City of Corning Council Minutes

CITY OF CORNING COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR March 22nd, April 12th & April 26th 2010

City of Corning

601 6^th Street

Minutes

Regular Session March 22, 2010

Mayor Brace called meeting to order at 5:07PM with council persons Brian Kannas, Judith Butcher, Dick Blazek, Bert Peckham and Clerk Iona M. Allen present. Cindy Peterson absent. Kannas moved Peckham seconded to adopt agenda, all ayes. Peckham moved Blazek seconded to approve minutes from March 3^rd, 2010, all ayes. Kannas moved Peckham seconded to approve minutes from March 8^th, 2010, all ayes. *Note March 8^th warrant numbers not published as approved 31009-31049. Kannas moved Peckham seconded to approve warrants 31050-31084, all ayes. Clerk nothing to report, Mayor Brace noted Clerk & Mayor would be attending Structure Inventory & Inspection Management Systems Training in Ames on Monday March 29^th.

No citizen’s written or verbal comment.

Beth Waddle presented council with current Fire Station Fundraising spreadsheet showing pledges received in 2009 of $42,396.68 and 2010 $2,903.66.

Martin Olive noted with spring break not much happening with “Iowa – Green” house and Iowa State University. He handed out some designs to council, suggested council visit blog (http://bridgestudiocorning.blogspot.com), and is continuing to work on cost estimates.

Peckham moved Kannas seconded to approve Resolution 18-10 authorizing the purchase of property not to exceed $7,000, legal description Lot 26 & 27 Original Town of Corning (1103 Adams Street) for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, after wording changed “not to exceed $7,000”. Roll Call Vote Ayes: Peckham, Butcher, Blazek, Kannas. Nays: None. Absent: Peterson.

Approval of bids for demolition and asbestos removal for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program were awarded as follows: Demolition = Peckham moved Blazek seconded Corey Barton Construction $2,100 for 404 6^th Street, all ayes. Peckham moved Kannas seconded Corey Barton Construction $6,300 for 1103 Adams Street, all ayes. Butcher moved Peckham seconded Junior Bergren $7,400 1406 Adams Street, all ayes. Asbestos = Peckham moved Blazek seconded pending verification of date of completion to August Enterprises, L.L.C. $975 404 6^th Street, $2,375 for 1103 Adams Street and $2,375 for 1406 Adams Street.

Kannas moved Peckham seconded to approve Resolution 17-10 authorizing the Mayor to participate in a Sheriff’s sale for real estate at 306 10^th Street. Roll Call Vote Ayes: Kannas, Peckham, Butcher, Blazek. Nays: None. Absent: Peterson.

Peckham moved Kannas seconded to approve 1103 Adams (legal description Lot 26 & 27 Original Town of Corning) as designation of lot for construction of “Iowa – Green” House for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, all ayes.

Peckham moved Kannas seconded authorizing Mayor Brace to draw down funds as required from the Neighborhood Stabilization, all ayes.

Kannas moved Peckham seconded authorizing Mayor Brace and Clerk to pay warrants as statements are received in the future for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, all ayes.

Peckham moved Kannas seconded to table designating a general contractor for “Iowa – Green” House Neighborhood Stabilization Program as Jeremy Rounds is verifying any conflict of interest issues should council designate Martin Olive, all ayes.

Peckham moved Butcher seconded to approve change Order # 4 2009 Street Project from US Asphalt CO. in the amount of $300, all ayes.

Kannas moved Peckham seconded to approve BC0020758 Casey’s General Store Class C Beer Permit Sunday Sales, all ayes.

Butcher moved Peckham seconded to approve LE0001642 Hy-Vee Class E Liquor License Carryout Beer, Carryout Wine, Class E Liquor License, and Sunday Sales, all ayes.

Mayor Brace informed council he sent by certified mail a letter to Larry Miller and American Hardware Mutual Insurance notice for Miller Motors 601 Benton on March 22, 2010 giving 20 days from service of notice to abate nuisance.

Peckham moved Butcher seconded ratification of Resolution 16-10 Adoption of FY 2010/2011 Budget, all ayes.

