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Luzerne City Council Meetings for 2010 All interested citizens are invited to attend the City Council meeting, the first Monday of each month, 7 PM at the City Fire Station.
CITY OF LUZERNE
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS - DECEMBER 6, 2010 7:00 PM
Mayor Pro-Tem Lorin Potter called the regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Ike Glinsmann, Kelly Kendall, and Ryan Rupp were present, as was interested citizen Fran Potter.
Kendall moved to approve the meeting minutes of 11-1-10, seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. Glinsmann moved to approve the meeting minutes of 11-18-10, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote -all ayes, motion carried.
Brandt moved to allow the following bills, seconded by Kendall;
| Waste Management of Iowa - November pick-up | $313.13 |
| Poweshiek Water | 35.00 |
| Alliant Energy-meter $66.40, street lights $214.91 | 281.31 |
| Coon Creek - phone | 39.89 |
| Jan Kendall - phone, copying and garbage statement expenses | 11.95 |
| Benton Co. Engineer - 1/4 year landfill use | 577.50 |
| Beck Plumbing and Heating - fire station furnace | 50.00 |
| MPC Newspapers - park fundraiser breakfast ad | 32.00 |
| Heartland CO-OP - reset LP tank | 92.09 |
| Benton County Auditor - deputy wages | 1 36.50 |
| Drahn Insurance - additional insurance for maintenance shed | 27.00 |
| Pro-Line Building - amt paid upon building delivery | 7,906.00 |
| Pro-Line Building - maintenance building final payment | 4810.00 |
Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor pro-tem opened discussion on the bid the city recently received for street repair materials from L. L. Pelling for 2011. The clerk read the materials bid, then asked the council to consider any necessary street repairs when the 2011-12 budget is discussed in January.
Under further business, the mayor pro-tem reported the mayor and the fire chief represented Luzerne at last month's Emergency Management meeting. The mayor will contact Rabe Hardware to find out when they plan to do the electrical work in the maintenance shed. Heartland CO-OP will install a new LP line from the tank to the new shed now, then will install an underground copper line in the spring. The mayor will put black dirt around the shed in the spring. The mayor will take the metal scraps left-over from the building project to Alter and dispose of the wood scraps. The snow fence is installed on the north side of West Iowa Street per IDOT's specifications. The mayor had suggested the city have a alternate snow plow driver for the city tractor. Glinsmann stated he would be willing to do it if needed. The tractor blade needs to be somewhat reassembled. Brandt reported the city locked in the 2010 price for the Merry -Go-Round, which will be ordered in January.
With no further business on the agenda, Rupp moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:25PM, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS NOVEMBER 1, 2010 7:00 PM
The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Dwight Glinsmann, Kelly Kendall, Lorin Potter, and Ryan Rupp was present, as was interested citizen Fran Potter.
The mayor opened the public hearing for the proposed Resolution #351, a resolution approving the City of Luzerne's financing of the maintenance building project. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to pass Resolution #351, seconded by Glinsmann. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The mayor then closed the public hearing. The mayor opened discussion on approval of Dysart State Bank's corporate resolution. Council discussion followed. Glinsmann moved to approve the corporate resolution, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote -all ayes, motion carried. The mayor opened discussion on bids for the reinstallation of the furnace and the electrical work for the new building. The mayor reported he had one bid for each item, but asked the council whether he should secure at least one more. Council discussion followed. Glinsmann moved to give the mayor permission to pursue at least one more bid for the reinstallation of the furnace and the electrical work, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes,motion carried.
Glinsmann moved to approve the previous meeting minutes as read, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Rupp moved to allow the following bills, seconded by Glinsmann;
| Waste Management of IA - Oct pick-up | $311.61 |
| Poweshiek Water | 38.00 |
| Alliant Energy - meter $44.54, street lights $220.14 | 264.68 |
| Coon Creek - phone | 39.89 |
| Jan Kendall - copying expenses | 4.30 |
| IMWCA - additional worker's comp. premium | 62.00 |
| Kimm's Mini Mart - tractor gas | 69.70 |
| Rabe Excavating - maintenance |
Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on snow removal on city streets. Kendall stated he is willing to plow snow again this season. He reported the tractor needs cross chains and the blade put back on for it to be ready.
