1. NEXT MEETING: The next council meeting will be July 6 (moves to Tuesday due to Monday’s holiday) at 6:00 pm.
2. COMMUNITY CENTER: In the packet is the first meeting summary.
3. ONLINE BILLING: Billing Clerk Lindsey Offenburger reports 370 residents signed up for online billing access. This number represents 6.5% of our 5,748 customers.
Lindsey will also provide a live demonstration at the July 6 council meeting on how to register for online billing. A video will also be placed on cable channel 7 and 86 demonstrating the registration process as well.
4. BUDGET: In the packet is a table showing amounts budgeted and spent in FY 09/10. Note that all budgets averaged 94% spent for the year. Hats off to all department directors!!!
5. FINANCE DIRECTOR: Laurie Hebl will assume the position of budget analyst for the State Department of Corrections on August 1.
The replacement committee will review the top 10-12 resumes at its meeting on July 6 and pair them to several for interviews.
40 resumes/applications were received.
6. I&I: In the packet is a letter from IDNR’s John Tack indicating the Phase 3 deadline will be extended to June 30, 2011 based on the delay of the environmental review until August.
7. AMBULANCE INSURANCE: Chief Brian Seymour reports that our EMS intends to sign an agreement with United Healthcare Insurance as a “participating provider” which means we will accept a set fee for ambulance services and not bill the balance (same format as Medicare). The advantage is that our EMS will receive guaranteed payment from United and the patient will not be involved. Brian reports that even though we are accepting less than our normal fee (from United), there is a better reimbursement rate than working directly with patients. Revenues therefore will be higher. The agreement’s effective date will be August 1, 2010.
8. MOBILE RADAR: Chief Steve Bonnett reports the department will apply for a $4,500 grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau to purchase a replacement mobile radar unit. It is a very handy tool that can be placed on streets where speed complaints are received. We have a unit now that is about 12 years old. Good luck Steve!
9. GEO THERMAL: Joyce Godwin reports the Library Board will review the plan/spec for the Geo Thermal HVAC system at their meeting on July 13. A recommendation will be brought to council on July 19.
10. SCOOPS SIGN: The temporary sign permit for Scoops Ice Cream expired on June 23. The sign was removed on the 24th.
11. W HWY 92 SEWER: V&K’s Forrest Aldrich reports that South Y will be closed between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm for up to two days to open cut and install the sanitary sewer (will accept bids on July 14th). Boring was reviewed but Forrest indicates the cost would have been in the $15,000 to $20,000 range due to the sewer’s 22’ depth. Residents on South Y and W 10th will be notified two days in advance.
12. STEPHEN COURT CULVERT: Forrest Aldrich reports the plan/spec will be complete by July 19. The tentative schedule follows:
• July 19, 2010 Council set dates for public hearing & letting
• July 29, 2010 Publish notice
• August 11, 2010 Receive bids
• August 16, 2010 Public hearing & consider bids
• September 7, 2010 Start construction
• November 19, 2010 Project completion date
13. SQUARE BUILDING: In the packet is Charles Saul’s report documenting his observations during a walkthrough of the building on November 24, 2009.
14. SIDEWALK: In the packet is a picture of a sidewalk at1509 Lundahl Ct that undermined from continuous drainage. City Inspector Rich Parker is working with a contractor, realtor and property owner to replace the walk.
15. STORM SIREN: The siren on Country Club Road is repaired and functional. However, the siren at the Electric Dept is not working due to an apparent power surge.
16. 19th STREET UPDATE: No progress was made this week due to the rain at the beginning of the week.
17. AMPHITHEATER UPDATE: No progress was made this week due to the rain at the beginning of the week.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
News Items - June 21, 2010
1. FRANCHISE FEE: In the packet is the letter sent to MidAmerican Energy regarding the proposed franchise fee. Their comments will be provided to elected officials.
