Wilton City Council Meeting Minutes for 4/26/2010

Regular Meeting

April 26, 2010

The Council for the City of Wilton, Iowa met in regular session in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday April 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 Mark Anderson, Advocate News Correspondent Connie Brown, Jackie Barten, Carla Thurston, Mary Bender, George Freeland, Eric White, Greg Larrisson, and Orville Elmshaeuser

The agenda was approved as presented for this meeting.

Minutes for the regular meeting held April 12, 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.

CITIZENS:

Orville Elmshaeuser of 906 Maurer was present to thank the Council for the completion of the sewer project on Maurer and E Summit Streets. He said it was very interesting to see how the lines are installed and how they cross over each other in this area for the nine homes that are served by this line. Orville said the company was very professional and had the job completed in a short amount of time. The city has spread some rock in this area but since the recent rains it has turned to mud, but the City Administrator said the crews would work to get the street and alley back to normal. Mayor Bowman stated that he was happy to see the City partner with the residents to get the line redone and hopefully there will not be any more problems with the sewer in this block.

CONSULTANTS:

Eric White gave the members an updated budget report for the LCC. The project is moving right along. They are hanging drywall and will begin priming and painting within the next two weeks. Inspection for the walls has been completed and there are a few punch list items that they are working on. A question was asked about a change order number on the bill from Builders Sales & Service. Eric & Greg explained to the Council that this was a winter allowance. In the original bid there was a winter allowance of $20,000 but the company only used $5000. This was a plus for the total price of the project. The City Administrator has been checking on the work at the LCC and meets with Eric when inspecting the job. A notice for furniture bids has been sent out and are due by the 29^th.

Jackie Barten told the members that she has been checking on dram shop information for the LCC. She has also met with some members of the Wilton Fire Department regarding that department handling the bar at the center. The question will be brought up at their department meeting and they will get back to Jackie. Fund raising meetings have also been held and donations are still being accepted at all times. They are trying to plan for an October grand opening date.

LEGAL ITEMS:

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 second 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. There have been no objections or concerns heard regarding this change. 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.

A Resolution entitled "A Resolution to Fix a Date for a Public Hearing on REC Loan Agreement for the Library Community Center Project" was presented to the Council for discussion. The City of Wilton proposes to enter into a loan agreement and promissory note in an amount not to exceed $96,000 for the purpose of paying a portion of the cost of the LCC. Such hearing date is scheduled for Monday May 10^th. After due consideration, it was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Barrett 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 042610 adopted.

MAYOR ITEMS:

The Mayor reported that the city crews will be working on repairing the streets the first week of May. The quarry is scheduling to be making hot mix at that time.

CORRESPONDENCE:

A thank you note was received from a resident, thanking the City for the repair of the boulevard area that was torn up from a water main repair.

COUNCIL ITEMS:

The Wilton Commercial Revitalization issue from the Wilton Development was the next item on the agenda. The purpose of this program is to encourage business and commercial property owners to enhance their buildings' appearance and usage. With the goal of attracting customers, tenants and investors to the business district and creating a positive image for the community. It was suggested that the City commit a dollar amount of TIF revenue over the next five years to fund this incentive program. All projects funded by the incentive must comply with the City's zoning ordinance. All applications will be reviewed by the WDC and sent to the Council for consideration. Payments would be made when the project has been completed and submitted to the City. Grants would be up to one half the cost of the project of $5,000 (whichever is less) to qualified applicants. The Members thought this was a good idea for our commercial businesses. It was recommended that this be addressed on an annual basis at a maximum of $20,000 per year. A transfer of funds from the sewer improvement fund to the TIF fund would be made. Then the TIF debt would be certified to receive the tax increment taxes into the TIF fund and then re paid to the Sewer Improvement fund. After due consideration on this project, it was moved by Member Barrett seconded by Member Fowler that the Wilton Commercial Revitalization program be approved. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:

Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley

Nays: None Motion Carried.

Jackie thanked the Council for their approval on this project. She said she has already had some inquiries regarding this plan. Anyone who wishes to have more information on this program should contact Jackie.

The Durant Chamber of Commerce sent a request for donations for their annual 4^th of July Fireworks. All members of the Council stated their appreciation for Durant offering the display of fireworks. It was moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Fowler that the City of Wilton donate $500 to the Durant Chamber of Commerce for the fireworks. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:

Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley

Nays: None Motion Carried.

A list of bills for the LCC were presented in the amount of $652,735.40. The City Administrator noted that to pay these bills $100,000 in loan funds had to be used. Discussion of the bills presented was held. It was then moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Owens that these 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.

A notice to bidders was presented for the Cypress Street improvements. The next phase of this project will be 1,477 square yards of seven inch PCC non reinforced pavement. This improvement will be from Ovesen Drive north to Division Street with a completion date of August 2^nd. It was moved by Member Garrison seconded by Member Fowler that the notice to bidders for the Cypress Street project be accepted. The roll was called and the vote recorded as follows:

Ayes: Garrison, Barrett, Owens, Fowler and Stanley

Nays: None Motion Carried.

Member Stanley asked the members to plan on attending the Governmental Officials luncheon sponsored by the Chamber on Monday May 10^th. He said it was a good chance to talk with our State and local representatives and let them know our (the City) feelings on issues of concern.

Member Owens thanked the City Administrator for getting the lawn fixed at East and Summit Streets.

Member Owens asked if the City has ever considered special water meters for residents to use for sprinkler systems, pools, etc. City Administrator said the City does not do special metering at this time. If the meters were installed all of the expense would be through the property owner.

Member Barrett asked the City Administrator to keep in mind that the Council would like to consider bids for engineering and may also check on other bond counsels. He noticed that the Dorsey Whitney bill has been quite high the last few months.

Member Garrison asked if there was any information on the sign that he had requested for the Nopoulos'. City Administrator said the he had checked with the State of Iowa and there are no sign programs through them. Since it was his idea, Member Garrison said he would do further checking.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:

City Administrator reported that the crews will start to fill pot holes as soon as they can get hot mix. Some streets will need more repairs than just filling in. They will also be working on the shoulders of W 5^th, W 3^rd and the radiuses.

Sludge hauling has been completed at the wastewater plant and Wendlers will come in next week to complete the digester job. The pedestals for the lighting at the water tower have been set on the east side.

Summer help applications are due April 30^th. The City will be looking to hire one or two persons for this summer temp job.

BILLS:

The Financial Statements were accepted and placed on file. Some discussion was held on one contractor doing a lot of jobs for the city. It was noted that opportunity should be giving to others within the city to bid on jobs. It was then moved by Member Stanley seconded by Member Garrison that the total disbursements of $389,390.61, 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