Ida Grove, Iowa
May 5, 2008

The City Council of the City of Ida Grove met in regular session at the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Dennis Ernst presiding. Councilmembers present: William Carnine, Paul Bargar, Robert Fineran, Craig Rupert and Paul Cates. Council members absent: None. Guests in attendance: Tim Hupke, Grant Patera, Gerrod Sholty, and Beth Wolterman

Moved to approve the agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

Tim Hupke and Grant Patera appeared before the City Council to review the City’s insurance renewal. The renewal rate is $534.00 higher than the previous year’s premium.

Moved to approve the insurance renewal with EMC through Hoffman Agency.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented the Consent Agenda consisting of approval of minutes, Clerk’s Report, financial reports and claims.

Moved to approve the consent agenda.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented the topic of Local Option Sales Tax. It was determined at the County Wide Meeting to have the election for LOST with the general election in November.

Moved to support Local Option Sales Tax and proceed with a resolution to Ida County.

Approved unanimously.

Street Superintendent Gerrod Sholty presented the topic of storm sewer damage in the Forrest Avenue area. The City Crew repaired a caved-in area. Photos of the storm sewer showed damage to more of the storm sewer. Gerrod estimated the length of the storm sewer needing repair to be approximately half a block. City Council directed Gerrod to obtain costs estimates for repairing/replacing the storm sewer.

The City Clerk presented the topic of Emergency Repair Grant for the airport. A grant has been approved for a total project cost of $1,727.00 with 70% being reimbursed for replacing the wiring from the administration building to the east end of the runway.

Moved to replace the existing wiring from the administration building to the east end of the runway for the grant based amount of $1,727.00 and proceed with the grant.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented the budget amendment for fiscal year 2007-2008. The overall amendment is an increase of $6,322.00.

Moved to set the Public Hearing for the budget amendment for Monday, May 19 at 6:05 p.m.

Approved unanimously.

Street Superintendent Gerrod Sholty presented the topic of the curb on Barnes Street by the Elementary School. Water is washing out areas near the street and along the steps. The City Council directed Gerrod to obtain pricing for review at the next meeting.

Mayor Ernst presented the topic of bridge inspections. Ida Grove has six bridges that need to be inspected by August 2008. The City Council directed the City Clerk to contact Calhoun and Burns prior to making a decision.

The City Clerk advised the City Council the probation period for Michele Nelson ends May 13, 2008. The City Clerk reported Michele’s performance has been very good and continuing her employment on a permanent basis and increase her wages to $9.25.

Moved to place Michele on permanent status with the wage increase to $9.25 at the end of the probation.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented the topic of salary reviews. Following discussion, it was determined evaluations should be reviewed by the entire City Council. The City Council directed Gerrod to obtain feed back from the City Crew for the method of evaluation they would prefer.

Councilman Carnine presented his added topic of the tires at Ida Grove Roofing. He requested the owner, Bill Andre, be contacted and asked if they could cover the tires to help prevent the increase of mosquitoes.

Mayor Ernst presented his added topic of dirt for the flower garden at Godbersen Park. Gerrod advised they have dirt and the City Crew would take some to Godbersen Park.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/Dennis R. Ernst, Mayor

Attest:

/s/Cindy Murray, City Clerk