(LE MARS) Plymouth County Supervisors are expected to review the 2011-2012 budget proposal again today.
Supervisors are using the current property tax rate in preliminary work on a budget for county operations for one year beginning July first.
The board last week, by concensus, reduced a pay increase for elected officials by one percent to a new increase of three percent. Supervisors would not receive a pay increase if the proposal is adopted as part of the budget. The three percent amount is the raise to be given to sheriff’s office and road department employees as of July 1 due to a contract agreement.
Supervisors will review the budget beginning at 10:30 this morning for discussion and possible action. The work may continue after lunch beginning at one this afternoon.
The board will set a public hearing and be asked to pass other paperwork to finance one motorgrader for nine months through Primebank.
Other agenda items today include right of way contracts for two bridge projects, approval of final plans for a road project and a project agreement for a road.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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 electrical change order for Plymouth County Annex (Action)
B. Approve proceedings to set public hearing for loan issuance (Action)
7.New Business
A. Sign letter to Williams & Co. for FY 09-10 Audit (Action)
B. Open and review mail/correspondence (Discussion)
C. Open public forum (Informational)
10:00 AMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
1.Right of Way Contracts: Projects BROS-CO75(127)-8J-75
BROS-CO75(128)-8J-75
2.Final Plan Approval: Project STP-S-CO75(126)-5E-75
3.Project Agreement: Project STP-S-CO75(126)-5E-75
(Discussion Items)
Questions/Discussion of the Secondary Road Department
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
10:30 PMPlymouth County Board of Supervisors – Review Budget 2011-12 (Discussion and possible
Action)
12:00 PMLUNCH
1:00 PMPlymouth County Board of Supervisors – Continued Review Budget 2011-12 as needed
(Discussion and possible action)
Budget, land donation to be discussed by Le Mars City Council
(LE MARS) An introduction to the City of Le Mars new budget proposal is a discussion item for the City Council meeting today.
The Council is slated to receive a proposed street light policy for discussion at the meeting.
A letter from Wells’ Dairy dated October 1 of last year in the Council agenda outlines details of a donation of 10 acres of land for a new Public Works facility on 18th Street Southwest. The letter also includes what steps the city would take in return for the donation and to assist Wells’ with an expansion at the North Ice Cream Plant.
The Council will be asked to set a date and time for public hearing about the proposal, including vacating various streets to Wells’ Dairy.
Requests for future funding for transportation funds will be reviewed .
The public meeting begins at noon in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2011, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______
B. GENERAL DISCUSSION
1.Citizens
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 January 4, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 1/14/11
3.Monthly Financial Statement for December 2010
4.Assignment for 2011
5.Renewal of Wine Permit (Archie’s)
6.Ambulance Wage/Pay Rates
D. ACTION ITEMS
1.Final Plat – Dirksen Ag, Plymouth County
2.Public Works Location and Wells’ Dairy’s Expansion
3.Surface Transportation Program (STP) Applications
4.Street Light Policy
5.Calendar 2011 Capital Improvement Program
E.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
3.Assistant City Administrator
a. Budget Introduction
F. CLOSED SESSION
1.Pending/Imminent Litigation
2. Collective Bargaining
G.ADJOURNMENT
Next Resolution No. 11-2
Next Ordinance No. 892
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 4, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Leonard, Nelson, Knapp. Absent: None.
Nelson 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 December 21, 2010.
-List of bills for period ending 12/31/10.
-Permanent transfer of Class B Beer Permit for Pizza Hut, subject to final inspection.
-Le Mars Daily Sentinel as the official newspaper for 2011.
-2011 Mayor/Council/Staff Assignments as amended.
Rexwinkel moved. Leonard seconded the second reading of Ordinance No. 891 Amending Zoning Districts be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Nelson, Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Leonard. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Leonard seconded the third reading of Ordinance No. 891 Amending Zoning Districts be waived. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Nelson, Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Leonard. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Leonard seconded Ordinance No. 891 Amending Zoning Districts be adopted on its second reading. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Nelson, Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Leonard. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Ihrke seconded Resolution No. 11-1 approving the List of Fess, Licenses and Charges for calendar year 2011 as amended be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Rexwinkel, Knapp, Nelson, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Knapp seconded the meeting be adjourned at 12:20 P.M.
_________________________________________________
Beverly Langel, City ClerkDick Kirchoff, Mayor
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
January 18, 2011
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 01/14/11
Item No.
