Regular Council Meeting

August 1, 2016    

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, August 1, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, Larson, McGrane, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle.

   Moved Kragnes,seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 07/18/16 and Claims List of 07/19/16 – 08/01/16. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

Mayor Wenthe noted that the hiring committee for the City Administrator/Clerk position (Nefzger, Kragnes, Dennis and himself) met in city hall on July 21^st and narrowed down the 32 applicants to seven. The mayor added that three applicants are not local so he called them to explain the size of Fayette and the salary range and one is still interested. Interviews will take place the week of August 8^th.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that the annual worker’s compensation review with the loss control representative took place on July 20^th with Rich, Jerry and her. ~ On July 26^th the annual payroll audit for IMWCA was performed by an auditor from Information Providers, Inc., as in previous years. ~ Dennis said she has e-mailed numerous documents to our regular auditor in Oelwein for the full city financial audit for FY2016. The auditors will do the in-house auditing in city hall the week of August 15^th.

Police Chief Pisanti reported there was a break-in and burglary at a home in town last week and the people were in the house. He said he is investigating the incident.

Regarding the subject of a “Proposal for the Delivery of Law Enforcement Services to Upper Iowa University by the Fayette Police Department”, Mayor Wenthe said UIU showed interest in the Fayette Police Department taking over their campus security, so he asked Chief Pisanti to put together a proposal. Chief Pisanti said he looked back through the history of the department and found that in 1988 Mayor Dohrmann had proposed the Fayette Police Department handle the security for UIU for $15,000 per year, although it didn’t end up happening. He added that the Fayette PD has had to direct a great deal of effort and resources to calls and crime investigations at UIU or resulted in connection with the university. He said he feels there is a way to better allocate future resources and manpower to equally provide the best police services to our citizens and the university. Pisanti is proposing to hire two more certified police officers for Fayette with one officer being paid for by the university and the other officer being paid for half by UIU and half by the city. The cost to UIU to the City for this would be $93,300. The university would also have to purchase a police vehicle and equipment that would be dedicated to UIU at a cost of approximately $35,000. A 2% increase per year would go into effect the second year of the agreement. Admin/Clerk Dennis asked where the money was going to come from for the added costs for liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance and other unexpected expenses? Mayor Wenthe said the allocation for the Local Option Sales Tax could be changed between Police and Streets, and there will be some extra funds from lower wages when people retire. Dennis handed out a sheet with questions and concerns she had about the proposal. Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to explore the proposal further for the delivery of law enforcement to Upper Iowa University by the Fayette Police Department. Four voted aye, Larson voted nay, carried.      

Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to take off the table the revised first reading of Ordinance 484 – Rental Housing Code for discussion. Three voted aye, Kragnes and Larson voted nay, motion carried to discuss. There were still questions about the billing by Upper Explorerland and several other items to clarify, so Dennis said she would contact Lori Brockway for those answers. Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to table until they have more clarification.

There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:30 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

July 18, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, July 18, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle (7:32).

     Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the appointment of Curtis E. Larson to the city council to fill the vacancy of Todd Sorensen who resigned because he moved out of town. All ayes, carried. Mayor Wenthe then administered the oath of office to Curtis Larson and he was sworn in as a city council member. His term will be until the next city election in November 2017. Nancy Wulfekuhle arrived at this time.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 06/20/16, IDNR approval letter for the sewer main lining/repair project, Claims List of 06/21–07/18/16 including Change Order #2 from Heartland Asphalt for the Big Rock Road project decreasing the cost by $31,648.68, the June 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report & Budget Report and Investments Report ending 6/30/16. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of June 30, 2016: General $226,462.54; Streets $368,697.07; Debt Service $13,551.51; Water Utility $246,827.51; Water T&A $19,723.51; Sewer Utility $407,070.38; CDBG Sewer ($262,465.91); Landfill/Recycling $1,282.89; Yard Waste $5,518.87; Bolger Fund $187,377.89; TIF $41,387.06; Storm Water $4,324.31; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $34,468.32. June Receipts by Fund: General $19,446.03; Streets $15,219.76; Debt Service $3,127.15; Water Utility $3,012.92; Water T&A $2,700; Sewer Utility $49,148.82; Lf/Recycling $907.20; Yard Waste $184; Bolger $2,369; TIF $57.93; Local Option $6,696.49; Storm Water $140.07; Franchise Fees $2,005.37. Receipts $105,014.74. June Disbursements by Fund: General $111,352.64; Streets $149,941.32; Water Utility $26,768.12; Water T&A $6,062.47; Sewer Utility $106,563.37; CDBG Sewer $68,475.90; Bolger $1,745.75; TIF $7,282.66. Total Disbursements: $478,192.23. Investments: $1,283,905.06. Bank Balance $2,553,204.75. Balance with Library Funds $2,643,875.91.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes to approve, carried.

     Upon the mayor’s request, moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the appointment of Becky Wadian to the Library Board to fill the vacancy of Bruce Ingersoll and also to reappoint Diane Mohs to the Library Board. Both terms will expire on 6/30/2022. All ayes, carried.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported she signed a two-year agreement with Convenient Payments Company (CPC) to use for credit card processing for utility payments. Jayhawk Utility Billing Company works with CPC. CPC had the lowest customer fees of all the companies Dennis compared and they will furnish a link so Dennis can put a portal on our city web site so customers may pay utility payments and parking tickets/municipal citations on-line or in the Clerk’s office with a credit card. ~ Dennis reported that Jayhawk Utility Billing Co. installed the new software program, Jayhawk Utility Suite, and provided six hours of training on the system to Deputy Clerk Sellers and Dennis. ~ Michael Saathoff transferred the information from the Police web site to the city web site. An Upper Iowa University IT student changed the path from GoDaddy so citizens may go directly to the police site by typing in: www.fayettepolice.com (or they may go through the city web site). ~ July 6^th the contractor started installing the two new warning sirens and finished on July 12^th. Alliant Energy still needs to connect the electricity to the sirens and then they will be tested. ~ Thirty-two resumes have been received for the City Admin/Clerk position. The hiring committee will meet the evening of July 21^st to review them and decide who to interview.

