City of Mechanicsville

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

January 9, 2006

 

The Mechanicsville City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 9, 2006 at City Hall.  Mayor David L. Furry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  It was noted that council persons Jeff Christianson and Thomas Hall were sworn in to office prior to January 1, 2006.  Those present for roll call were Larry Beck, Pam Logue-Newcomb, Karrie Johnson, Thomas Hall, and Jeff Christianson.  Others present included Alan Zerbe, Jim Barber, Sherie Paup, Rob Block, IIW; Charlie Cate, IIW; Nate Baker, Doug Cook, Rhett Taylor, Dan Kurth, Bob Moravek, Judy Hartman, Norman Orth, and Steve Lacina, CCEDCO.

 

OPPORTUNITY for any citizen present to discuss items not on the agenda:  Norman Orth expressed his concerns about snow being piled up on his wife’s tombstone, and not being able to put a wreath out over the Christmas holiday.  He also had questions regarding fence regulations.

 

Charlie Cate & Rob Blok also updated the council on the status of the lagoon project and that due to the conditions of the soil (muddy) they are almost to the point of requesting that construction days be stopped and resumed again once the ground conditions are more favorable.  He also invited the council members to the construction meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 11, at 9:30 a.m.

 

CONSENT AGENDA: Larry Beck motioned, Pam Logue-Newcomb seconded to approve the consent agenda including the agenda, minutes from 12/12/05, finance reports, and claims.  Roll call vote: Ayes:  Beck, Logue-Newcomb, Johnson, Hall, and Christianson. Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

The claims approved were as follows:

 

BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK

32.69

PUBLIC SAFETY MARKETING

350.00

COMM FOUNDATION OF CC

100.00

QUILL CORPORATION

84.18

CARRIE ALBAUGH

90.59

STRACKBEINS, INC.

104.54

THOMAS ALBAUGH

917.46

UTILITY EQUIPMENT CO.

271.89

JAMES BARBER

1,087.00

SHERIE PAUP

67.12

RITA BECKER

61.58

WALMART

65.63

ROBERT L BULGER

31.38

ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION

700.00

LINDA COPPESS

1,216.62

CEDAR CO. SOLID WASTE

934.50

KELLY EBY

405.43

ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICE

91.79

JUDY HARTMAN

366.60

CONSERVATIVE PUBLISHING

235.52

JOEY D WENNDT

157.52

HYGIENIC LABORATORY

15.00

ALAN ZERBE

1,232.77

SHERIE PAUP

198.96

BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK

4,713.66

MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO.

25.58

TREAS, STATE OF IOWA

1,745.81

AMAZON.COM

142.74

I P E R S

1,604.33

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCI

34.00

MENARDS

527.15

IA OFFICE SUPPLY

18.10

US POSTMASTER

110.40

PENWORTHY

257.85

US POSTMASTER

39.36

NEW HORIZON FS INC.

1,032.65

ADVANCED WATER TECH.

334.20

COLLECTION SERVICE CTR.

31.38

ALLIANCE MEDICAL

389.19

KOCH'S PAINT & LUMBER

813.15

ALLIANT ENERGY

8,281.06

IA DEPT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

25.00

BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK

50.00

ODD JOBBER

357.98

BRYANS HOME IMPROVEMENT

501.74

TIPTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

100.00

CENTRAL PARTS WAREHOUSE

217.51

JEFF WOODARD

18.69

FARM PLAN

9.47

DEAN KURTH, OWNER

353.38

HYDRAULIC SPECIALTY CO.

334.00

QUILL CORPORATION

68.95

I I W ENGINEERS

9,300.75

IA LEAGUE OF CITIES

30.00

IA RURAL WATER ASSN.

225.00

JIM SCHROEDER CONSTRUCTION

135,586.95

I M F O A

30.00

CARRIE ALBAUGH

131.76

IA ONE CALL

18.00

THOMAS ALBAUGH

786.73

IA PRISON INDUSTRIES

119.70

JAMES BARBER

1,087.00

IOWA WIRELESS

100.90

RITA BECKER

66.17

JOHNSON CO REFUSE INC

2,091.50

ROBERT L BULGER

38.24

KEYSTONE LAB, INC

304.00

LINDA COPPESS

1,150.35

KIRKWOOD COMM. COLLEGE

25.00

KELLY EBY

283.14

LIFE LINE EMERG. VEHICLE

194.45

JUDY HARTMAN

461.61

LISBON-MTVERNON

150.00

ALAN ZERBE

1,023.70

LYNCH FORD-MT. VERNON

365.31

COLLECTION SERVICE CTR.

38.23

MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO.