The mayor opened discussion on snow removal on the railroad bridge. Kendall reported that Schulze Mowing is willing to blow open the bridge sidewalk again this year for the same price as the last two years.
The mayor opened discussion on the railroad bridge's cracked sidewalk. The clerk reported there is a crack on the north side of the bridge sidewalk on the approach. The sidewalk is raised 2" on the south side of the crack. The clerk will contact the county engineer.
Under further business, the city has nearly completed EMC's list of "Recommendations for Improvement" which listed five recommendations requiring compliance. The mayor stated the only recommendations yet to be complied with is more mulch under the play set in the park, and appoint a qualified person to inspect the condition of the playground equipment at least every two months. Kendall stated he believes there is enough mulch left to meet the insurance guidelines. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to appoint the mayor to be the park equipment inspector, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk will sign the "statement of action taken" provided by the city"s insurance carrier, EMC, and send it to them. Also under further business, Potter stated he will donate some reinforced belting that can be used to drive the city tractor on when it's parked on the new concrete so it won't be marred by the tractor chains.
With no further business on the agenda, Kendall moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 PM, seconded by Glinsmann. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 7:00 PM
The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Dwight Glinsmann, Lorin Potter and Ryan Rupp were present, as was interested citizen Fran Potter. Council member Kelly Kendall was absent. Kathryn Schulte, representing the Blue Star Memorial Program, arrived at 7:20 PM.
Rupp moved to approve the previous meeting minutes as read, seconded by Glinsmann. Roll call vote -all ayes, motion carried.
Brandt moved allow the following bills, seconded by Rupp:
| Waste Management - August pick-up | $309.85 |
| Poweshiek Water | 35.00 |
| Alliant Energy - meter $52.69, street lights $229.11 | 281.80 |
| Coon Creek - phone | 39.93 |
| Jan Kendall - phone, copying expenses & garbage statement purchase | 9.23 |
| Schulze Mowing 4X park mowing | 260.00 |
| Benton County Engineer -1/4 yr. landfill use | 577.50 |
| Hupfeld Stump Removal - park swing mulch | 80.00 |
| Benton County Auditor - deputy wages | 136.50 |
| David Happel - city attorney - nuisances, etc. | 160.00 |
| Dan Martin Repair - city tractor repair | 74.00 |
| Rabe Trucking & Tiling - park surface storm drain repair | 52.50 |
Roll call vote- all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on disposal of the contents of the current maintenance building. The mayor reported he took the heater out of the building and that he and Kendall recently have cleaned out some of the building's contents. The mayor stated once the asbestos and other non-burnable materials are removed, the fire department can burn the rest of the contents. The mayor asked the council what should be done with the Christmas decorations stored in the building. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to offer the Christmas decorations to interested Luzerne citizens, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk related the decorations are long strands of evergreen roping. Citizens can contact the mayor or clerk if they are interested in the decorations. On another note, Potter reported he had been approached by some concerned citizens who are apprehensive about the cost of the new building, when, in their opinion, the city tractor which will be housed in the new building, is itself in disrepair. Their suggestion is, for the price of a new building, the city could contract out snow removal for many years. Glinsmann stated he had been approached by citizens with the same concerns. The mayor stated it was unfortunate that these citizens hadn't come forth to express their concerns before the well publicized decisions were made for the maintenance building project.
The mayor opened discussion on the financing of the maintenance building project. The mayor stated that Dysart State Bank would willing to go with 5% variable interest, as opposed to Midwestone's offering of 6.5% with a three year lock on rate. Council discussion followed. Rupp moved to borrow $10,000 from Dysart State Bank to finance the maintenance building project, seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk stated the city will also need to cash in two of its certificates of deposit to fund the project.
The mayor opened discussion on amending the budget for the building project. The clerk reported the current budget will need to be amended. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to set the public hearing date for Monday, October 4th, 2010 (our regular meeting), seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on the city's EMC insurance report - Resolution #346-setting policy for the fire department. The mayor read aloud Resolution #346, which establishes procedure for the fire department members not to conduct training or respond to a fire call while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Council discussion followed. Glinsmann moved to accept Resolution # 346, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on whether to lock in an LP price for the upcoming heating season. The clerk reported she and the mayor had contacted both Hardon Brothers Propane and Heartland CO-OP. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to contract LP with Heartland CO-OP, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk will contact Heartland to have them draw up a contract.
