City Council Meeting - March 21st, 2011

Alden City Council Meeting
Regular Meeting
March 21st, 2011
7:00 P.M.

Mayor Fiscus called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the following council members present; Janaan Harding, Steve Hunt, Bill Ramspott, Mike Oliver and Robert Hoversten. Also present were Frank Cearley, Robin Heinzeroth, Joseph Tibbs, Jackie Tibbs, Georgia Mourlam, Tom Vanderloop, Deputy J.D. Holmes and Lorrie Watts.

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

Public Hearing/USDA Grant Application: Mayor Fiscus opened the public hearing at 7:01 PM asking for questions from any in attendance.  Joseph Tibbs asked what the City was going to do with the grant money if it was received. Janaan Harding stated that if the City was fortunate enough to receive the grant, it would be used for the beautification and renovation of the corner lot on Water Street where the building burnt down two years ago.  The Grant is for 15% of the total project cost. Mayor Fiscus explained that Joseph Tibbs was present working on his Eagle Scout requirements.  There were no other questions and Mayor Fiscus closed the public hearing at 7:03 PM. 

Resolution 4-11 USDA Grant Application Approval: Steve Hunt motioned to approve Resolution 4-11 approving the submission of the USDA Grant Application for the Downtown Beautification and Renovation Project, Mike Oliver seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Bill Ramspott, Bob Hoversten, Janaan Harding, Steve Hunt and Mike Oliver voted aye.

Robin Heinzeroth was present to question late penalties that she had received on her water bill for the past three months due the check not arriving in the office until the 14th of each month.  She stated that the money was being taken out on the 5th, 6th and 7th of each of the three months and had been mailed by the processing center by the 10th.  She also stated that she was no using online backing anymore for this reason.  Janaan Harding stated that most bills require it be there by the due date, not just be postmarked by the due date and that this was the City’s policy.  City Clerk Lorrie Watts stated that she cleans out the drop box and gets the mail on the 11th, and applies all the payments received at that time and then rolls balances and the computer applies the penalties.  She can not hold the cycle open for those payments that are coming from out of state and are at the mercy of the US Postal Service.  The late fees will stand as applied.  Heinzeroth states that she will be using the drop box for her utility bill.

Veenstra & Kimm Invoice Approval: Mike Oliver motioned to approve V&K Invoice for $3722.60 for the Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Steve Hunt seconded the motion and all present voted aye.  Tom Vanderloop reports that the project is underway, they have had some issues, broken water line twice by Casey’s General Store, broken sewer line that was also by Casey’s but repairs were made in a timely manner.  They hope to have the Washington Street ready for use by Wednesday morning.   Camera and cleaning crews will be in town the first week of April after the point repairs have been made. Vanderloop also reports that Main Street will have to be closed to through traffic and truck traffic during the point repairs on the Main Street Sewer lines.

Public Input:  Joseph Tibbs asked if the penalty questions would be considered a difference of opinions.  Council member Hoversten stated that the outcome may have been but that penalties are governed by City Code of Ordinances. Robin Heinzeroth stated that is was merely an inquiry on her part.  Georgia Mourlam was present on behalf of the food pantry to thank the Mayor, City Council, and City Clerk for the years of support that have been provided to the food pantry and invited them to come to the Open House at the Alden Food Pantry on April 2nd, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 PM.  They will be presenting a certificate to the City in appreciation for their support.  She also reported that the food pantry is open three days per week and one Saturday per month. She also asked if needed, could some rock be put in the easement on the south side of the pantry due to mud and water runoff.  Council person Mike Oliver reported that he received a call from a citizen about the Dave and Linda Asmus property in reference to all the cars that are sitting around the property and trash bags.  The cars are not running and are not being repaired and some are not licensed.  The City Clerk was instructed to send a letter requesting that all unlicensed and broken down vehicles be removed from the property immediately and also demanded that all trash be removed from the property.  Janaan Harding requested that the lights and cords be taken off the sign and tree in front of City Hall. She also requested that some rock or patch be put in the holes down Main Street until after the project repairs are complete and street can be repaired. Robert Hoversten stated that a the bridge inspector spoke with him last week and that there are going to have to be some repairs made in the next few years to the bridge on Main Street. Mayor Fiscus reports that he will be attending a hazard mitigation meeting on Tuesday and will speak with the County Engineer about the Main Street closure and the bridge report. Lorrie Watts reports that the City had acquired ownership of the two abandoned properties on Water Street that were formerly owned by Ralph Zesch and Kyong Choe.  The council would like to have the trailer hauled away as soon as title is received.  The Clerk was also directed to start the proceedings to sell the properties.  Both properties are located with Iowa River frontage.

Adjourn: Mayor Fiscus called for a motion to adjourn, Steve Hunt motioned and Bill Ramspott seconded the motion and all present voted aye. The meeting adjourned at
7:40 PM.

                                                                 Signed_______________________________
Jeff Fiscus, Mayor

ATTEST;

__________________________________
Lorrie Watts, City Clerk