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.
