HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.02.2009COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 2, 2009
8:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Getty, Hart, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt,
Greenwood.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Steve Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be
approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Greenwood. Motion carried.
Mayor Hurley reviewed items on the Standing Committee agendas for meetings scheduled for
Monday, April 6, 2009.
Greenwood now present at 8:03 a.m.
Mayor Hurley reviewed items on the council agenda for Monday, April 6, 2009 and the
following items were discussed.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, reported that the final report for
the former Construction Machinery Company is to close out the grant and includes the easement
where there was some contamination from the paint.
Mayor Hurley explained that the application with the Iowa Department of Economic
Development for a grant in the amount of $21,000.00 to be used to purchase of a handheld X-
Ray Fluorescence Analyzer must be filed with the state by April 2, 2009. Mayor Hurley asked
for approval to submit the grant prior to Monday's meeting because of the state's deadline.
Consensus from all seven council members to proceed with the submittal of the grant to meet the
deadline.
Mayor Hurley reviewed the request of Police Chief Tom Jennings to submit an application with
the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) for COPS Hiring Recovery
Program funding for entry level salaries and benefits for three years for newly hired full-time
sworn officers, with no required match for three years. The program requires that the city retain
all sworn officer positions awarded under this program for a period of one year upon completion
of the grant. The grant does not allow supplanting of officers with grant -funded officers so it
must be used to supplement or implement a new program. Police Chief Tom Jennings estimated
that the fourth year costs would be approximately $73,072.00. These officers cannot be laid off
during these four years. Mayor Hurley noted that if council approves this grant, they will be
burdening future council members, especially if the city has no tax base growth because these
positions could affect the $8.10 levy.
Councilperson Cole asked if it is realistic to think that there would be retirements at the fourth
year. Chief Jennings responded that there would be scheduled retirements at the fifth year.
Chief Jennings noted that he is authorized to have 120 sworn officers. Chief Jennings stated that
these officers would be hired for the new Violet Crime Apprehension Team.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, explained that the Memorandum of Understanding with
INRCOG at a cost of $3,000.00 for grant writing services for RECAT application with the Iowa
Department of Economic Development for the Mark's Park and Amphitheatre Project would
only be paid if the city is receives the grant.
Dennis Gentz, Assistant City Engineer, explained that the West Shaulis Road Extension Project
has been split into two projects and that is why the city has two separate agreements with the
state for funding.
Mayor Hurley noted that the five union contracts are on the agenda along for 3 percent salary
increase each year for three years. Mayor Hurley also is recommending a 3 percent salary
increase for non -bargaining employees effective July 1, 2009.
Council Work Session
April 2, 2009
Page 2
Councilperson Greenwood stated that he was looking at the new housing on Monroe Street and
was impressed with the area and that the neighborhood has a lot going on, including a new
school.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Hart that the
meeting be adjourned at 8:25 a.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk