City Council Minutes

 

City of Russell

Council Meeting

September 7, 2020

Present:  Mayor Chris Feehan, Casey DeHoedt, Terry Newcomb, Jay Pierschbacher, Robert Smith, City Maintenance Supervisor Jim Larrington and City Clerk, Cindy Smith. 

Mayor Feehan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Review of the minutes from August 3, 2020 were reviewed and motioned for approval by Casey DeHoedt and this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb. 

Aye’s – All approved, Nay’s – None; Motion Passed.

Review of the minutes from the August 28, 2020 were reviewed and motion for approval the Casey DeHoedt and this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.

Aye’s – All approved, Nay’s – None; Motion Passed.

Review of income and expenses were reviewed and motioned for approval by Jay Pierschbacher and this motion was seconded by Robert Smith.

Aye’s – All approved, Nay’s – None; Motion Passed.

Last Chance liquor license is up for renewal.  Casey DeHoedt motioned to approve the renewal of the liquor license for Last Chance and this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.

Aye’s – All approved, Nay’s – None; Motion Passed.

Fire Department report:  The Russell Fire Department will be having a drive through supper on September 19^th from 4:30 to 7:00 pm.

Water/wastewater report:  Jim stated he and Mayor Feehan repaired a water leak on the east end of Shaw street on Friday night.  He has been working with Rathbun on getting our chlorine levels back up, the new riser pipe in the tower is getting primed and has been using more chlorine the normal. 

Street Report:  Shaw Street Storm sewer project will start week of the 8^th, weather allowing, and will take approximately 10 days, residents have been notified.  Jim is still awaiting some parts, but he will be able to get started.  Jim has also been using the skid loader and brush cutter to trim up around the ditches and railroads lanes.  Jim and Lyle have also been getting some holes patched, getting ready for winter. 

Old Business:  City received one application from Kael Cox.  Robert Smith motioned to hire Mr. Cox on a part time ( 20 hours per week) and this motion was seconded by Jay Pierschbacher.

Aye’s – All approved, Nay’s – None; Motion Passed.

City has ordered and received 7 more new Christmas decoration (trees and stockings) that will be put up this holiday season.  City will also use the 4 new ones that were used last year and as many of the old decorations that can still be used.  Council will research what to do with the old decoration.

Redemption can trailer has been working well, we will try to possibly locate another trailer to use so that there is always a trailer there. 

The time capsule – the time capsule was located when the remainder of the monument that held the time capsule had to be removed due to damage from the park at the community center.  Discussions were made to hold a public opening of the capsule, but due to the covid virus, council decided to open the time capsule.  There was numerous paper items and centennial coins as the time capsule was made in 1976.  The decision was made to give the time capsule and contents to the Russell Historical Society to place in the museum.

The garden club has elected officer’s and will be opening their own checking account.  The city will hold onto the donated Horizon’s money until they need.

New Business:  We will need to purchase a computer that has a camera and microphone capabilities as that is how Jim Larrington will now need to take classes and testing for his water/wastewater certification test’s and classes. Jay Pierschbacher may have access to possibly purchase a used one, he will let us know.

Dusty Butler is possibly purchasing the lot west of Southside LLC.  He has spoken with Mayor Feehan about possibly building a Morton home/building and had requested if there were any permits necessary to build a new house/building there.  The only ordinance that the city has is that mobile homes must be pre-approved by the city prior to moving in and that there are no other current ordinances/permits or zoning requirements at this time. 

Larry Templeton had called the office and had stated that there are several mobile homes that have moved in and the he had moved one in several years ago and was give 72 hours to remove the trailer.  City clerk had researched old council meeting minutes from 2010 to current and found no place where he had contacted the city to receive approval from the council to bring in a mobile home.  He is requesting that the city reimburse him $5,000.00 that he states he lost from the removal of the mobile home from his property.  No record exists of any prior approval and Mayor Feehan will discuss the situation with him and that this would need to go to legal.

Rates for use of city lawn mower and other city equipment and time charges will be reviewed in December/January.

Council is also wanting to start up a web page that will provide listing of all activities and allow access to the public of all city ordinances.

City is also looking into the possible start of accepting credit/debit cards for payments due to the city.  There is a company that works with our bank that we could use and customers can pay online via a web site.  This procedure would have a 3 to 4% added charge to the user.  Cindy will continue to set up option. 

Jay Pierschbacher motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 and this motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.

Meeting adjourned.

 

 

______________________________

Approved by,

Terry Newcomb, Mayor Pro-Tem

Attest:

 

 

 

_____________________________________

Cindy A Smith, City Clerk

 

 

City Council Minutes

 

City of Russell

Council Meeting

August 3, 2020

Present:  Mayor Chris Feehan, Casey DeHoedt, Terry Newcomb, Jay Pierschbacher, Robert Smith, City Maintenance Supervisor Jim Larrington and City Clerk, Cindy Smith.  Guest Larry Prather.

Mayor Feehan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Guest: Larry Prather is purchasing property in Russell and is moving in a mobile home.  Mr. Prather presented pictures of 2 homes that he is looking at to move into the city.  Mr. Prather also inquired about water and hookups as he is planning on tearing down the existing house and moving his home to another location on the property.  Jim Larrington, City Supervisor stated that the cost of a meter pit is approximately $525.00, and he would be billed for this pit.  Mr. Prather will place the footings for the home and will run the water lines after the pit is installed.  Mr. Prather also asked about having goats and chickens.  Council stated that his location is approved for animals with proper fencing.  Council will send to him copies ordinances pertaining to his situation.  Council then voted.  Robert Smith motioned for approval for on allowing either home that was shown to be allowed into the city limits. This motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.

Aye’s – All Approved / Nay’s – None / Absent – 1

Motion Passed.

Minutes from the July 6, 2020 were reviewed, Jay Pierschbacher motioned to approve the minutes from July 6, 2020 and this motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.

Aye’s – All Approved / Nay’s – None / Absent – 1

Motion Passed.              

Income and expense were reviewed there was a question on the additional money allocated to Central Tank on the tower repair, this was explained as the extra work on the tower for having to have a larger pipe and deeper then anticipated.  Jim Larrington was aware of this additional cost.  Casey DeHoedt motioned for approval of the income and expenses and this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.

Aye’s – All Approved / Nay’s – None / Absent – 1

Motion Passed.

Police Report:  ADLM will be having their meeting on September 16, 2020 where they will discuss approving the city for their Environmental Public Health Plan where they will assist in regulating city ordinances and regulation.  Several members volunteered to attend the meeting if Mayor Feehan is unable to attend.

Fire Report:  As noted last month the annual Fall Festival has been canceled.  The fire department will have a “drive through” dinner on the 19^th of September at the Fire Station.  Meals can be purchased at time of pick up.

Water/Wastewater/Street reports:  Jim Larrington has met with Abe Savage and will be performing a “smoke” test during the week of August 3, 2020 on the storm sewer that runs on E Shaw Street.  When this is completed, they will know how to repair the storm sewer line.  When this line is repaired, we will then rework the ditches so that the road will drain properly, install new culverts if required in driveways, with approval from the land owners (as they will have to pay for the culverts, parts only, no labor).  Then the road will be rocked for a year then when all dirt has settled will be seal coated.  The cost for the repair of this storm sewer is estimated to be between $19,000.00 to $35,000.00.  

Roads located on the west side of town are still on hold as the new lagoon system that needs to be installed and repairs on the sewer lines in this area would tear up any work that is completed.

There is also a large pit that needs to be installed on Cedar Street, this pit will also be paid for by the landowner.  Two (2) fire hydrants will also be replaced on Cedar at the time that this work is completed.

Jim stated that he has 3 hydrants in stock and was approved to order one more as we need to keep some in stock.

Water loss was down to 21% for the month of July. 

Grant for the skid loader is also still in process through the USDA.

L&L Pelling is still on schedule for August for the road seal coating of Ames Street between Highland and Prairie street and State Street from Smith to Shaw.

