SWEEPER BOND 2,351.25
AIRGAS SAFETY, INC. FILTERS FOR SHOP VAC 73.40
ALLIANT ENERGY NATURAL GAS 1,945.29
AL'S CORNER OIL CO. DIESEL FUEL 38.08
ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICES MATS 48.08
BAKER & TAYLOR, INC. BOOKS & AUDIOS 636.91
BARCO MUNICIPAL PRODUCTS SWIVEL HOOKS-MAINTAINER 457.67
DISCHARGE HOSE-SEWER MACHINE 126.50
BICYCLING SUBSCRIPTION 22.00
BIERSCHBACH EQUIPMENT PLATE VIBRATOR 1,129.00
BLACKTOP SERVICE CO. FINAL PAY.-RIVER ROAD PROJ. 6,189.48
BLAINE'S WATER COND. WATER FOR LAB; SOFTENER SALT 123.02
BOMGAARS SUPPLIES; EQUIPMENT 723.68
BUGH WELDING REPAIR SHAFT ON GRIT AUGER 239.00
BUILDERS SHARP. & SERVICE SHARPEN CHAINS 54.00
CANNON MOSS BRYGGER ARCHTICT FEES-C.C. PROJECT 516.88
CHAMPION ELECTRIC, INC. SWITCHES FOR STAGE LIGHTS 234.14
REPAIR PARKING LOT LIGHTS 530.65
REPAIR POST/OUTLET-4TH & MAIN 322.22
REPAIR SIGNALS-2ND/LAKE 2,552.29
BULB FOR OUTSIDE SHOP LIGHT 40.50
REPAIR SHOP & OFFICE LIGHT 210.71
REPAIR STREET LIGHTS ON MAIN 1,645.24
CHEROKEE BUILDING CENTER PAINT 10.99
CHEROKEE COUNTY AUDITOR NOVEMBER CITY ELECTIONS 3,868.38
CHEROKEE COUNTY ENGINEER 14' PIPE-OAK KNOLL LIFT 150.50
CHEROKEE CO. SOLID WASTE DEC. LANDFILL FEE 11,556.01
DISPOSE OF SAMPLER FRIDGES 40.00
CHEROKEE CO. WORK SERVIC CLEAN SHOP RAGS 5.85
CHEROKEE LUMBER, INC. LUMBER TO MAKE BLUEPRINT RACK 15.48
CHEROKEE REG. MED. CENTER CHEST XRAY-VOLUNTEER FIREMAN 103.00
CHRONICLE TIMES MINUTES; ALLEY VACATION 415.42
CONTROL SYSTEM SPEC. MECHANICAL SYSTEM SERVICE 78.09
EMILY COOK REF. VOLLEYBALL 40.00
JESSICA COOK REF. VOLLEYBALL 30.00
DAWN COOMBS REF. VOLLEYBALL 50.00
THE COURT FOCUS DEC. SUBSCRIPTION 13.00
CREATIVE SERVICES PLAQUE - P. PIERCE 20.00
YOUTH B.B. JERSEYS 1,022.96
DPC INDUSTRIES, INC. CHLORINE & POTASSIUM PERMAN. 1,119.38
ELIZABETH DAWSON REF. VOLLEYBALL 40.00
DEMCO, INC. SUPPLIES 365.63
DENNY'S SERVICE REPAIR PUBLIC R.R. URINA 117.50
DIVERSIFIED FASTENING PLOW BOLTS; NUTS; WASHERS 441.26
DOUBLEDAY LARGE PRINT BOOKS 83.30
EDUCATION STATION, INC. SUPPLIES 39.71
ELECTRIC PUMP REPAIR MAIN PUMP FOR PARK LIFT 882.83
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING REPAIR CHARGE GUARD-K9 UNIT 28.75
ENVIRON. RESOURCE ASSOC. QUARTERLY SAMPLES 237.26
FAMILY CHRONICLE SUBSCRIPTION 22.00
FAREWAY STORES, INC. SUPPLIES 12.46
ED M. FELD EQUIP.CO. INC FIRE EXTINGUISHERS; SEALS 988.90
FOX ENGINEERING ENG. - ULTRAVIOLET PROJECT 1,076.50
FOUNDATION ANALYTICAL LA OIL & GREASE/E-COLI TESTS 170.00
FSH COMMUNICATIONS PARK PAY PHONE 55.00
JIM GANO U.S. & POW-MIA FLAGS 70.00
GCC ALLIANCE CONCRETE CONCRETE-6TH & LOCUST 773.50
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SUBSCRIPTION 15.97
GRAVENISH SERVICE TIRE REPAIR 10.00
GRUNDMAN-HICKS, L.L.C. REPLACE COVER-AERATION TANK 260.00
REMOVE SLUDGE PIT MIXER 595.00
GREGG COMPUTER SERVICE REPLACE 2 CPU MOTORS 150.00
HALLETT MATERIALS FILL SAND; GRAVEL-6TH/LOCUST 308.60
ROCK FOR LAGOON ROAD 182.01
HIGH COUNTRY AUTO USED RIM DRUM 135.00
HILLYARD JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 185.79
HIWAY TRUCK EQUIPMENT TRIP CUSHIONS FOR SNOW PLOW 43.58
RUBBER WING EDGE-CAT BLADE 40.50
HOLZHAUER MOTORS, LTD. ALIGNMENT;SERVICE-'08 EXPLORER 84.37
HOLTON CUSTOM SIGNS PREPARE C.C. SIGN LETTER 150.00
ICMA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP 760.00
IOWA ONE CALL OCTOBER LOCATES 57.60
IOWA TELECOM PHONE SERVICE 919.31
JANITOR'S CLOSET, LTD. TISSUE; GARBAGE BAGS 293.12
MARIE JONES REF. VOLLEYBALL 40.00
K-MART #9222 OPERATING SUPPLIES 128.89
KUEHL & PAYER, LTD. ENG.-RENOVATE PUMP STATION 7,871.00
ENG.-SEWER SERVICE TO SOUTH 1,710.00
ENG.-SEWER RATE STUDY 2,929.79
LUNDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. CONCRETE; VALVES; DIG GRAVES 3,870.00
MID-IOWA SALES CO. ULTRAVIOLET WAX; SPOT REMOVER 27.65
MID AMERICAN ENERGY ELECTRICITY 21,272.48
WALLY MILLER, JR. NOV. LEGAL SERVICES 2,000.00
MODERN HEATING & COOLING REPAIR FREEZELESS FAUCET 102.51
MOORE MEDICAL CORP. NITRILE GLOVES 119.85
MOTOR PARTS SALES AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIES 109.58
NORTHWEST COMMUNICATIONS DEC. INTERNET SERVICE 39.95
NOVELTY MACHINE & SUPPLY GAUGES 201.22
O'HALLORAN INTERNATIONAL DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVE 84.72
HYD. HOSE FOR PIERCE TRUCK 53.29
ELGIN SWEEPER REPAIRS 3,890.13
REPAIR SEWER JET TRUCK 497.97
PERKINS OFFICE SOLUTIONS OFFICE SUPPLIES 425.86
PETTY CASH POSTAGE; SUPPLIES; DVD’S 202.19
PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING INSPECT TRAFFIC POLES 80.00
ENG.-RIVER ROAD STIMULUS 8,252.64
ENG.-"READY TO GO" PROJECTS 260.00
REVIEW PLANS-PKG. LOT 160.00
ENG.-AMBER WATER/SEWER LINES 4,949.50
ENG.-LAKE ST. PROJECT 640.00
PRUETT LAWN & LANDSCAPIN GRASS SEED 250.00
PUMPKIN BOOKS BOOKS 396.44
REEDSBURG HARDWARE CROSS CHAIN BARS-MAINTAINER 1,058.24
REINERT MACHINE SHOP CASTERS FOR SWEEPER NOZZLE 357.99
CARRIAGE BOLTS; MAKE FLAP 11.82
TAP CAP FOR WATER CANNON 15.00
ROBINSON'S FURNITURE VERTICAL BLINDS 2,395.39
SANITARY SERVICES NOV. GARBAGE PICKUP 20,929.65
SCHOON CONSTRUCTION CO. INSTALL INNERDUCT-2ND/LAKE 2,450.00
REPAIR LEAK-ASTER DR. 255.00
SIOUX SALES COMPANY POLO SHIRT; STOCKING CAP 48.90
SIOUXLAND DISTRICT HEALTH BACTERIA SAMPLES 91.00
STEVE'S WINDOW SERVICE WINDOW CLEANING 116.00
TEST AMERICA LABORATORIES COPPER; OIL/GREASE; TKN; TDS 327.18
TIME SUBSCRIPTION 34.95
TIRE SERVICE CENTER TIRE REPAIR; TUBE 34.45
TITAN ACCESS ACCOUNT REPAIR HYD. LINKAGE-TRACTOR 1,624.17
SHELL TRIMBLE GRIND 8 STUMPS 574.00
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE SHIPPING CHARGES 47.60
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CELL PHONES 99.35
VERIZON WIRELESS CELL PHONES 85.01
WALDNER'S LAWN SERVICE SEPT./OCT. LAWN CARE 196.00
WALL STREET JOURNAL SUBSCRIPTION 398.48
WATCHGUARD VIDEO PART FOR CAR CAMERA 15.00
WELLS FARGO FIN. LEASE COPY MACHINE LEASE 110.80
WIESE OIL & SUPPLY CO. GAS 5,444.15
PEG WURTH SUPPLIES; BOOKS 211.03
WOODALL ELECTRIC UNHOOK SLUDGE PIT MIXER 112.50
ZEE MEDICAL SERVICE CO. RESTOCK 1ST AID CABINET 85.24
Reviewed Planning & Zoning Commission minutes of November 17th and December 8th.
