City of Mechanicsville

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

June 8, 2009

 

The Mechanicsville City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 8, 2009 at the Memorial Building.  Mayor David L. Furry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Council members present for roll call were Larry Beck, Carla Barnhart, Gene Brown, Jeff Christianson and Bryan Lovell.  Others present included Jim Barber, Alan Zerbe, Lonni Koch, Sherie Paup, Linda Walker, Connie Knutsen, Joe and Kim Smith, Scott and Amy Bishop, Doug Cook, Adam and Susan Robinson, Matt Moravek, Donald & Jean Miller, and Marilee & Pat McConnell.

 

Receive visitors/public comment:  Adam Robinson requested the council to consider implementing a no parking area on the east side of North Jefferson Street as when cars are parked on both sides of the street that does not allow access for the farm equipment to get through to do the field work.  He does not have access to the field that is located behind the Catholic Church.  The northern cemetery drive could be used if the posts were removed as the 16 foot width is not wide enough to allow for turning. Council directed Zerbe to remove the posts to allow access through the cemetery as an attempt to resolve and requested that Robinson maintain communication with the council to see if that solves the issue.

 

Scott Bishop requested to address the council on city finances of which he then re-directed his comments to Coppess to inquire why she would report a cost increase on the health insurance benefits to be 3% and according to his calculations it should have been reported as a 9%-11% increase.  The response was that the rate increase reported was actually 2.84% as that is what was calculated and provided by the insurance agent for the Wellmark policy.  The policy renewal listed the existing rate schedule (premium costs for each age bracket) and the new rate for each age bracket.  The difference between the old rate and the new rate for each age bracket was 2.84%.  The calculation did not take into consideration whether there would be any employees who would be moving into a different age bracket at some point during the year due to attaining a certain age on their birthday.

 

Linda Walker requested that the council keep the rate for the one time garbage container usage reasonable.

 

Jeff Kaufmann addressed the council with his annual update touching on highlights of the update to the sex offender law, funding on property tax credits and the state budget using one-time stimulus money to back fill the funding gaps.

 

CONSENT AGENDA: Bryan Lovell motioned, Larry Beck seconded to approve all items under the consent agenda including the agenda, finance reports, claims, and the minutes from 5/11/09. Roll call vote: Ayes:  Beck, Brown, Christianson, Barnhart, and Lovell. Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

The claims approved were as follows:

 

WELLMARK

3,261.63

INSURANCE

PAYROLL

6,178.86

WAGES

US POSTAL SERVICE

425.29

POSTAGE

INTL REVENUE SERVICE

3,490.11

FICA/MC

I P E R S

1,767.34

IPERS

BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK

21.31

MISC CONTRACTS

MCVILLE FIRE &AMB  VOLUNTEERS INC

3,250.00

CRP BURN

CHARLES GEERTZ

50.00

REFUND DEP

ALLIANT ENERGY

5,079.10

UTILITIES

SCOTT BISHOP

37.25

OTHER EQUIP

BUDS AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR

775.64

VEH REPAIR

DORIS FLOWER SHOP

50.00

KOHL GRAVE

IA EMS ASSOCIATION

30.00

DUES

IOWA WIRELESS

107.67

TELEPHONE

JIMS AUTO BODY

493.88

VEH REPAIR

JOHNSON CO REFUSE INC

2,937.50

RECYCLING

KOCH'S PAINT & LUMBER

397.07

BLDG MAINT

LISBON-MTVERNON AMB SERV

75.00

MUTUAL AID

MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO.

323.57

TELEPHONE

NATIONAL BUSINESS FURNIE

3,029.00

CAPITAL EQ

ODD JOBS INC-JERRY DAKE

400.00

BURIALS

QUILL CORPORATION

218.63

OFFICE SUP

RICKARD SIGN & DESIGN

180.00

MINOR EQUIPMENT

SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY

1,416.34

OPER EQUIP

SOUTHEASTERN COMM COLLEE

50.00

TRAINING

THE TIPTON CONSERVATOR

206.32

PUBLICATION

WALMART

8.16

OPER SUPPLY

CARUS CORPORATION

365.68

CHEMICAL

CASEY'S GENERAL STORE

52.62

VEH REPAIR

FIRE SERV TRAIN BUREAU

190.00

TRAINING

APACHE HOSE & BELTING

10.00

OP EQ REPAIR

CEDAR CO. SOLID WASTE

848.00

LANDFILL

KUNDE OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

69.53

VEH SUPPLY

SCOTT AREA LANDFILL

108.00

LANDFILL

ANGIE ENTWISLE

270.00

BLDG MAINT

KEYSTONE LAB, INC

333.70

PROF SERVI

ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICE

115.41

UNIFORM

QUILL CORPORATION

50.91

OFFICE SUP

TIME

29.95

 LIB SUBSCRIPTION

MOVIE LICENSING USA

75.00

 LIB SUBSCRIPTION

IA OFFICE SUPPLY

487.90

LIB COPY MNT

BINNS & STEVENS

1,066.70

DUST CONTROL

AGVANTAGE FS INC.

