(LE MARS)–Plymouth County Supervisors today (Tuesday) consider a request to gravel a dirt road to a rural Hinton recreation area.
Brandon Bradshaw of Pipe Dream meets with the board to make the case for changes in the road to an area he offers for inner tubing, camping and other outdoor recreation. Supervisors have previously turned down Bradshaw’s requests.
The Board will be asked to approve a liability waiver for the Brunsville Centennial’s use of two lots.
Subdivisions created by the third split of 40 acres of land will be presented to the board by Ray and Barb Ostermeyer and attorney Patrick Murphy.
The board will discuss and take possible action on refinancing general obligation bonds when Jeff Heil of Northland Securities meets with the board at 11 this morning.
Proposed assessments for parcels of land in the Westfield Drainage District and the work the assessments will pay for are set for a hearing at 11:30. The Board will adjourn and meet as the Drainage Board for the hearing.
Tuesday, June 7, 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
7. New Business
8. Open public forum
9:45 AM Pat Murphy, Attorney – Approve extension to file subdivisions: Dirksen Ag in Section 12
of America Township and Dirksen Farms in Section 6 of America Township (Action)
9:50 AMRay & Barb Ostermeyer, – Present a minor subdivision Ostermyer Tract 1 Addition in Westfield Township for approval (Action)
9:55 AMBev Hultquist, Brunsville City Clerk – Review and approve liability waiver for the use of Lots 8-10 in Blk 2 of Brunsville, for the City of Brunsville Centennial (Action)
10:00 AMPlymouth County Board of Supervisors – FY 2010-11 Budget Amendment public hearing
(Action)
10:15 AMBrandon Bradshaw, Pipe Dream – Discuss graveling road to Pipe Dream (Action)
10:25 AMShannon Stoeffler, Present minor subdivision S & S Addition for approval (Action)
10:30 AMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
1.Tile Crossing Permits-Lundell Construction Sec 9/16 Elgin Twp on 120th St.; Sec 8/17 Elgin Twp on 120th St.; Sec 24/25 Union Twp on 260th St; Sec 19/30 Lincoln Twp on 320th St; Sec 30/31 Fredonia Twp on 150th St. Sec 19/30 Elkhorn Twp on 320th
2.Tile Crossing -Sec 11 Portland Twp on C-12
(Discussion Items)
Questions/Discussion of the Secondary Road Department
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
11:00 AMJeff Heil, Northland Securities – Discuss re-financing options on G.O. Bonds (Discussion and
possible action)
ADJOURN
11:30 AM Plymouth County Drainage Board – Westfield Drainage District Public Hearing (Action)
United Way awards funds to 24 groups
(LE MARS)–Twenty-four agencies will receive more than 182-thousand dollars through the Le Mars United Way beginning next month.
According to the United Way announcement Monday, 28 applications for more than 252-thousand dollars were considered. Board members visited the agencies and discussed how United Way funds could be used to provide safety net services for basic needs or to ensure that children grow into successful adults.
The awards range from 720 dollars for Floyd Valley Hospital for Shaken Baby Syndrome information to 15-thousand dollars each for the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence and the Le Mars Backpack program.
The United Way begins this year’s fund raising efforts Thursday, September first with a four-person scramble 18-hole golf tournament at the City of Le Mars Willow Creek Golf Course.
Listed below is a breakdown of the funding that area agencies will receive for the fiscal years 2011-2012 in the area of ‘Safety Net Services’.
American Red Cross: Siouxland Chapter
Emergency Services-Disaster & Service to Military Families $10,000
Council on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence
Plymouth County Outreach Office $15,000
Jackson Recovery
Substance Abuse Services for Low Income Families $5,000
Life Skills Training Center
Purchase/Installation of Chemical Shower/Eye Washing Station $3,277
The Living Center
Assistance with Basic Life Needs $7,000
Plains Area Mental Health Center
Evening & Weekend Therapeutic Socialization Program $5,117
Plymouth County Senior Helpmate
Driver Reimbursement & Administrative Costs $7,500
S.T.A.R.S.
