Minutes February 28, 2022

Present:  P. Schmitt, Leuenberger, Glass, K. Schmitt.  Absent: Schroeder

Paul Herold called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Discussed SOO Green Project to run underground lines for energy along the railroad.  Our water line will need to go under their line at Highway 24 by the tracks.  Will need to set a public hearing at next meeting.

Andy Roach, from Iowa DNR, requested the City help with mowing the Fort grounds and 2 churches again like they did several years ago.  They are open to negotiating, and DNR has a mower on the grounds as well.  Roach stated it takes about 5 ½-6 hours, and average of $4,300-$4,500 seasonally.  Barta advised with a part time seasonal helper this summer, they would be able to do it.  Barta will work with Roach to negotiate the terms and then bring to Council.

Maggie Burger, Speer Financial, called into the meeting to discuss funding options for the Lagoon Project.  SRF would not allow the City to use an Annual Appropriation for the Debt Limit, so there is only $760,000 available, rest would have to be in a Revenue Debt.  We do have $300,000 CDBG and $300,000 WTFAP grant.  With Administration costs for the grants, engineering, and Lagoon bid, total loan size is $4,142,000.  Will need to raise sewer capital fee by $30 to cover the portion of Revenue Debt payment to $55/month.  There may be a new infrastructure bill coming, or more loan forgiveness money coming through DNR, but not at this time.  Motion was made by Glass, seconded by K. Schmitt, to approve Resolution 333 to set a Public Hearing to enter into a General Obligation Loan and Disbursement Agreement for March 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.  All Aye.  Carried.

Tom Madden sent an email stating the DNR has been delayed on the construction permit for the 2nd well.  We will need to submit for project extension request due to the July 2022 deadline to get the well done.

Still waiting on the gov.net emails for the tablets to finish setting them up.

Motion was made by K. Schmitt, seconded by Glass, to open the Public Hearing on Max Tax Levy for FY22-23.  All Aye.  Carried.  With property valuations increasing, as well as insurance costs, change in percentage is 3.53% to $12.52 for general tax levies not including debt service.  After no comments were received, Glass made a motion to close the Public Hearing, P. Schmitt seconded. All Aye. Carried.

Motion was then made by K. Schmitt, seconded by Leuenberger, to approve Resolution 332 Approving the Max Tax Levy for FY22-23.  All Aye.  Carried.

Motion was made by Glass, seconded by P. Schmitt, to approve setting the Public Hearing for the FY22-23 Budget for March 17, 2022, at 7pm.  All Aye. Carried.

Discussed request by Grace Arens to rent the Community Center for 4 days to update the Picture Directory in June.  K. Schmitt added that we need to discuss the church as they had an agreement for 25 years use in exchange for a donation to remodel the Community Center, which will be up in 2023.  Council discussed increasing rates to make sure the building is paying for its utilities and fees.  Will discuss more at next meeting.

ICAP insurance recommended reviewing the Employee Handbook for possible changes needed.  After some discussion, Motion was made by K. Schmitt, seconded by Leuenberger, to approve as written.  All Aye.  Carried.

Mark Vick, Winneshiek County Supervisor, attended the Council meeting and listened to questions from the Council and held discussion on county projects.

Next agenda: will hold public hearings, discuss increasing rent at Community Center, and advertise for summer help.

Next meeting will be March 17, 2022 at 7pm in the Community Center.  Motion to adjourn was made by K. Schmitt, seconded by P. Schmitt.  All Aye.  Carried.  Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

Attest: __________________________                                            ________________________________

City Clerk                                                                                        Mayor Paul Herold

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