Regular City Council Meeting
City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
June 12, 2007 – 7:00 P.M.
A regular meeting was called to order on this date by
Mayor Henrich. Present:
Councilman Varce, Mallory,
Stieneke, Peck, City Attorney Miller, Clerk-Treasurer Taylor.
Absent: Councilman Leach.
Bob Beck, 316 E. Cedar, reported
to the council that he recently had to repair an abandoned water line that
he didn’t know existed on his property. He
has a large lot with a single dwelling with a water line serving the
house and the other line that didn’t go anywhere.
He feels the city should be responsible for some or all of
the cost. Mayor Henrich indicated
that there are a couple of similar issues on the agenda that will be discussed
later in the meeting.
Royden Rupp, 315 Coyote, thanked
the council members who have been helping the ABC committee with
projects and challenged the other members to join the group.
M/S/P Stieneke, Peck, approved
the third presentation of Ordinance No. 523, increasing the base water
charge to $5/month and adding a $4/month maintenance fee, which has a 5-year
sunset and ordered its publication.
M/S/P Peck, Stieneke, the
council approved the second presentation of an ordinance regarding compliance
with the State Plumbing Code in the installation of any water service pipe and
connection to the water system.
M/S/P Stieneke, Varce, adopted
Resolution No. 07-09, setting fees for the Clerk’s Department, Cemetery
and miscellaneous equipment as presented, except cemetery spaces will be set at
$325.
M/S/P Stieneke, Mallory, the
council adopted Resolution No. 07-10 setting fees for the Bacon Aquatic Center
and Gillette Park.
M/S/P Mallory, seconded by Peck,
the council adopted Resolution No. 07-11 setting fees for the Fire Department.
M/S/P Stieneke, Varce, adopted
Resolution No. 07-12 setting fees for the Water Department.
The council discussed a
resolution setting fees for the Park and Recreation Departments.
Councilman Peck asked
why there was a difference in the community center fees for a banquet or
reception for less than and more than 100
people. As there is probably nobody
at the door actually counting, he suggested a flat fee of $200 for any size
group.
Councilman Stieneke said that because the community center isn’t
utilized that much for large groups the fee shouldn’t
be increased too much. Councilman Mallory suggested $150 and the council agreed with
that figure. In discussion
on camping fees, Councilmen Peck and Mallory still feel the fees shouldn’t be
increased. Councilman Stieneke
reminded the council that there is still an outstanding balance of $141,000 on
the sanitary sewer system that was
installed at Spring Lake Park a couple years ago.
He also feels that it is supply and demand, there is no competition
around Cherokee with monthly camping fees.
Stieneke also commented that raising fees for the Yacht Club shouldn’t
hurt the usage as there is no place around that is that nice for the fee being
proposed. Councilman Mallory feels that
a city park should be an even playing field, make it affordable for everyone to
use. Councilman Stieneke said that
it
is recreation and people are still getting a good deal.
The council reviewed suggestions from Connie Ladwig on
park and recreation fees. She
suggested leaving nightly camping at $15 and increasing the monthly fee to $250
or
$260. Councilman Varce suggested going with $15 nightly and $260
monthly. A motion by Councilman
Varce,
seconded by Stieneke, adopted Resolution No. 07-13, setting Park and Recreation
Department fees as presented,
with the following changes: community center banquet/reception, use of one
level, any number of people-$150;
camping - $15/night and $260/month. Roll
call was:
AYES: Varce, Stieneke, Peck
NAYS: Mallory
M/S/P Varce, Stieneke, adopted
Resolution No. 07-14, declaring Block 3, Lot 50, graves 3-12 in Oak Hill
Cemetery
as abandoned and authorized offering them for sale at $75/space.
On a motion by Councilman Varce,
seconded by Mallory, the council unanimously adopted the following under
“Consent Business”.
City council minutes of May 22nd
and May 29th.
Bills
totaling $259,463.63.