Unfinished Business: All items remained tabled: Language of Notice to Accept Sealed Bids for Disposal of Property at City Parking Lot (old McNulty Building) North Two-thirds of Lot 318 in the Original Town of Corning will be discussed April 12^th Council Meeting. Clerk gathering information from Corning Housing Director to get Chapter 25 Corning Housing Commission Ordinance completed. Clerk is checking with the Iowa League of Cities legal department for any issues on renting out the Airport for grass/hay cutting.

New Business: Mayor Brace received council consensus to close Railroad Crossing at the end of Davis Street, with BNSF Railroad agreeing to assist in funding between $30,000 and $50,000 to assist in the paving 360 feet of 4^th Street from Highway 148 west. Butcher voiced concerns on Kingery property with clerk noting no one had been issued a demolition permit. Blazek voiced concerns about delinquent fees being sent to treasurer after lien search completed with Clerk & Mayor explaining that anyone doing a lien search should call city hall and utilities office to verify any delinquent fees, if it is between quarters. Blazek concerned with employees cleaning personal vehicles on cities time & Goodson not getting 96 gallon tote set curb side to get emptied. Peckham questioned where the city was with getting the heating/air unit replaced with Mayor Brace explaining we were still trying to get bids, noted 4 citizens contacted him concerning the recycle bins being full and correction to last page of council’s Code of Conduct with Mayor Brace noting it would be corrected and handed out at next meeting. Peckham also questioned if city should acquire another house for demolition and suggested the trailer on 13^th Street.

Mayor Brace adjourned meeting at 7:24PM

City of Corning

601 6^th Street

Minutes

Regular Meeting April 12^th, 2010

Mayor Brace called meeting to order 5:00PM, council persons Cindy Peterson, Dick Blazek, Bert Peckham and Clerk Iona M. Allen present. Judith Butcher entered 5:28PM and Brian Kannas entered 5:35PM. Peterson moved Peckham seconded to adopt agenda, all ayes. Peckham moved Blazek seconded to approve minutes from March 22^nd, 2010, all ayes. Blazek moved Peterson seconded to approve warrants 31085-31143 with exception of holding check 31098 for $137.30 to the Corning Youth Club until verification line was trenched in, all ayes. Peterson moved Blazek seconded to approve all financial reports, all ayes.

Clerk reported animal control officer asked about animal neglect, giving a copy of Chapter 55, specifically 55.02 with a copy of Iowa Code 717B.3 and informing that if an animal is being neglected needs to contact dispatch office and City Hall. Submitted 2010 Community All Star Award for the Aquatic Center (no charge) and submitted 2010 Governor’s Volunteer Award for Adams County Aquatic Committee ($15.00 charge adding to warrants out of general misc clerks office). Council received invitation from the Opera House for the Chamber Coffee Friday April 23^rd 10-12PM. I will be attending IMFOA Conference April 21^st – 23^rd in Des Moines.

No citizen’s written or verbal comment.

Martin Olive noted he forwarded the Iowa Green Streets Criteria 85 page book to clerk if anyone would like to view it and gave an example from it that Mulberry tree at 1003 Adams that needs removed must have a written erosion plan with silt fencing, and stressed the Iowa Green Streets Criteria is a mandatory requirement for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program as well as the Community Development Block Grant for Downtown Revitalization Fund Project. May 1^st the Iowa State University students will be at the Community Building to present their final drawings and would like community input. The students are doing specs for appliances and will provide us with interior finish choices.

Mayor Brace noted we received pricing of new home at 1103 Adams for $120,442.48 and did get 50% of the necessary funds obligated by March 31, 2010 in the amount of $1,647, 704.64 that was submitted expenses to Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED). We received information from IDED we can negotiate on foreclosed property before the sheriffs sale.

Butcher moved Peckham seconded to participate in the application for Community Development Block Grant for Downtown Revitalization Fund Project, all ayes.

Peckham moved Butcher seconded to set public hearing for Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Fund Project for May 10^th, 2010 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 5:30PM, all ayes.

Peckham moved Kannas seconded to approve Resolution 19-10 to declare “Main Street” area as blighted for Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Fund Project with “Exhibit A” map attached. Roll Call Vote Ayes: Peckham, Kannas, Peterson, Blazek, Butcher. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Council reviewed Park & Recreations Minutes from March 18^th, 2010.

