The City
Council met at
Guests in
attendance: Bob Martens, Izetta Dierking,
City staff in attendance: Jim Blum, Terri Abel.
Motion by
Motion by Booth, seconded by Henningsen to approve the preceding month’s minutes and Library minutes. Ayes: Griffith, Henningsen, Booth. Carried.
Motion by
Hall reported that most of the underground work has been completed. The floor is being installed for the building, the foundation for the clear well has been poured, and erection of the building will begin within the week. The EDR system has been delivered, and the filters are scheduled for delivery within the near future. Accordingly, the main components of the project are onsite. A progress meeting was recently held with the electrician, controllers, engineer, and City staff. The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate start-up and operation procedures of the various controlling aspects of the equipment that is included in the project. Hall felt that the electrician fully understands everything that is to be installed. The integrator will work with City staff on the operation of the plant.
Hall reported that the pay request, in the amount of $127,467.20, includes some of the EDR equipment, but the pay request does not include any of the Layne Western equipment.
Hall indicated that thus far in the project, petroleum contaminated soil has not been an issue. He reminded the Council members that the project budget allocated approximately $50,000.00 for the removal and replacement of petroleum contaminated soil. Pat stated that he does not anticipate that the contractor will encounter any petroleum contaminated soil during the course of the project, especially since most of the excavation has been completed. Accordingly, the City should anticipate a negative change order to remove the cost of dealing with any petroleum contaminated soil. Hall stated that he is still working on the change order, which should also include a credit from the electrician.
The excavation tests have been acceptable. There was one concrete test that had a problem, but Hall felt that the concrete should cure to an acceptable level within the 28-day allotted time.
There was an issue with the door placement in the building, but the problem has been resolved.
Hall recommended the approval of Pay Request #7 in the amount of $127,467.20 in favor of Oakview Construction.
Motion by
Enola stated that she had reported the noise to the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department on numerous occasions. She stated that the music is so loud that the windows in her house rattle. Pagliuso said that she had walked across the street and asked that the group play more quietly, and she encountered both verbal abuse as well as physical threats.
Wood arrived at this time.
Pagliuso stated that several other
neighbors have also complained to her about the loud music. She said that she had been told by the
Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department that the people who are playing the
music can be cited. Booth questioned the
group why they don’t tone down their music, especially since they had been made
aware that people were complaining.
Steve Snyder stated that he felt that the noise from trucks and jake
brakes is much more disturbing than their music. Artie Cox commented that the group always
stops playing their music before
Discussion became heated, and there was accusatory language from both sides. Mayor Wood ended the topic of discussion by stating that if either side had a problem with the other side, they should both feel free to contact the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department.
Discussion turned to the possible
City financial participation in the repair of sidewalk at
Blum reported that he had been told that the School Board had approved the sidewalk replacement, with the hope that the City would financially share in the cost of the project. Blum also noted that a portion of the bid would in actuality be the school’s financial responsibility, and the drop curb would actually be the City’s financial responsibility. In any event, Blum felt that the entire project would be close to a 50% split. Abel indicated that the cost of the sidewalk project would be paid through the budget allocation for streets.
Motion by Booth, seconded by
There was no discussion of the project summary as previously presented by the Friends of Walnut Community School. The item of Friends of Walnut Community School is to appear on the agenda for the next regular City Council meeting.
Jim Blum reported that Terry and
Cindy Suhr had requested the City’s financial participation in the replacement
of residential sidewalk. The Suhr
residence is located at
The Council members had previously dictated the requirements of participation in the residential sidewalk program. After the completed sidewalk has been inspected by the City Superintendent, the City will reimburse property owners for sidewalk replacement at $5.00 per running foot. The City had allocated $5,000.00 in the residential sidewalk program for FY 08-09.
Motion by
Blum noted that the City had
received a letter from an attorney concerning an individual who had sustained
injuries from a fall while walking on the brick sidewalk on the north side of
The Council briefly discussed the City’s sidewalk inspection program. It was clarified that the property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk. Abel indicated that she turned the claim over to the City’s insurance carrier. Booth commented that perhaps the City should be more proactive in identifying any sidewalks that are in need of repair. Blum volunteered to discuss the matter with the owner of the property.