     Police Chief Pisanti introduced Ben Davis, Fayette’s new police officer, who started working for the city on June 27, 2016. Pisanti also said the Fayette Police Department is currently conducting a two-week code enforcement sweep intended to identify and remove abandoned and junk vehicles at properties throughout the city. Three vehicles have already been removed by the owners and several others are pending removal. Failure to remove a junk vehicle can result in a nuisance abatement case being brought against the property owners.      

     Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce the FY2016 Ending Balances Transfers to Savings and Budget Transfers. Admin/Clerk Dennis explained that the auditors require council approval for the end of the year transfers, even though this is city policy and is discussed during budget meetings. The funds remaining on June 30^th are put into savings for equipment, vehicles or projects for the following fiscal year. Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the transfers. All ayes, carried.    

   Moved McGrane, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce for discussion Ordinance 484, Rental Housing Code. All ayes to discuss. Mayor Wenthe explained that the ordinance is being proposed because of the condition of some of the rental properties in town and the concern by the council for health and safety of the tenants. Wenthe added that after the ordinance is official, the inspections wouldn’t start until June 2017. He added that half of the town would be done the first year, then the second half would be done the following year so the property owners who have several houses won’t have all of their properties inspected at once. Four landlords were present: Chris Kragnes, Shawn Kleppe, Kyle Bugenhagen, and Jim Mitchell. They voiced their concerns and weren’t in favor of the ordinance. Several items were pointed out, so a couple of revisions are needed in the ordinance. Council member Kragnes asked how the mileage cost for UERPC is calculated, so Dennis said she would check on that. McGrane said we have to start somewhere because unfortunately there are some landlords who don’t keep up their houses. Moved Kragnes to table the first reading of Ordinance 484, Rental Housing Code, seconded by Larson. All ayes, carried to table.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to approve the Recreation Board meeting minutes of June 13, 2016. All ayes, carried.                     

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:43 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

June 20, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, June 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle.  Absent:  Sorensen.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 06/06/16, Claims List of 06/07–20/16, the May 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and with the addition of the fire department payroll for the past six months be added to the claims list in the amount of $1,152.50.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of May 31, 2016:  General $338,862.42; Streets $411,127.96; Debt Service $10,424.36; Water Utility $270,582.71; Water T&A $23,085.98; Sewer Utility $464,484.93; CDBG Sewer ($193,990.01); Landfill/Recycling $375.69; Yard Waste $10,334.87; Bolger Fund $152,717.92; TIF $54,021.05; Local Option Sales Tax $88,728.37; Storm Water $4,184.24; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $32,462.95.  May Receipts by Fund: General $51,912.73; Streets $11,050.32; Debt Service $508.24; Water Utility $7,206.40; Water T&A $1,575; Sewer Utility $5,649.26; CDBG Sewer $129,708; Lf/Recycling $1,189.39; Yard Waste $209.95; Bolger $784; TIF $192.36; Local Option $7,243.60; Storm Water $205.38; Franchise Fees $3,358.81. Receipts $220,793.44. May Disbursements by Fund: General $81,904.03; Streets $8,760.64; Water Utility $1,578.81; Water T&A $2,259.69; Sewer Utility $16,142.52; CDBG Sewer $2,745.20; LF/Recycling $144; Yard Waste $2,694.67; Bolger $173.62.  Total Disbursements: $116,403.18. Investments: $1,282,577.32.  Bank Balance $2,925,054.50.  Balance with Library Funds $3,018,562.19.

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agenda as presented.  All ayes to approve, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe reported that on June 17^th a Petition in Equity had been filed against the City Council, Police Chief Pisanti and himself by Connie Conner and Randy Clark for not being allowed to stay in Klock’s Island Park.  It was the consensus of the council that City Administrator/Clerk Dennis forward the petition to the city’s insurance company.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Michael Saathoff, our city web page designer, transferred the police web site information to our city account so we can drop one GoDaddy account and UIU won’t have to do anything with the police web site any longer.  ~ Dennis said she has received 14 resumes from people applying for her job.  ~ The new warning sirens will be installed in a couple of weeks.

     Dennis asked that an action item be added to the agenda under Old Business regarding settlement by our insurance company on the Gary Goodell property matter.  Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to add the item to the agenda.  Three ayes, Kragnes abstained due to a conflict of interest, carried.  

     Police Chief Pisanti reported there had been a couple of burglaries in town.  He added that Ben Davis has passed all necessary tests and will start working for the City of Fayette on Monday, June 27^th.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to discuss the city having a citizen concern form.  All ayes to discuss.  Kragnes said the form could be used to track the types of concerns made and might be more accessible for citizens rather than complaining to other people or waiting two weeks for the next council meeting.  She added that it could be used to find out how we’re doing too.  McGrane said the form could be put on the city web site and also have paper copies.  Kragnes had forwarded Dennis two samples from other town’s web sites to use an examples.  Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to create a citizen feedback form, put it on the city web site, and also have a paper version and that city employees document citizen concerns and feedback.  All ayes, carried.  McGrane & Dennis will work on putting a form on the web site. 

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to discuss hiring NE Iowa RCD (Rural Community Development) writing a grant application for the IDNR Sponsored Project program.  All ayes.  Admin/Clerk Dennis explained that since Fayette will be borrowing $300,000 from the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF), the IDNR now has a program where 1% of the interest on the loan can come back to the city to pay for water resource restoration projects.  That would be $30,000 we could use toward the Downtown Rehab. Project for the box filters for planting the trees.  NE Iowa RCD said they would charge $500 to write the grant application.  Engineer Jon Biederman said that was a real bargain and that they have had good results on their applications in the past.  Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to hire Northeast Iowa RCD to write the Sponsored Projects grant application for Fayette.  All ayes, carried.

          Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce the U.S. Dept. of Labor new overtime rules for discussion.  Admin/Clerk Dennis said she got the information in the agenda packet from the Iowa League of Cities web site.  The new overtime rules that start December 1, 2016 won’t affect the police department employees because we have a department of fewer than five officers and they won’t affect Jerry, Linda or Christie, but they will affect our replacements if they make less than $47,476 per year.  Rick & Adam already fall under overtime rules, but they don’t get paid overtime because Jerry manages their time so they don’t go over 40 hours in a week.  Dennis suggested in the best interest of the city for budgeting purposes to change our Personnel Policy before December 1, 2016 and add that compensatory time off will be given in lieu of overtime pay or for employees to manage their hours so they don’t work over 40 hours a week.  There was no action taken on the matter.

Regular Council Meeting

June 6, 2016

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, June 6, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle. Absent - Nefzger.

   Moved Sorensen, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 05/16/16, letter from Catherine Miller, Fayette County Planning & Zoning, advising that the County is in the process of amending their zoning ordinance to include specifics for Commercial Wind Energy Systems, noting that the most common setback from corporate limits is one mile, Claims List of 05/17/16 – 06/06/16.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

  Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented.  All ayes, carried.

  This being the time and place for a public hearing on the FY 2016 Budget Amendment, Mayor Wenthe opened the public hearing and asked if there were any comments.  City Administrator/Clerk Dennis said the $902,048 amendment is for the Big Rock Road & Mechanic Street asphalting projects ($177,048 more than originally budgeted) and also the income & expense for the sewer lagoon project ($725,000).  Dennis added that there isn’t any increase in taxes for these projects and the city already has the funds to cover the costs.  There being no further comments, Mayor Wenthe closed the public hearing.    

Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to approve Resolution 2016-07: Amending the current budget for the fiscal year 2016 by $902,048 in income and expenses.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Big Rock Road and Mechanic Street were being surfaced with asphalt on June 6^th –June 8^th. 

Police Chief Pisanti reported they caught some kids knocking loudly on doors and ringing door bells around 10 pm the other night.  The parents were cited for the problem. 

Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen, to introduce for discussion the CDBG Water/Sewer and Community Facilities & Services program grants that weren’t funded again this year.  Admin/Clerk Dennis said Iowa Economic Development Authority was going to start accepting applications on a quarterly basis starting in 2017, so maybe that would better our chances to get the awards.  Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to have Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission re-submit the applications since they said they wouldn’t charge the City.  All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce Resolution 2016-08: Revised Job Description for the City Administrator/Clerk position and also the job advertisement for the position, the Capital Improvements and Events Report 1993-2016 including the present Vehicle Inventory and the New Building Construction Report 1993-2015.  Mayor Wenthe asked Admin/Clerk Dennis to get the job ad out next week with a deadline for applications of July 8, 2016.  Wenthe said he would like to see someone hired around the first of September.  Someone asked if the new FLSA rules for overtime pay that start December 1st would affect this position.  Dennis said she was exempt from overtime, but she would check with the Iowa League of Cities to see about the new rules.  Mayor Wenthe noted that the 27 page report that Dennis provided was really interesting and was a good history record of the town.  Dennis said she would put a copy of the report at the library.  McGrane asked Dennis if she had gone to grant writing training.  Dennis said she never had any training for writing grants, that she just wrote them.  Dennis said the council will need to decide if they want her replacement to write grants or just have them written by others and pay the extra costs associated with writing and administering grants like other towns do.  She added that there are a lot of variables to her job so the council will have to decide what they want from the next person in her position.  Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to refer the job description to the Personnel Committee for further review.  All ayes, carried. 

Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce for discussion the Police Committee recommendation to hire Ben Davis as Fayette’s second police officer.  All ayes to discuss.  Chief Pisanti said there were 18 applicants for the position and three of those were certified.  They interviewed the top five and narrowed those down to three and then to one.  Pisanti said Davis has worked for Strawberry Point for two years and he would be a good fit for Fayette.  He said he did a background check and it’s clear.  Pisanti added that Davis had been in the Army for eight years prior to getting his police certification.  Pisanti said Davis has a contract with the City of Strawberry Point, similar to the one Fayette had with Sierra Fox, and he still owes $5,216.11 on that over two and a half years.  Pisanti said Fayette would buy out the contract so Davis wouldn’t responsible to Strawberry Point for that, then Davis would work off the forgivable loan in Fayette.  He added that it’s a good deal for Fayette because we don’t have to send Davis to the police academy and have him gone for the eight weeks of training.  Also, Davis makes $39,000 with Strawberry Point so he can’t afford to take less.  City Admin/Clerk Dennis handed out a spreadsheet showing the difference in the amount budgeted for a new officer at $35,714.62 for FY17 and the cost of benefits versus the increase of $3,992.39 if Davis was paid $39,000 plus benefits.  The total cost including benefits for a second officer is $66,169.77 at a salary of $39,000.  Pisanti also added that Davis lives west of Clermont and is trying to sell his present residence, so he has requested a waiver to the residency requirement for one year.  Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to hire Ben Davis for a salary of $39,000 with a waiver of the residency requirement for one year then re-address the matter and Davis won’t be allowed to drive the police vehicle to his home out of the Fayette City Limits.  All ayes, carried.

      There being no further business, moved McGrane, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:16 pm.

/s/Christie Dennis, City Administrator/Clerk

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

May 16, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 16, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, Nefzger, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle. Absent – McGrane.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 05/02/16, Claims List of 05/03–16/16 and the April 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report. Admin/Clerk Dennis noted that the cost of the two heart monitor life packs of $48,339.36 is offset by more than one-half from a grant the Fayette Ambulance Service received from the American Heart Association in the amount of $23,475.66. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of April 30, 2016: General $368,853.72; Streets $408,838.28; Debt Service $9,916.12; Water Utility $264,955.12; Water T&A $23,770.67; Sewer Utility $474,978.19; CDBG Sewer ($320,952.81); Landfill/Recycling ($669.70); Yard Waste $12,819.59; Bolger Fund $152,107.54; TIF $53,828.69; Local Option Sales Tax $81,484.77; Storm Water $3,978.86; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $29,104.14. April Receipts by Fund: General $115,774.23; Streets $9,980.85; Debt Service $2,964.01; Water Utility $49,462.24; Water T&A $1,075; Sewer Utility $77,782.99; Lf/Recycling $14,299.44; Yard Waste $2,845.05; Bolger $1,419; TIF $13,838.54; Local Option $7,243.59; Storm Water $1,422.89; Franchise Fees $1,501.55. Receipts $299,609.38. April Disbursements by Fund: General $24,216.59; Streets $18,826.14; Water Utility $12,535.34; Water T&A $48.84; Sewer Utility $13,883.03; CDBG Sewer $53.74; LF/Recycling $14,957.71; Yard Waste $3,900. Total Disbursements: $88,421.39. Investments: $1,282,521.54. Bank Balance $2,820,608.46. Balance with Library Funds $2,915,273.68.

     Randy Clark & Connie Conner were present because they requested a hearing in front of the city council regarding a nuisance notice they were given that was authorized by Fayette Police Chief Pisanti and Mayor Wenthe. The two items in the nuisance notice were 1) Camping trailer is emitting a noxious odor believed to be associated with illegal drug production and consumption/usage, and 2) camping trailer does not bear a current registration. Clark said the city has no proof that they were manufacturing drugs inside the camper. He added that they have always paid their camping fees and they could have gotten the registration handled in one day instead of being evicted for 180 days. Mayor Wenthe said he felt there were legitimate concerns from law enforcement so that is what he acted on and there was a citizen complaint. The mayor added that it was his decision to sign the nuisance notice. No action was taken on the couple’s appeal. The camper was removed from Klock’s Island City Park as requested within the specified time.            

     Moved Wulfekuhle, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes to approve, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe reported that a preconstruction meeting was held in City Hall on May 12^th for the construction of a two-story gazebo by the recreation trail (about a mile from Cardinal Park) going from Fayette to the Volga River Recreation Area. Upper Iowa University received an IDOT grant to fund this project, so the bids were let by the IDOT. The mayor said the gazebo is expected to be finished in 30 days so probably around June 30^th. He added that UIU will be applying again for a grant to finish the north end of the recreation trail.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported Public Works Jerry Hildebrand and she met with Fehr Graham engineers, Jon Biederman and Jeremy Bril, in City Hall to discuss the FY17 sewer main lining & repair project. The plan is to slip-line approximately 5,000 – 6,000 feet of sewer main, plus spot repair parts of the city mains that will require excavation. The city will apply for a SRF loan through the IDNR for the estimated cost of around $300,000. A telephone conversation with Terry Kirschenman, IDNR Engineer, was done and counted as our required project initiation meeting. Fehr Graham plans to submit the Intended Use Plan (IUP) before June 1, 2016. ~ Dan Boberg took delivery of the golf cart for Main Street Matters flower watering. The cost was $2,000, as approved by the council on May 2, 2016. The cart is a 1998 electric Club Car purchased from Rudy’s Sales and Service, Denver, Iowa. Rudy’s mounted the 25 gallon water tank on the cart that cost $133.70. Donations will cover the cost of the tank.

   Police Chief Pisanti reported he and the police committee interviewed five police officer candidates. Three of the officers are certified and a decision of who to hire will be made soon.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to introduce Resolution 2016-06: Supporting the Home Base Iowa Initiative. All ayes to discuss. Sam Whitehead, the new Fayette County Economic Development Director and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission employee, was present and introduced himself. He explained that Home Base Iowa is a State of Iowa initiative which is an effort to match military veterans with jobs available across Iowa. It involves communities and businesses promoting and supporting the initiative by listing their names and jobs on a state database where veterans may go to find a job and community that suits them. Upper Iowa University and Blessing Industries have already signed up and pledged to be Home Base Iowa businesses.  

