Regular Council Meeting April 11, 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.  Police Chief Walters, Public Works Directors Christy, Building Inspector Hoy and City Accountant Leslie Sattler were also present.   Hockett moved, second by Pilger, to approve the Agenda as presented.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

    Lees moved, second by Pilger, to pull Item G. ‘Selling Tractor at Auction Barn and include it with Item #2 under New Business’ and approve the following Consent Agenda items.  Voice vote.  All aye. 

    A.       Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 28, 2000

    B.        Financial Report for March 2000

    C.        Beer License Renewal for 34 Truckstop

    D.       Training for Public Works Director – Water and Wastewater Operators

    E.        Training for Reserve Police Officers – Ourth and Dunham

    F.        Payment to Shive-Hattery Engineers for Wastewater Treatment Facilities

    G.       Selling Tractor at Auction Barn

    H.       Payment to Municipal Supply for Water Main Extension at Emerald Glen Sub.

    I.          Payment to Burlington Municipal Waterworks - $10,788.09

    J.         Payment to Cessford Construction for Rock for Various Projects

    K.       Payment to Loeschen & Loeschen - $630.00

    L.        Accepting Resignation of Volunteer Firefighter – Myra Coleman

    M.      Accepting Resignation of Planning and Zoning Commission Member – Lester Plath

    N.       Payment of Claims as Presented

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

    Mayor Trousil announced there were no bids received.

    CITIZEN’S INQUIRIES:

    John Riessen, 316 Kimberly, expressed his approval of the traffic signal project in progress on Gear Avenue and Agency Road.  He said it is a definite improvement to the congested area.

    NEW BUSINESS:

    Consider Sharing Water Main Extension Costs with Southeastern Community College – Mayor Trousil said SCC is planning on building additional dorms on their campus.  They asked the City to extend a water main from the south side of Highway 406 to enter their property on the north side.  The City hired Smith Engineering to design the project.  Mayor Trousil said the City will eventually need to extend a main along Hwy. 406 to serve existing and future development.  Because of this he asked the college if they would consider paying for one half the cost of a six-inch main because that is all that they require for fire protection and potable water. 

    Council Member Lees suggested since the City is not planning to extend this water main at this time that SCC be required to pay for more.  Mayor Trousil said the City will eventually benefit from this project by looping out system.  He also pointed out that SCC granted 1.21 acres to the City when we added a lane on Gear Avenue.  After discussion Hockett moved, second by Johnson, to share the cost of the water main extension with Southeastern College.  The college would pay for one half of a 6” line ($300) and one half of the Engineering ($625.00) for a total of $925.  Voice vote: All aye except Lees who voted nay.  Motion carried. 

    Public Works Director Christy said it will cost approximately $10,000 for the project including the bore and hydrants.

    Consider the Purchase of a Kubota Tractor – Mayor Trousil explained Public Works budgeted for a new Kubota Tractor in the 2001 budget.  He said the Kubota Company is offering a 90 day same as cash on all new tractors.  They would like to purchase now and also sell their old tractor at the Auction Barn. 

    Lees moved, second by Pilger, to authorize Public Works to sell the old tractor at the Auction Barn with a minimum bid as determined by the Public Works Director and to order the new Kubota Tractor at a total cost of $11,500.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

    Consider Pool Rates for Summer of 2000 – The Council considered increasing rates at the swimming pool.  After consideration Hockett moved, second by Crowner to approve the swimming pool rates as follows:  0 – 4 Free; 5 – 18 $1.50; 19 and Older - $2.00; Family Pass, Single Pass and Lessons will remain the same; and Parties will increase from $30.00 per hour to $40.00 per hour.  Voice vote.  All aye except Johnson who voted nay.  Motion carried.

    Consider Donation to Chamber of Commerce for Video Production – Mayor Trousil said the City received a request from the Chamber for $1,000 to assist with the cost of a video production showcasing the various improvement projects in our region.  Hockett said the Chamber is a private organization and charges dues to its members.  He said dues rather than tax dollars should be used for such a project and moved to deny the request.  The motion died for lack of a second. 

    Mayor Trousil said property taxes need not be used for this project.  He said Local Option Sales Tax could be used since it will showcase the entire area and show how the tax is being spent. 

    After considerable discussion Crowner moved, second by Lees, to approve a $1,000 donation to the Chamber of Commerce to assist with the cost of a video production showcasing improvements in our region.   Voice vote.  Lees, Crowner and Johnson voted aye; Hockett and Pilger voted nay.  Motion carried.

    Consider Ordinance Amending Traffic Code – Police Chief said with the installation of traffic signals on Agency Road and South Gear Avenue we need to amend the City Traffic Code.  He said the current code refers to a Four-Way Stop at the intersection of Agency and South Gear.  This needs to be deleted.  The intersections of Agency and S. Gear as well as Gear and Highway 34 East and West Ramps need to be added to the traffic signal controlled section. 

    Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 75 of the Municipal Code concerning traffic regulations.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Lees, Hockett, Crowner, Pilger and Johnson.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

    Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve a resolution waiving the second and third reading of an ordinance.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Pilger, Lees, Hockett, Johnson and Crowner.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

    Consider Street Sign Replacement Program – Public Works Director Christy presented a Street Sign Replacement Program to the Council.  He said Harmon Graphics will replace 183 street signs in the City. The signs will be fabricated of 10” high and 15” high Aluminum for a cost of $23,815.95.  The project will be completed within 90 days.

    Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve a contract with Harman Graphics for 183 street signs for a cost of $23,815.95.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

    Consider Traffic Study –Gear Avenue and Mt. Pleasant Street Signalization – Mayor Trousil said he had contacted Shive-Hattery concerning an alternative to solving the Gear Avenue and Mt. Pleasant Street traffic situation as suggested at the last Council Meeting.  Shive-Hattery proposed to investigate different signal configurations and alternatives including the signalization of both legs of Gear Avenue as well as the signalization of only one leg.  In addition, different phasing plans will be evaluated to determine an optimized signal coordination plan.  They will do the study for $9,750.00. 

    Council Member Johnson said that Raider’s officials need to be aware of the study and it would be advisable to get their input.

    Lees moved, second by Hockett, to approve a contract with Shive-Hattery Engineering for the Mt. Pleasant and Gear Avenue Traffic Signalization Study.  Voice vote.  All aye except Johnson who abstained.  Motion carried.

    OLD BUSINESS:

    Consider Exterior Lights at Flint Ridge Business Park – Mayor Trousil explained Administrator Plyman asked Alliant-Energy to provide a quotation for exterior lights in the Flint Ridge Industrial Park.  Alliant proposed to install 6 galvanized direct burial, 8’ arm, light poles for a cost of $15,123.36.  Johnson said there is not much traffic in the Business Park and lots of traffic on Agency.  He said if we are going to install 6 lights they should be installed on Agency Road. 

    After discussion the Council asked that additional information be obtained.  They would like to obtain a price quote for streetlights on Agency.  They also said the utility easement on Broadway Street should be checked.  If sidewalks or a bike trail should be installed on Broadway Street in the future they would most likely go on the west side of the street.  Caution should be taken to assure an 8’ arm on the streetlight would provide enough illumination.   

    After discussion Johnson moved, second by Hockett, to place three streetlights in the Flint Ridge Business Park: two on Broadway Street and one on Division.  The cost will be provided at the next Council Meeting.  All aye.  Motion carried.

    Consider COPS Grant – Mayor Trousil said the City accepted our third COPS Grant in July 1999.  This grant reimburses the City 75%, up to $75,000 for the hiring of a new police officer.  The grant is paid out over three years.  The City has until April 28, 2000 to notify the U. S. Department of Justice of the date the City plans to put the grant into place or that we reject it.

    There was considerable discussion concerning the need for a new officer.  Currently the City uses approximately one half of the Local Option Sales Tax to fund the Police Department.  The group discussed what would happen if we turned down the opportunity for hiring this officer.  Would we be eligible for future grants?  They were also concerned about the response time of current calls and what affect the new hospital facility would have on current response time.  They were concerned about sending the message this is a safe community.  Some Council Members felt we have adequate coverage and should wait and see what the increased calls would produce.

    After considerable discussion Crowner moved, second by Lees, to accept the COPS Grant and that the hiring process would take up to 90 days after initial testing to get the new officer on board.  Roll call.  Ayes:  Pilger, Lees and Crowner.  Nays:  Johnson and Hockett.  Motion carried.

    COMMITTEE REPORTS:

    SANITATION – There was nothing to report.

    UTILITIES – City Clerk Simonson said Water Billing Clerk Kelly Fry has been compiling information on the Water Meter Replacement Project.  Fry will present the information at the next Council Meeting.

    PUBLIC SAFETY – Police Chief Walters said Police Officer Jesse Logan has completed training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

    FINANCE – The Council agreed they are waiting on updated maps from Mike Stineman on the future development of City Parks. 

    Salaries for non-contractual employees will be presented at the next Council Meeting

    STREETS – The Council agreed if we plan to purchase a new street sweeper it should be researched prior to Public Works Director Christy’s departure.  Christy plans to move to California in the near future.

    The Council also discussed where to place the Community entrance sign purchased by the Chamber. 

    PROCLAMATION – Mayor Trousil proclaimed April 19 as ‘Clean Out Your Files Day’ as requested by the Des Moines Solid Waste Commission.  This event is designed to encourage local businesses to recycle their unwanted office paper and increase awareness of the importance of recycling. 

    CITIZEN’S INQUIRIES:  There were none.

    ADJOURN:  There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:06 p.m. upon motion by Johnson and second by Pilger.  Voice vote.  All aye.  Motion carried.

     

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    Approved                                                                                  Terrie L. Simonson, City Clerk

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