DAVID FRITZ
BALANCE
OF DEPOSIT-614 WALNUT
60.40
MID AMERICAN ENERGY
ELEC. - 3/28/07-4/26/07
18,495.48
JAMES EBERT (DEF.
COMP.) D/C
SURRENDER-EBERT-MAY
1,500.00
VERN FICK (DEF.
COMP.) D/C
SURRENDER-FICK-MAY
1,600.00
HY-VEE FOOD STORES LIBRARY
SUPPLIES
32.99
PLUNKETT'S PEST
CONTROL PEST
CONTROL-LIBRARY
30.00
DIANE CARGIN
MILEAGE-CENSUS MTG.-STORM LAKE
22.25
BAKER & TAYLOR, INC.
BOOKS; AUDIOS
717.97
DOUBLEDAY LARGE PRINT
BOOKS
38.64
WALDNER'S LAWN SERVICE
LAWN CARE
47.00
CHEROKEE CO.
CLERK/COURT FILE SMALL
CLAIMS-L. WATTS
50.00
JACK FORESMAN
ASSESSMENT PD. TWICE-315 S.8TH 150.00
ALLIGATOR ICE
ALLIGATOR ICE EQUIPMENT
1,995.00
IOWA PARK & REC. ASSOC.
AQUATIC STAFF WORKSHOP
50.00
POSTMASTER - CHEROKEE
POSTAGE FOR UTILITY BILLS
285.57
THREE RIVERS BENEFIT
CLAIMS THRU 5/11/07
1,848.90
CHEROKEE AVIATION AUTH.
MAY TAX DRAW
1,367.26
DEBRA TAYLOR
MILEAGE TO NWICCA-SPENCER 41.83
CHEROKEE CO. CLERK/COURT FILE
GARNISHMENT-R.VILLARREAL 25.00
WELLMARK BCBS
JUNE BCBS PREMIUM
21,005.40
I.W.P.C.A.
ANNUAL WASTEWATER CONF.
195.00
VERNON FICK (DEF. COMP.) D/C
SURRENDER-FICK-MAY
1,600.00
IOWA DEPT./PUBLIC
HEALTH REGISTRATION-POOL; 2
SLIDES 105.00
PITNEY BOWES POSTAGE
POSTAGE SUPPLIES
48.36
L & L DISTRIBUTORS
BEER/WINE ORDER
215.30
ASSURANT EMPLOYEE BENEFIT JUNE
DISABILITY PREMIUM
494.82
FORT DEARBORN LIFE INS.
JUNE LIFE PREMIUM
143.65
MASTERCARD
MEAL/GAS-ROBERTS ACADEMY
78.24
ANNUAL WEBSITE HOST
179.40
CHEROKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT VOL.
ALLOW.-4/22/07-5/22
695.00
THREE RIVERS BENEFIT
CLAIMS THRU 5/25/07
213.84
OFFICE OF VEHICLE SERVICE
9 SALVAGE AUTO TITLES
90.00
BEDWELL ALUMINUM
1/2 ADD'L DECORATIVE LIG
2,202.50
POSTMASTER - CHEROKEE
POSTAGE - UTILITY BILLS
273.46
MILLIE CHAPIN
REFUND DEPOSIT-625 1/2 W.MAIN
39.93
ADVANCED WATER TECHNOLOGY POLYQUEST
1,690.80
ALLIANCE CONCRETE, INC.
CONCRETE-ST.BASIN;STREET REP. 1,338.75
ALLIANT UTILITIES
NATURAL GAS
2,630.99
AL'S
CORNER OIL CO.
FUEL
200.59
AMERICAN AQUATIC TESTING '07
TOXICITY TEST-S.LAGOON
425.00
AMERICAN LIFEGUARD PROD. SAFETY
& RESCUE EQUIPMENT
318.05
ANDERSON LAWN SERVICE
MOW 4 PROPERTIES - MAY
76.00
ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICES TOWELS;MATS;UNIFORM
SHIRTS 391.80
ARCHITECTURAL
DIGEST SUBSCRIPTION
69.95
B & L STUMP REMOVAL
GRIND STUMPS-9TH/ASH/1ST
98.75
BARCO MUNICIPAL PRODUCTS 2
RAIN SUITS
126.77
BLAINE'S WATER COND.
