MINUTES OF THE ROLAND CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR SESSION

MAY 22, 2006

 

The Roland City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 22, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall with Mayor Samuel Juhl presiding.  Council members present at roll call were:  Duane Canny, Roger Fritz, Bob Hanson, John Lee, and Jeri Neely.  Also present were 7 visitors and members of the community.

 

Motion by Lee, second by Hanson to approve the consent agenda containing the following items: agenda, minutes from the May 8, 2006, meeting as written, clerk’s reports, claims as submitted and cigarette permit for Casey’s General Store.  All in favor.

 

There was no public input at this time.

 

The Department Heads’ reports were as follows:

 

Streets - Street Superintendent Harold Hovick reported that Blaine, with Alliant Energy, said that the light poles belong to Alliant Energy.  Currently they have a contract with a company to paint poles in another town.  He is trying to see if they will come to Roland and paint when they are done.  Harold reported on the Traffic Calming Study.  He will contact them tomorrow about what the committee has decided.  Council member Neely asked when R77 was going to be resurfaced.  Harold said last he heard it was going to be sometime in August.

 

Water/Wastewater - Water/Wastewater Superintendent Dean Uitermark reported he has visited with Jerry Handsaker of Innovative Lighting and they are having trouble with their sewer.  When the City put in the sewer line, it was put in with a backfall.  This is causing Innovating Lighting sewer problems.  Dean said he has talked with Kent Hall and they think the best way to fix the problem is to run a four inch (4”) line in the eight inch (8”) and try to correct the fall.  This will cost approximately $1000 - $2000.  Consensus of the council was to have Hall’s use a laser to make sure that running the four inch (4”) line in the 8” line will work before installing the four inch (4”) line in the eight inch (8”) line.  Jerry has also asked if a street light could be installed at the end of the circle.  It is very dark in the parking lot.  Street Superintendent Harold Hovick stated that he would like to see at least two (2) new lights installed in the Industrial Park.  Council members will look at the sites and determine where they’d like to see the additional street light.  City Clerk Frost will prepare a resolution for the addition of the street lights for the next meeting.  Dean also reported the pool has been cleaned, cracks caulked and he started filling it today.

 

City Clerk- City Clerk Deneen Frost reported that Delores Lounsberry has requested the City put up Library signage showing people where the library is.  It will cost approximately $67.00 per set of signs.  Consensus of the council was to have Delores talk to the Library about the signs.

 

Mayor Juhl declared that this is the time and place for the public hearing on the FY 2005-2006 budget amendment.  There were no written or oral comments for or against the budget amendment.  Motion by Fritz, second by Hanson to close the public hearing.  All in favor. 

 

Motion by Fritz, second by Canny to approve Resolution No. 06-06 entitled, A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CURRENT BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2006.  The roll was called for and is as follows:  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Hanson, Lee, Neely; NAY:  none.  Whereupon Mayor Juhl declared the resolution duly adopted and the same placed on file.

 

There was more discussion regarding the birds on the water tower.  Council member Canny said he was down there last Monday night and heard it.  He said it squawks and makes noise, but the birds don’t move.  Council member Hanson said he noticed the same thing when he was down there.  Council member Canny said he knows the manure is a problem, but it would take a flock of birds to trash the house.  He thinks the bird squawker might do some good in the fall, but it’s not doing anything now.  Mayor Juhl stated he also listened to the bird squawker and noticed the same thing as council members Canny and Hanson.  The birds didn’t care when the bird squawker went off.  Council member Fritz stated it would be OK with him to turn it off for now and revisit this issue in the fall, if it becomes a problem.  Council member Hanson agreed.  Motion by Canny, second by Neely to turn the bird squawker off and revisit the issue in the fall when the birds start migrating.  All in favor.

 

Pauline Pearson commented that she was told by a friend that putting up the owls will attract crows.  Carroll Pearson stated that the only birds he ever sees on the water tower are starlings and he can’t believe that they are the problem.  Blackbirds seem to be the problem.

 

There was a short discussion on how much the City would contribute to the Housing Rehab Grant (if approved).  The amounts ranged from $2500 to $3000.  Motion by Fritz, second by Neely to set the City’s contribution to the Housing Rehab Grant at $2800 per house, up to eight (8) house.  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Hanson, Neely; NAY:  Lee. Council member Lee stated he is not against the Housing Rehab Grant, he is against the amount the City agreed to contribute.  He would like to have seen the contribution amount set at $2500 per house.  Mayor Juhl declared the motion carried.

 

There was discussion on Utility Billing Clerk Doris Classon’s hours.  Doris was unable to attend the meeting, but provided the council members with at letter stating that she would like to leave her hours the way they are.  Council member Hanson said her story has changed from the time he talked to her and Tuesday after the last council meeting and he’d like to know what happened.  Council member Neely said she talked with Doris and the letter is different than their conversation.  Council member Canny stated that maybe there was some misinterpretation.  Doris states in her letter that right now she is available to work extra hours if needed, but if her hours are cut she may not be as available to work extra hours.  She also stated that this is going to be her last year.  Motion by Canny, second by Lee to keep Utility Billing Clerk Doris Classons’ hours as is.  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Lee; NAY:  Hanson, Neely.  Council member Hanson and Neely stated things need to be reevaluated.  Council member Hanson said he will meet with Doris on Tuesday and get to the bottom of things.  Mayor Juhl declared the motion carried.

 

Motion by Fritz, second by Lee to approve Resolution 06-07 entitled, A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE LIEN FOR COLLECTION OF BILL FOR UNPAID CITY UTILITIES.  The roll was called for and is as follows:  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Hanson, Lee, Neely; NAY:  none.  Whereupon Mayor Juhl declared the resolution duly adopted and the same placed on file.

