Special COUNCIL MEETING
April 1st, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 1st, at 5:30 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding.
Roll call: Present - Council members Potratz, Larson, Scott, Luchsinger Absent: Lowery.
Motion Potratz and Seconded Larson to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Being the time for a public hearing on the property tax levy, Mayor Post opened the floor for comment on the property tax levy. City Administrator/Clerk Hawes read aloud a letter to the council and mayor from retired city administrator/clerk, Christie Dennis, objecting to the tax levy, requesting clarification to the justification for the increase in the property tax levy, and recommending that the city look into contracting law enforcement through the county Sheriff’s office. Hawes stated that the justification for the increase posted in the property tax levy notice was incorrect, an error on his part. The actual justification for the increase in property tax is due to increased property valuations, increased insurance costs, and increased employee benefits. Danielle Cushion of Fayette inquired about how contracting with the Sherriff’s office would affect the response time to calls. Chief Davis responded that the response time would be approximately 25 minutes for response time. Cushion stated that as a daughter of law enforcement officers, it is known that the presence of law enforcement is a deterrent of crime. Mayor Post stated that there haven’t been any discussions about following through on the request from Dennis.
After calling for any additional comments on the property tax levy hearing and receiving none, Post asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion Larson, Seconded Luchsinger to close the public hearing. All ayes. Mayor Post declared the public hearing closed.
Motion Potratz to adjourn. With no objections, Mayor Post declared the meeting adjourned at 5:43pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 1st, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 1st, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Larson, Scott, Luchsinger, Lowery, Potratz.
Moved Potratz, Seconded Larson to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 3/18/24 and the approval of the claims list 3/16/24 – 3/29/24 and receiving December Financial Reports. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Citizen Comments: Scott Bowen of Fayette addressed the council with concerns and confusion towards Resolution 2024-05. Bowen stated that words matter and there was language in the resolution that didn’t make sense. Bowen requested the resolution be nullified and recrafted to meet the original intent. Kris McGrane of Fayette addressed the council about understanding how pay increases granted in the middle of the fiscal year affected the budget. McGrane also reminded the council of the resources to contact when questions arise about how to proceed. Josh McCraney of Fayette questioned the council about when the electric vehicle charging stations for the city will be installed.
Motion Potratz Second Larson to approve the agenda. All Ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Post stated in his report that he wants to make sure city employees are using the chain of command to ensure all city employees are following proper protocol.
Motion Potratz Seconded Larson to approve Logan Purdy, Hayden Sathe, and Torianne Ausmus to the Fayette Fire Department, All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Potratz, second Scott to accept the resignation of City Attorney Pat Dillon. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his report that Dan Bonjour of Fayette Electronics and the Public Works Department will be working together to install cabling at 9S Main.
Public Works Director stated that the public works department are working on getting the parks cleaned up and ready for spring.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 8A: Resolution 2024-06 – Resolution Adopting the Proposed Property Tax Levy for FY 2025. It was found this is no longer needed by state requirement. Approval of the budget later in the month will also approve the property tax levy.
Roy Karlson of Fayette addressed the council about the Freedom Rock improvement project. This past October, a committee was formed to put a gazebo with lighting and flag poles at the Freedom Rock area. The Fayette Chamber of Commerce applied for a grant and was able to receive $10,000 toward the project.
Motion Lowery Seconded Scott to provide funds up to $40,000 for the improvements at the Fayette Freedom Rock to come out of Bolger Fund or Hotel/Motel tax fund. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Potratz, Seconded Luchsinger to acknowledge receipt of minutes from Fayette Fire Department meeting minutes from 3/19/24, Economic Development meeting minutes from 3/27/24 and Personnel Committee meeting minutes from 3/28/24. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz Seconded Lowery to update the Personnel Policy to include a requirement for background checks for all city employees. All Ayes, Motion carried.
Motion Luchsinger Seconded Larson to have City Administrator/Clerk post Request for Proposals for City Attorney. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion Scott Seconded Larson to table Resolution 2024-08 to take it to the Personnel Committee and consult Johansen Consulting. Roll Call, All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Lowery, Seconded Luchsinger to move forward with getting more bids for a new drop box at 9S Main. All Ayes, Motion Carries.
Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 6:50pm.
The next regular meeting will be at 6:00 PM Monday, April 15th at the Fayette Community Library.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 18th, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 18th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Potratz, Larson, Scott, Luchsinger Absent: Lowery.
Moved Scott, Seconded Larson to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 3/04/24 and the approval of the claims list 3/2/24 – 3/15/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Citizen Comments: Scott Bowen of Fayette expressed concern over the recent change of the due date for city council agenda items due to the city clerk. Bowen said city departments have meetings and have items to complete after the deadline and wanted to know why that was changed. Mayor Post responded that the council decided by Resolution earlier in the year to be able to receive council packets earlier to have ample time to review them. Mayor Post learned while attending the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy that many cities require items due to the city clerk a week before the meeting to ensure their council receives meeting information with time to review. The mayor mentioned that critical items may be added, if needed, up to when the agenda needs to be posted, 24 hours before the council meeting by contacting him or City Administrator/Clerk Hawes.
Motion Luchsinger, Second Scott, to approve the agenda. All Ayes Motion carried.
Mayor Post stated in his report that the Monday morning OPS meetings held for city department heads have created some better communication between departments and reminded department heads to inform their employees that all city employees including volunteers must follow through the chain of command going through their respective department head with concerns or questions regarding city business. Post stated that Tiffany Johansen attended one of the OPS meetings and is working on updating policies for the city. The mayor requested a motion for the appointment of the Fayette Ambulance Service. Discussion was had about background checks on the volunteer applicants. Logan Purdy had a background check completed by Police Chief Davis. Chief Davis stated that the other applicants hadn’t had completed background checks yet although the two are members of the Fire Department. It was discussed that the Fire Department doesn’t currently require background checks for their volunteers.
A two-part motion was made by Scott and seconded by Larson to first approve Logan Purdy to the Fayette Ambulance Service, and second to approve Stacey Meyer and Elizabeth Meyer to the Fayette Ambulance Service pending background checks. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his report that Dan Bonjour of Fayette Electronics and the Public Works Department will be working together to install cabling at 9S Main. The city is receiving an estimate for the drop box move. The clerk's desk countertop is ordered and on the way.
Police Chief Davis informed the council that will be attending a training in Oelwein with the Iowa Associations of Chiefs of Police. Along with about 49 other agencies, K9 Officer Ball attended a recertification training for the K9 Odin. Officer Ball and Odin received a perfect score of 200/200 and was the top K9 in Region 12. Officer Ball and K9 Odin now have the opportunity to compete at nationals later this year. Chief Davis held open testing for the vacant full-time officer position. Davis will be following up with 3 individuals for the written test.
Fire Chief Schulmeister gave a report that the spaghetti supper was a success with about 300 in attendance.
Motion Potratz Seconded Scott to advise WEE Investments that the person responsible for the bill should set up a payment plan with the city to pay off their unusually high utility bill waiving late fees on the February amount with the condition that they keep up current bills. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Discussion was had about the Freedom Rock improvement project. There will be a meeting Thursday at 9:00 AM with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Larson recommended that the city investigate who painted it to learn what it takes to seal coat it and make sure that has been done as well. Motion Potratz, Seconded Luchsinger to table Freedom Rock Discussion until the next meeting. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Discussion was had about tourism ideas for the city of Fayette. The Economic Development committee plans to meet in the upcoming week.
Motion Larson, Seconded Scott to table until next meeting after the committee meeting. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Larson to acknowledge receipt of minutes from Fayette Ambulance Service meeting minutes from 3/06/24 and Fayette Fire Department meeting minutes from 3/5/24. All ayes, motion carried.
Discussion was had about purchasing new bunker gear. Chief Schulmeister will gather information about prices for gear. The Fire Department have money in savings for new equipment. The chief mentioned a grant that he would like the city to apply for. Motion Scott, Seconded Luchsinger, to table purchasing new bunker gear for the Fayette Fire Department until next meeting. All ayes, motion carried.