LAB WATER;SOFTNER RENT;SALT
85.66
BODHOLDT
BROTHERS
IRRIGATION/FIRE HOSE/SHOWERS 1,691.93
BOMGAARS
WEEDEATERS;SUPPLIES;BATTERIES
698.67
MARY
BORGHEIINCK
YIA PARTY EXPENSES
84.72
BROAD REACH BOOKS
BOOKS
251.30
BROWN CHEV. & BUICK
CHECK BATTERY PROBLEM
13.18
BROWN SUPPLY CO., INC.
STAINLESS STEEL REPAIR CLAMPS
348.50
BUGH
WELDING
REPAIR CHECK VALVE;WELD BRACKET 75.00
BUILDERS SHARP. &
SERVICE MOWER REPAIR; PARTS; OIL
151.55
3
PUSH MOWERS
987.00
CNH CAPITAL
TUNE UP TRACTOR MOWER; MUFFLER 165.01
CANNON
MOSS BRYGGER
ENG.-C.C. HEATING/COOLING
8,064.14
CARROLL
DISTRIBUTING
MARKING PAINT;PAINT WAND
100.40
CENTRAL INSURANCE AGENCY FIREMAN'S
BALL LIQ. LIAB.
150.00
CHAMPION ELECTRIC, INC.
REPAIR NORTH TOWER LIGHTS
32.76
TRAFFIC SIGNAL REPAIRS 748.06
15 TRAFFIC BULBS
80.59
CHEROKEE AUTO PARTS
WIPER BLADES;FILTERS;DRAIN PAN 219.67
CHEROKEE
BUILDING CENTER BIT
SET;BULBS;OUTLET BOXES;BIT 69.63
CHEROKEE
CO. CLERK/COURT CITY VS.
ABBOTT (VICIOUS DOG) 50.00
CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF
CITY SHARE L.E.C.-NOV.-APR. 1,595.80
SERVE NOTICE-L. WATTS
31.00
CHEROKEE CO. SOLID WASTE JUNE
LANDFILL FEE
11,556.01
CHEROKEE
LUMBER, INC. PREMIX;SILICONE;REROD;PLYWOOD
270.08
CHEROKEE
REGIONAL CLINIC PRE-EMPLOYMENT
PHYSICAL
79.00
CHEROKEE REG. MED. CENTER PRE-EMPLOYMENT
SCREENINGS 356.00
CHESTERMAN
COMPANY
POP FOR PARK & COMM. CENTER
315.80
CHRONICLE TIMES
MINUTES; ORDINANCE; BIDS
634.20
CONTROL SYSTEM SPECIALIST MECHANICAL
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 48.56
THE COURT FOCUS
JUNE SUBSCRIPTION 12.00
CREATIVE SERVICES
LIFEGUARD SUITS;STAFF SHIRTS 1,796.92
DPC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CHLORINE; POTASSIUM PERMANG.
696.75
DEMCO,
INC.
SUPPLIES
139.35
DIVERSIFIED FASTENING SYS. 200 - 3/8" FLAT WASHERS 11.69
DOUBLEDAY LARGE PRINT
BOOKS
105.96
ENVIRON. RESOURCE ASSOC. QUARTERLY
TESTING FOR DNR
215.04
FAMILY HANDYMAN
SUBSCRIPTION
24.98
FAREWAY STORES, INC.
