November 15, 2021

Posted: November 12, 2021 | Updated: September 6, 2023

AGENDA

NOTICE AND CALL OF PUBLIC MEETING

 

GOVERNMENTAL BODY:                         THE CITY COUNCIL OF CRESCO, IOWA

DATE OF MEETING:                                   NOVEMBER 15, 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

 

OATH OF OFFICE: Richard McConnell, Council-At-Large

 

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 November 1, 2021
  4. Approval of Application for Tax Abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for Shay Curtin
  1. Approval of Parade Permit for Portions of 3rd Avenue and North Elm Street for the Santa’s Holiday Parade on November 26, 2021

 

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 to Enter into a New Contract with Hawkeye Sanitation for Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Services
  2. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to Enter into an Agreement for Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Waste Collection Services with Hawkeye Sanitation Inc
  3. Wayne Maas to Discuss a Proposal to Build a Base of Operations at the Cresco Airport
  4. Review Bids for Land Lease Agreement for the Airport Farmland
  5. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to Enter into a Farm Lease Agreement
  6. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Engineering Services Agreement with Clapsaddle-Garber Associates, Inc
  7. Review and Possible Award of Contract for new Air Conditioners at the Fitness Center
  8. Abstract of Votes as Certified by the Board of Supervisors of Howard County, in the State of Iowa
  9. Discuss David Brenno’s Letter of Resignation from the Council Effective December 31, 2021
  10. Motion to Publish a Notice of Intent to Fill the Council Position by Appointment
  11. Discuss Mayor Pro-Tem Responsibilities and Rate of Pay
  12. Resolution Approving the City Street Finance Report and Authorizing the City Clerk to File with the Iowa Department of Transportation
  13. Resolution Determining the Necessity and Fixing Date for a Public Hearing on the Matter of the Adoption of a Proposed Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated (2016) Cresco Urban Revitalization Plan for the Cresco Urban Revitalization Area
  14. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Engagement Letter with the Law Offices of Anderson, Wilmarth, Van Der Maaten, Belay, Fretheim, Gipp, Evelsizer Olson, Lynch & Zahasky
  15. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into an Information Technology Services Agreement – Statement of Work with Solutions, Inc.
  16. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to Enter into a 28E Agreement with Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation
  17. Set Public Hearing to Amend Chapters 10, 105.14, 106.02, and 106.08(1) in the City of Cresco Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Fees for Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Waste
  18. First Reading of Summary of Proposed Ordinance 492 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by Amending Chapters 105.10, 105.14, 106.02, and 106.08(1) Pertaining to Fees for Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Waste
  19. Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Cresco and Howard County Regarding Changes in Precinct and Ward Boundaries
  20. Set Public Hearing to Amend Chapter 3.01(2), 3.02 and 3.03 in the City of Cresco Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Voting Precincts and Wards
  21. First Reading of Summary of Proposed Ordinance 493 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by Amending Chapter 3.01(2), 3.02 and 3.03 Establishing New Voting Precincts and Wards within the City of Cresco, Iowa
  22. 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 NOVEMBER 12, 2021.

MINUTES

Mayor Pro-Tem Bouska called the Cresco City Council meeting to order on November 15, 2021, at 5:30 pm. Council Members Brenno, McConnell, Fortune, Bouska, and Carman were present. No council members were absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bouska administered the Oath of Office to Richard McConnell who was elected on November 2, 2021 to the City Council to replace the appointed position he had held.

Carman made the motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the: agenda; claims; minutes from the November 1, 2021 meeting; Tax Abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for Shay Curtin; Parade Permit for portions of 3rd Avenue and North Elm Street for the Santa’s Holiday Parade on November 26, 2021. Fortune seconded and it passed all ayes.

Public Works Director Widell reported (a) River City Fence started replacing the fence at the wastewater treatment plant. They will get as much done as they can, but it will be finished in the spring; (b) the first watermain break was repaired today just east of City Hall; (c) the gravel shed has been finished and filled. Hopefully, this keeps the rock pile from freezing this winter; (d) everyone is busy preparing for winter and getting equipment ready; (e) reminder today was the last day for yardwaste pick up until April.

