Ida Grove, Iowa
June 18, 2007

The City Council of the City of Ida Grove met in regular session at the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Dennis R. Ernst presiding. Council members present: William Carnine, Paul Bargar, James Weary, Craig Rupert, Paul Cates. Council members absent: None. Guests in attendance: Lon Schluter, Beth Wolterman, Ray Nepper, Linda Arndt, Peter Lembessis. The following items were added to the agenda for discussion only: dust control at the City Park and reading water meters every other month rather than monthly.

Moved to approve the agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

Linda Arndt and Bill Lembessis, representatives for FEMA, were present. June 25, 2007 is the deadline for applying for public assistance and July 29, 2007 is the deadline for applying for individual assistance. Before FEMA can provide funds for individuals, a denial of coverage letter from insurance needs to be received. Ida County has already received $98,000 in housing assistance funds and $29,000 in other needs assistance funds.

Sheriff Wade Harriman gave a report on recent activity. There has been an increase in activity the last two to three weeks. The increases have been thefts, burglaries, gas thefts, and drive offs at gas stations.

Ray Nepper, representing Horn Memorial Hospital, was present to request extending the parking lot by the Medical Arts Building to the north. The expansion would be 5 feet back from the trees and would provide an additional twelve parking spaces with curb.

Moved to allow the hospital to expand the parking lot as requested.

Approved unanimously.

The Consent Agenda included Cigarette Permits for 2007/2008 for Casey’s, Hillside Pub, Ida Grove Food Pride, Ida Grove Golf & County Club, Pronto, and Sportsmans; an outdoor beer garden permit for Ida Bowl for Heritage Days,; and a pay estimate for the Rohwer Street Bridge for $108,123.44.

Moved to accept the Consent Agenda.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk gave a report on the Second Street Sidewalk Replacement Project. The engineer sent letters to prospective bidders for submitting their bids July 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Council will open the bids at the regular Council meeting on Monday, July 2, 2007.

The City Clerk gave a report on the salt shed project. The dirt work is completed and ready for stone to be put down.

The City Clerk presented the aspect of re-shingling the shelter house at the City Park. The Council elected to seek bids from local contractors for the project.

Moved to request bids for the project using 40-year, no-line asphalt tabless shingles.

Approved unanimously.

The Council confirmed the donation to the Heritage Days Committee is $1,500.00 for the current fiscal year.

The City Clerk reported Blacktop Services will be in Ida Grove in approximately four to six weeks to do the street repair.

Mayor Ernst requested the City Clerk check with the Engineer regarding the progress and next action to be taken on the West Access project.

The City Clerk presented information for wage and salary reviews for fiscal year 2007/2008.

Moved to approve a 4% pay increase for hourly employees, effective July 1, 2007 and one additional week of vacation for employees who have worked for the City for 20 years or more.

Ayes: William Carnine, Paul Bargar, James Weary, Paul Cates.

Nays: Craig Rupert.

The City Clerk also presented a request to the Council for having “Dress Down Day” on Friday’s and purchasing shirts with the City Logo for office personnel.

Moved to provide $100 per office staff employee to purchase 4 shirts with City logo for the first year and review the clothing allowance each year.

Ayes: William Carnine, Paul Bargar, Craig Rupert, Paul Cates.

Nays: James Weary.

The Council reviewed information submitted by Gerrod for the purchase of an inverter for the Street Department. The Council voiced concerns regarding the unit being the proper size. The Council requested Gerrod do further research on the necessary size needed and report back to the Council.

The City Clerk advised she received a request for dust control at the City Park. The Council directed the City Clerk to obtain information on who handles dust control and what the cost would be.

Councilman Weary requested discussion regarding reading water meters every other month rather than monthly. The Council requested Lon visit further with office staff on the feasibility of doing this before a decision is made.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/Dennis R. Ernst, Mayor

ATTEST:

/s/Cindy Murray, City Clerk