Discussion was had about cashing in the Library CD. City Administrator Hawes informed the council that Library Director Butikofer took the agenda item to the library board and the board decided to cash it out and reinvest it into a 5-month CD at 4.93% interest. No action was taken by the council.
Motion Larson, Seconded Potratz, to pass Resolution 2024-07 – Resolution approving the agreement between the city of Fayette, Iowa, and Fehr Graham Engineering to provide professional services for the Washington St. Sanitary Sewer Improvements project. Roll Call. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Larson, Seconded Luchsinger to direct the City Administrator/Clerk to publish the proposed property tax levy and setting a Public Hearing for Monday, April 1, 2024, at 5:30 PM on the Fiscal Year 2025 proposed property tax levy. All ayes, motion carried.
Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 6:38pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
March 4th, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 4th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Larson, Scott, Potratz, Luchsinger, and Lowery.
Moved Scott, seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/20/24 and the approval of the claims list 2/17/24 – 3/1/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz, Second Luchsinger, to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Post stated in his report that he has been working with Tiffany Johansen, the recent HR consultant hired for the City, to update some policies. The mayor requested a motion for the appointment of James Hanson to the fire department; a motion was not made by the council and therefore no action was taken.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with the previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane, on the FY25 budget process. McGrane also trained Hawes on some HR-related items, including preparation for the new Public Works employee to start this month.
Police Chief Davis informed the council they are doing open testing for the open police officer position. The police are hoping to have the series of tests done by the end of the month.
Motion Larson Seconded Scott, to approve the Third and Final Reading of Ordinance 519. Roll Call. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion Lowery Seconded Scott to permit outdoor live music at 103 Washington St from 6-11pm on June 29, 2024. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion Potratz Seconded Lowery to accept receipt of minutes from Fayette Safety Committee meeting minutes from 2/21/24 and Finance Committee meetings from 2/28. All ayes, motion carried.
Wayne Moss of WEE Investments addressed the council with a February Utility bill of over $3,000. Motion Potratz Seconded Scott to grant an extra 30 days for the WEE Investment utility bill to find out information about the previous precedent set. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz, Seconded Larson, to pass Resolution 2024-05 Insurance Requirements for Emergency Response Vehicles. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz, to provide Fayette County with the City of Fayette’s Proposed Tax Levy. All ayes, motion carried.
Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 6:37pm.
The next meeting will be at 6:00 PM Monday, March 18th at the Fayette Community Library.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 20th, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, February 20th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Potratz, Larson, Scott, Lowery, and Luchsinger.
Moved Potratz seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 2/05/24 and, Approval of the claims list 2/3/24 – 2/16/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Citizen Comments: Dan Bolberg addressed the council to clear up any misconceptions stating that the redemption money from the can donation location in Fayette all goes to non-profit organizations around the Fayette area. James Opperman of the Kornhill Redemption Center was present at the meeting and provided a donation to the American Legion with Scott Bowen of Fayette present to accept the donation. Opperman offered to donate to causes in the Fayette area. Opperman stated that donations from redemption total $160-$200 per month returned to the community. Opperman requested for those donating cans to please tie the bags shut to make it easier to pick them up.
Motion Scott, Second Lowery to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Post in his report, talked about the finance committee meetings on the budget that were held over the past week. Mayor Post met with Andrew Wenthe at UIU to discuss different ways to work together.
Upon recommendation from the Fire Department meeting minutes 2/13; Motion Scott, Seconded Luchsinger to approve adding Zach Bennett to the Fire Department. All ayes. Motion Carried.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane FY25 budget process. The budget process is coming along with the finance committee having multiple meetings over the past week.
Police Chief Davis informed the council that he is working with UIU to finalize their contract. Picking up the new police vehicle from the outfitter this week.
Fire Chief Kenny Schulmeister promoted to the council that the Fire Department Spaghetti Supper will be March 9th. The Spaghetti Supper starts at 5PM at the Fayette Fire Station.
