CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

 

July 3, 2008

 

 

            The City Council met at 5:00 p.m. in regular session with Mayor Wood presiding.  Council present:  Booth, Griffith, Zimmerman.  Council absent:  Wood, Henningsen.

            Guests in attendance:  Linda Booth, Izetta Dierking, Pat Hall, Glenna Thompsen, Bob Hilligas, Deb Linden, Rick Blum.

            City staff in attendance:  Jim Blum, Wayne Rush, Terri Abel.

            Motion by Booth, seconded by Zimmerman to approve the agenda.  Ayes:  Griffith, Booth, Zimmerman.  Carried.

            Motion by Griffith, seconded by Booth to approve the preceding month’s minutes and Library minutes.  Ayes:  Zimmerman, Booth, Griffith.  Carried.

            There was no Treasurer’s report available at the time of the Council meeting. Motion by Booth, seconded by Griffith to approve the Clerk’s report.  Ayes:  Zimmerman, Booth, Griffith.  Carried.

            Pat Hall, of Snyder and Associates, Inc., was present at the Council meeting to provide a progress report concerning the ongoing Water Treatment System Improvements Project.  Hall provided the Council members with a copy of Pay Request #6 in the amount of $399,367.65 in favor of Oakview Construction.  Hall indicated that the large amount of the pay request was primarily due to the delivery of the EDR equipment that is currently being stored at City-owned property located at 236 Pearl Street.  Pat reported that the major processing equipment has been delivered, the foundation for the building is in place, and yard piping is being installed.  The contractor has been progressing with construction as weather has permitted.  Hall also reported that progress meetings with the various contractors, the City, and the engineer have been ongoing in an effort to coordinate all aspects of the project.  There have been some issues with the building that has already been delivered, namely the location of some of the walls, windows, and doors are not correct, and adjustments are being made.  The next progress meeting will focus on the electrician and the controlling people.  Hall noted that there will be a great deal of progress made on the project during the remainder of the summer months. 

            Hall recommended the approval of Pay Request #6 in the amount of $399,367.65 in favor of Oakview Construction.   

Motion by Griffith, seconded by Zimmerman to approve Pay Request #6 in the amount of $399,367.65 in favor of Oakview Construction, Inc.  Ayes:  Booth, Zimmerman, Griffith.  Carried.

At the last regular City Council meeting, the Council members had made the decision to install two speed bumps on Jones Street.  When Jan Allen had originally requested the City’s assistance in reducing the speed of vehicles traveling on Jones Street, the Council had requested that Allen obtain the signatures of his neighbors on a petition requesting the installation of speed bumps.  Allen had complied with the Council’s request, and the Council received a petition that was signed by seven residents of the area.  It had been noted that all of the neighborhood residents had signed the petition except for one household. 

            Glenna Thompsen was present at the Council meeting to request that the Council reconsider its decision to install two speed bumps on Jones Street.  Thompsen reported that she and her husband were the members of the household that did not sign the petition.  Thompsen stated that she and her husband have lived on Jones Street for many years.  She indicated that they have a great neighborhood, complete with new homes, new families, and responsible parents.  Glenna reiterated some of the concerns that Jan Allen had expressed at the May 2008 Council meeting including speeding vehicles, the fact that Jones Street is quite narrow, the lack of visibility at the knoll of the street, and two blind driveways. 

            Thompsen distributed a handout that she had compiled detailing the impact of speed bumps, including both the benefits and the drawbacks of speed bumps.  She detailed two benefits and ten drawbacks.  The benefits stated that speed bumps reduce traffic speeds in the immediate vicinity of the speed bumps and they decrease traffic volume.  The ten drawbacks included the following:  speed bumps increase the response time of fire and rescue vehicles and seriously damage emergency vehicles; they impact service vehicles such as garbage, recycling, gas, electric and communications; they impede snow plowing, street repairs and mosquito spraying and increase street maintenance costs; they present a potential hazard to motorcyclists and bicyclists; they provide an attractive nuisance; they negatively affect property value; they divert traffic off the street on to private property; they cause physical discomfort and pain for disabled and injured persons; they cause hazard to vans with lowered floors for wheelchair access; and they increase a community’s liability for accidents.  Thompsen reviewed the various points of the handout with the members of the City Council.  A copy of the handout is on file in City Hall. 