Riding School Scholarships for Handicapped Children $7,500
Listed below is a breakdown of the funding that area agencies will receive for the 2011-2012 fiscal years in the area of ensuring that ‘Children Grow into Successful Adults’.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
School –Based Mentoring Program $11,365
Boy Scouts of America
Low Income Scout Registration/Camping Program $4,000
Council on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence
Crisis Intervention/Youth Education $15,000
Floyd Valley Hospital
Purchase of Educational Information on Shaken Baby Syndrome $720
Gehlen Catholic Schools
Transitional Kindergarten Scholarships $9,100
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
Girls’ Leadership Experience Event Scholarships $4,000
Imagination Library
Free Book Program for Infants-Age 5 $7,000
Jackson Recovery
Play Therapy Programming-Children ages 5-12 $6,000
Le Mars Area Family YMCA
Scholarships $11,000
Le Mars Arts Council
ARTSreach Program to Daycares & Preschools $3,150
Le Mars Collaborative Preschool Program
Scholarships $10,000
Le Mars Community Middle School
After School & Summer Programming $5,320
Le Mars Community High School
Summer Programming $4,404
Le Mars Day Care & Preschool
Purchase of Age Appropriate Learning Materials $5,000
Le Mars Little League
Scholarships $1,000
Le Mars Backpack Program
Food Purchase for Program $15,000
Siouxland Youth for Christ
Juvenile Justice Ministry Program $10,000
Garbage, streets before Le Mars City Council
(LE MARS)–Le Mars City Council members today (Tuesday) are expected to act on street and parking lot projects and garbage collection. The public meeting at City Hall begins at noon.
A recommendation to the Council is to continue the every other week garbage collection; offer the option of a for fee pick up for residents who have a special event with a large amount of garbage; and authorize special collections such as additional recycling at Christmas and additional garbage pick up at Thanksgiving.
Options to repair Central Avenue in downtown Le Mars such as replacing street pavers or placing more asphalt will be discussed.
The Council’s meeting agenda includes a proposal to white top which is placing a concrete overlay on an asphalt street. The work was tested on a portion of Third Avenue Southeast, near the Plymouth County Courthouse and Franklin Elementary School last year.
The proposal before the Council is for the 300 block of First Avenue Southwest and half of the 500 block and all the 600 block of Third Avenue Southeast. Road Use Tax is proposed to pay for the work which will include new curbs.
Four bids for a building to store the Airport snow removal equipment will be presented.
The Council is slated to close its meeting to the public to discuss the purchase of real estate; discuss proprietary information regarding a City Utility and evaluate the performance of City Administrator Scott Langel and Assistant City Administrator Bill Cole.
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______
B. HEARINGS
1. Amending Wards & Precincts
C. GENERAL DISCUSSION
1.Citizens – Cathy Van Maanen – CSADV
2. “Thumbs Up” Award
D.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 May 17, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 5/31/11
3.IDOT – Agreement for Maintenance and Repair of Primary Roads in Municipalities
4.Appointments
5.Deferred Comp – Add Carrier (DAS)
6.Non-Bargaining Pool of Funds – FY 12
7.Renewal of Liquor License/Wine Permit ( Hy Vee, Eagles, Archie’s)
E. ACTION ITEMS
1.Airport Snow Removal Equipment Building
2.IA 3 West – Trail
3.Downtown Parking Lot
4.Wastewater Treatment Plant – Facility Plan
5.Solid Waste Committee Recommendations
6.Intersection of Central Avenue and Plymouth Street
7.Whitetopping Existing Streets
8.Southdale Drive Storm Sewer
F.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
3.Assistant City Administrator
G. CLOSED SESSION
1.Purchase of Real Estate
2. City Utility
3.Pending/Imminent Litigation
4.Assistant City Administrator – Performance Review
5.City Administrator – Performance Review
H.ADJOURNMENT
Next Resolution No. 11-18
Next Ordinance No. 893
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Hearing
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Amending Wards and Precincts – 12:00 P.M.
