City Council

Clarinda City Council Minutes Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Clarinda City Hall – 5:15 p.m. The Clarinda City Council met at City Hall on February 14,2024, at 5:15 p.m. Mayor Craig Hill presided over the meeting with the following Council Members present: Mike Allbaugh, Austin Ascherl, Kaley Neal, Todd Reed, and James Shore. Mayor Craig Hill Asked for all to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Adopt Agenda Motion by Ascherl to Adopt the Agenda. Seconded by Neal. Vote was unanimous. Consent Agenda Councilor Neal made a motion to Approve the Consent Agenda consisting of (a) January 24, 2024 Regular Council Minutes and February 7, 2024, Special Council Minutes, (b) Dugout Bar, LLC liquor license, (c) January Warrants and January Financial Statements. Seconded by Ascherl. Vote was unanimous. Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into an amended Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal Amount not to exceed $15,154,000. Councilor Neal made a motion to approve Resolution #2084 for a public hearing on February 28,2024 at 5:15 p.m. on proposal to enter into an amended Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal Amount not to exceed $15,154,000. Seconded by Reed. Roll Call: Aye: Allbaugh, Ascherl, Neal, Reed, and Shore Nay: None Motion carried. Discussion/Action regarding First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Clarinda by Amending Provisions Pertaining to No Parking Zones by Changing Designated No Parking Zones Councilor Allbaugh made a motion to approve the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Clarinda by Amending Provisions Pertaining to No Parking Zones by Changing Designated No Parking Zones. Seconded by Ascherl. Roll Call: Aye: Shore, Reed, Neal, Ascherl, and Allbaugh Nay: None Motion carried. Discussion/Action regarding First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Clarinda by Adding Chapter 102, Establishing Policies and Procedures Pursuant to Iowa Code 421.65, Authorizing the City to Invoke the Setoff Provisions Contained therein for Debts Owing the City and for which the City has Afforded the Debtor and Opportunity to Contest the Debt. Councilor Shore made a motion to approve the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Clarinda by Adding Chapter 102, Establishing Policies and Procedures Pursuant to Iowa Code 421.65, Authorizing the City to Invoke the Setoff Provisions Contained therein for Debts Owing the City and for which the City has Afforded the Debtor and Opportunity to Contest the Debt. Seconded by Reed. Roll call: Aye: Shore, Reed, Neal, Ascherl, and Allbaugh Nay: None Motion carried. Councilor Neal made a motion to waive the Second and Third Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Clarinda by Adding Chapter 102, Establishing Policies and Procedures Pursuant to Iowa Code 421.65, Authorizing the City to Invoke the Setoff Provisions Contained therein for Debts Owing the City and for which the City has Afforded the Debtor and Opportunity to Contest the Debt. Seconded by Reed. Roll Call: Aye: Shore, Reed, Neal, Ascherl, and Allbaugh Nay: None Motion carried. Councilor Shore made a motion to adopt Ordinance #909 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Clarinda by Adding Chapter 102, Establishing Policies and Procedures Pursuant to Iowa Code 421.65, Authorizing the City to Invoke the Setoff Provisions Contained therein for Debts Owing the City and for which the City has Afforded the Debtor and Opportunity to Contest the Debt. Seconded by Reed. Roll call: Aye: Allbaugh, Ascherl, Neal, Reed, and Shore Nay: None Motion carried. Discussion/Action regarding First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Clarinda Amending Provisions Pertaining to Trucks, Accessory Trailers, and Recreational Vehicle Parking. Manager McClarnon stated the city zoning code does not allow people to live in a camper within the City Limits and, unfortunately, the city zoning code is not strong enough to enforce this rule. McClarnon stated a problem with existing campers and accessory trailers parked at the airport that need to be removed before the new airport hangars are built. Manager McClarnon researched other city codes and created an ordinance to address these current issues. Manager McClarnon requested the council to consider a parking violation ticket of $20.00 to be raised to $50.00. The council requested McClarnon to revise the ordinance to be discussed at the next council meeting. No action was taken. Budget Workshop Manager McClarnon recapped the last budget workshop for the proposed FY 2025 Budget. McClarnon proposed the budget to increase the Levy Rate from $16.75 up to $18.00, but the residential taxpayers would still see a decrease in their property tax amounts. The most affected by this increase will be Commercial and Industrial that are valued at $300,000 and above. Councilor Neal was concerned with the wage increases and if the city would do a market analysis. Manager McClarnon requested suggestions for changes to the budget. After further discussion, McClarnon stated that he would make some changes and present them at the February 28th meeting. No action was taken. Council Communications Councilor Reed expressed concern that the city website needs to be updated to attract new residents and businesses to move to Clarinda. Manager McClarnon and Library director Andrew Hoppmann are working on getting quotes. Manager Communications Manager McClarnon stated the weather caused another water main break. McClarnon that that this is the 7th water main break this month and last year there were a total of 11 water main breaks. McClarnon also informed the council that the sewer jet truck is in Des Moines being repaired and that the city has been using Crain’s smaller sewer jet. The city has had two difficult sewer plugs that Crain’s jet was not able to break through. McClarnon stated the City of Shenandoah was willing to come help unplug two sewer issues and is very grateful to them. McClarnon thanked the City of Shenandoah for taking their time to help with the city’s sewer issues. McClarnon encouraged all of Southwest Iowa to continue helping each other out. Mayor Communications Mayor Hill thanked Paula Gray for putting together the year end booklets. Hill commented on the progress of the Store front on East Washington Street. Hill stated the Kiwanis Park playground equipment has been delivered. Adjourn Motion by Ascherl to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m. Seconded by Reed. Vote was unanimous. Mayor: Craig Hill Attest: Paula Gray