City of Mechanicsville

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

September 10, 2007

 

The Mechanicsville City Council met in regular session on Monday, September 10, 2007 at City Hall. Mayor David L. Furry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Council members present for roll call were Jeff Christianson, Larry Beck, Thomas Hall, and  Pam Logue-Newcomb.   Others present included Jim Barber, Sherie Paup, Pat Albaugh, Bryan Lovell, Doyle Pickering, John Bemer, Mike and Sally Filkins, Rhett Taylor and Alan Zerbe.

 

OPPORTUNITY for any citizen present to discuss items not on the agenda:

None.

 

Appoint person to fill vacancy created by Karrie Johnson resignation:  Motion was made by Larry Beck, seconded by Pam Logue-Newcomb to appoint Bryan Lovell to fill the vacancy.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.  Bryan then took the oath of office and filled the vacant chair.

 

CONSENT AGENDA: Larry Beck motioned, Jeff Christianson seconded to approve the consent agenda with the addition of setting the date for the Halloween Trick or Treat activities to be on Wednesday, October 31, from 5-8, minutes from 8/13/07, finance reports, and claims. Roll call vote: Ayes:  Christianson, Beck, Hall, Logue-Newcomb, and Lovell.  Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

The claims approved were as follows:

PAYROLL 8/15/07

WAGES

6,182.12

ODD JOBS INC-JERRY DAKE

BURIALS

1,625.00

PAYROLL 8/30/07

WAGES

6,269.74

US POSTAL SERVICE

POSTAGE

130.38

AIRGAS, INC.

MED SUPPLY

175.06

ALLIANT ENERGY

UTILITIES

5,763.28

ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICE

CLOTH ALLOW

127.28

CEDAR CO. SOLID WASTE

FEES LANDFILL

1,080.00

FARM PLAN

VEH REPAIR

38.95

HOY CONSTRUCTION

ST REP MNT

288.00

IOWA WIRELESS

TELEPHONE

156.62

JJJ ENTERPRISES INC

ST REP MNT

1,012.48

JOHNSON CO REFUSE INC

RECYCLING

2,232.50

JOHNSON COUNTY AMBULANCE

MUTUAL AID

150.00

KEYSTONE LAB, INC

TEST FEES

50.00

LISBON-MTVERNON AMB SERV

MUTUAL AID

75.00

MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO.

TELEPHONE

303.54

AGVANTAGE FS INC.

VEH SUPPLY

987.69

RADAR ROAD TEC

VEH REPAIR

35.00

STRACKBEINS, INC.

VEH REPAIR

16.25

TERMINEX

BLDG MAINT

150.00

CONSERVATIVE PUBLISHING

PUBLICATION

207.32

UTILITY EQUIPMENT CO.

CAPITAL EQ

2,382.99

RON BAKER

VEH REPAIR

272.28

WALMART

MISC SUPPL

43.84

WELLMARK

HEALTH INS

2,603.12

WENDLING QUARRIES INC

MISC OP SU

121.85

ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION

CAPITAL EQ

17,597.51

AMAZON.COM

BOOKS

128.80

EAST CENTRAL LIBRARY SER

SUPPLIES

12.00

KELLY EBY

TEEN READ

25.00

DEMCO

SHELVING

639.01

IA OFFICE SUPPLY

OFFICE SUP

69.67

SOUTHEASTERN LIBRARY SER

CONTINUE ED

15.00

AIRGAS, INC.

MED SUPPLY

182.60

BOB MORAVEK

MILEAGE

60.00

IA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIO

MISC CONTR

15.00

KOCH'S PAINT & LUMBER

BLDG MAINT

261.62

KEYSTONE LAB, INC

TEST FEES

514.16

CASEY'S GENERAL STORE

VEH SUPPLY

169.84

US POSTAL SERVICE

POSTAGE

105.86

I P E R S

IPERS

3421.41

INTL REVENUE SERVICE

FICA/MC

7611.98

PAYROLL 9-15-2007

WAGES

6429.75

 

Total Receipts and Disbursements for month of August by fund

 

Fund

Receipts

Disbursements

Agency-Water

203.02

46.67

Ambulance Trust

10,004.69

1205.46

Fire Trust

122.68

 

General

6,031.56

20,422.77

Library Trust

9.52

 

Road Use Tax

8,588.11

9,643.12

Sewer Utility

-15,517.24

3,770.97

Solid Waste

7,476.19

4,866.00

Special Revenue

5,044.70

 

TIF

40,000.00

40,000.00

Water

-8,920.23

3,599.40

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

Ambulance Report: Sherie Paup reported a total of 13 calls with 10 being medical and 3 trauma. Two were mutual aid calls with Clarence and Stanwood, 1 refusal, and 1 tier with A-51. Ryan Steinberg and Ashley McCormick EMT training costs will be covered through the county, however, may have some testing and books that won’t be covered. 