Item No.
B-1
Information
At its last meeting the Council established this as the date and time for a public hearing regarding amending wards/precincts.
Staff Recommendation
The Mayor opens the hearing and asks for written or oral objections or comments to the proposal. After hearing all comments, the Mayor announces the time for receiving objections is closed. Administration recommends Council approval of the first reading of the Ordinance.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the first reading of Ordinance No.______ amending Wards & Precincts.
(Roll Call)
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Leonard, Knapp, Nelson, Rexwinkel (via phone late). Absent: None.
NOTE: A hearing was held regarding an amendment to the City’s 2010-2011 adopted budget and no oral or written objections were received.
Knapp moved, Nelson seconded Resolution No. 11-17 amending the 2010-2011 adopted budget be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Ihrke, Knapp, Nelson. Nays: 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 May 3, 2011.
-List of bills for period ending 5/13/11.
-Monthly Financial Report for April 2011.
-Listed property be declared as surplus and staff be authorized to dispose of.
-CN User Agreement with Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad Company and Endeavor Co.
-Renewal of Class E Liquor License to Fareway.
-Issuance of a new Class C Liquor License to Central Avenue Sports Pub & Grille.
-Airport Manager’s Agreement effective July 1, 2011.
Nelson moved, Knapp seconded the date to receive and open bids for the Airport Snow Removal Equipment Building – Le Mars Municipal Airport be re-established as June 1, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. with said bids to be considered at the June 7, 2011 Council Meeting. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Ihrke, Nelson, Knapp. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Leonard seconded the City of Le Mars Health Insurance and Flex Benefit plan administration be awarded to First Administrators for FY ’12 and the reinsurance plan be awarded to Excess Risk for FY ’12 at the proposed amounts. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Knapp moved, Nelson seconded the allocation of $50,000 Westmar/ UR/TIF for the Le Mars Convention Center Phase II Renovation be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Ihrke seconded June 7, 2011 at 12:00 P.M. be established for a public hearing on amending Chapter 3, Boundaries of the Le Mars Code of Ordinances. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Leonard moved, Nelson seconded the new asking prices, realtor’s commission and terms/conditions of sale for the three (3) remaining buildings on the former Westmar Campus be approved as presented. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Nelson. Nays: Ihrke.
NOTE: Council Member Rexwinkel entered the meeting via telephone.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded 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. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Ihrke, Nelson, Rexwinkel. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to move out of Closed Session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to enter Closed Session under Iowa Code Section 388.9 “Competitive Information” where public disclosure would harm the City’s competitive position. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Ihrke, Nelson, Rexwinkel. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to move out of Closed Session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded the meeting be adjourned at 2:33 P.M. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
________________________________________________
Beverly Langel, City ClerkDick Kirchoff, Mayor
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 5/31/11
Item No.
D-2
Attached is the list of bills for the period ending 5/31/11.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 5/31/11.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
IDOT – Agreement for Maintenance and Repair of Primary Roads in Municipalities
Item No.
D-3
Information:
Attached is a “revised” copy of the Iowa Department of Transportation Agreement for Maintenance and Repair of Primary Roads and Municipalities. The Council approved a five year agreement at their April 19, 2011 meeting. The revisions are to update the references to the current Iowa Code and Administrative Rules and to clarify some of the language in the previous agreement. There is not any change in the responsibilities listed.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the revised Iowa Department of Transportation Agreement for Maintenance and Repair of Primary Roads in Municipalities for five (5) years (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2011) and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the same.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Appointments
Item No.
D-4
The Mayor is recommending the following appointments:
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Appoint Jim Gergeni and Wayne Schlotfeldt for a five year term expiring June 30, 2016
to replace Dave Wilberding and Ken Jacobsen.
Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission:
Reappoint Kay Luckett and Iris Hemmingson for a three year term expiring June 30, 2014 and appointing Dennis Hill for a three year term expiring June 30, 2014 to replace Randy Becker.
Library Board of Trustees:
Appoint Robbin Hermson and Jan Musson for a six year term expiring June 30, 2017 to replace Randy Becker and Connie Engebretson, and reappoint Kathleen Kipp for a six year term expiring June 30, 2017.
Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB):
Appoint Danna Schuster and Dave Westergard for a three year term expiring June 30, 2014 to replace Kathy Moore and Mark Sturgeon. Appoint Becky Klohs as a fourth at-large member for a three year term expiring June 30, 2014.
Le Mars Broadband Telecommunications Commission:
Reappoint Dave Ruden for a five year term expiring February 21, 2016.
Thank you to those who have served on these Boards and Commissions.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving appointments as recommended,
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Deferred Comp – Add Carrier (DAS)
Item No.
D-5
Information:
Currently the City of Le Mars offers the employees the option of two deferred compensation carriers. Those are Nationwide and ICMA (international City I County Management Association). We have been approached by Michael Ruhland, CFP to offer another 457 plan to our employees. This plan is offered by the State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services. The plan document is attached for your review. The City makes no contributions to any deferred comp plans, all contributions are employee funds contributed through payroll deductions.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff sees no issues with offering another approved deferred comp provider, It would be up to the individual employee to determine which plan best fit their needs. Any fees associated with the account balances would be expense of the plan. The only cost to the City would be the initial start-up fee of about $100 and a $50 annual fee.
Financial Impact:
Other than the above listed start-up fee and annual fee there would be no additional City expense. Contributions would be handled through payroll deduction and remitted accordingly.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the offering of DAS
457 deferred compensation plan.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Non-Bargaining Pool of Funds – FY 12
Item No.
D-6
Information:
As has been done in the past several years, any non-bargaining wage increases will be awarded based on merit. Performance reviews will be conducted with each non-bargaining employee prior to any merit increase. Performance reviews will be conducted by senior staff. Performance reviews for the City Administrator and Assistant City Administrator will be conducted by Mayor and Council.
The purpose of this RCA is to set the pool of funds that can be used to fund non-bargaining merit increases for FY 12. The other purpose of this RCA is to set the non-bargaining contribution rate for employee health insurance. Currently, the City of Le Mars has 20 employees that fall into the non-bargaining class. Those include department heads, administration, and senior staff.
Staff Recommendation:
Finance Committee and senior administrative staff is recommending Council approve a pool of funds amounting to $25,000 for the purpose of awarding merit increases based on performance. Senior staff will be conducting the performance reviews and be given the authority to award merit increases based on those reviews and in keeping with this allotted pool of funds.
Senior administrative staff is recommending Council freeze the non-bargaining contribution rate toward employee health insurance at its’ current level of 5% of the approved premium.
Financial Impact:
Funded through individual department budgets.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving a $25,000 pool of funds for non-bargaining performance based merit increases and freezing the non-bargaining employee health insurance rate at its’ current level. (or as desired)
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Renewal of Liquor License/Wine Permit
( Hy Vee, Eagles, Archie’s)Item No.
D-7
Applications have been received from Hy Vee for renewal of their Class E Liquor License and Class B Wine Permit and from Fraternal Order of Eagles and Archie’s for their Class C Liquor License. Approved by Police Department and Fire Chief.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) renewal of Class E Liquor License and Class B Wine Permit to Hy Vee, and Class C Liquor License to Fraternal Order of Eagles and Archie’s.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Airport Snow Removal Equipment Building
Item No.
E-1
Information:
Bolton & Menk has prepared technical specifications for the airport snow removal equipment building and bids were received and opened on June 1, 2011 and are attached. Also attached is an email from Matthew Ferrier.
The remaining schedule is as follows:
June 1Open Bids
June 7Council to review / award bids to lowest approved bidder or table consideration, if FAA funding not confirmed
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommendation will be available at the meeting.
Financial Impact:
Le Mars is a recipient of the FAA grant for this building at 95/5 grant; however, Congress has not yet appropriated funds.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving Resolution No. _________ awarding the contract for the Snow Removal Equipment Building – Le Mars Municipal Airport to _______________ in the amount of $_______________, subject to FAA concurrence.
