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HomeMy Public PortalAboutJuly 08 OFFICIAL MINUTES Mayor Grindle opened the regular meeting of the Riverdale City Council at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. Roll Call: Present: Franklin, Littrel, Channon, Hupp, Halsey Absent: None Also present: Angela Reier (attorney),Tully Heath (Ament), Floyd Bruns, Mary Frances Blevins, Ryan Neubauer, Teri Stickler, Bonita Grindle, Ann Shoultz, Marie Randol, Jim Beran, Jim Mahler and Linda Veit Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Franklin and seconded Halsey. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Minutes: Motion was made by Hupp and seconded by Littrel to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of June 17, 2008. Roll call vote: Franklin-abstain (was not present at 6/17/08 meeting), Channon-yes, Hupp-yes, Littrel-yes, Halsey-yes, motion carried. Warrants: A motion was made by Littrel and seconded by Halsey to approve the following warrants for payment. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. June 30, 2008 General Fund ACCT # COMPANY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 10-53 RACOM edacs access $79.50 10-53 FIRE PROGRAMS support & upgrade service for 1 year $395.00 10-53 S.J. SSMITH CO. oxygen & acetylene & maint. Fee $119.26 10-90 PREMIER PEST MANAGEMENT removal & disposition wildlife $130.00 20-40 SCOTT CARLSON removal tree limb from Manor Drive $175.00 40-30 IOWA AMERICAN WATER utilities, fountains for parks $76.64 40-30 VULCAN SIGNS 2 park signs $84.50 40-30 PETERSON PARKING LOT STRIP basketball court lines $550.00 40-30 MAHLER CONCRETE & EXCAVAT basketball court $3,000.00 40-30 SCOTT CARLSON tree management parks $1,275.00 40-40 MONTAGE performance contract $1,200.00 4040 UNITED INSURANCE COMPANY fire works insurance $580.75 40-40 WHITEY'S ice cream for 4th of July $133.25 40-40 ROSIE PARRY 4th of July prizes $36.00 50-51 SCOTT CARLSON tree management & spraying $2,665.00 50-51 SCOTT CARLSON tree management $1,485.00 60-52 GABRILSON maintenance agreement 6-08/6-09 $918.00 60-63 MARY FRANCES BLEVINS WalMart pop & water $23.14 80 MAHLER CONCRETE & EXCAVAT shelter $10,000.00 80 COMPUTER TEAM, INC document system backup $1,482.00 TOTAL WARRANTS $24,408.04 SEWER FUND 90-20 City of Davenport $1,916.47 RECEIPTS Eastern Iowa Comm. College Dist. $2,281.00 QC Bank CD Interest $2,556.98 Room rent $10.00 A motion was made by Channon and seconded by Franklin to approve the following warrants for payment. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. July 1, 2008 General Fund ACCT # COMPANY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 10-53 PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC. LP12 upgrade $2,905.00 10-54 S.J. SMITH CO. 2 signs, 10 cones & 10 cone reflective collar $1,207.91 10-57 US BANK Hy-Vee, pop $66.67 20-90 ALLIED WASTE recycling & garbage service $2,300.00 40-30 CRIBBS LANDSCAPING monthly lawn service $1,217.24 40-30 AMENT, INC. amendment #1 Water Tower Park/Volunteer Square project $2,750.00 40-40 US BANK Oriental Trading, 4th of July $283.75 60-20 MARY FRANCES BLEVINS semi monthly $549.51 60-20 THERESA RALFS semi monthly $858.62 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER intergovenmental agreemet with City of Bettendorf $1,337.50 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER open records/open meetings $3,831.36 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER general $7,177.88 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER declaratory judgment action Allen Diercks $3,306.88 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER declaratory judgment action Tammie Picton $187.50 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER Belmont road project $624.50 60-52 MYRA HALSEY June services $200.00 60-52 CRIBBS LANDSCAPING monthly lawn service $307.22 60-61 QUAD CITY TIMES publishing $152.76 60-62 PITNEY BOWES rental fees 3-30 to 6-30-08 $156.00 60-62 US BANK Hostway, web site $239.40 60-62 COMPUTER TEAM licenses $226.90 60-63 IOWA LEAGUE OF CITIES dues July 08 thru June 09 $440.00 Total Gen. Fund Warrants $30,326.60 RECEIPTS QC Bank CD interest $2,556.98 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Jim Beran read a letter to the council in response to Allen Diercks’ letter dated June 3, 2008. A motion was made by Littrel and seconded by Channon to include the letter read by Mr. Beran in the minutes. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The following is the letter read by Mr. Beran: However the Council wants to treat this statement as public record or made part of the minutes. As a resident & former councilman I wish to repudiate Mr. Diercks letter of June 3, 2008. Anyone can skew numbers to achieve a position in an attempt to influence the residents, that the City Council, Mayor and City Clerks in the performance of their duties are some how using a deceptive practice in accounting for city funds. Mr. Diercks asserts that the general fund lost $600,000 within the last four years and assets being reduced from 2.3 million to 1.7 million, which in fact is the same $600,000. How short is his memory the city purchased a fire truck $400,000 and paid a partial share for the Belmont Road Project $200,000. These two items are accounted as capital expense and paid for thru the general fund. Again Mr. Diercks pulled a $1,000,000 total from his crystal ball and made the assertion this is the total for unfunded future needs with no factual back up to support this claim. In fact the assets for future needs lie in various CDs totaling 1.4 million. Mr. Diercks again asserts that the general fund and sewer fund are some how lumped together. This is another unfounded statement and not true. A sewer fund must be kept in a separate account mandated by the Federal government when the Davenport sewer treatment plant was constructed. A rainy day or emergency fund is not a normal asset it is established by council action as needed by simple transfer of monies from other assets. The council is empowered to expend funds for various projects at its discretion with public input, its simply not prudent to continue accumulating funds; at some point the State could mandate a tax rebate to reduce assets. The net result for future years would be yearly tax increases and bond indebtedness. Mr. Diercks again asserts that $2,000,000 has been spent for other city projects within the last 5 years. Again Mr. Diercks consulted his crystal ball for this total without true facts unless he concluded that normal operations & maintenance expenses for each of the last 5 years totaled that amount and called that City Projects. Strange as it may be Mr. Diercks asserts that no one in city government has financial knowledge how a city should be run. There are individuals in Riverdale that work behind the scenes to assist in budget preparations. The city’s elected people are not accountants or lawyers. Mr. Diercks continues to see the need to confront city government, this tactic has disrupted the tranquility of Riverdale and caused legal and protective measures to be taken at considerable expense net result a tax increase. Finally I’m proud to be a resident of Riverdale there are no people in the world that my wife and I would rather associate with, that includes Allen and Julia Diercks and Marie Randol. Post Script: The city is in no way in financial distress. Not many cities can claim No garbage fee No lawn waste fee No storm water fee No debt And one of the lowest tax rates in the State of Iowa. Marie Randol asked if the city has any long range plans for 5 to 10 years down the road. Mayor Grindle stated a city the size of Riverdale is not required to do long range plans and it would be a major expense to a small city. Jim Mahler stated he cleaned the bus stop and that the council should take into consideration who will be responsible for taking care of and maintaining future amenities. Discussion on garbage removal in city parks. Jim Mahler stated the street sweeper did a very good job. Teri Stickler thanked Jim Mahler for the fine job he did on the shelter and basketball court in Bicentennial Park. Ms. Stickler also thanked Linda Hupp and her daughter for distributing the mulch. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Third and final reading of Ordinance No. 41.16. An Ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Riverdale, Iowa, by adding a new ordinance No. 41.16, willful disturbance. The City of Riverdale Code of Ordinances Chapter 41 is amended by adding the following Ordinance Number 41.16 effective July 1, 2008: 41.16 Willful disturbance. No person shall willfully disturb any deliberative body or agency of the City, or subdivision thereof, with the purpose of disrupting the functioning of such body or agency by tumultuous behavior, or coercing by force or the threat of force any official conduct or proceeding. A motion to accept the third reading of Ordinance No. 41.16 was made by Channon and seconded by Littrel. Roll call vote: Franklin-yes, Channon-yes, Hupp-yes, Littrel-yes, Halsey-yes, motion carried. Third and final reading of Ordinance No. 47.05 The City of Riverdale Ordinance No. 47.05 revoked and replaced with the following Ordinance Number 47.05 effective July 1, 2008: 47.05 Parks Closed. No person, except those camping in designated areas, shall enter or remain within any park between sunset and five o’clock (5:00) a.m., and