Home News KLEM News Update Sept. 7, 2010

KLEM News Update Sept. 7, 2010

(LE MARS)–A potential new business for Le Mars will ask for state assistance through the city of Le Mars.

North American Co-Pack Iowa L-L-C was registered by a Sheldon agent for organizer Bret Petersen last year.

According to the Council agenda for a meeting at noon today, North American Co-Pack Iowa is proposing start up of its business operations and creation of jobs in Le Mars.

The firm is asking approval from the city of Le Mars to submit applications to the Iowa Department of Economic Development for Value Added Ag Program funding and state tax credits

The business was awarded federal stimulus funds earlier this year when an announcement was made by Governor Chet Culver. The funds were for pork-related products and were a U-S-D-A program.

Farm Bureau  annual meeting is at a new location

(LE MARS)–The 92nd annual meeting of Plymouth County’s Farm Bureau is tonight (Tuesday).

The guest speaker at the meeting will be Iowa Farm Bureau Director of Research and Commodity Service Dave Miller.

The meeting agenda includes adoption of the 2010 resolutions on local, state and national issues.

The 92nd annual meeting is at Century Hall at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in Le Mars.

Fuel contracting discussion expected at Board of Supervisors meeting
.
(LE MARS)–The idea of contracting with a firm for Plymouth County fuel is back before the Board of Supervisors today.

Ken Hoefling (HO-fling) and Tim Johnson of Gasrite of Sioux City and Omaha are on the board’s agenda for 10:30 this morning to have a continued discussion on contracting fuel.

A development agreement with ICON Ag Solutions for a new John Deere dealership on Key Avenue is on the board’s agenda at the start of the meeting. Tax abatements for buildings on leased land-mobile homes and assignment of a county held tax certificate will also be considered.

The agenda ends with the weekly appointment with Engineer Tom Rohe at 11:15 this morning

Agenda: Tuesday, September 7, 2010


9:30 AMJim Henrich – Plymouth County Board Chairman
1.Call meeting to order
2.Approve this agenda (Action)
3.Approval of prior Board meeting minutes (Action)
4.Approval of claims and payroll (Signatures)
5. Committee Reports (Discussion)
6. Old Business
A. Approve the ICON development agreement (Action)
7. New Business
A. Approve tax suspension for Robert Dimmitt for FY 10-11 taxes (Action)
B. Open and review mail/correspondence (Discussion)
C. Open public forum (Informational)

10:00 AMLinda Dobson – Approval for 2 tax abatements for buildings on leased land-mobile homes (Action)

10:15 AMTerry and Melinda Mosser – Assignment of County held certificate 2010-10500 (Action)

10:30 AMKen Hoefling and Tim Johnson, Gasrite – Continued discussion on contracting fuel for Plymouth
County (Action)

11:15 AM Tom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
www.co.plymouth.ia.us

Council considers fuel contracting

(LE MARS)–A move to trim fuel costs is projected to save the city of Le Mars between 10-thousand and 15-thousand dollars a year.

Contracting for fuel through Gasrite of Omaha and Sioux City is to be considered at the Le Mars City Council meeting this afternoon.

The city spends 130-thousand dollars a year on fuel. The estimated savings from contracting is eight to 10 percent over the course of a one-year contract.

According to the council agenda, all fuel is purchased locally and the local vendors are reimbursed at the pump price at the time of the fill similar to a credit card purchase. The city will settle up with Gasrite on a monthly basis with the contracted gallons pre-set per month.

City staff and the Council Finance Committee are recommending approval of a one-year contract for diesel and gasoline.

The Council meeting is at city hall beginning at noon in the Council Chamber.

In other business today the council will consider an agreement for engineering and management services for energy improvements to the Le Mars Convention Center. The firm is Synergy Energy Engineering and Karl Seggerman of rural Kingsley. Seggerman has been under contract for the project since June. The project was recently expanded. Park Committee recommendations for sidewalks and rules for tennis courts will also be considered.

The council is expected to close its meeting to the public to discuss the purchase of real estate.

