1. NEXT MEETING: The next council meeting is October 5 at 6:00 pm.
2. LIBRARY HVAC: Shive Hattery’s Mark Allen and Mike Petersen presented preliminary options/costs to replace the HVAC system to Joyce Godwin, Alice Gaumer and Chuck Burgin on September 23.
The most expensive option is geothermal at $325,000 with an estimated 17-year payback which is higher than the average due to existing ductwork replacement. Well field locations are also a concern due to anticipated future expansion. Well fields “can” go under a parking lot but NOT under a building.
The second option replaces the existing system with energy efficient components (including pneumatics) while using existing ductwork. Estimated cost is $270,000.
Mark and Mike are working on a third option that would replace the four main pieces of equipment (boiler, air handling units, air cooled condenser and the chiller). This early estimate is $120,000 but note that this doesn't address complications related to connecting new equipment to old. Nor does it replace the (problematic) pneumatic controls and aging pumps/time clock.
Mark and Mike will present options to the Library Board on October 13 and Joyce anticipates further Board discussion at the November board meeting. Since grants will be researched a recommendation to council may be in several months.
3. TAX ABATEMENT/SUSTAINABILITY: The Sustainability Committee discussed recommending a revised residential tax abatement as follows:
Current Proposed
4-year 3-year—without sustainable construction
5-year—with sustainable construction
Both plans are based on the State’s allowable abatement on the first $75,000 value for up to 5 years.
There was much discussion about reducing abatement from 4 to 3 years and the potential to slow construction. However, the committee majority felt the larger gap (3-5 years vs 4-5) and greater financial incentive ($5,600 vs $2,800) would not only encourage sustainable construction, but also outweigh the concern for losing a year of abatement. It was mentioned that many of the sustainable requirements (see below) are already being utilized.
Sustainable construction methods include: insulation, roofing, windows, HVAC, appliances, plumbing fixtures and plantings. All are estimated at about $3,500 in extra costs.
A recommendation will be brought to council committee in November.
4. CONCRETE PLANT: The search for land has been unsuccessful thus far. Three landowners expressed no interest and a fourth has yet to reply. During a meeting with Chuck Burgin, John Hoyman and myself the Bollanders indicated the following had taken place:
• Trucks are not allowed to run before 6:00 am
• 90% of the time trucks/equipment will shut down by 5:30 pm and the remainder of the time by 7:00 pm
• Trucks/equipment will not operate on a Sunday
• Trucks/equipment will not operate beyond noon on Saturday
• The back-up alarm tone volumes have been lowered
• A 5 mph speed limit (on the plant grounds) has been put in place
• A street sweeper is used after rains
In addition, the Bollanders agreed to attend a meeting with neighbors in late October after new plant expenses are estimated. I have shared this update with Larry Barr.
5. ASK THE EXPERTS: On October 10 the Indianola Homebuilders Association is hosting an “Ask the Experts” seminar/open house. Sustainability Committee members Chris Longer and Mindi Robinson will be there showcasing IMU Energy information and City Recycling programs.
6. SQUARE RENOVATIONS: A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday the 29th with building owners, insurance reps, bankers and lawyers to discuss repairs/replacement. A report will be in next week’s news items.
Also, there is continued discussion about other building improvements on the square and I am hopeful at least one building owner will present a request for city assistance to not only repair, but add apartments. The square is in a Tax Increment Finance District that provides some tax revenue availability for renovation incentives.
7. BUDGET GRAPHS: Per Steve Richardson’s request, Laurie Hebl provided ‘09 and ’10 budget expenses. Note that expenses to date in most categories are less than they were last year (even though budgeted expenses are higher this year).
Laurie will provide this information quarterly.
8. IOWA MUNICIPAL PROFESSIONALS: In council packets is a letter from Iowa State’s State and Local Government Programs Director Paul Coates acknowledging Laurie Hebl’s commitment for participating in this year’s Academy.
9. DC TRIP: Myles Kappelman is working on a DC trip with Simpson College for February 2010 similar to 2009’s. I’ll place the trip on an October council agenda for formal consideration.
10. FLU SHOTS: Hy-Vee Pharmacy will be at city hall on September 30 from 4 to 5:30 to provide employee flu shots for $20 each (employee expense).
11. RECOVERY ACT MEETING: John Murphy from Governor Culver’s Office will be in the council chambers on October 2 at 3:00 pm to discuss the Federal Recovery Act affect on Indianola. Elected officials are encouraged to attend.
12. PARKS: The public meeting on September 24 only had 4 in attendance outside of staff, 2 commission members, the mayor and myself. The outcome will be a “friends of the parks” organization that will help fund, provide labor and develop a plan for parks. They are hopeful the group can be organized by next spring.
13. BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH: Chuck Burgin is getting engineering quotes from French-Reneker (designed Hwy 65/69 widening), Snyder & Associates and V&K. A recommendation will be brought to council in late October or early November.