Renewal of class “B” liquor license – The Chapparell.
Approved payment #1 to Lundell
Construction for $80,418.14 for the Amber Dr./Brady Dr. water and sewer line
project.
This is a cost-share project with Gary and Carla Doherty who will reimburse the
city $36,086.60.
As per State law, Administrator
Eikmeier made public the initial requests from the I.U.O.E. Union and
Policeman’s Association,
as well as the City’s initial response. The I.U.O.E. Union request includes:
increase call-in pay from $8/day to $10/day; a
non-monetary change in the discipline and discharge wording; an additional week
of vacation after 17 years; increase clothing
allowance from $75/yr. to $150/yr.; a 4.5% wage increase each year of a 2-year
contract; and pro-rated benefits for regular
part-time employees working in excess of 24 hrs./week. The Policeman’s
Association is requesting: a 4% wage increase each year
of a 3-year contract; and an increase in the life insurance from $10,000 to
$50,000. This city’s initial response for both the
Union and Association is: 0% across-the-board increase in salaries; city would
continue to pay 100% of the health insurance
premium for the employee and the city proposes to pay 95% of the health
insurance premium for dependents; the city proposes
the following changes to the health insurance benefit program – co-pay would
change from $10/visit to $25/visit; individual
deductible would change from $500 to $1000; family deductible would change from
$1000 to $2000. Negotiations will begin
on Wednesday with the I.U.O.E. Union. No meetings have been scheduled as yet
with the Policeman’s Association.
Administrator Eikmeier reported
that the Planning & Zoning Commission heard the request for deannexation from
Barry and Lisa
Carlson, 1711 Linden St. The Planning & Zoning Commission made no
recommendation, so the request was forwarded to the council. Administrator
Eikmeier reported that this property has been within the city limits at least
since 1979 and the Carlson’s were
aware of this when they purchased the property. Mr. Carlson said they made the
request because they don’t receive city services, specifically water and sewer.
Administrator Eikmeier indicated that in order to operate a city, they have to
incorporate as many
citizens and properties as possible to help with the costs. He also indicated
that since the water and sewer lines have been
extended to the South Highland Addition, it would be possible to extend water
and sewer to the Carlson’s north property line
if they wished to connect. When asked whether the city would be willing to
spend the money to do this, Eikmeier said it would
be the city’s responsibility to honor the request. He also mentioned that the
properties that were deannexed over the past couple
of years were east of the river, which makes it unfeasible for the city to
extend services. Mrs. Carlson said that there is city
water across Linden Street to the south and asked whether it would be less
expensive to connect there. Eikmeier said that was
a possibility, but didn’t think the pressure would be as good. Mrs. Carlson
also commented that they have lived at this address
for 16 years and the city has never wanted to run services to them. In
response, she was told that the city had not received a
request to do so. Mrs. Carlson said it probably wouldn’t be feasible for them
to connect at this time because of the cost.
Eikmeier said that the Carlson’s request was made to be removed from city limits
for lower taxes and to be able to burn on their
property. Historically, this property didn’t have city water and sewer, but the
Carlson’s weren’t requesting these services.
Council Member Mallory stated that the city isn’t forcing Carlson’s to connect,
so they would be better off leaving it alone.
However, they would have the option of connecting at some point. He doesn’t
feel their property should be removed from city
limits. The request for deannexation was denied.
On a motion by Burkhart, seconded by Peck, the council unanimously confirmed the following Mayor appointments:
Department Liaisons: Park & Rec. – Dan Morrow Fire – Mick Mallory
Street – Jim Peck Water – Linda Burkhart
Wastewater – Greg Stieneke
Historic Preservation Commission: Jim Adamson, Sarah Cook – 3-yr. terms.
A motion by Leach, seconded by Peck, unanimously confirmed the Mayor’s appointment of Linda Burkhart as Mayor Pro-tem.
