October 3, 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 from the news media, Sergeant Tim Smit and eight citizens.

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

     The minutes of the September 19 regular meeting and the September 28 special session were presented. With no additions or corrections the minutes stand approved as read.

     The list of bills were reviewed with discussion on the invoices for repairs at Well #3 due to a lightening strike. This will be turned into insurance. Oldfield moved, Kisner seconded and all voted aye to pay the following:.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT FUND

 

POLICE PROTECTION:

Washington County Auditor – Oct law contract                                                           5,037.35

Wellman Telephone Co – phone to law center                                                                  34.37

FIRE PROTECTION:   

Alliant Energy – fire station                                                                                             193.85                      

Reggie Tire – fuel                                                                                                           274.40

City of Wellman – fire station Aug gas                                                                                6.00                       

CIVIL DEFENSE:

Alliant Energy – weather siren                                                                                          11.73

Mellinger Cabinet Shop – fire siren Oct electric                                                                15.00

ANIMAL CONTROL:

Paws & More – Oct payment                                                                                        140.00

TRAFFIC CONTROL:

Alliant Energy – highway flashing light                                                                               11.93

LIBRARY SERVICES:

Payroll expense                                                                                                          2,464.06

Iowa City Press Citizen – annual subscription                                                                 130.00

Wellman Telephone Co – library phones                                                                          57.69

PARKS:

Payroll expense                                                                                                          1,004.50

Alliant Energy – electric services                                                                                    401.89                       

Farmers Supply/Farm Plan – battery for park mower                                                       58.00

Graber Supply – 4x8 treated plywood by Butch                                                               35.92

Teresa Lampe – mileage to Bettendorf/Park & Rec Fall workshop                                   72.90

Menards – privacy lattice                                                                                                 64.41

Evan Parrott – mileage to Des Moines/REAP grant                                                          96.39

Petty Cash –  lunch for group traveling to REAP hearing                                                   41.53

Reggie Tire – fuel                                                                                                             23.50

Wellman Telephone Co – park phone                                                                                1.43

SENIOR DINING:

Payroll expense                                                                                                             423.90

Alliant Energy – electric services                                                                                    349.18

City of Wellman – Aug utilities                                                                                       142.58           

LEGISLATIVE:

Payroll expense                                                                                                              325.64

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION:

Payroll expense                                                                                                             497.71

CITY HALL:

Payroll expense                                                                                                             112.27

Alliant Energy – municipal building                                                                                  371.60                       

Aramark Uniform Services – mats, etc                                                                             38.57

Freeman Foods – cleaning supplies                                                                                  25.88

General Pest Control – Oct service                                                                                  11.00

Petty Cash – gloves for cleaning                                                                                         6.23

City of Wellman – Municipal Building Aug gas                                                                  17.23

Wellman Telephone Co – city hall phones                                                                      143.22

OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:

Pitney Bowes – quarterly equipment charges                                                                  390.00

Quill Corporation – office supplies                                                                                 119.97

Bob Swartzendruber – reimburse motel/mileage League Conference 312.78

Donna Wade – mileage to Washington to file candidate papers                                         14.99

Wellman Advance – publications                                                                                    482.85

EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFIT:

Dr Doug Campbell                                                                                                          13.20

Dr Dawn M Stutlz DDS                                                                                                   37.50

PAYROLL TAXES & DEDUCTIONS:

Federation Bank – fed wht & fica/medicare                                                                 3,227.06

IPERS – employee retirement fund                                                                              2,209.81                       

Treasurer State of Iowa – state wht                                                                                763.48

AFLAC – employee insurance                                                                                       226.60

Wellmark – payroll deduction                                                                                        124.70

CDBG HOUSING REHAB PROJECT:

ECICOG – administration fees                                                                                    3,258.00

Washington County Recorder – record loans                                                                   19.00

RECREATION CENTER:

Payroll expense                                                                                                             515.11

Alliant Energy – skating rink electric                                                                               181.51

Farner-Bocken – concessions                                                                                        533.31

Freeman Foods – concessions,supplies                                                                            21.50

Iwireless – cell phone service                                                                                           50.73

Mahaska Bottling – soft drinks                                                                                       132.00

Petty Cash – concessions                                                                                               107.96

Treasurer State of Iowa – September sales tax                                                                 58.88           

City of Wellman – skating rink Aug services                                                                   109.04

Wellman Telephone Co – rink phone                                                                               23.56

                                                                                        TOTAL                          25,575.40

ROAD USE TAX FUND

Payroll expense                                                                                                             194.05

Alliant Energy – street lighting                                                                                      1,438.34

Reggie Tire – fuel for dump truck                                                                                     42.00

                                                                                        TOTAL                             1,674.39

MAINTENANCE SHED CAPITAL PROJECT

Garling Construction – pay estimate #4 (93% complete)                                            96,950.46

GAS SYSTEM FUND

Payroll expense                                                                                                          2,211.91

Alliant Energy – electric services                                                                                      62.40

Chris Huston – mileage to Eddyville/IUB fall meeting                                                        50.22

I Wireless – cell phone services                                                                                        78.85

Iowa Assn Municipal Utilities – gas main work                                                            1,062.40

                                    Quarterly Energizer Newsletter                                                  166.11

Municipal Gas System – furnace rebate to customer account                                          100.00

Petty Cash – lunch for Huston & Bontrager/IUB meeting in Eddyville 11.20

Reggie Tire – fuel                                                                                                           121.40

Schlabaugh Repair – use of welder                                                                                 150.00

Treasurer State of Iowa – September sales tax                                                               569.25

Treasurer State of Iowa – 3rd Quarter Use tax                                                             1,043.64

City of Wellman – maintenance shed Aug gas                                                                   19.47

                                                                                         TOTAL                           5,646.85

WATER SYSTEM FUND

Payroll expense                                                                                                          4,319.65

Alliant Energy – electric services                                                                                 1,344.38

Douds Stone – rock/water leaks                                                                                    195.10

Dreams Unlimited – 5th Street watermain repairs                                                            120.00

FedEx – shipping for water samples/special testing                                                           57.22

Freeman Foods – supplies                                                                                                 1.79

Gingerich Well & Pump – repairs at well #3                                                                   150.00

Graber Supply – 2-16” concret stakes                                                                             17.70

Graber Supply – 2 doors/water plant                                                                             490.31

Hawkins Water Treatment – chemicals                                                                           556.98

Jetco Inc – repairs at well #3                                                                                      1,248.97

Reggie Tire – fuel                                                                                                            47.40

Utility Equipment Co – repair parts                                                                             1,214.15

Treasurer State of Iowa – September sales tax                                                            1,087.02           

City of Wellman – water plant Aug gas                                                                               6.00

Wellman Telephone Co – water plant alarm                                                                     24.67

                                                                                         TOTAL                          10,681.34

9TH AVENUE NORTH WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

Dorsey & Whitney LLP – corporate purpose note/water project                                 1,404.50

9TH AVENUE SOUTH WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

Dorsey & Whitney LLP - $200,000 note/9th Ave South project                                  1,444.50

WASTEWATER SYSTEM FUND

Payroll expense                                                                                                          1,896.86

Alliant Energy – electric services/wastewater plant                                                       1,411.80

Freeman Foods – ice/wastewater samples                                                                          9.87

Hupp Electric Motors – repair wastewater pump                                                            713.62

Reggie Tire – fuel                                                                                                             73.00

Testamerica – wastewater testing                                                                                   417.60

Treasurer State of Iowa – September sales tax                                                               103.86

City of Wellman – wastewater plant Aug gas                                                                    14.98

Wellman Telephone Co – phone services                                                                         64.73

                                                                                         TOTAL                           4,706.32

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FUND

Cox Sanitation & Recycling – Sep recycling                                                                2,550.00                       

                                    stickers sold                                                                              145.50

                                                                                         TOTAL                            2,695.50

SENIOR DINING HAA FUND

Payroll expense                                                                                                             961.07

Freeman Foods – raw food                                                                                             56.69

General Pest Control – Oct service                                                                                    9.00

H&H Foodservice – raw food                                                                                         93.48

awkeye Foodservice – raw food & supplies                                                                1,226.27 

Mildred Whetstine – reimburse supplies,raw food                                                             54.48

                                    mileage to Cedar Rapids/Heritage meeting                                    35.64

                                                                                         TOTAL                            2,436.63

SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION FUND

Payroll expense                                                                                                               53.29

                                                                            GRAND TOTAL                     153,269.18

     There were no reports or requests for Sergeant Smit from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. 