The Council members reviewed three bids for repair of the City-owned billboard that is located adjacent to I-80. Bids were submitted by three different contractors with various alternatives for the sign repair.
Rose City Canopy & Sign of
Walnut,
Rick Dolphens, of Dolphens Design
and Sign, of
Option 2 would be to install a large banner on the existing billboard sign, repairing old boards and screwing down corners. Pipe would be sewn into the edge of the banner, which would be ratcheted down to the back of the billboard. Option 2 would cost $6,550.00. Dolphens had commented that artwork could be more colorful on the second option.
Dave Murphy, of
Option 2, at a cost of $9,250.00, would be the same as Option 1, except that mdo board would be used instead of aluminum panels.
Option 3, at a cost of $15,650.00, would consist of the installation and lettering of flex face for the billboard sign.
Abel commented that she was informed by Rick Dolphens that painted signs would be more permanent than the vinyl posters. The expected life span of banner signs ranges from three to five years; painted signs typically last longer. Rick had also commented that if a panel blows off a sign, it would be possible to replace the panel. If a banner rips from the wind, it would be necessary to purchase a new banner.
Abel also noted that all of the contractors would be able to reproduce any of the artwork. In other words, the artwork could either be painted directly on the sign or reproduced on the vinyl poster. All three of the contractors personally looked at the billboard to determine the condition of the sign.
The Council members discussed the pros and cons of painting the sign versus installing a vinyl poster. The City had allocated $5,000.00 in the budget for repainting the billboard sign.
Motion by Booth, seconded by
Abel indicated that the billboard sign is located on property owned by Donald Johannsen and his sister. She stated that she would notify Johannsen that the City is planning to work on the sign. The City pays an annual fee to Johannsen for the use of his property. The City also purchases an annual sign permit from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
A committee was previously formed to work on projects to enhance the corridor to the community. The installation of the new entrance signs was one of those projects. The decision was made to let the members of the committee determine the artwork for the I-80 billboard.
The Council members reviewed an update to the list of nuisance complaints that were previously discussed at the last two Council meetings. The update that was provided to the Council members included the following information:
1.
2.
3. Pile of debris near City lagoons; property owned by Tri-County Elevator; the property has been mowed and sprayed; debris is no longer visible.
4.
5.
August 1. She requested an extension to complete the project.
6.
The Council members reviewed the updated list of nuisances.
Mayor Wood reported that Deb Linden
has been busy removing a tree that fell on the Herb Wood property. Wood also stated that
Breck Henningsen reported that the
property that was located at
The Council members discussed the
condition of the trailer court located on
The Council members were reminded that the City has the ability to issue a municipal citation to the property owners. Abel cautioned that it would probably not be wise for the City men to remove items from private property without a court order. It is probably not so critical for the City to obtain a court order for mowing purposes.
Discussion of nuisances is to appear on the agenda for the next regular City Council meeting. Abel was requested to once again update the list of nuisances for review at that time.
Relative to Fire Department
discussion, Breck Henningsen reported that the Fireman’s Fun Fest is scheduled
to be held during the upcoming weekend.
The parade is to begin at
Regarding discussion of the Walnut
Housing Rehabilitation Program,
Abel reported that the City
received $207,400.00 from the State of
Abel suggested that the City Council consider once again applying for the funding, pledging $25,000.00 toward the continuation of the Housing Rehabilitation Program.
Motion by
The Council members were provided
with information pertaining to the possible participation in the National Flood
Insurance Program. According to the
information, Walnut has been identified as having areas that will be inundated
by a 1 percent-annual-chance flood. FEMA
is charged with the responsibility of identifying and mapping communities which
have areas subject to flooding within their jurisdiction. A Flood Insurance Rate Map was published for
the City of
Abel reported that she had discussed the City’s possible participation in the program with Terry Hummel, of the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency. According to Hummel, since there is no infrastructure in the flood plain other than sewer manholes, there should be no reason to join the National Flood Insurance Program. Hummel also had stated that the City should keep the information on file in the event that someone wants to develop the area.