Ken Rummer noted Park and Recreations recommendation Angie Larson for Aquatic Center Manager 2010 season. Peterson moved Kannas seconded to hire Larson, all ayes. Rummer noted Larson will hire guards and an assistant manager at a higher rate of pay than the guards receive for 2010 season.

Peckham moved Peterson seconded to approve the Adams Community Aquatic Center Memorial and Special Gifts Policy, all ayes.

Peckham moved Kannas seconded to table discussion of parking at the 800 block of Benton on the west side, all ayes.

Mr. Warren Elwood presented council with his concerns and requests, clerk gave council specific amounts and after lengthy discussion and council instructed clerk to check with utilities about deposits on wastewater and garbage, Butcher moved Peckham seconded not to forgive the delinquent wastewater and garbage fees for 4^th Quarter of 2009 for 405 9^th Street, all ayes.

Donnie Willet (Fire Chief & Emergency Management Coordinator) presented council with a list of properties and owner that had burned illegally (by following the Code of Ordinances) in town, with Willet asking the city to follow ordinance. Willet has received numerous nuisance complaints at all hours of day and night. Willet wants council to consider “no burn” ordinance for city. Clerk was instructed to contact other communities same size to get copy of their burn ordinance.

Kannas moved Peckham seconded to approve alley closing between Farmers Coop and RJ’s Plumbing and Heating for April 16^th, 2010 from 4-6PM with Coop’s agreement, all ayes.

Butcher moved Peckham seconded to approve Resolution 20-10 final purchase price of $8,700 for property Legal Description Lot 26 & 27 Original Town of Corning (1103 Adams Street) for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Roll Call Vote Ayes: Butcher, Peckham, Kannas, Blazek, Peterson. Nays: None. Absent: None.

Butcher moved Peckham seconded to approve BC0029034 FSC Mart Class C Beer Permit (BC) Sunday Sales, all ayes.

Peterson moved Butcher seconded to approve BB_V_26484 Adams County Speedway Fair and Racing Assn. Class B Beer (BB) (Includes Wine Coolers) Outdoor Service, all ayes.

Butcher moved Peckham seconded to approve WBN000496 The Fickle Frog Class B Native Wine Permit (WBN) Outdoor Service Sunday Sales, all ayes.

After lengthy discussion Peckham moved Butcher seconded to table the acceptance of bids for Heating/Air Unit Community Building, council wanted to verify bids were for same unit, all ayes.

Council reviewed and discussed the bid notice and specs for the repair of Street Department Maintenance shop roof, requested Mayor to check into 26 gauge and also put bid as 1 or both sides.

Unfinished Business: Mayor noted spoke with Sorenson and language of notice to accept sealed bids for disposal of property at City parking lot (old McNulty Building) North Two-thirds of Lot 318 in the Original Town of Corning would continue to be tabled until May 10^th council meeting. Chapter 25 Corning Community Housing Ordinance still tabled. Blazek moved Peckham seconded to put out for bids the airport for cash crop of hay/grass with stipulations of working with sludge hauling, motion passed, Peterson nay. Designating general contractor for “Iowa – Green” house for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program remained tabled.

New Business: Mayor Brace explained sludge truck blowing oil and honey wagon frozen up, Carl Goodson looking at new equipment with approximate cost of pump system at $1,500 and we could use it to pump out Lake Binder pits, man holes, etc. that we’ve been hiring done. Blazek suggested calling Brad Vangelter; he priced hauling sludge at $30.00 a load. Mayor Brace explained with BNSF agreement of railroad crossing closing at south end of Davis he had received price quote from Feldhacker to pave 4^th Street starting at Highway 148 going west 360 feet at 24feet wide and 8 inches deep with rebar for $48,789, BNSF would pay $48,000 if Feldhacker agreed to just close ½ of 4^th Street at a time, council agreed with all BNSF stipulations. Mayor Brace noted Perry Linn is hired for street department, part-time seasonal to start April 26^th at $10.00 an hour. Peckham wants Goodvin property by recycle area considered when address next nuisance properties and wants nuisance letters sent last year revisited as soon as possible. Blazek wants clothing allowing put on agenda for May 10^th for discussion, and wants employees to wear reflective vests and wants council to consider going to three man city crew, with maybe a part-time 4^th and hire out sludge hauling.