            Thompsen pointed out that there are no speed bumps anywhere else in the community, and she also thought that speed bumps would not portray a very friendly welcome to her neighborhood.  Glenna requested the Council’s reconsideration of its previous decision as well as the Council’s further discussion on the topic. 

            Booth noted that blind driveways and speeding were the main issues that led the Council to make its decision to install speed bumps.  In Thompsen’s opinion, there have been rare incidents that involved problems with youth speeding, and those problems have been addressed directly with the drivers of the vehicles.  Thompsen felt that there would be other options which could be considered to slow the speed of traffic including the installation of stop signs or signage warning of blind driveways. 

            Blum stated that even though a motion had been approved to install two speed bumps, he had not yet ordered the devices because he knew that Thompsen was scheduled to attend the Council meeting to voice her concerns.  The speed bumps that he is planning to order are each only two inches high and ten inches long.  The recycled plastic speed bumps are actually quite low; he is planning to order three to cover the full width of Jones Street in two places.  Jim also indicated that he would install signs warning of speed bumps ahead. 

            Booth noted that he had some initial concerns about speed bumps doing damage to Thompsen’s vehicle, which sits relatively low due to handicapped accessibility.  Booth did not feel that a two-inch speed bump would damage the vehicle.  He suggested that the City install the speed bumps as originally planned, leaving them in place for a period of time in order to determine whether the bumps have an impact on the speeding problem.  Booth pointed out that the speed bumps are portable and could be easily removed if necessary.  Blum stated that the City men had already planned to remove the speed bumps in the winter months during snow plowing activities. 

            Both Blum and Griffith made comments that perhaps the City should only install one speed bump, evaluating its effectiveness before installing a second bump.  Griffith suggested that the City avoid the Thompsen property when installing any speed bumps, allowing access to the property from one direction without the need of encountering a speed bump.

            Thompsen stated that, because her husband is handicapped, he has a great deal of difficulty in maintaining his balance even when their vehicle is traveling over a small bump, like the dip that is located at the end of their driveway.  She also indicated that the floor of their van is eight inches lower than most, and she felt that the installation of any speed bumps would negatively impair their ability to travel to and from their residence.  Booth suggested that the City aid Thompsen with alleviating the dip in her driveway, either through the installation of a culvert or the placement of gravel or fill material.  Booth also suggested that the City situate the speed bumps so that the Thompsens are able to leave their property to the south without having to encounter speed bumps. 

            Thompsen thanked the City Council for its time and consideration.  The City men were instructed to install two speed bumps on Jones Streets as originally planned; however, the speed bumps are to be installed north of the Thompsen driveway, which is located at 508 Jones Street.  The City men were also directed to look at Thompsen’s driveway to determine the proper method to alleviate the dip in the driveway. 

            Linda Booth and Bob Hilligas were present at the Council meeting, representing the Walnut Merchant’s Association.  Linda Booth thanked the City Council for its previous pledge to spend $1,720.00 to repair the sign that is located at mile marker 50 on the north side of I-80.  She advised the Council members that the Merchant’s Association had recently received a grant from the Western Iowa Tourism Region; the grant would cover one-half of the cost of the sign repair.  Accordingly, Linda noted that the City would essentially pay for the work in full, and Western Iowa Tourism would send the City reimbursement in the amount of $860.00 upon the completion of the sign repair.

            Bob Hilligas was present at the Council meeting to report on the City’s incentive for new membership to the Walnut Merchant’s Association.  A motion had been approved at the March 2008 Council meeting for the City to match the fee to belong to the Walnut Merchant’s Association for any new members who join the organization by July 1, 2008, contingent on the new members paying for a full year’s membership.  Hilligas reported that he had sent a letter to all of the merchants informing them of the City’s incentive plan to match membership fees.  He followed up with personal visits.  His efforts resulted in seven new memberships, four from support businesses and three from antique businesses.  Some of the new members paid in full, and some pledged to pay monthly.  Abel had indicated that she would prefer to write one check to the Merchant’s Association.  If one of the new members fails to pay its pledge, the Merchant’s Association would reimburse the City accordingly.  The City’s cost to match the new membership amounted to $2,490.00.  Hilligas thanked the City Council for its interest and contribution to the organization. 

