October 4, 2021

Posted: October 1, 2021 | Updated: August 29, 2023

AGENDA

NOTICE AND CALL OF PUBLIC MEETING

 

GOVERNMENTAL BODY:                         THE CITY COUNCIL OF CRESCO, IOWA

DATE OF MEETING:                                   OCTOBER 4, 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 September 20, 2021
  4. Approval of Minutes from September 20, 2021CIP Worksession
  5. Approval of Application for Tax Abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for 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. Daren Sikkink to Discuss the Hydraulic Study and Proposed 7th St W Project
  2. Resolution Approving Contract and Bond for the Cyclone and Classifier Replacement Project, in and for the City of Cresco, Iowa
  3. Elizabeth Thyer of Gardiner + Company to Present the City of Cresco Audit Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021
  4. Resolution to Record the Release of Reversionary Right to a Portion of the Property Pursuant to the Development Agreement with BDM Developers LLC
  5. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a Facilities Use Agreement with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging
  6. Resolution Accepting the Annual Urban Renewal Report of the City of Cresco, Iowa for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and Directing the City Clerk to File the Report with the State of Iowa Department of Management
  7. Motion to Set Public Hearing to Amend the Budget for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2022
  8. Discuss Quotes for Fence Project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Possible Award of Contract
  9. 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 OCTOBER 1, 2021.

MINUTES

Mayor Bohle called the Cresco City Council meeting to order on October 4, 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 September 20th meeting and worksession; tax abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for Wemark Luxury Rentals LLC. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.

Public Works Director Widell reported (a) the street department finished chipsealing last week; (b) fall yardwaste pick up started today with four more days in October and November; (c) water department is replacing watermain shut off valves; (d) Northway will be here this week for the Well #3 recasing project; (e) we have a list from CIT of critical repairs on the sanitary sewer mains. We have requested a quote to fix them before we start televising the next quarter of town; (f) Attorney Braun sent a letter regarding the nuisance property on 4th Ave West. The house is being sold on contract so that makes the legal process more complicated and is taking longer.

Police Chief Ruroden presented his monthly report and noted there was an increase in animal and accident calls. He had five candidates perform testing and one passed. A conditional offer will be made this week.

City Clerk Elton reported (a) the Union negotiations will be starting soon so there will be a closed session at the next meeting to discuss negotiating items; (b) will be starting the budget process this month; (c) Teresa will be attending IMFOA training; (d) Niki is attending an Ahlers & Cooney training this week; (e) Michelle will be on vacation part of this week and next.

Carman reported on upcoming events for the Chamber including: October 27th is the Staff Appreciation Luncheon at the Heritage Events Center; Trunk or Treat is October 31st at the Fitness Center; November 19th is the Chamber/CIDC Banquet.

McConnell reported two applications were received for the Airport Commission and one will be appointed October 13th. He submitted a report of revenues brought into the community from aerial sprayers using the Cresco Airport.

Library Director Moore reported that they are still working on a revised ARPA Grant application for technology upgrades. The books have all been moved and she welcomed the public to stop in and see the Library. She will be attending the Howard County Library Association meeting and the Iowa Library Association conference this week. They are doing a movie on the 18th for students. She is working on her annual survey. Her 90-day evaluation will be next week. The Library is now on Instagram. The Library Board has been advised by the State Library not to advocate for the passage of the ballot items for the Library. They can answer questions but were advised not to pay for ads.

Mayor Bohle asked for comments from the audience. Stan Krider asked the police to do something about the speeding on 9th Street East. Chief Ruroden will try to get a speed trailer as there are several places it could be used to remind drivers to slow down.