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve Resolution 2016-06: Supporting the Home Base Iowa Initiative. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the FY16 Budget Amendment for discussion. Admin/Clerk Dennis explained the FY16 budget needs to be amended because the Mechanic Street Paving Project and Sewer Modifications Project weren’t budgeted for in FY16. The city has the money for these projects so there will be no increase in tax levies or sewer fees. Moved Nefzger, seconded Sorensen, to set a public hearing for June 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall and direct City Admin/Clerk Dennis to publish the notice as required. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to discuss the request from the Fayette American Legion for a $7,000 no-interest loan to be paid back over four years or less. Dan Boberg was present and explained that the Legion plans to finish the front upstairs apartment, since the back and middle apartments are completed, and also to finish the flooring on the back steps and hallway. Boberg added that both apartments are rented. Kragnes asked if the Legion had tried to get a conventional loan or done fund raising. Boberg said they do fund raising but haven’t talked to a bank. Nefzger said she recalled that in the past when the City loaned the Legion money from the Bolger Fund it would be a one-time request and that the Legion would have funds from rental income to fix up the second and then third apartment. Wulfekuhle said she wants to see improvements on Main Street. Kragnes said she was concerned with setting a precedent, that the City isn’t a bank and where do they draw the line if someone else asks for money. Wulfekuhle suggested that the Legion pursue a “Go Fund Me” page on the internet to raise funds and offered to help Boberg set it up. Boberg said the Legion would raise the money on their own. Sorensen said he recalled that the council previously had discussed to not make loans anymore. There were no further comments or motions on the request.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the completion letter from IIW Engineers for the Wastewater Treatment Facilities 2013, Contract B Lagoon Improvements Project. The letter stated that Blazek Corporation, Lawler, Iowa, had completed construction of the Lagoon Improvements portion of the sewer project in compliance with the drawings and specifications and the project is ready for acceptance. The final project construction cost, including previously approved Change Orders, is $1,370,945. Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the project per IIW Engineers recommendation. All ayes, carried.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce the request from John Kelly for additional street lighting in the 100 block of Mechanic Street. All ayes to discuss. Admin/Clerk Dennis furnished the information she had received from Alliant Energy about the cost to install another street light. To set a new pole the cost would be $473, as long as Alliant doesn’t need to go further than 100 feet away from their wire and the annual cost would be $72.12. If there is already a pole, then the annual cost would be $104.52 per year. Admin/Clerk Dennis said the city already spends $19,000 per year on street lighting. Dennis provided the council with a map showing the location of all the street lights surrounding the 100 block of Mechanic. She noted there are two parking lot lights in the middle of the block for the apartment building at 103 Mechanic, one door down from the Kelly property, which no other block in town has. The council took no action on the street light request.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:09 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

May 2, 2016

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, May 2, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Wulfekuhle. Absent - Sorensen.

   Moved Kragnes,seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 04/18/16, Claims List of 04/19/16 – 05/02/16 and the renewal of liquor licenses for Aramark at UIU and The Pumper. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Under communications, John Kelly, 110 Mechanic Street, said the town is looking kind of decayed with lawns not mowed, cars parked in yards, a junk pile at the south end of Mechanic Street and in the yard on the other end of Mechanic. He added that there was a travel-trailer parked on his street for most of the winter. Kelly also asked that the council to consider having an additional street light installed near his house.

Resident Dan Boberg, 103 Mechanic, added that there is an abandoned car with an open window and no license plates, that has been sitting in a parking lot on the west side of 106 Mechanic that has been there for over 1 ½ years that he would like to see moved.

Mayor Wenthe said he would discuss the nuisance issues with Police Chief Pisanti. Wenthe directed Admin/Clerk Dennis to have the street light matter on the next agenda and what the cost would be.      

Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agenda as presented, including two emergency action items under new business by McGrane, a proposal from Heartland Asphalt for paving and Kluesner Construction for crack filling (budgeted in FY16) (both received today). All ayes, carried.

Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to approve the appointments of Melle Starsen to the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill a vacancy for one year (term expires 5/31/17) and Sue Runyon to the Board of Adjustment for five years (5/15/16 to 5/15/21). All ayes, carried.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported a preconstruction meeting for the Big Rock Road project was held in City Hall on April 19^th. The work was started on April 26^th and is planned to be completed before the end of May 2016. ~ Jon Biederman, Fehr Graham Engineering, filed a “Work Record Request” through the Iowa DNR for Fayette’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvements project to start the process for getting funding from the SRF (State Revolving Loan Fund) for the $300,000 sewer main repair and lining project that was budgeted for FY 2017. The plan is to take bids for this project the first part of July 2016. ~ Dennis noted her report from August 2010 about the long range plan to drill a new well in FY 2023 or FY2024.

Police Chief Pisanti reported that he has been busy handling some crimes at the university. Also, that he and Officer Rodas would be monitoring a party that university students have planned for Tuesday evening, May 3rd. Pisanti said he asked the students to move the party from Main Street to behind the condos and that it can only be from 3 to 11:30 pm.

Moved Kragnes, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the Main Street Matters subject of a golf cart for watering flowers on Main Street. All ayes to discuss. Bill Dohrmann was present representing the group and said they are requesting that the city purchase a used golf cart for $2,000 and he would like the money to come from the Bolger Fund. He added that the group has sent out cards asking for donations because they will have the expense of fitting the golf cart with a water tank and sprayer, which should hold up better since the tank will remain on the cart instead of being moved weekly as was done before. Mayor Wenthe said they are still checking at the University for a Work-study Student to do the watering. Wulfekuhle said they are planning to have the wine fest one more year, since they still have glasses and bags, so there will be some revenue from that to help pay for watering if we can’t get a student through UIU.

Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to have Bill Dohrmann and Dan Boberg purchase a used golf cart from Rudy’s Golf Cars, Denver, IA, for $2,000 or less, to use for watering the flowers on Main Street and for it to be paid from the Bolger fund. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the proposal from Heartland Asphalt, Mason City, Iowa, to repair and install a three-inch asphalt mat on two blocks of Mechanic Street (from 7^th Street to Madison Street) for a cost of $47,048.30. Public Works Director, Jerry Hildebrand, was present and said the street will be a little higher to help the water stay on the separate sides of the street. Hildebrand said the work is planned to start next week and he asked Heartland to give the city more advanced notice in the future. Nefzger asked that a letter be sent to the property owners about the project and when it would start. Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to go ahead with the Heartland Asphalt proposal and send notification to the property owners. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to introduce the proposal from Kluesner Construction, Farley, Iowa, to do crack routing and joint sealing on concrete and asphalt streets (16 blocks). Hildebrand said he hopes for this project to be completed before July 1, 2016. Dennis said this was budgeted for in FY 16 for $30,000. Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the bid from Kluesner Construction of $24,033.28 to do the crack filling project. All ayes, carried.

Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to approve the Board of Adjustment meeting minutes of April 26, 2016, where the Board approved a variance from the front yard set-back requirements for Jon Biederman to construct a garage onto the south side of his house. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Kragnes, to set a time and date for a work session to review the draft Rental Housing Code. All ayes to discuss.   It was a consensus that May 24, 2016, at 6 p.m. would work for everyone for a work session. Dennis said she would invite Lori Brockway to the work session.

   There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:08 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

April 18, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 18, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger 7:34, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 04/04/16, Claims List of 04/05–18/16 and the March 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report. Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of March 31, 2016: General $277,296.08; Streets $417,683.57; Debt Service $6,952.11; Water Utility $228,028.22; Water T&A $22,744.51; Sewer Utility $411,078.23; CDBG Sewer ($320,899.07); Landfill/Recycling ($11.43); Yard Waste $13,874.54; Bolger Fund $150,688.54; TIF $39,990.15; Local Option Sales Tax $74,241.18; Storm Water $2,555.97; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $27,602.59. March Receipts by Fund: General $19,676.98; Streets $14,665.20; Debt Service $130.30; Water Utility $1,372.94; Sewer Utility $2,084.29; Lf/Recycling $400.84; Yard Waste $88; Bolger $2,503.52; TIF $47.83; Local Option $7,243.59; Storm Water $63. Total Receipts $48,276.49. March Disbursements by Fund: General $32,511.20; Streets $4,856.51; Water Utility $30,131.52; Water T&A $616.16; Sewer Utility $5,074.10; CDBG Sewer $8,284.15; LF/Recycling $15; Bolger $25.67. Total Disbursements: $81,514.31. Investments: $1,282,467.57. Bank Balance $2,609,366.50. Balance with Library Funds $2,704,180.38.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the agenda as presented. McGrane asked that “Draft Rental Housing Code” be added to the agenda for discussion under old business. All ayes to approve the agenda with the amendment, carried.

     Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle, to approve the appointments of Chris Varzavand to the Fire Department and Tony Reinking (EMT) to the Ambulance Service. All ayes, carried.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that Floyd Alber donated $500 to be used for Main Street flowers and plants. ~ The new Jayhawk Utility Billing Suite software will be installed in July or August, which will have features for ACH & credit card payments, remote reading downloads and more detailed history and screen views. ~ The public works department has turned on the water at the city parks. ~ New business in town: Last Stand Tatoo. ~ Board of Adjustment meeting will be April 26^th at 7:15 pm. ~ The Big Rock Road Asphalting Project will start April 22^nd and be finished near the end of May 2016. ~ Forwarded Municipal Derivatives Settlement Claim Form to Davis Brown Law Firm, UIU’s Bonding Attorney, relating to a refund on the college bonds that UIU ran through the City of Fayette in 2004 and 2009.

   Police Chief Pisanti reported interviews of police officer candidates would be the first or second weeks of May. ~ Chuck Rodas is back to work.

     Moved Kragnes, seconded McGrane, to introduce Resolution 2016-05: Iowa DOT Road Maintenance Agreement (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021). Dennis said this is the same agreement that is approved every five years. Moved Sorensen, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agreement. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to introduce for discussion the Gary Goodell nuisance matter. All ayes to discuss. Mayor Wenthe said Chris Kragnes and his students were planning to clean up Goodell’s property, 101 King Street, on UIU Fayette Appreciation Days, and thanked Kragnes for working to get the property cleaned up. Mayor Wenthe said Kragnes has asked to move Goodell’s items to Kragnes’ property at 622 Mechanic Street as a temporary holding place. Nefzger said she would rather see the items taken out of town. Wulfekuhle said she would think UIU would be complaining about the old TV sets and items being piled up by the baseball field on Mechanic Street. Kragnes said he plans to move the items from his Mechanic Street property within six months. Sorensen and Wulfekuhle said if it’s a temporary arrangement and it will get the Water Street property cleaned up then they agree. McGrane said he agrees 100% and said the city has tried numerous things to resolve the nuisance on Goodell’s property, but nothing has worked. McGrane also thanked Kragnes for helping to get the property cleaned up. Citizens Pat Whelan and Dan Boberg were present regarding the Goodell matter. Whelan said he noticed Goodell’s brake lights on his trailer don’t work and the trailer isn’t licensed so maybe that would be a way to stop him from going and picking up stuff and bringing it back into Fayette. Tiffany Kragnes said that would be a law enforcement issue and we couldn’t take his trailer away. Whelan questioned if the city still owns the property. Wenthe explained that we do, but we’re working through that as was noted in the newspaper. McGrane asked Kragnes if his big white building at 622 Mechanic is available to put Goodell’s items inside. Kragnes said it isn’t free presently, but he has thought about constructing another building behind that building that maybe Goodell could use. Mayor Wenthe said he is also looking into a couple of places for Goodell to take his stuff to. He added that the main goal now is to get the Water Street property cleaned up and then keep on top of it and with Kragnes’ help we hope to do that. Kragnes said he thinks Goodell is ok with the cleanup. Again, Mayor Wenthe thanked Kragnes for his help with this.

     Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen, to discuss the Draft Rental Housing Code. All ayes. Dennis handed out hard copies of the Code that was last discussed in August 2015. McGrane said he wanted to get this information to our two new council members so they may review and study it. He added that the council had thought about doing the town in sections so a landlord with multiple properties wouldn’t have to make repairs on all their properties at one time. Another work session will be needed to continue fine tuning the code. McGrane said we don’t want to end up like some towns who allow landlords to let their properties deteriorate so much that the city ends up having to buy them and tear them down.      

   There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:24 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

April 4, 2016  

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 4, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle.

   Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 03/21/16, Claims List of 03/22/16 – 04/04/16.  On roll call, all ayes, carried.

   Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the agenda as presented, including an addition from Wulfekuhle to new business to discuss using an Upper Iowa University work-study student for parks and recreation.  All ayes, carried.

   Mayor Wenthe noted that he has met the new Fayette County Economic Director, Sam Whitehead and made him aware of Fayette’s vacant business buildings on Main Street.  Whitehead previously worked with Community & Economic Development Associates in southeastern Minnesota.

  Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the Mayor’s Council Committee appointments as follows:  Finance:  McGrane (Chair), Kragnes, Nefzger; Personnel:  Nefzger (Chair), Kragnes, McGrane; Safety:  Sorensen (Chair), Kragnes, Wulfekuhle; Streets & Sidewalks:  McGrane (Chair), Sorensen, Wulfekuhle; Police:  Wenthe (Chair), McGrane, Nefzger; Mayor Pro-Tem Patty Nefzger.  All ayes, carried.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported fire hydrants are being flushed on April 12^th, city yard waste site is opening on April 13^th, city-wide garage sales will be April 29^th & 30^th and spring clean-up for landfill items will be on May 4^th.

Police Chief Pisanti reported that he had been very busy the past week and this weekend with a couple of break-ins with a robbery, domestic abuse, stop sign pulled out, broken picture window and an assault.  He added that he is going to be proactive in attempting to abate situations that could result in any increased criminal activity.  The Chief said he had received eleven applications for the police officer position so he would be narrowing those down for interviews.        

Moved Kragnes, seconded Nefzger, to introduce for discussion the Shrubb’s Street Eatery, mobile food truck, proposed by William & Brandi Shrubb.  Billy Shrubb addressed the council and said they were building a mobile food truck and are planning to sell gourmet sandwiches and sides from the truck to start.  They would like to park the truck near UIU campus or sometimes at the corner of Hwys. 150 & 93 one or two days a week in Fayette and they would also be going to other towns and events to sell food.  They hope to have it ready in mid-April.  He added that they are required to have a generator to power the food truck, but it would be lower than 72 decibels.     

Moved Nefzger, seconded Wulfekuhle, to grant permission for William & Brandi Shrubb to operate a mobile food truck/trailer in Fayette and allow them to park the vehicle on the city right-of-way, after showing proof of having a state inspection by Black Hawk County Health Department and a copy of their State of Iowa Sales Tax permit to City Administrator/Clerk Dennis.  All ayes, carried.     

Moved Kragnes, seconded Sorensen, to introduce for discussion using a UIU work-study student to water the flowers on Main Street and help out maintaining the ball field for summer recreation and other work related to recreations and parks.  Wenthe said UIU has funding for a work-study position up to 25 hours through June 30, 2016 and up to 20 hours during July & August 2016. Wenthe asked Wulfekuhle to prepare a job description for the work the individual would be needed to do so he could submit it to the office at UIU that handles this program for approval.

Wulfekuhle handed out a page of notes she took at an Iowa League of Cities council training program which she attended April 2^nd in Waterloo.  The meeting was about budgets and other city matters related to nuisance abatements, planning, visioning, housing and branding. 

      There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:17 pm.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

March 21, 2016

     The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

     Just prior to this meeting, Nancy Wulfekuhle took the oath of office from Mayor Wenthe as a newly elected city council member, to fill the vacancy of Rich Patrick who resigned Jan. 12, 2016.  A special city election was held March 15, 2016 to fill this council vacancy and the results for the three candidates who filed nomination papers were: Nancy Wulfekuhle 52 votes, Curtis Larson 45 votes and Randy Sandhagen 42 votes.   

     Roll call: Present - Council members Kragnes, McGrane, Nefzger, Sorensen, Wulfekuhle.

     Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 03/07/16, Claims List of 03/08–21/2016 and the February 2016 Treasurer’s/Clerk’s Report and Budgetary Report.  Roll call, all ayes, carried.

     Treasurer's Balance for Fund Accounts as of February 29, 2016:  General $290,130.30; Streets $407,874.88; Debt Service $6,821.81; Water Utility $256,786.80; Water T&A $23,360.67; Sewer Utility $414,068.04; CDBG Sewer ($316,614.92); Landfill/Recycling ($397.27); Yard Waste $13,786.54; Bolger Fund $148,210.69; TIF $39,942.32; Local Option Sales Tax $66,997.59; Storm Water $2,492.97; Downtown Project ($24,926.26); Franchise Fees $27,602.59.  February Receipts by Fund: General $17,142.17; Streets $13,946.61; Debt Service $89.58; Water Utility $4,203.18; Sewer Utility $6,298.06; Lf/Recycling $1,062.97; Yard Waste $222.28; Bolger $393; TIF $15.82; Local Option $8,566.56; Storm Water $156; Franchise Fees $3,322.32.  Total Receipts $55,418.55.  February Disbursements by Fund: General $26,701.76; Streets $7,371.16; Water Utility $6,486; Water T&A $535; Sewer Utility $17,482.70; CDBG Sewer $76,460.30; Bolger $133.21; Downtown Project $1,000. Total Disbursements: $136,170.13. Investments: $1,281,411.98.  Bank Balance $2,641,548.73.  Balance with Library Funds $2,736,828.82.

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to approve the agenda as presented.  All ayes, carried.

     Mayor Wenthe welcomed Nancy Wulfekuhle to the city council.

     Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported that she and a UIU IT employee got her new Dell computer set up the week of March 7^th with Office 365 and Windows 10.

     Police Chief Pisanti made a verbal report to the mayor and council. 

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to introduce for discussion the item concerning the Show & Shine with Lloyd Carnicle present.  Lloyd said this will be the fourth year for the car show on Fayette’s Main Street.  Lloyd requested permission to have the event May – September 2016, again on the third Thursday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm.  Moved Kragnes, seconded Wulfekuhle to approve, all ayes, carried.  The council thanked Lloyd for taking care of the event each year. 