Ambulance Service Director Roger Post reported that the Fayette Ambulance/EMS Waffle Breakfast will not be held in April, instead it will be held the Saturday morning of the Sesquicentennial celebration weekend.
Library Director Annette Butikofer informed the council that there is legislation that the state is trying to pass that would do away with the library board and put the city council in charge of community libraries.
Motion Scott Seconded Larson to approve the Second Reading of Ordinance 519. Roll Call. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion Larson Seconded Lowery to pull out Ambulance CD at maturity and put into a 5 month CD to obtain highest interest rate. All ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Lowery Seconded Larson to accept receipt of minutes from Finance Committee meetings from 2/7, 2/13,2/14, 2/16, and 2/19. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott Seconded Luchsinger to approve receipt of Fayette Community Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from 1/10/24 and Fire Department meeting minutes from 2/13/24 All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz, Seconded Larson, to approve building permit for Brian and Anita Vanous All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz, seconded Luchsinger to hire Tiffany Johansen of Johansen Consulting as a Human Resources Consultant for the City at the package agreed to during finance committee meeting. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz, Seconded Lowery to hire Curtis Steil as a Public Works Technician pending background check All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery, to approve the purchase of 2 ALS jump bags up to $2,000 from the current budget. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Scott Seconded Lowery for the approval of 3 active threat medical bags for Fayette Ambulance Service up to $4,000 from the current budget. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Luchsinger, Seconded Larson, to use the American Rescue Funds by the end of FY25 on a CIPP Pipe Lining project repairing sewer lines throughout Fayette. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Lowery, Seconded Larson, to close the open session approve Roll Call, All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Larson, to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City would receive that property. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Motion Larson, Seconded Scott to end closed session Roll Call, All Ayes, Motion Carried
Motion Potratz, Seconded Scott to open the open session. Roll Call. All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion Scott Seconded Potratz to table topic discussed during closed session for a later date. Roll Call.
Ayes: Larson, Luchsinger, Potratz, Scott. Nay: Lowery Motion Carried.
Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 7:22pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 5th, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, February 5th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Larson, Lowery, Luchsinger, Potratz, and Scott.
Moved Potratz seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 1/16/24 and, Approval of the amended claims list 1/13/24 – 2/02/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Citizen Comments: Andrew Wenthe addressed the council with a petition signed by citizens who would like to see the Volga Recreation Trail completed. Louise Scott of Fayette spoke positively about Councilor Janice Larson in her work toward finding information about the trail. Scott also advocated for the completion of the trail providing pages of a petition of Fayette residents wanting to complete the trail. Scott requested that the item be brought back onto the council agenda in the future. Sue Runyon of Fayette spoke positively toward the completion of the trail with hopes that Bolger funds would be used to pay for the trail and the city would use funds from Local Option Sales Tax or Hotel/Motel Tax. Runyon also made note that she lives next to the trail and many people are using it daily. Councilor Larson mentioned two grants that the city could apply for. Mayor Post mentioned looking into funding as well as putting a committee together to apply for grants on behalf of the city. The mayor and council agreed that this will be something the Finance Committee looks at this budget season. Finance Committee meetings are open meetings and agendas are posted 24 hours in advance at the post office, bank, and city hall.
Motion Scott, Second Luchsinger to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Post recommended to the council that they appoint April Ransom to the Library Board. Mayor Post also recommended appointing Wanda Crawford to the Park and Rec Board. Mayor Post told the council that he has several meetings planned with the finance committee and other city groups throughout the next couple of weeks. Mayor Post gave kudos to the Fire Department for volunteering to shovel out fire hydrants around the city.
Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery to approve adding April Ransom to the Library Board. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion Larson, Seconded Potratz to approve adding Wanda Crawford to the Park and Rec Board. All ayes. Motion Carried.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on sending out W-2s and 1099’s as well as the FY 25 budget process.
Police Chief Davis informed the council that he spent last week at the state capitol meeting with dozens of representatives advocating against the ban on automated traffic enforcement cameras.