Daren Sikkink from WHKS discussed the Hydraulic Study and Proposed 7th St W Project that he presented to the Public Works Committee. Maps show that several storm sewer lines are undersized, based on a 10-year historical rain, on 2nd Ave W, 7th St W, and Highway 9. The proposal would install a new storm sewer ranging from 15 inches to 48 inches along 7th St W. Due to the poor condition of the 4-inch watermains and street conditions, the proposed project would replace the street and watermains, cap the sinkhole, and install a detention pond. A portion of the street cost would be assessed to property owners. The estimated cost of the whole project is $2,684,325. Council will discuss this further during the CIP worksession.

Mr. Sikkink reported that the Public Works Committee also reviewed an Engineer’s study done in 2012 on the water storage and well pumping capacity for the City. Based on the calculations in 2012 and the reduction of pumpage in recent years, WHKS believes the City has sufficient capacity and does not need a new well and/or water tower at the present time.

Mr. Sikkink reported that two quotes were received for the installation of the grit equipment: Blazek Corporation $14,450; Winona Mechanical Inc $34,900. Brenno made a motion to approve the resolution approving contract and bond from Blazek Corporation for the Cyclone and Classifier Replacement Project, in and for the City of Cresco, Iowa. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Mayor Bohle left and Mayor Pro-Tem Bouska conducted the remainder of the meeting.

Elizabeth Thyer of Gardiner + Company presented the City of Cresco Audit Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021. An unmodified opinion was issued which means a clean report and they believe the financial statements are fairly presented. The audit is based on tests and samples and points out that the financial reports are using the cash basis of accounting. Overall cash balances increased $1,070,650 from last year. The increase was due in part to COVID due to capital projects that were postponed and additional grants and donations received. Two long-term debts were paid off this year. State Auditor Rob Sand has issued his interpretation of public purpose. He is requiring Auditors to note any payments cities make to non-profits or other governmental agencies. This includes payments to Helping Services, Northeast Iowa Community Action, Northeast Iowa Housing Trust Fund, and Howard County Business & Tourism/Chamber/CIDC. Next year 28E agreements to provide services for the City will need to be approved prior to payment. A copy of the audit report is available for review at the Clerk’s Office, Cresco Public Library, and on the Auditor of State’s website at https://auditor.iowa.gov/audit-reports. Mr. Krider questioned the use of Road Use Tax funds for the payment of street department wages. Supporting financial information will be provided to Mr. Krider by the City Clerk.

Fortune made a motion to approve the resolution to record the Release of Reversionary Right to a portion of the property pursuant to the Development Agreement with BDM Developers LLC. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a Facilities Use Agreement with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Brenno made a motion to approve a resolution accepting the Annual Urban Renewal Report of the City of Cresco, Iowa for the fiscal year 2020-2021 and directing the City Clerk to file the report with the State of Iowa Department of Management. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska made a motion to set a Public Hearing for October 18, 2021 to amend the Budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Two quotes were reviewed to replace a portion of the fence around the wastewater treatment plant and install a new gate. We are still clarifying some information on the quotes: River City Fence Company is approximately $63,000 with a 30 foot gate and all new fence; Life Time Fence Company is $51,405 with a 20 foot gate and re-using all of the fence. River City could possibly do the project this fall, whereas Life Time is busy with Derecho damages and could not commit to a date for installation. Staff recommended approving the quote (after clarification of details) from River City for the wider gate and hopefully get the project done this fall. Depending on the condition of the fence, part of it may be able to be reused. Bouska made the motion to approve the quote (after clarification of details) from River City and authorize staff to move forward with the project with River City. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman reported one of the long-term care facilities in Howard County has reported ten positive COVID-19 cases. All residents were vaccinated and all have minor or no symptoms. COVID remains very active in the community and school. The public is encouraged to schedule appointments for vaccinations and Pfizer booster shots on the RHS website.

Brenno moved to adjourn the Council Meeting at 7:46 pm. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes. The next regular Cresco City Council meeting will be October 18, 2021, at 5:30 pm at Cresco City Hall.

 

Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Bouska
City Clerk Michelle Elton

Documents

2021 City Council Agendas, Minutes