City of Mechanicsville

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

April 11, 2005

 

The Mechanicsville City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 11, 2005 at City Hall.  Mayor David L. Furry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Council persons present for roll call were Larry Beck, Martin Meyer, Chris Yancey and Bryan Lovell and one vacant seat.  Others present included Alan Zerbe, Tom Albaugh, Jim Barber, Sherie Paup, Dan Koch, & Tom Hall.

 

OPPORTUNITY for any citizen present to discuss items not on the agenda: None.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:  The mayor opened the public hearing to hear comments for or against the city’s proposed Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.  The mayor informed the council of the process of how the plan was developed by the committee with representation from the Fire Department, Ambulance, Public Works, Police and City Council. There being no further comments for or against the plan a motion was made by Beck, seconded by Lovell, to close the hearing.  Ayes all. Motion carried.

 

CONSENT AGENDA: Martin Meyer motioned, Larry Beck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the agenda, minutes from 3/07/05, finance reports, and claims.  Roll call vote: Ayes:  Beck, Yancey, Meyer and Lovell. (Millers seat vacant.)  Motion carried.

 

The claims approved were as follows:

CARRIE ALBAUGH

102.91

CEDAR COUNTY TREASURER

5184.86

THOMAS ALBAUGH

758.23

CEDAR CO. SOLID WASTE

934.50

JAMES BARBER

990.74

LINDA COPPESS

120.00

ROBERT L BULGER

33.34

EAGLE ENGRAVING

14.40

LINDA COPPESS

1111.73

E C I A

454.81

STEVE DAY

71.20

VISIONARY SYSTEMS, LTD

100.00

KELLY EBY

218.56

I M F O A

75.00

JUDY HARTMAN

364.99

IOWA WIRELESS

136.00

MICHELLE POTTEBAUM

20.96

JONES COUNTY RECORDER

26.00

ALAN ZERBE

987.13

SCOTT KASIK

89.98

COLLECTION SERVICE CTR.

33.34

DAN KOCH

78.00

QUILL CORPORATION

52.73

KIRKWOOD COMM. COLLEGE

25.00

BRIDGE COMMUNITY BANK

3007.80

KEYSTONE LAB, INC

355.00

DELTA DENTAL

148.97

MIKE KOCH

44.70

WELLMARK

2254.86

LISBON-MTVERNON

75.00

CARRIE ALBAUGH

63.33

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

54.40

THOMAS ALBAUGH

758.23

MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO.

224.26

JAMES BARBER

990.74

MUNICIPAL EMERG SERVICE

75.00

LINDA COPPESS

1135.68

NEW HORIZON FS INC.

636.29

STEVE DAY

67.25

ODD JOBS INC

470.00

KELLY EBY

363.15

PETTY CASH

15.55

JUDY HARTMAN

390.82

QUILL CORPORATION

147.08

MICHELLE POTTEBAUM

27.94

SEEHUSEN INS. AGENCY,INC

26206.00

ALAN ZERBE

987.13

STRACKBEINS, INC.

27.48

I P E R S

1341.34

TRIPLE T ENTERPRISE, INC

67.50

US POSTAL SERVICE

111.85

SHIRTS-N-STUFF

403.25

FOLLETT SOFTWARE COMPANY

480.00

CONSERVATIVE PUBLISHING

163.92

US POSTAL SERVICE

307.80

WENDLING QUARRIES INC

143.64

TREAS, STATE OF IOWA

962.67

WALMART

8.44

JUDY HARTMAN

37.00

WERLING ABSTRACT COMPANY

150.00

MECHANICSVILLE TELE. CO.

28.41

KOCH'S PAINT & LUMBER

94.98

DEMCO

45.97

DEAN KURTH, OWNER

996.18

AMAZON.COM

44.25

QUEST COMPONENTS

33.50

TIGER'S EYE TECHNOLOGY

12.50

E C I A

911.19

TEEN PEOPLE

15.97

HYGIENIC LABORATORY

15.00

SILVER TREE COMPUTING

28.33

BRYANS HOME IMPROVEMENT

2613.93

PEOPLE

57.71

CARRIE ALBAUGH

91.04

BETTER HOMES & GARDEN

21.20

THOMAS ALBAUGH

758.23

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCI

34.00

JAMES BARBER

990.74

WALMART

55.09

LINDA COPPESS

1059.84

EAST CENTRAL LIBRARY SER

67.00

STEVE DAY

391.00

ACCO, UNLIMITED CORP.