Library Director Annette Butikofer informed the council that she and library board members are advocating against a piece of legislation (SSB 3166) changing the verbiage from “The city shall support their library” to the “The city may support their library”. This change could set a precedent for libraries to lose funding from their city.
Motion Potratz Seconded Lowery to receive minutes from Economic Development Committee Meeting and Finance Committee meeting. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Lowery Seconded Larson to table approving payment for the Downtown & Neighborhood Revitalization Program to Bob Schultz. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Luchsinger to table discussion on permitting outdoor live music from 6pm-11pm on 6/29/24 at 103 Washington St. All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, seconded Lowery, for the City to join the Fayette Chamber of Commerce at the going membership rate and table chamber funding to another meeting. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott Seconded Luchsinger to move forward with getting bids for altering the Open-Air Market sign and updating it to Hofbauer Park (as originally named). All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Luchsinger, Seconded Lowery, to approve selling the 2017 Police Ford Explorer to Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for $7500. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz Seconded Larson to check with the Ambulance Department Chief regarding how they want to handle Ambulance CD at maturity.
Moved Lowery, seconded Larson, to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the City would receive that property. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Motion Larson Seconded Scott to open the open session. Roll Call. All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion Scott Seconded Lowery that Mayor Post move forward with directions as discussed during closed session. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Potratz moved to adjourn the meeting. There being no objections, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 7:44pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 16th, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, January 16th, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Luchsinger, Larson, Potratz, and Scott.
Moved Potratz seconded Luchsinger to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 1/02/24, Approval of claims list 12/30/23 – 1/12/24. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Lowery Second Larson to approve the agenda. Roll Call, All ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Post addressed the council giving kudos to the public works department on their efforts with the snow removal after the recent snowstorm. Mayor Post also spoke about a 5-year Capital Improvements plan that he would like to start working on. This plan would provide a schedule of projects to have a clearer understanding of what the city’s goals are and when and how the city will need to budget for projects.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he is working on budget worksheets with department heads and plans to work with previous city administrator Kris McGrane to work through the budget process. Hawes virtually attended the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy with meetings on Jan 3-5th. Hawes has been working with Simmering Cory on updating Fayette’s city code. Hawes is working with Access Systems to get the new city hall location set up with network lines.
Fayette Police Chief Ben Davis reported to the council that he is working with state legislators on advocating for smaller towns to have more representation on curriculum at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Davis was invited to visit with them in Des Moines on January 31st. The new police truck will be outfitted with equipment over the next couple of weeks. Expected arrival is shortly after it’s outfitted.
Motion Larson Seconded Scott, to approve the First Reading of Ordinance 519 – Amending Fayette City Code Chapter 69.08 No Parking Zones. Roll Call. Luchsinger: Aye, Scott: Aye, Larson: Aye, Lowery: Nay, Potratz: Aye. First reading passes.
Brian and Anita Vanous addressed the council with plans to repurpose the Fayette elementary school as a rental with 8 units of 2-bedroom apartments. Their goal is to be completed with construction by the end of the year.
Motion Larson, Seconded Lowery, to approve removing Kurt Wood as mayor and Nathan Post as mayor pro-tempore from all the city of Fayette bank accounts and safe deposit box and adding Nathan Post as mayor and Susan Scott as mayor pro-tempore in addition to city administrator/clerk Markus Hawes and deputy clerk Nancy Creery to all the city of Fayette bank accounts and safe deposit box. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Lowery Seconded Luchsinger to approve removing Kurt Wood as mayor and Nathan Post as mayor pro-tempore and adding Nathan Post as mayor and Susan Scott as mayor pro-tempore in addition to city administrator/clerk Markus Hawes and deputy clerk Nancy Creery to sign City of Fayette Checks. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Luchsinger, Seconded Lowery, to approve removing Kurt Wood as mayor and Nathan Post as mayor pro-tempore and adding Nathan Post as mayor and Susan Scott as mayor pro-tempore in addition to city administrator/clerk Markus Hawes and deputy clerk Nancy Creery to the City of Fayette’s CDs. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz to approve to roll over existing CDs for another 9 months. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz to approve Resolution 2024-02: Updating the Rules of Procedure Governing the Conduct of Business of the City Council. Potential agenda items are now due to the city clerk by no later than noon, 6 days prior to the next meeting. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery, to approve Resolution 2024-03 Adopting New Housing and Business Incentives. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery to approve Resolution 2024-04 Real Estate Lease Agreement with Verizon Communications Inc. for the Cell Tower Real Estate, updating the revenue shared and extending the agreement through 2033. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Luchsinger Seconded Larson to reappoint Pat Dillon as the Fayette city attorney. All ayes, motion carried.