(Roll Call)
Or
Motion to table bids for consideration after FAA funding is confirmed.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
IA 3 West Trail
Item No.
E-2
Information:
DGR has completed the Preliminary Design Phase of the IA 3 West – Trail including the FEMA/DNR required “No-Rise” analysis of Floyd River down stream of the IA 3 Vehicle Bridge. The Pedestrian Bridge would need to be 285 Feet south of IA 3. Attached is an email from Bryan Wells of DGR and a Preliminary Cost Estimate.
Bryan will be available at the meeting for further discussion.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council proceed with the project through final design and bid letting. Also, recommend using Public Works Department to grade the route and install salvaged culverts which will bring project back into the previous budget.
Financial Impact:
80% Federal Enhancement Funding
20% City through Le Mars Urban Renewal/TIF
Engineering by City through Le Mars Urban Renewal/TIF
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the Preliminary Concept for the IA 3 West – Trail and authorizing project to proceed to final design and bid letting.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Downtown Parking Lot
Item No.
E-3
Information:
Side by Side, Inc. has offered to donate Lots 18, 19, 20 of Block 48 to the City, subject to the City constructing a concrete parking lot on the lots at City expense as soon as possible. The former building on this parcel was recently removed, including asbestos abatement. Currently they are installing an exterior surface on the south wall of Bamboo Village. There was a partial basement in the northeast corner of the former building, which has been fully removed and filled in with compacted soil. The slab-on-grade concrete floor and stem walls/footings still need to be removed. All of the above work is being paid for by Side by Side as part of their donation. The combined lots measure 72 feet N/S by 100 feet E/W or 7200 SF and has access to both Central Avenue and the alley.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends accepting said offer and a layout design as follows:
“64 feet x 100 foot parking
“6 inch barrier curb along south and north sides
“Two 4 foot walks – one along south/one along north
(curb and walks are proposed to protect adjacent property)
“Center line E/W for traffic lanes from Central to Alley
“4-inch crushed concrete base by Public Works Department
“5-inch PCC surface by Contractor
“22 parking stalls (9′ x 20′) painted by Public Works Department
Financial Impact:
Cost Estimate: (Funded by General Fund)
Crushings from inventory175 Ton$ 1,500
4-inch x 4-ft walks800 SF$ 3,000
5-inch PCC surface6400 SF$22,500
PaintLS$ 500
24 ft. access drive to CentralRem/Repl$ 1,500
Subtotal$29,000
Contingency$ 1,500
Total Est.$30,500
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion accepting the offer proposed by Side by Side, Inc. and authorizing the construction of the staff proposed layout design.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
May 18, 2010
Description:
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Facility Plan
Item No.
E-4
Information:
Attached is a letter from Mr. Greg Sindt of Bolton & Menk, Inc. with an expanded scope of service for the Facility Plan.
Staff Recommendation:
Wastewater Committee and Staff recommend proceeding with the expanded scope of service for the Facility Plans.
Financial Impact:
Cost of $30,000 will be funded by the improvements budget within Wastewater Department.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving Engineering Agreement with Bolton & Menk, Inc. to perform an expanded scope of service for the Facility Plan for the Wastewater Treatment Plant at a cost of not to exceed $30,000.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Solid Waste Committee Recommendations
Item No.
E-5
Information:
Over the last several years the City of Le Mars has embarked on an all out effort to promote recycling. As of January 1, 2011 the City has gone to alternating weeks between trash pick-up and recycle pick-up. The results have been unbelievable as shown on the attached spreadsheets. In the first five months of 2011 citizens have recycled 565,000 pounds of items that would have been otherwise buried in the landfill. This compares to 275,000 pounds for the first five months of 2010 and 62,000 pounds for the first five months of 2005. The City saves over $43 per ton for items that can be recycled versus buried. We have used $60,000 in DNR State of Iowa grants to help purchase recycle totes and promote recycling. Le Mars is going to be featured in an upcoming DNR publication on recycling. Recycling is working for the City, its’ citizens, and the environment.
