City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of March 20, 2024 The Governing Body met at 10:00 am on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Skidmore, Mayor Pro Tem Allen, Commissioner Caylor and Commissioner Crowley. Commissioner Clayton arrived at 10:02 am. Mayor Skidmore called the meeting to order. Mayor Skidmore welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Pastor Gregg Hall from Life Mission Church gave the invocation. Public Comments Bob Brand, 840 S. Burrough, voiced concerns regarding two properties that had code violations. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to approve this consent agenda to include minutes from the March 6, 2024 Regular Meeting, the February 2024 Financial Report, and the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the consent agenda duly approved. Declaration No declaration was made. Unfinished Business New Business Donation by Power of the Past Antique Engine and Tractor Association The Governing Body heard from Public Works Director Michael Haeffele who presented an offer from the Power of the Past Antique Engine and Tractor Association to donate $50,000 for the construction of an additional shelter house in Forest Park and included the following: • This year will mark the 29th annual Power of the Past Antique Engine and Tractor Show which started with a handful of antique engine and tractor enthusiasts • The show has grown to hold national type shows, this year is the Massey Expo of North America • The club makes a donation every year to the City of Ottawa and plans to donate $50,000 this year for a new shelter house in Forest Park • David Reeves from the Association described the requested shelter material and signage recommended for the proposed shelter house • City Attorney Finch advised the Governing Body regarding designated donations The Governing Body agreed by consensus to direct City Attorney Finch to draft a memorandum of understanding, outlining the expectations for use of the donated funds, March 20, 2024 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 2 for review and consideration at a future Regular Meeting. Mulberry and Dundee Intersection Improvement Public Works Director Michael Haeffele presented the findings from the bid opening for the Mulberry and Dundee Intersection Improvement project to the Governing Body. The discussion included the following points: • The intersection has been plagued by persistent issues, the northwest corner of the intersection regularly sustaining damage to its curb inlet due to frequent contact with semi-traffic. • The damage results in an increased workload for streets and stormwater crews, which could be avoided with the proposed improvements. • In collaboration with the City Engineer, the new design features a revised radius for the northwest corner of the intersection. • Implementing a wider corner radius will facilitate smoother turning movements for tractor-trailers and prevent future damage to curb inlets. • Four bids were received for the project. • The lowest bid, totaling $100,739.47, was submitted by Koehn Construction Services, LLC. After discussion, Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen to accept the bid from Koehn Construction Services, LLC in the amount of $100,739.47. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this item approved. Resolution for Expanded Investment Policy Assistant Finance Director Rebekah McCurdy presented a resolution regarding the advisability of and adopting of an expanded investment policy and discussed the following: • On June 15, 2016 the City Commission passed Resolution 1643-16, authorizing City staff to invest idle funds to generate interest income • The current investment policy permits investments in direct obligations of, or obligations insured as to principal and interest by, the United States or any agency thereof, and obligations and securities of US-sponsored enterprises eligible as security for public funds under federal law. • The policy allows for investments in US Treasury Notes. However, to directly purchase US Treasury Notes without a third-party purchaser, the City of Ottawa requires an Expanded Investment Authority in the investment policy. • As of March 1, 2024, the City of Ottawa's pooled investment fund has a balance of $20,418,227.68. • Adoption of the resolution does not guarantee Expanded Investment Authority to the City but permits staff to submit the approved resolution to PMIB (Pooled Money Investment Board) for consideration. The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item at a Regular Meeting. Capital Project Updates The Governing Body heard from City Manager Brian Silcott, who provided an update on March 20, 2024 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 3 current capital projects. Flood Insurance Recommendation for 2024 Human Resources Director Michelle Stegman presented the 2024 flood insurance recommendations to the Governing Body and discussed the following: • During the 2024 budget preparation, Mayor Skidmore requested a review of flood coverage for City buildings due to increased premiums • The recommendation also includes evaluating whether flood coverage is necessary given the existence of a certified river levee and potential risk • The City has maintained flood coverage policies since 2012 based on the advice of our property and casualty broker • Following changes to flood zone designations by FEMA in 2016, David Hamby, Floodplain Administrator, and City Engineer assessed various addresses with flood coverage • All covered buildings are located in Zone X, where flooding hazards are minimal to moderate and probability is low • Due to the high cost of flood insurance and the availability of disaster assistance through FEMA, staff recommends canceling all flood insurance policies • Savings from the budgeted expenses would be reserved to build a fund for building replacement and contents After discussion, the Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the next Regular Meeting Agenda on March 27, 2024. City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott provided department updates during his comments. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Clayton emphasized the significance of citizen engagement in capital improvement projects and inviting community input. Commissioner Crowley reiterated the importance of City Boards and encouraged interested citizens to explore opportunities for involvement by applying. Mayor Skidmore addressed the critical issue of low-income housing tax credits in bolstering affordable housing opportunities. Announcements A. March 27, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. April 3, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall C. April 10, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall D. April 17, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 11:29 a.m. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk March 20, 2024 3