Urbandale
By now you have heard I was not offered the city manager position of Urbandale. AJ Johnson from Muscatine, a city of 24,000, was offered the job. While I am somewhat disappointed, I am very happy to stay here in Indianola. Indianola is a great community with many challenges and opportunities and I am looking forward to working for all of you. Thank you for your support and feel free to contact me if I can be of service.
Friday, May 8, 2009
News Items - May 11, 2009
1. W EUCLID: The court hearing took nearly two full days. The attorneys have until June 1 to get summaries to the judge and the judge will render a ruling within about 60 days after that.
2. I&I: We encountered a problem with timely notification of a resident regarding a positive I&I test. A visual was performed last June and due to weather and camera malfunctions the water test was not performed until October 22. The current policy was to notify property owners when the entire neighborhood was inspected so this homeowner was not notified and they listed their home for sale.
Supt Dan Miers is changing the policy to notify owner within 2 weeks of the water test that will eliminate this issue in the future.
3. CLERK’S OFFICE SOFTWARE: Laurie Hebl, Diana Bowlin and the staff have interviewed three software companies and are down to two that meet our spec. A recommendation will be brought to council in June. $150,000 has been budgeted to replace the current 13-year old software.
4. CITIZEN SURVEY: The bi-annual survey was sent to 740 homes on April 24th. Thus far 200 have been received. The responses will be collected thru May 15th and results will be presented to council in June or July.
5. DC TRIP UPDATE: In your packet is the current DC Trip update as provided by Laurie Hebl.
2. I&I: We encountered a problem with timely notification of a resident regarding a positive I&I test. A visual was performed last June and due to weather and camera malfunctions the water test was not performed until October 22. The current policy was to notify property owners when the entire neighborhood was inspected so this homeowner was not notified and they listed their home for sale.
Supt Dan Miers is changing the policy to notify owner within 2 weeks of the water test that will eliminate this issue in the future.
3. CLERK’S OFFICE SOFTWARE: Laurie Hebl, Diana Bowlin and the staff have interviewed three software companies and are down to two that meet our spec. A recommendation will be brought to council in June. $150,000 has been budgeted to replace the current 13-year old software.
4. CITIZEN SURVEY: The bi-annual survey was sent to 740 homes on April 24th. Thus far 200 have been received. The responses will be collected thru May 15th and results will be presented to council in June or July.
5. DC TRIP UPDATE: In your packet is the current DC Trip update as provided by Laurie Hebl.
Friday, May 1, 2009
News Items - May 1, 2009
1. HEALTH INSURANCE: The pool reserve is nearly $725,000 thru April which is very good. Laurie Hebl, RoxAnne Hunerdosse, Todd Kielkopf and I met with consultant Debbie Dean this week and discussed the pool’s anticipated claims, current reserve, revised deductibles and employee contributions. We agreed to recommend the FY 09/10 monthly premiums as follows: Current - Family $1,076 and Single $538. Recommended - Family $1,260 and Single - $510
Note that the family premium was budgeted at $1,325 so there will be a savings of about $68,700 thru the year.
The affect of the recommended rates on employee contributions are as follows:
Current - $27/month
Recommended - $45/month
2. FRANCHISE FEE (GAS): In your packet is a bill recently passed by the Iowa legislature allowing up to a 5% franchise fee. This item has been discussed with council on a “potential” basis until the legislature acted.
While I am aware there is strong resistance to the use of these fees, the following must be noted:
· A natural gas franchise fee is paid by all entities
· Each % will generate nearly $40,000 annually
· If placed directly into the Police/Fire budgets, the tax rate will decrease 10 cents per percent, i.e. a 5% franchise fee (about $200,000) will decrease the tax rate by 50 cents
· All citizens, businesses and other entities receive Police and Fire services so I suggest the revenue (if approved) be placed in those budgets
· Tax payers will get some relief from the current tax burden
· The revenue stream will be more diversified and less dependent on property taxes
· The franchise fee is a user fee
This item will be placed on a June or July committee agenda for discussion.
3. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: V&K’s Forrest Aldrich will attend the May 11 committee meeting to discuss W Euclid Paving liquidated damages. The final schedule of assessments will be considered on May 18.