The mayor opened discussion on passing Resolution #347- FY10 Road Use Tax Report. Council discussion followed. Glinsmann moved to accept Resolution #347, approving the FY 2009-2010 Road Use Tax Report, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Kathryn Schulte was present to discuss the Blue Star Memorial Program which honors all military veterans. Ms. Schulte stated the goal is to have a Blue Star Memorial plaque in each city in Benton County, a goal which has should soon be met. The plaque can be ordered in one of two sizes, small or large, with the cost being around $350.00. The small plaque can be mounted on a flag pole, and the larger can be mounted on a rock or a similar surface. Ms. Schulte related that an anonymous party will donate between $200-$250 towards the purchase of a plaque for Luzerne. Council discussion followed. Glinsmann moved to have Luzerne accept the donation and then purchase a small commemorative Blue Star Memorial Plaque, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on passing Resolution #348 - a resolution to recognize and support the East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to pass Resolution #348, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on whether to make any changes in the policy for the community room and park contents rental. The mayor reported he had been asked whether the picnic tables could be rented and removed from the park for private use, but is concerned about the depreciation of them if they are moved a lot of times. His suggestion is to only allow the metal framed picnic tables to be rented and then removed for use. Council discussion followed. Glinsmann moved to amend the community room policy to allow rental of the metal frames picnic tables, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The item will be put on next month's agenda.
The mayor opened discussion on a delinquent garbage bill. The clerk reported there is a solid waste and recycling customer who moved out of town and didn't pay an already overdue bill. The consensus of the council is to hold the deposit to make up the cost of the delinquent bill, rather than pursuing legal action, such as a lien on the property's taxes.
Under further business, the mayor reported he had cut down a mulberry tree that was obstructing the view of oncoming traffic at the northeast corner of Luzerne and Exchange Streets. The mayor related he will contact Skogman Realty to ask them to have the grass cut at 210 East Iowa St.
With no further business on the agenda, Glinsmann moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS AUGUST 2, 2010 7:00 PM
The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Dwight Glinsmann, Kelly Kendall, Lorin Potter and Ryan Rupp were present, as was interested citizen Fran Potter.
The clerk read the previous regular meeting minutes of July 6, 2010.Glinsmann moved to accept the minutes of July 6, 2010, with the following correction: Instead of "The mayor reported he had talked to a business from Monticello, Iowa, who is willing to demolish the current building for $2,400-$2,800" , the sentence should read: "The mayor reported he had talked to a business from Monticello, Iowa, who is willing to abate the asbestos at the current building for $2,400-$2,800", seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The clerk then read the special meeting minutes of July 28, 2010. Rupp moved to accept the minutes of July 28, 2010 as read, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
| Waste Management of Iowa - July pick-up | $309.58 |
| Poweshiek Water | 35.00 |
| Alliant Energy - meter $49.44, street lights $224.72 | 274.16 | >
| Coon Creek - phone | > 39.93 | >
| Jan Kendall - copying expenses | 6.20 | >
| Schulze Mowing - 4X park and bridge landscape mowing | 260.00 |
| Fran Potter - reimbursement for city hall supplies | 5.35 |
| John Brandt - reimbursement for park swing hardware & baby swing | 145.14 |
| L. L. Pelling - seal coat streets | 6,673.09 |
Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on bids for the demolition of the old, and construction of a new maintenance building. The mayor stated that Affordable Hazards Removal, is willing to do the asbestos abatement for the current maintenance building, but first they need to have a document signed stating that the city has hired them to abate the asbestos, that the city acknowledges there is asbestos present on the building site, and that the city has hired them to abate the asbestos. Then Affordable Hazards will send a notification to the federal government that this task is to be performed by them. The mayor then reported he and the clerk had checked into the financing of a new maintenance building, with the USDA offers 4% interest, Dysart State Bank offers 5.5%, with one year renewable and Midwestone offers 6.5% with a three year lock on rate. The mayor related that a USDA loan may require a significant amount of paperwork. The mayor also reported the city has received a revised bid from Pro-line Building Company, the newest bid being about $500 more than the original bid. The mayor reported that Pro-line would require 1/4 down now on the cost of the building, which would guarantee that the building would be built yet this calendar year. Council discussion followed. Kendall moved to move forward with the necessary paperwork for the abatement of the asbestos in the current maintenance building, the building's demolition, and to accept the current bid from Pro-line Builders, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The mayor will make the necessary contacts.
