May 3, 2021

Posted: April 30, 2021 | Updated: August 29, 2023

AGENDA

NOTICE AND CALL OF PUBLIC MEETING

 

GOVERNMENTAL BODY:                         THE CITY COUNCIL OF CRESCO, IOWA

DATE OF MEETING:                                   MAY 3, 2021

TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING:             5:30 P.M. CITY HALL, 130 N PARK PLACE

 

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ABOVE MENTIONED

GOVERNMENTAL BODY WILL MEET AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SET OUT ABOVE.  THE TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR SAID MEETING IS AS FOLLOWS:

 

ROLL CALL:  BRENNO, McCONNELL, FORTUNE, BOUSKA, CARMAN

 

ACT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed under the consent agenda will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time council votes on the motion.

 

  1. Approval of the Agenda
  2. Approval of the Claims
  3. Approval of Minutes from April 19, 2021
  1. Approval of Special Class C Liquor License (BW) (Beer/Wine) with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales to Atomic Pizza Pub LLC d/b/a Atomic Pizza Pub
  2. Approval of Parade Permit for Class of 2021 Graduation Parade for Portions of Schroder Dr, 3rd Ave E, and N Elm St on May 11, 2021
  3. Approval of Owner Occupied Housing Contractor Request for Partial Payment #2 for $11,478.00 for Roy Prestsater
  4. Approval of Applications for Tax Abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for:
    1. Tom & Bev O’Brien
    2. Kevin & Julie Munkel
    3. Wemark Luxury Rentals LLC

 

STAFF REPORTS: There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.

 

  1. Public Works
  2. Police
  3. Administration
  4. Committee Updates

 

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE:

 

BUSINESS:  There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.

 

  1. Public Hearing for Rezoning Property from M-1 to C-2
  2. Resolution Authorizing Change of Zoning from M-1 Mixed Use Zoning to C-2 Central Business Commercial District
  3. Motion to Approve the Park Board Recommendation to Hire Brandon Kerian for the Fitness Center/Park & Rec Director Position
  4. Elizabeth Hansen from Midwest Municipal Consulting to Present a Proposal for Capital Improvement Planning for the City of Cresco
  5. Motion to Approve a Letter of Support for the Howard County Conservation Board Grant Application for the Prairie Springs Trail
  6. Motion to Approve a Letter of Support for the Howard County Conservation Board Grant Application for the Prairie Farmer Trail
  7. Set Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 489 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Water Rates
  8. First Reading of Ordinance No. 489 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Water Rates
  9. Set Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 490 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Sewer Service Charges
  10. First Reading of Ordinance No. 490 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Sewer Service Charges
  11. Discuss the Tax Abatement Program under the Urban Revitalization Plan
  12. Discuss Proposed Airport Runway Renovation and Repair Project and Iowa DOT Grant Application
  13. Resolution to Rescind Resolution No. 042103 Authorizing the Submission of Applications for Iowa Airport Improvement Program and Certifying Eligibility Requirements
  14. Resolution Authorizing the Submission of Applications for Iowa Airport Improvement Program and Certifying Eligibility Requirements
  15. Discuss the Proposed Plans for the 7th St SW and Hwy 9 Storm Sewer Project
  16. Discuss Issues Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic

 

ADJOURN:

 

THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN AT THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 21, CODE OF IOWA AND THE LOCAL RULES OF SAID GOVERNMENTAL BODY.  POSTED APRIL 30, 2021.

MINUTES

Mayor Bohle called the Cresco City Council meeting to order on May 3, 2021, at 5:30 pm. Council Members Brenno, McConnell, Fortune, Bouska, and Carman were present. No council members were absent.

Carman made the motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the: agenda; claims; minutes from April 19, 2021 meeting; special Class C Liquor License (BW) (beer/wine) with outdoor service and Sunday sales to Atomic Pizza Pub LLC d/b/a Atomic Pizza Pub; Parade Permit for Class of 2021 Graduation Parade for portions of Schroder Dr, 3rd Ave E, and N Elm St on May 11, 2021; Owner Occupied Housing Contractor Request for Partial Payment #2 for $11,478.00 for Roy Prestsater; applications for Tax Abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for: Tom & Bev O’Brien and Kevin & Julie Munkel. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes. The Tax Abatement application from Wemark Luxury Rentals LLC was tabled to review the Development Agreement for possible conflicts.

Public Works Director Widell reported: (a) a Thank You goes out to Trees Forever and Alliant Energy Branching Out Grant Program for the $3,000 grant and Janet Andera’s $2,000 donation for planting trees. Arbor Day was April 30th and we planted a tree at Kessel Lodge in memory of Bob Andera; (b) the 5th Ave SW watermain looping project will be done this week or next. A detour for 3rd St SW will hopefully only be needed for a day. They are also possibly replacing a manhole at the intersection of 3rd St SW and 6th Ave SW; (c) the chlorine injector on Well #3 was replaced. Northway Well and Pump will be here this week to start the recasing project on Well #3 so it will be down for approximately 6 weeks. An apartment building fire on Pine Place used 220,000 gallons of water this weekend so luckily both wells were running; (d) Neil Schafer is preparing plans for a waterway project on our easement across Kenny Burgess’s property to address erosion issues.  NRCS has a program that will fund 75% of the project since it is part of the Silver Creek Watershed; (e) CIT may be cleaning sewer mains an extra week due to equipment breakdowns and several mains that are in poor condition requiring heavier cleaning which takes more time and money.

