February 7, 2005

Wellman, Iowa 52356

 

 

     The Wellman City Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building at 7:00pm.  Mayor Max Lewis presided with the City Clerk and following Council Members: Robert Goodrich, Robert Swartzendruber, Richard Oldfield, George Kisner, and James Seward; absent: no one. Also present were Mary Coblentz and Katherine Anderson from the news media, Sheriff Jerry Dunbar and eight citizens.

     The Agenda was approved upon motion by Goodrich, second by Oldfield and all aye votes.

     The minutes of the previous meeting was presented. With no additions or corrections the minutes stand approved as read.

     The bill list was reviewed and discussed. Oldfield moved, Goodrich seconded, and all voted aye to pay the following:

GENERAL GOVERNMENT FUND

POLICE PROTECTION:

Washington County Auditor – Feb law contract                                    4,890.63

Wellman Telephone Co – phone to law center                                       36.69

FIRE PROTECTION:   

Alliant Energy – fire station                                216.20

Reggie Tire – fuel                                                                   90.90

City of Wellman – fire station Dec gas                         691.04

CIVIL DEFENSE:

Alliant Energy – weather siren                            12.23

Mellinger Cabinet Shop – fire siren Feb electric                                     15.00

ANIMAL CONTROL:

Paws & More – Feb payment                         80.00

TRAFFIC CONTROL:

Alliant Energy – highway flashing light                              12.59

LIBRARY SERVICES:

Payroll expense                                                                           1,908.13

Sandra Aggson – reimburse videos purchased                                116.68

Baker & Taylor Books – library books                                      88.56

Demco – library supplies                         114.54

Sagebrush – barcode labels                          28.90

Staples – library office supplies                                    48.06

Washington Evening Journal – library director ad                               127.24

Wellman Advance – library director ad                                            14.35

Wellman Telephone Co – phone services                                    57.32

PARKS:

Alliant Energy – electric services                                                75.42

Glenn Guengerich – install & remove Christmas lights                         275.00

Iowa Farmers’ Market Association – workshop registration/Lampe                                         25.00

Trio Gas & Hardware – supplies                                    0.95

SENIOR DINING:

Payroll expense                                                                           408.90

Alliant Energy – electric services                                                246.97

Menards – ceiling tile                                                         4.18

Petty Cash Fund – postage to mail HAA budgets                                    3.95

City of Wellman – Senior Center Dec gas,water,sewer                                               287.76

CITY HALL:

Payroll expense                                                                              160.75

Alliant Energy – municipal building                                    289.47

Aramark Uniform Services – mats,mops,etc                         85.30

General Pest Control – Feb service                                     11.00

Petty Cash Fund – supplies                                                                  12.55

Trio Gas & Hardware – supplies                                    19.87

City of Wellman – Municipal Building Dec gas                                           252.45

Wellman Telephone Co – phone services                                    151.26

LEGAL SERVICES:

Tindal and  Kitchen – city attorney fees                             217.50

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION:

Payroll expense                                                                        450.58

Slagle Pharmacy – employee benefit payment                                                480.31

OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:

Petty Cash Fund – 3cent stamps                                     3.00

Koch Brothers – quarterly copier coverage                                  319.25

Quill Corporation – office supplies                                                                       198.32

Transfer funds to Cablevision Fund from General fund                             6,450.00

Washington County Minibus Service – Feb contribution                              125.00

Wellman Advance – publications                              311.22

                                                                                        TOTAL                                   19,415.02

STREETS & SIDEWALKS TAX CREDIT FUND:

Alliant Energy – maintenance shed                                         138.32

Aramark Services – shirt service                                     19.92

City of Wellman – maintenance shed Dec gas                            246.47

I wireless – cell phone services                          78.85

Trio Gas & Hardware – supplies, repairs                                      152.02

                                                                                          TOTAL                                   635.58

WISHARD PARK FUND:

Margaret Hansen – reimburse for supplies/bench                          75.07

Ramsey Creek Woodworking – park bench work                                        24.25

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   99.32

RECREATION CENTER:

Payroll expense                                                                        857.30 

Alliant Energy – skating rink electric                                     193.69

Aramark Uniform Services – mops,etc                                  29.55

Cox Sanitation & Recycling – rec center stop                         12.00

 

 

Farner-Bocken Company – misc concession items                                        767.55

Freeman Foods – concessions,supplies                                       332.99

Iwireless – cell phones                                     17.95

Teresa Lampe – reimburse for supplies                                    22.93

Mahaska Bottling Co – Pepsi products                         184.40

Menards – repairs                                                              118.96

Oriental Trading Co – misc prizes/merchandise                                          321.66

Quill Corporation – office supplies                           64.76

Treasurer State of Iowa – Jan sales tax                                   152.70

Trio Gas & Hardware – supplies, repairs                                      53.82

