Ida Grove, Iowa
October 1, 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: Gailen Wessel, Jeff Rasmussen, Tim Hupke, Retha Harrington, Roger Harrington, Kandi Ehrig, Doug Clough, Beth Wolterman

Moved to approve the agenda.

Approved unanimously.

Tim Hupke appeared before the City Council to review property valuations of the City for insurance purposes. He presented a list of properties with concerns about current insurance valuations. Projected increase in premium is $3,595.00.

Mayor Ernst presented the Consent Agenda which included the liquor license renewal for Murray Jewelers, pay request for $4,289.08 for Badger Creek Stabilization, pay request for $8,200.00 for West Access Engineering, pay request for $1,664.93 for Second Street Sidewalk Project, and pay request for $3,629.64 for Rohwer Street Bridge.

Moved to approve the Consent Agenda.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented the second reading of Ordinance Number 516 titled An Ordinance Amending Title II Division I, Chapter 2, Section 6.02 By Adding Additional Special Stops.

Moved to adopt Ordinance No. 516.

Mayor Ernst opened discussion concerning Ordinance Number 516.

Mayor Ernst called for the vote.

Ayes: Councilman Weary, Councilman Cates

Nays: Councilman Carnine, Councilman Bargar, Councilman Rupert

Motion failed. The stop signs will not be added.

Moved to put up “Children at Play” signs, 25 MPH speed limit signs, and a “Hidden Intersection” sign.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented information for purchasing a used dump truck located in Sioux City.

Moved to purchase the 1999 Freightliner for $26,000.

Approved unanimously.

Councilman Cates gave an update on redoing the Community Hall men’s restroom.

Mayor Ernst presented the possibility of West Fifth Street area for a compost site. He suggested the site be open one month in the spring and one month in the fall. Items accepted for compost would be grass clippings, leaves, and garden debris. No bags, twigs, branches, or limbs will be allowed. There will be no burning. If violations occur, the site will be closed.

The City Council reviewed the current water bill averaging process.

Mayor Ernst presented the topic of building permits. It was noted Troy Bengford started an addition on his building downtown without obtaining a permit.

Moved to order Troy Bengford to cease construction, remove the new construction and fine him $500.00 a day.

Approved unanimously.

It was also noted Josh Hamman has added a deck/patio onto the home he is renting. If no building permit has been submitted, notice is to be given.

Mayor Ernst presented the Building Permit Application form and Special use Permit Application form that had been revised by Attorney Boerner.

Moved to approve the application revisions with the suggested change.

Approved Unanimously.

The City Clerk presented the request for a change of address for Hidden Acres Greenhouse.

Moved to deny the change of address.

Defeated unanimously.

Councilman Bargar presented concerns with the licensing requirements for electricians and plumbers and heating/cooling installers.

The City Clerk presented information on training courses for consideration. Connie and Cheryl both showed interest in an advanced Excel training course.

Moved to have Connie and Cheryl attend.

Approved unanimously

Mayor Ernst presented information about Local Option Sales Tax and suggested it be considered by the City of Ida Grove.

Moved to place the Local Option Sales Tax on the ballot again.

Approved Unanimously.

Mayor Ernst reported on informational meetings held regarding the West Access. In a joint venture, the City, Farmer’s Coop, Ida County Supervisors, and engineers are going to contact Congressman King in regards to obtaining Federal funds for the project.

Councilman Weary requested discussion about the Airport Flying Club’s building. Councilman Weary was contacted by a member regarding the building since they no longer have a plane. Mayor Ernst will check into the details.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/ Dennis Ernst, Mayor

Attest:

/s/Cindy Murray, City Clerk