Mayor Brace adjourned meeting at 8:20PM.

City of Corning

601 6^th Street

Minutes

Regular Meeting April 26^th, 2010

Mayor Brace called meeting to order at 5:00PM council persons Cindy Peterson, Brian Kannas, Bert Peckham and Clerk Iona M. Allen present. Judith Butcher entered 5:35PM. Peterson moved Peckham seconded to adopt agenda, all ayes. Peckham moved Kannas seconded to approve March 31^st, 2010 Neighborhood Stabilization Program public informational minutes, all ayes. Peckham moved Peterson seconded to approve April 6^th, 2010 Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Fund public informational minutes, all ayes. Peterson moved Peckham seconded to approve April 12^th, 2010 minutes, all ayes. Peterson moved Kannas seconded to approve warrants 31144-31159 and directed clerk to pay, all ayes.

Clerk reported per April 14^th e-mail Ken Rummer explained reason trencher and other items weren’t listed on the invoice was due to the fact they were done as “in-kind”, so with that clarification check 31098 for $137.30 was paid to the Corning Youth Club. Community Bldg $1753 from Corning Municipal Utilities was this high on revenue and expense report due to rate increase. Lake Binder miscellaneous expense $297.50 was for Dave Kibbe manager. Carl Goodson priced Feeders Grain UPS against McMahon Drug, it could be a plus or minus $20 per year, we are going to continue using McMahon drug since they are a wastewater customer for their business and home. 3 Items; billing date change with Corning Municipal Utilities, Small Cities Workshop dates and sites, please let me know ASAP if you are interested in attending, and the Main Street Filling Vacancies Workshop that will be held May 11^th from 5:30-7:30 at the Community Center.

No citizen’s written or verbal comments.

Neighborhood Stabilization Project updates: Martin Olive noted in regards to demolition, City is not in Green Streets compliance with the project at 402-404 6^th Street since silt fencing not used when removed sewer and water lines and 1103 Adams property will need hay/straw bales and silt fencing, suggested using Appendix A Green Development Plan and Checklist practices. Iowa State Students will be here May 1^st to present their final design and Martin is looking for a structural engineer for the project. Mayor Brace noted he had turned the purchase of 306 10^th (foreclosed property) over to our attorney Millhollin to negotiate and was informed it must go to sheriff’s sale. Designation of general contractor remained tabled.

Peckham moved Kannas seconded to approve Mayor Brace signing Amendment #1 to Neighborhood Stabilization Program 08-NSP-004, it was noted activity 2, 5 and 7 were changed from the original, all ayes.

Donnie Willett noted the fire department was denied the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Station Construction Grant. Suggested the committees get re-involved for the new Fire Station and sites need evaluated, since 2 of the 3 are in the 500 year flood plain and not sure if the 3^rd site is even for sale. Fundraising committee is having problems raising money when no specific site is set. Final note was damage to 911 system, computers, printer and antennae tower from the April 23^rd storm.

Jennifer Moore requested permission for Greenhills Produce & Crafts to use Central Park for Farmers Market from May 27^th - September 30^th during the hours of 4:30PM-6:30PM. Peckham approved Butcher seconded, all ayes. Moore received council consensus for 3 parking spaces on east side May 27^th for the Cattlemen’s Association to grill.

Kevin Olson addressed council in regards to the bidding process and the “in-kind” work city does on projects. Example of demolition work being done for Neighborhood Stabilization Project with the city removing the sewer and water lines, but the original bid was for the contractors to remove them. The “in-kind” work should be figured out before city goes out for bids and it shouldn’t be changed or the contractors should change their bids if they don’t have to remove those services.

Unfinished business: Rex Townsend explained concerns with parking along west side of the 800 block of Benton, noting clerk had called requesting he move a trailer and she provided two Ordinances, one regarding advertising and one noting no disconnected trailers were allowed. Since it is the only place along Benton for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week parking it makes it difficult at times for him to conduct business and to promote his business. Peterson moved Peckham seconded to table until May 10^th, all ayes.