DISTILLED WATER FOR LAB
24.84
FARMER'S GRAIN & FEED
BIRD FEED
26.55
FARNER-BOCKEN COMPANY
CONCESSION ROLLER GRILL
1,150.25
ED M. FELD EQUIP. CO.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS;SUPPLIES 1,118.63
FERGUSON
ENTERPRISES,INC. FLUSH VALVE PARTS
46.63
FIRST COOPERATIVE ASSOC. SEED
OATS
9.64
FISHER SCIENTIFIC
LAB CHEMICALS
165.84
W. E. FLEET
GAS
133.15
FREMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. POLYMER
1,264.90
FSH COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
PARK PAY PHONE-2 MONTHS
110.00
GARY'S SERVICE
TIRE REPAIR
12.50
GREGG COMPUTER SERVICE
INK CARTRIDGE; COMPUTER REPAIR 304.30
HACH CO.
LAB CHEMICALS
232.50
HALLETT MATERIALS
ROAD GRAVEL; ROCK
1,639.45
HIGH
COUNTRY AUTO
USED SEAT BELT FOR '93 CHEV.
20.00
HOLSTEIN ELECTRIC
PULL WIRE AT GILLETTE PARK
520.00
HOLZHAUER MOTORS, LTD.
OIL CHANGE; T-STAT HOUSING
167.84
HOLTON CUSTOM SIGNS
50 DECALS FOR FUEL TANKS
500.00
HY-VEE DRUGSTORE
FILM;DEVEL.;BUG SPRAY;GLOVES
39.95
HY-VEE
FOOD STORES
SUPPLIES
30.09
ICE CUBE PRESS
BOOK
14.96
INGRAM BOOK COMPANY
BOOKS
5.98
IOWA DARE ASSOCIATION
DARE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
25.00
IOWA D.O.T.
MATERIALS INSPECTION-N.ROOS.
670.58
IOWA LAKES ELECTRIC COOP ELEC.
- 4/1/07-4/30/07
43.01
IOWA LEAGUE OF CITIES
ANNUAL DUES
1,686.00
I.M.W.C.A.
07-08 WORKER'S COMP. PREM. 54,048.00
IOWA ONE CALL
APRIL LOCATES
54.90
IOWA TELECOM
IOWA TELECOM-5/14/07-6/13/07
834.94
JANITOR'S
CLOSET, LTD. TISSUE;
TOWELS; SOAP
606.69
JOHNSON SPECIALTY SALES
EXTERIOR LOCKERS FOR POOL
4,886.00
K-MART #9222
VACUUM BELTS
7.98
LUKE KLASCHEN
WORK BOOTS
75.00
KUEHL & PAYER, LTD.
ENG.-GILLETTE PARK TRAIL 3,692.50
ENG.-AQUATIC CENTER PROJ.
10,805.77
ENG.-AMENT STORM SEWER PROJ. 2,455.00
L & S PEST CONTROL
PEST CONTROL
48.00
LAKE ELECTRIC SUPPLY
WIRE FOR BIRD PEN;WATER HEATER 222.36
LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS
PROPERTY EVIDENCE CARDS
29.00
LETSCHE
BIKE/RADIO SHACK TEST CLIPS;
BATTERIES; PHONES 221.46
LOVE
TIRE (K. WENCK)
MAR.-JUNE BLDG. INSPECTIONS 1,041.25
LUBECK OIL COMPANY
FUEL
520.41
LUNDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. GRAVE
DIGGING
135.00
RAISE MANHOLE-450 GILLEASE
437.84
BLACK DIRT
150.00
REPAIR WATER 2 LEAKS
3,503.81
5.32 T.CRUSHED CONCRETE
74.48
MANGOLD ENVIRON. TESTING OIL
& GREASE; TKN TESTING
305.00
MARLIN LEASING CORP.
JUNE COPIER LEASE
123.00
MID-IOWA SALES CO.
SOAP;BRUSH;HANDLE-TO WAS
116.02
CAR WASH BRUSHES;HANDLES
135.06
MIDLAND SCIENTIFIC, INC. LAB
CHEMICALS
199.23
MID AMERICAN ENERGY
ELEC. - 4/27/07-5/29/07
20,147.40
MILLER, MILLER, MILLER, PC APRIL/MAY LEGAL SERVICE
4,210.00
MODERN HEATING & COOLING CHECK
A/C; FILTERS
130.00
MOTOR PARTS SALES
BELTS; FILTERS; GLOVES
80.46
MUNICIPAL
SUPPLY, INC. PARTS
FOR CHECK VALVE
222.20
MURPHY TRACTOR & EQUIP.
