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HomeMy Public PortalAboutDec 07 OFFICIAL MINUTES (Corrected at 12/18/07 Council Meeting) Mayor Wren opened the regular meeting of the Riverdale city Council at 7:03 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2007. Roll Call: Present: Franklin, Ulrich, Littrel, Grindle, Halsey Absent: None Also present: Floyd Bruns, Marie Randol, Bonita Grindle, Ann Shoultz, Teri Stickler, Mary Hanson, Pat Eikenberry, Calisse McPherson, Chris Townsend, Tom Hancock, Larry Minard, and Tom (corrected to) Jim Sunderbruch Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Franklin and seconded by Halsey. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Minutes: A motion was made by Grindle and seconded by Franklin to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 2007. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Warrants: A motion was made by Ulrich and seconded by Halsey to approve the following warrants for payment. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. December 4, 2007 General Fund ACCT # COMPANY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 10-53 RACOM edacs access $79.50 10-54 US BANK FactoryOutletStore, gps system & antenna $894.98 10-55 US BANK Walgreens, photo developing $9.47 10-57 US BANK Hyvee, water and pop $70.64 20-30 MID AMERICAN ENERGY street lighting $906.22 40-30 MIDWEST SALES CO. bike rack $563.00 60-20 MARY FRANCES BLEVINS semi monthly $148.36 60-20 THERESA RALFS semi monthly $796.36 60-51 MID AMERICAN ENERGY utilities $585.99 60-52 MYRA HALSEY November cleaning $200.00 60-61 QUAD CITY TIMES publishing $212.78 60-62 BETTENDORF OFFICE PRODUCT Notary stamp $17.95 60-62 USBANK Sams club, Holiday lights $275.20 60-63 K&K TRUE VALUE clock $14.39 Total Gen. Fund Warrants $4,774.84 RECEIPTS Valley Bank CD Interest $10,162.85 QC Bank & Trust Interest $3,856.44 Alcoa Sewer $4,214.00 Room rent $10.00 Representative from Missman, Stanley Engineering firm presented information on the Recreational Trail. There have been numerous steering committee and public meetings concerning the Recreational Trail and tonight they presented the final plans to the City Council for approval to start the environmental and wetlands studies. The cost of the trail will be $200,000 - $225,000 including half of the bridge over Duck Creek. The cost to the City of Riverdale will be $40,000 - $60,000. The trail will be on Alcoa property and railroad right of way. It was stressed that Alcoa has been very cooperative and generous in working with the Engineering firm and residents. A motion was made by Littrel and seconded Halsey that the City of Riverdale accepts the proposal as drawn of the Recreational Trail as presented by Missman representatives and with the modification of the Trail continuing on the back side of the Bellingham property now owned by Alcoa. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. During discussion of the motion, Franklin asked about the bridge supporting emergency vehicles. A Missman representative explained that the bridge is 10 feet wide and would hold a fire truck or semi-truck. Board of Supervisor representative discussed why it was necessary to consolidate the dispatch centers, to save money and be more efficient. After lengthy discussion it was stated by Tom Hancock that the vote was taken last week and passed. Tax will be levied by the county even if Riverdale doesn’t sign the agreement, $16/$100,000. There will be a five person Board of Directors, The mayors of Davenport, Bettendorf, and Chairperson from Scott County Board of Supervisors, Chairperson from MEDIC EMS Board, and one mayor representing 15 small cities in Scott County. Larry Minnard said they would return with updated information at future Council meetings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 3rd and final reading of Amendment to Ordinance No. 69.08, amended to include additional no parking zone on Bellingham Road. A motion was made by Littrel and seconded by Grindle to accept the third reading of the Amendment to Ordinance No. 69.08. Roll call: all ayes, motion carried. Amendment to Ordinance 69.08 The City of Riverdale Ordinance Number 69.08 is amended effective December 4, 2007, to include an additional no parking zone included in the Ordinance as item 13. Ordinance 69.08 now reads: 69.08. NO PARKING ZONES. No one shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any of the following specifically designated no parking zones except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a peace officer or traffic control signal. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236[1]) 1. State Street (U.S. No. 67 through the City; 2. Valley Drive for its entire length; 3. South Kensington Street within five hundred (500) feet southerly of the southerly line of U.S. Highway No. 67; 4. The cul-de-sac at the westerly terminus of Sycamore Lane; 5. The cul-de-sac at the westerly terminus of Wisteria; 6. Fenno Road from Valley Drive to State Street; 7. Windsor Drive from Manor Drive to Elmhurst Lane; 8. Elmhurst Lane from Windsor Drive to old Fire Station driveway; 9. Manor Drive within one hundred seventy-four (174) feet northerly of the centerline of U.S. Highway 67; 10. Fenno Road within one hundred eighty-seven (187) feet southeasterly of the centerline of U.S. Highway 67; 11. The north side of the entire length of Sycamore Lane; 12. The north side of the entire length of Wisteria Lane. 13. Bellingham Road The council discussed lighting of the flag pole. A 5 minute recess was taken at 8:30 p.m. to check the possibility of placing the light on the side of the building. The meeting resumed at 8:35p.m. It was determined with the overhang it wasn’t possible to install a light on the building. It was suggested to hang a light on the flag pole and get an estimate from Acme Sign Co. This will be discussed at the next council meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Franklin made a motion to move the January 1, 2008 regular city council meeting to January 2, 2008 seconded by Grindle. Roll call: all ayes, motion carried. There were 3 requests for serving of alcohol in the Community room. A motion was made to approve the dates given to serve alcohol by Franklin and seconded Halsey. Roll call: all ayes, motion carried. Floyd requested the purchase of a 10 X 15 American Flag. A motion was made by Franklin to purchase an American Flag, 10X15 not to exceed $300, seconded Halsey. Roll call: all ayes, motion carried. Floyd explained the problem with the water valve in the Fire Department and a motion was made by Franklin to repair the water valve not to exceed $200, seconded Halsey. Roll call: all ayes, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORT: Bill Molison from Ament called Franklin and requested a meeting to discuss Belmont road. A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, 2007. Ulrich reported on the bus shelter, it will be located on Sycamore Lane off Kensington. Halsey will be in court Thursday, December 6 as a witness to an accident at State and Kensington. Mayor Wren presented Teri Stickler and John Ulrich a Certificate of Appreciation for their service and dedication to the City of Riverdale. Mayor Wren presented to Dean Halsey and Doug Littrel Certificates of Election. Mayor Wren called attention to the documents identifying the surcharge for fuel from Mahler’s snow removal. This will be discussed at the next council meeting. PUBLIC COMMUNICAITON: No public communication A motion to adjourn was made by Halsey and seconded by Franklin. Roll call: all ayes, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. ______________________ _________________________ Norma Wren, Mayor Mary Frances Belvins, Asst. City Clerk OFFICIAL MINUTES Mayor Wren opened the regular meeting of the Riverdale City Council at 7:02 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18, 2007. Roll Call: Present: Franklin, Ulrich, Littrel, Grindle, Halsey Absent: None Also present: Bonita Grindle, Ann Shoultz, Violet Stickler, Lou Wren, Cheryl Channon, Marie Randol, Jim Mahler, Teri Stickler, Mary Frances Blevins, Steve Hunter (attorney) and Floyd Bruns Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Franklin and seconded by Ulrich. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried Minutes: A motion was made by Ulrich and seconded by Littrel to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of December 4, 2007 with one correction. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Warrants: A motion was made by Grindle and seconded by Halsey to approve the following warrants for payment. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. December 18, 2007 General Fund ACCT # COMPANY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 10-52 MHC CONVENIENCE LLC SERIES fuel $450.82 10-53 TRI-STATE fire department truck supplies head, neck straps and harness $723.04 10-54 AIR CONTROL INC supplies $769.75 10-57 KENT GULLION supplies, envelopes, invitation $33.03 20-50 MAHLER CONCRETE & EXCAVAT snow removal, 12-1 thru 12-16-07 $11,332.50 20-50 NORTH AMERICAN SALT CO. road salt $4,212.08 20-90 ALLIED WASTE SERVICE garbage & recycling $2,300.00 40-30 MAHLER CONCRETE & EXCAVAT prep & pour 6" slab 12X12, erect & anchor shelter as bid $3,370.00 60-10 NORMA WREN quarterly $554.10 60-10 JACK FRANKLIN quarterly $198.77 60-10 JEFF GRINDLE quarterly $198.77 60-10 DEAN HALSEY quarterly $161.61 60-10 JOHN ULRICH quarterly $165.64 60-10 DOUG LITTREL quarterly $96.97 60-10 TERI STICKLER quarterly $96.97 60-10 US BANK withholding $167.96 60-10 IPERS withholding $59.20 60-20 MARY FRANCES BLEVINS semi monthly $266.00 60-20 THERESA RALFS semi monthly $796.36 60-20 MARY HANSON monthly $73.45 60-20 US BANK withholding $669.38 60-20 IPERS withholding $269.48 60-20 TREASURER STATE OF IOWA quarterly withholding $180.00 60-30 KAREN FITZSIMMONS AUDITOR 2007 elections $3,627.36 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER general $1,175.00 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER open records, open meetings $651.12 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER zoning code $1,375.00 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER intergovernmental agreement with City of Bettendorf $150.00 60-51 QWEST utilities $149.48 