Police Chief Ruroden reported the initial conditional offer has been put on hold pending further documentation. A conditional offer was made and accepted for the second position pending further testing and background checks.

City Clerk Elton reported (a) budget worksheets have been distributed to department heads; (b) another budget amendment will be required for increased transfers due to the Local Option Sales Tax received being over $160,000 more than budgeted; (c) Teresa and I are attending the Iowa League of Cities Budget Workshop in Waverly tomorrow.

Fortune reported the Theatre Commission met and they are reviewing rental agreements for the Theatre. The Luther Opera Group will be performing at the Theatre.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bouska asked for comments from the audience. Jason Passmore invited everyone to attend or participate in the Santa Parade on November 26th at 4 pm. The Chamber/CIDC Banquet is November 19th at 5 pm to recognize Hanson Tire and H&S Motors as Businesses of the Year. Quilts of Valor is Organization of the Year. Jingle in your Pocket is running until December 9th to encourage shopping locally. Banks are sponsoring 40 prizes of $100 each. Thanks to the Boys and Girls Basketball teams for putting up Christmas lights. Theatre is having free movies. A ribbon cutting will be held for Alanda Meyer’s Preferred Appraisal Services on November 18th. Cresco Holiday Open Houses are Sunday November 21st for local businesses with a ribbon cutting at Salon Synergy as well. Hopefully additional ribbon cuttings in December for Precision Overhead Doors and for Sweeney’s Lounge.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bouska opened the Public Hearing to enter into a new five-year contract with Hawkeye Sanitation for Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Services. Bouska questioned how light commercial properties with no space for a cart (tote) and multiplex properties with multiple carts would be handled. Lucas Merritt explained that they would work with the business owners to pick up their bags. Multiplex dwellings may require a garbage dumpster and a recycling dumpster based on the number of units. There were no other written or oral comments and the public hearing was closed. Fortune made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an Agreement for Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Waste Collection Services with Hawkeye Sanitation Inc. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

Wayne Maas and Amanda discussed a proposal to build a cement pad and underground holding tank at the Cresco Airport. They have been utilizing the Cresco Airport for the past ten years for aerial spraying and cover crops. They did about 19,000 acres around Cresco and contract directly with local coops instead of individual farmers. They are looking for a permanent loading zone and tie-downs. They would work with local contractors and are already using A&J Construction and Mehmert Tiling at other airports. McConnell made a motion to approve the recommendation of the Airport Commission to allow Midwest Custom Ag Aerial Applicators to perform an Environmental Impact Study. A lease agreement will be negotiated after the study is completed. Fortune seconded and it passed all ayes.

Four bids were received for the rental of farmland at the Airport based on a per acre basis for approximately 79 acres: Steven Mlady $251; Matt Miner $270; Eric Vobr $203; Bryan Schmitt $320. Carman made a motion to accept the highest bid from Bryan Schmitt for $320 per acre for three years. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes. McConnell made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a Farm Lease Agreement with Bryan Schmitt. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an Engineering Services Agreement with Clapsaddle-Garber Associates, Inc. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

Two quotes for new air conditioners at the Fitness Center were reviewed: LT Mechanical $75,744.00 for four 10-ton condensing units excluding electrical; Cresco Heat and Vent $45,236.78 for two 20-ton condensing units including electrical. Concern was voiced on the difference in quotes. Both contractors looked at the project and were given three weeks to submit a quote. Carman made the motion to accept the lower quote from Cresco Heat and Vent. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.

