City Council Work Session
                     City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
                   January 13, 2009 – 6: 30 P.M.

A council work session was called to order on this date by Mayor Pierce.  Present:  Council Members Peck,
Leach, Mallory, Burkhart, Stieneke, Administrator Eikmeier, City Attorney Miller, Clerk-Treasurer Taylor.

The council reviewed the status of the city’s beer/wine license.  Administrator Eikmeier had done some research
on possible options.  Initially it was thought that users of the community center could dispense liquor provided
they did not sell it.  However, one clause in state law prevents this if a fee is charged for the facility.  An option
to transferring the city’s license to other entities, such as the Jazz Festival and community street dance, would
be for those entities to apply for a 5-day license.  The minimum cost would be $465 for the license ($53.63) and
liability insurance ($350).  The city currently passes on the cost of $375 for the liability insurance transfer, so the
extra cost to the entity would be minimal.  Council Member Burkhart doesn’t feel the city should be in the business
of selling alcohol.  Our bartenders aren’t trained to know whether someone has had too much to drink, thereby
increasing our liability.  Also, if someone has had too much to drink, it is the city police that would penalize them. 
Council Member Stieneke feels the city needs to advertise the community center more, such as putting the rates
on the website, advertising, etc.  He would like to keep the city’s license this year and promote the community
center more.  Don suggested that in order to minimize the city’s loss, the party renting the facility would be
responsible for estimating the amount of product to order and any overage would be charged to the renter.  They
would have the value of the product and the city wouldn’t be left with inventory we don’t need.  He also mentioned
that Park & Rec. personnel would like to increase the rental fee if alcohol is served because of extra clean up involved. 
Burkhart again indicated that the city doesn’t have the expertise in the bar business.  If people want to have an event
with alcohol they should hire a caterer who provides that.  Council Member Mallory said he would have to agree with
Linda in that he would like to make money on the community center, but is it at the expense of liability.  Leach said
the city should not be transferring their license to other entities.  However, the city just spent $400,000 on
improvements at the community center and he feels we should keep the license for a year or two and promote/advertise
to increase use.  The Administrator will continue research on catering privileges, use of the city’s license for the
fireman’s dance, and increased rental fees for parties serving alcohol. 

                Regular City Council Meeting
                     City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
                   January 13, 2009 – 7:00 P.M.

Mayor Pierce opened the regular meeting and all members were present. 

Ben Jobe, 208 E. Maple, addressed the council regarding the city’s liquor license.  He said the city has to provide an
employee to be in charge of the bar and that wages and taxes paid must be reported.  He also mentioned that the
Family Table now has a liquor license and does catering, so they may be able to transfer their license to the
community center for events. 

Council Member Stieneke referred to letters that the Mayor recently sent to our state representative and senator
regarding alternative revenue sources.  He thought that a sample letter was to be brought back to the council for
approval before being sent.  He is definitely not in favor of implementing a local income tax.  Mayor Pierce said
the letter did not endorse any particular component of alternative revenue, but simply urged the legislature to give
cities the opportunity to explore various options.  She indicated that the League of Cities also doesn’t support
individual components, but does support local governments to decide what is best for their community. 

A motion by Leach, seconded by Peck, unanimously approved the following under “Consent Business”.

City council minutes of December 23^rd.

Bills totaling $183,098.77.

