Regular Council Meeting January 25, 2000 - 7:00 P.M.   The West Burlington City Council met in Regular Session at 122 Broadway Street with Mayor Trousil presiding.  Council Members Lees, Hockett, Pilger, Johnson and Crowner were present.  City Administrator Plyman, Public Works Directors Christy and Mesecher, and Fire Chief Astfalk were also present.   Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve the Agenda with the following additions:  Add Plans and Specifications for Wastewater Treatment Plant, Agreement with Smith Engineering for Emerald Glen Estates and Raider Precast, and Pay Request for South Lift Station Improvements.    Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

    Hockett moved, second by Johnson to approve the following Consent Agenda items:  Voice vote.  All aye. 

     Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 11, 2000

     Payment to Des Moines County for Election Expense

     Payment to Shive-Hattery Engineers - $1,789.48

     Payment of Claims as Presented

     

    PUBLIC HEARING:  Consider Rezoning Certain Properties along Hwy 34 and 406

    Mayor Trousil opened the Public Hearing on the rezoning of certain properties along Hwy. 34 and 406.  He explained the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended the rezoning of these properties from A-1 to R-1 and the SCC campus from A-1 to a “Public Land” designation.  The Council scheduled the Public Hearing and the City Clerk’s Office mailed notices of the hearing to the affected property owners as requested. 

     

    Administrator Plyman stated the Commission’s recommendation concerning the SCC campus is premature because it recommends a rezoning to a zoning district “Public Use” that is not included in the Zoning Code.  The City Council will need to adopt an ordinance creating this kind of district before it can zone property under this designation.

     

    He also said the Council has already heard opposition to the proposed rezoning of the properties west of SCC.  He stated that although he agrees with the Comprehensive Plan that this area is more appropriately suited to residential development than commercial or industrial, the pressure for any significant development will not occur until the City extends its water and sanitary sewer utilities to serve it. 

     

    Cheryl Kerschner, 2902 Hwy 406 Road, told the Council she is representing 5 other people, all property owners, in her opposition to the rezoning.  She said they are 5th generation property owners whose operations fit in an agriculture district.  Kerschner has operated a nursery and tree farm business there for 12 years and feels future development for her would be jeopardized if the zoning changes to residential. 

     

    Ringo Covert, 3115 W. Mt. Pleasant Street, stated he has owned his property since 1991, 25 acres, and raises horses.  He has also built a house there.  He feels if the rezoning occurs his property value will depreciate.  He also said a large portion of his land is pasture where he lets grass grow for his horses.  A residential district would among other things require him to mow. 

     

    The Council Members agreed there is no immediate reason to rezone the property.  They do not have a developer looking at the property.  They agreed it may be appropriate to delay this action until city utilities are available to support the development permitted by the new zoning designation.

     

    Mayor Trousil closed the Public Hearing.

     

    Consider an Ordinance on First Reading Rezoning Certain Properties along Hwy 34 and 406 - After considerable discussion Lees moved, second by Johnson, to deny the first reading of an Ordinance rezoning certain properties along Hwy. 34 and 406.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Lees, Crowner, Hockett, Pilger and Johnson.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

     

    BID OPENING FOR PLEASANT MEADOW SUBDIV. LOTS - AWARD TO HIGHEST BIDDER

    Mayor Trousil announced there were no bids received.

     

    CITIZEN’S INQUIRIES:

    There were none.

     

    NEW BUSINESS:

    Consider Placing Plans and Specifications for the Wastewater Treatment Plant on File – Ken Bickner with Shive-Hattery Engineers presented the Plans and Specifications for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  The general nature of the work is to construct an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, including cast-in-place and precast concrete structures, piping, and equipment.  The treatment plant construction is estimated to cost approximately $750,000. 

     

    Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve the plans and specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Lees, Pilger, Crowner, Hockett, and Johnson.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

     

    Consider Installation of Sanitary Sewer Force Main in the Emerald Glen Estates Subdivision – Mayor Trousil explained last November the City approved a development agreement with Mark and Jennifer Zlomke concerning the installation of a new water main that serves the proposed Emerald Glen Estates Subdivision.  This subdivision is located on the former Walker Christmas Tree Farm on north Washington Road.  The new water main is planned to connect to an existing main on the Raider’s property.  It will loop two “dead-end” mains, thereby improving the flow to Raider.  The project will significantly enhance the City’s ability to serve the undeveloped properties in the Brushtown Road Island and the N. Washington Road-Beaverdale Road area. 

     

    The Zlomke’s are also seeking assistance from the City for a sanitary sewer force main.  In the agreement the City agrees to install a two-inch force main from the lift station to an existing force main on the Raider property.  Plyman said the construction of this subdivision is in real jeopardy without city sanitary sewer service. 

     

    The cost of the force main in the subdivision should be around $7,000.  In addition, the City will need to spend approximately $10,000 to $15.000 connecting this force main to the existing main on Raider’s property and isolating the Raider force main from three force service lines.  After engineering the total cost to the City should be under $25,000 and will be funded with TIF revenues.

