City Council Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Roland City Council

Regular Session

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Note:  The following are unofficial until they are approved by the City Council at the next council meeting.

The Roland City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.  The meeting was held at 6:00 pm at the Roland Community Center with Mayor Andy Webb presiding via Zoom.  Council members present at roll call via Zoom: Jerry Balmer, Malissa Grimsley, Riley Larson, Russ Neely, and Kailah Schmitz.  Absent: none.  Also present were City Clerk Jodi Meredith, Public Works Director Nathan Hovick via Zoom, Public Works Assistant Director Dalton Johnston via Zoom, and 2 visitors from the public via Zoom. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the public can access through Zoom.

It was moved by Balmer and seconded by Grimsley to approve the portion of the consent agenda which included Agenda and Minutes from the December 16, 2020 Council Meeting.  All in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Neely and seconded by Schmitz to approve to amended Claims for January 6, 2021 in the amount of $62,874.76.  All in favor, motion carried.

Public Input: Deputy Christian was via zoom to discuss the threats against City staff, line item 9 was moved up on the agenda to be discussed.

Lt. Ellis had an inquiry about the status of the harassment, Deputy Christian knocked on the door with no answer and left a voicemail for the resident after the incident was reported.  The resident did not return the call.  A deputy can post the 24-hour notice on the properties that have dangerous residents.  Mayor Webb had talked to the Sheriff, District Attorney, City of Ames, and City of Story City to see how they would handle the situation.  The District Attorney and Sheriff would charge with a misdemeanor and if it occurs again would go to a felony charge.  Ames and Story City would have an officer assist with the posting.  Mayor Webb will send a certified letter to inform the resident that if there is another incident charges will be filed.  It was requested that a Deputy still tries to make face to face contact to discuss the threats with the resident.

Department Head’s Reports were as follows

Public Works Director: The Headwaters WMA has been awarded a WMA planning grant.  The new NPDES permit is not in effect.  A curb stop was replaced, and cost added to the property utility bill of a nonpaying customer whose shut off didn’t work.  Story County wrote snow ordinance tickets during the last snowstorm, there are still issues with vehicles parking on Main Street.  Work is continuing on the remodeling of the Erickson shelter house.  Budgets are being worked on.  Information about the bridge replacement was mailed out, put on Facebook, and signs posted at the bridge.  It appears that the collapsing roof at 201 N. Main is getting worse, it was suggested that the council look into this issue sooner rather than later because it appears to be a dangerous situation.  CM Schmitz has talked with Nick from the Ames Chamber and he is looking into grant options.  The email from James Bohl about water bill concerns was discussed, nobody has heard anything further so his concerns must have been answered in the reply.  There was a complaint from Kurtis Bower about snowplows going too fast and getting snow on sidewalks.  Consensus of the council is that this happens during snow removal and to continue plowing the streets the same as it has been done.

City Clerk: W2s are out, other reports are being worked on, the budget has been started, and the tax levy has been worked on.

A motion was made by Grimsley and seconded by Neely to approve Resolution 21-01: Resolution To Call For A Public Hearing For Pool Board.  Aye: Grimsley, Neely, Balmer, Larson, Schmitz.  Nay: none.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Balmer and seconded by Grimsley to approve Resolution 21-02: Resolution Naming Depository Designations.  Aye: Larson, Balmer, Schmitz, Neely Grimsley.  Nay: none.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Neely and seconded by Schmitz to approve Resolution 21-03: Resolution For Investment Policy.  Aye: Neely, Schmitz, Larson, Grimsley, Balmer.  Nay: none.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Larson and seconded by Schmitz to approve Resolution 21-04: Resolution To Call For A Public Hearing For Tax Levy Maximum.  Aye: Schmitz, Grimsley, Neely, Balmer, Larson.  Nay: none.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Schmitz and seconded by Neely to award the Stump Grinding Contract to the low bidder, Robb’s Tree & Stump Service, and have the full scope of the project completed.  Aye: Larson, Neely, Schmitz, Balmer.  Nay: none.  Abstain: Grimsley.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Schmitz and seconded by Grimsley to award the Debris Pile Grinding and Removal Contract to the low quote, Thorp Logging & Sawmill.  All in favor, motion carried.

Mayor/Council Comments: CM Balmer asked if the paint on the north wall of the Community Center is getting worse, it is and other options than painting will be considered.

CM Grimsley’s family is building on the other side of town and was told by the builder that there are no more lots available to build on in Roland.  Are there any other areas that could be developed or enticements the City can offer?  This can be looked into further.

Mayor Webb has been asked again by Valda Nehls if the City has a place that her nonprofit can store 200 bicycles, there is still not space.

Public Input: none.

With no further business at this time, Balmer moved for adjournment of the meeting at 7:15 pm seconded by Larson.  All in favor, motion carried.  The next regular scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Roland Community Center.

_______________________                                      ____________________________

Andy Webb, Mayor                                                    Jodi Meredith, City Clerk