No action was taken by the City Council to join the National Flood Insurance Program. Abel was instructed to keep the information on file for future reference.
The Council members reviewed a proposed ordinance, which would add a new chapter to the Code of Ordinances restricting the height of grass within the City limits. According to the proposed ordinance, grass growing on lands within the City shall be cut on a periodic basis so that the height of such grass is never greater than eight inches in height. The ordinance would also allow the City to send only one notice to the landowner per calendar year. The notice would instruct the landowner that the first notice would constitute notice for the balance of the calendar year, and the City may remedy repeated violations on the same property without further notice that year. The current Code of Ordinances lists vegetation as a nuisance, but it does not become more specific regarding tall grass. The proposed chapter would not only limit the height of grass, but it would give the City the ability to send only one notice per calendar year, which would give the City the authority to continue to mow the property once the grass becomes too tall. The City would charge the property owner $75.00 per hour for such mowing, plus a surcharge of $100.00.
The Council members held the second
reading of Ordinance No. 125, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
THE
Motion by Griffith, seconded by
Henningsen to waive the third reading and adopt on the second consideration
Ordinance No. 125, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
The following three resolutions transferring funds were detailed in the budget for FY 08-09. The first resolution would transfer funds to save for the eventual acquisition of fire equipment. The second resolution would transfer funds to save for the eventual acquisition of a replacement ambulance. The third resolution would transfer funds for the acquisition of City equipment.
Motion by Booth, seconded by
Motion by
Motion by
Motion by
Henningsen, seconded by
Motion by Henningsen,
seconded by
Motion by
Relative to discussion of City maintenance, Blum reported that the City men are planning to repair and rebuild the two pumps that are housed in the Jones Street Lift Station.
Blum reported that there is a hole in one of the front tires for the New Holland tractor. The hole has been patched; however, Jim felt that the patch is only temporary. He is planning to purchase a set of front tires for the New Holland tractor.
Jim stated
that work should begin on
There were no Mayor items or announcements.
Relative to Council items or announcements, the Council members were provided with information concerning three upcoming workshops.
The 2008
Iowa Downtown Summit will be held in
The Iowa
League of Cities 110th Annual Conference will be held at the
Abel
reported that a workshop on Historic Preservation will be held in
During public items or announcements, Linda Booth provided the Council members with a Walnut tourism budget for 2008-2009. The budget amounted to $5,001.00. Abel indicated that a warrant for $5,000.00 payable to the Walnut Merchant’s Association was included in the list of bills. The City Council had allocated $5,000.00 in the budget payable to the Walnut Merchant’s Association for tourism advertising. The Council members had no questions regarding the tourism budget.
When
reviewing the bills, a bill in the amount of $4,198.00 was added payable to
Motion by
#14946 Terri Abel, wages 956.07
#14947 James Blum, wages 965.44
#14948 Wayne Rush, wages 776.76
#14949
#14950 Walnut Merchants Association, membership incentive 2,490.00
#14951 Cardmember Service, anti-virus software; tire repair; fuses 65.63
#14952 Craig’s Plumbing, extend water lines to concession stand & Library 367.06
#14953 Terri Abel, wages 956.07
#14954 James Blum, wages 965.44