     

    Hockett moved, second by Johnson, to approve the development agreement concerning sanitary sewer force main improvements in the Emerald Glen Estates Subdivision.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

    Consider Development Agreement with Raider Precast Concrete, Inc. Concerning Water and Sewer Utilities – Plyman explained he has worked with Raider Precast Concrete, Inc. for a development agreement to allow for the dedication of an existing sanitary sewer force main to the City and for the extension of new water mains.  He said the expenses stemming from this agreement are TIF eligible.

     

    The City will need to install approximately 225 feet of watermain between Raider’s west property line and the existing six-inch water main.  At $20 per foot, this will cost $4,500.  The City will also need to pay for the force main extension and the installation of three manholes and valves.  The total cost for the sewer project should be less than $25,000.  Plyman said the City would do the watermain installation and contract the force main extension and the manholes and valves. 

     

    Hockett moved, second by Johnson, to approve a development agreement with Raider Precast Concrete, Inc. concerning water main and sanitary sewer improvements.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

    Consider Hiring Part Time Employee in the Clerk’s Office – Clerk Simonson explained in November the City Council authorized her to search for a replacement for a part-time secretary/clerical employee in the Clerk’s office.  After renewing numerous applications and conducting interviews, Simonson recommended the City hire Diane Weyl.

     

    Hockett moved, second by Pilger, to approve the hiring of Diane Weyl effective February 7, 2000 and that her wage is $10.43 per hour, which is 80% of base wage.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

    Consider Purchase of a Chlorination System for the Wastewater Treatment Plant – Hockett moved, second by Pilger, to approve the purchase of a chlorination system for the wastewater treatment plant.  The system will add chlorine to our effluent when effluent is pumped to the lake at the hospital.  The price of the chlorination system is $4,378, which does not include the PVC pipe and fittings that will be needed to install the system.   This expense will be reimbursed by Great River Medical Center.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

    Consider Resolution Supporting the TEA-21 Grant Application for Agency Road – Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve a resolution supporting the TEA-21 grant application for the widening of Agency Road.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Lees, Hockett, Crowner, Pilger and Johnson.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

     

    Consider Hiring Firm to Assist with Administrator Search – Mayor Trousil explained the City Council had interviewed three firms that do recruiting for businesses.  They interviewed Ploeger Recruiting from Burlington; The Brimeyer Group, Inc. from Hopkins, Minnesota; and HR-OneSource from West Des Moines, Iowa. 

     

    Council Member Crowner said he recommended Ploeger Recruiting because they are a local company and their cost is $5,000 less.  He said we should hire locally when we can and not go out of the state.  Hockett said he is in favor of the company from Minnesota because they have a larger network and more experience in the City Administrator field.   Pilger said he feels more comfortable hiring a firm that has experience in this field.  He said this is not the area in which to save money.

     

    Hockett moved, second by Pilger, to hire the Brimeyer Group from Minnesota.  The contract amount is $15,000 plus expenses from $3,000 to $4,000.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Johnson, Hockett, Lees and Pilger.  Nays:  Crowner.  Motion carried.

     

    Consider Smith Engineering for Emerald Glen Estates – Lees moved, second by Hockett, to hire Smith Engineering Associates to furnish professional services to design the water main from Washington Road through Emerald Glenn Estates to the water main west of Raider Precast’s panel fabrication building and the sanitary sewer force main from the same subdivision’s left station to Raider’s force main at the SE corner of their panel fabrication building.  The estimated cost of these services would be $3,500.   Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried. 

     

    OLD BUSINESS:

    Consider Resolution Accepting the N. Washington Road Paving Project – Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve a resolution accepting the N. Washington Road Paving Project and consenting to the release of $3,869.97 to Heuer Construction in retainage.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Lees, Pilger, Johnson, Crowner and Hockett.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried,

     

    Consider Payment to Hillyer, Inc. for work on South Lift Station Project – Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve payment to Hillyer, Inc. in the amount of $122,633.42 for services performed in the reconstruction of the South Lift Station Improvements.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

    COMMITTEE REPORTS:

    SANITATION – There was no

    thing to report.

     

    UTILITIES – Administrator Plyman said Public Works Director Christy is collecting quotes for lighting the water tower.

     

    PUBLIC SAFETY – There was nothing to report.

     

    FINANCE – Administrator Plyman said Kathryn Henning will be setting up a meeting to discuss bike trails in February. 

     

    STREETS – There was nothing to report.

     

    CITIZEN’S INQUIRIES - There were none.

     

    MAYOR’S INQUIRIES:  Mayor Trousil said there will be a Budget Work Session on Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m.

     

    ADJOURN:  There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. upon motion by Lees and second by Pilger.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

    ___                                                                                          ___                                         

    Approved                                                                                  Terrie L. Simonson, City Clerk

     

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