FORT ATKINSON REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANURY 3, 2024
Mayor Paul Herold called the regular meeting of the Fort Atkinson City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the Fort Atkinson Community Center. Present were: Glass, P. Schmitt, K. Schmitt, Leuenberger, Schroeder. Also present were: Michele Elsbernd, George Tupy, Shirley Tupy, Michael Kueny, Michael Wise, Steve Kelsay, Keith Steinlage, Jay Schwamman, Keith Kleve, Tom Madden and Tara Hoffert.
Motion by Glass, second by Schroeder to approve the consent items (minutes from December 4, 2023, claims, clerk/treasurer reports) All aye. Carried.
| Claims Dec 23 | ||
| Acentek | phone | 455.04 |
| Alliant | elec | 2194.66 |
| Badger Meter | meter rd | 51.22 |
| Baker & Taylor | books | 223.43 |
| Bank Iowa | has | 200.00 |
| Becky Smith | sws | 59.45 |
| Bell’s Fire Stop | fire ext | 320.00 |
| C.A.S.H. | block w | 50.60 |
| Citizens Svgs | taxes | 2150.50 |
| CJ’s Trophies | plate mus | 10.00 |
| Consumer Rep | sub | 30.00 |
| Country Living | sub | 32.09 |
| Display Sales | bulbs | 172.00 |
| Don Dilaura | Cont work | 335.15 |
| Dorsey Whitney | legal lagoon | 5000.00 |
| Emerg Appts | repair fd | 5151.75 |
| Forbin | 365 | 100.00 |
| Fort Nursery | roping lib | 46.09 |
| Franzen | shelf | 11.13 |
| Hawkeye Sanit | garb | 2235.94 |
| Hawkins | chemicals | 397.67 |
| Hoopla | books | 105.95 |
| Hubers Store | sws library | 421.67 |
| Hubers Store | supp | 85.91 |
| Ia Dept Rev | wet tax | 433.42 |
| Ia Dept Rev | sales tax | 293.11 |
| Ia Finance | interest | 38471.28 |
| Ipers | ipers | 1206.83 |
| Keystone | testing | 15.50 |
| Kurt Anfinson | sws | 230.00 |
| L & R Mfg | uv bldg | 357.90 |
| Lee’s Repair | v330 | 200.00 |
| M Schwamman | sws | 146.76 |
| Mediacom | int cc | 157.64 |
| Mid-Amer Pub | pub | 57.46 |
| Nationwide | bond | 100.00 |
| Post Office | mail bills | 102.00 |
| Shimak Survey | survey row | 993.00 |
| Storey Kenwor | water bills | 575.00 |
| Treas State IA | taxes | 619.73 |
| US Cell | cell | 36.34 |
| Uerpc | admin w | 2733.77 |
| Visa | wh lib | 309.09 |
| Wellmark | ins | 655.46 |
| Payroll | 9278.59 | |
| Total | 76812.58 | |
| Claims by fund | ||
| General | 19743.83 | |
| Museum | 10.00 | |
| Road Use | 630.64 | |
| Benefits | 855.46 | |
| Debt Serv | 7290.00 | |
| Water | 8434.17 | |
| Well | 2733.77 | |
| Sewer | 32114.71 | |
| Lagoon | 5000.00 | |
| Total | 76812.58 | |
| Revenue | ||
| General | 14926.71 | |
| Library | 2879.00 | |
| Museum | 4000.00 | |
| Road Use | 3316.31 | |
| Benefits | 812.67 | |
| Emergency Appts | 115.05 | |
| Lost | 4262.56 | |
| Debt Serv | 2432.93 | |
| Water | 8634.68 | |
| Well | 12560.00 | |
| Sewer | 16597.25 | |
| Lagoon | 14.96 | |
| Total | 70552.12 | |
| Salaries 2023 | ||
| Barta, Greg | 65794.85 | |
| Elsbernd, Michele | 13458.00 | |
| Glass, Bob | 420.00 | |
| Herold, Paul | 1550.00 | |
| Lensing, Earl | 9855.00 | |
| Lensing Raymond | 2676.50 | |
| Leuenberger, Dale | 385.00 | |
| Schmitt, Kay | 420.00 | |
| Schmitt, Paul | 455.00 | |
| Schroeder, Lori | 350.00 | |
| Sindelar, Lynn | 1336.66 | |
| Laura Thomas | 19718.32 | |
| Total | 116419.33 | |
Michael Kueny new Winneshiek County Engineer introduced himself and stated he was present to update the council on the W-14 project status. Michael Wise who put the project together and met with Greg Barta explained that they county covers the cost of the 22’ of roadway and the rest is at city expense. Estimated cost of the cities portion is $ 100,013.61. The project will go out for bids in June 2024 with a projected start date of August. With the late start the project might not be completed during the 2024 work season. A 28E agreement between the City of Fort Atkinson and Winneshiek County will be drafted by the county attorney and presented to the city for approval. The city requested to be on their 5 year no interest repayment plan.
Tom Madden, engineer for the well project was present to explain options to make the well operational. Use of the existing controller and adding relays was the most cost effective option and would be the quickest fix. Other options were 13,000 and 17,000 respectively and would be months to get the components. Council expressed their frustration and Mr. Madden stated that all projects are different. The clerk stated that the city water budget was already stretched and didn’t feel there were funds for the higher priced options. Motion by Leuenberger, second by Glass to instruct the engineer to proceed with the $2,000 option to make the well operational. All aye. Carried.
Tara Hoffert was present to explain ICAP’s premium increases and instances where there would be increased deductibles. She stated that all companies are having increases due to the catastrophic claims recently but she did possibly have a company that could give the city a quote. Council agreed to continue with ICAP and see what the future brings.
Jay Schwamman and Kerry Kleve addressed the council representing the Fire Department. They stated that they had received a $ 15,000 anonymous donation and had been working with the township trustees and would be purchasing a 2024 Ford pickup which would replace the rescue unit. The new pickup has an 8-12 month delivery schedule. They are also considering getting rid of the old tanker.
Paul Herold called for a motion to approve Resolution # 384 to consider vacation a part of Eleventh Avenue right-of-way and conveyance of that property. George & Shirley Tupy and Keith Steinlage addressed the council regarding this vacation of part of the street. Keith Steinlage, assistant manager for Farmers Union Co-Op was concerned about the narrowing of the street as they have large equipment passing through to their facilities. The Tupy’s also questioned the process and much discussion followed. The Mayor explained this was a necessary fix to a property issue. Steve Kelsay, Winneshiek County Supervisor stated that they are dealing with the same type of issue in Bluffton and are also conveying right of way to fix the problem. Motion by Leuenberger, second by Schroeder to approve Resolution # 384. Aye: Schroeder, Leuenberger, K. Schmitt. Nay: Glass, P. Schmitt. Motion carried.
The possible purchase of a county owned tractor and mower for the city was discussed and members decided to look at purchasing when the county takes it to auction. They felt the amount the county was asking was excessive. Due to the delay in the W-14 work and the agreement to pay in installments this will free up funds to work on the Elm Street project, council asked that quotes be obtained for the work.
There were no building permits submitted.
Discussion of camera surveillance and signage at the recycling bins was discusse
- Many items placed there are NOT recyclable.
Motion by Leuenberer, second by P.Schmitt to adjourn. All aye. Motion carried, meeting adjourned at 8:06 P.M.
__________________________________________
Paul Herold, Mayor
ATTEST: __________________________________
Michele Elsbernd, City Clerk