#14955 Wayne Rush, wages 776.76
#14956
#14957 Herb Wood, hauling; rent of dumpsters; recycling fees 3,010.00
#14958 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, employee insurance 4,325.08
#14959 Denny’s Building Surplus, street paint 65.00
#14960 U.S. Postmaster, billing postage 104.22
#14961 Terri Abel, wages 956.07
#14962 Karri Bennett, wages 197.40
#14963 James Blum, wages 965.44
#14964 Tamie Langlois, wages 86.04
#14965 Margo Matthies, wages 863.58
#14966 Wayne Rush, wages 776.76
#14967
#14968 Terri Abel, wages 226.74
#14969 James Blum, wages 695.92
#14970 Wayne Rush, wages 249.16
#14971 Heiman, Inc., thermal imaging camera 8,550.00
#14972
#14973 Advanced Water Technology, Calciquest; chlorine; injection valve 426.38
#14974
#14975 Atlantic Motor Supply, mower repair 35.96
#14976 Barco Municipal Products, barricade materials 89.86
#14977 Benefit Services Plus
#14978 Bound Tree Medical, ambulance supplies 299.13
#14979 Walnut Boy Scouts, July park mowing 125.00
#14980
#14981
#14982 Cappel’s, supplies 12.78
#14983 Cardmember Service, softener repair 55.15
#14984 Carley Drug Co., shipping fees 103.15
#14985 City of
#14986 City of Walnut, water deposit applied to account 50.00
#14987 Countryside Tire & Lube, trucking rock; rock 373.51
#14988 D.J. Gongol & Associates, Inc.,
#14989 Dana Bentz, refund of water deposit 50.00
#14990 Demco, Library supplies 97.16
#14991 Dollar General Corporation, supplies 7.76
#14992 Dona Grooms, Treasurer fee 100.00
#14993 Internal Revenue Service, Federal withholdings 718.95
#14994 Hach Company, water testing supplies 470.80
#14995 Heiman, Inc., receiver & handle for thermal imaging camera 2,522.50
#14996 Hygienic Laboratory, water testing 738.00
#14997 International Institute of Municipal Clerks, membership fees 140.00
#14998
#14999 Iowa One Call, One Call locates 34.20
#15000 Iowa Prison Industries, no smoking signs 55.50
#15001
#15002 IPERS, withholdings 1,093.11
#15003 Jim Tooley, building permit fees 30.00
#15004 Kasperbauer Cleaners, Inc., cleaning floor mats 43.38
#15005 Knowbuddy Resources, books 85.80
#15006 Kum & Go, fuel 799.39
#15007 Margo Matthies, Library supplies; books 107.96
#15008 Internal Revenue Service, Medicare withholdings 303.34
#15009 MES-MIDAM, safety vests 378.00
#15010 Michelle Rivera, cleaning
#15011 MidAmerican Energy Co., gas & electricity 3,442.09
#15012 Mike Gettler, training 40.00
#15013 Morton Salt, salt 3,150.12
#15014 Northern Safety Co., Inc., speed bumps 542.52
#15015 Oakview Construction, Inc., pay request #7 127,467.20
#15016 Orschelns, herbicide; gauge; bushings; tire sealant 82.77
#15017 Pott.
#15018 Sam’s Club, Library supplies;
#15019 Schildberg Construction Co., stone 645.58
#15020 Simmering-Cory, Inc., administration fees – Housing Rehab Program 4,860.00
#15021 Internal Revenue Service, Social Security withholdings 1,297.06
#15022 State Library of Iowa, EBSCO host database subscription 51.31
#15023 Steve’s Repair, mower repair 26.10
#15024 Super Foods, supplies 61.36
#15025 T-C Auto Parts, Inc., gator insert 3.05
#15026 Terri Abel, mileage 19.89
#15027 Terry Suhr, sidewalk replacement 40.00
#15028 U.S. Postmaster, postage 168.00
#15029 Verizon Wireless, cell phones 105.07
#15030
#15031 Walnut Creek Fertilizer, herbicide 247.50
#15032 Walnut Merchant’s Association, tourism advertising allocation 5,000.00
#15033 Walnut Telephone Co., phone; Internet; fax 261.53
#15034
Summary of Receipts: General, 20,857.41; Mun. Ent., 8,000.00; Road
Use Tax, 6,015.56; Trust & Agency, 942.74; Water, 12,105.69; Sewer,
2,704.07; Local Option Capital Improvement Fund, 8,696.62; Customer Water
Deposit, 150.00; Water Revenue Bond Sinking Fund, 1,650.00; Housing
Rehabilitation Program Fund, 25,914.00;
Meeting adjourned, 6:
__________________________________ ___________________________________
LaVonne Wood Terri L. Abel
Mayor City Clerk