Wilton City Council Meeting Minutes for 6/28/2010
Printable VersionRegular Meeting
June 28, 2010
The Council for the City of Wilton, Iowa met in regular session in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday June 28, 2010. Mayor Ira Bowman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The Mayor then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Members present at this meeting: Richard Garrison, Robert Barrett, Steve Owens, Matt Fowler, and Keith Stanley. Absent: none. Also present at this meeting: City Administrator Richard Wardenburg, Advocate News Correspondent Connie Brown, Muscatine Journal Correspondent Charles Potter, Jackie Barten, Carla Thurston, Mary Bender, Sharon Bowers, Betty Cram, Thelma Nopoulos, Marcie & Clayton Steahr, WQAD News 8 BJ Spates & Ryan Mathias and KWQC News 6 Jeff Armstrong & Alex Brown.
The agenda was presented for this meeting. It was moved by Member Garrison seconded by Member Fowler to approve the agenda as presented. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None
Minutes for the regular meeting held June 14, 2010 were presented for approval. A motion was made by Member Stanley seconded by Member Barrett that these minutes be approved as read. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
CITIZEN APPEARANCE:
Clayton Steahr of 112 W 5th Street was present to ask the Council if he could paint the fire hydrants as part of his Eagle Scout project. He would apply a base coat and then color code the hydrants according to flow pressure. He requested that the City buy the paint and brushes for this project; requesting that he would like to use Rust-Oleum paint for the hydrants. If the project was approved he would like to have a map with the location of all of the hydrants and also the name of the contact person with the City. There will be other scouts helping him with this project and he thought it could be done during two weekends. The City Administrator said that the color coding should be done with the water and fire department working together. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that this Scout project be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The Mayor and Council thanked Clayton for volunteering for this project to help beautify Wilton.
CONSULTANTS:
Wilton Community Development Director Jackie Barten presented to the Council three more façade applications that had been approved by the committee. These included: Wilton Realty total $9650, (tuck point & paint) United Steel Workers Local $9366.75 (masonry fix) and Jerry's Bait & Tackle $1500 (sign). Total of one half of these projects is $10,258.35. Jackie also presented an invoice for Sassy's Stylz; which project has been completed for a total due of $1375. There were other applications but the committee needed more detail from them. Member Barrett asked the Council to consider what is to be considered commercial. He feels that commercial is something that is commerce and he feels some of the projects presented as not considered commercial. Member Barrett said he appreciates that all of the applicants want to make improvements for the City but had reservations about some of the applicants. After further discussion, it was moved by Member Owens seconded by Member Fowler that the three projects presented be approved for the revitalization program. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Jackie said that the LCC project is moving forward. She has events booked for September and even into 2011.
The recommended payout on the commercial revitalization program be on a yearly graduated scale. For the fiscal year 10/11 City would commit up to $30,000; FY 11/12 $25,000; FY 12/13 $20,000; FY 13/14 $15,000 and FY 14/15 $10,000, this adds up to the total of $100,000 for the incentive program. After discussion it was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Owens that this payment scale for the revitalization be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
LEGAL ITEMS:
A Resolution entitled "A Resolution Authorizing A Loan From the Sewer Improvement Fund (612) to the Urban Renewal Fund (125)" was presented to the Council for discussion. This resolution allows for the transfer of funds for the TIF payments and Revitalization program. Following a discussion, it was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Barrett that the resolution be approved. The question being upon the adoption of said Resolution the roll was called and the vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The Mayor then declared Resolution No. 062810A adopted.
A Resolution entitled "A Resolution Authorizing Payments for TIF Loan Agreements" was presented to the Council for discussion. This resolution authorizes the payments for the TIF agreements. Following a discussion, it was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Owens resolution be approved. The question being upon the adoption of said Resolution the roll was called and the vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The Mayor then declared Resolution No. 062810B adopted.
POLICE ITEMS:
Chief Leathers reported that the car is on order from Kansas State Patrol. The Chief has been driving the blue squad this week so Clark could have the Durango to drive to the academy. He stated that David Clark has just three weeks left at the academy.
MAYOR ITEMS:
Mayor Bowman asked that the Council be thinking about the building manager position for the LCC. A list will need to be made so all things can be tied together and worked out.
When LL Pelling was in Wilton to look at the streets for seal coating, the Mayor and City Administrator discussed with them the cost of four inch asphalt overlay for some streets. They were checking costs so it could be compared to concrete. Asphalt overlay would be less invasive and could be completed within 2-3 days. The Mayor wanted the Council to consider this option when plans were being made for street repairs.
COUNCIL ITEMS:
The City Administrator had received a quote from Danko Emergency Equipment Company regarding a siren for the south end of Wilton. The quote was $16,438 which includes the siren, installation, batteries, pole and a one way radio. The type of siren quoted seems well suited for this area and adequate for the price. This was the only quote received at this time as this is the same company that installed the siren at West View. The City may be able to save some money if Wilton Municipal could help out with the pole and wiring. It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with the purchase of this siren. The City Administrator will check with the Light & Power and will have a firm price at the next Council meeting. The City Clerk reported that there are new outdoor warning guidelines for testing and activation. The Fire Department will be putting the information on the local channel and in the newspaper so the public can be informed. City Hall also has copies of the guidelines if anyone wants to have a copy.
The property committee met to discuss offer on two acres at the City owned industrial site on W Wate street near the new water tower. At this time the committee recommends that this land not be split up into smaller portions. The Mayor thanked the committee for meeting and their recommendations.
