Ida Grove, Iowa
February 20, 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: Lon Schluter, Jessica Forbes, Judy Winterrowd, Josephine Huffman, Dennis Clausen.The following items were added to the agenda for discussion only: Snow Removal on City Sidewalks, Shelter House at City Park.

Moved to approve the agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

The Mayor announced that this was the time and place set for hearing upon the designation of the Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area and the Proposed Plan for Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area. The public hearing was opened for comments.

Mayor Ernst informed the Council there were three individuals interested in filling the vacancy on the Council. They are Larry Albrecht, Dennis Clausen, and Craig Rupert.

Moved to appoint Craig Rupert to fill the vacancy on the Council.

Ayes: William Carnine, James Weary, Paul Cates.

Nays: Paul Bargar.

The City Clerk presented a sponsorship agreement from the Ida Grove Kiwanis for a grant request to purchase four computers and one color printer for the Ida Grove Public Library.

Dennis Clausen, a member of the Ida Grove Kiwanis, informed the Council the Kiwanis had visited the Library and the Library Director had informed them of the need to update the computers for the children as well as other library users. The Kiwanis feel this is a project that will benefit the entire community and the rural area as well.

Moved that the City sponsor the Ida Grove Kiwanis grant request for four computers and a color printer for the Ida Grove Public Library.

Approved unanimously.

Jessica Forbes, President of the Ida Grove Chamber, appeared before the Council and presented a sponsorship agreement from the Ida Grove Chamber for a grant request to purchase ten concrete garbage receptacles to be placed in and near downtown Ida Grove. The Chamber also requested the City’s assistance in picking up the garbage from the receptacles. Jessica presented a packet to each council member that included a map showing where the garbage receptacles would be placed and the cost.

Moved that the City sponsor the Ida Grove Chambers request to purchase ten garbage receptacles to be placed in and near downtown and that the City maintain the receptacles and remove the garbage.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented a sponsorship agreement from the Ida County Agricultural Society for a grant request to insulate and install heat and air conditioning in the Commercial Building and Exhibit Hall at the Ida County Fair Grounds.

Moved that the City sponsors the Ida County Agricultural Society grant request for insulating and installing heat and air conditioning in the Commercial Building and the Exhibit Hall at the Ida County Fair Grounds.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented the Ida Grove Public Library’s budget for fiscal year 2007-2008. Their budget request is $81,689.00. The City Clerk presented a library receipts report showing the actual receipts for fiscal year 2005-06 and what was budgeted for fiscal year 2006-07 and then their request for fiscal year 2007-2008. If the Council were to include a 5% increase that would increase the City’s share to $60,104.00. To fund their entire request would increase the City’s share to $64,874.00. The Clerk informed the Council she had included the $1,000.00 from the Hotel Motel Tax in their receipts report.

Moved to approve a $1,000.00 increase in the Library’s budget for 2007-2008, which is the Hotel Motel Tax donation.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to close the public hearing for the designation of the Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area and the Proposed Plan for the Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area.

Approved unanimously.

The Mayor announced that this was the time and place set for hearing upon the designation of the Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area and the Proposed Plan for the Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area. All written objections, statements, and evidence heretofore filed were reported to the Council, and all oral objections, statements, and all other exhibits presented were considered.
The following named persons presented oral objections, statements, or evidence; filed written objections or statements; or presented other exhibits:
No written or oral objections, statements, and or evidence were presented.
There being no further objections, comments, or evidence offered, the Mayor announced the hearing closed. After further considering all objections, comments, and evidence regarding the designation of the Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area and the Proposed Plan therefor, it was moved by Council Member Paul Cates and seconded by Council Member James Weary that Resolution No. 2007-07, the same being a resolution of intention regarding said Plan and Area, be adopted.
Whereupon, the Mayor put the question upon the motion and the roll being called, the following named Council Members voted:
Approved unanimously.
Whereupon, the Mayor declared the said resolution adopted, as follows:
Resolution Number 2007-07 is a resolution stating the intentions of the City Council with respect to the designation of the Hillcrest and West View Urban Revitalization Area and the Proposed Plan. Resolution Number 2007-07 is on file at the City Clerk’s office.
Moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented several levy alternatives for the 2007-2008 budget. The Debt Service would increase from $.65469 to $1.54417 due to the recent bond sale. The City Clerk recommended a temporary increase in the water rates to help defray the cost of paying for the bonds and coupons. The biggest share of the improvements were water and sewer related and if this ordinance is passed every user would help pay the cost, not just the property owners. The surcharge is from $2.00 to $13.00 and would bring in approximately $72,500.00. The City would then have to levy for only the remainder. This upcoming budget year the City would have to levy for $13,590.00 instead of $86,090.00. The levy would be $.24376 instead of $1,54417.

Moved to enact the temporary increase in water rates for the fiscal year 2007-2008.

Approved unanimously..

The City Clerk presented three different options for the Park Department. The first was just the Park only. Next she included Matt Salvatore’s request to be appointed the Park & Rec Director for a salary of $7,500.00, and the third was for levying for $19,415.00 of employee benefits for the Rec Center.

The Council discussed the levy amount for each option and how it would affect the City’s general fund.

The Council inquired about a separate levy for operation of the Rec Center. The Clerk informed the Council the City could levy $.13500 for the operation and maintenance of a City owned civic center.

The Clerk was directed to research the option and plug in figures for another review of the budget.

Moved to set a special City Council meeting for Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 5:15 p.m.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst informed the Council he had visited with Sharon Godbersen about the City purchasing part of the Harold Godbersen Memorial Park. Mrs. Godbersen stated they wanted $3,000.00 for half or more of the park and they wanted to split the legal fees.

The Council discussed how to pay for the park. Councilman Carnine inquired about using a portion of the City’s monies from the Hotel Motel Tax. The City Clerk reported that is an option.

Moved to purchase one half or more of the Harold Godbersen Memorial Park for $3,000.00 and to split the legal fees. The monies for the purchase will come from the City’s portion of the Hotel Motel tax.

Approved unanimously.

The City Attorney prepared an ordinance restricting the number of animals at properties in Ida Grove.

Councilman Weary moved the approval of Ordinance Number 510 on its first reading and that the procedural requirement as set forth in Section 380.3 Code of Iowa, be suspended as provided for in that section and the ordinance be placed on its second and third reading by title.

The motion died for lack of a second.

The Council requested changes be made to the proposed ordinance. They requested removing the grand fathering section and the removal of animals from the ordinance.

Discussion was held on passing an ordinance setting the number of meetings a council member can miss.

Attorney Goldsmith informed the Council that Sections 66.1 and 66.29 address this issue.

Moved to direct the attorney to draft an ordinance allowing council members four (4) excused absences in a twelve (12) month period.

Ayes: Paul Bargar, James Weary, Paul Cates.

Nays: William Carnine.

The City Clerk informed the Council the budget needs to be to the paper on February 26th for publication on February 28th. The public hearing would be on March 12th, which would be a special meeting.

Moved to set the Public Hearing for the Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2007-2008 for Monday, March 12, 2007 at 5:15 p.m.

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