 

Regina Butteris for new medical director of ambulance:  Sherie reported problems with the current medical director and that the state will not accept the protocols.  Clarence, Stanwood, and Lisbon-Mt. Vernon utilize Regina Butteris and she is willing to train with the department and would be more accessible.  So October 1 they will switch directors.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:  Rhett Taylor reported doing training on hose lays with 10 members in July, 1 storm watch on 7/17; Hose test training with 10 members on 8/20; and the 3 calls in August being 1 storm watch, 1 car accident, and 1 mutual aid structure fire with Morley/Martelle.

 

Rhett also indicated that the Fire department received an application from John Bemer to join the department and he was introduced to the council.  The fire department is also hosting a pancake breakfast on Oct 7 and putting together a Texas Hold ‘em Poker tournament for November 17.

 

Mayor Furry also shared information about a meeting with the State Auditor that was held in Clarence regarding required financial reports and various committees that fall under the umbrella of the city.  If an organization such as the Mechanicsville Fire and Ambulance Volunteers Inc. has completed the 501(c) 3 registration requirements, then that groups finance information is not included in the city’s budget, however, the books will be audited and be included in the audit when the city is audited.  If the 501(c)3 paperwork  is not done, then the organization’s finance information must be included with the city’s budget and annual reports.

 

Police Report:  Police Chief Jim Barber presented the council with his written report of activity for the month which included 8 agency assists; 1 animal case; 1 arrest; 1 motorist assist; 1 assault; 1 building check and found unsecure; 19 citizen assist; 1 criminal mischief; 1 harassment; 7- 911,  1 theft; 1 traffic stops with 1 warning, 1 trespass. In addition to 5 nuisance abatements filed, and 4 code violations  for no peddlers license; noise disturbance, unlawful assembly, fireworks violation; 1 runaway taken into custody;  1 bad check notice served, 5 citations issued for illegal parking, person under legal age alcohol, disorderly conduct, and assault.

 

Public Works Report: Zerbe reported that the sewer line on East Second Street was repaired; he had a positive bacteria test result so had to resample and it came back ok; leaves will start to be picked up at the end of October.  Residents are reminded not to put garden waste, flowers, grass or twigs in with the leaves when raking to the curb as it plugs the vacuum.  October 9 was set as the date to begin the Fall Clean up.  Residents should contact city hall to be put on the list for items to be picked up.

 

Administration Report:

Coppess reported having communicated with Danko about including a performance clause in the proposal for the new fire truck.  Danko is suggesting any date from the last week of June and inquired as to who would be going to Snyder, NE to accept the truck on behalf of the city.  Rhett will follow up with Paidar and Cook to work out these details.  A call has also been placed into FEMA to inquire on the status of the grant funding.  City attorney Dendinger is working with the County Attorney’s office to work out the right-of-way issues for the stop sign on South bound traffic on X-40 and the speed limit for incoming traffic.  Follow up on the drinking fountain revealed that the order had been misplaced and had to be re-ordered with a 4-6 week delivery time. Zerbe provided a 3 page list of trees that needed trimmed of which notices to trim have been sent to property owners.  Many have already completed and will help prevent the limbs from hitting personnel while on the garbage route.

 

Old Business:

Discussion and possible action on:

 

Resolution 2007-20 redefining the scope of the project for extending First Street paving:  As a result of the preliminary design work and surveying being done, the engineers had provided options for the council to reconsider their first selection for cost effectiveness, as a result the motion was made by Pam Logue-Newcomb, seconded by Jeff Christianson to proceed with the project so that it includes extending the curb and gutter to the west city limits and widening the street to 33 feet wide for 575 feet plus paving the east end of First Street. The design will be finalized and specifications created and prepared for bidding.  Prior to bidding a public hearing will be held. Roll call vote:  Ayes:  Jeff Christianson, Pam Logue-Newcomb, and Tom Hall.  Nays: None.  Abstain:  Beck and Lovell for reason of possible conflict of interest.  Resolution declared adopted.

 

Lift Station Pump Repair: Zerbe reported experiencing inconsistencies with the pumps at the lift station (primarily pump 2).  He contacted Andrew Larson, with   Zimmer and Franscescon who recommended pulling pump #2 for repair.  He contacted EC Inc, Jeff Weiland, to do this and upon loading the pump in the truck discovered a cement plug inside of the pump.  The pump was delivered to Janda Motors in Cedar Rapids for what should be warranty work as the project had a 1 year warranty from Jim Schroeder Construction from the date the project was accepted by the council as being completed(April 9, 2007).  A repair proposal was faxed by Zimmer and Franscescon in the amount of $3,845.20 of which Coppess contacted IIW Engineers to verify that the warranty should cover this.  Rob Blok, (IIW) is in the process of following up with Schroeder Construction about the warranty on the pump. It was also noted a new pump would be $9740 with a 6-8 week delivery.