     James Miller, President of the Parks and Recreation Board reported on their recent meeting. The Wellman Ball Boosters met with the Board reporting they had 153 children participate in their summer program this year as well as 77 in Babe Ruth. They will be providing an annual financial report to the Board. The Sunrise Summer Rec Program report was not available as Tarin Allen, director, was unable to attend the meeting. The REAP grant was not awarded to the City but the need still exists for a path to the school. It is possible some volunteer help is available to do the work if the easements are in place. The Board will be working on the Christmas decorations and asked the City arrange to have them in place the week of Thanksgiving. Plans are being drawn up to expand the restrooms at the skating rink to be ADA compliant and to add a 20x24 space to the building for a game room. Director Lampe will be arranging for someone to spray the parks for weeds. The Board recommends the North Park walking paths be repaired per a bid submitted that would include edging the paths for $250 and sealing the cracks for $1,690. Lampe has also requested some space in the old maintenance shed for storage when that building is vacated. In the matter of the walking paths, Councilmen voiced concerns of repairing them only to have vehicles drive across them. It was suggested signs be placed along the paths to indicate no vehicles to be allowed on the paths. Kisner moved to have the repair work done to the paths as suggested, Swartzendruber seconded and all voted aye.

     Richard Oldfield reported on the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The city’s disaster plan was reviewed with indication the City may want to purchase a portable generator to have available. The Commission also suggests asking the fire department to once a year or so have a test for the all clear signal after a tornado warning has been sounded to allow residents an opportunity to be aware of the procedures. Fire Chief Seward indicated this would be fine as long as prior arrangements are made and sufficient notice given to citizens. Also requested by the Commission is hiring a Building Permit Inspector to be paid as a contract worker on a per permit inspection basis. A suggested amount of $25 per permit was submitted. This will mean raising the minimum for building permits. Swartzendruber moved to approve the inspector, Seward seconded and all voted aye. An ad will be placed in the paper for the position.

     Ordinance No. 172 to amend the Chapter entitled “Mayor” was introduced and caused to be read for its third and final reading. Goodrich moved to final adopt Ordinance No. 172, Oldfield seconded and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes. The Mayor affixed his signature.

     Ordinance No. 173 to amend Chapter 17 “Council” was introduced and caused to be read for its third and final reading. Goodrich moved and Seward seconded to final adopt Ordinance No. 173. Upon roll call there were four aye votes with Oldfield voting no. The Mayor affixed his signature.

     Ordinance No. 174 to establish height of grass/weeds and other items for abatement purposes was introduced and caused to be read for its third and final reading. Oldfield moved to final adopt Ordinance No. 174. Goodrich seconded and upon roll call there were unanimous aye votes. The Mayor affixed his signature.

     Ordinance No. 176 to establish the Wellman Senior Center Commission was introduced and caused to be read for its third and final reading. Seward moved to final adopt Ordinance No. 176, Goodrich seconded and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes. The Mayor affixed his signature.

     Resolution No. 05-35 to increase the recycling charges by twenty-five cents was introduced and caused to be read. Oldfield moved and Swartzendruber seconded to adopt Resolution No. 05-35. Upon roll call the vote was unanimous aye votes. The Mayor affixed his signature. The increase is being requested by Cox Sanitation to cover increase fuel costs.

     In the matter of the Shannon McCain request to waive his water and sewer hookup assessments, the Council reviewed copies of minutes from the meetings when the request for City assistance on his utility line was made. Goodrich stated the City had met the agreed upon compensation and the City Attorney had given his opinion the City should not waive the assessments. Seward pointed out the City went ahead and connected although it was agreed upon that McCain should sign the waiver first. The waiver has not been signed as yet. Oldfield moved not to waive the $250 assessments. Swartzendruber seconded with four aye votes, Goodrich voting no. He stated the council should not be voting on this issue.

