COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

                                                                                                            April 22, 2013                                                

                                    The Oelwein City Council met in regular session Monday, April 22, 2013.  Mayor Murphy called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

 

Roll Call                      PRESENT:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    ABSENT:    None

                                    ALSO PRESENT:  Letzring, Rigdon, VanVeldhuizen

 

Adopt Agenda             A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Stickel to adopt the agenda as amended.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Citizens                        Mike Kerns spoke in open public comment regarding transparency

Mike Kerns                  in local government and the franchise fee.  He indicated that the decision by the council to implement the fee on the first reading rather than three prevented the public from having input on its use. 

 

Consent Agenda          A motion was made by Petersen, seconded by Weber to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

                                    A.  Minutes of the April 8, 2013 regular meeting.

                                    B.  Claims Resolution in the amount of $530,874.38.

                                    B.  Class ‘C’ Beer Permit, Class ‘B’ Wine and Sunday Sales renewal

                                          For K-Mart #9233

                                    C.  Class ‘C’ Beer Permit and Sunday Sales Renewal for Pizza Hut #4340.

 

                                    All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Public Hearing             Murphy opened the Public Hearing on the Leasing of Certain Real

Leasing Real                Property for a Term of Approximately 50 Years in Connection with

Property – Police         the Financing for the Oelwein Police Station Project.

Station

                                    Mayor Murphy spoke regarding procedures required for the hearing.  He also outlined that the law enforcement center has spanned a 4 year, 4 month period of time, with 45 council meetings addressing the issue in that time; ten work sessions devoted to reviewing options for the facility, utilization of three consultants in the design and financing; analysis of 12 sites, both with existing buildings and empty parcels.  He also gave a brief synopsis of the resolution that council would vote on, explaining the terms of a 20-year bond payment and a 50-year lease on the land by a Trustee.  The lease will terminate when the debt obligation is met in 20 years.  Mayor Murphy also informed those present that included in this project cost is a portion of a 5^th Street extension, water main improvements as well as a storm water retention pond. 

 

                                    Twenty-five individuals were in attendance in the audience and seven individuals spoke at the Public Hearing.

 

                                    Mike Kerns, 1213 2^nd Street SW, Oelwein – Spoke regarding the cost and relative size of the police facility.  He informed the council that a 3-cell jail may not be necessary considering residents are funding the Fayette County jail.  He suggested the city could recop the costs of transporting prisoners by implementing administrative fines to re-collect some of those fees back to the City.  Kerns expressed concern that a $3.2 million police facility would not generate new jobs for our community; instead create additional overhead costs which require maintenance.  He asked Council to reconsider the committed costs for future residents and councils for the life of the facility and reminded those present that any savings could be used on other improvements within Oelwein.

 

 

 

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, APRIL 22, 2013, PAGE 2

 

                                    Paul Ganske, 116 Eastline Road, Oelwein – Expressed his feelings that property taxes in Oelwein were high and asked the council to try to decrease taxes whenever possible.  

 

                                    Duane Brandt, 721 1^st Avenue NE, Oelwein – Shared his opinion that a number of things being proposed with the facility could be changed to alternatives, or removed from the area.  He also indicated that the size of the facility seemed too large and adjustments could be made to decrease the size.  He indicated that in 2004 a similar study had projected a need for 8,000 square feet.  He also stated the franchise fee is to be used on property tax relief and economic development and the sales tax also has a portion earmarked for property tax relief.

 

                                    Dr. Anthony Leo, 116 8^th Avenue NE, Oelwein – Encouraged the council to hear proposed alternates and make fiscally responsible changes.  Leo indicated his great concern  that the space is too large and also expressed his concern that future maintenance to such a large building would be higher than expected.

