August 15, 2016
Wellman, Iowa
The Wellman City Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building at 5:30pm. Mayor Ryan Miller presided with City Administrator, City Clerk and the following Council Members: Robert Goodrich, Jared Schneider, Fern Bontrager, Robert Freeman and Tracy Owens. Following the Pledge of Allegiance the Consent Agenda was approved upon motion by Freeman, Seconded by Owens and all aye votes. The consent agenda includes the agenda, minutes from previous meeting, and the following claims:
| 8/15 Payroll | ||
| Carrie Geno | $204.05 | |
| Sandra K Miller | $379.48 | |
| Allison R Watkins | $248.25 | |
| Carol A Wilkins | $947.43 | |
| Teresa K Lampe | $953.15 | |
| Ryan J Miller | $276.80 | |
| Beth A VanWinkle | $1,165.51 | |
| Betty Johnston | $141.86 | |
| Travis D Hartley | $1,048.50 | |
| Jesse J Meade | $1,078.65 | |
| Josh VanWinkle | $570.00 | |
| Christine D Huston | $938.00 | |
| Kelly L Litwiller | $1,566.01 | |
| FED Taxes | $3,217.89 | |
| Ace N More | Sprayer/Shovels/Sledge Hammer | $459.30 |
| Action Services Inc | S Park Porta Potty | $70.00 |
| Amazon | Library Books | $68.55 |
| Aramark Uniform Services | Skate Mops | $74.64 |
| Baker & Taylor Books | Library Books | $391.44 |
| Bancard Center | WATV Equipment/Clerk School | $2,748.97 |
| Carol Wilkins | Library Books/DVD/Supplies Reimbursement | $199.25 |
| City of Kalona | Sewer Jetter & Labor | $900.00 |
| E Central IA Council Gov | Wastewater Administration | $830.00 |
| Eastern Iowa Light and Power | August Lift Station | $113.84 |
| Freeman Foods | Supplies | $8.99 |
| Gambles | Trimmer Line & Cutter | $53.47 |
| Gas Products Sales Inc | Posts/Decals | $886.52 |
| Hills Bank & Trust | July Merchant Fees | $352.96 |
| Hilltop Sign & Graphics | Lettering on F150 Pick-up | $240.75 |
| HR Green | WTP/WWTP Inspection/11th St Sewer Project/Ebersole Sub. | $3,027.50 |
| Iowa One Call | July One Calls | $24.30 |
| John Deere Financial | Mower Parts | $38.33 |
| Kuenster Htg & Air | Parkside GEO Inspection/Glycol for GEO | $490.65 |
| Menards | Tools/Batteries/Shop Equip | $222.95 |
| Mid-Prairie Schools | 15/16 Cross Guard | $2,483.91 |
| Office Express | City Hall Supplies | $71.34 |
| Reggie Tire | Mower/Gator/Tonner/F250/F150/Backhoe Fuel | $374.80 |
| Sam’s Club | Skate Merchandise for Resale | $27.34 |
| SE IA Insurance Service | F150/Fire Station Solar Panels Insurance | $606.00 |
| Slabach Construction | Vac- 3 Valve Boxes/Catch Basins | $900.00 |
| State Library of Iowa | FY2017 EBSOHOST Database Subscription | $95.40 |
| Technology Services of Iowa | Monthly Maintenance | $140.00 |
| Unitypoint Clinic | J VanWinkle Drug Test | $37.00 |
| USDA | August Payment | $2,532.00 |
| Utility Safety & Design Inc | July Retainer Fees/Battery-Gas | $304.30 |
| Washington Community YMCA | July Fees | $435.71 |
| Washington County Treasurer | 11th St Sewer Project Easements/JET Therapy Prop Taxes | $2,432.00 |
| Wellman Advance | Council Minutes/Public Notices/Skate Rink | $222.98 |
| Wellman Auto Parts | Nuts/Washers/Sealant Foam-Gas, Hitch/Pin-F150 | $138.53 |
| Wellman Automotive | Sensor/Thermostat-Chevy 1500 | $481.28 |
| Woodruff Construction | WWTP Flow Meter Replacement | $8,700.00 |
| Yotty’s | Flashlight/Sprayer/Outlet | $66.95 |
| Total | $43,987.53 |
No one spoke in the public forum.