A liquor license renewal was submitted by Fro's. All paperwork has been filed on line and the renewal is ready to be approved. It was moved by Member Owens seconded by Member Garrison that this liquor license be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The following licenses were presented for approval for the fiscal year July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011: Cigarette: Casey's General Store, Garrison's Market, Jeff's Market and Wilton Express, Game Room: Fro's, Jct Grill & Bar and The Iron Wheel, and Dance Hall: The Iron Wheel. All paperwork and fees have been collected for these licenses. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that these licenses be approved for the coming fiscal year. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
A transfer approval request was presented for the local option sales tax. Per the Auditor's request the local option sales tax is receipted into the Local Option fund and at the end of the fiscal year it is to be transferred equally into the General Fund and Sewer Improvement Fund. It was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Garrison that this transfer be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The City Administrator said he has been checking on changing the office hours of the employees at City Hall. At this time two of the employees come in at 8:00AM and leave at 4:00 PM. One employee then comes in at 9:00 AM and stays until closing at 5:00PM. He recommended to the Council that the hours be staggered between the three employees; 8:00AM-4:00PM, 8:30AM-4:30PM and 9:00AM-5:00PM. He said he has spoken with the employees regarding this change and there were no objections to this change and this would be effective 7-1-10. It was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Stanley that the office hours of the City Hall employees be changed. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The LCC bills for the month were presented for a total of $350,092.71. The City Administrator said he met with the project manger last week and he reported that everything with the project is on time. There are a lot of good contractors and everyone is working well together which helps make the building go smoothly. Betty Cram asked the City Administrator to check with Wilton Municipal Light & Power about a special heat rate meter for the new building. She had heard that this special meter may help save around 30% on the heating costs. There may not be enough funds to cover the total project and the City Administrator anticipates that the City will have to do a bond issue. He estimates that funding will be a half a million dollars short to get the project finished. It was then moved by Member Owens seconded by Member Barrett that the LCC bills presented be approved for payment. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
A salary graph was presented for the Council for discussion for all employees, except employees covered by a Union contract. When an administrator is hired the Council would like to see a merit system put into place that would include formal performance evaluations. After discussion, it was moved by Member Owens seconded by Member Garrison that all non union employees receive a 3.5% raise for the upcoming fiscal year. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The Mayor announced that a contract was signed by Mark Anderson the former City Administrator and he asked for the acceptance of this contract. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Garrison that the contract be accepted. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Member Barrett said that he has noticed a few concerned citizens that have been maintaining the Wilton sign on the east end of town. He suggested that a thank you be sent to the persons responsible for this clean up.
A fire siren used to be sounded in Wilton at 12:00 Noon. Member Barrett asked if this could be instituted again. It was noted that the siren could not be programmed to sound at a certain time and it may not be a good idea as there is a lot of confusion just with the storm warning signals. This idea will not be implemented at this time.
Member Fowler said that he spoke with the employees at MUSCOM and they told him that they can notify citizens by text message regarding storm warnings. He requested that a Muscatine County employee attend the next regular Council meeting to advise the City of Wilton how citizens can sign up for this messaging. This will be on the agenda for the July 12th meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:
DNR approval has been received since the last Council meeting and the work at the Gerdau lift station can be started.
The lawns that were torn up during the sewer repair on Summit, Maurer, Seminary & E Prairie have not been repaired as of this meeting. The City Administrator suggested that letters be sent to these property owners stating that the City does not want to repair the lawns until this fall. If the property owner wants them repaired now, they would have to sign a notice that they will water and take care of them and that the City would not be responsible. The lawn repair was part of the contract price for this job. Council approved of the sending a letter to the property owners in that area.
City Administrator reported that the water main near Nicolaus Drive was found to be in the right of way.
A map was presented with proposed streets that are in line to be seal coated. The city crews have been patching and will continue that for the next few weeks. Seal coating will be at a minimum this year and will cost around $40,000. LL Pelling will be in Wilton on Thursday to start this job. It was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Stanley that the streets presented for seal coating be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The City Administrator has looked at the Holme's property at 915 W Wate that is near the entrance to West View Park. Since the walking path was put in, the City Administrator believes that it may have caused some of the water problems at this home. It was discovered that there was a water way near the drive way to West View and the path has taken that away and now the water does not drain properly. Bruce Jipp of Triple B met with the City Administrator to look at redirecting this water. It was suggested that a water swail be built to direct the water to the north of the field, which is how it was directed before the path was put in. Cost for this would be around $4500. Even though drains were put in, the water was not channeled to them. We should be able to use existing dirt and have a small retention pond. Council suggested the City Administrator meet with the Park Board to give them this suggestion and then if they approve, proceed with the project.
Kevin Brisker of 711 Parkview wanted to add that since the City has installed tile around West View Park it has really helped with drainage on the lawns. Kevin thanked the Council for the tiling that was done last year, but he did say that after the last large rain there was still some water coming off of the walking path. Hopefully by channeling the water by the Holmes proper, this may help with that extra water.
BILLS:
The Financial Statements were accepted and placed on file. It was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Garrison that the total disbursements of $1,175,185.03, approved by the Finance Committee, be allowed and instruct the City Clerk to pay the same. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
No further business at this time, the Mayor adjourned this meeting.
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Mayor Ira Bowman
Attest:
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City Clerk Lori A Brown