          JUAN SANCHEZ                 BAL. OF DEPOSIT-321 N. 1ST           7.61

BAKER & TAYLOR, INC.       BOOKS; AUDIOS                   560.58

         POSTMASTER - CHEROKEE      POSTAGE FOR UTILITY BILLS       551.64

         CHEROKEE AVIATION AUTH.    DEC. TAX DRAW                   521.03

         CHEROKEE CO. CLERK/COURT   FILE GARNISHMENT;SMALL CLAIMS    75.00

         VERNON FICK              RETIREMENT                    1,600.00

         THREE RIVERS BENEFIT       CLAIMS THRU 12/31/08          2,143.05

                                    JAN. ADMIN. FEE                 408.00

         CHAMBER OF COMMERCE        3RD QTR. HOTEL/MOTEL TAX      7,339.52

         CHEROKEE AREA ECON. DEV.   3RD QTR. HOTEL/MOTEL TAX      2,935.81

         AMBER MESSEROLE            REFUND BANK PAY                 629.70

GE CAPITAL                 JAN. SKID LOADER PAYMENT        365.05

IOWA LAKES ELECTRIC COOP   ELEC. - 11/1/08-11/30/08         40.82

         MASTERCARD                 ANIT-VIRUS RENEWALS             379.92

         PITNEY BOWES               POSTAGE FOR METER               500.00

                                    POSTAGE METER LEASE          96.00

         DEE DEE BEVERAGE           BEER ORDER-JAZZ FESTIVAL        152.70

         CHEROKEE STATE BANK        NSF CHECK - A. PETERSON         202.70

         ANGEL PENA                 WATER DEPOSIT BAL.-324 E         10.53

         OFFICE OF VEHICLE SERVICE  14 SALVAGE AUTO TITLES          140.00

         L & L DISTRIBUTORS         BEER ORDER-JAZZ FESTIVAL        457.45

         STEVE THOMAS               NET PROCEEDS-JAZZ FESTIVAL      641.67

         THE BOOK VINE              WINE ORDER - JAZZ FESTIVAL      171.60

         CHEROKEE STATE BANK        NSF CHECK - C. SEARS             95.00

         ALLIANT ENERGY             NATURAL GAS                   5,179.28

         AMERICAN TEST CENTER       ISO TEST; SPECTRA ANALYSIS      500.00

ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICES   TOWELS; MATS; MOPS; RAGS        105.99

AUTOMATIC BUILDING CONT.   FIRE ALARM MONITOR CONTRACT     240.00

         BARCO MUNICIPAL PRODUCTS   CHAIN TIGHTENERS FOR GRADER     204.54

         BLAINE'S WATER COND.       LAB WATER;SOFTENER RENT;SALT    130.41

BOMGAARS                   BUILDING & VEHICLE SUPPLIES   1,107.44

MARY BORGHEIINCK           SUPPLIES                         48.07

         THE BOOK VINE              BOOKS                            51.70

         BUGH WELDING               PARTS FOR PUMP SLIDES           117.54

         BUSINESS WEEK              SUBSCRIPTION                     60.00

         CANNON MOSS BRYGGER        ENG.-COMM. CENTER PROJECT       515.54

         CARROLL DISTRIBUTING       20 CUT-OFF SAW BLADES           132.87

         CARUS PHOSPHATES, INC.     PHOSPHATE                     1,210.60

         STEVE CASEY                DEC. CELL PHONE                  20.00

         CHAMPION ELECTRIC, INC.    REPAIR LIGHTS & SIGNALS       1,049.96

                                    REPAIR WELL HEATER; CONTROLS    154.55

                                    INSTALL PHASE MONITOR            30.00

CHEROKEE AREA ECON. DEV.   ANNUAL RECOGNITION BANQUET       85.00

         CHEROKEE AUTO PARTS        VEHICLE SUPPLIES                172.70

         CHEROKEE CO. CLERK/COURT   CITY VS. CAMPUZANO               50.00

         CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF    SERVE NOTICE-S. ELLIS            29.00