340.51

WALLY'S WELDING

208.50

IA LEAGUE OF CITIES

45.00

US HWY 30 E COALITION IA

50.00

 

Total Receipts for the month of December by fund:

Agency-Water

-50.00

Ambulance Trust

2016.62

Fire Trust

75.24

General

18,467.23

Gift Trust

177.58

Library Exp Trust

1504.49

Road Use Tax

7,466.34

Sewer Utility

56,635.20

Solid Waste

7,568.08

Special Revenue

5,376.69

Water Utility

4,218.36

Special Rev-Emp Benefit

1,020.68

Water Sinking Fund

5,000.00

 

Total disbursements for the month of December per fund:

Ambulance Trust

5,235.34

General

25,412.32

Road Use Tax

4,829.10

Sewer Utility

116,344.56

Solid Waste

5,013.25

Special Revenue-Opt Tax

6,052.30

Special Revenue Emp Benefit

2,875.75

Water Utility

3,196.81

Water Sinking Fund

5,436.20

 

 

GUESTS: 

Steve Lacina, Cedar County Economic Development Company presented his annual report to the council and stated that 28E agreement membership dues will remain the same for this next year at $2933.  He emphasized that building relationships and networking will be the key elements to economic development and reviewed some of the opportunities that he has participated in including trade shows, working with ECIA and being on the executive board for Prosperity Eastern Iowa, and completing his training in becoming a certified developer.  He feels the largest growth will be from the existing business and we need to help them grow.  He also referenced the eastern part of the state being in the golden triangle which is Dubuque, Burlington, and the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City areas.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

LIBRARY:  Judy Hartman reviewed the library budget with the council and presented stats to the council for the 04-05 year which included being open 306 days, a circulation of 15,209 and serving 10,662 patrons.  Judy also reviewed activities of the library which included the librarian being recertified, the library being re-accredited; a monthly adult reading program, story hour, summer reading program, providing books to day care, sponsoring a craft day, having outside speakers come in and reading at the MNRC each week.

 

Judy also discussed some of the improvements that were identified by the board for future considerations which included shelving in the closet and backroom for supplies; floor mat service for the library; replacing the 1998 flooring especially that part in the center of the library that is showing a lot of wear; would like for the cleaning duties to be reassigned to the janitor, and a request for the interior walls to be painted.

 

ADMINISTRATION:  Coppess provided notes to the council from the meeting she attended on the Main Street Iowa informational program that was put on by IDED over the ICN last week and reported that a copy of the 2003 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) being received from the IDOT was forwarded to Zerbe.  Larry motioned, Pam seconded, to approve a request to attend the USDA Rural Development Conference in Tipton on 1/24/06 on 2006 Grant & Loan Opportunities and the IAMU Safety Group Seminar on 2/7/06 in Ames which will review 28E agreements, contracts and other issues.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Work logs were submitted and requested new tires for the GMC pickup and reported that the snow blade has been mounted and chains put on.  Zerbe also plans to attend the water training course at Kirkwood on February 9 & 10.  The council reviewed the bids from Jim’s Auto Body and Dan’s Tire and a motion was made by Larry, seconded by Thomas to approve the purchase of 4 tires at $401.96 from Dan’s Tire.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

POLICE REPORT:  Police Chief Jim Barber presented the council with his summary of activity for 2005. 

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Nate Baker reported that the fire department had no calls and presented an invoice for $208.50 for welding on 165 in order to put the portable generator on the back of the truck.  Baker also requested permission for 10 volunteers to attend 2 days of training at $68 each plus 2 nights for 5 hotels rooms at $90 each night and mileage for 2 vehicles to go to Ames.  Pam motioned and Karrie seconded to approve.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

AMBULANCE REPORT: Sherie Paup reported that the ambulance had 6 medical calls and 1 trauma for a total of 7 calls for the month.  A request for 5 EMT’s to attend Fire School 3 will be at $53 and 2 at $68 plus 2 motel rooms for 2 nights and 1 motel room for 1 night at $90 per night and mileage for 2 vehicles.  Larry motioned, Jeff seconded to approve the request.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Sherie also requested to purchase books and testing fees for Brett Moravek to take the EMT-B class at approx $750. Larry motioned, Pam seconded to approve. Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

OLD BUSINESS-Discussion and possible action on:

Emptying, cleaning and removal of tank:

Coppess provided a copy of the Keep American Beautiful grant application that was submitted for a request for funding assistance in removing the tank.  The new council members were updated on the history of the nuisance abatement and the city is in a position to wait to hear about funding assistance prior to having it cleaned and removed.

 

Update on Memorial Building restroom remodeling/floor replacement/storage:  The damaged plaster in the men’s restroom has been removed and replaced with drywall as well as the hole being patched in the ceiling.  The rooms have all been painted with volunteer labor, and the new lights were hung in both restrooms, the paper towel and toilet paper fixtures have been hung, and the mirrors are ready to hang.  There are also two light wire covers that need to be put in place.  The council reviewed a proposal to replace the flooring in all three rooms with ceramic tile.  A motion was made by Jeff and seconded by Larry to authorize the clerk to enter into an agreement with Keller’s Home Furnishings to install the tile at a cost not to exceed $3500.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Discussion was also held regarding the removal of the excess items from the building including the gray library table, the basement piano, and the extremely heavy and somewhat broken banquet tables and replacing them with the white plastic tables. A complete walk through and review of the storage facilities within the building will also be done in order to come up with a better utilization of the space.  This part of the project was referred to the committee for a recommendation back to the council