City of Wellman – skating rink Dec services                             479.08

Wellman Telephone Co – rec center phone                                       22.97

Yoder Heating & Plumbing – repairs                                      57.99

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   3,690.30

LOCAL ACCESS CHANNEL:

Glenn Guengerich – wiring equipment room                                        106.80

Quill Corporation – office supplies                           12.12

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   118.92

LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FUND:

Bob Boyse & Sons – demolition of barn                                         5,000.00

CDBG HOUSING REHAB GRANT:

Conrad Construction – housing contract work                           11,992.00

H&M Construction – housing contract work                           24,007.04

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   35,999.04

PAYROLL TAXES & DEDUCTIONS:

Federation Bank – fed wht & fica/medicare                                                  2,632.46

IPERS – employee retirement fund                         1,689.83

Treasurer State of Iowa – state wht                                          672.00

AFLAC – employee insurance                                  301.30

Wellmark – payroll deduction                                 401.96

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   5,697.55

ROAD USE TAX FUND

Payroll expense                                                                           1,824.32

Alliant Energy – street lighting                            1,421.72

Farm Plan – parts                                                                8.75

Glider Motors – Kats engine heater for AGCO tractor                          24.00

Gretter Motor Co – snow plow shoe                                42.60

Glenn Guengerich – street light repairs                                      118.00

Martin Equipment – parts,repairs/street equipment                           416.04

Municipal Supply – tire chains                                       422.00

Reggie Tire – fuel/street equipment                                628.55

River Products – commercial sand                                         173.57

Wellman Auto Supply – parts,repairs                             125.52

                                                                                        TOTAL                                        5,205.07

 

 

GAS SYSTEM FUND

Payroll expense                                                                           1,502.68

Alliant Energy – gas regulator                             22.38

Phyllis Bender – furnace rebate                                      100.00

C.J. Cooper & Associates – random drug test                                           29.00

Iowa League of Cities – DATA annual service fee                                           50.00

Mueller Sales Corp – regulator parts                          323.72

Municipal Gas System –  refund service deposits to accounts                                   578.06

Municipal Gas System – furnace,water heater rebates to customers                             125.00

Quill Corporation – plastic storage clipboard                                  13.99

Reggie Tire – fuel/gas dept                             90.00

Treasurer State of Iowa – Jan sales tax                                   2,989.70

Trio Gas & Hardware – supplies, repairs                                      6.94

U.S. Postal Service – meter postage                                    300.00

Washington County Hospital – random drug test                                           23.50

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   6,254.97

WATER SYSTEM FUND

Payroll expense                                                                           2,100.84

Alliant Energy –  electric services                                                998.62

City of Wellman – water plant Dec gas                                           215.75

Hawkins Water Treatment – treatment chemicals                                 249.12

Municipal Supply Inc – parts,repairs                             1,553.70

Municipal Water System –  refund service deposits to accounts                                  457.90

Reggie Tire – fuel/water dept                         42.90

Slagle Pharmacy – batteries                                   4.44

Treasurer State of Iowa – Jan sales tax                                   838.23

Trio Gas & Hardware – supplies                                    5.59

U.S. Postal Service – meter postage                                    300.00

Wellman Telephone Co – water plant alarm                                        25.24

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   6,792.33

WASTEWATER SYSTEM FUND

Payroll expense                                                                           1,912.75

Alliant Energy – electric services                                                1,424.73

Freeman Foods – ice for wastewater samples                                    3.29

City of Kalona – 2nd Street sewer jet clean                         175.00

Quill Corporation – plastic storage clipboard                                  13.99

TestAmerica Inc – wastewater testing                                      313.20

Treasurer State of Iowa – Jan sales tax                                   93.49

Trio Gas & Hardware – supplies                                    10.76

U.S. Postal Service – meter postage                                    300.00

City of Wellman – wastewater treatment plant Dec gas                                    59.09

Wellman Telephone Co – phone services                                    84.79

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   4,391.09

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FUND

Cox Sanitation & Recycling – Jan recycling,trash bags,stickers sold                        4,790.50

 

SENIOR DINING HAA FUND

Payroll expense                                                                           776.78

Freeman Foods – raw food                               24.34

General Pest Control – Jan service                                     9.00

H & H Foodservice – raw food                                  64.08

Hawkeye Foodservice – raw food, supplies                                    816.93

Mildred Whetstine – reimburse/raw food,mileage                             45.91

                                                                                         TOTAL                                   1,737.04

SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION FUND

Payroll expense                                                                           56.14

                                                                                         TOTAL                                    56.14

                                                                            GRAND TOTAL                                   99,882.87

     Sheriff Dunbar was present to report additional cars will be patrolling in the area. Mayor Lewis asked about security systems with direct lines to the law center. Dunbar indicated they preferred the alarms be connected to the security company to reduce phone calls by the dispatchers. In the matter of cost-share for the communications center a formula is being worked out that will be based on tax valuations of each community plus the number of calls. Dunbar feels it will be a fair formula and stated that future contracts for law enforcement will separate the communications costs from the law enforcement.

