Wilton City Council Meeting Minutes for 9-27-2010
Printable Version
Regular Meeting
September 27, 2010
The Council for the City of Wilton, Iowa met in regular session in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday September 27, 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: Advocate News Correspondent Phil Roberts, Muscatine Journal Correspondent Charles Potter, Sharon Bowers, George Freeland, Jackie Barten, Jim Hadtrath, Andrew Marsh, Mary Bender and Carla Thurston.
The agenda was presented for this meeting. It was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Garrison that Truck Bids be added to the agenda under legal items. 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 September 13, 2010 and special meetings held September 8, 2010 and September 16, 2010 were presented for approval. A motion was made by Member Owens seconded by Member Stanley that these minutes be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
CITIZEN APPEARANCE:
The City Clerk reported that she spoke with Sue Boorn of Blooming Ideas regarding the wine tasting at the Community Center for the open house. She will just be having wine tasting and will not be selling the bottles at the Center. Sue checked with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division and they approved for the license to be transferred to the Community Center for that night. Although the Division does not require the license Sue had them send a copy of the license with the center's address just for that night. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that this wine tasting be approved for the open house on October 6th. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Librarian Sharon Bowers then spoke before to the Council regarding a tag sale for the items left in the old Library. She stated that her Board has approved the sale of the leftover items and she just wanted permission for the Council to proceed. Mayor and Council were in agreement for the Library to have a tag sale. The sale is scheduled for Saturday October 2nd from 8Am to 1PM. An ad will be in this week's Advocate News.
The Library has been having trouble with the plug ins on the new computer table only 1/3 on the table is working. Sharon has been trying to work with the Larrison and Frohwein representatives to get this issue solved. Frohweins also stated that the warranty would be voided because of how the table is wired at this time. An electrician was hired by the Library to get the table wired as stated by the furniture company and still does not work correctly. Sharon feels like both companies are blaming it on the other and the Library would just like the table to be working right or get it replaced. Discussion was held on this problem. The Council decided that the table bill and the bill for Larrisons would be held until this issue can be resolved. All parties involved will be invited to the next regular Council meeting regarding this computer table. It was also decided that the City Administrator, Librarian and the Director should make a list of their concerns regarding the new building to be discussed with the architect.
Sharon stated that the Wilton Library will be celebrating their 75th year. An open house will be held on Sunday November 7th from 2-5Pm for this occasion.
Wilton Development Director Jackie Barten presented a check in the amount of $2497.68 to the City from WDC. This donation is to be used for first aid and safety improvement at the Wilton Community Center. The Development Board also approved up to $2500 for Jackie to purchase some needed items for the kitchen at the center (i.e. stove, microwave, etc) She will be looking for items that are best fit for the kitchen for the amount of funds there are to spend. Jackie has also been talking with Eric White from Estes as to a small list of things that need to be cleared up at the new building.
The Wilton Homecoming dance was held at the WCC and the students seemed to enjoy the building and everything went well. Jackie said she did notice that there needs to be some type of lighting in the parking lot. According to LEEDS there are only certain types of lights that could be used. She also stated that there are no curbs stops along the parking area which would stop vehicles from going into the grass. Council will check on these two items.
The open house will be held Wednesday October 6th from 2-7PM with a ribbon cutting at 6:00PM. Jackie has two caters coming for the event. She then reported that a Pepsi machine has been installed by Sprouse Distributing. They will stock the machine and the City will receive 20% of the profit. Council said that asked if a contract had been signed with the Pepsi Company since they have put a machine in the building, noting that all contracts should come to the Council for approval. Jackie said that no contract has been signed and that she did contract the Coke distributor and he did not respond. She has also been working on getting a janitor for the building. Council wanted to make sure that all contracts for equipment or necessities will be brought before the Council for approval.
The Wilton welcome sign south side has not been working for the last few days. Jackie reported that since Arnold's has started building their new store, the tresses have interfered with the satellite for the sign. She has spoken with owner of Arnold's and they have given her permission to place the satellite on their new store building.