 

New Business

Discussion and possible action on:

Ordinance to yield signs at Jefferson and West Second to Stop signs:  Pam motioned, Larry seconded to approve the first reading of the ordinance deleting the section of the code that authorized the yield signs and adding a section to the code authorizing the stop signs to be in place for vehicles traveling on Second Street be required to stop at Jefferson.  Ayes:  Larry Beck, Pam Logue-Newcomb, Karrie Johnson, Thomas Hall and Jeff Christianson. Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

Larry Beck motioned to waive the second and third readings of the ordinance.  Ayes: Larry Beck, Pam Logue-Newcomb, Karrie Johnson, Thomas Hall and Jeff Christianson. Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

Larry Beck motioned, Thomas Hall seconded, to adopt the ordinance. Ayes: Larry Beck, Pam Logue-Newcomb, Karrie Johnson, Thomas Hall and Jeff Christianson. Nays:  None.  Motion carried and the Ordinance was adopted.

 

Library Board vacancy:  The council accepted the resignation of Marilyn Fitzgerald from the library board and directs the clerk to seek out a volunteer to fill the remaining of Marilyn’s term.  The volunteer needs to be from the rural area rather than from within the city limits.

 

Appoint 2 individuals to serve on the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority Board for 2 year terms:  Once again the Mayor and council are seeking individuals to serve as volunteers on this board.  Linda Walker will also be contacted to see if she will be willing to continue to serve in one of these positions.

 

Evaluate Committees & volunteer for assignments for 2006:

Public Safety: David Furry, Pam Logue-Newcomb, Jeff Christianson; Public Works:

Larry Beck, Karrie Johnson; Culture & Recreation: Thomas Hall, Larry Beck; Health & Social Services: Karrie Johnson, Pam Logue-Newcomb: Community & Economic Development: Thomas Hall, Pam Logue-Newcomb; General Government: Jeff Christianson, Larry Beck: Debt Service: Karrie Johnson, Thomas Hall: Capital Project:

Larry Beck, Jeff Christianson; Business Enterprises: Larry Beck, Pam Logue-Newcomb

 

Mayor Pro tem: Larry Beck; the Official newspaper: Tipton Conservative; Official Depository: Bridge Community Bank, and City Attorney: Lowell Dendinger.  A motioned was made by Larry Beck and seconded by Karrie Johnson to approve the appointments as listed.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

American Community Survey:  The council reviewed information from the US Census Bureau regarding the American Community Survey which will replace the census long form and enhance their ability to serve their constituents by providing them with more timely information about the community.  Data from this survey will be released every year.  The American Community Survey is part of the decennial census, and responding to the survey is required by law. 

 

Township Contracts for Fire and Ambulance/ Meeting on 1/18/06 at 7:00 p.m.:  The council reviewed a copy of the previous year’s fire and ambulance contracts and a spreadsheet of the valuations of each township that are in the Mechanicsville Fire District.  The spreadsheet also indicated what the townships contribution would be towards the service if they agree to contribute at the maximum rate for each of the services.  The mayor encouraged the council members to attend if at all possible.

 

Budget Work Session: will be held 2/6/06 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Committee Reports: Pam reported having met with City Attorney regarding the Ambulance Coordinator job description and relayed questions and areas of concern that had come up.  Dendinger indicated that he would review and prepare a response in March.

 

Larry also reported for the solid waste committee in that the garbage truck will need the body replaced in less than a year.  He has gathered some information from another town for consideration in having the work contracted out rather than purchasing a replacement truck.  If it was contracted out the service could be include yard waste as well as the garbage and the recycling.

 

Correspondence:  Governor’s Volunteer Awards 2005 Nomination for $15 nomination fee:  The council directed that the form be completed with the city nominating the MAC committee for this award in order to recognize the volunteer efforts that they have put forth in organizing the Sesquicentennial events and the other recreational activities they have done over the past 1 ½ years. 

 

US Hwy 30 Coalition Meeting 1/13/06 & Request for dues:  Mayor Furry updated the council on the efforts of this group center around promoting the completion of a 4 lane US Hwy 30 across Iowa.  Pam motioned and Thomas seconded to approve paying the $50 dues to the organization.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Landa Painting proposal:  Council reviewed the proposal for painting street lines from Landa with no action being taken at this time.

 

Announcements:

January 12 MLA part 2 will be in Monticello.

 

Region 6 Homeland Security Training for municipal offices and emergency response personnel: will be held Jan. 16 & Jan 23 in Mechanicsville with both nights being required in order to be eligible for FEMA grant money.

 

Set next regular meeting date:  2/13/06

 

MAYORS COMMENTS:  Mayor Furry indicated that he was looking forward to working with everyone this year and stated that he hopes each one finds the position satisfying and rewarding in serving their community.

 

ADJOURN:  There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, council member Beck motioned, Logue-Newcomb seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:38 p.m. Ayes all.  Meeting adjourned.

 

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________                     _______________________________

Linda K. Coppess, CMC                                         David L. Furry, Mayor

City Clerk/Finance Officer