The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.

Present: Mayor Porter; Council Members Jacobs, Borchers, Anderson, Hedden, Cauwels.

Absent: None

Staff Present: Jason Metten, City Administrator/City Clerk, Chris Myres, Telecommunications Director; Jim Pickner, City Attorney; Tom Kane, Public Works Director; Mike DeBruin, Police Chief; Sharole Rens, Director of Finance.

Staff Absent: None

Standard Agenda Items

1a. Approval of March 22, 2006 Meeting Minutes. Moved by Jacobs/Anderson to approve the minutes of March 22, 2006 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

1b. Approval of Claims for Payment. Moved by Borchers/Jacobs 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) None

2a. Mayor's Report – Mayor Porter reported that the Heart of Hawarden Projects are progressing – walking trails, pavilion, and new flowerbeds in the park. He reported that the closing for VIP International will take place on Thursday, April 13th, and thanked the city staff and HAPP for their work to make this a reality. He encouraged citizens to take advantage of the City Wide Clean Up on April 24th thru April 28, and reminded citizens that the leaf, grass and tree drop off is just that, and no other materials are allowed. He commented on the many recreational programs offered by the city, especially noting the soccer program that began this week. He also noted that the West Sioux Invitational Track Meet was held this week on the new track for the first time in 15 years.

2b. Council Comments – Council Member Jacobs commented on the Benefit for Karla Hansen Embrock and the Alumni Basketball Game held last week, which were both very successful community events.

2c. Staff Reports/Discussion – City Administrator Jason Metten reported on the progress on the Switchgear Building Project, Walking Trail, and Pavilion. Jerad Groon, Electric Lineman will be leaving the City employment on May 10th, and plan is to have Jay McCord, our temporary lineman fill this position. He reported that the NIMS Certification is almost complete; plans for the Comprehensive Plan are underway; and the City is planning to purchase a new Civil Defense Siren. He also commented on the Hawarden Community Guide published by Iowa Information that some of the information in the guide is incorrect and that a correction will be printed. He also explained the quarterly ambulance report given to the Council. Telecommunications Director Chris Myres invited the Council to attend the closing with VIP International on Thursday at 10:30 a.m., and reported that VIP will be setting up their offices in Hawarden and advertising for personnel by April 17th. He also reported that the Marketing Campaign for Hawarden Economic Development is nearing completion with the final version to be out in early June. Police Chief Mike DeBruin reported that the Police Department has been serving notices for property clean up and encouraged citizens to use the City Wide Clean Up Days to clean up their property. Finance Director, Sharole Rens explained the monthly financial reports included in the council packets. Public Works Director Tom Kane reported on the progress on the Switchgear Building, work has started on the Walking Trail; the Pavilion is being set up, and dirt work on the parking lot north of the basketball court. He also reminded everyone of the City Wide Clean Up on April 24th thru 28th, and asked that nothing be set out before Saturday, April 22nd. There will be 2 dumpsters at the City Shop at 724-7th Street beginning Saturday, April 22nd. He reported that gas has been purchased into September at $6.82, and some winter gas has been purchased at $8.97. He reported that there were no problems at the Water and Waste Water Plants with the recent flooding.

Other Agenda Items

3. Resolution 2006-35 – A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into an Agreement with Missouri River Energy to Extend the Current Power Sale Agreement (s-1)S-1 Member Governing Board Resolution. Moved by Borchers/Cauwels to approve Resolution 2006-35. Aye: Jacobs, Hedden, Cauwels, Borchers, Anderson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approval of First Payment to Schelling Construction for Switchgear Building Project. Moved by Borchers/Anderson to approve the first payment to Schelling Construction for the Switchgear Building Project. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Resolution 2006-36 – A Resolution authorizing the acceptance of bids from contractors for two properties as part of the Hawarden Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Moved by Cauwels/Hedden to approve Resolution 2006-36. Aye: Hedden, Jacobs, Cauwels, Borchers, Anderson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

6. Request for renewal of Class B Liquor License by Kelly and Karie Eisma dba Quick Corner, Inc., for Off-Premise Liquor, Wine, or Beer Sales with Sunday Sales Privilege. Moved by Cauwels/Jacobs to approve the renewal of Class B Liquor License for Quick Corner, Inc. Motion carried unanimously.

7. Pursuant to Section 21.5 of the Code of Iowa it is requested that the Council hold closed session to discuss the purchase of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonable expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property. The minutes and the tape recording of the closed session shall be available for public examination when the transaction discussed is completed. Moved by Jacobs/Hedden to enter into Closed Session. Aye: Cauwels, Anderson, Borchers, Jacobs, Hedden. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Council entered into Closed Session at 7:40 p.m.

Return to Open Session at 8:40 p.m.

Moved by Jacobs/Cauwels to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Council Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.