            Hilligas commented on the beautiful sign that was recently installed at the north entrance to the community.  He noted that the entrance is lovely, and the residential area on Antique City Drive is equally as beautiful.  He made note that the area between the entrance and the residential area could be enhanced.  He suggested that the City install welcome signs or welcome flags on the twelve utility poles that line the corridor.  He thought that perhaps he would be able to obtain some of the funding from the individual merchants.  Vern Booth noted that there is a committee that was formed to design entrance signs to the community.  Booth suggested that Hilligas approach the committee with his ideas to enhance the corridor from the Interstate to the residential area of the community. 

            Rick Blum was present at the City Council meeting representing the Friends of Walnut Community School.  According to information that was provided by the organization, the Friends of Walnut Community School is eager to help the City maintain a thriving K-12 school in Walnut.  The information included a project summary for the 2008-2009 year.  There was a lengthy discussion concerning the proposed projects as detailed by Blum.

            Blum prefaced the discussion by making note that he had provided a letter requesting the City’s collaboration in several areas.  He indicated that he was present at the Council meeting to answer any questions and to obtain the City’s response to his letter. 

            Rick stated that the group is planning to remove two large trees and a few smaller trees that are located along the west side of the middle school building; some of the trees are in the City right-of-way.  According to Blum, Paul Croghan will fell the trees, and the Friends group will remove the debris.  The removal of the trees is a portion of the landscaping plan that has been developed by the Friends of Walnut Community School.  There was a brief discussion concerning the removal of the larger trees.  Blum indicated that the removal was advised by a landscaping expert in an attempt to reduce the canopy so that smaller plantings can survive.  The group is leaving the biggest tree in place, but other larger trees with hollow branches will be removed.  The berm in front of the school will be removed, and the area directly in front of the building is to be landscaped.  The Friends are planning to remove the sidewalk that extends along the entire west side of the north building and the middle school building; the sidewalk has created water drainage problems into the buildings.  After publishing the group’s intent to remove the large trees in the Walnut Bureau in an attempt to garner public comment, there was only one response made, which was negative. 

            Blum’s letter had requested the use of the older welcome sign that is currently located adjacent to the Red Carpet Inn.  The group had hoped to install a school sign over the welcome sign.  Vern Booth indicated that the Sign Committee has made tentative plans to relocate the welcome sign, so it might be possible that the Friends could utilize the sign structure for a school sign.  Vern also thought that there was a second sign under the existing welcome sign that was originally developed by the Walnut Community Club.  Linda Booth indicated that the Sign Committee has not been able to find a good location for the existing welcome sign so there are no immediate plans to forego the use of the existing sign structure.  Linda also commented that the Sign Committee had discussed the elimination of sign clutter along the main corridor from the Interstate to the community.  Rick indicated that the Friends would eventually like to install two highway signs promoting the school.  Vern Booth thought that it would perhaps be possible for the Friends to utilize the existing sign structure at some point in the future after the welcome sign has been relocated. 

            A new project idea is the installation of a retaining wall along Walnut Street next to the playground.  The group would like to continue the block wall along the west edge of the playground.  Blum estimated the material cost of the project at $5,000.00 with labor donated; he suggested that the City and the Friends share equally in the cost of the project.  While discussing the proposed plans for the project, Jim Blum suggested that the Friends possibly widen the sidewalk to meet the wall.  Jim Blum also noted that it would probably be necessary to install footings and a railing along the retaining wall.  Jim also commented that perhaps it would be possible to incorporate the retaining wall project into the school’s sidewalk replacement project so that both projects were completed at the same time.  In any event, Rick Blum commented that the Friends of WCS would like to work with the City whenever possible.  He further stated that the Friends of Walnut Community School is essentially a private organization supporting a public entity.

            In his letter, Blum requested that the City help with the purchase cost of an electronic announcement board.  A one-sided announcement board would cost approximately $10,000.00; it would be installed on the school building where the old announcement board once was located.  In exchange for its financial participation, the City would be allowed to display messages and announcements on the board.  Rick also mentioned that Treynor and Villisca both have a two-sided announcement board installed   perpendicular to the street in front of the schools.  Rick estimated the cost of a two-sided announcement board at approximately $25,000.00.  He commented that a two-sided board would fit nicely near the corner of Antique City Drive and School Street.  The group’s alternative is to install a nicer new, manual-set, one-sided announcement board on the front of the school.  The purpose of the announcement board is to demonstrate to the community that the school has daily activities to announce. 

