City Council Regular Meeting - March 15, 2010

Alden City Council
Minutes of Regular Meeting
March 15, 2009

Mayor Fiscus called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with all council members present; also present were Scott Bahr of Gateway Insurance, Tim Moreau of Veenstra & Kimm, Linda Lisle, KendallSchutt, Gene Jondall, Lynn Bollinger, Dave & Kristy Forgy, Gary Raisch, Steve McDowell of McDowell & Sons,  Deputy Sheriff J. D. Holmes, Tom Vanderloop and Lorrie Watts.

Consent Agenda: Bill Ramspott motioned to approve, Janaan Harding seconded and all present voted aye.

Scott Bahr of Gateway Insurance was present to go over the City’s Tort & Liability Policy.  General Liability is $2,000,000 with a $5,000,000 aggregate.  The deductible is $500 on all structures, $250 deductible for inland marine.  The annual premium is $20,572 which is an increase of $871.00 for Workers Comp and $50 increase for Business Auto. The increase in workers comp is a nationwide increase.

Tim Moreau of Veenstra & Kimm was present to go over some changes to the time line of the sewer lining project.  Veenstra & Kimm are now in the process of collecting manhole & pipeline data.  The IDNR is taking care of the environmental assessment and has given the project a categorical exclusion because of the very limited amount of excavating that may or may not need to be done. This paperwork is 90% complete.  If there is a need during the project to discharge to the river an NPDES storm water discharge permit will need to be applied for.  This is a relatively simple process but absolutely required.  Bid letting for the project looks like early August. Janaan Harding asked why so late, Tim Moreau explained the original grant award was intended for August  2009 and due to the delayed release of information until November 2009 by the federal government, it has pushed everything back by three months.  Moreau informs the council that he has met with Visu-Sewer for televising of the lines prior to the start of the project.  The televising of the system will provide the information needed in regards to any area that need complete repair or root cutting.  Veenstra & Kimm would like to subcontract this aspect of the project because they have worked with Visu-Sewer and are confident in their quality of work.  The original estimation on this section of the project was $45,000.00. This does not include the $8000.00 for Veenstra & Kimm’s work.  Moreau explains that by subcontracting the job through Veenstra & Kimm they can cut time from the project as well as about $13,000.00 in expense. Bill Ramspott motioned to approve the amendment to the original contract with Veenstra & Kimm and allow the subcontracting by Veenstra & Kimm for the pre-design mobilizing,  televising, cleaning and possible root cutting of the sewer lines at $1.20/foot and root cutting at $.35/ft, Steve Hunt seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Westrum Leak Contract:  Tom Vanderloop reports that the contract does not really provide any cost savings to the City or additional benefit.  No action was taken.

Steve McDowell of McDowell & Sons was present to address the council with regards to the City’s waste/garbage pick up. He asked if the council was dissatisfied with the service they have been providing and reminded the Council of the 30 years that they have been providing the service without missing a day.  Mike Oliver states that as a council they are expected to be sure that everyone is being kept honest and competitive. Going out for bids provides a better perspective on the services available.  The City has not gone out for bids for garbage pick up in 30 years.  Oliver also states that he does not believe there is a problem with the service.  Steve McDowell assures the council that the increases that have been given were based on the landfill’s increase in tipping fees and the last increase was based on the drastic change in fuel costs.  McDowell & Sons are paid $13.00 and the landfill receives $6.00 of the $19.00 per month for garbage pick up.  Steve McDowell requested that the council consider contract renegotiations before they decide to choose another contractor.  The council assured him that they would provide that option by the end of the summer.

Linda Lisle addressed the council in regards to the standing water on the Hoelscher Ag property.  Mayor Fiscus explained that the tile that drains that property is not a city tile and does not hook into the tiles that drain the ditches along Hwy D20.  The Clerk reports that the Drainage Office in Eldora provided help in 2008 with information in regards to the drainage of that area.  The Drainage Clerk explained the maps and who is responsible for the issues on the property.  The ditches to the east of the property are clear and draining and those do belong to the City.  The City spent money in 2008 with Veenstra & Kimm and they provided solutions to the property owner.  Mayor Fiscus states that he believes there is possibly a collapsed or plugged area in that tile and it needs to be cleaned or repaired. Mayor Fiscus recommends contacting the drainage district representatives for that drainage district.

Property Updates:  The property owner at 1504 Pearl Street has been served a petition by the Sheriff’s Department and by certified mail, the notice has been posted on the house and a motion has been filed with the Clerk of Courts office.  Clark McNeal will be handling the process on behalf of the City.  Deeds on the property at the corner of Water and West Street and the property on the corner of Pearl and East Street have been issued to the City.  The City is waiting for title documents. Clark McNeal has started the proceedings on the vacant properties at 308 Water Street and 411 Water Street.  Both

properties have judgments and delinquent taxes owed against them. McNeal is also sending correspondence to the family of Elizabeth Williams to find out what their real intentions are for the property at 502 Main Ave.

Community Garden:  Janaan Harding reported that the Horizons Group is still in need

of spot to have the community garden.  She asked for help & ideas from the community members.  There are some vacant lots in town and the group must decide which would be the best spot with regards to soil & water availability.

Build with Bags Recycling Grant: Janaan Harding reported that she has completed the grant for new picnic tables and benches for the swimming pool project.  This grant would be received through the Build with Bags Program.  In order to be eligible for the grant the

City needs to participate in the Build with Bags Recycling initiative program. She requested permission to order the Build with Bags Container at a cost of $75.00 from Plastics Recycling to be placed at City Hall.  The container would be kept inside so the bags can be kept dry.  Doug McDonald resident and Manager at Plastic Recycling will be transporting the bags for the program. Bob Hoversten motion to approve the purchase,

Bill Ramspott seconded the motion and all present voted aye.

Public Input: Lynn Bollinger reported that the grant for the Hill Top Village garages has

been approved.  The Legion members would like to purchase and install new light fixtures in the Legion Room at the Alden American Legion at no expense to the City.  He also reported that Dave Lancaster is looking into the costs of completing the sidewalk loop in the Alden Park, Jan Hurd is working on the ceramic pots and small tree placement in the downtown area.  Steve Hunt is looking into a grant from KCCI Channel 8 and through different programs for Fire Departments to put up a new building on the corner of Main Street and Water Street to house fire equipment.  The corner would also have

a “Welcome” sign and some picnic tables.  There has been a great deal of discussion in

regards to the improvements that are in need at the Legion Building including removal

of the awning, new cement in the front, expansion and changing the pitch of the roof and

replacing windows and increased insulation for better efficiency long term.  He assured the Council that all plans would be brought before the board for approval. Deputy Sheriff

J.D. Holmes presented the Year End Report for the Hardin County Sheriff’s Department.

Janaan Harding gave the date of May 2nd, 2010 from 11:00-1:30 for the Alden Pool Fundraising Spaghetti Dinner, Silent Auction and Bake Sale.  Mayor Fiscus called for a

motion to adjourn, Bill Ramspott motioned , Steve Hunt seconded and all present voted

aye.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

                                                                     Signed:___________________________

                                                                                    Jeff Fiscus, Mayor

ATTEST;

_____________________________

Lorrie Watts, City Clerk