     The Council reviewed and discussed proposed changes to the Employee Handbook. After some discussion Swartzendruber moved to adopt the changes, Oldfield seconded and all voted aye. The changes are as follows: (1) under “City Resources and Equipment” the word “Vehicles” be added to the title and a statement to the text outlining care, maintenance and reporting of damages to City equipment. Also, a phrase deleted from this section that will no longer allow an option for City employees to use City equipment for personal use if compensation is paid to the City for that use. (2) Under “Time Clock” a statement added that defines lunch breaks must either be punched out and in or, if the employee is unable to do so, must write in whether a lunch hour was or was not observed. If no notation is made, it will be assumed the lunch break was taken and the employee paid accordingly. (3) “Job Cards” the requirement that job sheets be submitted to the City Clerk on a “timely basis” be changed to “given on a daily basis”. (4) “Rest Periods” adds a statement that defines the fifteen minute rest period time starts when the job site is left and ends when the employee returns to the site.

     Standard Pest Control has submitted a proposal to service the Municipal Building for five dollars less a month than currently being charged by General Pest. Goodrich moved to change to Standard Pest Control, Oldfield seconded and all voted aye.

     Proposals have been received to provide mat and mop service to the Municipal Building. It was decided to accept one of the proposals but first will submit required notice to Aramark Service for discontinuing their contract.

     A Public Hearing for an amendment to the fy05-06 budget was set for Monday, November 7, 2005 at 7:00pm by motion from Oldfield, second from Swartzendruber and all aye votes.

     In General Discussion, Mayor Lewis asked about going ahead with asphalt work on the City Hall parking lot if he gets a bid. The County Auditor will submit an application for a grant from the state.

Seward asked about the school crossing as the Council had voted to have the painting corrected. Lewis asked how he wanted it handled with Seward stating he wanted a contractor to do it.

Goodrich stated that the maintenance shed will be done soon but before items are moved in to it, everything should be inventoried and all equipment cleaned up.

Kisner voiced concerns on the 9th Avenue South watermain project and the tree stump that needs removed at the corner of 5th Street.

Oldfield suggested a couple councilmen walk through the maintenance shed before it is accepted to be certain everything is as it should be.

The Clerk reported the copier has had to have a drum replaced for the second or third time and is approaching eight years old. The repairman indicates it is about at the end of its life expectancy. The budget amendment will include funding for a new one. Ray Griffin has asked for a volunteer to help with the hazardous cleanup day on October 22. Lewis will find someone.  A resident north of town has use for the junk cement collected south of the wastewater plant and asked if the City would load it if he provides the trucking. The Council did not wish to use the backhoe for fear of damaging it. Mayor Lewis stated he had already promised the cement to a firm in Washington who will grind it up.

     In the Public Forum Larry Thurman asked to participate in the new maintenance shed walk through so that he can film it for the cable channel.

Bob Freeman announced the Wellman Improvement Group will be hosting a candidate forum for Thursday, October 27, 7:00pm in the Council Chambers with a live broadcast on Channel 18. Mark Schneider will be the moderator. A set of questions will be prepared for the candidates to answer as well as some offered from those in attendance.

Ryan Miller stated final approval from the IDNR has been received for the parkland use. It is expected ground breaking for the new daycare facility will take place in March.

Wilma Gingerich asked about the water leak at the south end of main street which has been ongoing for over a week. It is expected this will be repaired in the next few days.

Karri Fisher asked if the City equipment had been inspected by the Mayor and was told not all of it. She asked if the city pickup had been repaired as the bodywork bids had been approved at the last meeting. This has not been done yet.

     With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm. The next regular City Council meeting will be Monday, October 17, 2005 in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building.

 

 

 

 

___________________________                              ______________________________

MAX E. LEWIS, MAYOR                                        DONNA B. WADE, CITY CLERK