            Rick requested that the City consider some collaboration on the Teacher Fund.  He noted that a fund has been established so that people can donate money to benefit teachers or to purchase equipment.  The group had heard that the City of Avoca has collaborated with its school to provide a possible financial incentive for teachers.  He suggested that the City consider a one-time funding incentive or a loan forgiveness program to help the community attract teachers to the school.  An attractive benefit of a loan forgiveness program is that it could be tailored so that all of the income would not have to be claimed in the first year.  Abel was instructed to contact the cities of Avoca, Underwood, Neola, and Minden to determine whether any of the cities are participating with their schools in offering a financial incentive to prospective teachers.  Rick commented that the Tri-Center school system is quite aggressive in promoting its facility. 

            On a final note, Rick indicated that the Friends group would be interested in constructing a new practice baseball/softball diamond.  The proposed location would be south of the softball field, near the old backstop.  The group requested the City’s permission and help with the construction of the new ball diamond.  According to Rick’s letter, the Little League Softball program would provide some of the funding for the project.  In addition to practice, Rick suggested that perhaps the new diamond could also be used for games for some of the younger ball players.  Rick was not certain what would be needed to properly grade, slope, and surface the area for a new ball field.  Fencing and bleachers would also have to be considered if the field were to be used for games.  Jim Blum commented that the area in question is typically used as a parking lot during football games.  Jim Blum also stated that he would like to discuss the location of a new practice diamond with some of the other coaches.  Rick Blum noted that presently there are ten to twelve teams competing for the use of two ball diamonds. 

            Abel questioned whether it would perhaps be possible to purchase additional property to be used as a parking lot.  The vacant lot owned by the Herb Mertz family was mentioned as a possible location for either a parking lot or a practice ball diamond. 

            Finally, Rick requested that the City consider a possible donation to the Friends group or help with submitting joint grant applications on behalf of the school.  Blum stated that the Friends of WCS currently has approximately $10,000.00 in the bank with a list of proposed projects amounting to more than $40,000.00.

            Linda Booth asked that Rick Blum prioritize the proposed projects.  Blum stated that his first priority would be to replace five classrooms of student desks at an approximate cost of $10,000.00.

            Even though an electronic announcement boards seems like a luxury, Rick stated that the board would be his second priority because it would constantly promote the school.  It was noted that perhaps Coca Cola or Walnut Communications might possibly be willing to financially contribute toward the purchase of an electronic announcement board.  Both Booth and Zimmerman made favorable comments concerning the installation of an announcement board.    

            The Friends group is planning to repair the school’s wooden playground in the very near future, which will cost very little money.  Another immediate project is to paint the middle school lobby and stairwells. 

            Another need is to replace the inventory of tables and chairs, which is in drastic need. 

            The Council once again discussed the removal of trees from in front of the school.  The City agreed that the group could use the City’s dump truck to haul trees and branches from the site as long as a qualified driver has the appropriate CDL license to drive the truck.  The City’s air compressor and jack hammer were also made available to the group to use for sidewalk removal.  The City will provide the dump truck, air compressor, and jack hammer to the Friends of WCS at no charge. 

            Abel was again instructed to contact neighboring communities to determine whether any of the cities provide for teacher incentives. 

            Booth felt that the City would be willing to contribute to some of the projects as proposed by the Friends of Walnut Community School.  However, he felt that the school should first determine the priority of the projects as well as the amount of funding requested from the City.  In other words, Booth wanted to know whether the school plans to proceed with plans to replace sidewalk and at what cost from the City.  He felt that it would be easier to make plans to contribute to some of the other projects once it has been decided whether the City will financially participate in the replacement of sidewalk on school property. 

            Rick commented that perhaps the City could participate in the retaining wall project on Walnut Street by paving the street and removing the dirt, while it would be the responsibility of the Friends group to raise the funds for the materials for the retaining wall.  Several similar scenarios could exist for the various other projects as previously discussed.

            Griffith noted that the addition of a practice ball diamond would definitely fall under the category of recreation, which would make it eligible for funding through hotel/motel tax.  Abel stated that the ball diamond would be grant eligible, especially should the decision be made to purchase property and include seating, fencing, and lighting in the project.  Booth also commented that the City has street funding and economic development funding that could be used on behalf of some of the proposed projects. 

            The item of Friends of Walnut Community School is to appear on the agenda for the next regular City Council meeting.