from five o’clock (5:00) a.m. to eight o’clock (8:00) a.m. is reserved for quiet activities only such as walking or jogging. A motion to accept the third reading of Ordinance No. 47.05 was made by Franklin and seconded by Channon. Roll call vote: 5 ayes, motion carried. Hupp gave an overview of preliminary plans and ideas the Volunteer Square Advisory Committee has come up with for Volunteer Square. Some of the ideas discussed were trees and plantings, kiosks, benches, trash receptacles, gazebo and sewer work. A motion was made by Hupp and seconded by Littrel to set a public hearing on July 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. on the proposed plans, specifications and cost estimates for Volunteer Square Park. With changes to the slope of the gazebo floor and with minor clerical errors to the bid documents. With final documents available to the public prior to the public hearing. Roll call vote: Franklin-yes, Channon-yes, Hupp-yes, Littrel-yes, Halsey-yes, all ayes, motion carried. Franklin stated he has concerns regarding Resolution No. 2008-12 a resolution authorizing the city clerk and/or assistant city clerk to incur city administrative and maintenance expenses. Angela Reier (attorney) stated a new resolution will need to be passed to rescind Resolution No. 2008-12. NEW BUSINESS: Halsey stated “No Parking” signs need to be installed on the east side of Kensington just off of State Street. The city clerk will check the city ordinances to make sure this location is listed as “no parking” before signs could be installed. The city clerk informed the council about a letter she received from the Davenport Public Library with a proposed project to microfilm the City Council Minutes at no cost to the city. Some questions were raised regarding how long the procedure takes and if the minutes would need to be taken out of city hall. The city clerk will contact the library and report back to the council at the next council meeting. A motion was made by Halsey and seconded by Littrel to accept a request to serve alcohol in the community room. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. A motion was made by Hupp and seconded by Channon to accept the Fire Department Report for May 20 to June 17, 2008. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Mayor Grindle appointed Norma Wren to the recreational trail project. A motion was made by Hupp and seconded by Halsey to accept Mayor Grindle’s appointment of Norma Wren to the recreational trail project. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Hupp reported Ed Collins from Horizon Landscape repaired the landscaping at the corner of the Fire Department and did a very nice job. The new park signs are in and will get installed. Hupp reported the basketball court is just about finished with just a little ground work needed and gave Jim Mahler and his crew a big thank you for the great job they did on the court. Hupp also thanked the following people for giving up an entire Saturday morning to place the concrete for the court: Ken Hoffmann, Joe Dankert, Dale Hupp, Jason Mahler, Keith Phelps, Bernie Cozad, Blake Anderson and Ken Mahler. Also thanks to Sampson Fence for the great job on the fence. Hupp stated there will be a basketball free throw competition at the 4th of July celebration. Hupp continued by reporting the shelter at Bicentennial Park will be able to be used soon and would like to thank Sandy Carpenter from Castle Excavating for donating the dirt for the shelter. Hupp stated the mulch is in at Bicentennial Park and thanked Jim Mahler, his crew and the following volunteers for their help with installing the mulch: David Geisler, Dale Hupp, Steve Wilson, Tad Taylor and Alex Bitler. Hupp also thanked David Geisler for trimming the shrubs at Bicentennial Park. Hupp also thanked Sara Huston and Carol Tucker for helping her pull weeds at Bicentennial Park and thanked Dale Hupp for helping her install mulch. Hupp asked if you see any of these people please thank them for their time, effort and talents. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL AND OTHER OFFICIALS: Angela Reier clarified a statement she made at a previous meeting regarding the No Smoking Act. There is no smoking inside the shelter at Bicentennial Park because it is considered a city building. Franklin asked for an update regarding mediation. Angela Reier stated Mr. Slavens is still working with dates. Mayor Grindle asked everyone to come and participate in the 4th of July celebration, and stated the rain date for the fireworks would be July 5th. A motion to adjourn was made by Halsey and seconded by Channon. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm ___________________ ____________________ Jeff Grindle, Mayor Theresa Ralfs, City Clerk OFFICIAL MINUTES Mayor Grindle opened the public hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for construction of Volunteer Square Park at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Roll Call: Present: Channon, Littrel, Halsey and Hupp Also Present: Angela Reier (attorney), Tully Heath (Ament), Mike Dryden (Ament), Mary Frances Blevins (Asst. City Clerk), Ryan Neubauer, Bonita Grindle, Ann Shoultz, Ed & Linda Veit, Jim Beran, Norma Wren, Teri Stickler, Dale Hupp, Jim & Sandy Partridge Linda Hupp thanked the committee members Linda Viet, Teri Stickler and Jack Franklin (not present). Display boards and bid documents of the proposed Volunteer Square Park were available for the public to view and ask questions about. Before adjourning the meeting Mayor Grindle asked if anyone had questions or would like to speak. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. _____________________ _______________________ Mayor Jeff Grindle Theresa Ralfs, City Clerk OFFICIAL MINUTES Mayor Grindle opened the regular meeting of the Riverdale City Council at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Roll Call: Present: Littrel, Channon, Hupp, Halsey Absent: Franklin Also present: Angela Reier (attorney),Tully Heath (Ament), Mike Dryden (Ament), Mary Frances Blevins, Ryan Neubauer, Teri Stickler, Bonita Grindle, Ann Shoultz, Dale Hupp, Jim Beran, Rosie Parry, Linda Viet and Norma Wren Agenda: A motion to approve the amended agenda by moving the topic of Belmont Road to the beginning of Unfinished Business was made by Hupp and seconded Channon. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Minutes: Motion was made by Halsey and seconded by Channon to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of July 1, 2008. Roll call vote: Channon- yes, Hupp- yes, Littrel-yes, Halsey- yes, motion carried. Warrants: A motion was made by Channon and seconded by Halsey to approve the following warrants for payment. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. July 15, 2008 General Fund ACCT # COMPANY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 10-52 MHC CONVENIENCE LLC fuel $257.36 10-53 K&K HARDWARE steering fluid, windshied fluid, 9V batteries, AAA batteries $25.87 10-53 RACOM CORP. maintenance contract $576.70 10-53 TOTAL COMMUNICATONS minitor battery, & repairs mot. $113.00 10-53 QUAD COUNTY FIRE EQUIPMENT red, yellow scene dots $366.00 10-54 TOTAL COMMUNICATONS voice, monitor, tone & voice pager, batteries, charger & programming $798.00 10-54 K&K HARDWARE file, oil absorbent, drum liners,broom, ALU grain scoop, Polv grain scoop, viper shovels $290.73 10-56 STITCHES BY SANDI applique & embroidery Fire Rescue on 4 jackets, logo on front of jackets, 2 names on 4 jackets $172.00 10-90 PREMIER PEST MANAGEMENT wildlife removal $130.00 20-11 TRI CITY BLACKTOP, INC. asphalt patch $680.00 20-13 D AND S storm drains cleaned $374.00 20-30 MID AMERICAN ENERGY utilities $928.41 20-70 D AND S street sweeping $800.00 20-90 ALLIED WASTE garbage $2,300.00 20-100 QC ANALYTICAL SERVICES, LLC June water samples $372.00 40-30 THE OUTHOUSE rental fee $107.50 40-30 JIM BERAN fence post $6.05 40-30 WALLACE'S GARDEN CENTER 16 lbs preen, 6cu yds bulk hardwood mulch $229.93 40-30 RELHAM, LLC Nauman sod farms, 300 sq yds sod and 6 pallet deposit, Bicentennal Pk $375.00 40-30 MELYX, INC.dba XYLEM, LTD xylemmat bulk, Bicentenial Pk $1,699.20 40-30 MELYX, INC.dba XYLEM, LTD xylemmat bulk, Havens Acre $1,699.20 40-30 MELYX, INC.dba XYLEM, LTD xylemmat bulk $1,064.00 40-40 D AND S cleaning College parking lot after fireworks $75.00 40-40 K&K HARDWARE 4th of July, wasp spray, glue,foil,tape $35.61 40-40 RICKIE ROWRAY baloons for 4th of July $150.00 40-40 CAROL TUCKER 4th of July, decorations $39.78 40-40 ROSIE PARRY 4th of July, pepsi, diet pepsi, mug rb sierra mst. rentals & cups $197.00 40-40 LINDA HUPP 4th of july, utensils, table rolls, dishes, toppings for ice cream $134.16 40-40 JIM BERAN fogger & prize for penny count $20.17 40-40 MORRIS & CO. ENTERTAINMENT downpayment 4th of July 09 bungee run & dunk tank $412.50 40-40 BI-STATE BARICADE RENTALS barricade & cones $167.50 60-20 MARY FRANCES BLEVINS semi monthly $590.54 60-20 THERESA RALFS semi monthly $858.62 60-20 MARY HANSON monthly $73.25 60-20 US BANK withholding $817.68 60-20 IPERS withholding $384.32 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER Belmont Road Project $450.50 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER mediation, Diercks, Picton, Randol $757.50 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER declaratory judgment action, Diercks $1,497.53 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER general $4,550.81 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER open records/open meetings $1,021.31 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER policy handbook $616.60 60-51 MID AMERICAN ENERGY utilities $562.21 60-51 IOWA AMERICAN WATER utilities $72.15 60-52 C&C QUALITY SEAMLESS GUTT. clean, repair, check for water damage gutters, City Hall $300.00 60-52 HORIZON OUTDOOR SERVICES repaired damage landscape $350.00 60-61 QUAD CITY TIMES publishing $135.78 60-62 MEDIACOM online service $45.95 60-62 COMPUTER TEAM INC. new version Laserfishe, 1yr contract $2,073.00 60-63 IOWA ONE CALL service $23.40 80 BRENNY INVESTMENTS, LLC Belmont Road project $2,610.00 80 MARK BRENY Belmont Road project $536.00 80 BRENNY'S INVESTMENTS, LLC Belmont Road project $1,261.00 80 JOHN & CHERYL CHANNON Belmont Road project $1,549.00 80 DARLENE SCHLITTER Belmont Road project $1,026.00 TOTAL WARRANTS $36,759.82 RECEIPTS IPAT capitol improvement interest June, 2008 $535.29 IPAT sewer interest June, 2008 $261.01 QC Bank, interest $2,556.98 Room rent $10.00 Local Option Sale Tax June, 2008 $9,758.87 Road Use Fund June, 2008 $4,700.25 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Jim Beran spoke about a letter from Mr. Diercks. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mike Dryden from Ament Engineering informed the council that because of the Belmont Road project being split into two phases and twenty additional parcels the cost for the project has been increased. Riverdale’s portion of the project increased by approximately $13,000. Mr. Dryden stated that even with the additional $13,000 cost, Riverdale is still under the approved amount of $400,000 for the Belmont Road project. Mayor Grindle stated the city will not be willing to approve repeated increases to the project. A motion was made by Halsey and seconded by Channon to accept the contract as presented. Roll call vote: Channon-yes, Hupp-yes, Littrel-yes, Halsey-yes, all ayes, motion carried. A motion was made by Halsey and seconded by Hupp to purchase a no parking sign for Kensington not to exceed $100. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. A motion was made by Halsey and seconded Hupp to accept the Davenport Public Library’s offer to microfilm the city’s council meeting minutes. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. A motion was made by Halsey and seconded by Channon to accept the amended bid documents for Volunteer Square Park with Resolution 2008-19. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The following amendments were made to the bid document: Bids Due August 14, 2008 at 4:00 P.M. not August 15, 2008, submitted date of July 25, 2008, on pages BF-6 and BF-20 gazebo has 10 week delivery time, on page BF-16 amend to include protect all trees and shrubs from deer damage. Resolution #2008-19 states: RESOLUTION # 2008-19 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BID DOCUMENTS AND ISSUE NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF VOLUNTEER SQUARE PARK. WHEREAS, the City of Riverdale, Iowa (“Riverdale”), has had a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the reconstruction of the Volunteer Square Park (the “Project”); and WHEREAS, the Project is a public improvement, subject to the Iowa Construction Bidding Procedures Act, Iowa Code Chapter 26 (the “Act”); and WHEREAS, the City of Riverdale, Iowa, has commissioned Ament Engineering to prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the Project pursuant to Iowa Code § 26.3(2) (the “Bid Documents”). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Riverdale, Iowa, that Riverdale accepts and adopts the Bid Documents for the Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Riverdale, Iowa, that Riverdale delegates to the City Clerk the duty of receiving and opening bids for the Project pursuant to Iowa Code § 26.11; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Riverdale, Iowa, that the City Clerk shall publish a notice for competitive bids for the Project and take all other measures required by and in conformance with the Act; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Riverdale, Iowa, that bid security is set in the amount of five-percent (5%) of the total Project cost. NEW BUSINESS: A motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 41.16 was made by Channon and seconded by Littrel. Roll call vote: 4 ayes, motion carried. Ordinance 41.16 states: ORDINANCE 41.16. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF RIVERDALE, IOWA, BY INCLUDING A NEW SECTION 41.16 – NO SMOKING IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS OR ON PUBLIC GROUNDS. BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Riverdale, Iowa, that: Section 1. A new Section of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Riverdale, Iowa, is added as follows: 41.16 NO SMOKING IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS OR ON PUBLIC GROUNDS. (a) IOWA SMOKEFREE AIR ACT. The Council hereby adopts by reference the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, Chapter 142D of the Code of Iowa, as amended from time to time, as such chapter pertains to smoking in public places, places of employment, and certain outdoor areas. (b) NO-SMOKING AREAS. It is unlawful to smoke in any city vehicle, public building, and grounds or outdoor areas used in connection with such public buildings, including but not limited to sidewalks immediately adjacent to the buildings, all sitting or standing areas immediately adjacent to the buildings, or any other area specifically designated by resolution of the City Council. For purposes of this Ordinance, “public building” shall include any shelter house in any public park. Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code § 641–153.2, the City specifically excludes all city parking lots from the “grounds of any public building” within the meaning of the Iowa Smokefree Air Act and permits smoking in such city parking lots. Section 2. REPEALER. All ordinances or parts of ordinances that conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 3. SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision, or part of this Ordinance is determined to be invalid or unconstitutional, such determination shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision, or part thereof not determined to be invalid or unconstitutional. Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in effect from and after its final passage, approval, and publication as required by law. A motion was made by Hupp and seconded by Halsey to accept the quote from Computer Team in the amount of $1,671.00 for a notebook and computer upgrades. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Angela Reier (attorney) stated questions have been raised for the proper method of disposal of the fire department’s washer and dryer that is over 20 years old. Ms. Reier stated the washer and dryer can be thrown away, donated, or put out for bid it is up to the city. A motion was made by Hupp and seconded by Channon to contact the Salvation Army first and if they are not interested, have it picked up by the garbage. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Mayor Grindle informed the council that Scott Community College and Pleasant Valley School District are considering replacing the baseball field located on Alcoa property into a soccer field. Mayor Grindle stated the field will not be used for events, just practice and the area will be cleaned up, including the wooded area. Parking will be on Alcoa property. A motion was made by Littrel and seconded by Halsey to approve the conversion on the property from a baseball field into a soccer field on Alcoa’s property. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: A motion was made by Hupp and seconded by Channon to table the June 2008 Financial Report until the August 5, 2008 council meeting. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL AND OTHER OFFICIALS: Hupp stated she would like to thank the many volunteers that have helped with the park. Jim Mahler for keeping the water going on the new sod, and for his help with moving the mulch with his skid loader. Others that helped with the distribution of mulch at Haven Acres were, Dallas Paustian (both days), Dale Hupp, Cheryl and John Channon, Floyd Bruns, Dean Halsey, and myself. Hupp continued by thanking Pat Mohr for the grading work at Bicentennial Park, and asked everyone to drive by the bike path a take a look at the park area there because Saturday Cheryl Channon, Mr. Leibe and I cleaned up the area. Thank you to Jim Beran for fogging the park. Thanks to the gate keepers Jim Beran, Jim Mahler, David Geisler and Don Fisher. Hupp stated she spoke with David Geisler and he said all has been quiet at the park this summer. Thanks to Ralph Parry for his help with filling holes at Volunteer Square Park the day of 4th of July. Hupp thanked Robert Picchiotti for taking care of the basketball competition on the 4th of July. Hupp thanked her helpers at the 4th of July ice cream social, Linda Mack, Nancy Ulrich, Myra Halsey, Ed Collin and Meg, Sara Fitzer-Huston, Dennis and Bonnie Keeley, Ralph Parry and Duke Pelton. Hupp informed the council that John Channon is putting up the signs in Havens Acres Park. Hupp continued by thanking Duke Pelton for helping Dale and I and the fire fighters clean up with rakes after the fireworks. Hupp finished by thanking the