ANTENNA FOR J.D. LOADER
39.46
MARK NAPIER
WORK BOOTS
75.00
NORTHERN SAFETY CO., INC. WORK
BOOTS-CASEY
78.18
NORTHWEST COMMUNICATIONS JUNE
INTERNET SERVICE
91.85
NORTHWESTERN MASONRY
BLOCK; QUCKWALL CONCRETE
53.16
O'HALLORAN INTERNATIONAL FILTER
105.81
OFFICE SYSTEMS
MACHINE REPAIR
412.87
OLD DOMINION BRUSH
2 GUTTER BROOMS; 2 MAIN BROOMS 629.81
PARACLETE
PRESS, INC. DVD'S
200.58
PERKINS
OFFICE SOLUTIONS OFFICE
SUPPLIES
162.55
COPY MACHINE-WATER DEPT.
2,550.00
CASH REGISTER-POOL
344.05
PETTY
CASH
POSTAGE; OMAHA SUNDAY PAPERS
124.04
PITNEY BOWES, INC.
POSTAGE METER INK CARTRIDGE
73.98
PLUNKETT'S PEST CONTROL
PEST CONTROL
30.00
POOL TECH MIDWEST, INC.
1/2 POOL CHEMICALS
3,897.46
PRUETT LAWN & LANDSCAPE
ROTO-TILL SAND V.B. COURT
75.00
R COMM WIRELESS
ANGLE PLUG; MIC EARPHONE 118.00
REIMAN PUBLICATIONS
REMINISCE SUBSCRIPTIONS
67.96
REHAB
SYSTEMS, INC.
ROOT-X IN SEWER LINE
640.00
REINERT MACHINE SHOP
SHARPEN BLADES; WELDING
401.14
RICCA
CHEMICAL CO.
LAB CHEMICALS
61.09
DAN ROLLISON
CELL PHONE - 5/21/07-6/20/07
40.00
GAS REIMB.-TRAINING MEETING
15.00
MARY JO RUPPERT
MILEAGE
33.82
ST. LUKES OCC. HEALTH
CDL DRUG TEST REVIEWS
180.00
SALSBURY INDUSTRITES
POOL STAFF LOCKERS
495.00
SANITARY SERVICES
MAY GARBAGE PICKUP
16,912.35
SCHOON CONSTRUCTION CO.
SEPARATE SHARED LINE-W.LOC. 1,948.75
SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR CO.
SERVICE CONTRACT
165.85
SIOUX SALES COMPANY
DECALS FOR '07 EXPLORER
326.65
PUSH BUMPER TRANSFER KIT
96.21
TROUSERS;SHIRTS;BOOTS;NAME TAG 272.45
SIOUXLAND
DISTRICT HEALTH BACTERIA SAMPLES
78.00
SOUTH
SIDE SUPPLY
FILTER WRENCH; SPARK PLUG
15.05
STEVE'S WINDOW SERVICE
WINDOW CLEANING
111.00
TIRE SERVICE CENTER
TIRE REPAIR; TUBE-BACKHOE
124.54
TOP NOTCH REPAIR, LC
TIRE REPAIRS
23.00
TOYNE, INC.
CANNISTER AIR;FILTERS;CK.VALVES 420.37
TREASURER, STATE OF IOWA MAY
SALES TAX
4,876.09
UAP DISTRIBUTION, INC.
5 GAL. GENERIC ROUND-UP
100.00
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE
SHIPPING CHARGES
278.45
UNITED STATES CELLULAR
CELL PHONES - 5/22/07-6/21/07
100.47
UPSTART
SUMMER READING SUPPLIES
17.00
VEETRONIX, INC.