The mayor opened discussion on the EMC insurance report on city properties. One recommendation is for a city to develop a policy and communicate it to members of the fire department to not respond to emergency calls if they have been drinking alcohol. The clerk related she will write the policy in the form of a resolution and have it ready for the next regular meeting.
The mayor opened discussion on park improvements associated with the insurance company's recommendations. One of the recommendations, removal of the teeter totters, old slide, exercise rings and trapeze, has been completed and the swing hardware has been replaced with commercial grade for public play equipment. Another recommendation is for the surface area underneath the playground equipment to have a cushion filling installed. The mayor related he and Kendall will put railroad ties in place around the perimeter of the swings to contain mulch and create a 20'X 28' pad underneath the swings.
Also under old business, the mayor reported a new baby swing has been installed to replace the old weathered one. He also reported Barfield's retaining wall is repaired, and that he trimmed the tree branches on the east end of the alley near Neal Benesh's home.
The mayor opened discussion on having the clerk lock in an LP price for the upcoming heating season. The clerk asked whether the council wants her to inquire about locking into an LP price for the upcoming heating season. Council discussion followed. Rupp moved to have the clerk make inquiries concerning the locking in a price for the upcoming heating season, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The item will be put on next month's agenda.
The mayor opened discussion Brandon Pierce's request to remove the sidewalk at the Amanda Suhr property. The mayor stated he encouraged Pierce to replace the sidewalk with a material that could be walked upon.
Under further business, Brandt reported she has submitted a grant to the Mansfield Trust to help fund a new merry go round and basketball hoop and backboard. She also reported the park foundation committee plans to hold a fundraiser breakfast sometime in September.
The council's next regular meeting will on Tuesday, September 7th , at 7:00 PM because of the Labor Day holiday.
With no further business on the agenda, rump moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS - SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 21, 2010 7:00 PM
Mayor John Brandt opened the special meeting of the Luzerne City Council, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Kelly Kendall and Lorin Potter were present, as was interested citizen Fran Potter. Council members Dwight Glinsmann and Ryan Rupp were absent.
The mayor opened discussion on building specifications for a new city maintenance building. The mayor and council discussed a checklist provided by the USDA Rural Development with building specifications which needed to be decided upon. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to accept the new maintenance building specifications as proposed, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on how to fund the city's portion of the new maintenance building after a grant is awarded. Council discussion followed. The mayor and city clerk will research the city's options for financing the balance of the cost of a new maintenance building. The item will be put on the May regular meeting agenda.
With no further business on the agenda, Kendall moved adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM, seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS APRIL 5, 2010 7:00 PM
The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Dwight Glinsmann, Kelly Kendall, Lorin Potter and Ryan Rupp were present. Interested citizens Fran Potter and Mallory Brandt were also present.
Glinsmann moved to approve the previous meeting minutes as read, seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Brandt moved to allow the following bills, seconded by Kendall:
| Waste Management of Iowa - March pick-up | $338.04 |
| Poweshiek Water | 34.00 |
| Alliant Energy- meter$54.04, street lights $214.73 | 268.77 |
| Coon Creek - phone | 39.50 |
| Jan Kendall - copying and postage expenses | 5.37 |
| Benton Co. Library Association - annual contract fees | 900.00 |
| Kimm’s Mini Mart - tractor gas | 67.75 |
| U of I Hygienic Lab - maintenance building siding tests | 20.00 |
| Pickering Backhoe - snow removal- widened streets | 300.00 |
| Drahn Insurance - commercial insurance | 1543.00 |
| Drahn Insurance - fire truck/auto insurance | 650.00 |
Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on the financing of a new maintenance building. Council discussion followed. Rupp moved to place an advertisement in the 4-County Market for two weeks to notify contractors the City of Luzerne is accepting bids for the demolition of the current maintenance building and construction of a new maintenance building, with the bids due by April 28, 2010, seconded by Brandt.Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk will place the ad to have it start the week of April 12, 2010.
The mayor opened discussion on bids for park mowing. The clerk reported the city received two proposals. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to hire Schulze Mowing to mow the park and the area around the railroad bridge, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk will notify the two proposal submitters of the council's decision.
