Special City Council Meeting
                                                                                              City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
                                                                                            February 4, 2008 – 6:00 P.M.

A special meeting was called to order on this date by Mayor Pro-Tem Leach.  Present:  Councilmembers
Burkhart, Mallory, Stieneke, Peck, Clerk-Treasurer Taylor.  Absent:  Mayor Henrich.

The council began review of the 2008-09 budget.  As presented, the budget shows a projected property tax
levy of $18.68/$1000.  The General Fund shows a deficit of $142,648, which is a combination of decreased
property tax revenues, other revenues, and increased spending requests.  The council then met with department
heads.  Steve Casey, Wastewater Dept. – said his budget is basically the same as the current budget, except
he has added $15,000 to repair a broken sewer tile on Cherry Street.  The exact cost won’t be known until it
is televised.  He said he doesn’t yet have costs for the ultraviolet process that is being required at both the city
and industrial plants by May 2009.  Funds are being put aside to cover these costs.  Jim Agnitsch, Street
Dept. – would like to eliminate the uniform shirts they currently have and replace them with a t-shirt with the city
 logo on them.  He said all his employees wear fluorescent vests when working on streets.  The Clerk will check
the status of the uniform contract.  The budget also includes a new diesel truck to replace a 1982 gas truck
and a new generator.  In discussion on the generator, it was decided that the Street and Water departments
could share the cost.  Mark Napier, Water Dept. – his part-time salaries include an employee to mow and help
 with various projects such as documenting the location of curb stops and boxes, valve and hydrant replacements. 
When asked about uniform shirts, Mark indicated that one employee wears them everyday, one wears them
only in the summer and one doesn’t have any at all.  If the city were to purchase shirts, he would prefer a button
down shirt rather than a t-shirt.  In the Water Improvement budget Mark has requested funds to install motor
control equipment to eliminate the hammering when the pumps turn on and off.  Councilmember Burkhart indicated
that she happened to see first hand what happens during this hammering and said that something needs to be
done.  Mark indicated that the proposed variable frequency drives would require a different type of motor, but
one recommendation he received was to use the existing motors until they burn out, then replace them with
compatible motors.  He also said his budget doesn’t include the Summit Street line separation project, but a
leak in a pit has been repaired.  Mark reported that Utility Service Co would pay for seven light fixtures damaged
during the north tower painting project.  He also said that water rates for the industrial plant would have to be
reviewed in the next few months.  Steve Thill, Cemetery – he will have the same two part-time employees return
this spring.  If he gets in a bind before Memorial Day he said a street or sewer employee is willing to help.  He
said he purchases 32” or 48” mowers only as needed.  Dave Lucas and Roger Frisbie, Fire Dept. – said the
budget includes funds for several truck maintenance/inspection repairs.  In order to maintain the community’s ISO
fire rating of 4, the fire trucks and cascade bottle system must be certified.  Roger explained that the pump on
the 1979 Pierce truck must be repaired to pass certification and the cost could be as high as $10,600, worst
case scenario.  The budget includes $6,000 for this repair.  The Fire Dept. has asked to be advised if the
council is considering any major cuts to their budget.

On a motion by Councilmember Stieneke, seconded by Burkhart, another budget workshop was scheduled for
Thursday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried.

On a motion by Councilmember Stieneke, seconded by Burkhart, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.  Motion carried.

Robert Leach – Mayor Pro-Tem

ATTEST:

Debra Taylor, CMC
City Clerk-Treasurer