         CHEROKEE CO. SOLID WASTE   JAN. LANDFILL FEE            11,556.01

                                    NUISANCE ABATEMENT-436 E.CEDAR   84.30

         CHEROKEE REG. MED. CENTER  RANDOM CDL DRUG TEST             23.00

         KAREN CHRISTENSEN          REF. VOLLEYBALL                  60.00

         CHRONICLE TIMES            MINUTES; ORDINANCES; BIDS       496.13

         COLONIAL RESEARCH CHEMIC   GERMICIDAL PLUS                  24.99

         THE COURT FOCUS            JAN. SUBSCRIPTION                13.00

         DPC INDUSTRIES, INC.       CHLORINE; POTASSIUM PERM        805.00

DEER VALLEY LAND IMPROV.   2 TRUCKS-HAUL SNOW-12/20      1,232.50

         SHELBY DILLA               REF. VOLLEYBALL                  60.00

         DIVERSIFIED FASTENING      PLOW BOLTS; NUTS; WASHERS       463.17

         DOUBLEDAY LARGE PRINT      BOOKS                            33.86

         DON EIKMEIER               DEC. VEHICLE ALLOWANCE          200.00

         ELEVATOR SERVICE & REPAIR  SERVICE CONTRACT                140.00

         DAVE ELLIS                 AUG.-NOV. CELL PHONE            160.00

         FAREWAY STORES, INC.       OFFICE & CLEANING SUPPLIES      103.89

ED M. FELD EQUIP. CO.      RELECTIVE LETTERS/NUMBERS        20.50

                                    RECHARGE/HYDROTEST; EXTING.     257.00

FOX ENGINEERING            PRELIMINARY/FINAL DESIGN     14,240.00

         FSH COMMUNICATIONS         PARK PAY PHONE                  110.21

ROGER FRISBIE              MILEAGE-2 TRIPS TO BREDA        163.80

GRAVENISH SERVICE          CHECK ALTERNATOR; CLEAN CABLES   34.50

         HALLETT MATERIALS          SAND; GRAVEL; BACKFILL        2,621.36

HILLYARD                   JANITORIAL SUPPLIES             278.38

         HOLZHAUER MOTORS, LTD.     SERVICE; DYE IN RADIATOR         56.49

HOLTON CUSTOM SIGNS        SIGNS FOR SKID LOADER           100.00

STAN HOUSTON EQUIP. CO.    1/2" DRIVE AIR IMPACT GUN       114.95

         HY-VEE DRUGSTORE           LASER PRINTER INK CARTRIDGE      89.95

         HY-VEE, INC.               FUEL                             93.08

         INGRAM BOOK COMPANY        BOOKS                            11.06

         IOWA CITY/COUNTY MGMT.     ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP               150.00

         IOWA MUNI. FIN. OFFICERS   ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP                45.00

         IOWA ONE CALL              NOV. LOCATES                     37.80

         IOWA RURAL WATER ASSOC.    ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP               275.00

         IOWA STATE POLICE ASSOC.   ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP               200.00

         IOWA TELECOM               TELEPHONE SERVICE               927.66

JIM'S LAWN CARE & MORE     SNOW REMOVAL-INDIAN ST. TRAIL    90.00

         MARIE JONES                REF. VOLLEYBALL                  90.00

         LETSCHE BIKE/RADIO SHACK   16GB MEMORY                      44.99

                                    EQUIPMENT-5TH QUARTER EVENTS     55.48

         LUNDELL CONSTRUCTION CO.   GRAVE DIGGING                   427.50

                                    DOWNTOWN SNOW REMOVAL-DEC.    9,255.50

                                    WATER LEAK REPAIR               332.50

                                    SEWER CLEANING                  357.50

                                    HELP WITH PUMP-UNITED LIFT      200.00

         MALLOY ELECTRIC            NEW PUMP-SPRUCE ST. LIFT      5,136.05

         MID AMERICAN ENERGY        ELECTRICITY                  21,021.72

MIDWEST LIVING             SUBSCRIPTION                     19.97

         M.O.C.I.C.                 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP               100.00

         MILLS & MILLER, INC.       ROAD SALT; DELIVERY           1,476.10

         WALLY MILLER, JR.          DEC. LEGAL FEES               2,780.00

         MITINET, INC.              CATALOGING SERVICE CONTRACT     189.00

         MODERN HEATING & COOLING   REPAIR AIR HANDLING UNIT         54.00

         MOORE MEDICAL CORP.        GLOVES; HAND CLEANER            118.37

         MOTOR PARTS SALES          VEHICLE SUPPLIES                377.78

MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT       SUBSURFACE LEAK DETECTOR      3,600.00

         MUNICIPAL SUPPLY, INC.     METER REPAIR PARTS; VALVE     1,826.94

NELSON ELECTRIC            4' LIGHT FIXTURE INSTALLED       61.90

         NORTHERN BALANCE & SCALE   CALIBRATE LAB THERMOMETER        85.00

         NORTHWEST COMMUNICATIONS   JAN. INTERNET SERVICE            39.95

         O'HALLORAN INTERNATIONAL   VEHICLE REPAIRS; SUPPLIES      662.56

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC.  VEHICLE SUPPLIES                159.43

PERKINS OFFICE SOLUTIONS   OFFICE SUPPLIES                 411.49

PETTY CASH                 POSTAGE; SUPPLIES               196.60

PLYMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF    SERVE GARNISHMENT-KLINGBORG      32.50