60-51 MEDIACOM on line service $45.95 60-51 IOWA AMERICAN WATER utilities $170.75 60-52 DAVID WELCH replace water value in fire station $110.10 60-61 THE PRINTING STORE printing 2008 calendars $700.00 60-62 PITNEY BOWES postal meter rental $156.00 60-62 MYRA HALSEY cleaning supplies $40.53 60-62 THERESA RALFS staples, supplies $6.94 60-63 REGALIA 10X15 nylon flag $220.00 60-63 JEFF GRINDLE mileage for budget workshop $64.51 60-63 IOWA ONE CALL service $20.70 60-63 COMPUTER TEAM, INC. document management $7,305.60 60-70 ALLIED INSURANCE surety bond renewal $156.00 TOTAL WARRANTS $43,270.92 RECEIPTS Room Rent $10.00 Copies $1.75 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The city clerk informed the council that Acme Sign had been to City Hall to look at the flag pole light, but has not received any information from them. A motion to table the issue of the flag pole light until the next council meeting was made by Ulrich and seconded by Grindle. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Franklin updated the council regarding nuisances at Bicentennial Park. Franklin spoke with neighbors around the park and two prevalent issues are noise and swearing by people using the basketball court and people in the park after dark. The council discussed different solutions to these issues. Moving the basketball court and changing the park sign to reflect when the park is open and closed was suggested. The mayor asked the council to think about what time the park should open and close and discuss it at the next council meeting. NEW BUSINESS: A motion was made by Ulrich and seconded by Grindle to accept the fuel surcharge for snow removal from Mahler Concrete & Excavating. The surcharge for fuel is as follows: Over $3.00 per gal/$5.00 per hr., over $3.50 per gal/$7.50 per hr., over $4.00 per gal/$10.00 per hr., over $4.50 per gal/$12.50 per hr., over $5.00 per gal/$15.00 per hr. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. A motion was made by Grindle and seconded by Ulrich to approve the requests to serve alcohol in the community room on December 29, 2007 and March 15, 2008. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. A motion was made by Ulrich and seconded by Littrel to approve expenditures for the City Clerk and Assistant City Clerk to attend a CareerTrack seminar on dealing with difficult people, including miscellaneous expenditures for food and mileage. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: The November 2007 Financial Report was discussed. A motion to approve the November 2007 Financial Report was made by Grindle and seconded by Ulrich. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL AND OTHER OFFICIALS: Ulrich stated it was his last meeting and it has been a great pleasure working with the Mayor and Council. Ulrich said he appreciates his friends on the council and the business that has been taken care of for the City. Littrel asked if the Belmont Road meeting that was cancelled because of the storm would be rescheduled. Franklin stated he will reschedule the meeting and let Littrel know when. Littrel informed the council that he fixed the door to the community room. Grindle thanked John Ulrich for all his work on the council. Grindle also thanked Mayor Wren and presented her with a certificate acknowledging her 22 years of service to the City of Riverdale. Halsey thanked Mayor Wren for giving him the inspiration to be on the council. Halsey asked for clarification that the first council meeting in January 2008 will be on Wednesday, January 2nd. Mayor Wren stated it would be held then. Halsey reported that the bus shelter by Haven’s Acres Park is in. Halsey and Jim Mahler will take care of the concrete work for the bike rack. Mayor Wren stated that in the December newsletter she will give a report about different projects that have been completed and that are in process for the city. Mayor Wren also stated that the citizens of Riverdale have chosen a good worker and good thinker for their next Mayor and the City will be in good hands when Jeff Grindle takes the gavel. PUBLIC communications: Jim Mahler apologized for the mail boxes that have been damaged during snow plowing. Mr. Mahler stated that he needs to get close to the curb for the mail delivery vehicles, and the lane on Fenno is very narrow. Mr. Mahler said if anyone has any problems or suggestions for making the process better to please contact him. Mr. Mahler asked the City Clerk to put a notice in the next newsletter asking residents to mark the edge of the curb next to their driveways with a reflector. Teri Stickler thanked John Ulrich for his time and energy on the projects he worked on for the city and stated how nice John was to work with on the council. Ms. Stickler also thanked Mayor Wren for all your service to Riverdale. Ms. Stickler stated many people have no idea how much work Mayor Wren has done for the city, and though there are a couple people fighting her, a bunch of people in Riverdale are behind Norma and her love for Riverdale. Franklin stated he would like to second what Teri Stickler said and stated Mayor Wren has been donating her time to the City since the early 1980’s. Mayor Wren thanked John Ulrich for his work to the city and stated it has been wonderful working with him, Teri Stickler and everyone around the table. Mayor Wren told the council everyone knew how to pitch in and disagree at times without being disagreeable. Mayor Wren continued with a message to the citizens of Riverdale that there will be a new council coming in and asks that you talk to them and give them your courage and knowledge and let the council know what is important to you. Mayor Wren thanked everyone and stated it has been a pleasure to be here. A motion to adjourn was made by Halsey and seconded by Franklin. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm. ____________________ ____________________ Norma Wren, Mayor Theresa Ralfs, City Clerk Notes from Norma With the beginning of the New Year 2008, a new mayor and council will take the oath of office to serve the City of Riverdale. It is on this occasion I wish to share my final column of ‘Notes from Norma’. It is important that you know the activities of the exceptional group of council members who have treated each other with respect, and have had productive discourse, not always in agreement, but without being disagreeable. There have been difficult stresses, but the group of Jack Franklin, Jeff Grindle, Teri Stickler, John Ulrich, and Dean Halsey, have demonstrated the ability to engage in productive discussions, make difficult decisions, and do the physical labour of seeing projects completed. They deserve all our thanks and respect. And no report to the City could be complete without recognition for the many people who are the exceptional volunteers who make this city a more pleasant place. Think of the 4th of July, the Easter Egg Hunt, hanging the Winter Season decorations, gathering the NPDES storm water samples, Plan and Zone and Board of Adjustments, and more. All these activities are possible through volunteers. I have great respect and thanks for all these people. The most important issues to many citizens are: The property tax structure is the lowest of any community in Iowa. Property taxes stay relatively constant and low. This is due to planning ahead for capital improvements, which avoids sudden tax changes for property owners. All City services are paid for from taxes and without the fees other communities require. The volunteer Fire and First Responder EMS Service is of the highest quality, led by award winning Chief Floyd Bruns, First Asst. Dale Hupp, Second Asst Eric Hupp, and President Jon Clinton. The City is fiscally solvent and manages its resources in producing an exceptional community in which to live and raise a family. Having been first elected in 1986 to the Council, I was elected Mayor in November 2003, and was re-elected in 2005. Activities of the Mayor have included: Development and maintenance of good working relationships with communities contiguous with Riverdale, as well as with industry, Pleasant Valley School System, and our Scott Community College neighbour. Participation in wider community committees such as the Quad City Riverfront Development and Bi-State Regional Commission Transportation Policy Committee, the Alcoa Community Action Board, the Scott County Conference Board, and the Waste Commission of Scott County, and the Joint Contract Sewerage Committee, as chairperson. Beginning of a new, safe Belmont Road using 80/20 Federal Funds. Of the 20% local money requirement, Riverdale’s obligation is only 10%. This project is being supported by both Riverdale and Bettendorf through a 28E Intergovernmental Agreement, since the corporate boundary between Riverdale and Bettendorf runs down the center of the road. Preliminary work is underway and Construction is expected to begin in early spring of 2008. Development of a Riverdale portion of the Mississippi Riverfront Multi-purpose Trail. With the generosity of Alcoa in allowing their land to be the basis for the Riverdale Portion of the Trail, this portion of the Trail is in engineering development The trail will be a portion of a New Orleans to the Mississippi headwaters continuous trail. The Council has approved the proposed trail across Duck Creek and across the Alcoa property honouring the concerns of people living in Haven’s Acres. Because of Grant funding, Riverdale’s costs for this first portion of the trail which includes a bridge across Duck Creek is between $40,000 and $60,000. The bridge will also provide emergency vehicle access to a portion of Haven’s Acres, which is occasionally isolated from road access by standing trains. Negotiation of a 25 year agreement (with a 15 year look in) for the gas and electric franchise with MidAmerican Gas and Electric. The City council approved the agreement. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit applied for and received from the state to comply with the nationally mandated program. Riverdale is required to comply with this Federal Statute since the City is surrounded by a larger community, also required to comply. Ordinances were instituted to meet the obligations of the state permit. Volunteers continuously meet the action requirements. Infrastructure improvements include repair of curbs and cutters, select sewers and catch basins, and road resurfacing. Removal of the long standing old empty water tower Park Improvements include Haven’s Acres Park updated play equipment, new picnic tables and fencing, and new picnic tables for Bicentennial Park. Safety issues were addressed through improved signage and ‘popcorn’ lights warning of traffic signals on State Street. Responded to the State Auditor regarding current and historic activities and accounts of the City. The report of the State Auditor asked (not required) that a policies book be established. Any items over which there were questions from the Auditor were characterized by the Auditors as ‘extremely minor’. (see published report) A new fire truck was purchased and received in 2007. A pumper truck which no longer met the Federal requirements of such a vehicle as it is driven on the street to an emergency event, was donated to the new Emergency Training Center for the Eastern Iowa region. The requirements of the vehicle used in training, not having to traverse on a street, are satisfied with our retired vehicle. The Council saw this use as a win for the citizens as training will be in this region where the truck was originally paid for. Responding to the extraordinary number of requests for open records, and the time required to fill those requests, the Council has voted to install a document management system. This system will provide access to a computerized copy of fragile documents which must be held in perpetuity; as well as provide instant access to documents which citizens will personally be able to access. The clerk’s office now has a service counter serve the public more efficiently. A security system is being installed to ensure the safety of personnel. After the retirement of Linda Phillips as City Clerk in 2005, Theresa Ralfs became City Clerk. The City continues to be fortunate in having another kind and helpful employee. In response to the research and copying load, as well as the document management system, Mary Frances Blevins was hired in 2007 to assist the Clerk as needed. Mary Hanson has continued as Asst. City Clerk managing investment finances for the City as she has done for the past 26 years. Recycling in Riverdale has excellent compliance through education, not mandate. The City has a grief in one resident suing the City and Volunteers. There is no Court date as yet And so, I pass the gavel to our next Mayor Jeff Grindle. He, along with a new Council of Jack Franklin, Dean Halsey, Doug Littrel, and Cheryl Channon, will have decisions to make on your behalf. Talk to them, give them your courage and knowledge and let them know what is important to you. After all, you give strength to the City and those who work for good. May the City of Riverdale continue to be blessed. Norma Wren, Mayor 7 From the City of Riverdale December 2007 Theresa has open office hours for the public on Wednesday’s from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. feel free to stop in with any questions or concerns and to pick up keys for the community room reservations. Other times, please leave a phone message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you. Fire Department Report for November 20 to December 17, 2007 Calls: 4-EMS Calls 1-Fire 1-Mutual Aid Fire Training: Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Rope and Knots Firefighter Health and Safety Serve your community-Come and join us! j You can view the latest City Council minutes and agenda at the city’s website. Check them out at riverdaleia.org The January 1, 2008 regular city Council Meeting has been changed to January 2, 2008 at 7 p.m. because of the holiday. Thank You to the Riverdale Christmas Carolers Thank you so very much for coming to our home and caroling during the holiday season. You certainly brightened our day and our spirits. All of you are so special for sharing your time and talents to make the holiday better. Riverdale is such a great community of wonderful, caring, special neighbors. Dean & Judy Hiles I would like to thank the Riverdale Carolers that came to sing for my family and my mom at the Masonic Health Facility. It was wonderful of you to think of us and the other neighbors you visited in Riverdale. Neighbors like you are the reason Riverdale is such a great place to live. Bonita Grindle 2008 Iowa Caucuses Scott County Democrats and Republicans have announced the precinct meeting sites for the January 3rd Iowa caucuses to choose presidential nominees for each party. The Democratic caucuses begin at 6:30 p.m., and the Republicans caucuses begin at 7 p.m. Democrat Caucus location for Riverdale is: Riverdale City Hall community room, 110 Manor Drive Republican Caucus location for Riverdale is: Pleasant View School gymnasium, 6333 Crow Creek Road, Bettendorf You are reminded that reflectors at the end of your driveway are a big help to the snow removal crews! Christmas tree pickup will be any Monday during the month of January. Thank you, Judy Hiles, for all of your hard work on the 2008 Riverdale Calendar. You did a wonderful job!