ACKLEY CITY COUNCIL met in regular session November 13, 2019 in the Ackley City Hall Council Chambers with Mayor Erik Graham presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Council members present: Joe Wessels, Judy Crawford, and Pat Daggs. Absent: Robert Harms and Pat Hurt. Quorum present.
Mayor Graham stated he would like to move agenda item #19 to follow agenda item #6. Crawford moved, Wessels seconded, to approve the November 13, 2019 Agenda as listed with the change Graham requested. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda by one motion: a) October 9, 2019 Regular Meeting; October 14, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes as written. b) Bills approval authorizing payment of bills and transfers as listed. c) Place Reports on file: October 2019 Clerk Bank Reconciliation/Cash Report/Treasurer Report; October 2019 Clerk Budget Reports; October 2019 Deputy Clerk Utility Billing Reconciliation; October 2019 Fire Report; October 2019 Ambulance Report. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Jeff Brass, Airport Board of Trustees Member, reported on activity that has taken place at the airport. Council requested that the Airport Board continue to give quarterly written reports.
Brady Winters explained the services that he could provide regarding the City’s website development and maintenance. To maintain it as it is he estimated would take about three hours per month at $50 per hour. He also explained that there were things that he could train city staff to do on their own. He estimated it would take 80-100 hours to re-do the website. Winters stated he would be fine with a month-to-month or short term contract to maintain the website, and that the City could add on any update requests in the future. Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to allow Brady Winters to maintain the City website for the next three months (December-February). Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Clerk Kelly DeBerg informed the Council that in January the City Hall server will no longer be supported by Microsoft. Access Systems has provided a quote for a new server at a cost of $7,722. They also offered the option of leasing it for $166 per month for five years. These costs include the labor to set it up. Jim Kayser, Access Systems Technology Consultant, provided additional details and stated that in addition to the server’s 2008 software no longer having the Microsoft support, which includes patches for security, the existing server was never set up to allow either of the clerk’s files to be saved to the server, and is getting out of date. DeBerg explained that the City has money in the Capital Project-LOST fund that could be used to pay for the server outright to save on the additional costs of leasing. Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to approve the purchase of a server from Access Systems for $7,721.64 using Capital Projects-LOST funds. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Crawford moved, Daggs seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 19-36 Approving the Annual Urban Renewal Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019. Roll call vote: Ayes-Wessels, Crawford, Daggs; Absent-Hurt, Harms. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Crawford seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 19-37 Authorizing Internal Advance for Funding of Urban Renewal Projects. Roll call vote: Ayes-Wessels, Crawford, Daggs; Absent-Harms, Hurt. Motion carried.
Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 19-38 Approving the 2019 TIF Certifications. Roll call vote: Ayes-Crawford, Daggs, Wessels; Absent-Harms, Hurt. Motion carried.
No motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 19-39 Authorizing the Investment of Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds. Resolution failed. Deputy Clerk Malena Dennis stated that the Cemetery Board of Trustees voted to move the $9,400 CD that matured in November at GNB, along with the Cemetery Perpetual Care cash balance of $1,082, into a CD at Green Belt Bank & Trust, and to renew with GNB the $10,100 CD that matures later this month. Daggs moved, Crawford seconded, to direct the City Clerk to invest the cemetery perpetual care funds according to the wishes of the Cemetery Board, and to continue to do so as each CD matures. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Crawford moved, Daggs seconded, to approve the appointments of Lisa Clark and Trent Mennenga to the Pool Betterment Committee to fill the vacancies left by Mandy Meyer and Guy Metzgar, respectively, with terms ending December 31, 2021. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Daggs moved, Crawford seconded, to approve payment to Williams Excavation & Directional Boring for $4,325 for a Main Street water leak repair. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Crawford seconded, to approve payment to Williams Excavation & Directional Boring for $2,920 for a 10th Avenue storm sewer collapse repair. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to approve payment to L.H. Construction for $4,888 for cement and curb work. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Crawford moved, Wessels seconded, to approve payment to Hydro Klean for $49,309.37 and $7,405.27 for cleaning and televising storm sewer lines. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Daggs moved, Crawford seconded, to approve the December 1st payment to LaVelle Properties, LLC for $330.76 for a development agreement rebate. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Crawford moved, Wessels seconded, to approve the purchase of a dual tank chlorinator for $6,855 from Hawkins, Inc. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Daggs seconded, to approve the purchase of pump #2 for the wastewater treatment plant for $7,001.60 plus labor at $100 per hour from Iowa Pump Works. Ayes-3. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on the amendment to the Economic Development Contract with the main focus being on the funding. The Ackley Development Commission requested $25,000 in funding. Council proposed the City give them $14,000 for FY21 if they will pay the City back $1,300 for FY20 to cover the cost of the website for the remainder of the fiscal year, which in the original contract was the responsibility of the ADC. It was also decided that the Council would like to add to the amendment that the ADC provide quarterly financial reports. ADC members will take the proposal back to their board.
