Posted: October 4, 2024 | Updated: October 18, 2024
AGENDA
NOTICE AND CALL OF PUBLIC MEETING
GOVERNMENTAL BODY: THE CITY COUNCIL OF CRESCO, IOWA
DATE OF MEETING: OCTOBER 7, 2024
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: CARMAN, BOUSKA, FOSAAEN, McCONNELL, KRIENER
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.
- Approval of the Agenda
- Approval of the Claims
- Minutes from September 16, 2024
- Minutes from September 16, 2024 Worksession
- Class C Retail Alcohol License (LC) with Outdoor Service to Pub No 7 LLC (Eric MacDuff and Lester Seelye) d/b/a Pub No 7
- Approval of Application for Tax Abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for Codey Hayek
- Approval of Parade Permit for Portions of 3rd Avenue and North Elm Street for the Santa’s Holiday Parade on November 29, 2024
- Approval of Designated Snowmobile Trail in City Limits for November 15, 2024 through April 1, 2025
STAFF REPORTS: There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.
- Public Works
- Police
- Administration
- Committee Updates
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: (This portion of the agenda is for comments that are not related to one of the items listed on the agenda. Comments can only be received. No formal action by the Council can be taken. Those making public comments will be asked to state their name and address, and to speak from the podium.)
BUSINESS: There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.
- Angie Kolz from WHKS to Discuss Pollution Insurance Coverage for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Aging Equipment Project
- Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Professional Services Agreement with WHKS & Co for the South Lift Station Analysis
- Scott Huneke from WHKS to Update on the Scene Shop Project
- Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Professional Services Agreement with WHKS & Co for the Scene Shop Theatre Addition
- Scott Huneke with WHKS to Update on 7th Street West Reconstruction
- Approval of Pay Request #9 for $72,917.65 to Generation X Construction, LLC for the 7th Street West Reconstruction Project
- Elizabeth Thyer from Gardner & Company to Present the FY24 Auditor’s Report
- Kelly O’Donnell and Jerry O’Donnnell to Present Insurance Renewal
- Plantpeddlar to Discuss Possible Driveway Easement
- Third Reading of the Summary of Proposed Ordinance No. 508 Amending Section 69.10 and Section 70.03 and Adding Chapter 82 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, Pertaining to Declaring a Snow Emergency, Parking Regulations, and Parking Violations
- Approval of Ordinance No. 508 Pertaining to Declaring a Snow Emergency, Parking Regulations, and Parking Violations
- Third Reading of the Summary of Proposed Ordinance No. 513 Amending Chapter 138 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, for the 2024 Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan
- Approval of Ordinance No. 513 for the 2024 Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan
- Second Reading of Proposed Ordinance 517 Which Amends 50.06 (2) and Adding Section 50.08 Pertaining to Nuisance Abatement Procedure Methods of Service and Habitual Offenders
- Possible Motion to Waive the Third Reading of Ordinance 517
- Approval of Ordinance 517 Pertaining to Nuisance Abatement Procedure Methods of Service and Habitual Offenders
- Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Contract for Services with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission to Prepare a New Comprehensive Plan
- Request to Waive Late Fees for Matt Beck
- Request for Sewer Adjustment for Water not Entering the Sanitary Sewer System from Cresco Park LLC for Shady Oaks Trailer Park
- Review Quotes and Possible Award of Contract for Tile Line on Airport Road
- Set Public Hearing for Budget Amendment #1 for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025
- Review Applications and Cresco Tourism Advisory Committee Recommendations and Award of Hotel/Motel Tax Grants
- Review Proposed Camper Ordinance
- Discussion on CIP (Capital Improvement Plan)
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 4, 2024.
MINUTES
Mayor Fortune called the Cresco City Council meeting to order on October 7, 2024 at 5:30 pm. Council Members Carman, Fosaaen, Bouska, McConnell, and Kriener 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 the September 16, 2024 meeting and worksession; Class C Retail Alcohol License (LC) with Outdoor Service to Pub No 7 LLC (Eric MacDuff and Lester Seelye) d/b/a Pub No 7; Tax Abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for Codey Hayek; Parade Permit for portions of 3rd Ave E and North Elm St for the Santa’s Holiday Parade on November 29, 2024; designated snowmobile trail in city limits for November 15, 2024 through April 1, 2025. Fosaaen seconded and it passed all ayes.