FYI--The hearing on special assessments is May 6.
4. RADAR UNITS: Police Chief Steve Bonnett has $5,000 budgeted for another pole mounted radar unit. However, he found a slightly smaller unit for about one-half the price so I have authorized the purchase of two units that will be placed in east/west directions on Iowa Avenue at 9th. Steve chose this location due to the numerous comments about speeding and children.
5. SENATOR APPEL: Senators Appel and Bolkcom, Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee will host a discussion of this year’s session and plans for next year on May 13 at 8:00 am in the Warren County Board Room (second floor).
The mayor/council’s legislative priority list will be placed on the May 11 agenda to prepare for this meeting.
6. N “Y” SIDEWALKS: Chuck Burgin, John Hoyman and I met to discuss sidewalks on N “Y”. Sidewalks were not included in the project because there was not enough time to acquire easements in light of the Stimulus Funding time lines.
Based on a review of the ordinance, sidewalks are not required, and consequently may be waived because grade has not been established (see ordinance). Property owners can therefore request a waiver and receive one based on the ordinance.
However, if council wants to proceed with sidewalks, the grades could be established at a later date and sidewalks would have to be installed by property owners within 120 days of city notification.
7. COMP PLAN: Chuck Burgin received 5 quotes ranging from $37,885 to $40,000 for the Comp Plan Update (last completed in 2001). Our intent is to form a committee with staff, P&Z member(s), council and trustee members to interview the firms by the end of May.
If a council member is interested in serving on the committee, please let Chuck or I know.
8. PLASTIC BAGS: Based on elected official comments, (general consensus showed reserve), staff is scheduling a meeting with retailers to discuss use of plastic bags. I anticipate a relatively slow approach to potential regulations.
9. WEST HWY 92 SEWER: V&K is finalizing plans/specs for the sewer main that would extend south from the northwest corner of W 92 and “Y” and will extend south from (west side of “Y”) and east (across “Y”) to south east corner of Hwy 92 and “Y”. It will serve properties on the north and south sides of West Hwy 92. Chuck Burgin reports a final plat will be received in a couple weeks and recommends proceeding with the sewer after P&Z and council approval.
10. INVESTMENT REPORT: The committee (Pete Berry, Laurie Hebl, Bob Kreamer, Todd Kielkopf, Bob Lester, Clark Raney, Arlen Schrum, Doug Shull, and myself) met with Bankers Trust Kathy Beyer to discuss the quarterly investment report. Below are the investment statistics for the quarter ending March 31st:
· Total principal investment = $10,691,000.00
· Current Yield = 4.81
· Average maturity = 2.79 years
11. BALLOON MUSEUM: Finance Director Laurie Hebl sent a letter to Homeland Security’s re-affirming an appeal for the deterioration of the ditch at 1601 N. Jefferson. New pictures were included.
Chuck Burgin contacted Vanderpool Construction to re-restore the bank.
12. SALEM COURT: In your packet is a schedule for summer entertainment at Salem Court (south side of The Square).
13. PERMIT: City Clerk Diana Bowlin issued two transient merchant permits, one for tool sales at the fairgrounds and one for tack-horse equipment at 311 E. 2nd.
14. PICKEN REZONING: In your packet is a Randy Bray request that the third reading be waived and final approval be granted on June 1, 2009.
Note that the family premium was budgeted at $1,325 so there will be a savings of about $68,700 thru the year.
The affect of the recommended rates on employee contributions are as follows:
Current - $27/month
Recommended - $45/month
2. FRANCHISE FEE (GAS): In your packet is a bill recently passed by the Iowa legislature allowing up to a 5% franchise fee. This item has been discussed with council on a “potential” basis until the legislature acted.
While I am aware there is strong resistance to the use of these fees, the following must be noted:
· A natural gas franchise fee is paid by all entities
· Each % will generate nearly $40,000 annually
· If placed directly into the Police/Fire budgets, the tax rate will decrease 10 cents per percent, i.e. a 5% franchise fee (about $200,000) will decrease the tax rate by 50 cents
· All citizens, businesses and other entities receive Police and Fire services so I suggest the revenue (if approved) be placed in those budgets
· Tax payers will get some relief from the current tax burden
· The revenue stream will be more diversified and less dependent on property taxes
· The franchise fee is a user fee
This item will be placed on a June or July committee agenda for discussion.
3. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: V&K’s Forrest Aldrich will attend the May 11 committee meeting to discuss W Euclid Paving liquidated damages. The final schedule of assessments will be considered on May 18.
FYI--The hearing on special assessments is May 6.
4. RADAR UNITS: Police Chief Steve Bonnett has $5,000 budgeted for another pole mounted radar unit. However, he found a slightly smaller unit for about one-half the price so I have authorized the purchase of two units that will be placed in east/west directions on Iowa Avenue at 9th. Steve chose this location due to the numerous comments about speeding and children.
5. SENATOR APPEL: Senators Appel and Bolkcom, Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee will host a discussion of this year’s session and plans for next year on May 13 at 8:00 am in the Warren County Board Room (second floor).
The mayor/council’s legislative priority list will be placed on the May 11 agenda to prepare for this meeting.
6. N “Y” SIDEWALKS: Chuck Burgin, John Hoyman and I met to discuss sidewalks on N “Y”. Sidewalks were not included in the project because there was not enough time to acquire easements in light of the Stimulus Funding time lines.
Based on a review of the ordinance, sidewalks are not required, and consequently may be waived because grade has not been established (see ordinance). Property owners can therefore request a waiver and receive one based on the ordinance.
However, if council wants to proceed with sidewalks, the grades could be established at a later date and sidewalks would have to be installed by property owners within 120 days of city notification.
7. COMP PLAN: Chuck Burgin received 5 quotes ranging from $37,885 to $40,000 for the Comp Plan Update (last completed in 2001). Our intent is to form a committee with staff, P&Z member(s), council and trustee members to interview the firms by the end of May.
If a council member is interested in serving on the committee, please let Chuck or I know.
8. PLASTIC BAGS: Based on elected official comments, (general consensus showed reserve), staff is scheduling a meeting with retailers to discuss use of plastic bags. I anticipate a relatively slow approach to potential regulations.
9. WEST HWY 92 SEWER: V&K is finalizing plans/specs for the sewer main that would extend south from the northwest corner of W 92 and “Y” and will extend south from (west side of “Y”) and east (across “Y”) to south east corner of Hwy 92 and “Y”. It will serve properties on the north and south sides of West Hwy 92. Chuck Burgin reports a final plat will be received in a couple weeks and recommends proceeding with the sewer after P&Z and council approval.
10. INVESTMENT REPORT: The committee (Pete Berry, Laurie Hebl, Bob Kreamer, Todd Kielkopf, Bob Lester, Clark Raney, Arlen Schrum, Doug Shull, and myself) met with Bankers Trust Kathy Beyer to discuss the quarterly investment report. Below are the investment statistics for the quarter ending March 31st:
· Total principal investment = $10,691,000.00
· Current Yield = 4.81
· Average maturity = 2.79 years
11. BALLOON MUSEUM: Finance Director Laurie Hebl sent a letter to Homeland Security’s re-affirming an appeal for the deterioration of the ditch at 1601 N. Jefferson. New pictures were included.
Chuck Burgin contacted Vanderpool Construction to re-restore the bank.
12. SALEM COURT: In your packet is a schedule for summer entertainment at Salem Court (south side of The Square).
13. PERMIT: City Clerk Diana Bowlin issued two transient merchant permits, one for tool sales at the fairgrounds and one for tack-horse equipment at 311 E. 2nd.
14. PICKEN REZONING: In your packet is a Randy Bray request that the third reading be waived and final approval be granted on June 1, 2009.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Urbandale City Manager Position
By now, many or all of you have read about my being a candidate for Urbandale's (vacant) city manager position. It is therefore important to me to let you all know that I am in no way dissatisfied with my position here. I truly enjoy Indianola and my job.
However, and unfortunately, in the city management profession for one to move up, one must move out. There are no alternatives.
About two months ago, I received several calls from the hiring consultant doing the work for Urbandale. They asked me to consider applying and felt I would be a very good match for Urbandale's qualifications.
After much thought and many discussions with my wife, I decided to apply. The interviews are on Monday, May 4 and there are 4 other very qualified candidates from across the country. I actually feel fortunate to have made the list of 5 from a field of 65 applicants.