Mayor Graham explained to the Council that they have the opportunity to decide now if they want to appoint or hold a special election to fill the vacancy that will be left when Daggs becomes Mayor on January 1st. If they chose to appoint, Council could then make the appointment in the January meeting. Council agreed to wait until January and let the new Council make the decision to appoint or hold a special election.
Discussion was held on new capital projects and estimated costs to help determine what will be funded with the new GO loan that the City plans to obtain, and what will be paid for out of the regular budget. Daggs informed the Council that the engine on the Taurus police car went out today. She went on to explain that 2019 was the last year that the Taurus will be produced and if the City purchases a new Taurus our current equipment, which cost around $6,000, would fit into the new car. If the City paid to fix the engine now, at a cost of $11,566, and then purchased a new car in the future, the City would have to purchase all new equipment to fit the new car. Daggs received two state bids for a new 2019 Taurus. One from Stivers Ford for $21,510 with trade-in, and the other from Heritage Motors for $22,400 with trade-in. DeBerg explained that this purchase could be paid for with Capital Project-LOST funds. Police Chief Brian Shimon also explained that there would be additional costs of $1,500 for labor to move the equipment, and $1,000 for the decals. Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to purchase a new 2019 Taurus for $22,400 from Heritage Motors with an additional $2,500-$3,000 for the added costs to change over vehicles. Ayes-3. Motion carried. Daggs briefly discussed the idea of obtaining plans for a new ambulance shed. She will find out what the consultation costs would be. Crawford asked Public Works Director Nathan Vogel to make sure that the boiler in City Hall works. Mayor Graham directed the Council to obtain for the December meeting the cost estimates for the list of projects Council had previously created.
Council member Pat Hurt arrived at 9:11 p.m.
Discussion on the FY21 budget was held and included items like funds to be spent out of reserve accounts, the cost to offer the option of utility e-bills, amending the agreement with the Heritage Center, and a 3% wage increase to employees.
Mayor Graham is working on obtaining the bids needed for the Derelict Building Grant for 420 State Street.
Angela De La Riva, Hardin County Economic Development Director, gave an update on her activities. In Ackley, a planning session will be held on Friday regarding 626 Main Street.
Wessels moved, Daggs seconded, to approve revised Change Order No. 8 for $10,500 with removing the restriction of being in grassed area only for the Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project-Phase 1. Ayes-4. Motion carried. Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to approve Change Order No. 9 for a reduction of $54,705 for the Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project-Phase 1. Ayes-4. Motion carried. Wessels moved, Daggs seconded, to approve payment to Municipal Pipe Tool for $299,875.76 for Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project-Phase 1 Pay Estimate No. 11. Ayes-4. Motion carried. Lee Gallentine, City Engineer, went over the 2019 Water Main Project along with the City Hall Sidewalk and Storm Sewer Project which will be bid all together. Council would like to add the cement work and railings for two sets of steps at Cougar’s Den to the project. Daggs moved, Wessels seconded, to set a public hearing on Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Costs for 2019 Water Main Extension, City Hall Sidewalk Replacement, City Hall Storm Sewer Repair, and Cougar’s Den Steps Replacement for December 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Ayes-4. Motion carried. Gallentine reminded Council that it will take 4-6 months to follow the IDOT bid process if Council decides to go ahead with the North Butler Street Project. All building permits are up to date.
Vogel gave a Public Works update. He is getting bids on the electrical work for the pool lighting as well as the boiler. Iowa Wall Sawing has completed the lifting of the slabs at the pool. The department has been working on mower repairs and getting ready for winter.
