HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes-02/12/2014 (2) CITY OF TIFFIN
Work Session Meeting
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
City Hall
The Tiffin city council met in a work session on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at City Hall.
Mayor Berner called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM. Roll Call:Joann Kahler, Mike Ryan, Jim
Bartels, Mark Petersen. Peggy Upton arrived at 6:35 PM. Absent: none. Also present: Brett
Mehmen, Attorney Michael, Engineer Frederick,Administrator Jackson.
Motion by Petersen to approve the agenda, seconded Ryan. Motion carried.
HART FREDERICK CONSULTANTS: A letter was provided to Council by Hart Frederick
Consultants (HFC). In summary, HFC missed a deadline for the Ireland Avenue project in
January. They will push forward to meet the February deadline. The delay does not affect
bidding or construction, per Mayor Berner.
COPIER: Mayor Berner put this on the agenda after he had to stand for a double sided copy job
that took almost an hour. The current copier is inefficient. There is an original quote for$6,500
and the thought was to wait for the July 1 budget, but it is felt we should move forward due to
the inefficiency. Petersen questioned leasing, but that is not a good use of funds. Waown the
current copier and will give it to Public Works. No further discussion.
DISCUSSION TO AMEND BUILDING INSPECTOR CONTRACT FOR COMMERCIAL INSPECTIONS:
Inspector Shay present. His current contract is $25/hour for commercial construction. He
would like to change it to 50% of the building permit fee, with City keeping the other fees. The
main reason is that with all of the new projects including the school and the 12 plexes, he will
have to hire someone. He will also have to increases his insurance to $10 million for the school.
This will increase his premium from $40 to $400 a month. If he keeps the contract the way it
currently is, he will lose money. Examples have been provided via emails to council. Berner &
Ryan indicated that this would allow the City to know up front what their costs are with no
surprises. Upton said it would be nice to track things to see if it does make sense. Shay added
the examples he provided in the emails should address her concerns.
DISCUSSION ON OCCUPANCY LOAD OF NEW CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS: With tables and
chairs in the room, limited to 55 people. With one table, there can be a maximum of 142
people which calculates to seven square feet per person.
MINUTES: Changes per Upton, on the January 29th meeting; it was not a regular council
meeting and was not at library. Minutes should be amended to reflect it was a special meeting
and at the Tiffin Fire Station. Upton expressed concern about the discussion of capital
improvements paragraph. She indicated one paragraph was inadequate to describe what was
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discussed. Administrator Jackson explained it is difficult to talk and take minutes and truly
reflect what was discussed, which is why Teri Collins will now take minutes. Jackson will review
and make additions to the January 29th minutes. Upton offered some notes if needed. Ryan
added that perhaps we should publish working lists. Upton added there is also a typo on work
session and the word "freeze" should be changed to Frees. The January 29th minutes will be
pulled.
Public Works: Nate VanVoorst will take the basic water treatment 30-hour-course at Kirkwood,
which means he can take the grade 1 test within 6 months. Training costs are $400 per class.
The program Brett took is no longer offered. Upton questioned why Jonas and Brian were not
considered. Brett explained that Brian does not want to go back to school and wants to
concentrate on the Streets position and Jonas wants to concentrate on the Parks position.
Once Nate takes the classes and performs the hands on training, it will allow up to 6 years to
get grade 3 certified.
Motion made by Kahler to adjourn, and seconded by Ryan to adjourn at 6:58 PM. Motion
carried unanimously.
Michon Jallr, City Clerk/Administrator Steven L. Berner, Mayor
February 13, 2014
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