January 23
CITY OF HIAWATHA
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2006
5:35 P.M.
HIAWATHA CITY HALL
723 OREGON ST.
The Hiawatha City Commission met in regular session January 23, 2006 at 5:35 p.m. at City Hall with Mayor Trant, Commissioner Collins, Commissioner Shamburg, Commissioner Schmitt, and Commissioner Gamble in attendance.
1. Pledge of Allegiance/ Call to Order
2. Approval of minutes of the January 17, 2006 city commission meeting
Mayor Trant asked the commissioners if Donna Crawford actually made the statement on page 1, item 5, paragraph 3, where it reads “The City of Hiawatha did not pay anything out of pocket.” Mayor Trant stated that Donna Crawford stated instead that “the project was financed by the CDBG grant in a combination with a loan and a grant from Rural Development.”
Commissioner Gamble and Commissioner Collins stated that they recalled Donna Crawford making the statement found in the minutes.
Mayor Trant stated that he would like to add the other statement to the minutes.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Collins, to approve the minutes of the January 17, 2006 city commission meeting with the addition on page one of “the project was financed by CDBG grants and Rural Development. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
3. Presentation of petitions, public comments, memorials
Consider a citizen request for abatement of a portion of a water bill due to a water leak.
Les Money stated that he is representing Richard Shields, his father-in-law, who was recently deceased. He stated that the leak was near the barn and that he did not realize the leak was there.
Commissioner Collins stated that it is hard for the city to take responsibility for it if it’s on the customer’s side.
Commissioner Gamble stated that currently we do not have a water loss policy in place. We should have one in place because we have been inconsistent. Commissioner Gamble stated that we need to be consistent and fair to everybody. Until we implement a policy, we should allow abatement, unless there has been extreme negligence from the property owner. Normally we pay about ½ of the difference of their average water bill.
Commissioner Collins stated that this water loss policy was set by a prior city administrator, not the commission. If it’s from the city side, they won’t get billed. If it’s on the citizen’s side, then they need to pay it.
Commissioner Gamble stated that the city normally allows abatements on water leaks. It should be fair for everybody.
Commissioner Schmitt stated that the information in the packet stated that there was no water apparent in the house. She asked whether there was any apparent near the barn.
Mr. Money stated that it was apparent near the barn. He stated that they had been checking the house but did not know about this small cattle feeder.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that if previous policy is applied, the water abatement would be $642.06. Their average utility bill is $20.88. The current utility bill is $1305.00. The difference divided by two is $642.06.
Commissioner Gamble made a motion to allow abatement to Richard Shields’ account in the amount of $642.06.
Commissioner Collins stated that he thinks the wrong statement is being sent. We need to back up to last week when we refused abatement. The city needs to set a firm policy.
Commissioner Gamble stated that this is why he voted nay last week. The city has been sending mixed messages.
Commissioner Schmitt stated that the issue last week was not very different from this week.
Commissioner Gamble stated that he made it clear last week that he did not agree with the water bill from the plumber but did agree with the water bill abatement.
Mayor Trant stated that not having a policy actually gives us more latitude to consider each case on its on merits and the impact it will have on our customers. Sending mixed messages or not, it is my feeling since we have a deceased property owner and other people who are unfamiliar with the property have control over it, that they did practice due diligence on checking the house. Mayor Trant stated that the city should show compassion and abate a portion of this water bill.
Commissioner Shamburg stated that a policy needs to be implemented. Commissioner Shamburg stated that the city should help the Shields out. He stated that he would like to see proof of repair of a leak.
Commissioner Collins stated that if he was denied before, he would be back to the commission the next week. He stated that the commission is heading in the wrong direction.
Commissioner Shamburg seconded Commissioner Gamble’s motion. Motion carried, 4 ayes, 1 nay. Commissioner Collins voted nay.
Mayor Trant requested a water leak abatement policy from the city administrator and city clerk be proposed at a future meeting..
Commissioner Shamburg stated that he would like proof that repair has been made.
Commissioner Gamble stated that the only case he voted against was when the resident was living in the house and heard water running for a month and did not look around.
Dean Bailey commented that these are the months that are deciding factors on sewer rates so that should be taken in to consideration.
Mayor Trant stated that this needs to be considered in the policy.
Commissioner Collins stated that the policy and abatements before were done in house without the commission’s approval. He stated that they need to come before the commission.
4. Old Business - None
New Business
5. Consider approval to solicit bids for farming of city owned property at Bruning Park and the airport.
Mayor Trant stated that, as he understands it, the city has had cash-rent contracts with a couple of farmers in the area to farm Bruning Park and the airport. These contracts did expire sometime back.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that the Bruning Park Contract was initiated in 1995. It states that it will continue on a yearly basis without formal renewal. He stated that it is time to get new bids on the property.
Commissioner Collins made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble, to approve solicitation of bids for farming the Bruning Park and airport property and the addition of 7.58 acres at Bruning Park to the farmable area. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Appropriation Ordinance #1078 in the amount of $102,518.24
b. Payroll appropriation Ordinance #1050 in the amount of $36,951.00
c. Tree Trimmer License (Arborist and Transplanting) – Gudenkauf Transplanting, Marysville
Mayor Trant gave a breakdown of the appropriation ordinance.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
7. City Administrator Slaugh – executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel
City Administrator Slaugh requested an executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel for approximately 15 minutes.
Commissioner Gamble made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shamburg, to recess into executive session at 6:09 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
Commissioner Collins made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shamburg, to return to regular session at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Collins, to accept the resignation of the city administrator with regret to be effective March 24, 2006. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Collins, to authorize the city administrator to contact the League of Municipalities to assist the commission with the search for a new administrator. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
8. Mayor Leon Trant
Mayor Trant stated that we will miss Carl and wished him the best in his new endeavors.
Mayor Trant stated that there will be a Municipal Code work session at 5:35 p.m. on Tuesday January 24.
9. Com. William Collins
Commissioner Collins expressed his sorrow that Carl is leaving. He stated that he won’t have anyone to argue with anymore. It is hard to see you leave and we’ll miss you.
10. Com. Curtis Gamble
Commissioner Gamble thanked Carl for his time and all the efforts he has put forth to the city. He stated that he appreciates all Carl’s efforts and wishes him well in his future endeavors.
11. Com. Marianne Schmitt
Commissioner Schmitt stated that she appreciates everything Carl has done. She wished Carl and his family the best.
12. Com. Steffen Shamburg
Commissioner Shamburg thanked Carl for the wonderful job that he has done. He stated that he appreciates all of Carl’s time and effort and wishes him the best.
Commissioner Shamburg made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble, to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Motion carried, 5 ayes.