REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
October 16, 2023
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, October 16, 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 Post, Lowery (via phone), Potratz. Absent: Scott. One council seat vacant.
Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve the consent agenda items consisting of the regular meeting minutes of 10/2/23, Approval of Claims List 9/30 - 10/13/23. Roll call, all ayes, motion carried.
Citizen’s Comments: Joy Jaeger of Fayette addressed the council about the fire department members pictured in the Oelwein Daily Register and Fayette Union paper. Not all those pictured are members and the pictures were unprofessional. Nancy Wulfekuhle of Fayette addressed the council that she believes that the police department are doing a good job and deserve an increase in pay. Scott Bowen of Fayette addressed the council saying that he wanted to thank the police department for the work they’ve done in response to a concern on Jones St. and slowing traffic in that area.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post to approve the agenda as presented. All ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Wood informed the council that he spoke with the city attorney and the city council is required to fill the vacant seat in council. Wood also informed the council that he spoke with Andrew Wenthe at Upper Iowa University and the UIU board of trustees will be going through the process to gift UIU’s portion of the Volga River Recreation Trail to the city of Fayette.
City Administrator/Clerk Hawes worked with previous city administrator/clerk, Kris McGrane, on 10/12 and 10/15. The two worked on monthly bank statements/financials, Resolutions/Public Hearings/Lease Agreements, Claims/Payments, journal entries, Personnel/Human Resources, claims/bills and council agenda/packet. Hawes registered for budget workshops with the Iowa League of Cities for November 8th and 21st. Hawes has submitted all paperwork to the IMWCA Auditor for their FY23 annual review. Hawes has also begun submitting items for City Exam.
Police Chief Davis addressed the council that the drone for the police department arrived.
Public Works Director informed the council that the work of laying fabric and rock around the city wastewater lagoons should begin this week.
Moved Post, Seconded, Potratz, to table the discussion on Hackley Homes and Communities LLC.
Moved Potratz, seconded Lowery, to approve and acknowledge receipt of Personnel Committee meeting minutes from 10/11/23. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve closing most of the 100 block of S. Main Street for UIU Fall festival from 3PM to 9PM on October 21, 2023. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve payment for the Downtown & Neighborhood Revitalization Program to Lois and Rick Shurtleff in the amount of $4750.00. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve hiring Blazek Corporation out of Lawler, Iowa, to complete the wastewater treatment facility wall project in the amount $15,150.00. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve Resolution 2023-48, approving the employee Health Insurance Handbook. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Lowery, to approve Resolution 2023-49, approving the Personnel Policy to include updated to Section 5.1 Health Insurance. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to approve Resolution 2023-50, fixing a public hearing date for authorization of a loan and disbursement agreement and issuance of not to exceed $65,000 for a Police 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Truck and providing for publication of notice. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Potratz, seconded Post, to take police department wages discussion to the personnel committee. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to appoint to fill the vacancy on the Fayette City Council with the highest non-incumbent city council member vote-getter at the November 7th election. All ayes, motion carried.
Moved Post, seconded Potratz, to approve having city wide trick or treating on Tuesday, October 31 from 5PM to 7PM. All ayes, motion carried.
There being no further business, Wood declared the meeting adjourned at 7:00pm.