Updates were given on old business. Deputy Clerk Malena Dennis informed the Council that Hardin County has still not responded regarding reviewing an agreement with the City to help with delinquent parking tickets in conjunction with the renewal of vehicle registrations. After reviewing the CD interest rates that Wessels had previously presented, Hurt moved, Daggs seconded, to invest the total funds currently held in an annuity in the approximate amount of $525,000 in a 36-month CD with Peoples Savings Bank at a rate of 2.25%. Ayes-4. Motion carried. Council agreed to not move the $90,000 currently in a money market account at Green Belt Bank & Trust earning 1%. A discussion was held regarding the many concerns with the street parking and the overwhelming task. It was decided to start with no parking on the south side of 1st Avenue and go from there. The City Clerk was directed to draw up the ordinance. Jeff Frazier, Ibeling Insurance, gave a brief follow-up presentation on health insurance options. Wessels moved, Crawford seconded, to accept Ibeling Insurance’s proposal on health insurance. Ayes-4. Motion carried.
Mayoral & Council Comments: Mayor Graham congratulated Mike Abbas, Pat Daggs, and Joe Wessels on their new and continued elected positions with the City. Graham informed the Council that the Hotel Feasibility Study is complete and that the results show Ackley to be a feasible place for a hotel, but that the City needs more restaurants. He will present the formal plan next month.
Public Comments: None.
With no further discussion, Wessels moved, Crawford seconded, to adjourn at 10:22 p.m. Ayes-4. Motion carried.
ABBAS, SUE
MILEAGE HARDIN COUNTY LIB MTG
28.42
ACCESS SYSTEMS
TECHNICAL SUPPORT/BACKUP
832.27
ACCESS SYSTEMS LEASING
COPIER LEASE/MAINT PAYMENT
170.38
ACKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
POSTAGE
48.62
AFLAC
AFLAC
189.42
AIRGAS NORTH CENTRAL
CYLINDER RENTAL/CYLINDER MAINT
738.17
AMAZON
BOOKS
193.18
BLACK HILLS/IOWA GAS UTIL
UTILITIES-GAS
285.13
BOOK LOOK
BOOKS
86.95
BOUND TREE MEDICAL LLC
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
229.79
CARDMEMBER SERVICE
CREDIT CARD PURCHASES
775.72
CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT
LP BOOKS
532.08
CENTRAL IOWA DISTRIBUTING
BLAZE ICE MELT/TOWELS/DUST MOP
536.22
CGA
ENGINEERING SERVICES
32,637.85
CLIA LABORATORY PROGRAM
CERTIFICATE FEE 4/2/20-4/1/22
180.00
COLLECTION SERVICES CENTR
CHILD SUPPORT
215.00
CRAWFORD, JUDY
TREES
1,498.50
DEBERG, KELLY
MILEAGE IMFOA FALL CONFERENCE
121.22
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RES
NPDES APPLICATION FEE
85.00
DIAMOND LAKE BOOK CO.
BOOKS
85.75
DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP
LEGAL SERVICES FOR AMB GO LOAN
3,250.00
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PRODUCT
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
407.22
FAMILY HANDYMAN
BOOK
1.00
FEDERAL W/H
FED/FICA TAX
13,567.47
GALLS INC.
INSIGNIA/BATON
64.95
GARDNER MEDIA LLC
BOOKS
312.98
GWORKS
2020 SIMPLE CITY LICENSE FEE
5,000.00
HANSEN FAMILY HOSPITAL
PHARMACY SUPPLIES
13.30
HARDIN COUNTY OFFICE SUPP
DESK CALENDARS/MOISTENER/CLIPS
24.73
HARDIN COUNTY SOLID WASTE
OCTOBER LANDFILL FEES
1,377.48
HARMS, LARRY
JUL-SEP RENT PD CAR GARAGE
375.00
HEART OF IOWA
847-2222 COMMUNICATIONS
97.45
HEARTLAND ASPHALT INC.