My goal at this point is to do well in the interview and see what happens. It will be a learning experience for Urbandale officials as well as myself.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog now and in the past and I promise to keep you informed as to any decisions.
By now, many or all of you have read about my being a candidate for Urbandale's (vacant) city manager position. It is therefore important to me to let you all know that I am in no way dissatisfied with my position here. I truly enjoy Indianola and my job.
However, and unfortunately, in the city management profession for one to move up, one must move out. There are no alternatives.
About two months ago, I received several calls from the hiring consultant doing the work for Urbandale. They asked me to consider applying and felt I would be a very good match for Urbandale's qualifications.
After much thought and many discussions with my wife, I decided to apply. The interviews are on Monday, May 4 and there are 4 other very qualified candidates from across the country. I actually feel fortunate to have made the list of 5 from a field of 65 applicants.
My goal at this point is to do well in the interview and see what happens. It will be a learning experience for Urbandale officials as well as myself.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog now and in the past and I promise to keep you informed as to any decisions.
Friday, April 17, 2009
News Items - April 20, 2009
1. RESTROOM: Given the anticipated use of Salem Court (alley on south side of the square), the Park Dept intends to put a portable restroom in the parking lot across from the American Legion Hall (see map). It will be enclosed and maintained on a weekly basis. The KIB Salem Court Committee will pay the monthly fee.
2. TRAILER: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin has been approached (see letter) by someone interested in setting a trailer on 109 S. Jefferson (former used car lot) to sell barbeque food (see request). The trailer is similar to those seen at a state fair or other similar venues.
The transient merchant ordinance only allows 60 days (definition of transient) but the owner wants a much longer period. However, because it has human occupation, it falls under the building code that has requirements including wind load, tire/wheel removal, etc. The requirements are more than the owners are willing to comply with.
They consequently have asked to be on a council agenda to request council approval of either waiving the building code requirements, or, extending the transient merchant 60-day period.
3. COMP PLAN UPDATE: Request for proposals will be received on April 21 and a recommendation presented to council on May 18.
4. SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: As written previously, the Sustainable Committee is reviewing residential tax abatement as a condition of sustainable construction (extra insulation, low-e glass, 40-year roof shingles, programmable thermostats, etc.). Chuck Burgin and I met with several local builders and received a positive response.
A recommendation will be presented to elected officials in 60-90 days.
5. DC TRIP: Todd Kielkopf reports Chris Boone will attend the Partnership’s annual Washington DC trip June 10-12.
6. SOFTBALL LIGHTING: At their meeting on the 15th, the P&R Commission approved a lighting plan for Pickard Youth Softball fields. Part of the plan involves a loan from the city and in-kind services from IMU. It will be brought to council at the May 4th council meeting.
7. TAX REVENUES: Revenues are down over 2% from this time last year.
8. I&I: A neighborhood meeting (see area map) for properties in northwest service area number 2 will be held at Irving Elementary on April 28 at 7:00 pm.
9. STORM SIREN: Brian Seymour reports the storm siren located at Indianola Municipal Utilities has failed and will be replaced as soon as possible.
10. HYDRANTS: The Water Dept will flush hydrants from April 28 thru May 8.
11. PICKEN DEVELOPMENT: Progress continues on this potential development. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin anticipates a plat to be submitted to Planning and Zoning for their May 12th meeting.
2. TRAILER: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin has been approached (see letter) by someone interested in setting a trailer on 109 S. Jefferson (former used car lot) to sell barbeque food (see request). The trailer is similar to those seen at a state fair or other similar venues.
The transient merchant ordinance only allows 60 days (definition of transient) but the owner wants a much longer period. However, because it has human occupation, it falls under the building code that has requirements including wind load, tire/wheel removal, etc. The requirements are more than the owners are willing to comply with.
They consequently have asked to be on a council agenda to request council approval of either waiving the building code requirements, or, extending the transient merchant 60-day period.
3. COMP PLAN UPDATE: Request for proposals will be received on April 21 and a recommendation presented to council on May 18.
4. SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: As written previously, the Sustainable Committee is reviewing residential tax abatement as a condition of sustainable construction (extra insulation, low-e glass, 40-year roof shingles, programmable thermostats, etc.). Chuck Burgin and I met with several local builders and received a positive response.
A recommendation will be presented to elected officials in 60-90 days.
5. DC TRIP: Todd Kielkopf reports Chris Boone will attend the Partnership’s annual Washington DC trip June 10-12.
6. SOFTBALL LIGHTING: At their meeting on the 15th, the P&R Commission approved a lighting plan for Pickard Youth Softball fields. Part of the plan involves a loan from the city and in-kind services from IMU. It will be brought to council at the May 4th council meeting.
7. TAX REVENUES: Revenues are down over 2% from this time last year.
8. I&I: A neighborhood meeting (see area map) for properties in northwest service area number 2 will be held at Irving Elementary on April 28 at 7:00 pm.
9. STORM SIREN: Brian Seymour reports the storm siren located at Indianola Municipal Utilities has failed and will be replaced as soon as possible.
10. HYDRANTS: The Water Dept will flush hydrants from April 28 thru May 8.
11. PICKEN DEVELOPMENT: Progress continues on this potential development. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin anticipates a plat to be submitted to Planning and Zoning for their May 12th meeting.
Friday, April 10, 2009
News Items - April 13, 2009
1. DC TRIP: Council packets include an update from the February trip prepared by Laurie Hebl.
Also, Bob Kreamer and Steve Richardson are unable to attend the June 10-12 event and Diana Bowlin reserved two spots. Mark Vickroy will be able to attend. Please let us know if any others are interested.
2. RACE CAR ORDINANCE: Unfortunately, and, through an omission on the part of staff, the words “are present” did not get included in the final version of the ordinance as written in the memo. It therefore will have to be reconsidered by council a third time. I apologize for this mishap.
3. DRAINAGE: Street Supt Ed Yando and staff will install drain tile on W Detroit at “E” to help remove drainage onto the street. The same will be done at “J” and W Boston. Both projects will be completed within about 90 days when conditions are dryer.
4. I&I: Two major Infiltration and Inflow defects were found in the last 10 days. One was an aerial crossing (exposed main over a drainage ditch) west of Ann Parkway/Caroline Terrace and the other was just south of The Village. Both have been repaired and should have a significant impact on storm water inflow into the sewer mains.
5. GRADE ORDINANCE: According to Eric Boehlert, Ahlers Law Firm, a grade ordinance is required
Also, Bob Kreamer and Steve Richardson are unable to attend the June 10-12 event and Diana Bowlin reserved two spots. Mark Vickroy will be able to attend. Please let us know if any others are interested.
2. RACE CAR ORDINANCE: Unfortunately, and, through an omission on the part of staff, the words “are present” did not get included in the final version of the ordinance as written in the memo. It therefore will have to be reconsidered by council a third time. I apologize for this mishap.
3. DRAINAGE: Street Supt Ed Yando and staff will install drain tile on W Detroit at “E” to help remove drainage onto the street. The same will be done at “J” and W Boston. Both projects will be completed within about 90 days when conditions are dryer.
4. I&I: Two major Infiltration and Inflow defects were found in the last 10 days. One was an aerial crossing (exposed main over a drainage ditch) west of Ann Parkway/Caroline Terrace and the other was just south of The Village. Both have been repaired and should have a significant impact on storm water inflow into the sewer mains.
5. GRADE ORDINANCE: According to Eric Boehlert, Ahlers Law Firm, a grade ordinance is required
Friday, April 3, 2009
News Items - April 6, 2009
1. MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Four bids were received on April 2 as follows:
Company Base Bid Alternate #1 Alternate #2
Bergstrom Const $849,000 $26,000 $12,000
Boyd Const. $785,740 $33,950 $17,100
Edge Commercial $845,200 $21,500 $19,946
Pro Commercial $814,968 $15,588 $11,250
The building committee met on the 3rd and considered a recommendation to remove alternates 1 (Street Dept will instead do the concrete work) and 2 (building improvement north of Family Video) for a total of $50,000. In addition, Shive Hattery’s Mark Allen will discuss options with Boyd to reduce the project cost. While it is felt all parts of the project are necessary, the total cost is allows little contingency, which is a necessary component when renovating a building.