C-2
Attached is the list of bills for the period ending 01/14/11
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 01/14/11.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Monthly Financial Statement for December 2010
Item No.
C-3
Attached is the monthly Financial Statement for December 2010.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion acknowledging receipt of monthly
Financial Statement for December 2010.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Assignment for 2011
Item No.
C-4
Information:
Former Fire Chief Wayne Schipper has been serving as the City’s representative on the Plymouth County Emergency Management Commission and it is recommended he be appointed to continue in that capacity for 2011.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends said appointment.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion appointing Wayne Schipper to the Plymouth County Emergency Management Commission for 2011.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Renewal of Wine Permit (Archie’s)
Item No.
C-5
Applications have been received from Archie’s for renewal of their Class C Wine Permit. Papers are in order. Approved by the Police Department.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving renewal of Class C Wine Permit to Archie’s.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Ambulance Wage/Pay Rates
Item No.
C-6
Information:
With the Le Mars Ambulance now operating Unit 2 (Rescue 9), additional wage/pay rates need to be approved as shown on the attached for a “B” qualified unit and with the intent to advance Unit 2 to Paramedic qualifications as soon as practical; however, not later than June 30, 2011. When at paramedic level the $25.00 “on call” pay would continue; however, the “called out” pay would be identical to Unit No. 1.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the additional wage/pay rates for Ambulance Unit 2.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Final Plat – Dirksen Ag, Plymouth County
Item No.
D-1
Information:
On January 17, 2011 the Planning and Zoning Commission will review the Final Plat of Dirksen Ag, a minor Subdivision to Plymouth County at Iowa Hwy 3 and Nature Avenue. This plat consists of one (1) lot lying outside the Corporate Limits of the City, but within the two (2) mile jurisdiction, therefore, requires both City Council and Board of Supervisor approval. The County Board of Supervisors approved at their December 28, 2010 meeting.
A copy of the Final Plat is attached. No public infrastructure is required for this subdivision, except water extension by Rural Water. Private Septic Systems will be used.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of Final Plat. City Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation will be available at the meeting.
Financial Impact:
No financial impact at this time.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ approving the Final Plat of Dirksen Ag, Plymouth County.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Public Works Location and Wells’ Dairy’s Expansion
Item No.
D-2
Information:
Council previously contracted with Mc Clure Engineering to study and evaluate the potential to expand Public Works at its present location. That study is accomplished and results will be presented at the meeting.
Due to several conflicts and shortcomings of the present location, Staff and Public Works Committee investigated other locations to place a new facility.
Today, Staff and Public Works Committee are proposing a concept that appears to be the best overall solution, as follows:
1)City acquire ten (10) acres from Wells’ Dairy in the southwest quadrant of 18th Street S. and 6th Avenue W. (see attached map).
2)In exchange for Wells’ donation of the land the City would agree to the requests made in their October 1, 2010 letter (attached). Mr. David Smetter and Mr. David Lyons both of Wells’ Dairy will be present at the meeting to discuss the proposal and the expansion of the North Ice Cream Plant (see attached map).
3)The current Public Works facility would be retained by the City for several reasons:
a.Police Impound
b.Seasonal Storage
c.Relocate all indoor storage from former DOT facility on North Business 75
d.Deed restrictions imposed by EPA
e.Goose Creek Box Culvert bisects the site
f.Storm Sewer along railroad property line
4)The recently acquired 100′ wide parcel north of the railroad tracks (former Stover property) and cleared of all old concrete would be marketed for sale (exception of Goose Creek drainage ditch).
5)The former DOT facility located on North Business 75 would be partially cleared and marketed for sale (exception of recreation trail, west ingress easement and east 20 foot alley).
Staff Recommendation:
Staff and Committee are recommending, only, that Council consider the proposal for public hearing on February 15, 2011. Within the next month Staff would develop additional cost estimates and sort out additional details regarding each of the five (5) proposals.
Financial Impact:
To be determined.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ establishing February 15, 2011 at 12:00 P.M. as the date and time for Public Hearing regarding the proposals presented, including vacations of various streets to Wells’ Dairy.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Surface Transportation Program (STP) Applications
Item No.
D-3
Information:
Administration has reviewed the past use of STP funding for roadway improvements and has projected the City’s needs into the future, as follows:
2000-200512th Street SW – 6th Avenue W. to Lincoln Street
(all constructed)4th Street SW – Central Avenue W. to Business 75
4th Street SE – Central Avenue to 4th Avenue E.
2005-20106th Avenue West – 8th Street S. to 12th Street S.
