Special City Council Meeting
                                                                   City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
                                                                February 7, 2007 – 6:00 P.M.

A special meeting was called to order on this date by Mayor Henrich.  Present:  Councilman Varce, Mallory, 
Stieneke, Leach, Peck, Clerk-Treasurer Taylor.

As he was unable to attend the last meeting, Duane Mummert along with Linda Peterson and
Connie Ladwig were present to further review 2007-08 budgets for parks, recreation,
community center and pool. Duane indicated that the inmate program is still unknown, but if
inmates weren’t available, the funding requested would be needed for a seasonal employee. 
The park budget includes funding to concrete or blacktop the east bottom road at Spring Lake
Park, replace the park shop furnace, repair or replace storage building roof, and replace a
mower.  Duane indicated that there is nothing budgeted for 6 new camping spaces near the
arena.  The cost to install water, electricity and fire rings is approximately $1,000/space.  The
Arena Committee has submitted a grant for these spaces.  In discussion on the community
center, Councilman Varce said the council needs to decide what type of improvements they
are going to do – heating, cooling, windows, roof, etc.  It may be best to borrow the money
and make all the necessary repairs at the same time.  Duane suggested using hotel/motel tax
toward payment of the annual debt.  Duane explained the status of the Park & Rec. Capital
Improvements Fund.  The fund was started about 20 years ago and is used to record donations,
fund raising revenue and other contributions for projects related to the parks.  They have
received over $386,000 during the 20 years that has gone toward playground equipment,
benches, tables, grills, improvements to the shelters and community center and other park
amenities.  During discussion on the pool budget, Duane said it is the best estimate
they have at this time and was based on Algona’s actual expenses for their aquatic center. 
John Cook commented that Algona is a good comparison as it is demographically the same
as Cherokee.  He also said revenues are hard to determine and that concessions could be
so much more under adult supervision. The concession stand could be used for other events in
addition to the aquatic center.  It has been recommended that there be a full-time
recreation/aquatic center director, under Duane’s supervision, who would be in charge of hiring
staff, writing policies and day-to-day supervision of the aquatic center.  This employee would also
be responsible for recreation programs.  The staff for the new aquatic center will triple what was
needed for the old pool.  They are looking at hiring 20-25 lifeguards, admissions and
concession employees and one or two assistant managers.  Staff and pool committee
members were asked to make a recommendation to the city council at the regular meeting on
February 13 on whom to hire as the recreation/aquatic center director.  Councilman Varce
indicated that he would like to be involved in establishing admission fees for the aquatic center,
which should be done in the next few weeks. 

The council continued review of General Fund budgets.  The Mayor & Administrator budget
does not include funding for a city administrator.  The council needs to determine whether or
not to fill this position or whether to look at a public works director.  Councilmen Varce and
Stieneke will get information from other communities our size.

The council reviewed requests from the Historic Preservation Commission for $1,000 to be
used toward plaques for historic buildings; Mid Sioux Opportunities for $5,000 toward services
provided in the county; and the Arena Committee for $1,000 in startup funds for this season.

The council tentatively reduced General Fund expenses by $96,105, which includes $60,000
for community center improvements that may be funded through bonds.  The clerk will put
figures together for further review at the regular meeting on February 13.

M/P/S Varce, Stieneke, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.  Motion carried.

Dennis Henrich – Mayor

ATTEST:

Debra Taylor, CMC
City Clerk-Treasurer