April 6, 2015

Posted: April 6, 2015

Present: Bushman, E. Meyer , M. Meyer, Langreck, Holthaus.
Absent:. None

Zak Kriener from the Ossian Bee, Don Dilaura and Brian Zweibohmer were present during the meeting.

Mayor Covell called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Keith Steinlage, from Farmers Union Cooperative, explained to the Mayor and Council their companies septic system is failing and is seeking approval to connect to the City’s sanitary sewer system. Discussion followed after which time, Bushman made a motion giving permission to Farmers Union Cooperative to connect their property at 1913 Co Rd B32 to the city’s sanitary sewer system. Farmers Union Cooperative will be required to obtain any necessary easements, will be responsible for all costs incurred for connecting to the City’s sanitary sewer system, and any property disturbed must be restored to the City’s specifications. The motion was seconded by M. Meyer and carried with all ayes.

Officer Ward gave the police report noting it was a fairly quiet month and included : traffic stops, a warrant and OWI arrest, and a burglary. Mayor Covell asked Ward to make a list of nuisances observed within the City. The list can then be reviewed to determine if action may be needed to abate them.

E. Meyer made a motion approving the following consent items March 2, 2015 council minutes, clerk’s reports and the monthly bills, seconded by Holthaus, carried.

Bushman made a motion approving a building permit for Jerry and Joan Ameling, seconded by E. Meyer, carried.

M. Meyer made a motion setting a public hearing date and time for May 4, 2015 at 5:00 p.m for the purpose of amending the FY15 Budget, seconded by Langreck, carried.

The Mayor and Council discussed urban revitalization information provided by Attorney Rick Zahasky. It was the consensus of the Council to invite Zahasky to a council meeting to have him explain the process involved so they have a better understanding of how the programs work.

FY16 Wages were discussed.. M. Meyer made a motion recommending the following employees receive a $1.00/hr increase setting their hourly wage for FY16 as follows: city clerk $20.40, water/sewer/street superintendent $22.40, water/sewer/street assistant $20.25/hr and a $.50/hr increase for the City’s part-time maintenance position setting the hourly wage at $10.50, seconded by Holthaus, carried.

Employee vacation benefits were discussed.

Bushman made a motion introducing Resolution #553, a resolution supporting and approving the comprehensive solid waste reduction plan submitted to the IDNR on behalf of the Winneshiek County solid Waste Agency, seconded by E. Meyer. The Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Holthaus, Langreck, Bushman E. Meyer, M. Meyer.
Nays: None.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion approved.

Options for pulling the trailer for watering the hanging planters on Main Street were discussed. Additional research will be gathered before an option is finalized.

The Mayor and Council went over cost estimates for seal coating and asphalt overlays on various streets and alleys.

Street repairs on paved streets was also a topic of discussion. More information and costs estimates will be put together for the next council meeting to help determine what streets and alleys will be repaired in FY16.

Bushman made a motion to adjourn, seconded by E. Meyer, carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.