Ida Grove, Iowa
August 6, 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: Brian Starkey, Josh Hamann, Terry Lovett, Janet Goodenow, Pat Conard, JoAnn Heath, Gailen Wessel, Jean Rexroat, David Petersen, Donna Korner, Wayne Korner, Lavonne Lalone, Bernice O’Tool, Delores Borchers, Bernard Lansink, Leila Lansink, Dale Stauffer, Betty Sauffer, Marvin Lorenzen, Charles Watt, Charles Sick, Ron Thies, Mason Goodenow, Peggy Peters, Lawrence Lansink

Moved to approve the agenda

Approved unanimously.

The Board of Adjustment was present to request direction from the Council regarding property owners that do not obtain a building permit until work has been completed. They also had questions concerning fines, who follows up to confirm the requested action is done, and if developer covenants are to be considered when reviewing variance requests.

The Council confirmed the fine is $100.00 per day, not per incident. Attorney Boerner advised that the Board of Adjustment should not consider a developer’s covenant when approving variances. City Code is the only reference that should be used for approving variances.

The Board of Adjustment feels the citizens need to know a permit must be approved before any work is started. They also need to know if work is started prior to a permit being approved, the work is to be torn out.

Jean Rexroat with Frontier was to present address the City Council regarding rumors about Frontier. She introduced Brian Starkey who recently moved to Ida Grove and is the current tech for Frontier. She confirmed that Frontier is remaining in Ida Grove and have no intentions of leaving.

Ron Thies was present to speak against the placement of stop signs along Valley View Drive and Center Lane. He felt the area should be patrolled rather than have stop signs. Dave Petersen was also present and agreed sometimes traffic moves too fast, but questioned if stop signs are necessary.

Discussion took place on the fact that the ordinance is not approved yet.

Bernard Lansink, speaking for several citizens from the area, indicated general consensus of the group in attendance is that stop signs are not needed; stop signs do not slow people down. Enforcing the speed limit would take care of the problem. Tree Trimming would also help the situation by improving the view. Mason Goodenow agreed with this. They also felt posting more speed signs would help.

Mayor Ernst advised the group that it may be beneficial for them, (as a group) to appear at the Sheriff’s Office. The City Council tabled further action until the next regular meeting scheduled for August 20, 2007. During this time, all concerned citizens should work with law enforcement to increase their patrolling efforts of the area.

Josh Hamann was present to address the City Council regarding water in his basement. The City Council determined the Hamann’s lost property is not the City’s responsibility. From the curb box into the house is the owner’s responsibility. The City Council suggested Josh talk to the landowner and contractor to see why the meter was pulled.

City Clerk presented a bid from Lukin’s Construction for the work for the Park Lane Extension. The bid was for $51,467.

Moved to refuse all bids.

Approved unanimously.

The City Council decided to table the Park Lane Extension until fall.

The City Clerk reported the supports and cover for the salt shed will be put in place this week.

A request for purchasing an inverter was presented to the City Council. Recommendations were to go with the 2500W inverter priced at $450.00.

Moved to purchase the 2500W inverter for $450.00.

Approved unanimously.

City Clerk reported the contract for the purchase of Godbersen Park has been signed and a check has been issued. Once the transfer of ownership is completed, work on the park can commence. The park will consist of 75 feet to the north measured from the front of the building. The family has requested the park continues to carry the name of H.W. & Leone Godbersen Park.

Mayor Ernst presented Resolution No. 2007-17 which is titled Resolution Approving Contract and Bonds. Resolution No. 2007-17 is on file at the City Clerk’s office.

Moved to approve Resolution No. 2007-17.

Approved unanimously.

City Clerk reminded City Council a salary review needed to be done for Matt Salvatore for managing the outdoor pool.

Moved to increase Matt’s salary for managing the outdoor pool by 4 percent.

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

Nays: Craig Rupert

The City Clerk requested direction from the City Council regarding sidewalk permits. We have had citizens questioning if an area is being torn out and replaced for repair, is a permit required. The City Council decided they would like to have a permit completed for any and all sidewalk work based on the following: the permit only takes 5 minutes to complete, there is no fee for a sidewalk permit, and this will keep the City Council informed.

The City Clerk presented Don Kaufman’s request to appoint Gerald Wertsma to the City Tree Board.

Moved to appoint Gerald Wertsma to the City Tree Board.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented the Library Board’s request to appoint Tom Grell to the Library Board.

Moved to appoint Tom Grell to the Library Board.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented information to the City Council regarding the annual conference of the Iowa League of Cities.

The City Clerk informed the City Council of damage to the ceiling in the restroom area outside the Council Chambers. It was found the thermostat had been turned down to 60 degrees. This froze up the system.

The City Clerk presented the annual preventive maintenance work authorization for the engine/generator.

Moved to do the same maintenance that has been done in the past.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk advised the City Council one bid had been obtained for removing the tree from the river by the well-head site. The City Council decided to table this until additional bids are obtained.

The City Clerk informed the City Council a letter had been sent to Alliance Concrete regarding trucks traveling on Second Street. The City Council discussed obtaining truck route signs.

Information was presented to the City Council regarding RISE funds. Mayor Ernst had requested the information to review for the possibility of using them for the West Access Project. Additional information is needed to proceed further.

Moved to move into executive session.

Approved unanimously.

At approximately 8:15 p.m. the City Council came out of executive session.

Moved to not take action under Code Section 6.5.0705 which states decisions made by the Board of Adjustment cannot be overruled. Within 30 days, any person may appeal to District Court to challenge the decision by petition.

Approved unanimously.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/ Dennis Ernst, Mayor

Attest:

/s/Cindy Murray, City Clerk