2. ONLINE BILLING: Billing Clerk Lindsey Offenburger reports there were 252 credit card payments thus far in June. In addition, 216 customers registered for online billing, 19 customers have opted for an on line bill (only) and 18 customers will receive their bill online and by mail. Our goal is 10% (about 500) online payments within the first year which will save significantly on bills, postage and staff time. More advertising/marketing will take place in July.
3. TAX REVENUES: Revenues for FY 09/10 were 100.09% of the amount budgeted. Very good news!
4. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: 29 resumes were received as of Friday and the deadline is June 25. The committee will meet shortly after to begin narrowing the field.
5. SQUARE BUILDING: Per committee direction on June 14, John Hoyman will have a progress report regarding building renovation/removal on the north side of the square. In your packet are the February 16 council minutes and John’s letter to the owners dated March 5.
6. HOLIDAY: The next council meeting will be Tuesday, July 6 due to the (federal) holiday on the 5th.
7. LIGHTNING: Apparently lightning caused a surge in the electric system at city hall on June 12 causing a computer and several other pieces of equipment to fail. Estimated replacement is in the $2,500 range and IT Manager Kurt Ripperger is replacing the items.
8. BRAVO: The 28-E Agreement has not been received. It will be placed on the July 6 agenda.
9. TRAFFIC STUDY: A cost and scope of services has not been received from Comp Plan Consultant Snyder and Associates. V&K has also been contacted and a recommendation will be placed on the July 6 agenda.
10. CABLE CHANNEL: Cable Channel 7 continues to be unable to replay Council meetings. We have ordered and received the new upgraded system that was budgeted ($15,000) for next fiscal year. The timing of the device failure was somewhat fortunate as it allowed us to proceed with the purchase of the new system now without having to expend funds on a temporary repair of the old equipment.
Kurt Ripperger is anticipating that the new system will be delivered, installed, and functioning by no later than the week of July 12th. Total cost of the system is $12,932 plus shipping which will be split with IMU. The new system will allow us to store all meetings digitally on 2TB of hard drives instead of tapes and give us additional functionality such as the ability to post meetings online so citizens can stream them on demand.
11. FUEL ODOR: While cleaning a sanitary sewer main on Hwy 65/69 in front of McDonalds a petroleum/fuel odor was present according to staff. The IDNR was contacted.
2. ONLINE BILLING: Billing Clerk Lindsey Offenburger reports there were 252 credit card payments thus far in June. In addition, 216 customers registered for online billing, 19 customers have opted for an on line bill (only) and 18 customers will receive their bill online and by mail. Our goal is 10% (about 500) online payments within the first year which will save significantly on bills, postage and staff time. More advertising/marketing will take place in July.
3. TAX REVENUES: Revenues for FY 09/10 were 100.09% of the amount budgeted. Very good news!
4. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: 29 resumes were received as of Friday and the deadline is June 25. The committee will meet shortly after to begin narrowing the field.
5. SQUARE BUILDING: Per committee direction on June 14, John Hoyman will have a progress report regarding building renovation/removal on the north side of the square. In your packet are the February 16 council minutes and John’s letter to the owners dated March 5.
6. HOLIDAY: The next council meeting will be Tuesday, July 6 due to the (federal) holiday on the 5th.
7. LIGHTNING: Apparently lightning caused a surge in the electric system at city hall on June 12 causing a computer and several other pieces of equipment to fail. Estimated replacement is in the $2,500 range and IT Manager Kurt Ripperger is replacing the items.
8. BRAVO: The 28-E Agreement has not been received. It will be placed on the July 6 agenda.
9. TRAFFIC STUDY: A cost and scope of services has not been received from Comp Plan Consultant Snyder and Associates. V&K has also been contacted and a recommendation will be placed on the July 6 agenda.
10. CABLE CHANNEL: Cable Channel 7 continues to be unable to replay Council meetings. We have ordered and received the new upgraded system that was budgeted ($15,000) for next fiscal year. The timing of the device failure was somewhat fortunate as it allowed us to proceed with the purchase of the new system now without having to expend funds on a temporary repair of the old equipment.