The Abstract of Votes as certified by the Howard County Supervisors for the recent election were read: Mayor David Brenno 631, Troy Cleveland 115, Kelly Gosch 159; City Council At-Large Richard McConnell 806, 16 scattering; City Council Ward 2 Amy Bouska 307, 10 scattering; Public Measure to decrease Library Board of Trustees from nine to seven members 771 yes, 116 no; Public Measure to reduce Library Board of Trustees term length from six to three years 823 yes, 70 no; Public Measure to limit Library Board of Trustees consecutive terms from unlimited to three terms 776 yes, 115 no. The Board of Supervisors of Howard County duly nominated for the office of the City of Cresco: David Brenno Mayor; Richard McConnell City Council At-Large; Amy Bouska City Council Ward 2; all three Public Measures to be adopted.

David Brenno submitted his letter of resignation from the Cresco City Council At-Large effective 12/31/21 due to his election to the Mayor position.

The open council position can be filled by a special election or Council can appoint the position. The appointment will be effective until the next City election unless a written petition is filed requesting a special election. Applications would be due December 10th and candidates will be interviewed by Council prior to the December 20th Council meeting, at which, the appointment will be approved for January 1, 2022. Fortune made a motion to publish a Notice of Intent to Fill the Council Position by Appointment. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

City Clerk asked the Council if Ms. Bouska should be compensated for filling in for the Mayor Pro-Tem position. McConnell made the motion to pay Ms. Bouska her regular council wages through October 31, 2021 and to pay the Mayoral wages of $433.34 per month for November and December 2021. Carman seconded and Fortune, Brenno, Carman, and McConnell voted aye. Bouska abstained. The motion passed by majority vote.

Carman made a motion to approve a resolution approving the City Street Finance Report and Authorizing the City Clerk to File with the Iowa Department of Transportation. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

The current tax abatement plan expires December 31, 2021. The proposed changes would (a) extend the plan until December 31, 2026; (b) increase the exemption for residential properties to five-years for 100%, up to $75,000, of value added; (c) properties having 3+ separate dwelling units will have an exemption of 10 years for 50% of value added. Bouska made a motion to approve a resolution determining the necessity and fixing date for a public hearing on the matter of the adoption of a proposed Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated (2016) Cresco Urban Revitalization Plan for the Cresco Urban Revitalization Area for December 6, 2021. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

McConnell made the motion to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an Engagement Letter with the Law Offices of Anderson, Wilmarth, Van Der Maaten, Belay, Fretheim, Gipp, Evelsizer Olson, Lynch & Zahasky. Fortune seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Information Technology Services Agreement – Statement of Work with Solutions, Inc. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a 28E Agreement with Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.

McConnell made a motion to set a Public Hearing to Amend Chapters 105.10, 105.14, 106.02, and 106.08(1) in the City of Cresco Code of Ordinances pertaining to fees for recyclable and non-recyclable waste for December 6, 2021. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska performed the first reading of summary of proposed Ordinance 492 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by amending Chapters 105.10, 105.14, 106.02, and 106.08(1) pertaining to fees for recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Brenno made the motion to approve the first reading. Fortune seconded and it passed all ayes.

Precinct and City Ward boundaries changed slightly due to the Cresco census. A revised map is available on the City’s website or at City Hall. McConnell made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Cresco and Howard County regarding changes in precinct and ward boundaries. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska made a motion to set a Public Hearing to amend Chapter 3.01(2), 3.02 and 3.03 in the City of Cresco Code of Ordinances pertaining to voting precincts and wards for December 6, 2021. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska performed the first reading of summary of proposed Ordinance 493 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, by amending Chapter 3.01(2), 3.02 and 3.03 establishing new voting precincts and wards within the City of Cresco, Iowa. Carman made the motion to approve the first reading. Brenno seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman reported that the positivity rate for Howard County is higher than all the surrounding counties at 10% for COVID-19. Vaccination and booster clinics continue. Iowa reports 64.1% vaccinated and Howard County has 59.9%. Pediatric vaccination clinics will start Saturday. Elton reported that the City may need to follow the Federal mandate if the court system approves the OSHA mandate to track unvaccinated employees which requires weekly testing and mask mandates. We will wait for further guidance depending on the court’s rulings.

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

 

Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Bouska
City Clerk Michelle Elton

Documents

2021 City Council Agendas, Minutes