In October 2010 when Council took its’ final vote on alternating pick-up, the Solid Waste Committee was instructed to report back after the first six months of operation. The Committee is happy to report the first five months has been an overwhelming success. We now have 100% of the residential households supplied with the free recycle totes. Out of the 3,300 households we have received a few complaints, all total less than 50 complaints. We have received many more positive comments from residents. This means that we have 98.5% citizens that are either happy about or at least accepting the need to recycle. Complaints received mainly fall into three categories. First, we have too much trash for every other week – most of these are not recycling all that can be recycled. Second, the odor is very bad if only picked up every other week – stating that it is unsanitary and animals will be attracted. We’ve found that at least two of these smell complaints were from residents operating day cares out of their homes. Smell seems to be an issue only when the lids are opened. We have not been informed of any incidents where animals have been able to tip over and drag trash out of the 95 gallon totes. The third type of complaint is we don’t want to recycle and you aren’t going to make us. All we can do for this type is to educate them as to the value and ease of recycling.
Solid Waste Committee Recommendation:
The Solid Waste Committee and City Staff are recommending that Council leave the plan as is currently approved. The Committee believes the numbers speak for themselves. The Committee does recognize that there are a few legitimate concerns and is bringing forth a couple of tweaks to the program to ease some concerns and still maintain the integrity of the program. The Committee is recommending:
1) Council endorse the current alternating pickup program on going.
2) Council authorize the Committee to advertise and conduct special Citywide pick ups as warranted. (These could be a few times a year such as Christmas for extra recycling, Thanksgiving for extra trash, etc. The Committee would determine these based on need depending on when the event happens and number of residents effected.)
3) Authorize a special pick-up that individuals could have at their home. If you had a special event at your home that generated excess trash you could call City Hall and Van’s would make a special pick up at your home for $7.00.
Financial Impact:
Adopting these recommendations would have little impact financially. Special Citywide pickup would be minimal and for the benefit of all residents. Special individual pickups would be paid for by the resident requesting the extra service.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the three (3) Solid Waste Committee recommendations (or as desired).
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
May 18, 2010
Description:
Intersection of Central Avenue and Plymouth Street
Item No.
E-6
Information:
This item is placed on the agenda to discuss the Council’s opinion of the various repair options for the intersection of Central Avenue and Plymouth Street, as follows:
Option 1. Repair damaged brick pavers with brick pavers and seal all contraction joints.
2. Remove central diamond bricks and replace with asphalt and seal all contraction joints.
3. Remove all bricks and replace all with asphalt and seal all contraction joints.
4. Same as 2; however, replace by milling for depth and replace with colored PCC overlay.
5. Same as 3; however, replace by milling for depth and replace with colored PCC overlay.
6. Overlay entire intersection with asphalt after proper prep of existing surface.
7. Overlay entire intersection with whitetopping after proper prep of existing surface.
8. Some combination of the above?
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
As desired.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
May 18, 2010
Description:
Whitetopping Existing Streets
Item No.
E-7
Information:
Two (2) existing streets, 300 block of 1st Avenue SW and half of 500 block and all 600 block of 3rd Avenue SE, are in need of a new surface as well as new curbs; therefore, they are good candidates for whitetopping.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council approval of the concept and authorize staff to obtain bids for said Whitetopping.
Financial Impact:
Funding through R.U.T.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the Whitetopping concept for one block on 1st Avenue SW and one and one half blocks of 3rd Avenue SE, and authorizing staff to obtain bids for same.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
May 18, 2010
Description:
Southdale Drive Storm Sewer
Item No.
E-8
Information:
Attached is a schematic design of a 5-year storm for Southdale Drive storm sewer and detention pond.