         RADAR ROAD TEC             NEW RADAR                     1,601.00

         RASMUSSEN'S CORP.          SERVICE/REPAIR VEHICLES            547.18

REIMAN PUBLICATIONS        SIMPLE & DELICIOUS SUBSCRIP.     29.98

         REHAB SYSTEMS, INC.        CLEAN FORCE MAIN-UNITED LIFT  1,925.00

REINERT MACHINE SHOP       VEHICLE REPAIRS                 679.92

RON'S REPAIR, INC.         SERVICE TRANSMISSIONS           175.50

                                    BLOWER MOTOR;TAIL LIGHT         157.00

         ROYER'S JEWELRY            ENGRAVE PLAQUE-NAPIER            12.00

         ST. LUKES CENTER OCCUP.    RANDOM CDL TEST REVIEW          180.00

         SANITARY SERVICES          DEC. GARBAGE FEE             20,712.65

         SARGENT DRILLING           TEST WELLS                    3,250.00

         SCHOON CONSTRUCTION CO.    FILL DIRT-411 S. 9TH DEMO       342.40

                                    DOWNTOWN SNOW REMOVAL-DEC.    8,795.0

                                    HAUL SAND TO STOCKPILE          288.00

                                    WATER LEAK REPAIR             6,102.97

SCREENBUILDERS             DOOR HINGES                      58.98

         SENSUS METERING SYSTEMS    REPAIR; UPGRADE METER HANKHELD  132.00

         SIEMANS WATER TECHNOLOGI   PHASE MONITOR RELAY             129.79

         SIRCHIE FINGER PRINT LAB   FINGERPRINT SUPPLIES             36.84

         SIOUX SALES COMPANY        TRAFFIC VESTS; POLOS            357.50

         SIOUXLAND DISTRICT HEALTH  BACTERIA SAMPLES                104.00

STEVE'S WINDOW SERVICE     WINDOW CLEANING                  138.00

         TEE'S PLUS                 DARE SUPPLIES                   783.30

         TEST AMERICA LABORATORIES  OIL/GREASE; COPPER; TDS; TKN    645.44

         R.J. THOMAS MFG. CO.       DOG BAGS                         42.40

         TOYNE, INC.                LOCK SPRING; CLIP; BALL         150.00

         TREASURER, STATE OF IOWA   DEC. SALES TAX                6,605.13

         TYLER TECHNOLOGIES         ANNUAL SOFTWARE MAINT.        5,079.00

         UNIQUE BOOKS, INC.         BOOKS                            48.30

         USA BLUE BOOK              LAB CHEMICALS                   140.46

         UNITED PARCEL SERVICE      SHIPPING CHARGE                 101.12

         UNITED STATES CELLULAR     CELL PHONES                     100.51

         VALLEY GLASS & FRAMING     NORTON DOOR CLOSER              225.00

         VALLEY VETERINARY CENTER   CHECK SHILOH; BOARD/EUTH.       432.55

VERIZON WIRELESS           CELL PHONES                     121.21                                   

         WALDNER’S LAWN SERVICE     LAWN CARE; SNOW REMOVAL         868.00

         WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL      COPY MACHINE LEASE              110.80

         WIESE OIL & SUPPLY CO.     PROPANE; DIESEL; GAS          6,114.95

WOMAN’S DAY                SUBSCRIPTION                     24.00

WOODALL ELECTRIC           CHECK UNITED LIFT MOTOR          45.00   

Tax abatement application for 204 W. Main.

Appointment of Jim Peck to E911 Board.

Reviewed Library Board minutes of December 3^rd.

The council reviewed the following bids for 3 warning sirens:  Danko Emergency Equipment - $54,084; Radio
Communications - $46,800; Fesler’s - $47,903.85; Safetycom, Inc. - $53,700.  Aimee Barritt was present and had
reviewed the bids as requested by Mayor Pierce.  She indicated that the Safetycom, Inc. and Fesler’s sirens were
not electromechanical and therefore did not meet specs.  The Radio Communications siren was not ISO certified
and also didn’t meet specs.  Although the Danko bid was high, its Federal siren met all specs and was recommended
by Aimee.  She said that the city’s siren on Spruce Street is a Federal siren and the county uses Federal sirens in their
parks.  Danko has also offered to do computer monitoring to find the best locations for the sirens.  Mayor Pierce said
she has been making contacts regarding funding for the third siren and should know by the end of the week whether
they can proceed with the purchase of the third siren.  On a motion by Stieneke, seconded by Leach, the council
authorized the purchase of three sirens from Danko Emergency Equipment for $54,084, with the third siren contingent
on funding.  Motion carried.

