September 7, 2016

Posted: September 7, 2016

Present: Meyer, Lienau, Beckman, Langreck. Holthaus arrived at 5:15 pm.
Absent: None.

Don Dilaura along with Zak Kriener from the Ossian Bee were present during the meeting. Troy Troge was also present. The following South Street property owners were in attendance regarding sewer backup issues: Penny
Hertges, LeRoy Bohr and Bob & Diane Einck.

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

Property owners residing on South Street spoke to the Mayor and Council regarding sewage back-up issues they have experienced during extreme periods of rainfall. Their concerns were noted by the Council. The Council went on to explain to those residents present that the city’s engineers are currently working on plans to remedy the problem. The proposed time table is to have the project ready for a bid letting this winter with construction to start as soon as possible in the spring of 2017.

Officer Ward gave the police report. Ward explained a proposed law enforcement plan being considered involving the City of Calmar, Winneshiek County Sheriff Department and the City of Ossian. Ward noted the planning is in the beginning phase and eventually will need approval by all entities involved before any plan would be implemented.

Mayor Green reported the easements needed for the Jessie-Brooks-West Streets Project have been obtained and commended the City men for their time and efforts in trying to prevent sewer issues during the recent heavy rains.

Holthaus made a motion approving the following consent items: August 1, 2016 council minutes, clerk’s reports and the monthly bills, seconded by Meyer, carried.

The review of a proposed Special Use Permit was tabled.

The Mayor and Council discussed various items concerning the Jessie, Brooks, West Street Paving Project. Planning for mail box re-location, garbage collection, parking and temporary shuttle service are issues the Council noted will have to be decided before construction begins.

Meyer made a motion introducing Resolution #569, a resolution acknowledging the easements needed for the Jessie-West-Brooks Streets Project have been obtained, seconded by Beckman.

Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Holthaus, Langreck, Lienau, Beckman, Meyer.
Nays: None.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion approved.

The Council discussed placement of a hand railing and parking spaces in front of the two city buildings located on N. Lydia Street. It was the consensus of the Council: to have the hand railing connect to the railing being installed in front of Bambinos and continue along down the edge of the driveway approach that leads to the old fire station building; no parking will be allowed on the ramp leading to the old fire station building; parking will be allowed on the ramp to the old city hall building.

Meyer made a motion approving the re-appointment of Ree Meyer to serve as the City’s representative on the Winneshiek county Community Foundation Distribution Committee, seconded by Lienau, carried.

The Council directed the city clerk to contact local contractors requesting quotes for replacing the lighting fixtures in the community center building.

The city’s Employee Handbook was a topic for discussion. Following discussion Langreck suggested that before the October council meeting the Council take time to look over the document. If there are sections in the document that some would like to have re-evaluated, they can be considered at that time.

Considering the ash bore issue and the numerous ash trees located on city property, the Council decided a plan needs to be put in place dealing with the issue. Meyer and Beckman agreed to begin working on a plan of action.

Meyer made a motion introducing Resolution #570, a resolution approving an addendum agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for adding funding for ADA Improvements to the Jessie-West-Brooks Streets Project, seconded by Beckman.

Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Holthaus, Langreck, Lienau, Beckman, Meyer.
Nays: None.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion approved.

Holthaus made a motion approving the renewals of Blooms on Main Class B Native Wine Permit and Bambinos Class C Liquor/Sunday Sales Permit, seconded by Beckman carried with Lienau abstaining from the vote.

The Council discussed the option to continue providing cell phones for the two city public works employees or instead pay the employees a monthly stipend to them to use their personal cell phones. It was the consensus of the Council to pay each employee $50.00/month reimbursement to use their personal cell phones for city business and cancel the city cell phone plan.

Holthaus made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beckman, carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.