Wilton City Council Meeting Minutes for 7/26/2010
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Regular Meeting
July 26, 2010
The Council for the City of Wilton, Iowa met in regular session in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday July 26, 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, Carla Thurston, Betty Cram, Jackie Barten, Sharon Bowers, George Freeland, Ronald Gradert, Bruce Rabedeaux, Kevin Brisker and Rod Daebelliehn.
The agenda was presented for this meeting. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Barrett 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 July 12, 2010 were presented for approval. A motion was made by Member Fowler seconded by Member Owens 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:
Bruce Rabedeaux, chairman of the Founder's Day Beer Tent, was present to explain the proposed changes for this year. Bruce presented a drawing that showed the new placement for the stage, fence and entrance for the event. The fence would now go along Railroad Street and Maurer Street would not be blocked in. The stage for the bands will now be on the grass south of Railroad Street. The stage will be on City right of way but Bruce informed Iowa Interstate Railroad about using this area since it is near the railroad tracks. When it was measured, Bruce said there is around 75 feet from the curb to the tracks. It was also suggested to inform the Railroad of this event and they can make a note to slow the train traffic during this time. After reviewing the drawing it was suggested that a walk way be made with the fence in front of the stage on Railroad Street so persons would not have to walk on the grass. Bruce will amend the sketch and also include a fence behind the stage for safety. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Owens that the Chamber request for the beer tent and street closings (see attached map) be approved for Founder's Day on August 26-28, 2010. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Rod Daebelliehn then spoke before the Council informing them of his efforts to raise funds for the Honor Flight of The Quad Cities. His group is called Honor Flight of Cedar County of which they are a branch of HFQC. Funds are used to transport World War II Veterans to their Memorial in Washington DC at no cost to them. For one round trip flight and transportation serves at the memorial, food, etc; the cost is approximately $90,000. The one day trip leaves early in the morning and they go to numerous sites and the memorial in DC. The guardians that accompany the Veteran do so at their own expense of about $550. The goal that this group has set is to raise 30% of the flight costs to enable these veterans and guardians to travel together. Rod is approaching all of the cities in Cedar County and has also received support from the Cedar County Supervisors. There have been many trips for the veterans in the past and he would like to see this happen for the Cedar County vets. He said that if anyone has not had a chance; they should attend one of the homecomings at the airports during one of the honors. It is quite a site to see the support for the WW II vets. The Mayor thanked Rod for his work and request. This request will be placed on the agenda for the August 9th meeting so they Council would have time to discuss this further.
Kevin Brisker of 711 Parkview again spoke to the Council regarding the water problem in his back yard, claiming it is coming from West View Park and the walking path. There were heavy rains this past weekend and Kevin said his sump pump ran continuously and the drains that were put in were plugged. The work that the City did on the park driveway lasted for awhile but has broken apart now. Council talked about what has been done and how much money has been spent on this area to help with the water problem. Member Owens said he went to the park during the last rain and said there are a few problems areas at West View; the tennis courts, the swings and the buildings. Council asked the City Administrator to check out the park situation and see how the City should proceed to try to get a solution for this ongoing problem. Mayor Bowman asked Member Owens to meet with the Park Board president about some of the issue of concern at West View.
Wilton Development Director Jackie Barten presented six invoices for the downtown revitalization program. The City share of invoices is $15,867.00 (Duffe Grain windows, Duffe Grain paint, Thelma Nopoulos grind & tuck point, Wilton Realty paint, Wilton Express brick accent and Jerry's Bait & Tackle sign). She also said that the committee has approved two more projects (1st Choice Realty windows & façade $9700 and Wilton Day Care windows$3921) with the City total being $6851.02; noting that the funds for this fiscal year have now been spent. These projects will be on the next regular agenda for approval.