 

                                    Jeff Gearhart, 715 5^th Street NE, Oelwein – Expressed his belief that the facility is greatly needed, yet the proposed building is too large.  Gearhart agreed that several state and federal guidelines require our facility to be brought up to code to meet the requirements.  He asked council to consider a scaled down version of these plans and use the savings for other projects around Oelwein.  He also indicated that communication between the council and the community should be reviewed to better inform citizens of action by the council.

 

                                    Savanna DeJong, 23 7^th Avenue SE, Oelwein – Reminded those present that the new facility is designed to be a long term solution which will withstand many changes, growth and developments within the community, state and country.  She expressed that in order to create a strong community basis, great fundamentals are needed.  Without a stronghold of internal facilities, the city will be unable to attract growth and development for our community’s future.  She indicated that having a new public facility on the main highway entering the community would also help sell the community to individuals who potentially might move to Oelwein or move their business to the community.

 

                                    Michael Leo, 3672 Outer Road, Oelwein – Shared his observations that many people are supportive of a new police facility, and in agreement that better working conditions are needed however the size and cost are very concerning.  He indicated his support for a new facility, saying the current facility is very inadequate but asked council to consider a smaller version.

 

                                    A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Petersen to close the Public Hearing.

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    Nays:  None

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Resolution #4734        A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Stickel to adopt Resolution No. 4734 Making Final Determination and Approving Leasing of Certain Real Property for a Term of Approximately 50 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, APRIL 22, 2013, PAGE 3

 

 

                                    During discussion Councilman Weber read a short statement which referenced research he has conducted in regards to the Police Station project since being elected in March.  Weber stated that council has already awarded the contract to build this facility to Ayars & Ayars, design work is already in progress and materials are being ordered.  He expressed concern that if council did not pass this resolution, our city finances may suffer as a result of poor bond ratings but also the cost of the project may very well increase due to the payments for design work and engineering that have already been paid as well as the expense associated with contract termination fees.  Weber stated that his opinion is the council should pass the resolution and move forward with the current project.  He encouraged the citizens of Oelwein to back the decisions of the council and also reminded all those present that negativity and pessimism will not bring jobs and people to Oelwein, it will only push them further away.   Also, the city council is comprised of taxpaying citizens of Oelwein, and they too want nothing but the best for the City of Oelwein.

 

                                    Sherrets expressed her preference to have the documents reference a 20 year lease and not 50 years.

 

                                    Murphy stated the bond repayment is for 20 years.  It is standard practice to use 50 years which allows for flexibility, and is also the maximum allowed by the State of Iowa.  The 50 year land lease will automatically terminate in 20 years upon completion of the debt obligation.

 

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Weber

                                    Nays:  Sherrets

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

                                    Dr. Anthony Leo requested clarification.  Murphy stated the City already signed the development contract approving the plan design and engaging in the project with Ayars and Ayars.   Changes would need to be made through “change orders” which can be costly.  He also stated the blueprint on the flyer in the newspaper is not the most current version.  Approved plans are similar, slightly smaller.

 

Proclamation                The Arbor Day Proclamation presentation was deferred to later in the week

Arbor Day                   when members of the Tree Board can be present.

 

Farmers Market            Delphine Deaner with Oelwein Farmers Market requested the following:

 

                                    1.  Permission to continue to use the parking lot northeast of Subway.

                                    2.  Remove pillars from old parking meters.

                                    3.  Electricity.

                                    4.  Signage for hitching post locations.

                                    5.  Long term development for a more permanent location involving

                                         electricity, water, restrooms, shade for educational and family activities.

 

                                    A motion was made by Petersen, seconded by Stickel to authorize City Administrator and Deaner to come up with options for improving the present Oelwein Farmers Market Site.  Stickel and Jim Prouty to visit and site and provide input.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

                                    Oelwein Farmers Market starts Friday, May 17, 8:00 – 11:00 A.M. and Mondays 3:00 –  6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, APRIL 22, 2013, PAGE 4

 

Affordable                   A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Petersen directing City

Care Act                      Administrator prepare administrative recommendation re: Affordable Care Act as it relates to City of Oelwein staff.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

                                    A motion was made by Petersen, seconded by Ryan authorizing the City Administrator to enter into a consulting agreement with True North re: Affordable Care Act.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Decant Basin Cover     Utility Superintendent Vic Kane presented two proposals to construct the decant basin cover at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP).