Jim has researched and requested a couple of road barricades for all the work that will be needing to be completed and the roads that will need to be closed.  He had 2 different styles and Casey DeHoedt motioned to approve purchasing two (2) type III barricades at $369.00 each.  This motion was seconded by Jay Pierschbacher. 

Aye’s – All Approved / Nay’s – None / Absent – 1

Motion Passed.

Jim also presented a quote for replacement/additional USA flags for road placement, for replacement of the large USA flag and Iowa State flag on the city park pole, and for the post office.  Jay Pierschbacher motioned to approve the purchase of the 12 flags, the USA Flag and Iowa State flag at this time and to hold on the pole for the post office until a better priced pole can be located.  This motion was seconded by Robert Smith.

Aye’s – All Approved / Nay’s – None / Absent – 1

Motion Passed.

Wastewater – all information for the new lagoon has been submitted to the USDA for approval.  We will need to get an interim loan for approximately $500,000.00.  for paying anything that may be due prior to grant monies coming through and for any unanticipated changes.

Old Business:  Casey DeHoedt asked where we stand with the new attorney, Mayor Feehan stated that he has turned over two (2) derelict properties to the attorney and also that they are preparing a quick deed for the property that the city owns on the corner of Highland and Northumberland Streets. 

Robert Smith presented information he had found on placing signs out by the highway (refer to last month regarding grand opening signs).  There was no legal information and each request will need to be reviewed and approved by the council.

Casey DeHoedt shared that the can redemption trailer is doing very well and that she has already taken her second load to be redeemed.  At present we only have one trailer, if the trailer is gone it will be back within a few days.

New Business:  Halloween – was discussed.  With the Covid virus we are not sure at the present time if the Governor will allow any type of “Trick or Treating”.  Council did proceed with plans as if there will be a trick or treat night.  If allowed, Trick or Treat night will be Saturday night October 31^st from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.    Casey DeHoedt stated that they will also plan on having “Trunk or Treat” on October 31 with times to be determined.

IF the Governor declares anything different for Halloween, her mandates will be followed.

School is scheduled to start on August 24^th, we wish all the students a great year!

Jay pierschbacher motioned for adjournment and this motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.

Aye’s – All Approved / Nay’s – None / Absent – 1

Meeting adjourned.

 

 

City of Russell

Special

Council Meeting

August 28, 2020

Present:  Mayor Chris Feehan, Casey DeHoedt, Robert Smith, Kelli Anderson and City Clerk, Cindy Smith. 

Mayor Feehan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Feehan expressed a need for additional part time worker for the maintenance division.  The Council decided to post a help wanted request on the door of City Hall.  Anyone who wishes to apply for this position can call the city office for an application.  Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm. Monday September 7^th and applications will be reviewed at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on September 7^th at 6:00 pm.

The new skid loader that we had awarded through the USDA Grant program arrived on Friday August 28^th and the council members present were able to see the new equipment.   We wish to thank the USDA Program for our equipment received.

Mayor Feehan then passed onto the council more information about the repair work that will be needed to repair the storm sewer that runs down Shaw Street that has caused a lot of road damage.  Work had been scheduled to start this week, but we are awaiting materials needed to make the repairs.

Jim Larrington’s review was due in September, Council gave Jim a $.75 raise.  Jim is unable, at this time, due to covid to take any testing for water/wastewater certification’s until we can get a computer monitor that has camera and speaker capabilities. 

Bob Smith motioned for approval of increase in Jim’s wages of $.75 and that when Jim passes additional certification’s $1.00 an hour raise with each certification.  This motion was seconded by Kelli Anderson.

Aye’s - All approved, Nay’s – None.

Bob Smith then motioned to adjourn and this motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.

Aye’s - All approved, Nay’s – None.

Meeting Adjourned

____________________________

Approved by,

Chris Feehan, Mayor

Attest

_________________________________

Cindy A Smith

City Clerk

 

______________________________

Fire Department

 

Russell History

Many thank you's to Frank Meyers for a new article about a hymn composed in Russell. Please check out Russell Historical Items. Very interesting!

New Historical article

 A big thank you to Frank Meyers for allowing us to share his article about the Greenville Cemetery.

See Russell Historical Items.

