Ida Grove, Iowa
June 2, 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.  Council members present:  William Carnine, Paul Bargar, Robert Fineran, Craig Rupert and Paul Cates.  Council members absent:  None.  Guests in attendance:  Pam & Gailen Wessel, Dianne Perry, Nikki Segebart, Kim Claussen, Austin Wheeler, Dawn Young & children Ethan & Ava, Edie Ball and Beth Wolterman.  Attorney Peter Goldsmith was present.

Mayor Ernst asked for additions to the agenda.  Councilman Bargar added discussion on Building Permits.

Moved to approve the agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

Austin Wheeler appeared before the City Council and gave an update on his Eagle Scout project. Austin asked the Council if he could use the City’s Employer Identification Tax Number for people who give contributions to his project.

Moved to allow Austin to use the City’s Employer Identification Tax Number for contributions to his Eagle Scout Project.

Approved unanimously.

The Council agreed to pay the balance of the project once all the donations are in. 

Gailen Wessel attended the meeting to discuss his recent raise.

Kim Claussen and Dawn Young provided a schedule and update on Heritage Days June 27-28^th. 

Nikki Segebart and Dianne Perry representing the Chamber of Commerce asked the Council for city support in starting a “downtown beautification” project. 

Moved to donate $50.00 toward each planter for a total of 12 concrete planters, for a total of $600.00 for the downtown beautification project.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented the Consent Agenda consisting of approval of minutes, Clerk’s Report, financial reports, claims and a Class B Beer Permit (BB) Includes Wine Coolers for Pizza Hut.

Moved to approve the consent agenda.

Approved unanimously.

Discussion was held on increasing the Umbrella Insurance coverage for the City to four million dollars for a premium of $6,811.00. 

Moved to increase the City’s Umbrella Insurance Coverage to four million dollars for the cost of  $6,811.00.

Ayes:  Paul Bargar, William Carnie, Paul Cates, Robert Fineran

Nays:  Craig Rupert

Bids were opened from Lukins Construction of Holstein, Iowa for $11,500.00 and Lundell Construction Co., Inc. of Ida Grove, Iowa for $15,750.00 for Forrest Avenue Storm Sewer Replacement.  The Council will have Gerrod Sholty review the bid details and decide on which bid to go with.  The Council will approve by general consent at the June 16^th Council meeting.

Bids for the City of Ida Grove’s Bridge Inspections were reviewed. 

Moved to accept the bid from Calhoun & Burns for $835.00.

Approved unanimously.

A bid from Densmore Concrete was opened for $921.00 to remove and replace 51’ of curb and gutter at 5^th & Barnes Street by the Elementary School and to use a wet cut saw along with the help of Gerrod Sholty. 

Moved to accept the bid from Densmore Concrete for $921.00.

Approved unanimously.

Deputy Clerk was instructed to contact Morningside Rehab & Care Center in regard to old files.

Matt Salvatore, Outdoor Pool Manager, wage review was discussed. 

Moved to grant Matt Salvatore a 4% wage increase for the 2008 Pool Season.

Ayes:  Carnine, Cates, Fineran

Nays:  Paul Bargar, Craig Rupert

The City Council’s Administrative Committee met Monday, June 2^nd at 5:00 p.m. to conduct one interview for the City Clerk’s position.  The committee recommended hiring Edie Ball of Little Sioux.

Moved to hire Edie Ball as City Clerk for a starting wage of $37,500.00 for one year.  She will be eligible for Insurance coverage immediately.  She will have a 180-day probationary period at which time she can accrue benefits but will not be able to use until probation period is complete.

Approved unanimously.

Discussion was held on giving Connie Pfleeger, Deputy Clerk an increase during the time she is filling in as acting city clerk. 

It was moved by Councilman Bargar to activate Connie Pfleeger’s 2008/2009 salary increase become effective immediately.  Motion died from lack of a second.

Moved to give Connie Pfleeger, seventy-five dollars a week effective May 28^th until Edie Ball, the new appointed City Clerk begins her duties.

Approved unanimously.

Discussion on Roger Werneburg needing to obtain a permit for a non-public sidewalk at his residence.  It was determined that residences that construct a non-public sidewalk need to obtain a building permit at no cost. 

The Council discussed unpaid back taxes on the Ida Grove County Flying Service Hangar.  The City will present a lease agreement to the County Treasurer to get the situation resolved.

The Council discussed it would not contest an unemployment claim filed by Cynthia Murray.

Peter Goldsmith was instructed to look into the City’s liability in regards to building permits that aren’t inspected.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/Dennis R. Ernst, Mayor

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