Peterson moved Kannas seconded to accept Two Short Ladies and a Spatula bid of $100.00 for the Spring Lake concession stand season from May through June 2010, all ayes.

Kannas moved Peckham seconded to accept Ordinance Chapter 25 Corning Housing Commission First Reading. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Kannas, Peckham, Butcher, Peterson. Nays: None. Absent: Blazek.

Unfinished Business: Mayor Brace presented council with bid notices for Airport hay ground and language of notice to accept sealed bids for disposal of property at City Parking Lot (old McNulty Building) North Two-Thirds of Lot 318 in the Original Town of Corning, council approved a 2 x 2 advertisement for each to be placed in the Free Press for the next 2 weeks, with due dates to City Clerk by May 21^st.

Ken Rummer Parks and Recreations Chairperson presented council with Park and Recreation minutes of April 14^th and a draft Spring Lake draft use agreement. Kannas moved Peckham seconded draft agreement for $5.00 fee for the 2010 season, all ayes. Rummer also discussed repairs at approximate $200 - $300 for Skate park, Rick Goodvin and Jason Swanson had volunteered to do the repairs if the city supplied the materials, such as paint, screws, bondo putty, replacement boards, etc., Mayor Brace noted approximately $1,000 budgeted for repairs, Peckham moved Butcher seconded approval of repairs, all ayes.

Kannas moved Peterson seconded to approve LC0036916 Red Bull Class C Liquor License (LC) (Commercial) & Sunday Sales, all ayes.

Mayor Brace addressed council with window and counter top issues at the Aquatic Center and informed council Dave Steerman from Carrothers was here 2 weeks ago working on window, but still has problems. Steerman suggestion was putting in ¼” thick metal length of window above lip of window that should stop leak. Tim Larsen suggested replacing counter top with solid surface such as a corain. Peckham noted east window leaking as well.

Mayor Brace noted clerk called Commercial Roof Coatings regarding roof leaks on City Hall and Community Bldg. (installed 2003) has 10 year warranty, should be repaired at no charge, will look at problems in 2 weeks.

Unfinished business: Council was presented with 3 bids for heating/air unit for Community Building Carruthers Plumbing & Heating $11,663, Corning Plumbing & Heating $11,844 and Jones Mechanical, Inc. $12,098 council concerned vendors not bidding on same unit, with Mayor noting even with model number typo all unit specifications were the same. Peckham moved Kannas seconded to decline all bids, all ayes.

New business: Sludge hauling discussed council consensus to go with Three Bar Farms LLC from Mt Ayr, Carl Goodson Wastewater Superintendent researched and found would be $600 cheaper than Brad Van Gelder. Goodson will continue to get pricing to replace honey wagon or sludge truck. Peckham moved Kannas seconded to set public hearing for May 10^th 5:30PM for Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Fund Project, all ayes. Council declined Donald Carlson request for a discount 2010 camping season pass to Lake Binder even though he hauled 3 loads of gravel to place on camper pad sites. Mayor Brace noted city using employee’s power washer at street department and Kevin Olson Street Superintendent has priced a power washer that heats water from $3,824 - $4,475 and would like to purchase one instead of using employees, no vote. Peckham noted John Fister hauling debris to site going to be demolished and request Mayor Brace to send letter or have Mr. Fister fined and/or his debris put back on his own property. Easements regarding replacement of Loomis Avenue BNSF Railroad Bridge are being worked on by city attorney Millhollin. Peckham wants bid from Feldhacker to work on Grove with city employees removing curb and Feldhacker replacing it, Mayor noted he was working on.

Mayor and council discussed FY 2009/2010 budget amendments with the following needed amendments: fire, snow removal, Spring Lake, economic development, housing and urban renewal, and mayor/council for expenses only.

Peckham moved Peterson seconded to set public hearing for FY 2009/2010 Budget Amendment for May 24^th, 2010 at 5:30PM, all ayes.

Mayor Brace adjourned meeting at 8:12PM.