The mayor opened discussion on the indentation on the west end of Exchange St. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to have the city purchase gravel to fill in indentation on west Exchange Street, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote -all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on new content materials for the Luzerne website. The clerk stated she knows a local historian who is willing to contribute some pictures to the website in the near future.
The mayor opened discussion on making a new certificate of deposit for the city. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to put $7,000 in a new certificate of deposit, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on creating a packet to give to new residents. The suggestion was made to wait until the website is more complete, then possibly give new residents information for the website itself.
The mayor opened discussion on the purchase of new tractor chains. Council discussion followed. Glinsmann moved to give Kendall permission to purchase chains for the city tractor, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Under further business, the clerk reported the city received a bid on L.L. Pelling, with detailed potential street work which could be performed by them. The clerk will make copies for the council to have them assess the bid and the potential work to be done. The item will be put on next month's agenda. Also under further business, the mayor read the quarterly sheriff's report.
With no further business on the agenda, Glinsmann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS - MARCH 1, 2010 7:00 PM
The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Dwight Glinsmann, Kelly Kendall, Lorin Potter and Ryan Rupp were present, as was interested citizen, Fran Potter.
The mayor opened the public hearing for approval of the 2010-2011 budget. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to pass Resolution #345, to approve the 2010-2011 budget, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote -all ayes, motion carried. The mayor then closed the public hearing.
Glinsmann moved to approve the previous meeting minutes as read, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Rupp moved to allow the following bill, seconded by Potter:
| Waste Management of Iowa - February pick-up | $336.34 |
| Poweshiek Water | 34.00 |
| | Alliant Energy meter $55.46, street lights $210.86 | 266.32 |
| Coon Creek - phone | 39.50 |
| | Jan Kendall - copying expenses | 4.00 |
| Benton County Auditor - election expense | 979.69 |
| Kimm's Mini-Mart - tractor gas | 188.46 |
| Kelly Kendall - 8.5 hrs. snow plowing @ $11.00 per hr | 93.50 |
| Benton County Auditor - deputy wages | 130.00 |
| Benton County Engineer - 1/4 yr. landfill use | 577.50 |
| Schulze Snow Removal - 3x bridge sidewalk snow removal | 45.00 |
| Drahn Insurance - clerk bonding | 100.00 |
| Drahn Insurance - fire pak | 585.00 |
Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on the financing of a new maintenance shed. The mayor reported the siding sample he had sent in to the state laboratory tested for 20% crystal-like asbestos, making disposing of it more expensive. The clerk stated she will work on the USDA pre-application for funding.
The mayor opened discussion on whether to take bids for park mowing. Council discussion followed. Kendall stated he would talk to Brett Schulze of Schulze Mowing to find out whether he would be interested in mowing the park again, and what the charge would be. The item will be put on next month's agenda.
The mayor opened discussion on the indentations on the west end of Exchange Street. The mayor reported he had discussed the situation with Joe Rabe, who had installed the culverts on Exchange Street last fall. The mayor reported Mr. Rabe stated roads naturally expand and contract this time of year. The reason the indentation are very exaggerated on Exchange Street is there is only a thin layer of seal coat on the street, so there isn't much of a cushion to absorb the expansion and contraction during the temperature changes. Mr. Rabe's solution is to put more seal coat on the areas of the indentations.
The mayor opened discussion on new material for the Luzerne website. Potter reported he hadn't received any new materials. Interested citizen Fran Potter suggested an invitation to a monthly council meeting be put on the website. The clerk related she will find some older pictures of Luzerne's main street to put on the website.
The mayor opened discussion on the Benton County Mitigation Plan and Meeting on March 15th. The council reviewed the copy of the mitigation plan sent by Steve Meyer, emergency management consultant. The council deemed the plan to be thorough for the needs of the county. The clerk related she will contact Mr. Meyer to inform him the council does not plan to send a representative to the planning meeting on March 15th in Vinton.
The mayor opened discussion on attending part three of the Municipal Leader's Academy. Council discussion followed. The council is not planning to participate in part three because of the cost, and the distance of the closest session.