299.80

KELLY EBY

333.29

AIRGAS, INC.

88.97

JUDY HARTMAN

456.40

ALLIANCE MEDICAL

160.10

MICHELLE POTTEBAUM

22.70

ALLIANT ENERGY

4932.89

ALAN ZERBE

987.13

ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICE

128.50

WELLMARK

2254.86

BUSINESS RADIO SALES

102.65

DELTA DENTAL

148.97

BATTERIES PLUS

83.95

JUDY HARTMAN

27

BNA BOOKS

45.84

TREAS, STATE OF IOWA

1482.00

CASEY'S GENERAL STORE

125.30

 

 

 

 

 

Total Receipts for the month of March per fund:

Agency-Water

50.00

Ambulance Trust

3916.11

Fire Trust

65.42

General

7296.66

Library Exp Trust

8.68

Perpetual Care

225.00

Road Use Tax

9,601.43

Sewer Utility

5,799.04

Solid Waste

7,148.05

Special Revenue

5184.86

Water Utility

6343.98

Water Sinking Fund

2,500.00

Special Rev-Emp Benefit

530.00

 

 

Total disbursements for the month of March per fund:

Agency-Water

4.69

Ambulance Trust

489.00

General

18,122.90

Library Exp Trust

480.00

Road Use Tax

3,603.45

Sewer Utility

5,890.77

Solid Waste

5,437.65

Special Revenue-Opt Tax

5,184.86

Special Revenue Emp Benefit

3,801.41

Water Utility

3,647.14

 

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

ADMINISTRATION:  Coppess reported that Mrs. Montz’s 5th grade class volunteered to do raking and clean up work in Cruse Park on Friday April 8.  They contributed a total of 94 volunteer hours of labor to pick up a dump trailer full of garbage, leaves and sticks.  Communication has taken place with Ament Engineering regarding the Sign replacement and some changes they were going to have to make due to the increased cost of the steel posts.  Research has been started regarding what to do with the contents of the tank located near Short Street and Monroe. Coppess reported that she has plans to attend the IDOT Street Finance Report class on May 26, the IMFOA Conference on April 21 & 22, and vacation days on May 19 & 20; July 25-29.  Meyer motioned and Lovell seconded to approve.  Ayes all.  Motion carried. 

 

Council also reviewed a request to purchase a new copy machine for city hall.  A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Beck to approve the purchase with the cost not to exceed $3500.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:  Zerbe submitted work logs and requested vacation days for Albaugh from May 27 – June 3.  Meyer motioned, Beck seconded to approve.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Council discussed the request to purchase a 7 foot rear mount rotary cutter and after review of the two proposals a motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Beck to approve the purchase of the Model MX7 at a cost of $2,475.   Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Council also review two proposals for the purchase of a lawn mower, after some discussion, a motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Lovell, to purchase the JD 1435 front mount with the 72 inch side discharge mower deck at a total cost of $13,471.  Ayes all. Motion carried.

 

Council also directed that the Cub Cadet be advertised and sold to the highest bidder.  It was decided that the JD 425 mower would be kept.

 

POLICE REPORT:  Police Chief Jim Barber presented council with his summary of activity (3/7/05-4/10/05) which included 6 agency assists, 1 animal case; 4 assist motorist; 22 citizen assist; 2 criminal mischief; 2 Harassment; 2 – 911, 8 traffic stops with 8 warnings; 5 warnings for code violations for illegal parking, dogs at large, noise complaint; and curfew violation; 1 abatement notice served; 2 NSF notices; 2 citations issued for failure to abate nuisance.  

 

Chief Barber also indicated that he had received a request for a parade permit for the Sesquicentennial Parade; indicated that the house boat has been removed; and informed the council of upcoming court dates of 4/14 and 5/5 regarding nuisances.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Dan Koch, Fire Chief, reported 9 calls for the month; including 2 vehicle roll over; storm watch; tornado drill; 3 grass/field fires; and 2 mutual aid calls for field fires. Koch also reported that there would be a weather spotter class on April 13.

 

Request for SCBA Flow Tests at a cost of $1065 was approved with a motion by Meyer, seconded by Lovell.  Ayes all.

 

Request to purchase 4 tires for 168 at a cost of $464 was approved with a motion by Lovell, and second by Beck.  Ayes all.

