City Council

CITY OF BRITT – BRITT IOWA – May 3rd, 2022 City of Britt, Iowa Council met in pursuant to law and the rules of said Council in regular session at 7:00 o’clock P.M. the 3rd day of May 2022. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arndorfer, and the following Council members were: PRESENT: Stacey Swenson, Curt Gast, Karrie Wallen, Ashley Weiss, & Chad Luecht ABSENT: The Mayor presented the agenda for approval and with changing 5i to 361 5th St SW. It was moved by Wallen and seconded by Gast to approve the agenda. A roll call vote was had which was as follows: Ayes: Gast, Swenson, Wallen, Weiss, & Luecht Nays: None The motion carried. It was moved by Weiss and seconded by Luecht that the following items contained in the Consent Agenda be approved and adopted: with the exception of Class C Liquor License for Sharks Bar, who is still awaiting insurance approval. All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion with a roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time Council votes on the motion. Consent Agenda items may include any non-controversial subjects. a. Approve Minutes of the 4/05/2022 Regular Council Meeting & 4/26/2022 Special Council Meeting b. Claim list in the amount of $313,643.83 c. Approve Alcohol Permit for Britt Food Center d. Approve Class B Beer Permit for Britt Golf Course e. Approve Class C Permit for Family Dollar Store #32891 f. Approve Cigarette/ Tobacco License for Casey’s #3043 g. Approve Cigarette/Tobacco License for Britt Food Center Ayes: Gast, Swenson, Wallen, Weiss, and Luecht Nays: None The motion carried, and the Consent Agenda items were approved and adopted. Next, we moved onto Department Head Reports. First was Linda Friedow, Library Director. Friedow attended the Annual meeting of NILC (North Iowa Libraries Collaborating in Clarion on Wed, April 27. This is the group of sixty libraries that share a circulation system. Summer Reading/children’s programing – CPPC grant (Community Programs for Protecting Children) $3,000 in grant funds were available in a four-county area (Hancock/Cerro Gordo/Worth/Winnebago). Carol wrote a grant for $2,500 for our Summer Reading program and received $2,500! This will cover all programs, supplies and book giveaways. Received the grant funds from the LSTA (Library Services & Technology Grant). This was $2,907.50 for the cost of the new copier/scanner/printer, supplies for it and the Wi-Fi booster renewal. Looking at tech services. MY Libro, a phone app that tracks library usage, scheduling, suggestions. Managed IT services including a new firewall, cloud storage and back-up service (and new computer for Friedow). Looking at a new couch for the reading area and seating in the children’s room. All required state reports have been filed (Enrich Iowa and Bridges) – these cover direct state funds and eBooks/audiobooks. The door counter is registering about 1200-1300 “IN” a month, Wi-Fi log ins 180-250/month. Vance Hagen, Public Works Director was present to give his report. Watermain was repaired in alley behind Gift Sew Sweet. Hagen Met with Chief Swenson and IOS rep Patterson to go overflow testing. Ordered new barricades and cones, Justin and I attended CPO and CEU class. Jade and JT attended CPO class. Hagen Spoke with Andy Buffington regarding tornado sirens and remotely operating them. RC systems was here for repair of sirens (worked remotely and from comm center). Went to Kanawha twice to help with cleanup from storm. The Dept. attended Region II class at NIACC. The alarms at the pool were going off, Reding investigated the floats and have remedied the problem. A new fluoride pump was installed at water plant. Dept Flushed hydrants. Municipal pipe cleaned and televised sewer mains. Hagen met with several citizens with concerns about water and sewer services. Hagen Spoke with Alliant about utility pole location on 4th St SW. Took various pictures of drainage ditch going thru Lion’s and Camp Park and sent to Bolton Menk for solutions. Contacted Westrum about contract. Spoke with various people concerning RAGBRAI. Helped with rental agreement with Family Dollar General contractor about using lot south of them. Installed new stop signs and one mailbox. Hauled river rock from hospital to sewer plant. The streets were swept, locates were done, meters were read, and shut offs were done. Hagen proposed to the council having Westrum Leak Detection look at the hydrants and valves for leaks. He presented a 1 year, 3 year and 5-year agreement to the council. Vance recommended to council the one-year agreement. It was motioned by Gast and second by Swenson. To approve hiring Westrum leak detection for the one-year agreement in the amount of $1,800. Motion carried unanimously. Next was Mark Anderson, Police Chief’s report. The PD had 195 calls for service since the