July 10, 2008

Wellman, Iowa 52356

The Wellman City Council met in special session in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building at 6:00pm. Mayor Ryan Miller presided with the, City Administrator, City Clerk and following Council Members: Robert Goodrich, Marc Pennington, and Steve Slaubaugh; absent: Karri Fisher and Matt Latcham. Also present were: ten members of engineering firms, Mark Ebersole and associate.

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

Each engineering firm was given fifteen minutes to present their proposal and receive questions. Fox Engineering, MSA Consulting, Howard R. Green Company, and French-Rediker Associates presented excellent information about their companies and their services as well as what they can provide for Wellman’s water quality project. Following the presentations Council members discussed the companies, looked at costs and qualifications. After a lengthy discussion, Pennington moved to appoint Howard R. Green Company for the Wellman Water Quality Study Project. Goodrich seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

In the work session, Mark Ebersole explained his view for resolution of water drainage problems on 10^th Avenue. The owner of the lot at 2^nd Street and 10^th Avenue has recently built up the lot and enlarged a drive access that has resulted in additional water runoff issues. After some discussion it was concluded that the property owner needs to install a culvert under the drive to allow water to reach a storm drain drop at the corner of 10^th and 2^nd. At some point the city will install another storm drop on the east side of 10^th Avenue to collect water from the street.

In the matter of the 3^rd Street project, Ebersole stated that TERRA Enterprises could do the work and would provide material at their costs to keep the project below $40,000. They can begin September 1^st and would be completed by October 1^st so Pelling can chip and seal the area that will be dug up.

Ross met with Nicole Slaubaugh at Hills Bank today to set up the system to allow the City to receive utility payments with credit cards. Mrs. Slaubaugh discussed with Ross the bank’s need for funds to help provide low interest loans to flood victims. Ross suggested to the Council the proceeds of the City’s million dollar loan be deposited at Hills Bank to help in this cause. The bank will pay 2.1% interest on liquid funds which is slightly higher than the current IPAIT rate. The Council concurred this would be appropriate.

Ross met again with YMCA representatives today concerning the agreement for using the new activities center. The version filed with Vision Iowa needs some improvements. The proposal is to lease the center to the YMCA for $1.00 a year for them to fully operate, clean, pay utilities and staff. The City would retain possession of the meeting room and therapy clinic and collect rents for these spaces. The City would maintain the exterior area of the facility as well. The YMCA staff would clean the meeting areas for the City at $10 per hour. The Council agreed this would be beneficial to all and to ask the City Attorney to draw up an agreement.

Ross reported the Cox Sanitation contract is up in October. He asked if the Council wanted to look at any other contractors at this time or stay with Cox. Members agreed to stay with the current contractor.

Discussion was held on the current water operator and the possibility of hiring a third person to be certified, possibly a part time person. Ross stated the two current employees are not interested in being certified and have plenty of work with the gas system, parks, streets and general maintenance. It was suggested to raise Covington’s wage and discuss options with him.

City workers have asked to purchase a skid loader. Ross reported if the City could sell the street sweeper and Agco tractor those funds would purchase the unit they want. Ross will pursue this. In addition, the workers have asked for DSL internet service at the maintenance office. They now have dialup. It was decided to leave it at dialup for now to avoid additional costs.

Ross requested approval to hire part time summer help as needed to assist in storm cleanup, mowing and other chores. The Council agreed Ross can use his discretion to hire part time help at ten dollars per hour.

Jared Miller, at 317 8^th Avenue, requests permission to construct a fence on his property line adjoining the city alleyway. An agreement with both property owners need to be filed with the County Recorder. Don Gingerich has suggested the fence be placed one foot from the alley line. Goodrich moved to approve the fence agreement, Pennington seconded and all present voted aye.

With no further business Slaubaugh moved for adjournment at 8:58pm, Goodrich seconded and all voted aye. The next regular City Council meeting will be Monday, July 21, 2008, 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building.

Minutes transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.