HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.11.2007COUNCIL WORK SESSION
January 11, 2007
8:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Welper, Gunderson, Getty, Cole, Schmitt,
Greenwood.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Greenwood. Motion carried.
Mayor Hurley reviewed Standing Committee agendas for meetings scheduled for Tuesday,
January 16, 2007. Items discussed included: seeking bids for circuit upgrades for City Hall to
upgrade the emergency generators, sale of 642 West Donald Street which the city acquired for
demolition, proposal received from Post Frame Builders to purchase property generally located
at the southwest corner of West 10th and Jefferson Streets for $3,000.00 and request from Crystal
Distribution to purchase city -owned land in the former Rath area.
Greenwood now present at 8:06 a.m.
The request of the Superintendent of Waste Management to pay costs of printing of
yardwaste/recycling calendars for 2007 was discussed. The calendars have already been mailed,
and Mayor Hurley suggested that next year Tim Shea bring the schedule to council prior to
mailing. Councilperson Greenwood suggested that the city look at purchasing stickers that can
be placed on the cans which show pickup and holiday dates. Mr. Shea responded he feels it
would be expensive to have the stickers made.
Mayor Hurley explained that key people with Isle of Capri will be out of town and unable to
attend Tuesday's council meeting, and he asked that the council move the hearing to January 22,
2007.
Mark Rice, Superintendent of Central Garage, is recommending that council accept the low bid
from Stivers Ford of Waukee, Iowa in the amount of $170,086.00 to purchase eight patrol cars.
Councilperson Gunderson stated he will make the motion to accept the bid from Dick Witham as
he is a local dealer, employs over 100 people, pays city taxes and Witham's bid is not that much
higher than Stivers Ford.
Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator, is recommending that the bid from
Hawkeye Alarm in the amount of $11,856.00 for the Security Alarm at Five Sullivan Brothers
Convention Center be accepted. Mr. Cutwright explained that he has reviewed the bids and it is
a good system, with door contacts, sensors and sirens.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, has a resolution on the council agenda to accept the
recommendation from the Leisure Services Commission for 2007 golf rates as follows: no
change in fees, establish expiration date of November 30 for season passes and establish a
December rate of $5.00 per round. There is no recommendation on a fee for non-residents.
Councilperson Gunderson reported that the Leisure Services Commission discussed non-
residents fee, but the commission hopes not raising fees will increase the rounds of golf. This is
the third year of these fees, and the commission will probably recommend an increase next year.
Mr. Huting reported that his proposed golf budget for FY08, shows increased revenue of $22,000
to $25,000, and there still may be a deficit of $23,000. Mayor Hurley stated that would mean
that taxpayers are subsidizing golf. Councilperson Greenwood stated he feels that 50 to 60
percent of the revenue stream from golf comes from retirees and season passes. Councilperson
Greenwood stated he feels the city needs to develop creative ways to bring golfers such as golf
packages with Isle of Capri and local motels. Councilperson Greenwood stated he feels it is a
quality of life issue for a small percent who play and he does not feel we should subsidize golf.
Councilperson Cole commented that for years and years golfers have felt that the city balanced
its budget on their backs. We don't charge our citizens to play on our tennis courts and our
swimming rates are very low. The city has one of the best junior golf programs in the state.
Council Work Session
January 11, 2007
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Councilperson Cole stated we would need to look at all operations and not just golf, and she does
not feel everyone can afford to belong to a private club.
Mayor Hurley noted that the number of rounds of golf played are going down all over, and he
feels it is the total golf experience that brings golfers and not the fees.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Gunderson that
the meeting be adjourned at 8:29 a.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk