City Council Monthly Meeting - September 21, 2009

Alden City Council
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
September 21, 2009 7:00 PM

Call to Order Mayor Jeff Fiscus called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the following members answering roll call: Janaan Harding, Bill Ramspott, Mike Oliver, Bob Hoversten, and Steve Hunt.  Others present were Lorie Watts, Robin Heinzeroth, Gene Jondall, Evelyn & Ron Tirevold, Chester Neubauer, Joann Rash, Lyle & Darlene Thompson, Tom Vanderloop, Eric State, Suzy Miller, Sheriff Tim Smith, Deputy J D Holmes, Tom Ewoldt, Dan Zoske, David & Kristie Forgy, and Loren Larson.

Consent Agenda Ramspott motioned and Hoversten seconded to accept the consent agenda.  All present Aye.  Motion passed.

Community Garden Evelyn Tirevold informed council of area community gardens and asked for council support of the project and possible locations for such a project.  Council suggests that wherever the site is it should be up to the Horizons group to map out garden sizes for those participating and that sites should be made available to low income families/individuals first.  Harding motioned and Oliver seconded to support a community garden.  All present Aye.  Motion passed. 

Abate Nuisance Mowing Charge $100 Hoversten motioned and Ramspott seconded to charge $100 for each time an abate nuisance property is mowed.  All present Aye.  Motion passed.

Update on Nuisance Properties No response has been received from Russell Clouse regarding a time frame for removal of the mobile home on Alden Street.  Nicolles are working on the brick fascia on the Water Street property.  Bob Hutchinson has cut back vegetation, removed the fallen tree from his garage and has until November 6 to have the garage removed.  Clerk to send reminder letter.  Harding gives DNR contact information to Chester Neubauer regarding his property as being a high risk site.  She and Mayor Fiscus reinforce Council position that property needs to continue to improve with vegetation being cut and debris/junk being removed. 

Library Suzy Miller voices concern for the motion made at the expenditure cut meeting regarding removal of the water cooler from the library.  She reports that library has always followed council’s directives but that the City Ordinance leaves the final decision as to where money is cut to the library board.  Although Council had mentioned the $600 could be cut anywhere the motion had been made to the water cooler.  Harding motioned and Hunt seconded to amend the motion to cutting the library budget by $600.  All present Aye.  Motion passed.

Cell Phones-City Harding reports that US Cellular will change cell phone numbers to a local number rather than the current long distance number at no charge saving money for the City. Harding motioned and Ramspott seconded to change the cell phone numbers to a local number.  All present Aye.  Motion passed.

City Vehicles Harding reports that IRS can use the personal/commuting use of City pickups as income.  Oliver directs City maintenance workers to keep track of mileage for the next month and report at October meeting.

Time Sheets Available in packets.

Life Insurance/AD & D Policy Harding reports that a group term policy of $50,000 would save the City $3,998.65 yearly.  Oliver motioned and Harding seconded to enact group term policy.  Hunt wants to check to see what the premium per employee would be.  Vanderloop questions if it would be available if an employee retires and Harding replies it would most likely be less if the retiring employee bought it privately.  Hunt wants to see what the cost would be for a self-funded policy and suggests a transition in to the new insurance once questions are answered.  Oliver agreed with Hunt’s proposal.  Initial motion died from lack of roll call. Oliver motioned and Ramspott seconded to transition in to new insurance coverage over the next 90 days.  All present Aye.  Motion passed.

Expenditure Cuts No new cuts introduced.

Update Sewer Grant There has been no news since September 8.  Clerk directed to contact Marty Wymore again.

New Alden Sign Discussion over sizes and possible display of sign was held.  Council feels 5’ x 10’ sign would be an attractive size.  Hardin will contact Plastics Recycling with questions and will report back at October meeting.

Main Street-Truck Traffic Complaints have been made to Council members regarding engine breaking on Main Street.  Complaints were also voiced regarding excessive speed with vehicles coming from the west on both Pearl Street and Water Street.  Sheriff Smith reports he’ll pass information on to deputies and they may be able to get some tickets issued.

Public Input Suzy Miller questions if Neighborhood Watch could be begun in the City.  Sheriff Smith reports that if someone will volunteer to head it up the Sheriff’s Department will be willing to instruct and support efforts.  Pastor Jaeger will be contacted.  Joann Rash asks what needs to be done to have a street light between the Heflin and Viet properties on Depoe Street.  She was directed to contact Alliant Energy.  Vanderloop reports they will be draining the water tower for 3 days beginning October 3.  He also reports maple tree on the south side of the football field needs to come down and the school will meet the City half way with the cost.  Subject will be on October agenda.  Harding reports that benches and fire ring have been installed at Memorial Park and that she will be meeting with Alliant regarding lighting at the park.  She reports that the families are willing to help pay for decorative lighting.  Subject will be on October agenda.  An additional $500 has also been secured for seeding and rock at the park.  The sign at the Kemp Sports Complex will also be replaced with recycled plastic.  There may also be more money available for trees and flowers in the bowl at Memorial Park.  She questioned if there could be a tree planted in the City Park between the benches next to the play equipment.  Subject will be on October agenda.  Vanderloop directed to get start date for the school sewer project.

Adjourn Oliver motioned and Harding seconded to adjourn.  All present Aye.  Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.

                                                            Signed: ____________________________
Jeff Fiscus, Mayor

 

Attest: ___________________________________
Lorrie Watts, Alden City Clerk