Agenda Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010

NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE

LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA

A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______

B. GENERAL DISCUSSION
1Citizens
2. “Thumbs Up” Award

C.CONSENT ITEMS
All items listed under “Consent” Agenda will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on those items unless a request is made prior to the time the Council votes on the motion.
1.Approval of August 17, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 8/31/10
3.Renewal of Liquor License/Beer Permit (The Bar, Knights of Columbus, Cargo Express 2)
4.YMCA Request for Street Closure
5.FAA Grant Agreement

D. ACTION ITEMS
1.Fuel Contract
2. Engineering and Management Services – Convention Center HVAC System Upgrades
3.Park Committee Recommendations
4.North American Co-Pack Iowa LLC – VAAP Application and Tax Credits
5.Liquified Petroleum Gases Requirements

E.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
3.Assistant City Administrator
a. Hazardous Waste Clean Up Days – Oct. 6, 2010 (10 am – 5 pm) at PWD
b. 2010 Fall Clean Up Days – Sept. 9, 10, 16, 17 & 18

F.CLOSED SESSION
1. Purchase of Real Estate

G.ADJOURNMENT

Next Resolution No. 10-36
Next Ordinance No. 888

Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes

Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Knapp, Rexwinkel. Absent: Nelson, Leonard.

Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded that the following items be approved under the “Consent Agenda.” On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
-Regular meeting minutes of August 3, 2010.
-List of bills for period ending 08/13/10.
-Monthly Financial Statement for July 2010.
-Issuance of Class C Liquor License to Hugo’s.
-Issuance of a Liquor License/Wine Permit for Cork It! LLC, subject to final approval of Police and Fire Departments.
-Issuance of a Cigarette Permit for Cork It! LLC, subject to final approval of Police and Fire Departments.
-Reappoint Linda Mayrose to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a five year term.
-Parking lots and various streets be closed for the Chalk Art Festival on September 18 & 19, 2010.

Knapp moved, Ihrke seconded the Scope of Work and Upgrades to the Le Mars Convention Center HVAC System as recommended by Karl Seggerman, Synergy Energy Engineering, at an estimated cost of $240,523.00 be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.

Knapp moved, Rexwinkel seconded Resolution No. 10-35 awarding the contract for the 2010 Snow Removal Equipment – Le Mars Municipal Airport to Holcomb Freightliner, Inc., Sioux City, IA, in the amount of $109,296.00 be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Ihrke, Knapp, Rexwinkel. Nays: None.

Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded the third reading of Ordinance No. 887 amending Chapter 36 “Fire-Rescue Department” be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Rexwinkel, Ihrke. Nays: None.

Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded Ordinance No. 887 amending Chapter 36 “Fire-Rescue Department” be adopted on its third reading. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Rexwinkel, Ihrke. Nays: None.

Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded that staff decisions after further research for safety improvements at the intersection of 18th Street SW and Business 75 railroad crossing be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Rexwinkel, Ihrke. Nays: Knapp.

Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded the meeting be adjourned at 1:40 P.M.

_________________________________________________
Beverly Langel, City ClerkDick Kirchoff, Mayor

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 8/31/10 Item No.
C-2

Attached is the list of bills for the period ending 8/31/10.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Approval of bills for the period
ending 8/31/10.

(No Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
Renewal of Liquor License/Beer Permit
(The Bar, Knights of Columbus, Cargo Express 2)
Item No.
C-3

Applications have been received from The Bar and Knights of Columbus for renewal of their Class C Liquor License and Cargo Express 2 for renewal of their Class C Beer Permit. Papers are in order. Approved by Police and Fire Departments.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion (approving) (denying) renewal of Class C Liquor License to The Bar and Knights of Columbus and Class C Beer Permit to Cargo Express 2.

(No Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
YMCA Request for Street Closure
Item No.
C-4

Information:

The YMCA has requested to close two (2) blocks of 12th Street SE from 2nd Avenue SE to 4th Avenue SE for the Le Mars Sprint Triathlon on September 11, 2010.

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends approval.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion authorizing closure of 12th Street SE from 2nd Avenue SE to 4th Avenue SE for the Le Mars Sprint Triathlon on September 11, 2010.

(No Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Consent

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION

Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
FAA Grant Agreement
Item No.
C-5

Information:

Attached is a Grant Agreement through FAA as follows:

$112,376Acquire Snow Removal Equipment

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends approval.

Financial Impact:

Federal funds to assist with purchase of equipment for City’s Airport.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion approving FAA Grant Agreement for $112,376 Project No. 3-19-0127-07-2010, for snow removal equipment.

(No Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
Fuel Contract
Item No.
D-1

Information:

Fuel, gasoline and diesel are one of our greatest variable expenses. It normally costs this City $130,000 per year. The peak year for fuel expense was FY ’08 when fuel shot over the $4 per gallon cost. That year this City spent $160,000 on fuel. In an effort to stabilize and better predict our fuel costs, we have been exploring the concept of fuel contracts. After several meetings with staff and the Finance Committee we are now bringing forth a proposal to enter into contracts with GASRITE to contract out our gasoline and diesel purchases. Attached is a copy of the sample agreement as well as an analysis of our fuel usage by month for the last two years. Those documents show we use an average of 20,000 gallons of gasoline and 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel. GasRite, Inc. is an energy marketing & risk management firm with offices throughout the Midwest including Omaha and Sioux City. Their representatives will be at the Council meeting to answer questions.

