Ida Grove, Iowa
October 15, 2007

The City Council of the City of Ida Grove met in regular session in 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: Beth Wolterman, Lon Schluter

Moved to approve the agenda as presented.

Approved unanimously.

Sheriff Wade Harriman appeared before the City Council to give his department report.

Mayor Ernst called for approval of the consent agenda which includes Cheryl Gray’s resignation and liquor license renewal for Ida Bowl Hide-Away Lounge.

Moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst opened discussion for a compost site.

Moved to proceed with a compost site.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented the revised Building Permit Application and Special Use permit Application for review.

Councilman Cates presented the final information for the remodeling of the men’s restroom in the Community Hall. Upon review of the information, City Council authorized proceeding with bid letting

Mayor Ernst opened discussion for promoting the Local Option Sales Tax.

Information regarding the licensing of Electricians and Plumbers was reviewed again.

Moved to send a letter to the Legislature.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented information regarding the slope on the Second Street Sidewalk Project that is creating standing water on the sidewalk.

Moved to have the City cover the cost of concrete and the other costs covered by Kuehl & Payer and Godbersen Smith Construction for the correction.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented information concerning the Battle Creek-Ida Grove School wanting to be involved with the Library addition.

Moved to go along with the plan of having the school involved in the Library addition.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst gave a report to the City Council covering the meeting with Congressman King’s Aide, David Ehler. A tour of the City and the area was given to David Ehler. They liked the project being a joint effort with the City of Ida Grove, Ida County, and Farmers Coop.

City Crew requested direction from the City Council for disposing of the 1976 Dodge dump truck and snowplow. The City Clerk was directed to place an ad for sealed bids.

The City Clerk requested specifics from the City Council for the Administrative Assistant position. Mayor Ernst requested approval for Connie Pfleeger to go full time rather than part time.

Moved to have the hours for Administrative Assistant be 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., minimum pay would be $8.00 per hour with possibility of more based on qualifications, and Connie Pfleeger working full time beginning October 22, 2007.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented information to the City Council concerning the probationary period and benefits for the Library Director position. The City Employee Policies were reviewed.

Moved that probation period is to be 180 days as stated in policy, and vacation and sick leave time would accrue during the probationary period but could not be used until the probationary period has been completed.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented Lorna Steenbock’s, County Auditor, request to have two parking stalls painted by the Community Hall as handicap parking and place a Van Accessible Handicap Parking sign during voting. City Council decided to use barricades and the sign during voting.

The City Clerk presented information received at City Hall indicating the fence at Badger Creek Park is rotting. The fence was inspected the fence and found it to be stable. Nothing will be done at this time.

The City Clerk requested the City Council consider changes with the dog licenses and bicycle licenses. City Council directed the City Clerk to discontinue issuing bicycle licenses. City Council decided to leave the dog license fee at $1.00.

The City Clerk requested review of the snow removal policy. Current City Code stipulates snow being removed within a reasonable time.

Moved to change City Code to: Snow shall be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after it has stopped snowing.

Approved unanimously.

The City Clerk presented information for funding through the “Keep Iowa Beautiful” program.

Moved to submit application for funding from the “Keep Iowa Beautiful” program.

Approved unanimously.

Mayor Ernst presented information concerning the Building Permit Application from Four-T Enterprises, Troy Bengford. City Council directed the building permit be denied, Boerner and Goldsmith mail a drafted letter, and the construction be torn down.

Moved to adjourn subject to the call of the Mayor.

Approved unanimously.

/s/ Dennis Ernst, Mayor

Attest:

/s/Cindy Murray, City Clerk