Ida Grove, Iowa
February 4, 2008

The City Council of the City of Ida Grove met in regular session in the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Cates presiding. Councilmembers present: William Carnine, Paul Bargar, Robert Fineran, Craig Rupert. Mayor Dennis Ernst absent. Guests in attendance: Clay Miller, Mark Nielsen & Beth Wolterman.

Moved to approve the agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

Clay Miller appeared before the City Council to represent the Ida Grove Economic Development Corp., Ida County Economic Development Corp. and the Ida County Betterment Foundation. He handed out the results from a survey that the Ida County Community Betterment Foundation did with downtown business owners. There is a grant available that will cover 45% of the cost of the survey.

Moved to approve signing a contract with SIMPCO for Ida County Community Betterment Foundation with no commitment of funds.

Approved unanimously.

Clay Miller proceeded to talk on behalf of the Ida County Economic Development Committee. They have obtained $190,000 for a revolving loan fund to help new or expanding businesses in Ida County. The Committee has been holding local meetings, seminars and workshops. Members of the committee have been contacting cities of the County requesting support. The City Council tabled the subject.

Mark Nielsen, Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent appeared before the City Council. Mark reported the process of replacing the raw sewage pumps had started and was put on hold when the RBC replacements project was being completed. Two pumps are no longer worth rebuilding and have been in operation since 1979. He recommended to replace one this year (07-08) and one next year (08-09). The Council asked about lift stations. Mark reported two lift stations have pneumatic ejectors.

Moved to replace one sewage pump in 07-08 and the second pump 08-09.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to approve the hold harmless agreement for City services.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to set the next City Council meeting for February 20, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to set a Budget Workshop for February 13, 2008 at 5:15 p.m.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Cates presented the subject of sidewalk snow removal fines. The subject was tabled until a later date.

Moved to approve the renewal of the health insurance package.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented information for updating the current accounting program to a Window based version. The Council tabled the subject until a later date.

The City Clerk advised the City Council the current gutter on the Community Hall is in poor condition. They have been caulked and repaired and are leaking again. Mark Nielsen reported on planned maintenance to be done. Replacing the gutters and downspouts and doing tile maintenance should help alleviate water seepage.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor Pro-Tem.

Approved unanimously.

/s/ Paul Cates, Mayor ProTem

Attest:

/s/Cindy Murray, City Clerk