Wilton City Council Meeting Minutes for 4/12/2010
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Regular Meeting
April 12, 2010
The Council for the City of Wilton, Iowa met in regular session in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday April 12, 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 Mark Anderson, Police Chief Tim Leathers, Advocate News Correspondent Connie Brown, Jackie Barten, Mark Knouse, Carol Duffe, Carla Thurston, Mary Bender, George Freeland, Norman Grunder, and David & Carrie Clark.
The agenda was approved as presented for this meeting.
Minutes for the regular meeting held March 22, 2010 were presented for approval. A motion was made by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler 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.
CITIZENS:
Economic Director Jackie Barten appeared before the Council with issues regarding revitalization in Wilton. The first item was a program to encourage business and property owners to enhance their building's appearance (Wilton Commercial Revitalization). The goal of this would be to attract customers, tenants and investors to the business district and create a positive image for the community. A list of facade improvements to promote the use and maintenance of commercial buildings in the city were presented. Jackie was asking the City to set a dollar amount from TIF revenue over the next 5 years to fund this incentive and have it committed to this program. This program would be administered by the Economic Director and be reviewed by the WDC and sent to the Council for consideration. Strict criteria would have to be followed by the applicant and funds would only be paid when the project is completed. Grants up to one half of the cost of the project (or $5000 whichever is less) would be available to qualified applicants. Council Members agreed that this was a helpful incentive program. This item will be on the agenda for the next regular meeting so the Council can assess the information presented.
Jackie presented a schedule of basic fees and charges that the LCC committee has approved. She stated that she has talked with a couple of non profit groups to see if they were interested in running the bar area of the community room. The committee felt that if a non profit group used this as a fund raiser they could receive a percentage of the intake. Jackie has also met with Jerry Denning regarding the dram shop cost for the liquor license. The dram shop and liquor license fees depend on the type of service that will be provided in the bar area. The fees and charges also include a damage deposit and state that the Community Center Director has full authority to determine charges for any event. The Director would also keep the Council informed of any changes at the center. It was also noted that the committee has set up criteria for uses of the center. Member Fowler asked Jackie if there had been consideration for having an off duty police officer needing to be present at events held at the center. She will ask the committee what their thoughts are about off duty officers at events. Jackie will also report back to the Council on the bar operators, and liquor and dram shop prices. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that the schedule of basic fees and charges be approved; noting prices are subject to change at any time. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Jackie has met with WTC and MCC to line up the technology for the new center. The technology for the center is WTC's donation to the project.
The Focus Group and MCC will be meeting to see what classes will be offered at the center. The group has been very receptive to input that has been received from the community.
Autogear has moved their business from Wilton to the Quad Cities. The building has been purchased by a person from Lowden. The buyer is looking to lease the building if anyone is interested.
Jackie met with a site selector today and gave him a tour of Wilton. He does regional marketing and website assistance throughout the world. He was very impressed with our town and the land prices. The selector indicated that his next business choice would be to select Wilton.
A new design for the present Wilton sign on the west end of W 5th Street was displayed. The new sign would say "Wilton Housing Property Exemption" and would show the Economic Director's phone number. Jackie has talked with three area contractors and they are willing to replace the 8X16 sign with the new design for no charge if they will be allowed to have their logo displayed on the bottom. The church names that are displayed on the bottom of the present sign were discussed. Jackie said that if needed she does have another sign option that could be used for the local churches. It was decided that the Clerk will send a letter to the churches that are on there now and let them know that the names will be removed. The letter will also be sent to churches that are not listed to let see if there is interest on having their church name listed on a new sign. It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that the improvements to the west end Wilton sign be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Mayor and Council thanked Jackie for the updates and for her help on improving our City.
LEGAL ITEMS:
A proposed Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Amending Title 10 of the Wilton Municipal Code Entitled "Vehicles & Traffic" Regarding Parking Limits in the City Limits of Wilton, Iowa" was presented before the Council for discussion for the third reading. This Ordinance would change the parking limit of 72 hours to 48 hours. After consideration, it was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Owens that said Ordinance be passed on second consideration. The question being upon the foregoing motion, the roll was called and recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Upon the question of fully adopting said requirement, 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 475 to said Ordinance and ordered that said Ordinance be added to the City Ordinance Book.
A proposed Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7.12 of the Wilton Municipal Code Entitled "Waste Control" was presented before the Council for discussion for the first reading. This Ordinance would increase the garbage rates by $1 starting July 1, 2010. There would then be a gradual increase of 50 cents for the next four fiscal years, with the rate being $14.00 starting July 1, 2014. This rate increase would also include increases for the commercial dumpster charges. After consideration, it was moved by Member Fowler seconded by Member Owens that said Ordinance be passed on first consideration. The question being upon the foregoing motion, the roll was called and recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
A Resolution entitled "A Resolution Providing for Reduction of Interest Rate for $1,794,000 Sewer Revenue Bond" was presented to the Council for discussion. Member Barrett asked the City Administrator to check to see if the City has reserves to apply to this loan to pay down the principal. After due consideration, it was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Garrison that the same be adopted. The question being upon the foregoing motion, the roll was called and recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
The Mayor then declared said Resolution 041210 adopted.
