May 2, 2016

Posted: May 2, 2016

Prior to the meeting, Mayor Green signed a proclamation recognizing the Ossian Public Library’s 60 years of service to the City of Ossian by declaring June 4, 2016 “Community Read Day”.

Present: Holthaus, Beckman, Langreck, Meyer, Lienau.
Absent: None.

Brian Zweibohmer, along with Zak Kriener from the Ossian Bee were present during the meeting. The following from the Ossian Crown Club were also in attendance during the presentation by Clark Goltz: Ron & Mae Becker, Chuck Sender, Shelley Goltz, Tom & Terri Bushman, Jane Fossaen Terri Linderbaum, and Pam Buddenberg

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Green called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Clark Goltz spoke on behalf of the Ossian Crown Club and Visioning Committee explaining the community events these organizations have sponsored and their ongoing commitment to the community. Raising funds for improvements to Carey’s Park has also been a big part of both organizations goals. Goltz went on to explain their main focus has been to acquire funding to finish building the pavilion in Carey’s Park. Goltz asked the Council to consider re-allocating the funds set aside for restroom development be used for the pavilion project instead. Discussion followed.

Meyer made a motion requesting the motion approved April 4, 2016 designating $7,500 to be set aside in the Carey Park Improvement Fund for restroom development be re-considered, seconded by Lienau, carried.

Meyer made a motion rescinding the April 4, 2016 decision to allocate $7,500 for restroom development and instead re-allocate the $7,500 to the pavilion project, seconded by Beckman, carried.

Winneshiek County Supervisor John Logsdon addressed the Council explaining the role he has played while serving as supervisor and his plans to seek re-election.

Office Ward gave his police report noting tobacco compliance checks resulted in no violations and speeding is still being monitored.

Dolly Panos and Robyn Dundee had heard the cabin in Carey’s park may be removed or used for another purpose. They explained they have a vested interest in the cabin and are hopeful it can be repaired and not removed. Along with being part of putting the cabin in the park, Dundee explained the park was originally developed by their father. Meyer said he has contacted contractors who may be able to fix the cabin, but they have not gotten information back to him yet. Discussion followed with many unknown factors still needing to be answered before a decision will be made as to what to do with the cabin.

Mayor Green reported he is working on the specifications for the lighting in the community center building.

Holthaus made a motion approving the following consent items, April 4, 2016 council minutes, clerk’s reports and the monthly bills, seconded by Meyer, carried.

The city’s engineers were not in attendance so as result the Amendment for Engineering Services for the Jessie-Brooks-West Street Paving Project was not available to act on.

Beckman made a motion approving the Agreement for Maintenance and Repair of Primary Roads in Municipalities with the Iowa department of Transportation for a five year period from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021, seconded by Meyer, carried.

The Council discussed street maintenance options. Lienau made a motion to accept the proposal submitted by Blacktop Service Co. to make seal coat repairs, asphalt overlays and patches on various streets and alleys including; the south side of Main St. from Mary St. to S. West St.; Center St. at the intersection of Fisher Ave.; N. West Street to W. Main St.; 445 ft. of W. Mechanic St. starting at Becker Avenue; the alley from S. Boody St. to Mary St., seconded by Beckman, carried. In addition it was the consensus of the Council to have Wick’s Construction make the necessary repairs to the curb and gutter at the corner located at the west side of the intersection of E. Main St and N. Mary St. at the same time they are doing concrete work for the new Luana Savings Bank. The Council also decided that before any maintenance is done to the alley located between S. Mary St and S. Lydia St. the storm sewer will be cleaned and televised to find out if there any repairs needed Holthaus made a motion accepting the proposals from Reilly Construction to remove concrete at the city properties  located at 104 & 106 N. Lydia Street and to Bohr Construction to do the cement work installing the sidewalk and ramp, seconded by Langreck, carried.

The Council reviewed an estimate for windows in the community center room. Before a decision is made as to which window or how many will be installed, contractors will be contacted to get an estimate for the installation.

The city’s maintenance men will look closer at the cement platform located on the east side exit door of the community center room to get a better determination as to on how it should be replaced or repaired.

The Mayor and Council discussed having fence guidelines established and reviewed a sample fence ordinance. The clerk was directed to prepare a fence ordinance.

The Mayor Council discussed options to deal with the Emerald Ash Borer that are killing Ash trees. The city has approximately thirty six ash trees. It was the consensus of the Council to set up a schedule to remove a number of ash trees each year until they are gone versus treating the trees.

Holthaus made a motion approving a building permit for Kevin Rose, seconded by Meyer, carried.

Meyer made a motion approving the Ossian Fire Department’s requests to either transfer the alcoholic beverages permit from Wild Wood’s Event Center to Carey’s Park on June 4th-5th, 2016 or approval of a Beer Permit W/Outdoor Service in their name for those dates, seconded by Beckman, carried.

The Council was made aware the WMT Tractorcade will be in Ossian the afternoon of June 13th. Approximately 450 to 500 tractors take part in this event. Participants will arrive in groups of about 70-80 tractors through out the afternoon.

Holthaus made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lienau Carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.