LITHIUM BATTERIES
38.62
VALLEY VETERINARY CENTER BOARD
STRAY DOG
70.00
VERIZON WIRELESS
CELL PHONES - 5/21/07-6/20/07
104.22
WALDNER'S
LAWN SERVICE MAY
LAWN SERVICE
60.00
WELLS FARGO FIN. LEASE
COPIER LEASE 101.85
WIESE OIL
& SUPPLY CO. GAS;
DIESE; OIL
6,963.36
WOODALL ELECTRIC
SWITCH WIRES; UNHOOK MOTOR
75.00
INSTALL OVERHEAD ELEC.-BIRDPEN 395.10
ZEE MEDICAL SERVICE CO.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
49.54
Payment #12 to Grundman-Hicks
for $175,547.12 for the Bacon Aquatic Center project.
Change order #18 for additional
wiring for the aquatic center pump house water heater for an increase of $219.09
and change order #19 for additional caulking in the mechanical building and
bathhouse for an increase of $821.84.
Payment #1 to Ten Point
Construction for $79,119.89 for the Gillette Park Trail project.
Renewal of class “C” liquor
license for the V.F.W.; renewal of class “B” beer permit for Sparky’s.
Reviewed Library Board minutes
of May 2nd.
Renewal of cigarette permits for
7/1/07-6/30/08 for the following: Hy-Vee
Gas, Hy-Vee Drugstore, Hy-Vee Food Store,
Cherokee Country Store, Kum & Go-N. 2nd, Kum & Go-E. Main,
Fareway, Sparky’s One Stop, Casey’s General Store,
A to Z Liquor & Smoke Shop.
John Cook was present to update
the council on the Bacon Aquatic Center/Gillette Park project.
The Gillette Park trail
is complete and the contractor did a great job.
Holton Custom Signs is working on the required signage for the trail.
The pool has been filled, which took 26 hours.
The pump/filter people are in town today and Wednesday to go over
the filter system with the staff and the water slide representatives will be
here Friday for staff instruction. The
sod is
completed inside the fence and the south and north hillsides will have sod
placed in the next few days. The
donor wall
has been completed and turned out great. The
grand opening is set for Monday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m.
The Cattleman’s
Association and Tyson Foods will be grilling and Chesterman will provide the
beverages. There will be a short
dedication and everyone attending will be invited to a free swim that evening.
Fundraising continues and an updated
total on donations, in-kind services, benches, concession stand equipment, etc.
is $3.75 million. 70.4% of the
donors
were at $1,000 or more. Councilman
Varce suggested video taping the filter and water slide instruction so it could
be used in subsequent years for training purposes.
Mary Benson was present to
request an adjustment to the $150.58 excess sewer bill for the property at 812
Amber
Drive. There was a water leak in
the crawl space and the water was pumped out into the yard.
None of the water
went into the sanitary sewer. The
council indicated that in order to treat everyone fairly they recently adopted
the
policy that once the water goes through the meter it is the responsibility of
the home owner/resident. Most
cities
handle these situations in that manner. No
adjustment was granted. The city,
however, will allow extra time to pay
the additional charges.
Ron Maurer, owner of the
property at 505 W. Elm, was present with a $960 bill to repair a leak in an
abandoned water
line that once served the property. His
building is served by a water line west of the property and he was unaware of
the additional line. He had to go
across the street to cap off the abandoned line.
He feels the city should take care
of this since he is responsible for the line currently serving his building.
When asked what the city policy is, the
Clerk indicated that City Code states the property owner is responsible for the
service line from the main to the meter.
Bud Tharp, who owns the building just east of Mr. Maurer, said that this
abandoned line leaked into his basement all
winter. As this is the same
situation as Mr. Beck presented earlier in the meeting, the council asked for
more time to
research the issue and have the City Attorney review the Code.
This item will be placed on the next agenda.
Rick Angell, BCBS agent, and Don
Faber, Three Rivers Benefit, were present to review the city’s annual health
insurance renewal effective 7/1/07. Don,
who administers the city’s medical insurance reimbursement plan, reported
that for the period 7/1/06-6/11/07, the city had paid out $18,419.68 in
self-funding benefits. The amount
of funds
available for these claims was $81,023.20. (Based on premium savings between deductible plans minus
administration fees). Rick reported
that the city’s renewal rate only increased 6.73%.
