January 31, 2008

Wellman, Iowa 52356

The Wellman City Council met in special/work session in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building at 7:00pm. Mayor Ryan Miller presided with the City Administrator, City Clerk and following Council Members: Robert Goodrich, Karri Fisher, Marc Pennington, Steve Slaubaugh, and Matt Latcham; absent: no one. Also present were Mary Coblentz and Kristie Shulman from the news media.

Pennington moved to approve the agenda, Slaubaugh seconded and all voted aye.

The purpose of the meeting was to review applicants for the two maintenance positions. Thirteen applicants have been interviewed with one withdrawing his name as he decided to remain with his current employment. There are five more applicants which have not been interviewed. The applicants were interviewed by Ross and Wade and ranked based on their answers to the nine interview questions. Each applicant was assigned a number for reference purposes.

The Council discussed the option of hiring two with their first choice given a six month probationary/training period and then placing him in the position of public works director. This person has certifications in water and wastewater and would be able to take over operations of the plants. It was suggested the City continue contracting this for no more than six months with city employees taking over at that point should this applicant accept this position.

Duane Covington, contract operator, was asked to come to the meeting to meet the Council members and determine if he is willing to stay on for a longer period of time. Covington reported the water plant is in fairly good shape now with some concerns. The wastewater plant is about thirty percent. It will take a good month to get it fully operational. He stated he is willing to continue contract service up to six months and help train the new employee in plant operations.

The Council each indicated their top four choices with a compiled ranking of #5, #6, #7, #11, #3. Number 7 and 11 were tied. It was agreed if numbers 5 and/or 6 did not accept, number 11 would be next and then number 7. Ross will contact the first two choices and start the background check phase. The salary offer for applicant number 5 will be $17.00 per hour with a maximum of $17.50. Number 6 will be offered an hourly rate of $13.70 to $14.00.

In other business, Ross reported on the recent water leak on 3^rd Street east of 8^th Avenue, an area where several leaks have occurred in recent years. Ross has asked for quotes from local contractors to replace the water main in that block. It is hoped the cost will be under $40,000 but Ross reminded the Council some engineering is necessary for IDNR requirements.

A brief discussion was held on city parking lot use specific to University of Iowa vanpool commuters. The Senior Center board has expressed concerns of parking limitations when the center moves to the Emporium building. It was suggested medians be removed from the lot to provide more parking spaces.

With no further business Goodrich moved for adjournment at 8:39pm. Pennington seconded and all voted aye. The next regular City Council meeting will be Monday, February 4, 2008, 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building.

Minutes transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.