Discussion was had about tourism ideas for the city as it is the 150th anniversary of Fayette. The mayor is looking for creative ways to bring more people into Fayette. Motion Scott, Seconded Larson to send discussion on tourism ideas for the city to economic development committee.
Potratz motioned to adjourn. Post declared the meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 2nd, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Tuesday, January 2nd, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Luchsinger, Larson, Potratz, and Scott.
Moved Potratz, seconded Larson, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 12/18/23, Approval of claims list 12/16/23 – 12/28/23. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Motion Lowery, Second Scott to approve the agenda. Roll Call, All ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Post addressed the council with a positive and encouraging speech during his mayor’s report. Post presented the recommended council appointments for committees. Moved Lowery Seconded Larson to accept Mayor appointments as amended: Mayor Pro Tempore: Scott. Public Safety: Luchsinger (Chair) Larson, Potratz. Streets and sidewalks: Lowery (Chair), Scott, Larson. Personnel: Potratz (Chair), Lowery, Scott. Finance: Scott (Chair), Potratz, Luchsinger. Economic Development: Larson (Chair), Lowery, Luchsinger. Post also made recommendations to the council from recent meeting minutes of the Fayette Ambulance Service and Fayette Fire Department, which recommended the Service Director and Fire Chief. Moved Scott, Seconded Luchsinger to approve appointing Fayette Ambulance Service Director Roger Post and Fayette Fire Chief Kenny Schulmeister. The oath of office was administered after the meeting.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he is working on budget worksheets with department heads and plans to work with previous city administrator Kris McGrane to work through the budget process. Hawes is also virtually attending the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy with meetings on Jan 3-5th. Hawes confirmed the date and location of the next council meeting will be Tuesday January 16th at 6:00pm in the Community Room of the Fayette Community Library.
Motion Potratz, Seconded Larson to acknowledge receipt of Fayette Safety Committee meeting minutes from 12/20/23. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz Seconded Lowery, to pass Resolution 2024-01 Establishing Public Work Employee Salaries and Wages. Roll Call. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Lowery to have personnel committee look into potential cost for retaining a Human Resources consulting firm to assist with city HR related concerns and to have finance committee follow up to confirm where funds for agreement are come from. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Larson, Seconded Luchsinger to approve changing deadline for council meeting agenda items due to the city clerk from Thursday at noon of the week before to Tuesday at noon the week before the council meeting. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Lowery, Seconded Larson, to approve payment to Blazek Corporation in the amount of $14,650.00 for work completed at Fayette WWTP. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Post declared the meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
December 18th, 2023
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, December 18, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Potratz, Lowery, Luchsinger, Scott, and Post.
Moved Post seconded Lowery to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 12/04/23, Approval of claims list 12/03/23 – 12/15/23, Accepting of the Financial Reports from July, Aug, Sept, Oct., and Nov. 2023 Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Citizen Comments: Kris McGrane of Fayette addressed the council thanking them for tabling the resolution on the salary/wage increases for city employees. McGrane sent the council an email with information forwarded from the Iowa League of Cities echoing McGrane’s advice to make sure that all areas of the budget are considered before giving wage increases as budgeting for raises is best practice.