The current plan is no
longer available, but the only change in the replacement plan is that BCBS no
longer allows for a 4th quarter
deductible carry-over. This applies
to all BCBS plans and cannot be altered. Rick
then explained an optional
plan available that would reduce the city’s annual premium by approximately
$23,500 less additional self-insurance
costs. As the plan would make minor
changes to the employee benefits, Rick and Don were asked to make
presentations to the employees before coming to the city council.
The changes are as follows: 1)
Office co-pay
would be a flat $10 per visit, rather than the current 10% co-pay.
As the average office visit is now $9, this would
be a neutral plan change for employees, but as office visit costs increase, the
flat fee would be an increased benefit.
2) Prescriptions would be $8-generic/$25-formulary/$40-brand name.
The current plan is $10/$25/$40. This
is a
positive benefit change for the employee, however, the employee would be
required to submit formulary and brand
name prescription receipts to Three Rivers Benefit for the appropriate
reimbursement, something they don’t currently
have to do. 3) Emergency room
visits would be $150 per visit. Currently
employees who use the emergency room
must pay their $500 deductible first, then 10% co-insurance.
This would be a positive benefit change, but could be
negative if the annual deductible is already met when the ER visit occurs.
However, Three Rivers Benefit could
self-insure this benefit so that an employee who has satisfied the annual
deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
would not see a negative benefit change. The
council reviewed letters from the I.U.O.E. employee union and
Policeman’s Association regarding the optional plan.
The only comment was that the Policeman’s Association
felt the change in emergency room visits was too much of a change in benefits,
unless the city self-insures the
difference. Rick and Don both
commented that they were impressed with the reception of the proposed changes
by the employees. The employees
feel that as taxpayers themselves it is also saving them money.
On a motion
by Councilman Stieneke, seconded by Mallory, the council unanimously accepted
the optional Wellmark Blue
Cross Blue Shield insurance plan as presented effective 7/1/07, with Three
Rivers Benefit self-insuring the
emergency room visit so there is no negative benefit change to the employee over
the current plan.
The council received a request
from Mrs. Johnson, 863 Amber Dr., to purchase an adjoining lot to expand her
property.
A motion was made by Councilman Varce, seconded by Peck, to authorize the
sale of the additional lot. The
motion
and second were rescinded for further discussion.
Bud Tharp, 940 Amber Dr., also requested purchasing a half lot
adjacent to his current lot. He
said if he were required to build on the additional lot, he would construct a
garage.
The council indicated that they would prefer to sell full lots only.
In brief discussion on whether several lots could be
sold for the construction of one house or whether the city wouldrequire a house
be built on each lot sold the
council asked for more time to review the situation.
This item will be placed on the next agenda.
In order to schedule painting of
the north water tower, the council will have to select a color.
Councilman Peck said in
reviewing water towers on the Internet, most seem to be white or silver.
Councilman Varce noted that a dark color
would show fading more quickly. Ron
Maurer commented that any pigment would cost more. Water Supt., Mark
Napier will find out what additional charges there would be for colors or the
addition of a logo.
The City Clerk asked the council
to consider amending the definition of swimming pools to include temporary,
inflatable pools. The Clerk’s
office has received several calls from citizens concerned that these pools
aren’t required
by the city to be enclosed by a fence, as with permanent pools.
The council asked whether homeowner’s insurance
would require a fence. Jeff Hayes
indicated that his renter was going to install a temporary pool, but the
insurance
company required it to be enclosed by a 6’ fence with a locking gate.
The council will do further research and this
item will be placed on the next agenda.
Jeff Brown, 812 W. Bluff, was
present to request a remedy to a drainage problem on his property.