843.11

VEH SUPPLY

MATT PARROTT & SONS CO.

454.51

OFFICE SUPPLY

BANYON DATA SYSTEMS, INC

280.12

TRAINING

E C I A

563.04

DUES

 

 

Total Receipts and Disbursements for month of May by fund

Fund

Receipts

Disbursements

Agency-Water

214.75

76.25

Ambulance Trust

17,156.91

751.22

Debt Service

16,302.00

13,360.01

Fire Trust

.44

 

General

11,578.57

21,048.79

Library Expendable Trust

18.69

 

Perpetual Care

400.00

 

Road Use Tax

7,810.87

4,445.78

Sewer Utility

14,203.09

5,835.13

Solid Waste

7,913.69

7,457.92

Special Revenue LOST

5,463.90

 

Employee Benefit

3,224.06

2881.04

TIF

291.05

18,300.00 

Water Utility

14,507.37

2,723.55

Water Sinking Fund

2,500.00

22,682.70

 

 

REPORTS:

Library Board:  Green space behind library:  Amy Bishop presented information to the council on behalf of the library board requesting permission to utilize the green space behind the library to create a sitting garden for patrons with plans to utilize volunteers for the upkeep, potentially asking for assistance from the Garden Club and possibly applying for a Community Foundation Grant to cover any costs for the project.  Requested assistance in determining property line and whether a fence/gate would be required.  Council indicated that vandalism may become of a concern.  Larry Beck motioned, Carla Barnhart seconded, to authorize the library board to make a sitting area in the green space behind the library.  Ayes all.

 

Ambulance Report: Sherie Paup presented the ambulance report which included 12 medical calls and 2 trauma, with 4 refusals 1 tier with A-4 and 1 tier A-5 and one cancelled en-route to Stanwood for a total of 14 calls.  Debbie Kasik has resigned and 10 of 11 EMT’s have completed the HAZ MAT Ops class.

 

Fire Department Report:  Fire Chief Lonni Koch reported no calls for the month; the transmission in 168 needs repairs that are estimated at $1,500; and provided a list of features on the 1963 Ford Pumper to be sold.  The questions regarding the fire department budget and truck payments were answered with a copy of a spreadsheet that recapped the receipts from the contracts with the township trustees at $25,984.98 with $11,824.02 yet to be received, plus $19,333.00 allocated from the general fund for total receipts anticipated to be $57,142.  Of this, a total of $22,603 was transferred from the general fund into debt service with payments of $1,367.56 and $13,360.01 being made for interest and principal payments leaving an ending debt service fund balance of $7,875.43.

 

As of 6/1/09 fire expenses totaled $34,017.47 plus claims anticipated to be paid in the amount of $3,472.90; leaving the negative cash position of $2,951.37 within the general fund.

 

Police Report:  Police Chief Jim Barber provided a summary of the calls for the month which included 2 accidents; 7 agency assists; 2 animal cases; 3 arrests; 11 citizen assist,  1 criminal mischief; 1 domestic assault; 2 harassment;  10 - 911; 8 traffic stops, 3 citations, 5  warnings, 1 welfare check.  There were 5 warnings for code violations including illegal parking; animal at large, and no peddler’s license.  8 citations issued for fail to abate nuisance, no driver’s license, curfew violations, disorderly conduct, and no vehicle insurance. Informed council that there has been an increase in gang activity out of Cedar Rapids and there appears to be residents in town that associate themselves with them.  He continues to monitor closely.

 

Public Works Report: Alan Zerbe reported that they continue to mow, clean sewer intakes, clean streets, and trim trees.  The annual water report will be published, a collapsed catch basin was repaired, and yard waste will be moved to July 11 due to the holiday. 

 

Administration Report: The floor in the Memorial Building is scheduled to be waxed July 17-20; EMC completed the annual insurance audit for the Workman’s Comp policy; work orders to repair street lights near Casey’s have been submitted; attended the Community Foundation of Cedar County awards presentation June 4. 

The old school property is expected to become private property effective July 1. The new owner has granted verbal permission for the fireworks to still be held on July 4 with a request that he be listed as an additional insured under the city’s general liability insurance for the event.  In checking with the insurance company this can be done under the city’s policy without an additional cost.

 

Lonni Koch added that she has been contacted by the Johnson’s.  The Johnson’s are not able to patrol the parking this year north of Casey’s and have asked if the fire department would like to take this over and in exchange use the parking proceeds as a fund raiser.  The Johnson’s have requested that the front row be reserved for their family and that they be released from any insurance liability issues.  (The insurance company will need to be contacted.)

 

The Methodist Church has indicated that they have plans to provide a food tent this year for the event.