     Moved Sorensen, seconded McGrane, to approve Fayette’s FY 2015 Annual Review performed by Roger Shaffer, CPA, Sumner, Iowa.  There were only a few minor recommendations and Admin/Clerk Dennis explained in her Clerk’s Report the reasoning or actions needed for each.  All ayes to approve, carried.

      Moved Nefzger, seconded Kragnes, to go into closed session at 7:55 p.m. per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c.), possible real estate litigation with Attorney John Hofmeyer present.  All ayes to go into closed session, carried.

     The council came out of closed session at 8:24 p.m.  

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:24 pm.

Regular Council Meeting

March 7, 2016

   The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, March 7, 2016, at 7:30 pm in the Fayette City Hall pursuant to law and rules of said council, Mayor Wenthe presiding.

   Roll call: Present - Council members McGrane, Nefzger and Sorensen. Absent: Kragnes.

   Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 02/16/16 letter of appreciation from citizens for the work of our Public Works employees, Claims List of 02/17/16 – 03/07/16 with the addition of Shieldware software in the amount of $9,000 for the Police Dept. (that will link our PD with other agencies) and utility billing software for city hall in the amount of $4,335 which is $900 more than first quote to add a NACHA file for customer auto-withdrawal from bank accounts (both had been previously approved by the Finance Committee during their budget meetings), renewal of liquor license for Cabo Blue, Native Wine Permit for Touch of Elegance and Beer License for Boarders Inn. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

   Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, carried.

   This being the time and place published for a public hearing on the FY 2017 Estimated Budget, Mayor Wenthe opened the hearing and asked for any comments. Admin/Clerk Dennis said the Fayette Leader cut off most of the category descriptions on the left side of the public hearing notice but fortunately our notice lined up perfectly with Maynard’s notice so people could know what the numbers related to. Dennis said she called Ted Nellesen, IDOM, and told him about the notice. Nellesen said the notice was acceptable, but to republish the full notice and mail both proofs of publication with the budget to the Fayette County Auditor. The second publication had the whole notice. The tax asking for FY 17 will be $14.43 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. There being no further comment, the mayor closed the hearing. Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve Resolution #2016-04: Fayette’s FY 2017 Budget. On roll call, all ayes.  

Upon Mayor Wenthe’s request, moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to appoint Megan Kohr as Fayette’s representative to the UERPC Housing Authority Board for three years. Her term will expire 01/01/2019. All ayes, carried. ~ Mayor Wenthe also noted that Sam Whitehead is the new Fayette County Economic Development Director, replacing the vacancy from Karla Organist. Sam also works for UERPC, like Karla did, and will be in the West Union Ec. Development office part-time.

Administrator/Clerk Dennis reported the GIS mapping has been completed, except for a few corrections after Jerry reviews everything. The full cost of $12,500 has been paid and James Krivachek, Midwest Geographical Services, was very good to work with.

Police Chief Pisanti said the ads for a police officer were sent out to 12 different places with a deadline of March 28^th. He added that he had received four applications already. ~ Pisanti also mentioned that Reserve Officer Chuck Rodas had knee surgery and that went well. He added that he would be starting a list of repeat parking offenders and tow vehicles when several tickets haven’t been paid. 

Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce the third and final reading of Ordinance 490 – Lowering the speed limit on Big Rock Road from 35 mph to 25 mph, since it’s a shared road with pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen to approve the final reading. On roll call, all ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Sorensen, to introduce for discussion the audit proposals from Ridihalgh, Fuelling, Snitker, Weber & Co., $9,000, Oelwein; and Hacker, Nelson & Co., $8,900, Decorah. McGrane recommended Ridihalgh’s firm since they are closer and because they have done Fayette’s audits and annual reviews for the past several years so they would have our background and the audit should go quicker. Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to approve the bid from Ridihalgh and company to perform Fayette’s full audit for FY 2016 in August 2016 for the amount of $9,000. All ayes, carried.    

Moved Nefzger, seconded McGrane, to introduce the matter to change the name of Lima Road, in the city limits, to Jade Road, which is the name in the county for the same road. Dennis explained that Jerry Kleppe, resident living on Jade Road in the county, made this request to the city after talking to the county supervisors and they told him that would be up to the city. Kleppe said it would be less confusing giving people directions to his house if the name was the same all the way. Dennis said there are several roads that have one name in town then turn into a different name out of the city limits, as in all towns. Dennis said there isn’t anyone living on that section of Lima Road so there wouldn’t be any address changes needed. Public Works Director Hildebrand would have to order two new signs and Dennis said she would need to make a couple of map changes and let the county know if the name is changed. Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to change the name of Lima Road in the city limits to Jade Road. All ayes, carried.

Moved McGrane, seconded Nefzger, to consider the bids for two warning sirens and their installation for the IHSEMD/FEMA grant. The four bids received were from these four companies: RCSystems Radio Communications Co., Waterloo, $33,600; Electronic Engineering Co., Waterloo, $39,045; Feld Fire, Carroll, $40,180; and Graybill Communications, Hiawatha, $50,639. The bid opening was held at 9:30 a.m. on March 3^rd with Fire Chief Rohde, Public Works Director Hildebrand and Admin/Clerk Dennis present. Moved Sorensen, seconded Nefzger, to approve the low bid from RCSystems Radio Communications Company for $33,600. All ayes, carried.    

     Moved Nefzger, seconded Sorensen, to go into closed session at 7:57 p.m. per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c.), possible real estate litigation with Attorney John Hofmeyer present. All ayes to go into closed session, carried.

     The council came out of closed session at 8:43 p.m.

     There being no further business, moved Nefzger, unanimous, to adjourn at 8:43 pm.