Special Council Meeting
May 24, 2021 – 5:30 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Council member Scott Brighton joined electronically. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, and Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald. Council member Brenda Hanken was absent. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, with limited seating or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” and were encouraged to communicate from Zoom Meeting via chat, due to the heightened public health risks of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The meeting did have public attendance, both in-person and via Zoom.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken reviewed the Letter of Conditions related to the USDA Loan for the Sixth Street Ditch storm water project. It is only a loan, with no grant funding, with a payback term of 40 years at an interest rate of 1.375%. Yeoman questioned the property rights section and Wolken advised that Lynch Dallas has the easements prepared and ready to be executed. Council can turn down the loan if they decide not to follow through with the project or find other financing.
Wolken stated the paperwork is to be turned in by June 1st and that was the reason for the special meeting. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-63 Authorizing the Mayor to execute “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions” and “Request for Obligation of Funds” related to USDA Loan for Sixth Street Ditch Project, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Tjaden advised during last year’s annual inspection of the three lift pumps at wastewater treatment facility, the pumps were in bad shape. He was hoping to wait until the new plant is constructed. During this year’s inspection, he was advised they are failing and need to be replaced. The proposed pump could be used as “out fall” pump, once the new facility is completed. DNR wants the plant to run with two pumps and one as a redundancy pump, instead of the three, as we currently are. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-64 Approving Purchase of Lift Pump for the Wastewater Treatment Plant from Electric Pump of
Des Moines, Iowa, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken announced the landfill is looking for a Full-Time Operation Manager to replace Jake Gravel, who will stay on as Director, but has taken a Full-Time job at Monticello Ambulance.
Langerman moved to adjourn at 5:44 PM.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk