Minutes-03/26/2014

CITY OF TIFFIN Minutes Regular Council Meeting Wednesday, March 26, 2014 City Hall The Tiffin City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at City Hall. Mayor Berner called the meeting to order at 7: 03 PM. Roll Call: Kahler, Ryan, Petersen, Bartels, Upton Absent: None. Also present: Public Works Director Brett Mehmen, Attorney Crystal Raiber, Engineer Frederick, Administrator Michon Jackson and Deputy Clerk Teri Collins. Motion by Petersen to approve the agenda, seconded by Ryan. All were in favor and the motion carried. Community: Leonard Vorel, resident from 331 Summerhays commented that he has some drainage problems in his ditch. He stated that it sometimes is halfway up the road and has an effect on his basement. He wants to have it fixed. Mehmen indicated the intake by the highway which the DOT is° responsible for maintaining is making the problem worse. Mr. Vorel indicated that the culverts on his driveway are also blocked. Mehmen indicated he would meet with Mr. Vorel at 1 PM on Thursday and discuss the options. Mehmen also indicated that he would email the DOT to determine if they could assist as well. Jim Glasgow from the Prairie Trail West development wanted to give Council advance notice about the commercial area being developed. He would like to upgrade the street scape with some angled parking. He passed around several examples of the concept. The angled parking is to alleviate the problems encountered by areas like Casa Tequila. For the lighting, he would like it to be similar to the River Bend area in Coralville. The lighting is somewhat expensive and he envisioned some planters as well; there are approximately 40 street lights. The planters would have water access to them courtesy of Glasgow, but we would maintain. Once the street scape concept is put together, Glasgow will present it to council for possible contribution. Glasgow indicated he would also donate a sculpture. Time is of the essence, since sanitary sewer is almost to the street. Elder Services representative Sandy Andreasen spoke about cooperative marketing with the City. Elder Services provides transportation services to those over 60 to keep them in their home. They are a non- profit since 1980. It is often difficult getting seniors to medical appointments. She is looking for volunteers to help with transport. She asked if the City could place a handout for volunteers in with utility bills. Volunteers are screened with a background check and proof of auto insurance. Elder Services would provide the copies so it will not be a City expense. Tionna from Independent Public Advisers spoke about long term financial planning in partnership with cities. She provides financial information so that cities can plan for water and sewer rate setting, TIF and