CONSULTANTS:
Andrew Marsh of HR Green Company appeared before the Council regarding the wastewater treatment system facility plan. The City of Wilton has a mechanical trickling filter plant to treat the City's wastewater. There is a lack of an effective screening, grit removal that results in mechanical failures, plugging and debris accumulation in the trickling filter distributors and aerobic digestion system. He also noted that neither the wastewater treatment nor the three lift stations in our collection system are equipped with stand buy power. The Iowa DNR is finalizing new rules pertaining to stream water quality which ma impact the effluent limits and treatment process. A recommended list of improvements were prioritized and listed in the facility plan book. The opinion of probable cost for the Priority A WWTP improvements is $524,000. This would include the standby generator and engineering services. Priority B recommendations has a probable cost of $4,751,000. There was also listed a Priority C with an opinion of cost being $250,000. The facility plan is provided to help guide the City to planning improvements needed to their current wastewater system to meet future requirements. The recommended improvements will address head works and standby power concerns as well as newly proposed effluent limits. The plan addresses these needs based on projected loadings in the year 2030, which is a 20 year planning period. Priority A improvements are recommended immediately. HR Green recommends that the City being planning for the future Priority B improvements, which are expected to be required in 6-8 years. It is a good idea to start planning now as there may be more regulations put into effect by the DNR in the future. Funding could be done through an SRF low interest loan which includes many program requirements. The City may also look at paying down their debt and work up funds for capital improvements and look at raising sewer rates. Andrew asked the Council to review this information and then recommend how the report will be submitted to the DNR.
POLICE ITEMS:
Chief Leathers reported that a vehicle had driven through the grass at the new Community Center and also Leland Smith. If anyone has information on this they should call the Wilton Police Department.
Council Members thanked the Chief and his officers for their presence at the high school football games. It is nice to see them there and help with crowd and traffic control.
Member Owens inquired about some damage done to mail boxes on E 3rd Street over the weekend. He asked if the property owners would be reimbursed for the replacement of the boxes. Chief Leathers said the driver was arrested and the officers are still doing the reports and they will have to find out if there is insurance to cover the damages. Citizens with damages should report them to the Wilton Police Department so they could be included in the reports.
LEGAL ITEMS:
A Resolution entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wilton, Iowa Authorizing a Buy Local Purchasing Policy" was presented to the Council for approval. Also included with this Resolution was a Local Business Certificate Statement of Policy. The Resolution declares that it will be the policy of the City of Wilton to give preference to bids and contracts for products, provisions, services and equipment that are from local businesses. The City shall give preference to a responsive bid from a business located within the school district of the City by a business located outside the corporate limits where the local bidder's bid exceeds the acceptable low bid by no more than 5% of bids up to $100,000. The Resolution and certificate will be attached to future bids. Discussion was held on this proposed Resolution. After due consideration, it was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Owens that said Resolution be adopted. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Thereupon the Mayor declared Resolution No. 092710 adopted.
At this time sealed bids were opened as follows: 1986 Chevrolet Pickup: John Phillips $1500.00, Matt Driscoll $2999.99, Travis White $2700.00, Jeff Thoma $3550.00, Bill Chapman $911.00, Jack Brenner $1521.00, Chuck Herrold $3250.00. 1990 Ford L8000: Triple B $5550.00, Oveson Refuse $3500.00, Andy Mueller $3250.75, Darius Kraklio $3503.00. 1995 Ford F250: Andre Kress $237.00, Chuck Herrold $350.00, Darius Kraklio $1002.00. Discussion was held on the bids received. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that the bid from Jeff Thoma ($3550.00), the bid from Darius Kraklio ($1002.00) be accepted but that the City will re-advertise for the 1990 Ford L800 with a minimum bid listed at$7500.00. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
MAYOR ITEMS:
Mayor Bowman expressed his thanks the Clayton Steahr and anyone else that helped with the painting of the fire hydrants. There were a lot of troop members and leaders helping with that project. Mayor Bowman also thanked Chief Leathers for his help preparing the janitorial items for the community center.
