Regular City Council Meeting
City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
April 22, 2008 – 7:00 P.M.
The council reviewed a summary
of bids for a new police vehicle received at the last meeting.
Police Chief Steve Schuck said he had looked at the Dodge Nitro, which was the
low bid from
Holzhauer Motors. He indicated that
it was much smaller than the Ford Explorer, so the cage,
light bar and other equipment would not transfer.
New equipment would have to be purchased
for $2,000 or more. As the Ford
Explorer bid was $1,350 over what is allowed in the budget,
Steve was asked whether he could wait another before trading. As there would be another
30,000 miles on the vehicle, Steve wouldn’t recommend waiting, as they would
lose the
$1,350 and more on the trade in value. Councilmember Peck asked whether the city
could
purchase a vehicle at a state auction for less money that would still have a
warranty and
asked whether the city needs all 4-wheel drive vehicles. Steve explained that a city could
purchase a vehicle for less than an individual because of government pricing, so
he doesn’t
feel there would be any savings by purchasing at auction.
Councilmember Leach indicated
that a 4-wheel drive vehicle holds its resale value better than a car.
On a motion by
Councilmember Stieneke, seconded by Leach, the council authorized purchasing a
2008 Ford
Explorer from Rasmussen’s for $13,850. Motion
carried.
A motion by Councilmember
Stieneke, seconded by Burkhart, approved the second presentation
of an ordinance reducing the speed limit to 25 MPH on N. Roosevelt from Bow
Drive to the
north city limits. Roll call was:
AYES: Stieneke, Peck, Burkhart, Mallory. NAYS:
Leach.
On a motion by Councilmember
Burkhart, seconded by Peck, the council unanimously approved
the following under “Consent Business”.
City council minutes of April 8th.
Tax abatement application for 315 W. Locust.
New, 6-month class “B” beer permit – Cherokee County Fair.
Renewal of class “C” liquor license – Corvo’s Restaurant.
Renewal of class “C” liquor license – W.I.T. Conference Center.
Renewal of class “C” liquor license – Bright Side Lounge.
Renewal of class “C” liquor
license – Pool & Pub.
A motion by Councilmember
Stieneke, seconded by Leach, unanimously accepted the resignation
of Jon Peterson, Wastewater Utility Servicer.
The council discussed filling
the position vacated by Jon Peterson. The
Mayor and council felt
there is a need for four employees in the Wastewater Dept. because they operate
two
wastewater plants and for safety reasons for repairs and maintenance of the
facilities. A motion
by Councilmember Stieneke, seconded by Leach, authorized filling the position of
Wastewater Utility Servicer, as per the union contract.
Motion carried.
On behalf of the council,
Councilmember Burkhart expressed appreciation for Jon’s 28 years of
service to the City of Cherokee.
The council reviewed the annual
tool lease with Duane Mummert. The
lease lists tools and
equipment with a value of $50,929.40, which Duane agrees to lease to the city
for $1,000/year.
There was discussion as to whether it was necessary to lease these tools, could
they be
purchased or borrowed. Councilmember
Leach doesn’t feel the city should have to borrow tools
and equipment. He did, however,
suggest that starting next year they should begin to budget
for the purchase of tools. Councilmember
Burkhart feels that having $50,000 worth of tools
and equipment at our convenience for $1,000/year is a good deal for the city.
On a motion by Councilmember Leach, seconded by Burkhart, the council
approved the tool lease with Duane
Mummert for the fiscal year ending 6/30/08.
Roll call was: AYES: Leach, Peck, Burkhart, Mallory.
NAYS: Stieneke.
On a motion by Councilmember
Leach, seconded by Stieneke, the meeting was adjourned at
7:22 p.m. Motion carried.
News media – Paul Struck, Chronicle Times.
Dennis Henrich – Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Taylor, CMC
City Clerk-Treasurer