Public Works Director Brenno reported: (a) Street Department has finished chipsealing. Will compare asphalt prices to see if it would be more cost effective; (b) had the pre-construction meeting for the Aging Equipment Project at the wastewater treatment plant. Work will be starting soon and will take about a year to complete; (c) Street Department has been trimming trees in alleys to allow plows to get through; (d) Sewer Department will be starting to haul sludge.
Police Chief Ruroden submitted the September Police report. K-9 EmmyLou has completed her training and she has begun to work with Sergeant Welper.
City Clerk Hill reported: (a) financial statements were included in the Council packet along with an annual report for the CUSB Historic Downtown Revolving Loan Fund. In FY24, there were three loans totaling $160,000; (b) new computers and server were budgeted for City Hall. The quote is about $10,000 less than estimated. They will be installed in the next few months; (c) Request for Proposals for audit services are due on November 8th; (d) sealed bids for land rent at the airport are due November 4th; (e) Water Department is flushing hydrants this week so there could be some rusty water around town; (f) Yardwaste pickup resumes October 14th. Schedules are available at City Hall and the City website; (g) will be attending IMFOA next week.
Mayor Fortune recognized three employees with service anniversaries in October and thanked them for their dedication and years of service to the City and residents: Skye Meinecke – Himli – Fitness Center 1 year; Amber Yanes – City Hall 2 years; Aaron Butikofer – Sewer Dept 8 years.
Mayor Fortune asked for comments from the audience and there were none.
Angie Kolz with WHKS explained to Council that per the contract for the Aging Equipment Project, pollution coverage was one of several types of insurance required. Due to the nature of the project, Blazeks Construction is requesting to remove the pollution coverage. WHKS reviewed the request and since the project is only replacing some indoor and outdoor equipment determined the risk is very low. The project is only replacing some outdoor and indoor equipment. Fosaaen made a motion to delete the pollution coverage requirement from the aging Equipment Project. Bouska seconded. Fosaaen, Carman, and Bouska voted aye. Kriener and McConnell voted nay. The motion passed by majority vote.
Carman made the motion to approve the resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with WHKS for the South Lift Station Analysis. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.
Scott from WHKS explained to Council the separation of the architect and the engineer for the Scene Shop Project. WHKS would do the site layout and survey, grading plan, and work with architect for building elevation. Carman made the motion to approve the resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with WHKS for the Scene Shop Theatre Addition. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.
Scott Huneke from WHKS reported on the 7th Street West Reconstruction Project. There are just a few items left to finish up the project and anticipate being able to accept the project in November. Kriener made the motion to approve Pay Request #9 for $72,917.65 to Generation X Construction, LLC for the 7th Street West Reconstruction Project. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.
Elizabeth Thyer from Gardiner & Company presented the Auditor’s Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. They issued an unmodified opinion which means they believe the financial statements are fairly presented based on tests and samples.
Kelly O’Donnell presented the insurance renewal package of $297,082. He presented an option with an increase of the deductible to $10,000 versus $5,000. The premium would decrease by $14,916. The option to increase the liability coverage would be an increase of $9,826. The workers compensation premium had a large increase this year while the other categories in the package had small increases. Prior to next year’s renewal, Council would like to review the deductible limits. Kriener made the motion to approve the insurance renewal package for with the deductible remaining the same and increase the liability coverage. Carman seconded. Bouska, Kriener, McConnell, and Carman voted aye. Fosaaen voted nay. The motion passed by majority vote.
Mike Gooder with Plantpeddler explained that they are planning a new retail space and greenhouse along Highway 9. Gooder is requesting an easement from the City to allow installation of a gravel alleyway to have employees to park in the rear of the building to free up parking spaces for customers at the front of the building. He anticipated three to five cars needing access on a daily basis. He stated that Plantpeddler would install and maintain the alley. Discussion was held on the runoff coming from the Alliant substation. Brenno will check to see what options are available to possibly hook into the storm sewer to help with drainage. McConnell made the motion to draft an easement for Plantpeddler. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.
Mayor Fortune performed the third reading of the summary of proposed Ordinance 508 which amends section 69.10 and section 70.03 and adding Chapter 82 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, pertaining to declaring a snow emergency, parking regulations, and parking violations. Bouska made the motion to approve the third reading. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.
Bouska made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 508 pertaining to declaring a snow emergency, parking regulations, and parking violations. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.
Mayor Fortune performed the third reading of the summary of proposed Ordinance 513 which amends Chapter 138 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, for the 2024 Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan. McConnell made the motion to approve the third reading. Kriener seconded and it passed all ayes.
Bouska made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 513 for the 2024 Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes
Mayor Fortune performed the second reading of proposed Ordinance 517 which amends Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa pertaining to nuisance abatement procedure methods of service and habitual offenders. Carman made the motion to approve the second reading. Fosaaen seconded and it passed all ayes.
Fosaaen made a motion to waive the third reading of proposed Ordinance 517. Kriener seconded. McConnell, Fosaaen, Carman, and Kriener voted aye. Bouska voted nay. The motion passed by majority vote.
Carman made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 517 related to nuisance abatement procedure methods of service and habitual offenders. Kriener seconded. Kriener, McConnell, Carman, and Fosaaen voted aye. Bouska voted nay. The motion passed by majority vote.
Three proposals were previously received to prepare an updated Comprehensive Plan for the City. The proposals were: Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission $21,209 less a 20% funding grant; MSA $30,000; CEDA $23,041. Carman made the motion to approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Contract for Services Agreement to prepare a new Comprehensive Plan with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.
A letter was received from Matt Beck requesting the Council to waive late fees of $6.48. He attempted to come in to City Hall to pay with his debit card twice. He stated on the second time, it showed pending on his bank app. The payment failed to fully process, and the late fee was applied. Fosaaen made a motion to approve waiving the late fee of $6.48. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.
A request was received from Cresco Park LLC for an exterior water leak at a trailer. For future requests, Council would like the leak verified prior to reviewing credit. Bouska made the motion to approve a sewer adjustment of $934.46 for water not entering the sanitary sewer system for Cresco Park LLC for Shady Oaks Trailer Park. Carman seconded. Carman, Kriener, Bouska voted aye. Fosaaen and McConnell voted nay. The motion passed by majority vote.
Three quotes were received for installing a tile line by the airport to help with drainage: Mehmert Tiling $6,105.00; Skyline Construction $7,600.00; Generation X Construction $19,650.00. Bouska made the motion to accept the quote from Mehmert Tiling. Kriener seconded and it passed all ayes.
Carman made a motion to set a Public Hearing for October 21, 2024 for budget amendment #1 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.
Hotel/Motel Tax of $4,619.19 was received this quarter with four application received for $19,250. Kriener made the motion to approve the recommendation of the Tourism Committee and award Hotel/Motel Tax Grant to Cresco Chamber $750 for Santa Parade; Edie Slifka Memorial Ride $1,000; Cresco Theatre & Opera House $1,500 for the Lee Hardin Live Event. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.
Council discussed proposed camper, RV, and semi ordinance. The proposed ordinance would restrict parking on residential streets for campers, trailers, RV’s to no more than two hours. Hill will draft up the full ordinance for review at a future council meeting.
Discussion was held on the Capital Improvement Plan “CIP”. Council would like to hold a special worksession to discuss projects and funding. Bouska stated that she felt that the “CIP” was not a correct way to vote on upcoming projects because realistically we cannot fund all of the project in the next few years. Some will be funded thru donations, service fees, LOST, property taxes and potential bonds. Council would like to discuss further at a worksession at a future date.
Carman moved to adjourn the Council Meeting at 7:28 pm. Kriener seconded and it passed all ayes. The next regular Cresco City Council meeting will be October 21, 2024, at 5:30 pm at Cresco City Hall.
Mayor Alexander Fortune
City Clerk Nicole Hill