Russell Historical Article

 A big thank you to Frank Meyers for another article on the history of Russell, Iowa. Check it out on the Russell Historical Items page!

July City Council Minutes

City of Russell

Council Meeting

July 6, 2020

Present:  Mayor Chris Feehan, Casey DeHoedt, Terry Newcomb, Jay Pierschbacher, Robert Smith, City Maintenance Supervisor Jim Larrington and City Clerk, Cindy Smith.

Mayor Feehan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Guest Jodi Hilsabeck joined us via speaker phone as she was unable to attend the meeting in person.  Jodi is with Midwest Assistance Program, who will be providing us a vulnerability emergency response plan that is required for the new sewer project.  She explained how this will be paid through the federal grant division and that the city will not be charged for this plan. 

Casey DeHoedt motioned to proceed with Midwest Assistance Program to provide us the vulnerability emergency response plan.  This motion was seconded by Jay Pierschbacher.

Aye – All Approved

Nay’s – None

Motion Passed Jodi will meet with Cindy Smith and Jim Larrington to get the information necessary for her to present to her board for approval.

Council was then joined via speaker phone with Attorney Michael Carpenter to review where we are regarding our ordinances as they will now be assisting the city on legal issues.  The ordinance’s will be revitalized by code section and then we will be going through each section every month and adding fines as needed to these ordinances. 

Council then reviewed the minutes from the June 1, 2020 meeting.  Jay Pierschbacher motioned to approve the minutes from the June 1, 2020 meeting and this motion was seconded by Robert Smith.

Aye’s – All Approved

Nay’s – None

Motion passed.

Council then reviewed minutes from the June 16, 2020 meeting.  Casey DeHoedt motioned to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2020 meeting and this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.

Aye’s – All Approved

Nay’s – None

Motion passed.

There was a brief discussion on final number for fiscal year 2019/2020 and review of the income and expenses for June.  Terry Newcomb motioned to approve the income and expenses for June 2020 and this motion was seconded by Robert Smith.

Aye’s – All approved

Nay’s – None

Motion passed.

Police Report – Council was presented a resume’ for junk and debris ordinance officer.   Mayor Feehan also presented to the council a contract that we could work with ADLM regarding ordinance enforcement.  ADLM would work as needed and then turn all their documentation over to our attorney for area’s that are not compliant.  Casey DeHoedt motioned to go into a contract with ADLM and this motion was seconded by Robert Smith.

Aye’s – All approved

Nay’s – None

Motion passed.  Mayor Feehan will proceed with the necessary requirement to contract with ADLM.

Fire Report – Mayor Feehan provided the report for the fire department.  The fire convention for the state of Iowa has been canceled due to the covid virus.  The fire department therefore will not be holding their annual BBQ cookoff this fall.  They will however be providing a drive through dinner on September 19^th 2020.

Mayor Feehan also noted that 6 firefighters have been in training for their Firefighter 1 certification and will be taking the final test in the month of July.

Water / Wastewater report – Supervisor Jim Larrington reported that the replacement pipe in the water tower has been completed.  Some additional repairs were completed as the original pipe was buried and connected incorrectly and had to have an 8’ section of additional piping replaced.  They also replaced some electrical heat tape and added more insulation for winter freezing.  We have had issues in the last 2 year’s and this should help with this issue occurring as well.  Rathbun water also replaced some equipment with upgrades in the tower.  Our water loss for the month of June was at 38% and some of this was due to the draining of the tower and the leaking that was occurring.  Jim did note that his daily water usage reading has gone down from 28,000 gal a day to 22,000 gal a day so our loss should also be down in July.

The lagoon had a sludge dredge test, samples have been sent to the lab for testing and when received Garden and Associates will complete their report.  All three (3) cells 18” to 2’ full, all are evenly formed but will need to be dredged.  When Jim was with the engineer, it was noted that the road to the lagoon will need to be moved with a new larger gate for the equipment to gain access to the lagoon.