last council meeting. Officer Reis is back from the academy and working. The new patrol is in Algona getting outfitted. Officer Williams leaves for K9 Training next week. Jon Swenson, Fire Chief was present to give his report. They had three calls for service in April. Two were weather spotter and one fire call. They Dept did Training on discussion about training hours, reporting to calls, and tanker shuttle with pumper drafting from drop tank timed and video. Did CRP burn for farmers in the aera. The 727-fire engine pumper repair was $17,118.63. It has been repaired and returned. The 725 had hail damage responding to Kanawha after storm/Tornado. ISO score has not updated yet, they are still using 2018 score. Mike Boomgarden, Zoning Administrator, was present to give his report. Three building permits were issued, and Boomgarden spoke to seven residents on zoning questions they had. Jen Wieland, Park, and Rec Director, was not present to give the Park and Rec report. The Park and Rec Director Job Ad/Description was not approved by council since no one was there to speak on the matter. Mayor Arndorfer stated that Summer Rec salaries were already approved since that was included in the budget. Next was the Clerk’s report. Elizabeth Ibarra was present to give her report. The Legion reached out to the chamber to see if they wanted to hold the Easter Egg Hunt. Amy Madson, from the Chamber asked me if the City could take it over. The Mayor and Council do not think they could use city money for this. Mayland mentioned that the Chamber was going to reach out to other businesses and see if they had any interest in taking it over. The Wit Ralley- Iowa Winnie Hawks are wanting the City of Brit to provide them a breakfast. Both the Mayor and Council said that they could not use city money for this. They suggested we reach back out to The Chamber to see if they had any interest. Next on the agenda was our security cameras. Marcy Mayland, Deputy Clerk, reached out to Meritt Computer Systems to see if we could get a couple of our cameras fixed and or/ get a new system. It would cost $900 to service the system or $1980 to replace the system. It was motioned by Swenson and second by Gast to approve Meritt Computer Systems to replace the security system for $1980. Motion carried unanimously. Next on the agenda was Cody and Rayshell Witte Tax Abatement. They Built a $307,440 house on land appraised at $22,980. They are seeking a tax abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan. It was motioned by Gast and second by Weiss to approve their request to be tax abated. Motion carried unanimously. Next on the Agenda was Absolute Waste Removal. Ibarra informed that residents are setting out extra trash bags next to their cans. Mayland reached out to Absolute and found they had options of providing trash stickers at $1.50. Both Mayor and Council felt that if residents are continually having extra bags of trash, they really need a bigger trash can or a second container. Mayland and Ibarra will keep track of the residents that have extra trash bags to see if it is a weekly issue. The council will discuss this issue again if there becomes a need. Next on the agenda was to Approve the purchase 664 Main Ave North for $20,000. It was motioned by Weiss and second by Gast to approve the purchase of 664 Main Ave North for $20,000.00. The Motion carried unanimously.  Next was the Mayor’s report. The City was awarded the house and land in court at 361 5th St SW back in November. A neighbor is interested in tearing down the property if the city would give them the land and take out all the electrical. Present to speak on the property was Cindy Bartlett and Eileen Olson. Bartlett and Olson felt that they did not get proper notification that the property was getting turned over to the City. Arndorfer stated that it is the courts job to give them the proper notifications. If they have a problem with the City taking the property, they will need to reach out to the court. It was motioned by Weiss to approve the neighbor taking ownership of 361 5th ST SW after the house has been removed. It was second by Gast. Motion carried unanimously. Originally, we had approved $7,500 to The Learning Center for a playground. The Learning Center is now needing those funds for their operating expense. It was motioned by Gast and second by Weiss to approve the daycare budget request of $7,500 for operating expenses just this one time. Motion carried. Swenson abstained and Luecht voted against it. Next was the RAGBRAI ordinance no. 511. This is same Ordinance that was passed seven years ago. This allows the sale of anything at a booth, or in your yard, in town the day of RAGBRAI with the exception of those approved of the RAGBRAI committee and anyone who owns a business has the right to sell in front of their