ELY CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

OCTOBER 10, 2005

 

Mayor Dale Stanek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Present:  Kris Tharp, John Smith, Don Sturgeon, Kevin Meskimen and Mark Banowetz.  Also present: Linn County Deputy Sheriffs James Olson and Galen Schwartz, and Ed Brinton of MMS Consulting.  Guests included:  Bill Grove, Bob Ballantyne, Mary Ballantyne, Keith Schulte, Randy Zbanek, Jeff Borgwardt, Audrey Yarborough, Duane Kunkel, Brad Buchanan, and Jerry Kurtz.

 

Sturgeon, second by Meskimen, moved to approve the agenda.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Sturgeon, second by Tharp, moved to approve the minutes of the following meetings:  September 12, 2005 regular meeting, and September 27, 2005 Special Meeting, all as presented.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Tharp, second by Meskimen, moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report for the periods ended August 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Treasurer’s Report (summary) for the period ended September 30, 2005.

 

Receipts

Disbursements

Ending Balance

General

45,558.70

112,628.42

248,468.64

Road Use

8,628.83

15,615.69

-3,400.87

TIF Fund

4,426.42

 

326,471.78

Debt Service

1,895.31

 

51.72

Other Projects

 

 

161,218.39

Library Project

 

 

3,169.70

Water Utility

12,778.89

13,682.67

39,061.70

Water/Sewer Reserve

 

 

25,000.00

Sewer Utility

14,589.49

8,122.36

121,748.23

Sanitary Utility

5,513.46

4,849.89

53,726.25

PR Clearing

12,282.23

5,927.30

7,042.86

 

93,391.10

154,899.03

982,558.40

 

Smith, second by Sturgeon, moved to approve payment of the bills listed for October, 2005. Motion carried - 5 to 0.

 

Communications:

The City Council received minutes of the September 21, 2005 Plan and Zoning Commission meeting. 

 

Deputy James Olson of the Linn County Sheriff’s Department presented the monthly report from the Linn County Sheriff’s Department.

 

Citizen Requests. - None

 

Public Hearing regarding Proposed Chapter 28E Agreement with City of Cedar Rapids re: Purchase of Water and Future Annexation Boundaries.  At 7:05 p.m., Sturgeon, second by Meskimen, moved to open a public hearing regarding a proposed Chapter 28E Agreement with the City of Cedar Rapids regarding purchase of water from Cedar Rapids and the establishment of future annexation boundaries. Motion carried 5 to 0.  Mayor Stanek declared the public hearing to be open at 7:05 pm.

 

Clerk/Administrator Anderson reported that notification requirements of §368.4, Code of Iowa, had not been fully met and suggested the City Council accept comments at this time and schedule a continued hearing after the meeting returns to regular session. 

 

          Mayor Stanek asked for comments from the public regarding the public hearing item.

 

          Keith Schulte asked if Ely is looking to purchase water from Cedar Rapids instead of using it’s own supply, or a combination of both.  Dale Stanek stated the water supply from Cedar Rapids would be the primary source, with Ely’s wells and water tower as secondary.  Mr. Schulte asked if Ely would continue using its water tower.  Mr. Stanek stated the water tower would be out of use.

 

          Bob Ballantyne asked about the quality of water provided by Cedar Rapids, and if the quantity would be adequate for fire suppression purposes.  Ed Brinton, of MMS Consultants, stated water pressure from Cedar Rapids would be slightly higher than Ely’s water system is now, and that water pressure would be sufficient to provide adequate service to the top of the hill.  Mr. Brinton stated Ely requested 1,500 gallons per minute (gpm) fire-flow, the proposed agreement includes 2,500-gpm fire-flow, using a 12” or 16” supply main from the connection point to Ely.  Mr. Brinton noted current plans call for Ely to be supplied by a single water line, and that 2,500 gpm is a considerable increase compared to Ely’s existing capacity.

 

          Bob Ballantyne asked if the water supply line from Cedar Rapids would be capable of supporting the amount of growth shown in the Ely Comprehensive Plan for total population to be approximately 2,500.  Ed Brinton stated existing plans compare favorably.  Mr. Ballantyne asked if the City had compared the cost of purchasing water from Cedar Rapids with constructing water system improvements and upgrades.  Mr. Brinton stated the capital cost of connecting to Cedar Rapids is considerably lower than water plant and system upgrades.  He stated operating costs would be less if Ely purchases water from Cedar Rapids than if Ely constructs water system improvements.  Mr. Brinton stated current operational costs for Ely’s water system are approximately $180,000 per year, he estimated the operational cost if Ely connects to Cedar Rapids would be $150,000 per year.