 

Motion by Fritz, second by Canny to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 51 entitled, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROLAND, IOWA, 2003, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO WATER RATES AND SERVICE.  The roll was called for and is as follows:  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Hanson, Neely; NAY:  Lee.  Mayor Juhl declared the first reading of Ordinance No. 51 passed.

 

Motion by Fritz, second by Neely to waive the second and third  readings of Ordinance No. 51.  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Lee, Neely; NAY:  Hanson.  Mayor Juhl declared the motion carried.

 

Motion by Fritz, second by Canny to approve the final reading of Ordinance No. 51.  The roll was called for and is as follows:  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Neely; NAY:  Hanson, Lee.  Council member Lee stated he is not in favor of the increase, and council member Hanson said he wanted to get feedback from the citizens.  Mayor Juhl declared the ordinance duly adopted and the same placed on file.  Ordinance No. 51 will go into effect on June 25, 2006.

 

There was discussion on the mowing ordinance.  Council members agreed the height of the vegetation (grass, weeds, brush) should be eight inches (8”) and the cost for mowing a property should be increased from $50.00 per lot to $75.00 per hour, with a one hour minimum and any additional time billed in half hour increments, and added a $100.00 surcharge for administrative costs.  Motion by Lee, second by Hanson to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 52 entitled, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROLAND, IOWA, 2003, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO WEEDS AND BRUSH, AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER REQUIRING THE MOWING OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ROLAND.  The roll was called for and is as follows:  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Hanson, Lee, Neely; NAY:  none.  Mayor Juhl declared the first reading of Ordinance No. 52 passed.

 

Motion by Fritz, second by Lee to waive the second and third readings of Ordinance No. 52.  All in favor.

 

Motion by Fritz, second by Canny to approve the final reading of Ordinance No. 52.  The roll was called for and is as follows:  AYE:  Canny, Fritz, Hanson, Lee, Neely; NAY:  none.  Whereupon Mayor Juhl declared the ordinance duly adopted and the same placed on file.  Ordinance No. 52 will go into effect upon its publication in the Story City Herald.

 

Council/Mayor comments consisted of the following:  Mayor Juhl reported that at an Emergency Management Meeting they were discussing wage increases and Roland was one of the lowest.  He would like the council members to think about a larger increase.  He would like to see it, at least, at the cost of living rate (at the time of the meeting was 4.3%).

 

There was no public input at this time.

 

With no further business at this time, Hanson moved adjournment of the meeting at 8:10 p.m., second by Canny.  All in favor.  The next regular council meeting will be Monday, June 12, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

 

 

 

MAY CLAIMS

 

 

GENERAL FUND

 

 

 

 

Fire Dept.

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $       115.23

Electronic Engineering

extended warranty (6) pagers

 $       534.00

Roland Service Center

replace fuel filter

 $         20.39

 

Total Fire Dept.

 $       669.62

 

 

 

Street Lights

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $    1,621.92

 

Total Street Lights

 $    1,621.92

 

 

 

Library

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $       274.02

Platinum Plus

prog-off supplies/videos/postage

 $       848.44

City Employees

wages

 $    1,266.25

 

Total Library

 $    2,388.71

 

 

 

Museum

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $         17.34

 

Total Museum

 $         17.34

 

 

 

Park

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $         51.93

 

Total Park

 $         51.93

 

 

 

Cemetery

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $         18.00

 

Total Cemetery

 $         18.00

 

 

 

Swimming Pool

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $         48.92

McCoy Electric

mercury vapor bulb/replace shade/labor

 $       104.65

Pool Tech

power shock/sunscreen/test kit/hydro valves

 $       244.30

 

Total Swimming Pool

 $       397.87

 

 

 

Policy & Administration

 

 

Iowa State University

continuing ed

 $       160.00

Platinum Plus

postage

 $         21.25

Quill

pens/refills/report covers/pocket folders/stamp

 $       123.22

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

June premium

 $       392.74

City Employees

wages

 $       954.37

 

Total Policy & Admin.

 $    1,651.58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL GENERAL

 $    6,816.97

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROAD USE

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $         88.98

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

June premium

 $       392.74

City Employees

wages

 $    1,057.38

 

TOTAL ROAD USE

 $    1,539.10

 

 

 

METER DEPOSIT

 

 

Amundson, Paul

meter deposit refund

 $       100.00

Muraoka, Wayne

meter deposit refund

 $       100.00

 

TOTAL METER DEPOSIT

 $       200.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEBT SERVICE

 

 

Bond Holder

1995 GO Bonds-principal & interest

 $  30,885.00

Bond Holder

1998 GO Bonds-principal & interest

 $  16,321.25

Bond Holder

2000 GO Bonds-principal & interest

 $  18,111.25

 

TOTAL DEBT SERVICE

 $  65,317.50

 

 

 

WATER

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $    1,010.23

American Plumbing Supply

valve (for fountain at school)

 $         79.95

Iowa One Call

locates

 $         13.95

Quill

report covers/past due stamp/cash box/ink roller

 $         50.48

 

TOTAL WATER

 $    1,154.61

 

 

 

SEWER

 

 

Alliant Energy

gas & electric

 $       432.72

Iowa One Call

locates

 $         13.95

Quill

report cover/past due stamp/cash box/ink roller

 $         50.48

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

June premium

 $       392.74

City Employees

wages

 $    1,368.62

 

 

 $    2,258.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRAND TOTAL

 $  77,286.69

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________                                          __________________________________

Samuel Juhl, Mayor                                                                                             Deneen Frost, City Clerk