            On a personal note, Rick Blum said that he has a gravel parking area south of his residence, which is located at 201 Country Street.  Blum questioned whether the contractor could seal coat his parking area when the company is in the community sealcoating the City streets.  Jim Blum stated that the parking area slopes toward the street, and it actually should be tapered back toward the property in order to achieve proper drainage.  Jim Blum said that the parking area should actually be lowered.  Rick said that he would be willing to work with the City in an attempt to get better drainage as long as his parking area is surfaced.  Rick mentioned that the alley gets ruts because of improper drainage, and Jim Blum commented that a great deal of the water improperly drains onto property that is owned by Gloria Myers.  Jim Blum also stated that the seal coating contractor oftentimes does private contracts with property owners to sealcoat driveways and parking lots.  Rick Blum agreed that there is definitely a water issue along Pearl Street which he would like to see rectified.  Jim Blum indicated that he would be willing to look at the parking area and discuss the drainage problem with Rick. 

            No one was present at the Council meeting to request the City’s financial participation in residential sidewalk replacement for FY 2008-2009.  The Council members had approved the continuation of a Residential Sidewalk Program, not to exceed a cost of $5,000.00 per fiscal year.  The program is on a first-come first-served basis, and property owners must appear before the City Council to participate in the program.  After the completed sidewalk has been inspected by the City Superintendent, the City will reimburse the property owners for sidewalk replacement at $5.00 per running foot.  Request for financial participation in residential sidewalk replacement is to be included on the agenda for the next regular City Council meeting. 

            There was no decision made regarding the City’s financial participation in the repair of sidewalk at Walnut Community School.  The school had received sidewalk bids from SM Concrete of Wiota, Iowa and from Redler Excavation; however, thus far, the school had not accepted either one of the bids.  This item of discussion is to appear on the agenda for the next regular City Council meeting. 

            Relative to discussion of the Walnut Housing Rehabilitation Program, Abel reported that rehabilitation to the last house in the current program has been completed. 

            Regarding the repair of the City billboard that is located adjacent to I-80 between Avoca and Walnut, Abel reported that she did not have enough information to present to the Council.  This item of discussion is to appear on the agenda for the next regular City Council meeting.

            The Council members reviewed an update to the list of nuisance complaints that were previously discussed at the last Council meeting.  The update that was provided to the Council members included the following information:

  1. 805 Pearl Street; rental property owned by Troy Suhr; tall grass and miscellaneous debris; photographs were available for review; certified letter sent on June 10, 2008; correct by August 10, 2008 (60 days); no record of Troy Suhr picking up the letter; Tim Suhr called and stated that the renters are being evicted the first week of July and he will then clean up the property; another certified letter was mailed on July 2, 2008 to P.O. Box 313 in Walnut;
  2. 505 Walnut Street; property owned by Bob Sieck; construction items and materials; photographs were available for review; certified letter sent on June 10, 2008; correct by August 10, 2008 (60 days); Bob Sieck signed for the letter on June 12, 2008;
  3. Kennedy Street; trailer court owned by Tim and Troy Suhr; junk; certified letter sent on June 10, 2008; correct by August 10, 2008 (60 days); letter signed for on June 11, 2008;
  4. Pile of debris near City lagoons; property owned by Tri-County Elevator;

miscellaneous debris and tall grass; a request to clean up the property was sent on

May 5, 2008; certified letter sent on June 10, 2008; correct by July 10, 2008 (30 days); Hazel Suhr signed for the letter on June 11, 2008; nothing done;

  1. 306 Pleasant Street; Diane Chapman residence; pile of debris in the back yard;

a request to clean up the property was sent on May 5, 2008; certified letter sent on June 10, 2008; correct by July 10, 2008 (30 days); Misty Chapman signed for the letter on June 12, 2008; nothing done;

6.   230 Pearl Street; Deb Linden residence; accumulation of manure; downed trees,

      and abandoned vehicles; a request to clean up the property was sent on May 5,

2008; photographs were available for review; certified letter sent on June 10,   2008; correct by July 10, 2008 (30 days); Deborah Linden signed for the letter on June 11, 2008; Deb Linden appeared personally in City Hall on July 1, 2008 to say that she has been working on the problems on her property but the work would not be completed by July 10, 2008.  She said that she has mowed the yard and has been pulling weeds.  She has also been working on getting rid of the tree limbs, and she has sprayed weeds.  Because the weather has been so wet, the Linden’s tractor has been stuck in the mud twice while trying to clean up the property.  She indicated that she would continue to work on the property, but additional time is needed;

