Minutes-03/12/2014 (2)

Work Session Meeting Wednesday, March 26, 2014 The Tiffin city council met in a work session on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at City Hall. Mayor Berner called the meeting to' order at 6: 35 PM. Roll Call. Kahler, Ryan, Petersen, Bartels. Upton arrived at 6: 37 PM. Also present: Engineer Frederick, Administrator Jackson, Deputy Clerk Collins & Public Works Director Mehmen. A motion was made by Ryan to approve the agenda and was seconded by Petersen. All Ayes. Motion carried. CIP Project Discussion: Administrator Jackson has reviewed TIF Funds to determine funding for projects; there is around $ 300, 000 left in funds not claimed for projects. Mayor Berner indicated that there is a need to spend down to incur the debt. However, in a conference call - today, they found out that if the RISE grant is approved, funding is 80/ 20. The turn lanes will cost 1. 5 million; our 20% portion would be $ 300, 000, so the TIF funds could be used for that purpose. For the RISE grant, the worst case scenario if approved is 50/ 50. The grant is determined by using a points system with best case scenario of 80/ 20. Ryan questioned if we should perhaps look into continuing the lanes further since the connection to Willow Ridge is not that far. Mayor Berner indicated we could add this to the CIP, but since developers need to pay for the turn lanes and we believe over time there will be further development towards the new school, perhaps we should not spend the money if we have others who may be required to for their development. Administrator Jackson advised that the building inspector was available to answer any questions about the concession stand bid. Kahler questioned the agenda item to buy$ 2, 000 appliances in the purchase of the house on Roberts Ferry. She felt that when someone sells their home, it is part of the purchase price to include appliances. She is not compelled to approve that expenditure. Hart Frederick provided a handout on the Ireland Avenue Project. In summary, everything is in to the DOT. It has been approved for the letting date. It was discussed that during the project, there may be a 10- day- period where the road and the railroad trackers are closed. Hart Frederick thought it was throughout the entire project. Hart Frederick will clarify how long the road will be closed as this is a serious concern. Upton had questions on the payables. For Iowa Assn of Municipal Utilities with the 2014- 2015 water dues; are they a huge benefit to the City? Mehman indicated that we did receive a reduction for anodes on the well. He is not sure we get a whole lot of benefit from them.