Motion Scott, Second Luchsinger, to approve the agenda. All ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Wood informed the council that he contacted Nathan Overberg with Ahler’s and Cooney Law office regarding the Hackley Homes and Communities Agreement. Hawes will work with Hackley and Ahler’s and Cooney to complete a new draft of the agreement and present it to the council for approval. Wood congratulated officer Joshua McCraney as he graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on 12/05 to complete the 941 quarterly report, monthly financial reports for July, August, September, October, and November. Hawes worked with Rachelle Thompson to complete the annual city exam on December 11th. Hawes attended the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy on December 14th.
Police Chief Davis informed the council that the toy drive and Letters to Santa were a big success. The Police Department received around 50 letters to Santa and $500 in monetary donations that will be used to purchase toys and gifts from Fayette businesses. Davis mentioned Officer McCraney graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and will be back serving Fayette this week. Davis gave McCraney the floor to speak and McCraney mentioned the great training he received with the Fayette Police Department prior to attending the academy was a big advantage among his class.
Fayette Community Library Director, Annette Butikofer informed the council of the wonderful events going on in the library. The Fayette Community Library has been successful and sends materials across the state and has programs that other libraries do not have and wants to make sure these continue. Director Butikofer expressed concern about the resolution of city employee wage and salary increases saying it would be best to wait to budget for the raises.
Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz for Fayette Ambulance Service to hire Brandon Johnson as a volunteer. Ayes: Post, Potratz, Luchsinger, Scott. Abstained from voting: Lowery. Motion carried.
Motion Scott, Seconded Potratz to table Resolution 2023-55 Establishing City Employee Salaries and Wages. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Post, Seconded Scott, to accept receipt of 12/5 meeting minutes from Fayette Fire Department and the 12/8 Public Works Committee Meeting. All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Motion Scott Seconded Lowery to table the first reading Ordinance 519 Chapter 69.08 No Parking Zones to include both sides of Madison St. Roll Call, All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Post, Seconded Luchsinger to approve Resolution 2023-56 Establishing City Fee Schedule for Services. Roll Call, All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Lowery, Seconded Post in approval of Pay Estimate Number 5 to Wicks Construction, Inc. for N. Main Street Improvements project in the amount of $34,503.68. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
December 4th, 2023
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, December 4, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wood presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Present - Council members Lowery, Luchsinger, Post, Potratz, and Scott.
Moved Post seconded Lowery to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 11/20/23, Special Meeting Minutes 11/29/23, Approval of claims list 11/18/23 – 12/02/23, Accepting of the Street Finance Report. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Citizen Comments: Kris McGrane of Fayette addressed the council recommending that Resolution 2023-55 be tabled until either the next fiscal year to budget for changes, or until the finance committee of the council knows where the money will come from to pay for the raises. Louise Scott of Fayette addressed the council that her opinion is that the city employee raises should be postponed until the next budget season.
Motion Lowery, Second Luchsinger to approve the agenda. All ayes, Motion carried.
Mayor Wood informed the council that he met with the city attorney, Pat Dillon, prior to the meeting about Resolution 2023-54.
City Administrator/Clerk Mark Hawes stated in his written report that he worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane on 11/26 to complete the Annual Street Finance Report, GASB 77 paperwork, and to get answers on budget/finance questions, Hawes is working on monthly financial reports for August, September, October, and November with plans to meet with the city treasurer before the next council meeting. Hawes attended the Iowa League of Cities Advanced Budget Workshop on November 21. Hawes is attending the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy on December 14. Hawes and McGrane will be working to provide financial reports for the council as well as preparing for the upcoming budget season.
Public Works Director Hildebrand informed the council that the lift station project at the wastewater treatment plant has been completed.
No formal action taken on Resolution 2023-54.
Motion Potratz, Seconded Post, to table discussion with Brian Vanous.
Motion Lowery, Seconded Potratz, to approve Oath of Offices for Fayette Fire Chief and Fayette Ambulance Service Chief. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Potratz, Seconded Luchsinger to approve city employee health insurance renewal. All ayes, motion carried.
Motion Lowery Seconded Scott, to table Resolution 2023-55 Establishing City Employee Salaries and Wages until finance committee reviews monthly financial reports from July-November.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:04 pm.
Transaction Report