POLICE ITEMS:
At this time Chief Leathers read a resignation letter from Officer Ron Steverson. Ron's last working day with Wilton was April 4th. He is using his accrued vacation and comp time and his actual last day with the Wilton Police Department will be April 29, 2010. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Owens that Ron Steverson's resignation be accepted with regret and wished him well on his new duty. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Chief Leathers then announced that he would like to hire David Clark as the new full time officer starting today. The Chief introduced David and stated that he has an academy date of April 26th ending July 30th. It was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that David Clark be hired at 85 % (16.50 per hour) and welcomed him to the department. 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 announced that he would like to re-appointment Jack Skelley to the Board of Adjustment. This is for a 5 year term and will expire 3-28-15. It was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that this re-appointment be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Hiring of part time help was discussed at the last meeting. Mayor Bowman asked the City Administrator the status of this hiring. City Administrator said that an ad was placed in The Advocate News this week stating that applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applications will be taken until April 30th, and the City will be hiring one or two helpers.
A street repair list was included in the packets and Mayor Bowman asked when the repairs would begin. City Administrator said that hot mix is not being made yet but they anticipate it being ready soon. Some areas need to be rolled with asphalt and the more severe cases will need to be cored out and then refilled.
Mayor Bowman asked about the status of the sewer line repair on Maurer and E Summit. City Administrator said that the contractor will be starting the job this week. He may get in contact with the homeowners to do some camera work to the private sewer lines from their homes.
There was a fire inside of the garbage truck this morning. Mayor Bowman wanted to thank the City workers for their prompt response in taking care of this fire. No equipment or any person was hurt during this mishap.
CORRESPONDENCE:
A note was received from Wilton Retirement Community inviting Chamber members to their open house. This will be held on Thursday April 29th from 2-4:00PM to celebrate the completion of Phase II at Leland Smith Assisted Living.
COUNCIL ITEMS:
A permit was filed by Blooming Ideas for a Class B Native Wine Permit. This Class B permit allows a commercial establishment to sell Iowa made wine for off premises consumption in the original unopened container. No sales by the drink but sample are permitted of one ounce or less. All paperwork was in order and filed on line for this permit. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
Member Stanley asked if the City had plans to get the needed repairs done at the end of W Summit Street. There has been some water line work done in that area and it is in need of some landscaping. City Administrator said that the City will probably have to contract this job out to have the area leveled and seeded.
Since the weather has turned nicer, Member Stanley asked if the mowing has been started in the parks. The City Administrator replied that Bob Laucamp has been mowing already for the last couple of weeks.
Member Fowler asked the City Administrator to check on a sewer line hole at Cherrydale Park. He said it looks like some type of fencing was put over the hole, but it is not covering the opening now. He asked that a heavier type of grate be put over the hole so there will not be any accidents. Member Fowler asked if the rest rooms are now open at the parks since ball practices have started. The City Administrator said that a city employee opens the rest room doors after 7:00AM and the Police Department locks the doors after 10:00PM.
There is standing water at Vine and 2nd Streets and Member Fowler asked if there was a solution for this area. He said that there is no storm sewer drain at the corner and the street has shifted and the water has no where to drain. Over time the water does flow to the south but most of the time sits at the end of the homeowners drive way. City Administrator said that he will have the guys check the area to see if the street could be jacked up and/or filled to help with the drainage.
Member Owens said that he received a concern about cars parking on E Wate Street off of Maurer. This is a narrow street and when there are cars parked on E Wate it makes it even more difficult for two cars to pass there. Discussion was held on the options for this narrow street and others within the City. It was decided to ask the Police Department to check on the narrower streets around the city and report back to the Council on which ones seem to cause parking problems. The Council will then look at restricting parking in these areas.
Member Barrett asked that the Police also include the north corner of E 5th and Cypress Streets as a parking problem. He said he has noticed it is difficult for two vehicles to drive on this street when cars are parked near the intersection.
Member Barrett asked if there was any news on the 3rd Street lift station. City Administrator said that the City has applied for a permit from the DNR and they are waiting to hear back from them.
During the city facilities tour held before this meeting, the buildings and equipment showed a marked increase in care. Member Barrett said that he and the other members appreciated the time the public works and water/wastewater employees took to present their buildings and equipment.
Member Garrison asked that the City check into signs to put on the outskirts of Wilton to show appreciation for the Wilton Candy Kitchen and George & Thelma Nopoulos, the City of Wilton Ambassadors. He said he has noticed that cities within the state put up signs to recognize people who have done unique things for their hometowns. He believes that the Wilton Candy Kitchen has given Wilton some fame. City Clerk with the DOT or Bureau of Tourism to see if they supply signs like this. It was also mentioned that the City should order signs for direction to the new LCC building.
It was then moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that the City Council go to executive closed session per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) at 8:30PM. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley
Nays: None Motion Carried.
At 9:45PM the City Council resumed regular session. No action was taken to be recorded after this executive closed session.
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
*** A tour starting at 5:30PM of the Public Works, Water/Wastewater and new LCC building was held prior to this meeting.