Kurt Ripperger is anticipating that the new system will be delivered, installed, and functioning by no later than the week of July 12th. Total cost of the system is $12,932 plus shipping which will be split with IMU. The new system will allow us to store all meetings digitally on 2TB of hard drives instead of tapes and give us additional functionality such as the ability to post meetings online so citizens can stream them on demand.
11. FUEL ODOR: While cleaning a sanitary sewer main on Hwy 65/69 in front of McDonalds a petroleum/fuel odor was present according to staff. The IDNR was contacted.
Friday, June 11, 2010
News Items - June 14, 2010
1. GOALS/PRIORITIES: In the packet are last October’s goals/priorities established by elected officials. Since this process will be placed on the July committee agenda, it would be helpful if each elected official selected at least 3 goals/priorities (not necessarily from these goals) for the next 1-3 years (some of the goals/priorities that did not make a top 2 priority will again be placed on the list). Send them to me or Diana Bowlin and they will be summarized for prioritization in July.
2. SUMP PUMP LINES: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is getting quotes to install sump pump footing tile in four areas of the community. The tile (located in the parking) will allow property owners to connect their sump pumps thereby removing water from yards, sidewalks and streets. A recommendation will be on the July 6 council agenda. $8,200 has been budgeted.
3. AMPHITHEATER UPDATE: As of June 8th the walls are complete for the amphitheater and the headwall of the stage. Backfill will begin on June 14, the sidewalks and stage will begin shortly after, weather permitting.
4. ROUTE 65: There were no noise complaints to the PD on Saturday the 5th according to Chief Bonnett.
5. WIND MILLS: P&Z continues to review the wind mill draft ordinance from the Metro Advisory Council. They plan to discuss further at their July meeting.
6. CLOSE C STREET: In the packet is Simpson College’s request for a traffic study surrounding the campus to determine the affect of closing C to thru traffic between Clinton and Girard. Comp Plan consultant Snyder and Associates is preparing a cost proposal for the study that will be on the June 21 council agenda for consideration. Funds were not budgeted for this expense.
7. 19th STREET UPDATE: The contractor started to redo 19th Street, no parking signs have been put up and the owners have been issued emergency parking passes.
8. SNOW BLOWER: Ed Yando and Chuck Burgin prepared a request for proposal to replace the 1991 end-loader mounted snow blower. Quotes will be received until 10:00 a.m. on June 29th and a recommendation placed on the July 6th agenda. $60,000 is budgeted in FY 10/11.
9. CABLE CHANNEL: Cable Channel 7 continues to be unable to replay Council meetings. We have ordered the new upgraded system that was budgeted for next fiscal year. The timing of the device failure was somewhat fortunate as it allowed us to proceed with the purchase of the new system now without having to expend funds on a temporary repair of the old equipment. I am anticipating that the new system will be delivered, installed, and functioning by no later than the week of July 12th.
10. MCCORD PARK: We have received requests from the neighborhood around McCord Park requesting replacement of the play equipment.
2. SUMP PUMP LINES: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is getting quotes to install sump pump footing tile in four areas of the community. The tile (located in the parking) will allow property owners to connect their sump pumps thereby removing water from yards, sidewalks and streets. A recommendation will be on the July 6 council agenda. $8,200 has been budgeted.
3. AMPHITHEATER UPDATE: As of June 8th the walls are complete for the amphitheater and the headwall of the stage. Backfill will begin on June 14, the sidewalks and stage will begin shortly after, weather permitting.
4. ROUTE 65: There were no noise complaints to the PD on Saturday the 5th according to Chief Bonnett.
5. WIND MILLS: P&Z continues to review the wind mill draft ordinance from the Metro Advisory Council. They plan to discuss further at their July meeting.
6. CLOSE C STREET: In the packet is Simpson College’s request for a traffic study surrounding the campus to determine the affect of closing C to thru traffic between Clinton and Girard. Comp Plan consultant Snyder and Associates is preparing a cost proposal for the study that will be on the June 21 council agenda for consideration. Funds were not budgeted for this expense.