Police Chief Ruroden submitted the April police report. Officer Hillyer will graduate from the Academy on May 21st. STEP program will be at the end of May with heightened traffic law awareness and will be working with the Sheriff’s Department on a special project.

City Clerk Girolamo reported we had to cancel the Front Desk program which was the software program that allowed customers to log into their utility accounts online. We have had nothing but problems with it since it was implemented in March. There are only four other cities using it and we were the largest. They were also going to switch our customers paying by ACH to the new system which would charge $1.75 per account per month. We have over 900 accounts on ACH that currently do not cost anything. We are working on getting a refund of at least a portion of the $2,960 we paid. Their response was no refund because we signed a contract, but the program hasn’t worked and was misrepresented to us in its capabilities. The Iowa Legislature is still considering removing the commercial backfill for property taxes and reducing City revenue for the Elderly Tax Credit that is currently funded by the State.

Bouska reported HCED met and was surprised to hear RHS report that the school is considering switching their athletic contract to Winneshiek Medical Center.

McConnell reported the Airport Commission received a pledge for a $10,000 donation for the Airport Runway Reconstruction project.

Mayor Bohle asked for comments from the audience. Library Director Kay reported the Library Board is considering reducing the number of members from nine to seven. It will need to be put on the ballot for the November election.

Jason Passmore reported: there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony May 19th for the Cresco Family Pharmacy at the old Sterling Drug location; June 1st Open House for CPU at their new location next to the Chamber; Family Fun Night will be June 3rd with games and outdoor movie at the Fairgrounds.

Mayor Bohle opened the Public Hearing to rezone property from M-1 to C-2. There were no written or oral comments and the public hearing was closed. Council discussed the proposed retention pond and current setback requirements. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to the Council to approve the rezoning. Council tabled it until the end of the meeting at which time Bouska made the motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing Change of Zoning from M-1 Mixed Use Zoning to C-2 Central Business Commercial District. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Park Board President Kris Riley reported they had several good, qualified applications for the Director position. The Park Board is recommending hiring Brandon Kerian. Brenno made the motion to approve the hiring of Brandon Kerian for the Fitness Center/Park & Rec Director Position. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Elizabeth Hanson from Midwest Municipal Consulting presented a proposal for Capital Improvement Planning for the City. This would create a long-term plan for prioritizing large projects and capitalizing borrowing capacity and the debt levy.

McConnell made the motion to approve a Letter of Support for the Howard County Conservation Board Grant Application for the Prairie Springs Trail and commit to funding 10% of the project if the grant is approved. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska made the motion to approve a Letter of Support for the Howard County Conservation Board Grant Application for the Prairie Farmer Trail. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska made the motion to set the Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 489 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to water rates for May 17, 2021. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

Brenno made the motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 489 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Fortune seconded and it passed all ayes.

Brenno made the motion to set the Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 490 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to sewer service charges for May 17, 2021. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska made the motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 490 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to sewer service charges. Fortune seconded and it passed all ayes.

The City’s tax abatement plan under the Cresco Urban Revitalization Plan was discussed. Council agreed to amend the plan: (a) expire December 31, 2026; (b) tax abatement on the first $75,000 of value added for residential property for five years; (c) tax abatement on 100% of value added for commercial property for three years; (d) tax abatement on 50% of value added for residential property with three or more dwelling units for ten years.

Council discussed the proposed Airport Runway Renovation and Repair Project to clarify information from the last meeting. The Council clarified that they are willing to commit an extra 5% for the runway improvements portions that will cost $145,000 with the City’s 20% portion $29,000 and the grant would pay $116,000. The drainage improvements would cost $130,000 with the City’s 15% portion $19,500. The joint and crack sealing would cost $75,000 and is currently not eligible for any grant funding. The Council agreed to commit to doing this part of the project in FY2026. Hopefully the additional local match and commitment for sealing will increase the possibility of the grant being approved. McConnell stated that hangar rent needs to be increased since the Council is committing to making improvements. Bouska requested a tracking of landings of airplanes and the name and purpose. Due to changes in the application, the resolution from last meeting will be rescinded and a new one approved. Bouska made the motion to approve the resolution to rescind Resolution No. 042103 authorizing the submission of applications for Iowa Airport Improvement Program and Certifying Eligibility Requirements. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes. McConnell made the motion to approve the new resolution authorizing the submission of applications for Iowa Airport Improvement Program and Certifying Eligibility Requirements. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Council discussed options for the 7th St SW drainage issues. PWD Widell contacted the Iowa DOT regarding the requirements for tapping another storm sewer into the existing storm sewer along Hwy 9. They said a permit would need to be applied for and a hydraulic study would need to be performed to determine if the existing pipe could handle the extra water. Widell also contacted Mehmert Tiling regarding options but they need to know what the Council is requesting. The problem is that this does not address the sinkhole issue nor flooding problems at the County Shop and other areas.

Carman reported RHS is still scheduling vaccinations for drive-thru clinics at the Fairgrounds and Kessel Lodge. Appointments can be made on RHSHC Facebook page or online at rhshc.com. Passmore is working with restaurants on grant applications for COVID relief.

Carman moved to adjourn the Council Meeting at 6:58 pm. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes. The next regular Cresco City Council meeting will be May 17, 2021, at 5:30 pm at Cresco City Hall.

Mayor: Mark Bohle
City Clerk: Michelle Girolamo

Documents

2021 City Council Agendas, Minutes