1. ALLEY: Cemen Tech’s Gary Ruble has a potential solution to make the hand-printed alley on the Square’s north side more pedestrian friendly. The solution is to fill the prints with grout and then use a grinder to smooth the edges. Our Street Dept will power wash the surface and Cemen Tech employees will follow with the grout. The tentative plan is try this option next week.
2. ELECTRIC FRANCHISE FEE: Per the January 11, 2010 committee discussion (see minutes), staff is preparing an electric franchise fee ordinance that would place the fee on MidAmerican Energy's (MAE) territory within the city limits. The fee would be consistent with the 5% in-lieu of tax paid by our own electric utility, however, the ordinance will include both private and municipal utilities.
The proposed schedule will be as follows: January 1, 2011 1%
January 1, 2012 2%
January 1, 2103 3%
January 1, 2104 4%
January 1, 2015 5%
The proposed graduated schedule eases the financial burden and also allows our electric utility to maintain a stable rate structure in light of the recent $9,000,000 revenue bond issuance for the East Side Underground Conversion Project (due to a profitability requirement in the bond resolution that cannot be changed). Note that the electric utility (according to Todd), will continue its transfers so that the total of the PILOT and franchise fee equals 5% each year, even though the ordinance will start at 1% and increase to 5% annually, as per the intent of the 2005 resolution previously adopted by Trustees.
Each percent will generate about $2,400 annually (Todd's estimate) given MAE's current energy consumption within the city limits. That amount will grow with energy consumption.
In the packet is a map showing territories of each utility.
3. DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT: There has been standing water in the drainage-way in front of Noble Ford and Stew Hansen’s since the water and sewer mains were installed several years ago. Chuck Burgin is consequently getting quotes from two contractors to install tile to remove the standing water. A recommendation will be brought to council in May.
4. LINCOLN RIDGE: Attorney Tom Fisher indicates an ag deferral for no more than 10 years is acceptable if development does not occur. Principal and interest payments would begin after 10 years until development (on either side of the paving) occurs.
The agreement and plat will be on the May 3 council agenda.
5. AMBULANCE BILLING: The Ambulance Dept provides billing for Carlisle, Martensdale, Melcher-Dallas and Norwalk. With the increased workload from additional calls, we plan to increase the hours/week from 20 to 35 by moving Vicki Herald from the Clerks Office to ambulance billing after July 1. Vicki is part time and works in the Clerks Office (15) and ambulance billing (20).
We are looking at options to fill the void in the Clerks Office and a part time person will be explored. The billing fee was raised in January from $25 to $30/call generating an additional $4,500 annually in order to pay for the additional hours.
A recommendation will be brought in several weeks.
6. WIND TURBINE ORDINANCE: The Metro Advisory Council model wind turbine ordinance is in the packet and will be placed on the May 11 P&Z meeting for review. Depending on preference, the ordinance can be placed on a council or committee agenda.
7. MAY 3 MEETING: Steve Richardson is unable to attend the May 3 meeting.
8. HEALTH INSURANCE: RoxAnne Hunerdosse, Todd Kielkopf and I met with Benefit Source’s Debbie Dean on the 22nd and reviewed renewals for July 1. Re-insurance fees came in around 4% higher and third party administration fees actually dropped (greater pharmacy rebates) and given our reserve is in excess of $800,000 there is a reasonable chance the monthly premiums will remain the same for FY 10/11.
9. SEWER PUMP: Supt Dan Miers reports an in-plant pump failed and will cost about $9,800 to replace. The 32-year old pump supplies water to much of the system and is an integral part of the plant process. Fortunately funds are budgeted annually for this type of failure.
10. D&D: The property the city purchased in 2007 located at 507 E. 2nd may have an interested buyer according the Community Development Director Chuck Burgin. Negotiations are taking place and if successful a recommendation will be brought to council. The city purchased the property thru the Dangerous and Dilapidated program for $21,000 and spent to $7,005 remove the building.
11. PROCEDURAL RULES: In your packet are draft copies of City Council Procedural Rules. Changes are noted in red on drafts submitted by Bob and
Shirley and one by Steve. Please review and let me know your comments.
This item will be placed on the May 3 council agenda.
12. SUSTAINABILITY FAIR: The sustainability fair was well attended despite the rain. Approximately 220 people were in attendance and visited local green vendors.