7. 19th STREET UPDATE: The contractor started to redo 19th Street, no parking signs have been put up and the owners have been issued emergency parking passes.
8. SNOW BLOWER: Ed Yando and Chuck Burgin prepared a request for proposal to replace the 1991 end-loader mounted snow blower. Quotes will be received until 10:00 a.m. on June 29th and a recommendation placed on the July 6th agenda. $60,000 is budgeted in FY 10/11.
9. CABLE CHANNEL: Cable Channel 7 continues to be unable to replay Council meetings. We have ordered the new upgraded system that was budgeted for next fiscal year. The timing of the device failure was somewhat fortunate as it allowed us to proceed with the purchase of the new system now without having to expend funds on a temporary repair of the old equipment. I am anticipating that the new system will be delivered, installed, and functioning by no later than the week of July 12th.
10. MCCORD PARK: We have received requests from the neighborhood around McCord Park requesting replacement of the play equipment.
Friday, June 4, 2010
News Items - June 7, 2010
1. BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH: At the April 28 preconstruction meeting for the culvert extension the engineer emphasized the need to maintain safe access to the Balloon Museum at all times and especially during the National Balloon Classic. One of the contractor's representatives at the meeting lives in Indianola and is well aware of the traffic associated with and importance of the event. Construction is scheduled to start in mid-July and a shoulder closure along Hwy 65/69 will be needed for 2-3 days to unload the pre-cast box culvert sections. After that there will be little to no affect on the highway or Orchard Avenue.
2. TRAFFIC STUDY: I am meeting with Simpson reps on Monday the 7th to discuss a proposed traffic study around the college. For some years Simpson has expressed an interest in closing “C” Street between Clinton and Girard given the high traffic volumes and split to the campus. The study will provide options to area streets including Howard, Buxton, “D” and “E”.
A formal request will be brought to council when received.
3. I&I PHASE III: Forrest Aldrich reports that the required Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the Infiltration & Inflow Project Phase III (lift station upgrade and storm pond expansion) will not be complete for several weeks. He therefore recommends the project be pulled from the June 7 agenda and delayed until there is more information in the FNSI.
Forrest is sending a letter to IDNR requesting an extension of the Phase III completion date in order to comply with the IDNR mandate.
4. CONNECT FEES: Several months ago there was some discussion about combining the sanitary sewer connect fees for the North Jefferson Way Trunk Sewer and the Northeast Trunk Sewer for Summercrest Hills (see map). The discussion has renewed and there may be a recommendation to combine and average the fees which will provide a more uniform system to compensate for access to the sewer main. The combination of fees will have little financial affect on the ultimate collection of fees.
A request to amend the connect fee ordinances may be placed on the June 21 agenda to set a public hearing date for July 6.
5. BRAVO: The 28-E membership agreement was not received from Bravo this week. It will be placed on the June 21 agenda for formal consideration.
6. MAINTENANCE BONDS: In the packet is a letter from Ivan Webber indicating there must be a pattern or practice showing an unreasonable risk to the public that obligations will not be adequately performed regarding maintenance bond rejection.
7. ALLEY: The handprints in north/south alley on the Square’s north side have been filled and smoothed over. It is much safer for pedestrian traffic and will be opened. The Keep Indianola Beautiful Committee will provide some furniture and vegetation to improve the appearance.
Our thanks to Gary Ruble and Cemen Tech for all their assistance!!
8. TRAIL UPDATE: The trail is considered substantially complete. There are three box-out areas where poles are still in conflict. Qwest is estimating the end of June to move their equipment off the poles. Final quantities and a change order for M-4 P.P.C. (Medicap Pharmacy) should be complete for the June 21 meeting.
9. AMPHITHEATER UPDATE: The footings were poured on June 2 and the walk ways are scheduled for June 7th.
10. MEETING: Due to the holiday on July 5th, the council meeting will be held on July 6th.
11. SALARY/BENEFITS: The 2010 salary resolution (packet) will be on the June 21 agenda. It is per the union contract approved by council on April 6, 2009 and in the FY 10/11 Budget adopted on March 1.