 

A request to purchase 2 storage boxes for 162 at a total cost of $600 was approved with a motion by Lovell, and second by Yancey.  Ayes all.

 

Beck made a motion, seconded by Meyer, to approve the Fire works permit for the July 4 celebration.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Koch also reported that an application was received from Aaron Nebergall to join the fire department.  Meyer motioned, Beck seconded to approve the application.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

AMBULANCE REPORT: Sherie Paup reported that the ambulance had 10 medical calls and 3 traumas for a total of 13 for the month.

 

She also reported that Wes Strickler has requested to join the ambulance and is currently enrolled in the EMT Basic class.  Yancey motioned, Beck seconded to approve the request.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Paup also informed the council that they have received 8 new radio pagers, a case of oxygen masks, and they have been approved for a new computer through the grant.

 

OLD BUSINESS-Discussion and possible action on the status of the following projects:

 

Review of additional information regarding water tower maintenance agreement: 

Lovell presented a summary of the information he had gathered from the various company’s who would perform maintenance on the water towers.  It came down to a decision between Central Tank Coatings at a cost of $1000 and $800 every 2 years for the two towers and Maguire Tank at a cost of $1350 and $1150 every 3 years.  A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Lovell to enter an agreement with Central Tank Coatings.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Defining plan for sidewalk replacement along South Street:  The committee reported that they did not have an opportunity to walk the sidewalks along South Street in order to verify those that have to be replaced.  Plans were made to schedule the walk this week and to complete the walk west of the school.  It was decided that to keep things fair and equitable the city would not be participating in any type of financial assistance for the sidewalk replacement, that the sidewalk maintenance is part of each homeowner’s responsibility of maintaining their property.  The final plan for the sidewalk improvement program will include a time frame for all residents to have their sidewalk improvements completed.   

 

New Business

Discussion and possible action on:

Resolution 2005-06 to approve and adopt the Mechanicsville Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan:  Having held the public hearing and review of the plan, a motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Yancey to adopt the Mechanicsville Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.  Roll call vote:  Ayes: Beck, Lovell, Yancey, Meyer.  Nays: None.  Vacant: Miller.  Resolution adopted.

 

Resolution 2005-07 to approve ECIA Administration contract for the Housing Grant.  Motion was made by Lovell, seconded by Beck to adopt resolution 2005-07.  Roll call:  Ayes: Beck, Lovell, Yancey, Meyer.  Nays: None.  Vacant: Miller.  Resolution adopted.

 

Authorization for alternate signatories for SHPO comment forms:  After a brief discussion, council elected to table action on this until additional information was received from ECIA.

 

Establishing fees for rental of street sweeper with/without operator:  A request was received from Stanwood regarding this and after some discussion and deliberation, the council did not feel we were able to rent the equipment at this time due to the repair work that is needed on the machine; although the thought was appreciated.

 

Reading of ordinance #199 for duty to carry permit to carry weapons:  A motion was made by Beck, seconded by Yancey, to read the ordinance.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

The ordinance was read:

 

41.12 DUTY TO CARRY PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPONS.  A person armed with a revolver, pistol, or pocket billy concealed upon the person shall have in the person’s immediate possession the permit provided for in section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraph “i”, and shall produce the permit for inspection at the request of a peace officer.  Failure to so produce a permit is a simple misdemeanor. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 724.5)

 

A motion was made by Beck, seconded by Yancey, to dispense with the 2nd and 3rd readings of the ordinance.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Yancey, seconded by Beck.  Roll call: Ayes: Beck, Lovell, Yancey, Meyer.  Nays: None.  Vacant: Miller.  Ordinance adopted.

 

Reading of ordinance #200 for obstruction of emergency communications:  A motion was made by Beck, seconded by Yancey, to read the ordinance.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

The ordinance was read:

41.13 OBSTRUCTION OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS.  An emergency communication is any telephone call or radio transmission to a fire department or police department for aid, or a call or transmission for medical aid or ambulance service, when human life or property is in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential.  A person who fails to relinquish a telephone or telephone line which the person is using when informed that the phone or line is needed for an emergency call or knowingly and intentionally obstructs or interferes with an emergency call or transmission commits a simple misdemeanor.  (Code of Iowa, Sec. 727.5)

 

A motion was made by Lovell, seconded by Meyer, to dispense with the 2nd and 3rd readings of the ordinance.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Lovell, seconded by Beck.  Roll call: Ayes: Beck, Lovell, Yancey, Meyer.  Nays: None.  Vacant: Miller.  Ordinance adopted.