A recommendation will be brought to the April 20 council meeting.
2. 19th STREET: Chuck Burgin continues to work with our attorney and the bonding attorney to reach a settlement. The goal is to have a street replacement by July 1.
3. SOUTH “Y”: I have authorized Garden & Associates to provide information regarding costs for urban design, slab-on-grade and an asphalt surface for “Y” south of Hwy 92. Given the TIF reduced life span (20 to 10 years if TIF is used residentially), I am looking for the most affordable and cost-efficient method to hard surface the gravel road. A recommendation will be brought to council in May.
4. CONTRACT MOWING: Bids are in and the joint (Electric, Parks Sewer and Water) action is to accept the proposal from Justin Woosley (see P&R and Sewer recommendations). While the Parks Dept has contracted for more than 15 years, this is the first for the Sewer Dept.
Supt Dan Miers expects to save about $5,000 annually and does not intend to purchase the mower/tractor as originally budgeted. Hats off the all who participated in the process!!
5. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: The balance is nearly $700,000 and has grown the last couple months. Laurie, Rox, Todd and I will meet in the next 30 days or so to re-evaluate our premiums and make a recommendation if justified.
6. SURVEY: This year’s community survey (packet) will be sent by the first of May to 720 households. Elected officials can review the questions and add/subtract as necessary.
7. AMPHITHEATER: The engineer proposal recommendation will be presented at the April 20 council meeting.
8. STORM WATER UTILITY: Per council action on December 1st, V&K’s Storm Water Utility (SWU) study proposal will be placed on the April 20 council agenda.
9. BRUSH FACILITY: Opening day was busy at the facility. Residents filled a 40-yard container with leaves and garden waste, our first television was taken at the new e-cycle building and contractor, C.J. Services was grinding brush material.
Company Base Bid Alternate #1 Alternate #2
Bergstrom Const $849,000 $26,000 $12,000
Boyd Const. $785,740 $33,950 $17,100
Edge Commercial $845,200 $21,500 $19,946
Pro Commercial $814,968 $15,588 $11,250
The building committee met on the 3rd and considered a recommendation to remove alternates 1 (Street Dept will instead do the concrete work) and 2 (building improvement north of Family Video) for a total of $50,000. In addition, Shive Hattery’s Mark Allen will discuss options with Boyd to reduce the project cost. While it is felt all parts of the project are necessary, the total cost is allows little contingency, which is a necessary component when renovating a building.
A recommendation will be brought to the April 20 council meeting.
2. 19th STREET: Chuck Burgin continues to work with our attorney and the bonding attorney to reach a settlement. The goal is to have a street replacement by July 1.
3. SOUTH “Y”: I have authorized Garden & Associates to provide information regarding costs for urban design, slab-on-grade and an asphalt surface for “Y” south of Hwy 92. Given the TIF reduced life span (20 to 10 years if TIF is used residentially), I am looking for the most affordable and cost-efficient method to hard surface the gravel road. A recommendation will be brought to council in May.
4. CONTRACT MOWING: Bids are in and the joint (Electric, Parks Sewer and Water) action is to accept the proposal from Justin Woosley (see P&R and Sewer recommendations). While the Parks Dept has contracted for more than 15 years, this is the first for the Sewer Dept.
Supt Dan Miers expects to save about $5,000 annually and does not intend to purchase the mower/tractor as originally budgeted. Hats off the all who participated in the process!!
5. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: The balance is nearly $700,000 and has grown the last couple months. Laurie, Rox, Todd and I will meet in the next 30 days or so to re-evaluate our premiums and make a recommendation if justified.
6. SURVEY: This year’s community survey (packet) will be sent by the first of May to 720 households. Elected officials can review the questions and add/subtract as necessary.
7. AMPHITHEATER: The engineer proposal recommendation will be presented at the April 20 council meeting.
8. STORM WATER UTILITY: Per council action on December 1st, V&K’s Storm Water Utility (SWU) study proposal will be placed on the April 20 council agenda.
9. BRUSH FACILITY: Opening day was busy at the facility. Residents filled a 40-yard container with leaves and garden waste, our first television was taken at the new e-cycle building and contractor, C.J. Services was grinding brush material.
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