firefighter for making our 4th of July celebration a success. They start working on the 4th of July at 7:00 A.M. and didn’t finish until about midnight that night. Many of them give up their day with their families to help Riverdale that day. If you see a firefighter be sure and thank them for all they do and all the time they put in for our city. Littrel stating he is in the process of getting bids to fix the landscaping on the side of city hall. Mayor Grindle stated he has spoken with the IDOT and they have surveyed the area at the bottom of Manor and the highway and will be grinding the highway to fix the drainage problem at no cost to the city. Mayor Grindle stated he has spoken with LeAnn Herrera with Mediacom regarding getting a TV channel for the City of Riverdale. The city will be able to post city events, cover meetings and postings. Mayor Grindle responded to some statements that have been made in letters read at meetings. Mayor Grindle stated that one statement made was that the General Fund lost $600,000 in the last four years. The year end balance in 2007= $1,837,902 in 2006= $2,069,283 in 2005= $2,143,024 in 2004= $2,057,249 the difference between the year end balance of 2004 to May 2008= $545,469. A statement made that the sewer fund and general fund are lumped together is not true. There are two separate checking accounts for these funds. Mayor Grindle stated the city has reserves in certificate of deposits that could fund an emergency fund if needed with a budget amendment. Mayor Grindle addressed another statement made regarding “why the city continues to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on parks, signs and basketball hoops” by stating other people in Riverdale enjoy the parks and our neighbors that live around the parks deserve to have them look nice and kept up. Mayor Grindle read a letter from a boy that lives in Riverdale asking for the basketball hoop and his response. Mayor Grindle stated the comment that he has been confronted by Mr. Diercks regarding spending approximately $2,000,000 on projects is not true, and that he would like Mr. Diercks to tell him what his concerns are by speaking with him directly. Mayor Grindle stated he has invited Mr. Diercks at several meetings to come down to city hall and talk. Mayor Grindle responded to the statement regarding taxes being raised by stating in 2006 the tax rate was 2.93819, in 2007 it was 2.50485, in 2008 it was 2.50401and in the current fiscal year the tax rate is 2.70103. Mayor Grindle stated the increase is approximately $24.83 per household and that it is true the rate increased by approximately 20 cents per $1000 from last years, but is lower than the 2006 tax rate. Mayor Grindle stated legal expenses have continuously gone up. Legal expenses in 2005=$7,445.58, in 2006=$6660.00, in 2007=$35,021.70 and in 2008=$63,949.29. Mayor Grindle stated so why did our taxes go up? A motion to adjourn was made by Halsey and seconded by Channon. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8: 52 pm ____________________ ____________________ Jeff Grindle, Mayor Theresa Ralfs, City Clerk 10 From the City of Riverdale July 2008 OPEN BURNING Residents are reminded to be respectful of your neighbors when taking advantage of the open burning ordinance within the city. Make sure fires are out and not smoldering at night when they can cause irritation to others. Don’t burn on windy days. Burn only plant materials found on your property, and remember, composting is always an excellent idea and there is no additional charge for bagging yard waste for collection with garbage. Your Council and their committee appointments are as follows: Jack Franklin (359-6612)-Mayor Pro Tem, Contracted Support Service & Budget Cheryl Channon (332-4730)-Contracted Support Service & Budget Linda Hupp (355-3386) - Parks Dean Halsey (355-2013)-Infrastructure & Parks Doug Littrel (359-1343)-Infrastructure & NPDES Management Mayor Jeff Grindle can be reached at 359-7676 Lou Wren is the Zoning Inspector. You may contact Lou at 355-1300. Please contact him regarding any construction projects. Theresa and Mary Frances have 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 we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you. What is stormwater runoff? Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Why is stormwater runoff a problem? Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Stormwater Pollution Solutions Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams Vegetate bare spots in your yard Compost your yard waste Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil Thank you Riverdale Fire Department for another AWESOME fireworks display! 2008 Fourth of July Celebration!