All fuel is still purchased locally and the local vendors are reimbursed at the pump price at the time of the fill. It is handled like a credit card purchase. The City will settle up with GASRITE on a monthly basis; therefore, the contracted gallons are preset per month. Fuel contracts can be for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months; however, the price contracted must be locked in for the entire contract period.

Staff Recommendation:

City staff, as well as the Finance Committee, is recommending the approval of entering into contracts with GasRite, Inc. for fuel purchases. Also recommended is that gallons locked in monthly would be based on the 80% level and for a twelve (12) month contract. The price locked in will need to be established by Council.

Financial Impact:

Based on GasRite Inc. historical data from other similar venues we can expect to see an 8 to 10% savings over the course of a one year contract. In our case that could be in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 depending on actual fuel prices over the course of the year.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion approving fuel contracts with GasRite, Inc. for a period of not more than one (1) year and at a locked in price of _______ for gasoline and _______for diesel.

(No Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
Engineering and Management Services – Convention Center HVAC System Upgrades
Item No.

D-2

Information:

Attached is an Agreement for Engineering and Project Management Services with Synergy Energy Engineering LLC, Karl Seggerman, for the Convention Center HVAC System Upgrades.

Staff Recommendation:

Administration recommends approval.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion to approve Engineering and Management Agreement with Synergy Energy Engineering LLC for the Convention Center HVAC system Upgrades.

(No Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
Park Committee Recommendations
Item No.
D-3

Information:

Park Committee has met and discussed the following:

1.Need for Sidewalks – City Park Properties
a.Outdoor Pool along 2nd Avenue SE
b.West Floyd Park along 9th Avenue SW
c.Schafer park along 16th Street and Schafer Drive
d.Westmar Memorial Park along 10th Street SE
e.Tennis Courts along 11th Street SE

NOTE: Adler Park recently received sidewalks and Cleveland Park will soon receive an access walk to Shelterhouse.

2.Need enforceable rules at both Tennis Courts.

Staff Recommendation:

Park Committee recommends Council proceed with sidewalks and allocate adequate funding to do so with one-half within FY ’11 and one-half in FY ’12. Park Committee also recommends Council establish rules (as determined by Park Committee) for various parks and tennis courts enforceable by “By Order of City Council.”

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion approving Park Committee recommendation for sidewalks and rules.

(No Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
North American Co-Pack Iowa LLC – VAAP Application and Tax Credits
Item No.
D-4

Information:

North American Co-Pack Iowa LLC is proposing start up of its business operations and creation of jobs in Le Mars, Iowa. North American Co-Pack Iowa LLC is pursuing financial assistance for a portion of the costs of this project; and as such, is requesting approval from the City of Le Mars to submit applications to the Iowa Department of Economic Development for Value Added Ag Program funding and State tax credits.

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends approval.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ approving the VAAP Loan Application and Tax Credit Application to Iowa Department of Economic Development for the North American Co-Pack Iowa LLC project.

(Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
Liquified Petroleum Gases Requirements
Item No.
D-5

Information:

Fire Chief David Schipper is proposing changes to Chapter 156, “Fire Prevention Code.” The changes will clarify size limitations and requirements for the use of LP Gas tanks in the City.

Staff Recommendation:

Staff is recommending Council approval.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion approving the first reading of Ordinance No. _______ amending Chapter 156, “Fire Prevention Code.”

(Roll Call)

CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
September 7, 2010

Description:
Closed Session – Purchase of Real Estate
Item No.
F-1

It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss the purchase of real estate.

COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED

Motion to enter Closed Session
under Iowa Code Section 21.5j
where the disclosure of the
discussion to purchase real estate
would be to the disadvantage
of the City.

(Roll Call)

Motion to move out of Closed Session.

(No Roll Call)

Visitors guide and business directory cover will feature local child

(LE MARS)–A search for the local child to be featured on the cover of the new Le Mars Visitors Guide and Business Directory is underway.

Mary Reynolds of the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce says the Chamber works with the Daily Sentinel to put together a magazine about Le Mars every two years.

About three-thousand magazines are distributed to visitor bureaus in the western half of Iowa. Reynolds says the magazine is also used as a recruitment tool for many area industries and visitors or potential new neighbors.