business. It was motioned by Swenson and second by Weiss to approve the Ordinance no. 511.A roll call vote was had which was as follows. Ayes: Swenson, Gast, Wallen, Weiss, and Luecht Nays: None The Ordinance first reading was approved. Mayor Arndorfer entertained a motion to wave the second and third reading. It was motioned by Gast and second by Luecht to wave the second and third reading for Ordinance no. 511. A roll call vote was had. Ayes: Swenson, Gast, Wallen, Weiss, and Luecht Nays: None The Ordinance was approved and adopted. Eric at the Britt Bar and Grill has asked to close the Alley for RAGBRAI and Hobo Days. It was motioned by Gast and second by Wallen to approve the closing of the Alley behind the Britt Bar and Grill. Motion carried unanimously. Public Comment: Wes Brown and Katie Sterk from Bolton and Menk reached out to Vance and Ryan about our Water treatment project. The DNR has yet to approve our construction permit because they are very back logged. Without the approval from the DNR we need to tell Henkel Construction that they need to wait which means they might need to re-bid the project (would most likely increase) or approve a notice to proceed. The notice to proceed allows Henkel to start purchasing materials for the project. It is Sterk and Brown’s recommendation to do a notice to proceed. We could see the first Payment application issued as early as May 25th; we would not be able to ask for reimbursement of invoices from the SRF until it is approved with the DNR. We could have the first payment on the loan project be due before the next fiscal year which could range anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 dollars. Arndorfer stated that we have a couple of CDs we could use to cover that if necessary. All the Council agreed to issue a notice to proceed to Henkel Construction. Arndorfer Also wanted Ibarra to reach out to Kelly Sweers with K&C Tree Service to get a quote for treating our Ash trees against emarald ash borer. With no further business it was moved by Luecht and seconded by Swenson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous vote. __________________________________ ______________________________________ Elizabeth Ibarra, Acting City Clerk Ryan L. Arndorfer, Mayor  CLAIMS REPORT VENDOR REFERENCE AMOUNT 3D TROPHIES TROPHIES 288.9 A P CLEANING SERVICES CLEANING 1,300.00 AGSOURCE TESTING 1,279.00 ALLIANT ENERGY ELECRTIC 10,570.77 AMAZON LIBRARY-TECH/SUPPLIES 215.49 ARAMARK CITY HALL 491.1 BARCO MUNICIPAL PRODUCTS MISC SUPPLIES 1,623.12 BASE REIMB DEF COMP 679.16 BOLTON & MENK DESIGN AND BID PHASE 72,635.10 BRITT FIRE ASSOCIATION DIESEL FUEL 100 BRITT FOOD CENTER LIBRARY-SUPPLIES 102.07 BRITT PARKS AND REC REIMBURSEMEBT 1,977.05 BRITT-WOODEN INS AGENCY BUSINESS PROTECTION 69,313.00 C J COOPER LABS 35 CARD SERVICES MISC EXP 661.69 CENGAGE LEARNING LIBRARY-LP BOOKS 435.91 CHASE DECALS. COM 2021 FORD EXPLORER 1,329.08 CHRISTOPHER REIS FUEL REIMBURSEMENT 485.4 COLLECTION SERVICE CENTER GARNISHMENT 363.16 DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA DNTL/VISN-PRETX 876.62 DEMCO LIBRARY-RUG AND SUPPLIES 559.88 EARLES DEMOLITION 665 EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 10,664.97 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PH WASTEWATER 229.25 GREAT AMERICA FINANCIAL SVCS PRINTER 159.68 HANCOCK CO HEALTH SYSTEM MEDICAL EXAMS 530 HANCOCK CO TREASURER PROP TAX 65 HAUGLAND REPAIR IGNITION COIL 264.99 HAWKINS INC. CHEMICALS/ IMPROVEMENTS 1,579.51 HIGH TIDE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION RENEWAL 240 IMFOA CONFERENCE MARCY MAYLAND 50 INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES LIBRARY-BOOKS 762.93 IA DEPT OF INSPECTIONS & APPEA POOL FOOD LICENSE 200 IPERS IPERS 7,470.71 JORDAN WILLIAMS K9 SUPPLIES/ CAR WASH SPRAYER 48.13 KARMA POLICE CANINE LLC 120 HR K9 COURSE/NARCOTICS 11,000.00 LC PHOTOGRAPHY MARCY'S PICTURE 50 MARCY MAYLAND GAS REIMBURSEMENT-PIC/TEXT 39.78 MICRO MARKETING LIBRARY-AUDIO 43.8 MID AMERICA BOOKS LIBRARY-JF BOOKS 149.67 MID-AMERICA PUBLISHING NOTICES 1,005.60 MIDWEST TAPE LIBRARY-DVDS 62.22 NEW COOPERATIVE GAS 2,356.80 NEXT GENERATION TECH INC SYSTEM SUPPORT 94.86 NORTH IOWA LUMBER & DESIGN INC MAILBOX REPLACEMENT 169.96 P&P ELECTRIC WATT BLOCK HEATER 1,291.21 PAYROLL April 34,983.82 PRESTO-X-COMPANY PEST CONTROL 57.63 PRITCHARD AUTO POLICE VEHICLE MAINT 20 PSI ENVELOPES 168.9 STATE HYGIENIC LABORATORY TESTING 27 STATE TREASURER STATE TAXES 1,632.00 STIVERS FORD LINCOLN FORD 2021 POLICE VEHICLE 35,909.00 THE EARL W. HILL TRUST ACCOUNT DARLENE EDINGTON'S PROP PURCHA 20,758.20 TIME USA LLC LIBRARY-RENEWAL 55.38 TRAVEL & LEISURE LIBRARY-RENEWAL 2YR 23 TRULSON AUTO VEHICLE MAINT POLICE 214.24 U S POSTMASTER POSTAGE MARCH UB 381.13 UNITED HEALTH CARE HEALTH-PRE-TAX 14,574.73 VERIZON POLICE PHONES 323.23 Accounts Payable Total 313,643.83