Under further business, the clerk read a thank you from the Benton County Volunteer Program for the city's annual donation. The mayor reported he had talked to the owners of two of the three nuisances had been contacted, and the situations remedied. The other owner, because of a lack of contacted information, has just recently been made aware of the nuisance. Brandt reported the park grant is finished, and will be submitted soon. Citizen Fran Potter suggested a packet for new residents be put together and distributed when new residents move into the city.
With no further business on the agenda, Glinsmann moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS - FEBRUARY 1, 2010 7:00 PM
The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Dwight Glinsmann, Kelly Kendall, Lorin Potter and Ryan Rupp were present. Also present was Fire Chief Dan Martin and interested citizen Fran Potter.
Rupp moved to approve the previous meeting minutes as read, seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Glinsmann moved to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Rupp,
| Waste Management of Iowa -January pick-up | $333.18 |
| Poweshiek Water | 34.00 |
| Alliant Energy - meter $87.46 street lights 212.93 | 300.39 |
| Coon Creek - phone | 39.50 |
| Jan Kendall - phone, copies, and plastic minutes sleeves | 13.30 |
| Schulze Mowing & Snow Removal - 2X bridge sidewalk | 30.00 |
| Drahn Insurance - commercial insurance | 521.00 |
| Kelly Kendall 16.5 hrs of snow removal @ $11.00 per hr | 178.75 |
| Pickering Backhoe - snow removal/ widened streets | 440.00 |
| Lorin Potter - MLA registration and mileage to |
| Vinton for open meeting laws meeting - 58 miles @ .50 per mileage | 27.90 |
| Martin Repair - tractor repair | 302.00 |
Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor opened discussion on the financing of a new maintenance building. The mayor reported he talked to Greg Thompson, a representative of USDA Rural Development Grants, who asked whether the current maintenance building has any historical value. The mayor related there was none of which he was aware. The mayor reported he recently took pictures inside and outside of the building, and sent them to Rural Development at their request. The mayor and clerk will gather more information to send to the USDA soon. On another note, the council discussed what to do with the discarded portion of the contents in the maintenance building. Kendall offered to haul whatever was deemed as refuse to the landfill.
The mayor opened discussion on an update on the street light on the bridge. The mayor reported the conduit for the wire for the bridge street light has been located on a blueprint, but is buried in the frozen ground at this time. The work will continue when the ground thaws out.
The mayor opened discussion on the 2010-2011 budget. Council discussion followed. .Kendall moved to set the public hearing date for March 1, 2010, (our regular meeting) seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The clerk swore in Fire Chief Dan Martin.
The mayor opened discussion on whether to contribute to the Benton County Volunteer Program. The clerk read portions of a letter of appeal sent to the mayor and council. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to make a $100.00 donation to the Benton County Volunteer Program, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote all ayes, motion carried.
Under further business: Kendall reported that Jeff Shellenberger is willing to do snow plowing as an extra person, if needed.
Potter reported that the west end of Exchange Street has two deep indentations in it. The mayor stated he will contact Rabe Excavating to find out if something can be done in the spring. about the indentations.
Potter requested input from current or former citizens for the Luzerne web page. Anyone having information they would like to see on the web page can contact either Potter or the city clerk.
The clerk reported State Representative Dawn Pettengill is planning a legislative coffee at the Luzerne Fire Station on Saturday, February 20th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Brandt, Fran Potter and the clerk will collectively furnish food, beverages, and table service for the event.
The clerk reported the city was sent a DVD, courtesy of the Municipal Leader's Academy. Potter requested one because his Internet download of the MLA session he had requested on behalf of the city didn't download correctly. The DVD can be viewed by the council members, mayor, and city clerk at their convenience.
Rupp reported there was no news on the repair/replacement of Rick and Jackie Rupp's basement walls.
Brandt reported she has started working on grants for a new merry-go-round and basketball backboard. It was reported there were some nuisances in the city, the mayor stated he would send the offenders a copy of the ordinance which was being violated by each offender.
With no further business on the agenda, Glinsmann moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 PM, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote -all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS - JANUARY 4, 2010 7:00 PM
The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Kelly Kendall, Lorin Potter and Ryan Rupp were present, Dwight Glinsmann was absent. Mark Drahn, representing the city's insurance carrier, was also present.
The mayor opened the public hearing to amend the 2009-2010 budget. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to adopt Resolution #344, to approve the 2009-2010 budget amendment, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The mayor then closed the public hearing.