Our newly hired City Administrator is scheduled to start next Monday October 4th.
Mayor Bowman would like to schedule a goal setting meeting. It is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday October 27th at 5:00PM. More information will be sent out before this meeting.
COUNCIL ITEMS:
An invoice was received from Muscatine County for the City of Wilton's share of FY10/11 Disaster Services. Amount due is $1992.74 for regular fees and $268.84 for HazMat fees for a total of $2260.38. Last year the regular fee was $1681.25 and HazMat $268.84. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that this fee 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.
The IMFOA conference will be held October 20, 21 and 22. It was requested that Lori Brown and Kit Koele be approved to attend this conference to be held in Des Moines. It was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Owens 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.
Wester Drug is offering flu shots for the City employees at a cost of approximately $22 if approved by the Council. This would include the City employees, Police Department, Library and Fire Department. It was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Owens that the flu shot be approved for the employees. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The City has applied for the liquor license for the Community Center, effective date being October 6th. The cost for this license, which includes Sunday sales, is $1482. This license is pending until the dram shop has been filed. Member Fowler asked Chief Leathers if anyone has approached him about security during events at the Center. The Chief said that at one time he had talked with Jackie and said if they wanted an off duty police officer there, the fees would need to be included in the rental. Council also wanted to check on the liability for Wilton Police officers to work in that capacity. It was then moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Owens that the liquor license for the Wilton Community Room 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 that there has been no finalized paperwork done on the job description for the Community Center Director position. Member Garrison asked if this employee would fall under the living requirement. The City of Wilton personnel policy states that the residency requirement applies to all regular full time employees. This requirement would depend on how the director is classified. The City Administrator will have the job description presented at the next regular meeting.
The semi annual payment of $15,000 for the Economic Development Director is due October 1st. It was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Garrison that this payment be approved. 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 in the amount of $257,865.03. Since the Council is asking Larrisons and Frohwein to attend the October 11th meeting, it was decided that the payment for these two businesses be held until that date. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Garrison to approve the LCC bills, with the exception of Larrisons and Frohweins, making the total $63,470.52. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Member Stanley said he was contacted by a person that used to reside in Wilton and they were asking why the City allowed semis to park on Nicolaus Drive. They thought it was not a good site to see when people were entering Wilton. Member Stanley explained that the City wanted to offer a place for short term parking for the trucks and to keep them out of the residential area. The person also asked why the grass around the old bank area was not mowed like around the highway. Member Stanley then explained that the City mows the right of way and the other is privately owned and the area is mowed as hay. Member Stanley looked at the area and did not feel that there was a nuisance at this time. He did mention that the City may have to look at different parking arrangements on that street since there is a new business building there.
Member Garrison asked the City Administrator to check the right away gravel areas on 5th Street. He said he noticed a lot of pot holes holding water on the edge of that street.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:
Two quotes were received to get the chain repaired on the sander: Cortez $7500 and Henderson Company $2400. The sander was taken to Henderson Company to get a new chain installed. During this visit the company checked out the sander and said that the sprockets were eaten up and there were holes on the inside of the box. To sand blast, paint and seal the inside of the box the total for all of the repairs would be around $5000. The sander is almost 10 years old and has not had any major repairs during this time. If these fixes are done now, the sander should be able to last for another 10 years. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Barrett that the repairs be approved for the sander. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
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 $257,367.62, 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.
At this time (8:40PM) it was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Barrett that the Council go to executive session per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(c). The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
At 9:00PM the City Council resumed regular session.
At this time a motion was made by Member Stanley seconded by Member Owens that the Council authorize the City Attorney to proceed with the counter offer for the liquidated damages regarding the water tower project. 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.
________________________________
Mayor Ira Bowman
Attest:
_________________________________
City Clerk Lori A Brown