Randy Tinnes indicated that there were 32 calls during the month of July. Only one was out of the ordinary but he couldn’t go into detail due to HIPAA. Miller reminded Tinnes that Mid Prairie Schools start next week.
Josh Dean from PeopleServices was not able to give update due to being ill. Litwiller updated for Dean on the water loss reduction plan. After reviewing the data he noticed that there is a significant water loss due to a couple city owned properties that aren’t metered or billed out. Litwiller questioned whether the city should meter these properties to see how much usage there is.
A public hearing to receive comment on proposal to enter a General Obligation Sewer Improvement Loan Agreement was opened upon motion by Schneider; Seconded by Bontrager and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes. There were no oral or written comments. Goodrich moved to close the public hearing, Owens Seconded and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes.
Resolution No. 16-42 A resolution approving settlement of a pending lawsuit and authorizing the mayor to execute the same on the city’s behalf was introduced and caused to be read. Bontrager moved to approve Resolution No. 16-42, Schneider Seconded and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes.
Resolution No. 16-43 A resolution authorizing and approving a Loan Agreement and providing for the issuance of a General Obligation Sewer Improvement Note and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same was introduced and caused to be read. The loan will be with Federation Bank with the interest rate of 2.75% for $125,000. Schneider moved to approve Resolution No. 16-43, Owens Seconded and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes.
Council approved the Rotary Corporate Membership. Miller stated that in the past City Administrators were members and he feels it would be nice to continue this. The Corporate Membership allows other city employees to represent for the Administrator if they’re not able to attend. Bontrager moved to approve, Seconded by Owens and all voted aye.
Council discussed the Compressor for GEO system at Parkside. Litwiller explained that she had talked with Jeremy Kuenster today and he explained to her that the system is only running at 75% due to one of the Compressors needing replaced. He explained that this is the same compressor that the city replaced last year. He also explained that the coolant used for this system will be obsolete by 2020 and feels that the city needs to decide what they want to do long term. Council agrees that something needs to be done but would like further information before making any decisions. Litwiller will make a few phone calls and get back with council.
Council discussed the Wellman Telephone tower equipment. Litwiller explained to council that Wellman Telephone Co have informed her that Utility Services wants to charge them $1000.00 for the review of the plans and specs. Wellman Telephone has decided that they don’t want to pay this charge and questioned whether the city could let them install the equipment needed with some form of contract between the city and themselves. Council would like Litwiller to draw up all the negotiations and present them at the next council meeting.
In council reports, Litwiller updated council on a few items. She wanted council to know that the fall grant applications are due in October and needs ideas. The library will be having their Open House on Sept 17th from 9:00am-1:00pm. She also updated council on the sewer issues in town. Hydro View was in town for 4 days last week cleaning out sewer lines and recommended putting together a plan for the future cleaning and maintenance of lines. She also wanted council to know that she’s still working with the attorney, insurance companies and the homeowner of a property that had back up issues. She will keep council informed. Owens mentioned an unlicensed vehicle at the corner or 5th & 6ththat’s been sitting there for months and hasn’t moved and questions whether something can be done. He also stated that with all the storm and sewer issues that he feels the purchasing of a street sweeper would help alleviate some of these issues. Goodrich questioned whether the City’s Ordinances are operating as tightly as they should be and would like to see the city stop giving so many extensions on nuisance properties.
With no further business Goodrich moved for adjournment at 6:34pm, Seconded by Bontrager and all voted aye. The next regular City Council meeting will be held, Tuesday, Sept 6th, 2016 at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building.
Minutes transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council Approval.