 

The council was made aware of a request received from Bill Koch asking if the city would go in on the purchase of a “coin” to be handed out to the participants of the Military Convoy that will be going through on June 21 with the cost being split 4 ways approx. $30-$40, unsure of actual route and the feasibility of actually being able to hand something to the drivers of the units. Gene Brown motioned, Jeff Christianson seconded, that if the other 3 participants are going to participate the city will go in on as well.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Old Business:

 Memorial Building-Tuck Pointing proposal:  Mayor Furry reported talking with members of the legion regarding the removal of the sign.  Gene Brown spoke with the post office and an alternate position for the flag will need to be determined.  A motion was made by Gene Brown, seconded by Carla Barnhart to accept part one of the tuck pointing proposal at a cost of $4,229.00 covering only the entrance area to the building.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Burning-recap of survey’s received:  To date there have been 45 surveys returned with the responses to the survey questions being:  1) should the burning of residential waste be more restrictive? 8 yes, 30 no; 2) should residential burning be allowed on just certain days of the week/month? 2 Yes, 38 no; 3) should residential burning be restricted to certain hours of a day? 4 yes, 36 no; 4) should residential burning be eliminated entirely? 4 yes, 37 no; 5) should any of the other exceptions that are currently allowed be banned? 3 Yes, 31 no and 6) should the ordinance be left alone? 37 yes, 5 no. 

 

 

New Business:

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON:

July 4 holiday falling on Saturday to be observed on either Friday or Monday, to be determined by the City council:  Bryan Lovell motioned, Gene Brown seconded, to set the Friday, July 3 as the day that will be observed for employees.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Resolution setting the rate for delivery/use of a one time extra garbage container at $10:  Gene Brown motioned, Larry Beck seconded to approve the resolution setting the fee at $10 per container for a one time extra garbage container.  Roll call vote: Ayes:  Beck, Brown, Christianson, Barnhart, and Lovell. Nays: None.  Resolution adopted.

 

Acceptance of the Community Foundation of Cedar County Grant for tennis court/skate board area:  The city had requested $7,500 in a grant application, and received notice for an award of $4,000 to help with the improvements to the tennis court/skate board area.  Instructions included in the grant indicated to return the check if the city would not be able to complete the project as proposed in the grant application.  A motion was made by Gene Brown, seconded by Jeff Christianson to accept the grant that was awarded for the project.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

A Lincoln Highway Banner grant was also approved by the foundation and awarded to the Lincoln Highway Association.  The city had previously agreed to be a participant in the application and will be responsible for contributing approximately $160 to complete that project.

 

Disposition of old tables at the Memorial Building:  The Senior Citizens were also notified that they would receive funding for the replacement of 10 tables at the Memorial Building.  Council directed that the 10 worst tables be identified and then put notice on the cable tv and post office that they are available for $10 each, first come first served and must be removed from the Memorial Building.

 

Board Appointments

Library Board: Bryan Lovell motioned and Jeff Christianson seconded to re-appoint Ann Canfield and Amy Bishop to the library board with one position remaining to be appointed.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Park Board:  Jeff Christianson motioned, Gene Brown seconded to appoint Tina Hanks, Jennifer Crandall, Tom Hall, and Kellie McCullough to the park board with one position remaining to be appointed.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Planning and Zoning:  Gene Brown motioned, Larry Beck seconded to re-appoint James Glover to the Planning and Zoning Board with one position remaining to be filled.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Board of Adjustments:  One term expiring, no action at this time.

 

Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission on park and Safe Route to School:  Council received recommendations from Planning and Zoning Commission on these two projects with additional emphasis to be added on implementing as many safety features as possible at the crossing of X-40.

 

Franchise Fee Language from SF478:  No action.

 

Correspondence from Mechanicsville Fire & Ambulance Volunteers Inc requesting city to have bank generate a history of the loan payments made to date and an amortization schedule of the loan for the Fire Truck:  A fire volunteer had went directly to the bank to request the information and was informed that the bank could not provide the account information without the consent of the city.  Carla Barnhart motioned, Gene Brown seconded to provide the information being requested. Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Letters to residents who need to get their lawns mowed: Council member Barnhart inquired as to who monitors this.  The police department attempts to monitor and enforce through the issuance of nuisance abatements, but citizens can certainly file a complaint if they so choose.

 

Request full-time employees monthly reports to include hours worked for the month and specify any overtime worked: Some discussion. No motion.

 

Committee Reports:  None

 

Correspondence: None.

 

Mayor’s Comments:  June 18th will be Alice’s Drive and June 21 will be the Military Convoy of which he will be requesting that the flags be put up for these events.  The audit report has been received back from the State of Iowa and is available on line, city hall, library, and the State Auditor’s Office.

 

Set next regular meeting date: 7-13-09 

 

ADJOURN:  There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, council member Larry Beck motioned, Bryan Lovell seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Ayes all.  Meeting adjourned.

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________                   ___________________________

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

City Clerk/Finance Officer