HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/06/93CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 6, 1993
5:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Manning, Buck, Budak, Lemke, Angel and Fox.
Members absent; Wright and Dell.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the renewal of the city's
wastewater treatment plant permit and the significant improvements
required to meet the new standards of the renewal process.
John Meyer, Public Works Director, presented steps taken to date.
Pursuant to a Work Session of the City Council held on May 3, 1993,
an abbreviated plan of action was submitted to the Iowa Department
of Natural Resources to comply with the standards. This
abbreviated plan included doing an additional analysis of the Cedar
River, evaluating the affect of the new anaerobic lagoon and
submitting a report in 1995 defining the city's capital
improvements plan to meet the new standards. Since that submittal,
the IDNR has rejected the city's plan because it does not show a
time frame for compliance with the final ammonia nitrogen limits.
They have also indicated that they will be referring the city's
case to the Environmental Protection Commission for possible legal
action by the Attorney General. City staff, together with their
consultant, RUST Environment & Infrastructure, have prepared a
revised plan establishing a ten-year time period for completion
which also includes an additional analysis of the Cedar River and
a review of the waste stream's affect on the river after completion
of the project indicated in the plan.
Mr. Meyer stated that in conversation with IDNR, penalties could be
approximately $30,000 for the city's noncompliance during the last
five to six months. The Attorney General's office will set the
agenda for compliance. Mr. Meyer reported that total cost of the
improvements to the city could be approximately $58 million which
would result in a significant sewer increase for users of the
system. In addition to an increase in fees, bonds could be sold to
pay for the improvements.
Throughout the process, the city's major users including IBP, inc.
and Eagle Tanning have been involved in conversations with the DNR.
IBP, inc. supports the city's position for further review of the
DNR's imposition of ammonia nitrate standards. Discussion was also
heard concerning on-site treatment of waste by Eagle Tanning. A
decision on this matter has not been made.
Mr. Meyer stated that a value engineering report may be considered
to determine whether the proposed improvements provide the best
possible solution for the city.
No official action was taken by the City Council at this work
session. This item will be referred to the City Council agenda of
July 13, 1993 for final disposition.
With no further business before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Michelle Temeyer
Acting Clerk/Auditor
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 6, 1993
6:15 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Manning, Buck, Budak, Lemke, Angel and Fox.
Members absent: Wright and Dell.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed contracts
with the golf pros at the city's three public courses which expire
December 31, 1993. Tom Penaluna, Chair of the Committee and a
member of the Park Board, provided a report concerning a recent
meeting on the proposed contracts. Those present included the
city's three golf pros, Rick Tagtow, Director of Parks and Forestry
and city staff, Councilperson Sammie Dell and the pros' attorney,
Dave Nagle. Mr. Penaluna reported that Dean Fagerlind, Golf Course
Coordinator, presented contractual arrangements of golf pros in
other Iowa cities. Although the research was minimal, it provided
committee members with a range of options that could be considered.
Mr. Penaluna stated that the committee has concerns that Requests
for Proposals can be developed, solicited, and a decision made
prior to the contract expiration date. Providing the best service
to golfers of the community is the number one goal of the committee
and therefore, this process must be done with due diligence. It
was the recommendation of the committee that the existing contracts
of the pros be renegotiated and that work begin soon thereafter on
proceeding with a Request for Proposals (RFP). Mayor Manning
stated that the existing pros are independent contractors and they
should be required to bid just like any other individual or group.
The Mayor also stated that the Park Board was well aware that the
contracts of the pros expire January 1, 1994 and have not taken any
action until now to get the process started. The Mayor also stated
that the process does not allow competition and provide the best
possible service to the city. Mr. Penaluna stated that the
committee is very interested in determining the level of service
desired by the golfing public.
In response to a question from Councilperson Angel, Rick Tagtow,
Director of Parks and Forestry, stated that historically, the pro
contracts have not been competitively bid. Councilperson Buck
stated that the existing contracts greatly favor the pros.
Councilperson Fox noted that $60,000 of revenue has been budgeted
in the Park Department's budget for FY 94 and questioned whether or
not the money will be raised.
Mr. Tagtow stated that several issues remain including whether or
not the board can facilitate Request for Proposals in a short time
frame and whether proper notice can be given to the pros.
The Mayor suggested that a generic type of ad could be placed in
trade publications stating our intent and that the RFP could be
developed in the mean time. Members of the city council reiterated
that they desire to open the process up to more bids and to receive
the best possible bid for the program.
No official action was taken at said and the meeting was adjourned
at 6:50 p.m.
Michelle Temeyer
Acting Clerk/Auditor