Ida Grove, Iowa
February 5, 2007

The City Council of the City of Ida Grove met in regular session at the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Dennis R. Ernst presiding. Councilmembers present: William Carnine, Paul Bargar, James Weary, Paul Cates. Councilmembers absent: None. Guests in attendance: Jack Eggspuehler, Verdean Kruse, Josephine Huffman, Gailen Wessel, Beth Wolterman. The following items were added to the agenda: Public Hearing on Proposal to Vacate a Portion of an Alley and to Sell the Vacated Alley, and Landfill.

Moved to approve the agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

The Mayor opened the public hearing on the proposal to vacate and sell a portion of a platted alley. The City Clerk informed the Council the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the request to vacate and sell the property as stated and they recommended the request be approved.

The City Clerk informed the Council she had not received a pay estimate from Dixon Construction Company she received Change Order Number 1.

Moved to approve the consent agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

Jack Eggspuehler, a representative of the United Bank of Iowa, presented a bid on the proposed vacated alley of $10,000.00 from the bank. The bank requested the City use the monies remaining after legal fees are paid for the vacated alley be donated to the Library for upcoming capital projects.

Moved to the close the public hearing.

Approved unanimously.

Councilman Bargar introduced Resolution Number 2007-6 and moved its adoption. Councilman Carnine seconded the motion to adopt. Whereupon the Mayor put the question and the vote was:

Approved unanimously.

Resolution Number 2007-6 is a resolution vacating alley and providing for sale of vacated property . Resolution Number 2007-6 is on file at the City Clerk’s office.

The Council reviewed the new applications for the City Clerk position and determined they would interview seven of the applicants.

Moved to set interviews for the City Clerk position for February 12th , 2007,at 5:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk reported she had received one application for the City Crew Foreman position. Mr. Sholty stated he wanted to know the City Council’s expectations and goals of the position. He also wants the privilege of turning down the position at any time and to be able to return to his current position without penalty.

The Council discussed the request and agreed by general consent to meet at 5:00 p.m. on February 12th , 2007, to develop a job description, compensation and written consent to return to work for Mr. Sholty’s review.

Moved to appoint Gerrod Sholty, City Crew Foreman if he accepts the terms and conditions of the position.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented the renewal proposal from Delta Dental for dental insurance for the City employees. The premium will increase $2.30 per employee.

Moved to accept the renewal proposal for dental insurance from Delta Dental for $31.04 per employee per month.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk recommended changing the second meeting in February from February 19th to the 20th due to the President’s Day holiday.

Moved to change the second meeting in February to February 20, 2007 due to the President’s Day holiday.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented a letter from Mary Gross, Mayor of Holstein, stating the City of Holstein has made a decision to terminate its participation in the contract between the cities of Galva, Ida Grove, Arthur, Battle Creek, and Ida County dated 1 January, 1975, for Acquisition, Operation and Use of a Public Disposal Grounds as provided for in said contract. The effective date of withdrawal from this Contract shall be 31 March, 2007.

Councilman Weary expressed concern about the increase and would like to know what the county’s plans are for the landfill and the city’s should develop a long-term contract to keep the price down.

Mayor Ernst stated if the city is going to discuss the landfill and the fees he wants the Mayor’s from Arthur and Battle Creek invited.

The City Clerk presented Rick Heeren’s official resignation from the Ida Grove City Council.

Moved to accept Rick Heeren’s resignation effective January 31, 2007.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to publish Notice of Appointment to Fill the Council Vacancy on February 20, 2007.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented a letter from the Battle Creek-Ida Grove After-Prom Committee for a donation.

Moved to donate $100.00 to the After Prom Committee.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk requested the Council set a Budget Workshop to determine some necessary fees and wages so the budget can be completed for review.

Moved to set Wednesday, February 7th , 2007 at 5:15 p.m., at the Council Chambers for a budget workshop.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented a request from Jeffery and Jo Dee Hewitt to rezone 0.22 acres of property adjacent to West Fifth Street containing a metal storage building from 3-R Multi-Family Residential to GC General Commercial for purpose of storing motor cycles, cars and semi trucks. The building will not be used for business. This request needs to be referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission for public hearing and their recommendations.

Moved to refer Jeffery and Jo Dee Hewitt’s rezoning request to the Planning & Zoning Commission for public hearing and their recommendations.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/Dennis R. Ernst, Mayor

ATTEST:

/s/Diane F. Alborn, City Clerk