1. STATE RETIREMENT LEGISLATION: House File 2502 being considered by the House of Representatives will have the following affect on city costs:
Chapter 411 changes $5,400 or 1 cent tax rate increase
Chapter 411 State Contribution
Phase out $10,700 or 3 cent tax rate increase
IPERS Changes $25,000 or 6 cent tax rate increase
I forwarded this information to Representative Kent Sorenson and Senator Staci Appel indicating the concern about raising taxes in this difficult economic climate.
2. SEWER REPAIR: Supt Dan Miers reports a 24’ section of 8” main was found defective on South B between W 1st and Hwy 92. It was replaced for $6,000 and will be charged to the sewer main maintenance budget. The good news is the broken main was taking significant storm water that will no longer get into the system.
3. SQUARE BUSINESS INCENTIVE: In the packet is a revised policy (see red print). The policy was approved on January 19th on a 4-2 vote but given the changes it will be placed on the March 15 agenda.
4. CREDIT CARD/ONLINE PAYMENTS: Billing Clerk Lindsey Offenburger has been researching credit card and online billing options to improve our system. Credit card bill payment (utility, P&R registrations, etc.) has been an option since 2003 and the current fees average about $2,400 monthly.
The new system will not only be much more streamline (staff will no longer have to enter each payment), but save about $750 monthly. The initial cost is about $3,200 for the new system and will pay for itself in less than 5 months. Hats off to Lindsey!
Credit card payments offer customer convenience (pay on line from home or work), improve collections and lessen staff time. Lindsey anticipates the new system can be functional by May. Todd Kielkopf reviewed and approved the new system.
5. UTILITY BILL ENVELOPES: A couple council members and a number of customers asked about the absence of a return envelope in the new “statement” utility bills. Return envelopes were initially discussed by General Manager Todd Kielkopf and Finance Officer Laurie Hebl and it was decided not to include envelopes for the following reasons:
• Envelopes were not provided with post card bills
• Credit card and online payments are being promoted
• Most envelopes would be thrown away since about 50% of customers drop their payments off or use credit cards
• Envelopes would add significant cost (envelopes and additional mailing expense) since 2-4 page information flyers were intended to be sent with the statement bill and figured into the cost of the mailing
Envelopes could be added if council and trustees prefer.
6. STORM WATER UTILITY: Below is a tentative schedule for the storm water utility discussion process.
March Determine Equivalent Residential Unit for City
March Turn in sample ordinances
April Calculate sample ERU for large users
April Staff meeting to discuss SWU and strategies
May CIP reviews and Storm system valuation
May/June Council Work sessions
May/June Needs analysis
June/July Meetings with groups and neighborhoods
July Council Action if desired
7. PNEUMATIC CONTROLS: Chuck Burgin is working on a 3-4 year process to replace municipal building pneumatic controls with a digital system. The pneumatics have not worked very well since they were installed in 1989 but were not part of the building renovation since the city only had $900,000 budget. Estimated cost is in the $100,000 range and a recommendation will be brought to elected officials during the next budget process.
8. BRUSH FACILITY: In the packet is RoxAnne Hunerdosse’s 2009 report. She recommends fees remain the same for 2010 and shortening the season but that can be reviewed in October/November based on weather conditions.
Unless elected officials wish to change the fees, no council action is needed at this time. Let Rox or I know if there are questions about the report.
9. I&I MEETING: About 15 people attended the information meeting to discuss the Infiltration/Inflow Program on the 25th in the Catholic Church. Operator Aimee Luhrs did a good job of presenting the information. Testing in the area (see map) will begin with the spring thaw and visual inspections will begin in March.
10. SQUARE BUILDING: In the packet is the SVPA $18,650 proposal for architectural ($9,850), structural ($7,800) and cost analysis ($1,000) services regarding 110 W Ashland. John Hoyman is preparing a letter to owners advising them of the city’s position and their options.
11. ELECTRONIC PACKET: Three council members and the mayor expressed interest in either downloading (full or partial) packets, or, accessing them from their laptops/note pads at the meeting. Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger will install a router next week to allow laptops to access the city’s web page during the meetings.
Packets will be prepared as usual for the next several months until the electronic option if functional. Elected officials can then choose which option best suits their needs.
12. TAX TABLE: Tax revenue through February is about .8% behind last year’s figures.
13. DC TRIP: The DC trip for this year is June 9-11 (packet) and will be placed on the March 15th council agenda. Cost is $1,975/person (last year was $1,925) and $6,000 was budgeted.
14. P&R: The Park and Recreation Commission is meeting March 3 at 5:00 pm in
the Activity Center to discuss amphitheater fundraising options. Elected
officials are encouraged to attend.