12. CABLE CHANNEL: Cable Channel 7's event controller has stopped working as of June 3rd. This device allows for the automated switching between different devices such as video decks and the slide generator. We have currently direct connected the slide generator to the modulator but are unable to rebroadcast any meetings off of the tape decks. We will be able to air live meetings by Monday, June 7th. Repair of the device could take up to two weeks at a cost of around $500. This device was scheduled to be replaced in July with a new system. We are currently exploring whether we can expedite that schedule to avoid having to perform the repairs on an already outdated piece of equipment.
13. LABORSHED STUDY: In your packet is the Warren County Laborshed Study which was released in April 2010.
2. TRAFFIC STUDY: I am meeting with Simpson reps on Monday the 7th to discuss a proposed traffic study around the college. For some years Simpson has expressed an interest in closing “C” Street between Clinton and Girard given the high traffic volumes and split to the campus. The study will provide options to area streets including Howard, Buxton, “D” and “E”.
A formal request will be brought to council when received.
3. I&I PHASE III: Forrest Aldrich reports that the required Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the Infiltration & Inflow Project Phase III (lift station upgrade and storm pond expansion) will not be complete for several weeks. He therefore recommends the project be pulled from the June 7 agenda and delayed until there is more information in the FNSI.
Forrest is sending a letter to IDNR requesting an extension of the Phase III completion date in order to comply with the IDNR mandate.
4. CONNECT FEES: Several months ago there was some discussion about combining the sanitary sewer connect fees for the North Jefferson Way Trunk Sewer and the Northeast Trunk Sewer for Summercrest Hills (see map). The discussion has renewed and there may be a recommendation to combine and average the fees which will provide a more uniform system to compensate for access to the sewer main. The combination of fees will have little financial affect on the ultimate collection of fees.
A request to amend the connect fee ordinances may be placed on the June 21 agenda to set a public hearing date for July 6.
5. BRAVO: The 28-E membership agreement was not received from Bravo this week. It will be placed on the June 21 agenda for formal consideration.
6. MAINTENANCE BONDS: In the packet is a letter from Ivan Webber indicating there must be a pattern or practice showing an unreasonable risk to the public that obligations will not be adequately performed regarding maintenance bond rejection.
7. ALLEY: The handprints in north/south alley on the Square’s north side have been filled and smoothed over. It is much safer for pedestrian traffic and will be opened. The Keep Indianola Beautiful Committee will provide some furniture and vegetation to improve the appearance.
Our thanks to Gary Ruble and Cemen Tech for all their assistance!!
8. TRAIL UPDATE: The trail is considered substantially complete. There are three box-out areas where poles are still in conflict. Qwest is estimating the end of June to move their equipment off the poles. Final quantities and a change order for M-4 P.P.C. (Medicap Pharmacy) should be complete for the June 21 meeting.
9. AMPHITHEATER UPDATE: The footings were poured on June 2 and the walk ways are scheduled for June 7th.
10. MEETING: Due to the holiday on July 5th, the council meeting will be held on July 6th.
11. SALARY/BENEFITS: The 2010 salary resolution (packet) will be on the June 21 agenda. It is per the union contract approved by council on April 6, 2009 and in the FY 10/11 Budget adopted on March 1.
12. CABLE CHANNEL: Cable Channel 7's event controller has stopped working as of June 3rd. This device allows for the automated switching between different devices such as video decks and the slide generator. We have currently direct connected the slide generator to the modulator but are unable to rebroadcast any meetings off of the tape decks. We will be able to air live meetings by Monday, June 7th. Repair of the device could take up to two weeks at a cost of around $500. This device was scheduled to be replaced in July with a new system. We are currently exploring whether we can expedite that schedule to avoid having to perform the repairs on an already outdated piece of equipment.
13. LABORSHED STUDY: In your packet is the Warren County Laborshed Study which was released in April 2010.
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