Lees moved, second by Pilger, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Voice vote. All ayes. Motion carried.

Public Works Director Fry introduced the two new employees in his department. They are Bradley Moeller and Troy Cline.

Consider Engineering Services Agreements from Shive-Hattery concerning various projects topics – Shive-Hattery Engineer Bill Cary introduced three contracts to the Council for their consideration. One contract was for signalization at the GRMC and SCC driveways on Agency Road. The hospital and community college requested this installation for improved access to their facilities.

Another contract for Council consideration is the traffic signal at Farm King and the Mall entrance. This project involves the removal of the existing signal at the Farm King/Mall entrance and the installation of a new signal at the Target/Mall entrance. This relocation is essential to provide adequate spacing between signals allowing for proper progression through this signalized corridor.

A third contract involves updated traffic data and signal timing plans. Cary said the opening of the Great River Medical Center, along with continuing commercial development in the Gear Avenue Corridor, has made significant changes in the levels and distribution of traffic. He said these changes should be documented by updating the traffic count database. Prior to the opening of the GRMC, traffic data could only be based upon previously collected traffic data and a forecast of future conditions. He said many of the upcoming projects for traffic signalization, as well as implementation of the traffic signal timing for the project currently under construction, is dependent upon this updated information. The strategy behind completing the counts in a comprehensive effort is to collect consistent data within the same timeframe and to streamline the efforts required for several ongoing projects.

The Council agreed to discuss these projects in detail with representatives of the hospital and college at a Work Session on Monday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m.

Consider Recreation Infrastructure Grant – Administrator Mandsager said with the assistance of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, we have assembled a grant request for Long Meadow Park consisting of the proposed improvements and requesting one-third of the total project cost – roughly $264,700.

He said this figure is quite large, but when you break everything down the project is manageable this coming spring and next summer. The Centennial Committee donation of $14,000, the shelter and playground purchases this year ($88,000), and using City crews to complete most of the actual work, we are looking in the neighborhood of $50,000 on behalf of the City to complete the project. The Commission should have the final grant ready to submit early next week.

Hockett moved, second by Lees, to approve a resolution allowing the City to submit a grant application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to seek Recreation Infrastructure Grant Assistance in the amount of 33 1/% of the actual cost of the project. Roll call. Ayes: Lees, Hockett, Crowner, Johnson and Pilger. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Consider iPCS Water Tower Lease – Administrator Mandsager reported iPCS Wireless, Inc. of Geneseo, Illinois is interested in leasing space on the City’s water tower. The company wants to attach telecommunications antennas on catwalk. These panels are 9" by 5’ and could be painted to match the tower. He said they would not interfere with the City emblem. Additionally, a 25’ by 30’ cement pad would be necessary to place their weatherproof cabinet on at the base of the tower. Mandsager said the going rate to do so appears to be in the neighborhood of $500 to $1500 per month. The contract is being reviewed by the City Attorney.

Crowner moved, second by Hockett, to approve a contract with iPCS to lease space on the water tower to locate 6 panel antennas on the catwalk for a fee of $750 per month. Voice vote. All aye. Motion carried.

Consider Application for Fireworks Permit – Steve Swafford, 622 N. Gear Avenue, asked for a permit for a fireworks display for Saturday, August 26. Swafford said if granted his intention was to purchase class C fireworks in Missouri consisting of sparklers, roman candles, a few smaller rockets, 1 ½ " artillery mortars, sparkling fountains and a Grand Finale. He said he attempted to purchase a separate insurance policy to meet the criteria of the city ordinance only to find the insurance very cost prohibitive. He submitted a copy of his current homeowners policy and asked if this was sufficient to meet the city ordinance.

Mayor Trousil said Swafford’s insurance did not meet the required amount listed in the city ordinance, however, he said the display Swafford had in mind was on a small scale and because state code authorizes cities to issue permits, he would have not have a problem waiving the insurance requirements.

Johnson moved, second by Hockett, to grant a permit to Steve Swafford for a fireworks permit for Saturday, August 26, 2000. Roll call. Ayes: Hockett, Johnson and Pilger. Nays: Lees and Crowner. Motion carried.

George Marzek, 618 Broadway Street, told the Council he was a member of the Izaak Walton League and they are attempting to revitalize the organization. He said they are working on the Hope Haven Restoration. He invited the Council to become involved and expressed his appreciation for City Administrator Mandsager’s attendance at their last meeting.

SANITATION – There was nothing to report.

UTILITIES – There was nothing to report.

PUBLIC SAFETY – There was nothing to report.

FINANCE – Mayor Trousil said he is serving on the Airport Director search team. He said out of 12 resumes he submitted the names of 5 applicant for interviews.

ADJOURN – There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. upon motion by Hockett and second by Pilger. Voice vote. All aye. Motion carried.

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Approved Terrie L. Simonson, City Clerk