 

          Mary Ballantyne asked what could happen to the supply main that could threaten service to Ely.  Ed Brinton stated any water pipe could break from being hit during construction work, frost ruptures, or material fatigue.  Mr. Brinton stated the Ely system would be kept as a stand by system in case the service main failed, and that the long-range plan is for Cedar Rapids to construct a supply main to Swisher or Shueyville, which would result in Ely’s supply main being looped.

 

          Randy Zbanek asked why another well is needed.  Ed Brinton stated Ely avoids using the well that was drilled in 1992 because water from that well tends to be discolored red because of its high iron content.  Mr. Brinton stated Ely would need another well to meet water demand as the community grows. Mr. Brinton stated the main well was rebuilt in 2003 and in very good shape, and that the probability of a third well having high iron content is 50-50.

 

Mayor Stanek asked for additional comments from the public, none were presented.

 

Tharp, second by Meskimen, moved to close the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Motion carried – 5 to 0.  Mayor Stanek declared the public hearing closed and the meeting in regular session at 7:15 p.m.

 

Resolution #05-1010-21, Scheduling a Continued Public Hearing re: Proposed Chapter 28E Agreement with City of Cedar Rapids re: Purchase of Water and Future Annexation Boundaries.  This resolution would schedule a continued public hearing regarding the proposed 28E Agreement with the City of Cedar Rapids for 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2005.  Tharp, second by Sturgeon, moved to approve Resolution No. 05-1010-21, second by Sturgeon.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Public Hearing re: Request to Lease City Property including Space on Water Tower and a Parcel of Land – Cingular Communications.  At 7:16 p.m., Sturgeon, second by Tharp, moved to open a public hearing regarding a proposed lease agreement with Cingular Communications for the city to lease space on the water tower and a small parcel of land to Cingular Communications.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.  Mayor Stanek declared the public hearing to be open at 7:16 p.m.

 

Mayor Stanek asked for comments from the public regarding the public hearing item, no comments were presented.

 

Smith, second by Banowetz, moved to close the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.  Mayor Stanek declared the public hearing closed and the meeting in regular session at 7:20 p.m.

 

Resolution No. 05-1010-22, Approving a Lease Agreement with Cingular Communications.  Sturgeon, second by Meskimen, moved to approve Resolution No. 05-1010-22, Approving a Lease Agreement with Cingular Communications.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Request to Waive Water/Sewer Fee for Discrepancy between Meter and Outside Reader - Gugler.  Clerk-Administrator Anderson reported the external reader for the Donald Gugler residence, 1620 Fuhrmeister, had stopped, with a 33,000-gallon difference between the external remote reader and the actual water meter inside.  Anderson reported Mr. Gugler has requested the City waive billing him for the difference between the two.   The City Council discussed this request including the Council’s decision on a recent similar situation.  Tharp, second by Banowetz, moved to bill Donald Gugler, 1620 Fuhrmeister, for 10,000 gallons of water use of the difference between water use as shown on the house water meter and the external remote reading device.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Request to Pay Sewer Cleaning Bill, St. John’s Lutheran Church.  A representative of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1420 Walker Street, was present to request the City pay a bill in the amount of $294.00 incurred by St. John’s Lutheran Church for checking it’s sewer service line.  The gentleman stated St. John’s Lutheran contracted a plumber to fix a clogged sewer line at the church; the plumber investigated internal drains and then opened the nearest down-stream sanitary sewer manhole to check for blockage.  The gentleman stated the plumber saw the sewer main was blocked which the plumber stated was the problem for the church.  The gentleman stated the plumber then contacted Public Works employee Gary Whittom, who investigated the main and had it cleaned.  The City Council discussed this request, including that anyone experiencing slow sanitary sewer drainage should contact City Hall immediately to investigate.  Tharp, second by Smith, moved to pay one-half ($197.00) of the bill incurred by St. John’s Lutheran Church for work related to a slow or clogged sewer line.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Presentation by MSA Professional Services re: Options for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade.  Jason Miller, representing MSA Professional Services, presented information on alternative wastewater treatment technologies to the City Council.  Options discussed include: covered aerated lagoons, land application, and re-circulating sand filtration.  Mr. Miller stated additional treatment capacity to handle expected growth could be added later in time so the capital cost would not result in a significant increase in current sewer rates, Mr. Miller suggested a phased approach that could be implemented over a 20-year period.  He also addressed design and capacity issues related to Ely’s sewer inflow and infiltration (I&I) situation.  Mr. Miller stated his firm could prepare a facility plan for the Ely Wastewater Treatment Facility to further analyze options available to Ely, which he expected would cost roughly $5,000.00.  It was the general consensus of the City Council to request MSA Professional Services prepare a proposal with a scope of services for consideration at the next regular City Council meeting.