Council has discussed the need for storm sewers several times in the past. Staff engaged PSS & BWMA to analyze the 5-year storm flow rates within this drainage basin and they are shown on the schematic. BWMA recommends a new 24-inch storm sewer, as shown.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council approve the concept as proposed and authorize the project be constructed in two (2) phases:
1)24-inch storm sewer along Southdale
2)Detention Pond / overflow pipe south of 12th Street SE
Phase 1 would be contracted; however, various work items be accomplished by Public W orks Department and ADS would furnish 300 feet of 24-inch HDPE as demonstration pipe.
Phase 2 would be accomplished fully by Public Works Department.
City soil borrow site; concrete crushings; hydro seeding would be used.
Financial Impact:
Phase 1 Estimate is $90,000 in first half FY 2012.
Phase 2 Estimate is $5,000 in second half FY 2012.
Recommending funding through Storm Sewer Utility Fund.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the proposed 5-year storm design concept and authorizing staff to contract Phase 1.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Closed Session – Purchase of Real Estate
Item No.
G-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)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Closed Session – City Utility
Item No.
G-2
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss proprietary information regarding a City Utility.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter Closed Session under Iowa Code Section 388.9 “Competitive Information” where public disclosure would harm the City’s competitive position.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Closed Session – Pending/Imminent Litigation
Item No.
G-3
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
Closed
Session
REQUEST FOR ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
Assistant City Administrator – Performance Review
Item No.
G-4
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss the Assistant City Administrator’s performance and the Assistant City Administrator has requested the Closed Session.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
Potential Action After Closed Session:
Motion (approving) (denying) Assistant City Administrator’s salary level of $_______ plus mileage for City business at the approved City (IRS) rate for FY ’10.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Closed
Session
REQUEST FOR ACTION
Date:
June 7, 2011
Description:
City Administrator – Performance Review
Item No.
G-5
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss the City Administrator’s performance and the City Administrator has requested the Closed Session.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
Potential Action After Closed Session:
Motion (approving) (denying) City Administrator’s salary level of $_______ plus mileage for City business at the approved City (IRS) rate for FY ’10.
(No Roll Call)
Ice Cream Days parade is live on Le Mars cable, KLEM Radio
Farmland values, rent review planned in northwest Iowa workshops
(LE MARS)–Rising farmland values and cash rents are factors in plans to offer a workshop in Le Mars to answer questions for landlords and tenants.
I-S-U Extension Farm and Agribusiness Management Specialist Melissa O’Rourke will provide the leasing and land value information July 19th.
Those who attend will receive a workbook with information about land values, leasing and different types of farm lease arrangements.
In Le Mars, the meeting July 19th is at the Le Mars Convention Center beginning at seven in the evening.
Other workshops include the Sioux County Extension office in Orange City at seven in the evening on July 18th and the Sergeant Bluff Community Center July 21st at 1:15 in the afternoon.
Registration information is available through the Plymouth County I-S-U Extension office. .
MidAmerican Energy continues flood prep
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) MidAmerican Energy continues flood preparations to protect its power plants, substations and service centers from the rising Missouri River.
The Des Moines-based company says Monday that a temporary levee several feet above the projected flood level is being built around the Neal Energy Center near Salix.
Near Council Bluffs, the utility says most of the buildings at the Walter Scott Jr. Energy Center were built above the expected crest of the river. Even so, the company says it is reinforcing low-lying areas with sandbags and flood barriers.
In Dakota Dunes in South Dakota, near Sioux City, MidAmerican Energy says it has disconnected natural gas service to about 480 customers and is now disconnecting the electricity to some of those same customers.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Dakota County withdraws from All-American competition
(SOUTH SIOUX CITY)–Imminent flooding is changing competition for a Siouxland area chosen as a national finalist.
Dakota County, Nebraska was selected by the National Civic League as a finalist for the All-American City award. Dakota County’s three key projects would have competed with other cities from across the United States next week.
Due to the flood emergency, the National Civic League is allowing Dakota County to withdraw from 2011 competition and return as a finalist in 2013.
Projects which were being considered from Dakota County included the College Center, the Norm Waitt Senior Y-M-C-A and the Roth Industrial Park.