The mayor opened discussion on the appointment of the city clerk. Council discussion followed. Rupp moved to reappoint Janice Kendall as city clerk, seconded by Potter. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk was then sworn in by the mayor.
Brandt moved to approve the previous meeting minutes as read, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Brandt moved to allow the following bills, seconded by Kendall:
| Waste Management of Iowa - December pick-up | $331.75 |
| Poweshiek Water | 36.50 |
| Alliant Energy meter-$70.49, street lights-$213.38 | 283.87 |
| Coon Creek - phone | 39.50 |
| Jan Kendall - phone, copying and garbage statements | 8.19 |
| Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association - annual dues | 30.00 |
| Drahn Insurance - fire truck insurance | 1083.00 |
| Kelly Kendall - 10.5 hours of snow plowing | 115.50 |
Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
The mayor gave the floor to Mark Drahn, the city's insurance agent. Mr. Drahn explained the three quotes he had acquired for the city’s insurance coverage for city hall and maintenance shed and their contents and the fire trucks and fire fighter's equipment. The three companies were Grinnell Mutual, Continental Western and EMC. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to use EMC as the city's insurance carrier, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. Mr. Drahn will take the necessary steps to switch carriers.
There is nothing new to report on Rupps problems with water in and around their home since the completion of the bridge project.
The mayor opened discussion on bids for a maintenance building. The mayor stated he had looked on the USDA Rural Development website and obtained some information on the grant process. The mayor stated he will pursue more information if the council is interested. Council discussion followed. Kendall moved to have the mayor get more information on acquiring a USDA grant, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The item will be put on next month's agenda.
The mayor opened discussion on the bridge street light. Kendall reported he had talked to Randy Pope, the foreman for the crew who built the railroad bridge. Mr. Pope told Kendall the conduit for the light is buried thirty to thirty six inches at the northwest wing of the bridge. Mr. Pope also told Kendall he would contact the company who installed the conduit to get a more exact location. The item will be put on next month's agenda.
The mayor opened discussion the 2010-2011 budget. The clerk reported that property tax valuations and the projection for road use tax are both up. The clerk also reported that since the program area of fire protection has needed to be amended for several years in a row, she asked the council's opinion on raising the budget in that area for FY 2011. The item will be put on next month's agenda.
The mayor opened discussion on the acceptance for the proposal from L. L. Pelling Company's bid for street repairs. The clerk reported that the bid contained quotes for base repair and single seal coat, single seal coat, and for cold mix patching material delivered and placed. Council discussion followed. Potter moved to accept the street repairs proposal from L. L. Pelling, seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk will send the proposal back after the mayor signs it.
The mayor opened discussion on damage sustained to Barfield's retaining wall. The clerk reported Brent Barfield told her that the corner of his retaining wall was hit by Pickering Backhoe as the streets were being cleared after the December 8th- 10th, 2009 snowstorm. Kendall stated he has some like-new rail road ties he is willing to donate to Barfield to repair the wall, but that the project will need to wait to be done until spring. Kendall stated he will contact Barfield to see if he agrees with that.
The mayor opened discussion on whether to attend the Municipal Leader's Academy via the Internet. The clerk reported the city had received a mailing from the Municipal Leadership Academy, offering training in several areas for newly-elected and veteran city officials. The cost is $25.00 per Internet connection. Council discussion followed. Rupp moved to allow any official who is interested in attending the MLA training to do so, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. Potter has offered to broadcast the training at his home, which will be conducted over the Internet on January 7th, 2010.
The mayor opened discussion on the appointment of a representative for the Benton Development Group Board of Directors from Luzerne. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to appoint Dwight Glinsmann to the Benton Development Group Board of Directors as Luzerne's representatives, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk will notify Glinsmann and the Benton Development Group.
The mayor opened discussion on the appointment of the city attorney. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to re-appoint David Happel as the city attorney, seconded by Rupp. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried. The clerk will notify Mr. Happel.
Under further business, the mayor complemented the residents who put forth considerable effort in decorating the exteriors of their homes for Christmas. Also under further business, it was discovered during the meeting that the fire station/city hall furnace wasn't working properly. The clerk stated she will call Webber Heating in the morning.
With no further business on the agenda, Kendall moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM, seconded by Brandt. Roll call vote - all ayes, motion carried.
Mayor Clerk
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