A color, five-by-seven photo is accepted as a cover photo contest entry. The child must be between the ages of 4 and 7, must be a resident of Le Mars or the surrounding rural area; and attend a Le Mars-based school or pre-school.

Entries are to be submitted to the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce by September 30th. The 12 semi-finalists will be announced Oct. 4. They’ll serve as the chamber’s Little Ambassadors. Voting in a Daily Sentinel ballot will take place from Oct. 13th through Oct. 22. Ballots will be accepted by the Chamber and newspaper. The winner will be announced Oct. 26th.

Culvert project closes area on Quartz Avenue

(LE MARS)–A culvert project will close a portion of a Plymouth County Road south of Remsen, beginning today.

Plymouth County Engineer Tom Rohe reports 240th Street, between Quartz Avenue and Quest Avenue, will be closed to replace the bridge with a culvert.

The project is expected to be completed in 10 days, weather permitting. If the culvert work is on schedule, the road would reopen the afternoon of September 17th.

 

Council Bluffs standoff ends peacefully

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) A standoff in Council Bluffs ended peacefully, with the suspect surrendering after an emergency services team and negotiating unit arrived.

Police responded to a domestic assault just after 9 a.m. Monday. They arrived to find a possibly intoxicated man was inside the house with weapons.

They say the man refused to come out, so the emergency services team and negotiating unit were called.

He surrendered without incident shortly after those teams showed up.

Police identified the man as 41-year-old Tracy Hougeison (HOW’-guh-son). He was taken to the Pottawattamie County jail and remained in custody Monday afternoon.

Jail records did not list an attorney for him.

Iowa judge Goode dies of cancer

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) Iowa District Court Judge Allan Goode has died at age 69.

The Fort Dodge Messenger is reporting that Goode died of cancer Saturday at the Paula J. Baber Hospice House in Fort Dodge.

Goode graduated from the University of Iowa in 1963 and worked in private practice and as an assistant Webster County attorney until he was appointed as an associate district court judge in 1986. He was named a district court judge for the 2nd Judicial District in 1988 and served as a senior judge until his death.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge.

Divers find body of missing Iowa boater

CHARITON, Iowa (AP) Officials have found the body of a man who went missing after the boat he was in capsized on a pond in southern Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says divers found the body of 25-year-old Jessie Tate of Melcher late Monday morning at Williamson Pond in Lucas County.

Tate disappeared after the boat he was in capsized about 1 a.m. Monday. The DNR says he was fishing with three other people when one of them stood up in the small aluminum boat causing it to capsize.

DNR spokesman Kevin Baskins says the other three boaters were able to swim to shore. No lifejackets were in the boat.

Man dies in Fort Dodge parachute accident

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) A man has died after his parachute collapsed on itself during a demonstration at the Fort Dodge Regional Airport.

The Fort Dodge Messenger reports that 27-year-old Julio Cesar Velez Correa of Puerto Rico was preparing to land during a skydive with eight other divers Sunday when a gust of wind caused his parachute to collapse in on itself.

Steve Lawyer, a representative for the Des Moines Skydivers, says Correa fell 100 feet to the ground.

Lawyer says Correa’s gear and safety equipment were working properly and that nothing unusual had occurred before the incident. He says the winds at the time were within the margin of safety for skydiving.

Lawyer says Correa had been skydiving for about four years and had made 346 jumps.

12-yr-old boy injured in river accident

GREENE, Iowa (AP) A 12-year-old boy has been injured in a personal watercraft accident on the Shell Rock River in northeast Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says Devon Wells of Dunkerton was a passenger on the watercraft operated by his mother, 37-year-old Dawn Wells, of Dunkerton, when it struck a bridge column near Greene Sunday evening.

Wells and his mother were thrown into the water. They were helped to shore by people at the scene. Both were wearing life jackets.

Devon Wells was taken to a Charles City hospital for treatment. The DNR says his injuries were believed to be non-life threatening.

Police ticket nearly 150 Iowa tailgaters

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) Police have ticketed nearly 150 people for various alcohol-related violations as part of a crackdown to reduce problems during tailgating at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reports that 146 tickets have been written but only seven people have gone to jail.

The University of Iowa started the “Think Before You Drink” campaign last month to cut down on incidents at Kinnick Stadium on game day.

The restrictions are aimed at stopping all alcohol consumption in university parking lots one hour after the end of the game and stopping all tailgating two hours after the game ends.

Some fans say they don’t think the restrictions will last and that enforcing the new rules will be challenging considering the large number of people who attend the games.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Submit your news release, confidential news tip or news idea by email klemnews@lemarscomm.net, by calling 712.546.4121 or 712.546.9672 fax.