STREET PATCHES
39,630.50
HERITAGE MOTORS
2017 FORD PD CAR SERVICE
38.33
HOSPITALITY MARKETERS INT
HOTEL MARKET STUDY BALANCE
1,495.00
HYDRO-KLEAN, LLC
CLEAN AND TELEVISE STORM LINES
56,714.64
INNOVATIVE AG SERVICES CO
DIESEL/GAS
1,912.62
IOWA DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFE
ON-LINE WARRANTS AND ARTICLES
300.00
IOWA FALLS EMS
TIER, PARAMEDIC INTERCEPT
500.00
IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMEN
3RD QTR 2019 UMEMPLOYMENT
93.16
IPERS
IPERS
7,336.25
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL
SPACKLE/PUTTY & TAPING KNIVES
28.64
KEN'S REPAIR
TRIMMER STRING/MOWER BELT
167.90
L.H. CONSTRUCTION
CEMENT & CURB WORK
4,888.00
LANDUS COOPERATIVE
LAWN SPRAY
105.50
M&G TIRE SERVICE
2009 FORD AMB BATTERIES
376.84
MEDIACOM
PHONE/FAX/INTERNET
120.00
MEYER, KENDALL
WEED SPRAYER CONNECTOR
16.99
MIDAMERICA BOOKS
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
56.85
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPAN
ELECTRIC BILL
3,386.11
MILLS PHONE SERVICE
WORK ON FAX AND PHONE LINES
722.50
MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL COMPA
SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS-1
299,875.76
NAPA AUTO PARTS
AUTO PARTS/SUPPLIES/TOOLS
134.17
P.C.C.
AMBULANCE BILLING FEES
879.69
PEOPLESERVICE INC.
WATER/WASTEWATER SERVICE
16,320.00
POSTMASTER
UTILITY BILL POSTAGE
245.00
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE HEALTH PL
HEALTH INSURANCE
7,112.00
RELIASTAR LIFE INS CO
LIFE INSURANCE
112.68
SALES TAX/LOST
SALES TAX PAYMENT
855.00
SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY LLC
HOODS/GLOVES FOR JUNIORS
484.15
SHIELD PEST CONTROL
MONTHLY SERVICES
50.00
STAREK, RETHA
TULIP BULBS
25.00
STATE WITHHOLDING
STATE TAXES
1,389.00
TASTE OF HOME
BOOK
34.98
USDA RF
COUGAR'S DEN MONTHLY PAYMENT
1,151.00
VERIZON
CELL PHONES/INTERNET/PHONE
454.11
WAL-MART COMMUNITY
BLU-RAY PLAYER
62.00
WATER EXCISE TAX
WATER EXCISE TAX PAYMENT
2,295.00
WILLIAMS EXCAVATION LLC
CURB VALVE/WA LEAK/STORM SWR
9,612.68
PAYROLL CHECKS
TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS
52,347.15
CLAIMS TOTAL
575,290.45
EXPENSES BY FUND
GENERAL FUND
80,447.88
LIBRARY RESERVE FUND
118.85
AMBULANCE RIG/EQUIP RESER FUND
3,250.00
TREE RESERVES FUND
1,498.50
ROAD USE TAX FUND
17,412.11
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND
82.45
CAP STREET PROJECT-LOST FUND
17,041.50
CAP PROJ-DEMO/REP OF BLDG FUND
312.86
WATER FUND
34,312.55
SEWER FUND
20,341.03
CAP SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FUND
332,513.61
GARBAGE FUND
6,101.20
STORM WATER FUND
61,857.91
TOTAL
575,290.45
REVENUE - OCTOBER 2019
GENERAL FUND
175,521.81
LIBRARY RESERVES FUND
2,071.00
FIRE TRUCK/EQUIP RESERVES FUND
1.06
AMB RIG/EQUIP RESERVES FUND
100.04
TREE RESERVES
900.00
ROAD USE TAX FUND
19,751.17
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND
60,603.25
EMERGENCY FUND
4,073.98
LOST FUND
13,147.92
LOST - DEBT SERVICE FUND
3,286.98
TIF FUND
44,294.33
DEBT SERVICE FUND
83,975.08
CAPITAL PROJECTS - LOST FUND
3,286.98
WATER FUND
43,716.75
WATER DEPOSITS FUND
1,050.00
SEWER FUND
59,068.59
SEWER SINKING FUND
16,276.98
SEWER RESERVES/SURPLUS FUND
26,503.51
CAP SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FUND
160,707.94
GARBAGE FUND
13,309.76
STORM WATER FUND
13,507.15
TOTAL
745,154.28
___________________________________
Erik Graham, Mayor
ATTEST: _______________________________
Kelly DeBerg, City Clerk