 

Resolution No. 05-1010-23, Accepting Change Order No. 2 to Contract with Septagon Construction – Community Center/City Hall Remodeling Project.  This resolution would accept Change Order #2 to the City’s contract with Septagon construction for the Community Center/City Hall Remodeling Project.  The proposed change order included replacing the existing fire-rated metal elevator doors with fire-rated wood doors at a cost of $1,096.00.  The City Council discussed this item, noting the existing metal doors could be painted in a manner that would coordinate with the rest of the facility at considerably less cost.

 

Banowetz, second by Sturgeon, moved to approve Resolution No. 05-1010-23, Accepting Change Order No. 2 to Contract with Septagon Construction – Community Center/City Hall Remodeling Project except item #4, “Change our elevator doors to be 90 minute rated”.  Motion carried – 3 to 2, Meskimen and Tharp opposed.

 

Pay Estimate No. 2, Septagon Construction – Community Center/City Hall Remodeling Project.  Smith, second by Sturgeon, moved to approve Pay Estimate No. 2 under the City’s contract with Septagon Construction for the Community Center/City Hall Remodeling Project in the amount of $95,594.00.  Motion carried – 3 to 2, Meskimen and Tharp opposed.

 

Authorize Waiving Water/Sewer Fees for Temporary Use of Office Space – Ely Office of the Solon State Bank.  Clerk-Administrator Anderson reported the Ely office of the Solon State Bank office has allowed the City to use a side office at the bank as temporary city office during the Community Center/City Hall remodeling project at no cost, other than a request to not be charged water/sewer fees.  Meskimen, second by Banowetz, moved to waive the water/sewer bill for the Ely office of the Solon State Bank for the time the city’s administrative office operate from the Ely office of the Solon State Bank.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Discuss Traffic Control at Intersection of North & Highland.  Council member Tharp stated that due to increased traffic from recent subdivisions the “Yield” sign for north and southbound traffic on North at the intersection of North and Highland appears to not provide adequate traffic safety at this intersection, and suggested “Yield” signs be replaced with “Stop” signs.  After discussion it was the general consensus of the City Council to prepare a list of intersections that appear to be appropriate for improved traffic control, and forward that list to a traffic engineer for review. 

 

Resolution No. 05-1010-24, Accepting an Agreement with Shive-Hattery for Engineering Services for the State Street Bridge Project.  This resolution would accept an agreement for Shive-Hattery to provide engineering services, not including construction review and administration, for the 2006 State Street Bridge Project for a stipulated fee of $27,000.  Banowetz, second by Meskimen, moved to approve Resolution No. 05-1010-24, Accepting an Agreement with Shive-Hatter for Engineering Services for the State Street Bridge Project.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Renewal of Class C Liquor Permit and Sunday Sales – Casey’s Marketing Company dba Casey’s General Store #2566, 1495 State Street.  Tharp, second by Sturgeon, moved to renew the Class C Liquor and Sunday Sales Permit for Casey’s Marketing Company, dba Caseys General Store #2566, located at 1495 State Street in Ely.  Motion carried- 5 to 0.

 

Designate Name for City Parkland.  Banowetz, second by Smith, moved to designate the 17 +/- acre parcel owned by the City of Ely which abuts North Park 2nd Addition and Hillside Addition as “Ely City Park”, subject to authorizing the Parks Commission to consider other options related to park names.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Resolution No. 05-1010-25, Scheduling a Public Hearing re: Amending the Text of the Ely Zoning Ordinance.  This resolution would schedule a public hearing for 7:00 pm, Monday November 14, 2005 regarding an ordinance to amend the text of the Ely Zoning Ordinance.  Sturgeon, second by Banowetz, moved to approve Resolution No. 05-1010-25, Scheduling a Public Hearing regarding an ordinance to make various amendments to the text of the Ely Zoning Ordinance.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Job Descriptions.  Anderson reported he had not made significant progress on this project and would report to the Council at the November meeting.

 

Renew/Appoint Plan and Zoning Commission Member.  Sturgeon, second by Tharp, moved to appoint Jack Hooten to the Ely Board of Adjustment.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.

 

Discussion Items

None

 

Tharp, second by Banowetz, moved to adjourn.  Motion carried – 5 to 0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                            

                                                          Dale Stanek, Mayor

Attest:

 

 

                                               

Aaron Anderson, Clerk/Administrator