During the revitalization committee meeting, some changes have been made in the program. Rules now state that the contractor will present a certificate of insurance to hold the City harmless, tax exempt businesses are not eligible and residential is not eligible. Discussion was then held on the method of payment for the revitalization projects. There was some confusion between the City, the contractor and the business with the last payment. Discussion was held on the invoices and payment issues. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Owens that the property owner should have two bids, the project should be completed entirely and all invoices should be paid by the property owner; the paid invoice (signed by the contractor) can then be brought to the City Hall for payment with the monthly bills. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Jackie reported that the LCC building project is moving quite fast. They are anticipating a grand opening in October. The kitchen equipment will be here this week and the furniture within the next couple of weeks. She is still looking for more funds and donations for the LCC.
Member Garrison asked about the building going on near Nicolaus Drive. Jackie said that Arnold's Motor Supply has purchased a section of land and are building a new store. She reported that she may have a couple of leads for someone to take over Arnold's present building on 4th Street.
LEGAL ITEMS:
A proposed Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Amending Title 10 of the Wilton Municipal Code Entitled "Vehicles & Traffic" Regarding Certain Parking Restrictions in the City of Wilton, Iowa" was presented before the Council for discussion. This will allow for angle parking in Vine Street near St. Mary's Catholic Church. After consideration of said Ordinance, it was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Stanley that said Ordinance be passed on first consideration. The question being upon the forgoing motion, the roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
It was then moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that the requirement that said Ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which time it is finally passed be suspended and that said Ordinance be fully adopted. Upon the question of suspending said requirement, the roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Upon the question of fully adopting said Ordinance, the roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Thereupon the Mayor approved said Ordinance, declared said Ordinance fully adopted, assigned the number 477 to said Ordinance and ordered that said Ordinance be added to the City Ordinance book.
A proposed Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Amending Section 10.16.050 Entitled "Handicapped Parking Spaces to Chapter 10.16 of the Wilton Municipal Code to Provide for Handicapped Parking in the City of Wilton, Iowa" was presented before the Council for discussion. This will allow for two more handicap parking spaces at the Wilton Pool at 305 E Wate. This Ordinance will also change the wording in #6. After consideration of said Ordinance, it was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Owens that said Ordinance be passed on first consideration. The question being upon the forgoing motion, the roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
It was then moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that the requirement that said Ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which time it is finally passed be suspended and that said Ordinance be fully adopted. Upon the question of suspending said requirement, the roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Upon the question of fully adopting said Ordinance, the roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Thereupon the Mayor approved said Ordinance, declared said Ordinance fully adopted, assigned the number 478 to said Ordinance and ordered that said Ordinance be added to the City Ordinance book.
POLICE ITEMS:
Officer Clark will graduate from the academy this Friday July 30th. Chief Leathers will be attending this ceremony in Johnston, Iowa. He will have Officer Clark attend the next meeting with a recap of his time at the academy.
Chief Leathers will be traveling to Kansas tomorrow to get the new squad car. Next week the department will de-commission the blue car and put it up for sale.
There have been some problems with skateboards in the downtown area. Chief Leathers wanted to give a reminder that there is only skateboarding allowed on the cement slab behind City Hall. If there are skateboarders anywhere else in the downtown area they could be sited with a ticket.
MAYOR ITEMS:
Mayor Bowman asked the Council Members to make time to look through the City Administrator applications. We have received about 30 apps and he would like each member to select their top picks so interviews could be started. The City would like to have someone hired so they will have time to be trained during the time that the interim Administrator is here.
The fire training trailer that the City of Wilton contributed funds to will be in Wilton until the end of the month. Mayor Bowman was hoping that the department could have the trailer at Founder's Day for the public.
COUNCIL ITEMS:
A beer permit application was presented from the Wilton Chamber of Commerce for Founder's Day. All paperwork was in order on line for that permit. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that the permit be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
An allocation request from the Wilton Swimming Pool was read in the amount of $10,000. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that this request be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
A request was received from Cedar County regarding the solid waste assessment. The 2010-2011 assessment is $10,295 which is the same as last year. Member Barrett said he felt that Wilton has a very good arrangement with the Cedar County transfer station. He wants the officials to keep this in mind if Muscatine County tries to make it mandatory for all cities in the county to take waste to the Muscatine County Landfill. The City Administrator said he has discussed that issue with the Public Works Director and they found that it would be much more expensive for Wilton to use Muscatine County Landfill. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Stanley that this assessment payment be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
A housing improvement application for tax abatement was submitted by Tim & Tami Leathers of 311 W Summit. Proposed improvements for this home include, inside and outside remodeling and an addition. After approval, this application will be sent to the County Assessor for their approval. It was then moved by Member Owens seconded by Member Fowler that this application request be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Three quotes for outdoor sirens were presented as follows: Federal Signal $17,914.00, Frontline Plus $16,184.80 and RCS Systems $15,250.00. These quotes include a siren, grounding, antenna mounting, cable, batteries and shipping. The City Administrator said that Federal Signal came to Wilton and some testing was done in the south end of town. After this testing the City Administrator suggested that the new siren be put on Sycamore Street near the dead end of that street near the railroad tracks. There is already a pole with a security light at that location and he has spoke with the Light & Power and they have indicated that the light can be switched to go on the pole with the new siren. Since the siren at City Hall is 40+ years old, placing a new siren in this area would help with warnings if this older siren would have to be taken down. Discussion was held on the quotes presented. Federal Signal has provided the last siren and has also done business with Wilton for the last few years. The City Administrator reported that there were no funds budgeted for this purchase and reserves may have to be used for this purchase. Mayor and Council felt for safety of the citizens they would like to proceed with a new siren. Because of this past business with Federal Signal, it was moved by Member Garrison seconded Member Stanley that a new siren be approved from Federal Signal with the placement on Sycamore Street. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Since the new eight plex apartments have been constructed on Locust and Sycamore Street, the City Administrator said that the ordinance will need to be changed to allow angle parking on these streets. A new ordinance will be on the agenda for the next meeting.
A request was read from the Wilton Athletic Boosters for support for their annual membership drive. It was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Owens that a donation of $250 be approved for the membership request. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Bills for the LCC were presented as follows: Anderson Commercial-concrete $15,404.00; ASI ½ of signage $2,155.00; Builders Sales & Service general trades $42,595.50; Color Inc paint $13,979.25; Cunningham heating/air $61,717.60; Estes general construction $23,629.00; Mid American gas service $20.00; River Place prerequisite for LEED $4,800.00; TriCity Electric electrical and Wilton Municipal electric $631.81. Total for these bills is $182,556.69. The City Administrator reported to the Council that the City will be approximately $380-400,000 short for the total building project. He also said that he thought final clean up of the building would begin by the end of next week. It was then moved by Member Garrison seconded by Member Fowler that the LCC bills 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.
Member Owens said he was asked by an employee of VanDiest in the industrial park about the mowing in the right of way along the highway. Since they City now mows around the sign in the right of way, they asked if they could mow farther to the north. The City Administrator will check on the right of way in this area and see if this additional part can be mowed by the City.
Member Barrett inquired about the amount of overtime that was on the time sheets for this last payday. Members thanked the employees for their extra work on the lift station and on the new main on 4th Street, but felt that they need to be conscience of keeping expenses down. The City Administrator said that when he questioned the employees about the amount of overtime, they claimed that the previous administrator had approved 2.5 hours each time they checked on the lift station problems at Gerdau. Council Members said that this overtime schedule had not been approved through them. City Administrator also asked about staffing in all of the departments. He feels that there are too many staff in the Water/Wastewater department and extra employee could be better utilized in the public works department. He also noted that the extra staff was used during a time when one employee had health problems. That employee has received a clean bill of health and no restrictions since his last checkup. After discussion; it was the consensus of the Council that City Administrator could delegate employee staffing as needed and also all overtime shall be approved by the City Administrator.
BILLS:
The Financial Statements were accepted and placed on file. It was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Garrison that the total disbursements of $632,302.12, 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