                                                Bryan Construction, Inc.          $28,000

                                                Jeremy Houge Construction     $26,213

                                    A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Stickel to authorize hiring low bidder Jeremy Houge Construction to construct the Decant Basin cover at the WPCP in the amount of $26,213.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Meter Replacement      A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Ericson authorizing the purchase of meters, mxu’s and versus accessories in the amount of $14,080.40.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Resolution #4735        A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Weber to adopt Resolution No. 4735 to Amend the Personnel Policy Manual.

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    Nays:  None

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Plaza Board                 Ryan presented the April Plaza Board meeting minutes.  City Administrator Letzring attended and was introduced to the Plaza Board.  Two checks were received from the Fayette Co. Clerk of Court for restitution regarding graffiti on the exterior Plaza Wall.  The Plaza/OCAD occupancy agreement is being reviewed.

 

Airport Board              Stickel presented the April Airport meeting minutes.

 

UERPC Board              Ryan and Letzring attended the April UERPC Board meeting.

 

Committee                   A motion was made by Petersen, seconded by Ericson to approve the

Assignments                following City Council Committee assignments:

 

                                    Planning, Finance, Enterprise & Economic Development

                                                Ericson (Chair), Sherrets, Weber

                                    Public Safety

                                                Weber (Chair), Petersen, Stickel

                                    Wellness Center, Community Wellness & Recreation

                                                Stickel (Chair), Weber, Ericson

                                    Wellness Center Steering

                                                Murphy, Letzring, Ericson

                                    Capital Improvement Program Committee

                                                Ryan (Chair), Weber, Petersen, Sherrets

                                    Ordinance Review Committee

                                                Petersen (Chair), Ryan, Ericson

                                    OCAD Liaison – Ericson

                                    Airport Liaison – Sherrets

                                    Park & Recreation – Weber

                                    Plaza Board – Ryan

 

                                    All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, APRIL 22, 2013, PAGE 5

 

 

NEIRL Appointment    A motion was made by Stickel, seconded by Weber to approve the appointment of Ericson and Ryan as Oelwein Council Representative to NEIRL.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

                                    Mayor requested City Administrator Letzring and other Department Heads research ideas for trash receptacles on the trails.

 

                                    City Attorney informed Council he received inquiry for sale of a city parcel of real estate in the 300 block of 9^th Avenue SW.  He requests Council look at the property prior to the next Council meeting.

 

Administrator Report   Letzring presented her administrator report.

 

Curbside Recycling      A Council work session was scheduled for May 13^th at 5:30 P.M. to review the Hub Express Curb Side Recycling Survey.

 

Mercy Hospital            Stickel shared a comment he received wherein a citizen questioned the council spending money on a police department instead of funding a hospital. 

 

                                    It was noted the hospital is not a City owned facility.

 

Executive Session        A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Petersen to go into Executive Session per Iowa Code 21.5(j) and 21.5(c) to discuss real estate and pending litigation.

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    Nays:  None

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Return to Regular         A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Petersen to return

Session                        to regular session.

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    Nays:  None

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Adjourn                       A motion was made by Weber, seconded by Ericson to adjourn at 8:02 P.M.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

 

                                                                               

                                                                                                                 __________________________________

                                                                                      LARRY MURPHY, MAYOR                                   

 

                                    ATTEST:

 

 

                                    ______________________________________

                                    JAMIE LETZRING, CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

                                    I, Jamie Letzring, City Administrator in and for the City of Oelwein, Iowa do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true accounting of the Council Proceedings held April 22, 2013 and copy of said proceedings was furnished to the Register April 24, 2013.