The pipe under
N. 9th Street that drains from west to east has been plugged for some
time causing storm water to pond and
become stagnant behind his house. If
there is a heavy rain, he has to remove sand and debris that has washed
onto his property. Councilman Peck
and Street Supt., Jim Agnitsch looked at the situation and they feel that the
city could install a pipe and take the water more quickly to the ravine where it
should be draining. Mayor Henrich
said the area looks like a natural waterway that has been filled in.
Mr. Brown said that it has filled in from the sand
and debris from storm water runoff. He
explained that there are four adjoining property owners that purchased a
30’ wide piece of property behind each of their houses between them and the
north property owner. This would
probably be where a new pipe would be installed.
The city will notify the property owners involved about the city’s
intent to install a drainage pipe.
John Devitt, Kuehl & Payer,
was present to review the E. Main Street water line project.
He said they have filed the
required DNR permits and flood plain permits, have obtained the necessary
easements, and the plans and
specifications are complete. John
also explained the new thresholds for competitive bidding.
If a project is
expected to cost less than $100,000, the full advertisement calling for bids and
holding a public hearing are no
longer required. The city is,
however, required to solicit at least two competitive quotes.
This not only cuts down
on costs, but also speeds up the process. This
project is estimated at $85,000. A
motion by Councilman Stieneke,
seconded by Varce, authorized proceeding with the project by soliciting bids
from contractors in Cherokee County.
Bids are to be submitted to City Hall by June 26.
Motion carried.
Members of the search committee
formed to help in the process of hiring a City Manager were present to visit
with the council on what they have done to date. Committee members are Rich Cook, Jim Nelson, Jeff Hayes,
Ed Otto and Mark Buschkamp, as well as council members Varce and Stieneke.
Rich passed out a summary of
desired attributes and qualities the committee put together.
Those qualities are: skilled
as a leader, visionary,
Bachelor of Science degree in public or business administration, minimum of 3
years experience in public or
business administration, effective oral and written communication skills,
experience in public works departments,
consensus building skills, skill and experience in budgetary and fiscal matters,
and able to work with state government
and agencies. The committee is
looking for guidance from the council on how the committee should proceed
from here. The next questions will
concern salary, benefits, contract terms, etc., which will need to be decided
by the council. The Mayor asked the
council to provide the committee members with any other thoughts as the
committee will meet again next Tuesday. The
council will discuss this matter further at the June 26th meeting.
The council reviewed the following reports.
1. May Clerk-Treasurer’s report and receipts as follows: General-$118,655.17; Police
Forfeiture-$382.24; County Library-$4.51; Road Use-$36,238.81; Employee Benefits-
$45,515.52; Emergency-$2,461.22; Local Option Sales Tax-$39,968.88; Hotel/Motel
Tax-$168.36; Tax Increment Financing-$27,554.70; Revolving Loan-$887.05; Library
Memorial-$468.72; Park & Rec. Cap. Impr.-$1,760.33; Debt Service-$41,265.65; Road
Use Equipment-$313.58; Cherokee Housing Grant-$57.39; Aquatic Center/Gillette Park-
$253,150.85; Oak Hill Perpetual Care-$1,631.38; Water Utility-City-$50,510.01; Water
Utility-Industrial-$5,474.91; Water Bd./Int.-$18,349.55; Water Improvement-$5,516.33;
Water Reserve-$803.88; Water Tower Maintenance-$501.18; Sewer Utility-City-$76,966.02;
Sewer Utility-Industrial-$22,943.07; Sewer Bd./Int.-$32,888.92; Sewer Improvement-
$8,568.67; Aviation Authority-$1,367.26; Solid Waste-$17,466.70; Landfill-$11,673.86;
Storm Water Utility-$7,716.86; Self Insurance-$419.04.
2. May General Fund revenue/expense report.
3. May Police reports.
On a motion by Councilman Varce,
seconded by Stieneke, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Motion carried.
News media – Ken Ross, Chronicle Times; Greg Slotsky, KCHE.
Dennis Henrich – Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Taylor, CMC
City Clerk-Treasurer