Missouri River closed to recreational boating
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A 150-mile stretch of the Missouri River from Sioux City to where Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri meet has been closed to recreational boating because of flooding.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources on Monday says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspended recreational boating because of the “dangerous situation.” A violation of the no-boating order can bring a maximum penalty of up to $40,000. A “willful and knowing violation” of the order can mean a prison sentence.
Meanwhile in Nebraska, officials say the U.S. Coast Guard has closed the river along Nebraska for recreational boating until further notice.
Herb Angell is the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Boating Law Administrator. He says the wash and wake created by boats could cause additional damage to already flooded properties.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Iowa House committee approves budget bill
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A key House panel has approved a $5.9 billion budget bargained by Gov. Terry Branstad and legislative Republicans.
The House Appropriations Committee approved the two-year spending package Monday on a 15-10 vote, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed. The spending was expected to be approved by another committee later Monday and to be debated by the full House on Wednesday.
Backers say the spending plan is a compromise after long negotiations between GOP lawmakers and the governor. Opponents accuse Republicans of rushing the measure through without giving the public a chance to comment or even read the proposal.
Bus carrying Wyoming students crashes in Iowa
MINDEN, Iowa (AP) A Wyoming youth marching band resumed its trip to Indiana after the group’s bus crashed in western Iowa on Monday.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety says 39 people were taken to hospitals in Omaha, Neb., and Council Bluffs, Iowa, after the crash on Interstate 80 near Minden.
No one suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, and the group boarded a new bus and resumed its trek to Indianapolis by early Monday afternoon.
Investigators believe the accident happened after the motor coach blew a tire. It skidded of the road and landed on its side.
The students are members of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, which travel around the country performing during the summer months. Members range in age from 14 to 21.
Iowa man sent to prison in pacemaker attack case
Pacemaker remover sentenced to prison
MANCHESTER, Iowa (AP) An Iowa man who pleaded guilty to cutting his father’s pacemaker from his chest with a pocketknife has been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
Jesse Fierstine of Manchester, pleaded guilty in April to willful injury, going armed with intent and two counts of assault causing serious injury.
The Telegraph Herald in Dubuque says Fierstine was sentenced on Monday in Delaware County District Court.
His attorney, Frank Santiago, asked the judge to suspend the charges. The judge denied the request, and sentenced Fierstine to five years in prison on each count, to be served consecutively.
Fierstine was charged with attacking his father, Charles, in April 2009. Charles Fierstine recovered from the attack. He died in 2010 after a lengthy illness.
Search on for man who drowned in Marshalltown
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) Authorities have released the name of a man believed to have drowned while swimming in the Iowa River in Marshalltown.
The Marshall County sheriff’s office says 27-year-old Dawt Cung Nung, of Marshalltown, disappeared on Sunday.
The Times-Republican in Marshalltown says some people on a sandbar noticed a man was swimming toward the middle of the river. Witnesses say the man was struggling and then went under.
The sheriff’s office says emergency crews are still searching the river on Monday. Authorities are urging people to stay out of the water because it’s flowing rapidly and there’s a strong undertow.
Coach charged with sending girl explicit messages
URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) An assistant girls’ track coach in suburban Des Moines has been accused of sending sexually explicit messages to a teenage girl.
Thirty-three-year-old Chad Ziesman was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor Friday after turning himself in to authorities who had a warrant for his arrest.
The Urbandale Police Department launched an investigation after a 14-year-old-girl told school officials she received inappropriate text and e-mail messages from Ziesman, who was released on bond.
Urbandale Superintendent Doug Stilwell says the track season is over, but the district has “taken the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our students.”
The Des Moines Register reports Ziesman is an assistant coach for football, wrestling and girls’ track at Urbandale Middle School.
Ziesman, of Urbandale, did not immediately return a phone message.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Submit your news release, photo, confidential news tip or news idea by email klemnews@lemarscomm or by calling 712.546.4121 or 712.546.9672 fax.