Aimee suggested that the council look forward 10 years or so and plan for the replacement of the existing siren.  Then
look at replacing all sirens on a rotating basis.  She said they plan to test the sirens this spring at least once a month. 
Stieneke pointed out that people are not able to hear the sirens when they are inside.  Butch Hoffman, with Danko,
was present and indicated that people within a couple of blocks of a siren could hear it inside.  Aimee pointed out that
warnings are basically a 3-step process – outdoor sirens, weather radios, and TV/radio warnings.  People have to be aware
of what is going on with the weather.  

Administrator Eikmeier will do more research on options regarding the city’s liquor license.  He will look at caterer’s
privileges, use of the license for the fireman’s dance, and review of community center rental rates with use of the
liquor license.  It appears that the council is in agreement that they no longer want to transfer the city’s license to
other entities.  A motion was made by Stieneke to keep the city’s liquor license for another year and not to transfer
it for other entities.  The motion died for lack of a second.  A motion by Leach, seconded by Stieneke, requested
that further information be brought back for discussion.  Motion carried.

Administrator Eikmeier recommended applying for the Legacy Foundation Grant for the completion of interior
improvements at the community center.  The application will include funding for carpet and window treatments
in the south meeting room, window treatments for the office, and paint and supplies to complete the necessary
interior painting.  The request will be for the maximum grant of $10,000.  A motion by Stieneke, seconded by Burkhart,
unanimously authorized applying for the Legacy Foundation Grant as presented. 

The council reviewed the following quotes on a new phone system for City Hall:  C-M-L Telephone, Meriden - $3,649.85;
Executive Technologies, Sioux City - $4,650, with option of adding multi cell wireless handset and cell station for $675;
Nu-Telecom, New Ulm, MN - $3,812.23.  All bids include a voice mail system that can be added later.  The City Clerk
recommended the low quote from C-M-L for $2,299.95 with stand-by power supply for $149.95 for a total of $2,449.90. 
As the budget doesn’t allow for the voice mail system at this time, it will be budgeted for and added later.  A motion
by Stieneke, seconded by Mallory, accepted the quote from C-M-L for the basic system for $2,449.90.  Motion carried.

The council reviewed the following reports:

1.  Administrator’s report.

2.  December Clerk-Treasurer’s report and receipts as follows:  General-$60,836.34; Police

     Forfeiture-$636.40; County Library-$3,202.16; Road Use-$39,808.92; Employee Benefits-

     $20,167.20; Emergency-$937.85; Local Option Sales Tax-$36,021.88; Hotel/Motel Tax-

     $20,970.04; Tax Increment Financing-$10,688.07; Revolving Loan-$145.50; Library

     Memorial-$406.27; Park & Rec. Cap. Impr.-$33.02; Debt Service-$15,910.48; Road Use

     Equipment-$1.44; Cherokee Signs-$60; Cherokee Housing Grant-$6.64; Emergency Set-

     Aside-$8.68; Community Center Project-$9.26; Fire Rescue Truck-$.77; Oak Hill Perpetual

     Care-$194.04; Water Utility-City-$63,162.52; Water Utility-Industrial-$13,543.69; Water

     Bond/Interest-$15,927.68; Water Improvement-$5,033.22; Water Reserve-$91.13; Water

     Tower Maintenance-$11.98; Water System Maintenance-$9,424.13; Sewer Utility-City-

     $89,051.62; Sewer Utility-Industrial-$21,591.38; Sewer Bond/Interest-$32,002.16; Sewer

     Improvement-$5,500; Aviation Authority-$521.03; Solid Waste-$18,940.88; Landfill-

     $11,995.71; Storm Water Utility-$6,986.76; Self Insurance-$48.22.

3.  December General Fund revenue/expense report.

4.  December Police report.

5.  December department reports.

On a motion by Leach, seconded by Peck, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.  Motion carried.

News media – Paul Struck, Chronicle Times; Nikki Thunder, KCHE.

Pam Pierce – Mayor

ATTEST:

Debra Taylor, CMC
City Clerk-Treasurer