 

 

 

                                    ______________________________________

                                    JAMIE LETZRING, CITY ADMINISTRATOR          

 

                                                                                                COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

                                                                                                            April 8, 2013                                                  

                                    The Oelwein City Council met in regular session Monday, April 8, 2013.  Mayor Pro Tem Ericson called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

 

Roll Call                      PRESENT:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen (on speaker phone), Ericson, Sherrets,

                                                        Weber

                                    ABSENT:    None

                                    ALSO PRESENT:  Letzring, Rigdon, VanVeldhuizen

 

Adopt Agenda             A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Ryan to adopt the agenda as amended.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Consent Agenda          A motion was made by Petersen, seconded by Ericson to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

                                    A.  Minutes of the March 25, 2013 regular meeting.

                                    B.  Class ‘C’ Beer Permit and Sunday Sales Renewal for Oelwein Auto Plus.

                                    C.  Class ‘C’ Beer Permit and Sunday Sales Renewal for Kwik Trip #665.

 

                                    All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Farmers Market            Per Council consensus a request from Oelwein Farmers’ Market for improvements to the Market Site was deferred until Delphine Deaner can be present at the meeting.

 

Hotel Motel                  A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Sherrets to approve a Hotel/

Hanging Baskets          Motel Funding Tax request from OCAD re: Hanging Flower Baskets in the amount of $3,000.00.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Water Main                  Water Main improvements from 7^th Street SE north and west across the

Improvement               property the Police Station location will be quoted.  The water main will have excess capacity for additional commercial development on the north half of the property.

 

                                    A motion was made by Weber, seconded by Petersen to direct the City Administrator and Utility Superintendent to move forward on the water main improvements between 5^th Street and 7^th Street SE.

 

                                    Ericson would like to explore possibility of other improvements in that area, if it can be done in a cost effective manner.  This option will be explored.

 

                                    All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Aquatics Center           Utility Superintendent Kane explained the proposed Reimbursement

Lifeguard Training       Policy for Aquatics Center Lifeguard training.

 

                                    A motion was made by Stickel, seconded by Ericson to approve the Reimbursement Policy for Aquatics Center Lifeguard Training as follows:

 

                                    Reimbursement of WSI, LGI, CPO certifications and recertification will occur in the following manner.

 

                                    1)  The classes and certifications will be either mandated or preapproved by the City of Oelwein.

                                    2)  The initial cost of the certification or recertification classes will be paid by the employee.

                                    3)  Participant’s time or other expenses to secure the certifications do not qualify for reimbursement.

 

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, APRIL 8, 2013, PAGE 2

 

                                    4)  Must present proof of payment from the class with the certification document.

                                    5)  Must leave in good standing with the City by satisfactorily completing the pool season.

                                    6)  Certifications must be current and valid.

 

                                    Upon meeting this criterion the City will reimburse half of the expense presented for that LGI, WSI certifications or recertification at the end of that pool season.  This shall apply to every season that the employee returns to the pool and meets the criteria.  (i.e. if the License is a two year license the employee can receive full reimbursement by completing two consecutive years of satisfactory employment.)

 

                                    The initial CPO certifications will be reimbursed in full the first year upon completion of the criteria above.  As will the required yearly recertification classes.      

 

                                    All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Personnel Policy          A motion was made by Weber, seconded by Stickel to not allow

Manual Meal                reimbursement of an alcoholic dinner drink to be included as part of

Reimbursement            the meal reimbursement in the Personnel Policy Manual.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Resolution #4733        A motion was made by Petersen, seconded by Ericson to adopt Resolution

Public Hearing             No. 4733 Fixing a Date of Meeting for a Public Hearing on the Leasing of

Leasing Real                Certain Real Property for a Term of Approximately Fifty Years in

Property Police            Connection with the Financing for the Oelwein Police Station Project

Station Project              on April 22, 2013 at 6:00 P.M.