Street report – Supervisor Jim Larrington has spoke with LL Pelling and the are looking at the end of the month for the repair of Ames St./State St. intersection repair.  Crocker street road has the new culverts in driveways as needed and ditch repairs to stop water runoff.  Road will be reshaped (crowned) and rock added then this repair will be complete. This will now allow the road to drain correctly.  Jim will also rework the ditches up to the intersection by the old school property.

Reiken Concrete will be scheduling to lift the road on Prairie Street near the Atwell Street intersection as it is starting to dip and will cause further damage if not repaired. 

Need to order new flags as some of the flags have become weathered.  There is money in the budget to renew flags or add flags every year.

Hydro Klean is working on getting us onto their schedule to locate storm sewers along East Shaw Street where the road has eroded to determine where the storm drains go and where/if they are broken.  Jim is also working with the phone company as they have marked fiber cable running where work will need to be completed.

Old Business: 

Larry Templeton’s National Race that he had seemed to be well ran and there were no issues and he is anticipating that this may become a yearly event for him.  With the weather and covid they did not need to use the football field as he had anticipated.

Land by the cemetery, Mayor Feehan has been in contact with the landowner and we are awaiting decisions to be made from them.

Mayor Feehan presented the council with the original bid for the gutter and downspouts for the bandstand and the shelter house in the park.  Jay Pierschbacher motioned to approve the work on the bandstand and shelter house in the city park to have the gutters and downspouts installed as quoted, this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.

Aye’s – All Approved

Nay’s – None

Motion passed Mayor Feehan will get with the contractor to let them know to proceed with the project.

The railing in front of the post office and city hall should be completed by the end of the month. 

The redemption trailer is complete and will be placed up by the recycle bin.  This trailer will be for any redeemable cans or bottles, they will need to be clean as not to draw bugs.  Casey will take the trailer to the redemption center when full and they will return the monies donated to the city for Christmas decorations or other city improvements.

New Business:

The Horizon’s committee has given the city a letter to release the funds that they have in the horizon’s account to be used as follows:  $1,000.00 to be held to pay Jim Noble for mowing the grounds near the Russell City sign as you enter the town from 34.  The remainder of the money to be divided between the City for Christmas decorations and to the newly revised garden club.  At this time the money will be held by the city and given to the garden club as they request.  A new bank account will be established for the garden club to hold the money for them.  At present Casey DeHoedt is the garden club treasurer and she felt that this would be an acceptable way to show monies spent for the garden club.  She currently has a go fund me page that will be going into this new account when set up. 

We have had a request to place a banner out near 34 in the grass area that the city owns for a grand opening.  This has been granted for this grand opening and Robert Smith will be compiling guidelines that must be followed for future individuals that might wish to advertise in this manner.  When this is complete it will become a new city ordinance. 

There is a memorial brick structure in the community center park that has been broken and is falling apart.  We believe that at one time this held a time capsule but we are unsure if it has been opened or if it is still there.  We are going to finish tearing down this structure and place the plaque either on a pedestal or some form to show the plaque in the park. 

The sidewalk north of the tracks has broke and is no longer safe.  Jim has fenced off this area and Mayor Feehan is going to work with the county to see if they can assist us in the repair of the culvert that goes under Prairie Street as this is a large culvert and the street will need to be closed for this repair to be completed.  When this culvert is repaired, the sidewalk will be repaired at the same time. 

Mayor Feehan is also working with exterminators regarding the bats in the upstairs of the city hall building.  They will be here on the 20^th to give us an estimate. 

Casey DeHoedt also has been doing research regarding the city hall building to try to receive grants to repair the upstairs for either turning it into an apartment or additional meeting rooms.  She stated that she will need to get a complete listing of what would need to be repaired and placing an elevator entrance for handicap accessibility to meet grant guidelines.  She will continue her research.

The garden club will also be installing a hanging planter on the city hall building.  The garden club also would like to add planters to the bandstand.  Council approved these planters to be installed.  The garden club has also been given deck stain that they wish to use on the bandstand.  They will power wash the decking and seal the decking prior to winter.

Jay Pierschbacher motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 and this motion was seconded by Robert Smith. Meeting adjourned.

___________________________________

Approved by,

Chris Feehan, Mayor

Attest:

_____________________________________

Cindy A Smith, City Clerk