(all constructed)7th Avenue E. (K49) – Hillcrest Drive to 18th Street S.
Business 75 S. – Iowa 3 to 18th Street S.
Iowa 3 E. – 1st Street N. to Park Lane
Business 75 N. – Iowa 3 to 4th Street N.
2010-201512th Street S. – 7th Avenue E. to 12th Avenue E.
(all funded)Lincoln Street SW – 4th Street S. to 24th Street S.
Iowa 3 W. – Business 75 to Bypass
2015-2020Central Avenue – 3rd Street N. to 3rd Street S.
(future funding)12th Street S. – Central Avenue to 4th Avenue E.
12th Street S. – Central Avenue to 6th Avenue W.
2020-2025Central Avenue – 5th Street S. to 12th Street S.
(future funding)4th Avenue E. – 2nd Street S. to 10th Street S.
Staff Recommendation:
Applications for future funding through STP are due January 21st. City Administration intends to submit the three (3) projects listed for 2015-2020.
Financial Impact:
Historically, Surface Transportation Program (STP), is 80% Federal 20% local; however, can be as low as 50% Federal 50% local. Engineering is never considered eligible cost, only construction costs. Le Mars has received several million dollars over the last two decades and therefore has been able to accomplish many needed improvements over that time. Federal appropriations to FHWA is required each year for the STP to continue. Although funding varies from year to year it has been continuous for many decades.
Actual cost estimates would be prepared if Council approves application.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving application to Surface Transportation Program (STP) for the 2015-2020 Street Projects as listed (or as amended).
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Street Light Policy
Item No.
D-4
Information:
A proposed Street Light Policy will be available at the meeting for discussion.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
As desired.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Calendar 2011 Capital Improvement Program
Item No.
D-5
Information:
Attached is a Calendar 2011 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – List of Projects for purposes of discussion and acknowledgement by Council.
This is not necessarily Council approval; however, simply acknowledgement. Approval falls in three (3) categories:
1)Capital Improvements previously approved in the FY 2011 or prior budgets, Staff intends to proceed with implementation.
2)Capital Improvements yet to be approved in the FY 2012 budget will not proceed until after July 1st assuming Council adopts said budget.
3)Capital Improvements not in the budget will be developed by Staff; however, not implemented until prior approval by Council is obtained.
Staff Recommendation:
This list of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – List of Projects is the recommendation to Council.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion acknowledging the presented Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – List of Projects (with or without) amendment.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Closed Session – Pending/Imminent Litigation
Item No.
F-1
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss Pending/Imminent Litigation.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter Closed Session under
Iowa Code 21.5c concerning a matter
that is presently in litigation or where
litigation is imminent where its
disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
January 18, 2011
Description:
Closed Session – Collective Bargaining
Item No.
F-2
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss Collective Bargaining
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter Closed Session under Iowa Code Section 20.17 (3) concerning Collective Bargaining where negotiating sessions and strategy meetings of public employers shall be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 21, open meetings.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
Gehlen Catholic to add preschool program
(LE MARS)–A Le Mars school is adding a three-year pilot preschool program starting in the fall.
After the Gehlen Catholic Board of Education meeting last week, president Reverend Kevin Richter announced the program.
Enrollment will be ten with the possibility of up to 20, is open to all faiths and the preschool will be self-supporting.
According to the Gehlen Catholic president, like all schools in the Diocese of SIoux City, Gehlen is working to continue providing faith formation for youth. The program was developed after a discussion with local preschool providers
The preschool portion of the program will be 32 weeks, five days a week for children who are four years old by September 15th of this year. The preschool will run from the first Tuesday after Labor Day through the first two weeks in May. The program will be two hours, 45 minutes of preschool with the session beginning at 8:30 a-m.
Families may drop off their children at 8 in the morning because daycare will be offered before school. Daycare and lunch will continue after preschool until the end of the school day. The program will follow the 180-day school year. Gehlen will continue to offer transitional kindergarten.
Akron Opera House is a comedy stage this month
(AKRON)– This weekend The Akron Community Theatre kicks off their run of Unnecessary Farce, a comedy by playwright Paul Slade Smith, under the direction of Wayne Blum. The play is set in two
adjoining rooms in an economy motel. It is in the early morning when two inexperienced
police officers have been sent to videotape a meeting between the local
mayor and the town’s accountant, with the aim of uncovering an embezzlement
scheme.
Akron Theater Board president Doug Olson says that the group is always excited to put on a crowd pleasing comedy.
