Nov

Committee and Board Reports – Public Works Director Buckingham updated the council on the sewer grouting work being done by Visu Sewer. Buckingham would like to continue to budget funds for updating of sewer lines. Police Chief Jones would like to lease computers and software from PCS Professional Computer Solutions, Inc. Council Member Briles moved and was seconded by Council Member Breckenridge to set a public hearing for the lease purchase of new computers and software for the Monroe Police Department for December 13, 2010 at 7:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Housing Rehabilitation Project – There were no written or oral objections to the 7:10 p.m. Public Hearing for the Housing Rehabilitation Project. The following information was read at the meeting by City Administrator Breckenridge. The City of Monroe is proposing to submit a Housing Assistance Fund Application to the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The grant funds will be used to aid the City in rehabilitating approximately 8 single family, owner-occupied properties located in a targeted neighborhood. The neighborhood is located in an area that is bordered by North Street on the north, Iowa Street on the South, North Monroe Street on the west and North Oak Street on the east. The area includes homes on both sides of the streets which form the boundary. The application will be submitted to Iowa Department of Economic Development on or before December 8, 2010. The City is requesting $279,000 in Housing Grant Funds for the proposed rehabilitation of 8 homes. The City has agreed to provide $30,000 in local matching funds over the life of the program. The total project cost is estimated at $309,700. Because this program is intended to rehabilitate homes belonging to low and moderate income persons, 100% of the funds will benefit low and moderate income persons. It will not be necessary to displace or permanently relocate any homeowners as a result of the proposed program. Temporary relocation out of the home may be necessary in some cases during lead-base paint mitigation activities. Council Member Pendroy moved and was seconded by Van Veen to approve RESOLUTION NO. 27-2010. A resolution authorizing the expenditure of local funds to be applied to an Iowa Department of Economic Development Housing Fund Application. Motion carried unanimously.

Monroe Recreation Park Update – Van Veen stated work continues to be done by the Newton Correctional work release prisoners. Bleachers have been put together and dugouts built. Darrell Hjortshoj has donated 10 trees to the Recreation Park.

Water Main Project Update – Les Wolfe from Fox Engineering continues to wait on a reply from the DNR concerning the reduction of pipe at the corner of Commerce Street. Briles moved and was seconded by Breckenridge to approve the 5th pay request to Pirc Tobin Construction for $171,675.36 for the 2010 Water Main Project.   Motion carried unanimously. Possible extension on project may be necessary. Pendroy moved and was seconded by Breckenridge to approve change order #3, stating that if no reply has been received by the DNR upon completion of all other hook ups within the City, Pirc Tobin will finish the project as originally stated in the contract without reducing of piping on the corner of Commerce Street. Motion carried unanimously.

Sewer Hook-Up Request – Van Veen moved and was seconded by Vriezelaar to approve RESOLUTION NO. 28-2010. A resolution to approve the sanitary sewer hook-up at 1302 County Line Road to the City of Monroe sewer.   Upon roll call vote - ayes – Van Veen, Vriezelaar, Breckenridge, Pendroy, nays – Briles. Motion carried.

Water Resource System – Mayor Duinink opened the discussion by thanking the residents of Monroe. Mayor Duinink asked Jim LaPlant why Central Iowa wants to service the town of Monroe. Jim’s reply was that “success is partnering with people and Central Iowa Water is offering a partnership with the City of Monroe.” Central Iowa is willing to cap the wells and forgive half of the existing loan of $115,000 for the partnership. It’s a win win situation in Mr. LaPlants book.   Mayor Duinink suggested that the city keep wells 7 & 8 open for the Recreation Park and Gateway Golf Course. There was no one on the council or in the audience that was in favor of keeping those wells open at this time. However, the City could sell or donate the wells to Gateway Golf Course Les Wolfe stated. Briles illustrated a CPI chart over the next 30 years. The chart went from $3.00 per thousand currently to $6.60 over the 30 year period assuming current CPI figures. Briles would like to see the City to build a new water plant. John McConeghey stated that switching to rural water is a wise one. Bonding capacity a concern along with other projects within the City need to be done. “Plan to fail or fail to plan, people see things in two different ways like you and I do,” stated John McConeghey. Public Works Director Buckingham would like to see the city go to Central Iowa Water.    Vriezelaar moved and was seconded by Pendroy to purchase all water from Central Iowa Water pending contract negotiations. Once contract negotiations have been completed and both parties are in agreement the City will go all Central Iowa Water Association. The City of Monroe will no longer make water for the residents of Monroe.    Upon roll call vote, ayes – Vriezelaar, Pendroy, Breckenridge, nays – Briles and Van Veen. Motion carried.

Open Forum – Briles mentioned that street signs on Taylor, Adams and Lincoln need replaced. A police department complaint from Steve Summers was handled after the meeting.

Van Veen moved and was seconded by Breckenridge to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. A full copy of minutes may be seen at www.monroeiowa50170.com or the Monroe City Hall.