Ida Grove, Iowa
July 2, 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. Councilmembers present: William Carnine, Paul Bargar, James Weary, Craig Rupert, Paul Cates.Council members absent: None.Guests in attendance: Bob Payer, Gerrod Sholty, Lorne Miller, Beth Wolterman.The following item was added to the agenda for discussion only: Thies lot at 209 Taylor.

Moved to approve the agenda as amended.

Approved unanimously.

Richard Hagemeier did not appear for discussion of the storm sewer by their property. Councilman Weary questioned if the sewer line could be lined which should ultimately fill in cracks, etc. Gerrod Sholty gave a report of the situation. Estimated cost for replacing the sewer line is approximately $5,000 to $6,000. Gerrod suggested running a new line to the golf cart shed across the road, move the intake five feet down the hill, and abandon the current sewer line.

Moved to have Gerrod contact Lundell Construction, request an estimate and proceed having the work done.

Approved unanimously.

Bob Payer with Kuehl and Payer presented the bids he received for the Second Street Sidewalk Project. Bids presented were Godbersen Smith of Ida Grove for $31,068.62 and Ten Point Construction of Denison for $44,347.46.

Moved to accept the bid from Godbersen Smith for $31,068.62.

Approved unanimously.

The representative for FairTax was not present at this time. This was tabled until later in the meeting.

Lorne Miller with NRCS was present to give an update on the progress with the Seventh Street Stabilization project.

Moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented an e-mail received from Dave Sturm with Snyder and Associates regarding an update on the Seventh Street Stabilization project and the West Access project. The Seventh Street Stabilization project consists of two stabilization structures to be built in Badger Creek. The engineer’s cost estimate is higher than NRCS estimated.

Dave Sturm reported they have been working on the preliminary design and alignments of the roadway for the West Access. Preliminary bridge documents are ready to be submitted to DNR once designs meet DNR requirements for floodways.

Brad Zobel’s letter of resignation from the Library Board was presented to the Council.

Moved to accept Brad’s resignation.

Approved unanimously.

Jackie Netherton’s term with the Library Board expired June 30, 2007.

Moved to re-appoint Jackie Netherton to the Library Board.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented the recommendation to appoint Dan Matthies and Jackie Bogue to the Rec Center Board.

Moved to appoint Dan Matthies and Jackie Bogue to the Rec Center Board.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented a bill for $479.12 from Ida Grove Roofing for repairs to the Community Hall for leaks in the roof.

Moved to pay the bill.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented information from the fire department regarding repairs needed on the 1985 Chevy pumper. Estimated repairs are $10,000. A bill was also received for bunker equipment totaling $7,209.07. Following discussion the Council directed the City Clerk to contact the Townships for additional funding to help cover the unforeseen bills.

The City Clerk updated the Council on FEMA assistance for damages from the heavy rains in early May. It is anticipated all information will be submitted within two weeks.

The problem of citizens not mowing their lawns was discussed. The Council would like to establish guidelines that would shorten the time allowed for having a lawn mowed once notified to mow their lawns. The Council directed the City Clerk to check with other towns via Clerk Net for their lawn ordinances.

The City Clerk presented a letter to the Council received from Western Iowa Tourism Region regarding an invoice sent to the county auditor requesting the $500 matching funds for the 2008 fiscal year. The Council directed the City Clerk to investigate the information further.

The City Clerk advised the Council she had obtained information for dust control using the tree sap product. The City Clerk will pursue more information for costs and magnesium chloride.

Councilman Weary presented a request from Relay for Life for raffling chances for a six-month membership to the Rec Center for a fundraiser. It was determined the Rec Board should handle approving the fundraiser.

Mayor Ernst questioned the City Clerk if comp time was being used. The City Clerk responded that it was not. The additional time given in the office and at home has not been kept track of. City Clerk also responded that she knew the position description stated it is a salary position and stipulated work hours are what ever it takes to handle the workload.

The Council questioned if anything had been done regarding the Thies property at 209 Taylor. The City Clerk replied a letter had been sent asking them to clean the up the lot within seven days after receipt of the letter. The Council directed the City Clerk to send another letter stressing it needs to be cleaned up.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/Dennis R. Ernst, Mayor

ATTEST:

/s/Cindy Murray, City Clerk