City Council

Clarinda City Council Minutes Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Clarinda City Hall – 5 p.m. The Clarinda City Council met at the Clarinda City Hall on February 8,2023 at 5:00 p.m. Mayor Craig Hill presided at the meeting with the following Council Members present: Jeff McCall, Austin Ascherl, Jamie Shore, and Matt Ridge. Mayor Craig Hill asked for all to recite the Pledge of Allegiance Adopt Agenda Motion by McCall to adopt the agenda. Seconded by Ridge. Vote was unanimous. Staff Announcements Fire Chief Roger Williams reported to the council the new pumper truck ordered in 2021 is ready to be delivered. This new truck will replace the 1988 pumper truck. Williams invited everyone to come to the Fire Station February 20,2023 to look at the new pumper truck. Williams stated the 1988 pumper truck will be advertised to be sold and if no interest, it will go to the scrap yard. Williams thanked the City Council and Manager McClarnon for supporting the purchase of the new pumper truck. Public Comment Clarinda Resident David Koets addressed the council with his concerns with the new Ordinance Pertaining to Animal Control. Koets understands the reasoning for the new ordinance given the recent incidents of dogs attacking residents, but feels it is too restrictive and punishes responsible dog owners. Koets would like to know if the city will offer an alternative for dog owners to have access to city property during certain hours to let dogs run without a leash. Koets thanked the council for their consideration. Consent Agenda Councilor Ascherl made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the (a) January 25,2023, Regular Council Minutes, (b) Alcohol license for Dollar General, Fireworks permit for Clarinda Fire Department, (c) January Warrants & January Financial Statements. Seconded by Ridge. Vote was unanimous. Public Hearing Concerning the Proposed City Maximum Property Tax Dollars Mayor Hill opened the public hearing at 5:07 p.m. Manager McClarnon stated the Public Hearing Concerning the Proposed City Maximum Property Tax Dollars was published in the Clarinda Herald Journal as required by law and there were no written or oral comments. McClarnon stated if they pass the proposed Legislation on reducing the property tax rollback the budget process will have to be revised. Manager McClarnon stated it has not passed in the House or signed by the Governor; therefore, the process needs to continue, and this is the next step. Mayor Hill closed the public hearing at 5:09 p.m. Councilor Kaley Neal entered the meeting at 5:08 p.m. Resolution #2053 Approving the Fiscal Year 2024 Maximum Property Tax Dollars Motion by McCall to approve Resolution #2053 for the Fiscal Year 2024 Maximum Property Tax Dollars. Seconded by Neal. Roll Call: Aye: McCall, Ascherl, Neal, Ridge, and Shore Nay: None Motion Carried Resolution #2054 Approving Contract and Bonds for the Construction of the Washington Street Recreation Trail Manager McClarnon spoke with the Engineer who suggested approving the low bid of $225,249.51 from Bluffs Paving and Utility Company, Inc. Councilor McCall stated that he wanted to accept the local contractor A&W Enterprises, LLC D/B/A Crain Construction’s bid of $259,659.00. After further discussion, Councilor Ridge moved to approve Resolution #2054 Approving Contract and Bonds for the Construction of the Washington Street Recreation Trail and approving the low bid of $225,249.51 from Bluffs Paving and Utility Company, Inc. Seconded by Neal. Roll Call: Aye: Ascherl, Neal, Ridge, and Shore Nay: McCall Motion Carried Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Animal Protection Control Motion by Neal to approve Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Animal Protection Control. Seconded by Ridge. Roll Call: Aye: McCall, Ascherl, Neal, Ridge, Shore Nay: None Motion Carried Set Public Hearing Date and Order publication of Notice of Public Hearing Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2023 – Ending June 30, 2024 Motion by Shore to Set Public Hearing Date for March 8, 2023, and Order publication of Notice of Public Hearing Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1,2023 – Ending June 30,2024. Seconded by McCall. Vote was unanimous. Council communications Councilor Ridge stated there has been past discussion from Clarinda residents about the need for a dog park. The council approved these residents to look for other property and bring a proposal to the city council, but there was no follow- through. Manager Communications Manager McClarnon announced the city will be advertising in the paper the sale of a 2002 Chevy Tahoe previously used as a Police vehicle and Public Works Cemetery vehicle. The bid forms and vehicle information can be picked up at City Hall. Manager McClarnon is anticipating the passing of the reduced property tax roll back by the State legislation. If this passes the budget process will begin again. Manager McClarnon stated they would have to raise the levy from $16.75 to an estimated $17.15 if there are no cuts made to the budget. Manager McClarnon has some ideas for cutbacks and will move forward with these cuts if necessary. Manager McClarnon is finalizing the purchase of 2 dilapidated properties that will be torn down and will continue working with Ron Bitting on other contracts. Mayor Communications Mayor Hill thanked everyone for attending the meeting and the comments. Mayor stated that the answers the council gives are not always the answers they would like to hear, but the council tries to do their best for the citizens of Clarinda. Adjourn Motion by Ridge to adjourn the meeting at 5:19 p.m. Seconded by Shore. Vote was unanimous. Mayor: Attest: Craig Hill Paula Gray