 

Proposed lease from Iowa Health System Physicians & Clinics:  Council reviewed the proposed lease and agreed to keep the terms the same until January, 2006.  Council directed clerk to send letter with lease indicating the city’s desire to maintain a doctors office in the city and in an attempt to help keep the rental costs down, the city would like to review the allocation of space being used as storage (previously referred to as the “old x-ray room”.  Motion was made by Meyer to authorize the Mayor to sign the lease with the proposed negotiations and seconded by Yancey.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Proposal from Iowa Codification for updating the code book:  The council reviewed two options for updating the 1998 Code book and a motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Yancey to approve the option that incorporates all of the legislative changes that have occurred as well as the additional ordinances that have been adopted at a cost of $2500.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Letter of Resignation from Council member Miller and decision to fill vacancy by appointment or by special election: At this time, council accepted with regrets a letter of resignation that was submitted by Tim Miller.  Tim has accepted other employment requiring him to relocate out of the community.  At this time a motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Beck to publish a notice that the council intends to fill the vacancy by appointment.  Anyone interested in filling the vacancy that will expire December 31, 2007 shall express their interest by submitting a letter of intent to accept the appointment should they be appointed. 

 

Extend the filling of the ditch on x-40 to 125th:  Meyer motioned, Lovell seconded to exercise the option with Oberbreckling to extend the work in filling the ditch on the west side of X-40 to 125th street since the bond issue passed.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.

 

Request from Iowa Rural Water Association for assistance in promoting National Water Week May 2-6: Although the council was interested in promoting national water week, the time frame for the suggested activities was not compatible with schedules, so no action was taken.

 

Street, curb, and gutter repair:  Council reviewed a list of items that needed attention and directed Zerbe to continue with getting bids from JJJ Enterprises, Oberbreckling, and anyone else locally that would do that type of work.  He was also directed to get pricing on correcting the retaining wall at the corner of Crestview Drive and prices on widening the street at the west end of First street.

 

Beautification west of cemetery:  Beck informed council that he had a conversation with the adjoining land owner and the landowner is not interested in removing the fence at this time.  The city will proceed with removing the volunteer trees.  It was also noted that the clean up work on the north side of the cemetery and around the shed looked great.

 

Support for Habitat for Humanity:   After a review of what was required in order to be the “host” community, the first priority identified was to find a partner family.  Meyer motioned, Lovell seconded, to authorize to support and provide administrative help however we can.  Ayes all.  Motion carried.  Some additional discussion on how to get the word out in trying to locate the partner family and some possibilities suggested were to include information in a future newsletter, cable channel, or information to the churches.

 

Correspondence

IDNR Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements 2005 Comments were received, an announcement for the Iowa One Call Annual Meeting April 21 @ 9:00 a.m.; received responses from  Tom Harkin and Jim Nussle regarding CDBG funding; information on the Iowa Brownfield Redevelopment Program; All Star Community Awards 2005; read a proposal from Hardens Lawn Service; read thank you’s for the news letter, trash and recycling, and for clearing of the streets in the winter; reviewed information about the April 14 Iowa Ace Spring Conference in Cedar Rapids council chambers; and a Stewards of the Beautiful Land Course sponsored by Trees Forever at a cost of $30.

 

Committee Reports:  Lovell reported that the safety committee had met and done inspections.  Some discussion about setting up a community wide volunteer day for the purpose of completing park clean up & painting of equipment.  It was suggested picking a Saturday in May; however, with the graduation parties already scheduled and the shelter reserved, it would be difficult to schedule.  Meyer and Yancey will work on trying to come up with a proposal.

 

Set next meeting date:  5/9/05

 

MAYORS COMMENTS:  Mayor Furry expressed his appreciation for all the work being done to get projects completed and a special thanks to the 5th grade class for taking the initiative to clean up the park.  He also stated that he was very excited about the way the residents of the community stepped up and supported the bond issue.  He encouraged all to keep up the good work.

 

ADJOURN:  There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, council member Meyer, motioned, Yancey seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 p.m.  Ayes all.  Meeting adjourned.

 

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________                     _______________________________

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

City Clerk/Finance Officer