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    Nays:  None

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

May Meeting Dates      A motion was made by Stickel, seconded by Ericson to eliminate the regular May 13 and May 27 Council meeting dates and schedule one meeting on May 20, 2013 at 6:00 P.M.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Set Public Hearing       A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Stickel to set Public Hearing for

2012-13 Budget           2012-2013 Fiscal Year Budget Amendment on May 20, 2013 at 6:00 P.M. 

Amendment                 All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Library Board Mtg.      Macken presented the March Library Board meeting minutes.  After school and summer programs at Oelwein Schools received a grant to coordinate with the Library’s Summer Reading Program.  These students will visit the Library once a week throughout the summer.

 

                                    The Library received $1,350 Community Foundation of Fayette County Grant to replace some of the children’s computers.

 

                                    International Transmission Co. (ITC) donated $425 to the Library to sponsor the “Incredible Bats” program for the Summer Reading Program.

 

Exited Meeting             At 6:40 P.M. Petersen exited the meeting (phone disconnected).

 

Re-enter Meeting         at 6:43 P.M. Petersen re-entered the meeting (speaker phone).

 

Council Committee      Murphy handed out Committee and Liaison assignment sheets to

And Liaison                 council members.  Each council member will choose first, second and

Memberships               third choice preferences.  Committee assignments will be presented for approval at the next regular Council meeting.

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, APRIL 8, 2013, PAGE 3

 

 

Administrator’s            Letzring presented her Administrator’s report.

Report

 

Don O’Hara                 Stickel stated Don O’Hara, 942 1^st Avenue SE, contacted him regarding his wet basement from the proposed street water problem.  O’Hara has already contacted Street Superintendent Stewart.  City Administrator will inquire with Stewart.

 

                                    Ryan received two calls on yards without curbs that were slightly tore up this winter from snow plows.  City Administrator will instruct Stewart to investigate.

 

Park Damage               There was extensive terrain damage at City Park and Redgate Park.

 

Highway 150               Sherrets stated the cement street curb in front of the Post Office broke off and rebar is poking through on Highway 150.  Stewart will contact the Department of Transportation.

 

                                    Ericson reminded Council to give names to Murphy for the appointments on Park and Recreation Commission vacancies.

 

Executive Session        A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Stickel to go into Executive Session per Iowa Code 21.5(j) and 21.5(c) to discuss Real Estate and Union Negotiations.

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Petersen, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    Nays:  None

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Exited Meeting             Petersen exited the meeting.

 

Return to Regular         A motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Stickel to return to

Session                        regular session.

                                    Ayes:  Ryan, Stickel, Ericson, Sherrets, Weber

                                    Nays:  None

                                    Absent:  Petersen

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Union Negotiations      A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Stickel to authorize City Administrator Letzring and Labor Employment Attorney Wm J. Sueppel to coordinate meeting dates with the Mediator and proceed with union negotiations.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

Real Estate                   A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Stickel to authorize City Administrator and City Attorney to negotiate the Hedgman property demolition contract and report to the Council at the April 22^nd meeting.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

                                    Lt. Governor Reynolds will be at the RAMS Center Friday April 12 at 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS, APRIL 8, 2013, PAGE 4

 

Adjourn                       A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Stickel to adjourn at 7:30 P.M.  All voted aye.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                               

                                                                                                                 __________________________________

                                                                                      LARRY MURPHY, MAYOR                                   

 

                                    ATTEST:

 

 

                                    ______________________________________

                                    JAMIE LETZRING, CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

                                    I, Jamie Letzring, City Administrator in and for the City of Oelwein, Iowa do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true accounting of the Council Proceedings held April 8, 2013 and copy of said proceedings was furnished to the Register April 15, 2013.

 

 

 

                                    ______________________________________

                                    JAMIE LETZRING, CITY ADMINISTRATOR