1. NEXT MEETING: The next council meeting is June 6.
2. SOUTH Y PAVING: The pre-construction meeting was held Tuesday the 17th. Highlights include:
• Construction is scheduled to begin June 6th, 2011.
• Completion date is August 31, ‘11 (assumes favorable weather)
• A temporary access road located along the east side of South Y Street will be constructed. This access road will eventually extend to West 10th Avenue as work progresses and will have a gross weight limit of 20 tons. Furthermore, speed bumps will be installed along the portion of existing driveway payment being utilized as access.
• As the work progresses, mailboxes along the west side of South Y Street within the project limits will be relocated to the northern access of the townhome located along South Y Street until construction is completed.
• Garbage haulers have been contacted and have made arrangements to provide lighter vehicles for garbage pickup.
• The contractor is to provide 48 hour notification for any utility and or access interruptions. Written notification will be posted on your front door.
• The entire project is scheduled for completion by August 26, 2011, however access to new pavement will take place prior to the completion date.
Letters were sent to property owners on Y and 10th providing the above information.
FYI—Per the May 18, 2011 RH&T, some of the South Y property owners retained Joe Happe to sue the city because of their assessments. The assessments have been reduced 40% resulting from the city’s $160,000 contribution and the $140,000 W 10th access assessment. South Y will be paved as a normal residential street which is 25 ft wide and 7 inches deep.
The current engineer’s contract includes about 20 hours/week for project inspection. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin recommends that be increased to 40 hours/week to minimize potential problems related to construction. Additional cost is $17,500 and will be discussed at the June 6 council meeting. W. Euclid and North “Y” had 40 hours/week inspection.
3. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVE PROGRAM: The program is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2011 and has been a great success thus far. Below are the buildings that participated in the program and those that are pending. The program will be on a future (July, August, September) council study committee agenda to consider its success and possible extension.
Participants:
• Grant McGraw – 115 N. Howard
• Pro Ad Venture – 110 W. Ashland
Pending:
• Downey Insurance – 112 E. Salem
• Peoples Company – 113 W. Salem
• Mary Donaghy – 124 & 126 W. Ashland
• Linda Hayes – 125 W. Salem
• Canoesport Outfitters – 203 W. Salem
FYI—At the time we developed the incentive program, there was discussion about improving the streetscape (pedestrian amenities, parking, other amenities) on the square as well. Priority 1 was building improvements and priority 2 was improving the public aspect. Since building improvements are well under way, I will be recommending the city move to priority 2 which will involve professional assistance and public input.
4. NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM: The National League of Cities has a prescription drug program that allows member city residents to get a 20% discount on prescription drugs if they are not covered by insurance.
Intern Chelsea Fulton is researching the program and will have a recommendation at a June council meeting. Membership is about $1,300 annually.
5. SOUTH LIFT STATION ROOF: In the packet is a V&K report regarding the roof on the north garage/blower building at the south lift station. Neuvirth Const. installed new controls, electrical panels and CPU's in this building as part of the renovation and unfortunately the roof began leaking above the panel.
Supt Dan Miers is getting quotes from a flat roof contractors and a recommendation will be presented to council in June.
6. SALARY RESOLUTION: In the packet is the annual resolution showing employee salaries for FY 11/12. They are in accordance with the union contract and applied to all staff, and, included in the FY 11/12 approved by council on March 7. It will be placed on the June 20 council agenda (annual approval).
7. AUGUST 22: The P&R Commission would like to schedule August 22 (4th Monday) at 6:00 pm to meet and present information about how P&R impacts a community.
8. WALMART SIGNAL: Finance Director Jean Furler contacted IDOT and the potential for traffic signal loop detector funding is positive. If approved, Urban System Traffic Engineering Program Funds (USTEP) would pay 55% of the construction costs.
9. W EUCLID SEWER REPAIR: Vanderpool Const reports they’ll begin the repair at “U” Street in about two weeks.
10. ELECTRIC FRANCHISE AGREEMENT: At the June 14, 2010 council study meeting council recommended moving forward with an electric franchise agreement with MidAmerican Energy (see map for their Indianola territory). Staff and Ivan Webber have been negotiating the agreement (on and off) for over a year and have an ordinance that is ready for council review. It will be placed on the June 13 council study agenda.
The franchise agreement includes a franchise fee that begins at 2% and increases to 5% over a 4-year period. These percentages will equal the 5% payment in-lieu of taxes provided by our own electric utility.
In the packet is a resolution adopting a revenue purpose for the use of franchise revenues that will also be discussed on June 13.
11. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: Still no word from the State legislature regarding commercial taxable value.
12. SEWER VAC TRUCK: $300,000 is budgeted for FY 11/12 to replace the Sewer Department’s 1995 Vac Truck. The vehicle is used to clean manholes/mains and is used in the televising process.
Dan found an option through the State of Minnesota to specify and purchase a truck. He’s in the process of drafting the spec for two options and will provide a recommendation in June.
