The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.

Present: Councilmembers: Harvey, Kallsen, Woodley, Cauwels, Dorhout.

Absent: Mayor Porter

In the absence of the Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem Kallsen presided over the meeting.

Staff Present: Craig Coffey, City Administrator; Tom Sedgwick, Telecommunications Director; Tom Kane, Public Works Director; Jim Pickner, City Attorney; Mike DeBruin, Police Chief, Jami Dekkers, Activities Director.

Standard Agenda Items

Item 1. Approval of the December 18, 2000 Minutes. Moved by Woodley/Dorhout to approve the December 18 Council Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 2. Approval of Schedule of Claims. Moved by Cauwels/Woodley to approve the Schedule of Claims for payment. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 3. Open Business from the Community (limited to a maximum of 5 minutes per item.)
There was no open business from the community.

Item 4. Staff Reports/Discussion.

• Mr. Coffey reported to the Council that he had received word from Pamida that they have delayed plans to build for one year. He reported that prior to Christmas, they decided not to build any new Shopko stores and only _ of the Pamida stores. After Christmas they decided not to build any new stores at all this year, due to a poor Christmas season.
• Mr. Coffey also reported that they should close on the Bomgaars deal this month.
• Tom Kane, Public Works Director, briefed the Council on the natural gas prices. It was reported that we have purchased gas in January for $10 (3-4 times over last year). Gas prices have dropped somewhat for February but are still over $9. The long-term prospects are that it will eventually level out on a more consistent basis for the long-term at around $5.00 (still more than double).
• He also reported that Tim Ericson was hired by the City to replace Clark Danielson as a general utility employee in the Public Works Department.
• Police Chief, Mike DeBruin, told the Council that they are working on a parking plan for the school busses at the Elementary and at the High School as well.
• Mr. Coffey told the Council that Councilperson Woodley and himself were planning on going to a TIF Seminar on the 10th of January sponsored by O’Brien County and asked if anyone else would be interested in attending.
• He also encouraged all the Council to attend the Chamber, HEDCO, HAPP Banquet being held at 6:30 p.m. at St Mary’s Parish Hall January 13th.
• Tom Sedgwick, Telecommunications Director, gave a brief report on some new customers in telecommunications. Mr. Coffey reported that Tracey Reinking had a baby girl December 18th and will be on maternity leave for about 8 weeks.

Item 5. Mayor Report. Mike Kallsen reported that he had received a lot of positive input from the community on the televising of the council meetings on our local channel. He also stated that they would like to see the board meetings from the Hospital and School Boards shown as well.

Other Agenda Items

Item 6. Presentations from the Library, Activity Director and Hospital. Presentations were made from each of these groups. They reported on items they have accomplished this year and on plans for the upcoming year. Ms. Valerie Haverhals from the library discussed the upcoming library centennial celebration, increasing the CD ROM inventory, and other improvements. Ms. Jami Dekkers reported on various recreational activities, and plans for the upcoming year. She also mentiond teen nights that were currently trying to be set up. Mr. Mike Wiggins, Hospital Board President and Mr. Bob Jaminet, Business Office Controller, discussed the hospital audit, the critical access designation, the departure of the Benjamin's and the general financial condition of the hospital.

Item 7. Resolution No. 2000-44, Calling for an Election on the Proposition of Entering Into a Loan to Borrow Money for the Purpose of Constructing, Equipping, and Furnishing the Former Middle School to be Used as a City Hall/Community Center as Part of an Estimated 1.7 Million Dollar Project. Moved by Dorhout/Woodley to approve Resolution No. 2000-44. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 8. Appointment of Mr. Todd Ericson to the Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Authority for a term of three years from January 1, 2001 to January 1, 2004. A recommendation was made by Mayor Porter to appoint Mr. Ericson. Moved by Cauwels/ Dorhout to approve the appointment of Todd Ericson to the NWIRHA for a term of 3 years. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 9. Request for Renewal of Class C Liquor License With On-Site Living Quarters for the Pizza and Ice Cream Shoppe. It was reported that the paperwork was in order and that no known problems had occurred at the location in the past year. Moved by Cauwels/Woodley to approve the Class C Liquor License renewal for the Pizza and Ice Cream Shoppe. Motion carried unanimously.

Item 10. Discussion of City Budget (if ready). This item has been postponed to the next regular council meeting of January 22, 2001.

Item 11. Closed Session - City Administrator Performance Review. This item has been postponed to the next regular council meeting of January 22, 2001.

Moved by Woodley/Dorhout to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The Council meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

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Mike Kallsen, Mayor Pro-Tem

ATTEST:

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Craig Coffey, City Administrator