  1. 604 Country Street; former Ranea Krueger residence; tall grass; property possibly owned by a bank; certified letter sent on June 10, 2008; correct by June 20, 2008 (10 days); no record of Ranea Krueger picking up the letter; the grass outside of the fenced area has been mowed;
  2. 205 Koeppe Street; former Curtis Osborn residence; tall grass; certified letter sent on June 10, 2008; correct by June 20, 2008 (10 days); Bank New York signed for the letter on June 16, 2008; the City mowed the property on July 1, 2008 and a bill in the amount of $175.00 was mailed on July 1, 2008; if the bill is not paid within 30 days, $175.00 will be assessed to the owner’s property taxes;
  3. 602 Atlantic Street; former Holly Henderson residence; tall grass; for sale by realtor; the property has been mowed.

The Council members reviewed the updated list of nuisances.  Mayor Wood stated that Deb Linden has been attempting to correct the problems that exist on her property; however it has been extremely wet, and Linden did not feel that she would be able to complete the work by July 10, 2008.  Deb Linden was present at the Council meeting to discuss the letter that she had received from the City.  Linden indicated that a large maple tree on the property had dropped several branches, and it is too wet to remove the limbs from the property.  She stated that she would be able to pile and burn the branches as soon as the weather cooperates.  She requested that the City extend the deadline to correct the problems on her property until August 1, 2008 as long as the month of July remains dry.  The Council agreed to give Linden until August 1, 2008 to remedy the nuisances on her property.  The members also agreed that Linden should once again approach the Council should the month of July remain wet and more time is needed to abate the nuisances. 

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.  The nuisances that have been alleviated are to be removed from the list. 

            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 had the first reading of Ordinance No. 125, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WALNUT, IOWA, 2007, BY ADDING A NEW CHAPTER RESTRICTING THE HEIGHT OF GRASS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WALNUT.  The second reading and the possible waiving of the third reading of the proposed ordinance is to occur at the next regular City Council meeting.     

There was no Fire Department discussion.

            There was no discussion relative to City maintenance.

            There were no Mayor items or announcements.

            Relative to Council items or announcements, the Council members were provided with information concerning two upcoming workshops.

            The Iowa Downtown Summit 2008, entitled Sustainable Downtowns…Unlimited Possibilities, will be held in Charles City, Iowa on August 26-27, 2008.

            The Iowa League of Cities 110th Annual Conference will be held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa on September 10-12, 2008.

            There were no public items or announcements.

Motion by Booth, seconded by Griffith to pay the following bills and issue warrants for the same.  Ayes:  Zimmerman, Griffith, Booth.  Carried.

#14872  Dolphens Design & Sign, north and west entrance signs                            28,190.00

#14873  U.S. Postmaster, certified postage                                                                   42.56

#14874  Terri Abel, wages                                                                                         958.14

#14875  James Blum, wages                                                                                       967.47

#14876  Wayne Rush, wages                                                                                     778.40

#14877  Shannon Wood, wages                                                                                 328.02

#14878  Cardmember Service, fuel; tire repair                                                            122.45

#14879  Vic Nielsen, reimbursement for sidewalk replacement                                      80.00

#14880  Pott. Co. Recorder, recording fees                                                                    7.00

#14881  Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, employee insurance                               4,325.08

#14882  Terri Abel, wages                                                                                         958.14

#14883  James Blum, wages                                                                                       967.47

#14884  Wayne Rush, wages                                                                                     778.40

#14885  Shannon Wood, wages                                                                                 326.06

#14886  Herb Wood, hauling; recycling fees; rent of dumpsters                                3,010.00

#14887  U.S. Postmaster, billing postage                                                                    105.57

#14888  Denny’s Building Surplus, yellow street paint                                                   65.00

#14889  Terri Abel, wages                                                                                         205.68

#14890  Karri Bennett, wages                                                                                    185.09

#14891  James Blum, wages                                                                                       555.09

#14892  Tamie Langlois, wages                                                                                  132.37

#14893  Margo Matthies, wages                                                                                850.11

#14894  Wayne Rush, wages                                                                                     256.88

#14895  Welcome Center, contribution FY 08-09                                                 10,700.00

#14896  Atlantic Motor Supply, lagoon belts; muffler                                                  104.14

#14897  Benefit Services Plus Administrators, employee insurance                                99.96

#14898  Walnut Boy Scouts, June park mowing                                                         125.00

#14899  Branan Ornamental Iron, repair bike base                                                     120.00

#14900  Bro Business Center, copier charges                                                               61.49

#14901  Business Forms & Accounting, utility bills                                                      393.90

#14902  Cappel’s, gator insert; harrow repair; materials; batteries; rope                      246.80

#14903  Carley Drug Co., shipping of water samples                                                      6.69

#14904  City of Atlantic, sewer testing                                                                        300.00

#14905  Darren Tooley, EMS mileage                                                                        245.70

#14906  Dona Grooms, Treasurer fee                                                                         100.00

#14907  Donald Marsh, refund of water deposit                                                           50.00

#14908  Ed M. Feld Equipment Co., Inc., air compressor                                      30,400.00

#14909  Internal Revenue Service, Federal withholdings                                              717.48

#14910  Golden Horse Ltd., book                                                                                13.61

#14911  Henningsen Construction, cold patch                                                             399.95

#14912  Iowa Department of Natural Resources, water supply annual fee                   106.25

#14913  Iowa League of Cities, membership dues FY 08-09                                      517.00

#14914  Iowa One Call, One Call locates                                                                     17.10

#14915  Iowa Prison Industries, trash bags; no smoking signs                                      103.22

#14916  Iowa Rural Water Association, training – Blum & Rush                                   20.00

#14917  IPERS, withholdings                                                                                  1,047.44

#14918  Jim Tooley, building permit fees                                                                       70.00

#14919  Kasperbauer Cleaners, Inc., cleaning floor mats                                              97.84

#14920  Kum & Go, fuel                                                                                            952.83

#14921  Margo Matthies, books; mileage                                                                   336.31

#14922  Marie Livengood, Summer story time                                                            250.00

#14923  Internal Revenue Service, Medicare withholdings                                           305.36

#14924  Michelle Rivera, cleaning City Hall                                                                  50.00

#14925  MidAmerican Energy Co., gas & electricity                                                3,225.41

#14926  Nelson Machine & Forge, harrow repair                                                         29.80

#14927  Oakview Construction, Inc., Pay Request #6                                         399,367.65

#14928  Orschelns, caution tape                                                                                   12.99

#14929  Penworthy, books                                                                                          96.60

#14930  Pott. Co. Animal Control, Jan. – June, 2008 animal control                        1,315.50

#14931  Pott. Co. Sheriff’s Office, Jul., Aug., Sep., 2008 police protection              3,836.88

#14932  Salvo, Deren, Schenck & Lauterbach, consults                                             453.50

#14933  Schildberg Construction Co., ball diamond lime; fill sand                                167.19

#14934  Sievers Electric, electrical repair to north lift station                                        697.25

#14935  Simmering-Cory, Inc., lead testing; administration fees                                1,660.00

#14936  Internal Revenue Service, Social Security withholdings                                1,305.27

#14937  Technichem, Inc., lagoon chemicals                                                            2,514.00

#14938  The TV Store, Inc., park keys                                                                        37.45

#14939  Treasurer of State, 2nd quarter sales tax                                                      2,335.69

#14940  Treasurer, State of Iowa, State withholdings                                               1,176.24

#14941  U.S. Postmaster, postage                                                                              168.00

#14942  Verizon Wireless, cell phones                                                                        182.48

#14943  Walnut Bureau, publication                                                                           283.33

#14944  Walnut Creek Fertilizer, herbicide                                                                   80.00

#14945  Walnut Telephone Co., phone; Internet; fax                                                   275.17

               Summary of Receipts:  General, 28,021.02; Road Use Tax, 6,312.59; Trust & Agency, 677.86; Water, 8,321.23; Sewer, 2,268.16; Local Option Capital Improvements Fund, 966.29; Customer Water Deposit, 51.75; Water Revenue Bond Sinking Fund, 1,650.00; Water Treatment Improvements Project Fund, 110,084.00; TIF Fund, 1,851.99; IPAIT Account, 11.86; TOTAL:  160,216.75.

 

 

 

               Meeting adjourned, 6:25 p.m.

 

 

 

 

___________________________________    ___________________________________

  LaVonne Wood                                                 Terri L. Abel

  Mayor                                                                City Clerk