     The Boy Scouts Troop 236 has requested use of the basement community room for an overnight lock-in for March 12&13. A request for internet connection will be provided by running a line from the access channel TV room adjoining the community room. Oldfield moved to approve the request, Swartzendruber seconded and all voted aye.

     Resolution No. 05-05 to establish a permanent part-time position for the Clerk’s office was introduced and caused to be read. The position will be filled by the current temporary person, Fern Bontrager and bear the title of Deputy Clerk. The wage will remain at $9.00 per hour but will have added limited benefits according to city policy for part-time employees. Goodrich moved to adopt Resolution No. 05-05, Swartzendruber seconded and upon roll call the votes were unanimous aye votes. The Mayor affixed his signature.

     Resolution No. 05-06 to adopt Wellman Access TV Cablecast Policies was tabled due to some minor revisions and additions that needed to be made.

     Robert Freeman reported on the January 19th meeting he attended in Ankeny on the electric municipalization project. Freeman represented Wellman at that meeting which involved ten Iowa communities. Three attorneys were interviewed to select one who will represent the group to the Iowa Utilities Board. Latham & Associates were also selected as consultants for the group. There will also need to be expert witnesses hired to testify on behalf of the municipalities. Freeman stated the attorneys indicated their costs could range from $40,000 to $100,000. It is unlikely all ten communities will continue to the end of the process but if they do, costs should only be a few thousand per community. Costs shares will be formulated based on population and other considerations. Freeman recommended the Council plan on at least $50,000 for the legal process. Also to consider is payment of expert witnesses, appeals, etc. He asked for a commitment from the Council to proceed with the consortium reminding them seventy-five percent of the voters approved this. He reported their citizens committee spent no funds on their campaign for the election as they had volunteers go door to door. Freeman asked that a committee be set up to carry through on the municipalization process suggesting Albion Young, Dr. Terry Palmer and Wallace Fisher be considered for this committee. The attorney hired by the consortium has a target date of July 1, 2005 to be ready to go before the IUB. The entire process is expected to take two to three years. Discussion ensued on financing the process. Goodrich then moved to commit to the consortium and set aside $50,000 in Local Option Sales Tax Funds and $50,000 in gas utility funds to be used to finance it. Swartzendruber seconded the motion with four aye votes and Kisner voting no.

     Mayor Lewis reported the fire siren at the Wastewater plant is not working. He has an estimate from a crane company to take the siren down for repairs and then replace it at a cost of $600 to $800. There is no estimated cost for the repairs themselves. Kisner moved to get another estimate from Farmers Electric, Goodrich seconded and all voted aye.

     Shannon McCain had requested that his sewer and water hookup assessments be waived as part of an agreement the city made to extend the water line to his property. The consensus of the Council was to deny the waiver as these assessments are established by Ordinance.

     An amendment to the Senior Center Commission By-laws to establish regular meetings dates was submitted. Previously the By-laws had stated the first Wednesday of each month. The amendment would change that to allow the Commission to establish the day of week and time to accommodate attendance by all commission members. Goodrich moved to approve the amendment, Oldfield seconded and all voted aye.

     The Cablevision Commission requested two front door keys to gain access to the Municipal Building in the evenings and weekends for broadcasting purposes. The current policy only allows paid staff and city officials to hold front door keys. Goodrich moved to amend the policy to provide a key to the Channel Coordinator (Larry Thurman) and one specified Commission member (Susan McClellen). Kisner seconded the motion and upon roll call there was a unanimous aye vote. In related matters, Mayor Lewis is looking at costs to better secure the Clerk’s office and will have more information at a later meeting. 

     As the next regular Monday council meeting falls on a holiday, Oldfield moved to set Tuesday, February 22, 2004, 7:00pm as the next meeting date. Seward seconded and all voted aye.

     In general discussion Seward reported the Welcome to Wellman sign west on Highway 22 is halfway down. Robert Freeman said that it should soon be replaced with a new sign as a result of this year’s Rotary project for the community.

Goodrich asked for discussion in support of a committee or board for the skating rink. Oldfield and Swartzendruber both voiced their support of this. It will appear on the next agenda.

Lewis reported the city had received the grant for replacing the 2nd Street bridge.

Swartzendruber asked about tearing down the old restrooms at South Park. Lewis indicated it was on the work schedule. Discussion ensued about replacing them with it being decided to use portable units again this year rather than constructing a new facility.

In the Public Forum further discussion was held on the skating rink. Concern was raised as to the dark area at the driveway approach. Lewis will contact Alliant about placing a street light there.

     With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm. The next regular City Council meeting will be Tuesday, February 22, 2004, 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building.

 

 

These minutes transcribed by the City Clerk from written notes and/or audio tape subject to Council approval.