October 31, 2005

Wellman, Iowa 52356

The Wellman City Council met in special session and a work 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 Swartzen-druber, George Kisner, and James Seward; absent: Richard Oldfield. Also present were Mary Coblentz from the news media, Phil Slaubaugh, Karri Fisher, and Larry Thurman.

Swartzendruber moved to approve the agenda, Goodrich seconded and all voted aye.

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended Don Gingerich to the position of Building Permit Inspector. Swartzendruber moved to approve Gingerich, Goodrich seconded and all voted aye.

The Council discussed with Slaubaugh the arrangements for inventory and moving into the new maintenance shed. Slaubaugh presented a drawing of a proposed work bench and enclosed secured area for storing parts, meters, etc. It was also discussed to purchase a wheel tool cart and a used desk and chair from University of Iowa Surplus.

Mayor Lewis asked to table the issue of offering credit card payments for utility bills until he has an opportunity to discuss the legality of this with the City Attorney. The Clerk stated there were a few Cities doing this but there was little response on clerk-net regarding this issue. Karri Fisher explained their procedure and costs for this service in their business. More options will be obtained and brought back to the Council.

Pat Callahan has been working on an update of our Capital Improvements Plan. He will be starting a new position with the City of Anamosa in January so has asked if the Council wants to go ahead with the update. After some discussion it was decided not to continue with the update. The Plan will be reviewed next year as it expires in 2006 and then it will be decided what to do with the plan.

The Council discussed the problems of water main breaks on the east end of 5^th Street. City workers have repaired several in recent weeks. Slaubaugh suggested the City furnish the material for the 900 foot section of main and have a local contractor install it. Mayor Lewis will further discuss the project with Slaubaugh and Oldfield.

The Council entered into work session with the City Clerk explaining the budget amendment by line-item. Wade then reviewed a proposal for changing gas rates to one step rate from the three-steps now being used. Consultant Bill Lindley has not yet sent the proposed rate but it is expected the Ordinance will be changed to allow for this new system.

The Council then discussed City Code updates, particularly licensing of dogs and cats. There is opposition to this proposal by Mayor Lewis and Councilman Kisner. It was decided a proposed ordinance with fees be drafted and placed on the website for public input. General discussion of the code and a schedule for going forward with the update was held. The meeting was then adjourned at approximately 8:40pm.

The next regular City Council meeting will be held Monday, November 7, 2005, 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building.

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