On a motion by Stieneke,
seconded by Burkhart, the council appointed Doug Pierson and Dave Tallman to
3-yr. terms on the
Planning & Zoning Commission with terms expiring 12/31/12; and appointed Al
Carlson to fill a vacancy on the Commission
with a term expiring 12/31/11. Motion carried.
A motion by Leach, seconded by Peck, unanimously approved the following appointments.
Board of Adjustment – Nathan Leidahl
Cherokee Aviation Authority – Mike Fox
Cherokee County Landfill Commission – Ken Slater
Siouxland Regional Housing Authority – Dave Deedrick
County REAP Committee Representative – Greg Stieneke
Labor Negotiations for City – Administrator Eikmeier, City Attorney Miller, Mayor Murphy,
Council Member Peck
ISTEA Policy Board – Jim Peck
ISTEA Technical Advisory Committee – John Meis
County Damage Assessment Team – Mick Mallory
Cherokee County Conference Board – Mayor Murphy
Cherokee County Emergency Management Commission – Mayor Murphy
Cherokee Area Economic Development Corp. – Linda Burkhart
On a motion by Burkhart, seconded by Peck, the Chronicle Times was designated as the official newspaper. Motion carried.
A motion by Burkhart, seconded
by Peck, authorized sending council agendas to the following news media:
Chronicle Times,
KCHE Radio, KICD Radio, KKIA Radio, KTIV TV, KCAU TV, KMEG TV. Motion carried.
The council reviewed the following reports:
1. Administrator’s report.
2. November Clerk-Treasurer’s report and receipts as follows: General Fund-$99,526.91; Police
Forfeiture-$461.97; County Library-$.38; Road Use-$216,242.02; Employee Benefits-
$36,413.02; Emergency-$1,963.56; LOST-$110,290; Hotel/Motel Tax-$486.78; T.I.F.-
$28,953.60; Revolving Loan-$2,570.22; Library Memorial-$2,679.39; Park & Rec. Capital
Improvements-$497.75; Debt Service-$50,467.44; Road Use Equipment-$.86; Emergency
Set-Aside-$1.52; Aquatic Center/Gillette Park-$51.80; Community Center Project-$1.59; Fire
Rescue Truck-$.35; Oak Hill Perpetual Care-$28.48; Water Utility-City-$50,198.62; Water
Utility-Industrial-$14,641.29; Water Bd./Int.-$4.89; Water Improvement-$5,012.14; Water
Reserve-$41.57; Water System Maintenance-$8,123.02; Sewer Utlity-City-$76,479.24; Sewer
Utility-Industrial-$21,456.26; Sewer Bd./Int.-$32,699; Sewer Improvement-$1,666.67;
Aviation Authority-$1,201.12; Solid Waste-$19,450.18; Landfill-$10,523.71; Storm Sewer
Utility-$6,086.32; Self Insurance-$22.12; Aquatic Center Bond Acct.-$2,177.16.
3. November General Fund revenue/expense report.
4. November Police Report.
5. Department reports.
Council Member Stieneke asked
whether the railroad crossing signals currently at the tracks on Hwy. 59 could
be moved to the
W. Cedar Street crossing. The tracks on Hwy. 59 have been abandoned by the
railroad so the signals are no longer needed.
The Administrator said he would contact the railroad.
Administrator Eikmeier reported
that there might be an alternative to replacing the bridge on Birch Street. It
would involve
purchasing some right-of-way to install a route around the bridge. He asked
council members to stop at City Hall and look at
the proposed plans and costs.
The Administrator said he has
been receiving complaints about people not removing snow from sidewalks and
asked the media
to make a request to citizens to do so. Council Member Stieneke has received
good compliments for the street and park
departments regarding snow removal.
On a motion by Stieneke,
seconded by Mallory, the council went into closed session at 8:20 p.m. to
discuss labor negotiations
as per Iowa Code Chapter 20.17(3). Roll call was: AYES: All. NAYS: None.
A motion by Stieneke, seconded
by Leach, brought the council back into regular session at 8:35 p.m.
Roll call was: AYES: All. NAYS: None.
No action was taken in closed session.
City Clerk Taylor issued the oath of office to Council Member Mick Mallory.
Mayor Murphy presented a plaque to outgoing Council Member Bob Leach for his service to the community.
On a motion by Leach, seconded by Burkhart, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Motion carried.
News media – Paul Struck, Chronicle Times; Nikki Thunder, KCHE.
Mark Murphy – Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Taylor, ICMC
City Clerk-Treasurer