“We always have fun doing those comedies and people really enjoy coming up and watching people make fools of themselves is basically what we do,” Olson said.
The theater does want to warn you that some of the shows content may not be appropriate for younger audience members.
Tickets for Unnecessary Farce are available by calling 712-568-2614. Adults admission is $16, high school age and under are $10. Unnecessary Farce at the Akron Opera House runs January 21, 22, 28 & 29. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. (Angela Drake, KLEM News)
Floyd Valley Hospital Auxiliary offers scholarships
(LE MARS)–Students interested in a health-related career may apply for Floyd Valley Hospital Auxiliary scholarships.
The hospital auxiliary will give away two, tuition-only one-thousand dollar scholarships this spring.
According to Auxiliary Scholarship chairperson Nancy Augustine, one scholarship is for a resident of Le Mars and a second is awarded to a resident of the surrounding Floyd Valley Hospital Service area.
Applicants may be either graduating from high school or an adult returning to school.
Augustine says research indicates a number of rural community residents return to their roots after completing their degree which is a benefit to area residents.
The deadline to apply is April first. Applications are available from high school guidance counselors or at the hospital’s information desk.
Budget cuts are focus of hearing tonight at the Statehouse
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Plans by Iowa House Republicans to cut spending takes center stage at the Statehouse this week.
They want to approve a package of spending cuts they say will save more than $500 million over three years. A public hearing on the proposed cuts will be held Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 in the House chambers.
The proposals include ending a preschool program, requiring state employees to contribute to their health insurance and ending state funded anti-smoking programs.
The measure would also require that any state budget surplus would automatically be returned to taxpayers through tax cuts.
Republicans hold a 20-seat majority in the House, but Democrats have a small majority in the Senate.
Woman found in Davenport street dies
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) Davenport police say they are investigating the death of a woman found in the middle of a street as a homicide.
WHBF-TV says police have identified the woman as 38-year-old Wanda Weldy, of Davenport. She was found early yesterday in a street on the city’s west side.
Police say they don’t know how long she had been in the street, but the first report came in just before 2 a.m. The woman was taken to Genesis East Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.
Officers say Weldy’s body had “significant physical trauma.” An autopsy is pending.
1 dead in fiery crash in West Des Moines
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Police say a central Iowa teenager died in a fiery crash on an interstate ramp in West Des Moines.
Police say 16-year-old Bryant Lashier, of Waukee, was killed when his car veered off a ramp from westbound Interstate 235 to northbound I-35 about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. His car hit a support pillar under a bridge and burst into flames.
Lashier was the only one in the car. He died at the scene.
Police say the overpass was closed temporarily so transportation officials could inspect the bridge.
The accident remains under investigation.
Competency hearing for NE man in Iowa killing
MARENGO, Iowa (AP) A competency hearing is set for a Nebraska man accused of killing a maintenance worker at an Interstate 80 resident stop in eastern Iowa.
The Gazette reported yesterday that the hearing for Peter Riggs, of Columbus, Neb., will be Jan 31 in Iowa County District Court in Marengo. Riggs is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jeffrey McAdam, of Victor, on May 29 at a rest stop near Victor. McAdam was shot to death in a men’s restroom.
A judge suspended the trial and all court proceedings against Riggs to determine if he is competent to stand trial.
Riggs was arrested in Johnson County about three hours after the killing. He faces a weapons charge in Johnson County.
Man threatening suicide in custody in eastern Iowa
BLUE GRASS, Iowa (AP) Authorities say a man threatening suicide is in custody after keeping police at bay in Blue Grass in eastern Iowa.
The Scott County sheriff’s office says deputies were called to a house about 9:15 a.m. yesterday where the man, who was armed with a gun, was threatening to harm himself.
The sheriff’s office says the man was taken into custody about two hours later and was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
The man’s name was not released.
Ottumwa considers downtown cameras
OTTUMWA, Iowa (AP) Ottumwa officials are expected to take up a proposal to put cameras in downtown to deter crime.
The Ottumwa Courier says the City Council on Tuesday is to consider whether to allow the police chief to enter into agreements with various business and building owners to put cameras on their buildings. Part of the deal requires the business or building owner to pay the cost of electricity to run the cameras and transmit images back to the police station. The cost is expected to be minimal.
Police Chief Jim Clark says they have not determined where the cameras will be located or how many will be installed. The equipment and installation is funded through a grant. Clark hopes to have the cameras ready by June 1.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