 

Follow up on sidewalk repairs:  Council requested that their original lists be returned to them, and they will do the follow up, checking off the walks that have not been done and certified letters will then be mailed to the property owners to complete.

 

New Business:

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON:

Ordinance amending the provisions pertaining to No Parking Zones:  Motion was made by Larry Beck, seconded by Tom Hall to approve the first reading of the no parking ordinance.  The changes include no parking on East South Street on the south side from Walnut Street to the east end and no parking on 125th Street on both sides from Elm Street east to the City limits.  There was additional input from residents that was also taken into consideration to possibly making it no parking only on Monday mornings or to consider excluding weekends and holidays.  There are a number of mailboxes and a fire hydrant that further limit the parking area on the north side.  Fire calls, ambulances, and snow plows are not able to be scheduled like the garbage truck so residents are still encouraged to use their off street parking as much as possible.  The motion to approve the first reading was approved by all voting aye.  A second reading will be done next month.

 

Ordinance amending the provisions pertaining to Stop required:  Motion was made by Pam Logue-Newcomb, seconded by Jeff Christianson to approve the first reading amending the ordinance that a stop be required at 125th for vehicles traveling north on Country View Drive and at Elm Street (x-40) for vehicles traveling west on 125th.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

A motion by Larry Beck, second by Bryan Lovell to waive the second and third readings of the ordinances.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Bryan Lovell motioned, Jeff Christiansen seconded to adopt the ordinance requiring the 2 stops.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Beck, Christiansen, Hall, Lovell, and Logue-Newcomb.  Nays:  None.  Ordinance 208 was declared adopted.

 

Resolution 2007-21 authorizing the filing of an application for Safe Routes to School Grant:  Motioned by Pam Logue-Newcomb, seconded by Bryan Lovell to approve the resolution.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Beck, Christiansen, Hall, Lovell, and Logue-Newcomb.  Nays:  None.  Resolution adopted.

 

Review of information received from feed back on Park Improvement projects:  Coppess summarized 64 responses received as follows: The question about the tennis courts 19 replied that they should be torn out and not replaced, 26 replied to replace with one court, and 10 replied to replace with 2 courts.  This indicates that there is interest in the community for having the court(s) replaced to a useable state. 

 

In ranking the list of 7 items that were provided, the scores were averaged and then ranked according to the most interest in updating the play equipment for 2 -12 year olds, opportunities for passive entertainment (fountains, flowers, benches); rain gutters, walkway, skateboard area, landscaping east park, and parking area. 

 

Many other positive ideas and comments were mentioned with the most popular ones being to included a timer on the tennis lights; timer on the bathroom door being locked; garbage cans for litter; play equipment to include climbing walls, jungle gym, curvy slides, cross bars, swings for adults, splash pads and kiddie pools, lower basketball hoops; ice rink for winter; park sign with name on it; batting cage, clubhouse, and many other single items.  The park committee will review and come back with a recommendation for where to start with on the improvements.

 

Legislative Changes affecting city codes:  Logue-Newcomb motioned, Beck seconded to request Iowa Codification to prepare ordinances for all of the legislative changes listed.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Request for bench to be installed at cemetery and replace bench at Memorial building:  Council reviewed a request to install a bench in place of a tombstone at Rose Hill cemetery.  Motion was made to approve the request provided that the cement foundation was large enough so that the bench did not interfere with mowing.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.  Information was also passed along that a group is working on replacing the bench that is located outside of the Memorial Building.

 

Request for tree to be removed (dead/disease):  Council reviewed a letter requesting a tree to be removed from the right of way at city’s expense.  Hall and Beck will review and make a determination as to the tree being dead or diseased.

 

Request for fee to be waived for the craft show:  Larry Beck motioned, Bryan Lovell seconded to waive the fee for the St. Mary’s bake sale and craft show.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Fire Department roof leaking:  Fire department will research.

 

Request for implementing a burn ban:  Council member Hall stated that he would like to see a burn ban implemented as the city provides a place for garbage disposal, recycling items, and yard waste.  The smell of burning plastic shouldn’t be occurring.  The council requested the clerk to obtain samples of burn ban ordinances with an exception for recreational fires.

 

Committee Reports:  Beck reported drilling a test hole in the beams at the park shelter and they appeared to be solid.  No further action will take place at this time for replacing the 6x6 joists.

 

Correspondence was received for US Hwy 30 Coalition meeting and information on the community visioning transportation enhancement planning program. Council also reviewed correspondence regarding the erosion of dirt along the sewer easement North of the Morgan funeral home.

 

Mayors Comments: Mayor Furry provided information about a possible benefit being organized for Ashley Himes.

 

Set next regular meeting date:  10-8-07 at 7:00 p.m.

 

ADJOURN:  There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, council member Beck motioned, Lovell  seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 p.m. Ayes all.  Meeting adjourned.

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________                     _______________________________

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

City Clerk/Finance Officer