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The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
Present: Mayor Porter; Council Members: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers.
Absent: Council Members: Harvey, Nohava
Staff Present: Craig Coffey, City Administrator; Tom Kane, Public Works Director; Chris Myres, Telecommunications Director; Mike DeBruin, Police Chief; Sharole Rens, Finance Officer; Jim Pickner, City Attorney.
Staff Absent: None.
1a. Approval of September 22, 2004 Minutes. Moved by Cauwels/Lubkeman to approve the Minutes of September 22, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.
1b. Approval of Claims for Payment. Moved by Borchers/Cauwels to approve the Schedule of Claims for payment. Motion carried unanimously.
1c. Open Business From the Community (limited to a maximum of 5 minutes per item). There was no open business from the community.
2a. Mayor’s Report. Mayor Porter reminded citizens of the open business item that is on the Council agenda each week, and encouraged them to bring their comments and concerns during the regular council meetings. He stated that Marc Smith would be receiving his Eagle Scout Award this Sunday and extended congratulations to him. He also thanked the Fire Department for all their participation in last week’s Fire Prevention Week activities. Mayor Porter read a thank you note from Denny & Randee Peters for work done by City employees at their home. A letter was also read from Dorothy Ruby regarding the footer-walls and filling the hole next to their building. Copies of the letter was given to the Council for their review and later discussion.
2b. Staff Reports/Discussion. Mr. Coffey stated that work is scheduled to begin on the Multi-Purpose Courts, and construction is beginning on the new Fire Station. Work has also begun on the new Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Historic lights are being put in, the rink is being sized, and pavers and benches will be put in the fire pit area. Plans and specifications are being put together for the 20 ft. by 30 ft. Switch Gear Building. Mr. Coffey reported the latest changes to the Community Center Project including the addition of a service door to the Council Chambers Room, the construction of a 6” platform for the Council desk, fireproof sheet-rocking in the council chambers, and changing to a 36” main customer service entrance door. Equipment has been ordered for the Community Center/City Hall including refrigerators and freezers, window treatments, council desk and podium, and office desks. He also reported that the assessed value of the L. G. Everist Grant Project came in at $797,000, which allows them to get the full $100,000 grant. Equipment has been ordered for the Tot Playground near the enclosed shelter. He also discussed some items regarding the parking lot at the Community Center. Police Chief, DeBruin reported that two reserve officers would be going to Reserve Training at Esterville. Chris Myres stated that Hitec is working to launch two high definition channels in the near future.
3. Second Reading of Ordinance 630 - Adopting Cemetery Fees, Rules and Regulations. This Ordinance will allow us to raise our rates for burials and cemetery lots and keep rates more in line with other cemeteries in the area. Moved by Cauwels/Borchers to approve the second reading of Ordinance 630. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.
4. a. Public Hearing on the Disposition of Property. Mayor Porter opened the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. HAPP Representative, George Jacobs, was present and stated that they were in strong support of this project. He reference an earlier Strategic Planning Meeting with the Council that identified a motel as a community economic need. No further comments were received. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:22 p.m.
b. Resolution 2004-60 - Authorizing the Final Disposition of Real Estate for the Construction of a New Motel (Industrial Property North of American Identity). This will approve the sale of the property to Jeff and Robin Hisler with a right of repurchase and re-imbursement of costs should they fail to follow-thru with the motel. Moved by Borchers/Cauwels to amend Resolution 2004-60 by changing item #4 in the third whereas to replace “Jim” with “Jeff” and to add the words “or Hawarden Harvest Inn, LLC” after the word Utah. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Borchers/Lubkeman to approve amended Resolution 2004-60. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Resolution 2004-61 - Establishing a Tax Increment Revenue Fund and Authorizing a Loan to That Fund. This item creates up to a $200,000 debt for the project. Up to $80,000 of the new debt will be utilized for the construction a new road with the remainder of the debt going out as an economic grant for the new motel upon completion. The money would be taken from Wastewater Utility Reserves. Moved by Borchers/Cauwels to amend Resolution 2004-61 by adding the words “and Hawarden Harvest Inn, LLC” after the words “Hisler” in paragraph 3. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Cauwels/Lubkeman to approve amended Resolution 2004-61. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Resolution 2004-62 - Authorizing the Expenditure of up to $80,000 in TIF Area A Funds for the Construction of Concrete Street in TIF Area A, From Debt Authorized Via Resolution 2004-61. This Resolution authorizes the expenditure of up to $80,000 for the construction of a concrete street for the new motel. Council suggested that street construction should start as construction progress begins, and also to correct the Resolution No in the resolution title to read 2004-61 instead of “2001-61”. Moved by Cauwels/Lubkeman to approve Resolution 2004-62 with the correction. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.
7. Resolution 2004-63 - Authorizing an Economic Development Grant to Jeff and Robin Hisler for $15,000 for the Purchase Property, and Between 12-15% of the Final Taxable Assessment Valuation of the Project, for the Purpose of Constructing a Motel with a Minimum of 25 Units, Within TIF District A. This resolution will provide them a grant from the Capital Improvement Fund for the property purchase and immediately return these funds back to the Capital Improvement Fund after closing. The additional grant of 12% minimum and 15% maximum will come from the debt that was created, less the funds used to design and construct the road. Moved by Borchers/Cauwels to amend Resolution 2004-63 to add the words “and Hawarden Harvest Inn, LLC” wherever it states “Hisler” or “Hisler’s”. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Cauwels/Lubkeman to approve Resolution 2004-63 with changes. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.
8. Resolution 2004-64 - Supporting the Submittal of an Application to Iowa Living Roadways for a Community Visioning Program. The grant dovetails perfectly into the other projects we are working on to improve the appearance of our community and would be a low cost plan to achieve professional design work. It also sets us up with drawings for future grants to improve our community, including one from the same group that offers a landscaping grant in the spring. Moved by Borchers/Lubkeman to approve Resolution 2004-64. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.
9. Acceptance of a Proposal for the Purchase of Electrical Switch Gear Equipment. Tom Kane, Public Works Director explained that the City has an opportunity to pick up the switchgear equipment needed with substantial savings for $160,000, including delivery, inspection and warranty. The equipment is new surplus equipment and will save us $75,000 over original estimates. The equipment will be stored awaiting the completion of the new switchgear building. Mr. Coffey provided copies of the proposed equipment for the Council. Moved by Cauwels/Borchers to approve the purchase of the switch-gear equipment. Aye: Cauwels, Lubkeman, Borchers. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.
10. Acceptance of a Bid for a New Electric Bucket Truck. Tom Kane explained that the new bucket truck would replace our current 12 yr. old truck. The new bucket truck will come with many additional features that will assure safety for the City crews, such as additional reach, four stabilizers for lift, bucket control, pole lift capability and hot wire branch holders. Two bids were received and came in approximately the same. The Altec Bid was $124,098 and the Hi-Ranger bid was $124,070. Staff recommended accepting the Hi-Ranger bid because it has over 15 ft. more side reach, lighter in weight, and has more storage and a longer hoist. With additional safety features and attachments, the final price will be $127,861, approximately $2,150 cheaper than our budgeted amount of $130,000. Moved by Borchers/Cauwels to accept the bid of Hi-Ranger for $127,861 as recommended by staff. Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Cauwels/Lubkeman to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The Council Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
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Richard R. Porter, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Craig Coffey, City Administrator
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