Russell City Council Minutes

City of Russell

Council Meeting

January 8, 2018, 7 p.m.

Present:  Duane Bedford, Terry Newcomb, Chris Feehan, Jay Pierschbacher, Casey DeHoedt, and Corey Paige.  Jim Larrington, Austin Smith, and Jennifer Frampton were in attendance also.  Brian Beaty and Jeff Johnson did not attend.

Duane Bedford called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Casey DeHoedt, Jay Pierschbacher, and Terry Newcomb, the newly elected Council members, read the Oath of Office before Council and signed it.

Minutes were read and approved; Chris Feehan made the motion to approve as read and Casey seconded the motion.  Minutes were approved unanimously 5-0.

Casey motioned to approve the Income and Expense reports; Terry seconded the motion.   Motion carried unanimously 5-0.

Austin Smith from Garden and Associates handed out a RUS Certification form regarding the upcoming wastewater improvements for the City of Russell showing the summary of the Engineering fees.  Austin stated that field prep work would not begin until warmer weather and that the actual project work would possibly not begin until September.  Austin gave the Council a preliminary draft of the agreement for professional services for the wastewater systems project.  A question was asked on whether or not an Operator 2 license will be required to run the updated sewer system when completed.  Austin did not think so, but said he will look into it and report to the Council at a later time.  Austin may come to the February 5 Council meeting with more information.

Jennifer Frampton from SCISWA (South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency) addressed the Council and handed out information.  Jennifer stated that the price per ton will increase from $37 to $40 at the landfill in the future.  She also stated that community grants are available and that SCISWA now has a 14 foot enclosed trailer available for communities to do clean-up projects.  Jennifer said that SCISWA has monthly board meetings the second Wednesday of each month if anyone would like to attend.

Duane stated that he and Jeff Johnson met with Jim Mefferd regarding municipal infractions regarding nuisance properties.  Duane said that it was discussed to have fines but no jail time for these kinds of infractions due to the court costs that may be added to the City.  Jim Mefferd will have something drafted for the February Council meeting.

Chris reported no new information from the fire department.

The Council voted and adopted Resolution 2017-10 regarding adding a street light on 312 S. Smith Street to our contracted street lights with Alliant Energy.  Chris made a motion to approve the Resolution and Casey seconded the motion.

Aye votes:  Terry, Chris, Casey, Jay, Corey

Nay votes:  None

Jim reported on Water/Wastewater.  Jim said that we received 72 new meters from Core and Main and he has installed a few due to frozen water lines.  Jim stated the wastewater lagoon is frozen over.

Jim reported that he and Lyle have been tree trimming for several weeks but the rented lift is scheduled to go back Monday, January 15.  The new chainsaw purchased is working really well. 

Jim said that L.L. Pelling gave us a copy of the new rates on street work.  The Council as a whole stated they were happy with the road work done by L.L. Pelling.  The Council discussed roads to work on in the future such as East Smith.

Jim had pictures of the bank building roof which showed some large holes and cracks in the roof .  Corey Paige said he would look into the cost of putting a new metal roof overtop the old roof.

The Council discussed setting a budget work session date and decided on Tuesday,

January 16, 2018 at 6 p.m.  Chris asked the clerk to send a reminder email to Council members regarding the budget session.

Chris stated that he painted the bank building walls and tore the old carpet out.  He noticed that some of the underlayment was damaged.  Chris gave the Council an estimate of approx. $790 to install new underlayment.  The Council discussed the office arrangement of furniture, electrical, and phone in the bank building.

The Council discussed applying for a SCICF grant for the bandstand roof, flagpole, and additional concrete in the park.

Chris motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.  Corey seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 5-0.

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Mayor Duane Bedford                                                            Clerk, Kris Wilkins