Minutes-01/13/2010

TIFFIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING January 13, 2010 TIFFIN FIRE STATION MEETING ROOM Mayor Royce Phillips called meeting to order at 6: 30 pm. Roll Call of members present Chris Ball, Jim Bartels, Mike Gericke and. Mark Petersen. Travis Weipert absent. Also present: City Attorney Steve Greenleaf, City Engineer Mike Hart and Doug Frederick, Public Works Brett Mehmen, Ed Johnson, Building Official and City Clerk Ruth Demuth. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Petersen. All actions approved by all Ayes unless so noted. Community Forum: Kris Petersen, representing Friends of Library questioned wording in City Council December 2009 minutes regarding City Council discussion on Springmier Library. She asked City Council to change wording in reference to Library. Amy Pitlick, representing herself as a School Board member and a concerned business owner, voiced her concerns in reference to City Council December 2009 minutes, discussion held by City Council regarding payment from CCA School District for outstanding account for new water meters installed at new high school and athletic field in 2008 and 2009. Mayor Phillips reported that School Board member Schmidt had already resolved issue. Ms Pitlick also voiced her displeasure if City Council would approve an easement on city land for use by Little Clippers Child Development Center. She also voiced her concerns of mention of new commercial businesses to City of Tiffin in the monthly newsletter in reference to Little Clippers Child Development Center in January 2010 newsletter.. Torn Lampe, resident on Bear Dr. voiced his concerns on drainage issues from neighboring new construction. It was reported to Mr. Lampe that retaining wall was not completed due to adverse weather conditions and it was anticipated that wall would be completed in Spring of 2010. Mr. Lampe invited City Council members to view site involved in his concerns. Lyndsie Schnoor and Melissa Fontanini, representing Bella Sala Banquet and Reception Facilityand Hugs & Kisses Bridal Boutique, asked City Council to consider lowering speed limit and installing stop signs at railroad crossing on Jasper Ave. They described recent accident they were involved in while attempting to exit into their commercial business located off Jasper Ave. Discussion was held on speed limits on Jasper Ave. Mayor Phillips reported that work had been done over several years to obtain IDOT monies to assist for signalized signage at crossing and all previous requests have been declined. Council person Petersen reported that he had been working with local legislators for assistance with this project. Council members agreed to further discuss issues. Sheriff Lonnie Pulkrabek continued discussion addressing speed limits on Jasper Ave. Pulkrabek suggested city conduct a speed study and suggested City Attorney Greenleaf contact the railroad regarding increased traffic on Jasper Ave. Mayor Phillips suggested stop signs and signage be installed for short term remedy. Sheriff Pulkrabek asked City Council members to consider increasing number of hours in Law. Enforcement from Johnson County Sheriff Department for 2010- 2011 Budget year. He stated that hourly rate would not increase but to increase weekly hours to thirty per week, approximately a 30% budget increase. Discussion held on increased number of hours charged to city by Sheriffs Department being used at Middle and High Schools. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Bartels for approval of December 21, 2009 City Council minutes with requested change in wording regarding discussion of Springmeir Library by City Council members, who have been appointed to represent City of Tiffin on Library Board. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Bartels for approval of receipts and expenditures. New Business: Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Petersen to open Public Hearing for Re- Zoning request on Outlot One in Woodfield Ridge Estates to allow four single family units and two four plex units as previously zoned for all multi- family housing units. Brian Crawford, McClure Engineering, represented Woodfield Ridge Estates, answered questions regarding re- zoning request. No other comments, motion made by Petersen and seconded by Gericke to close Public Hearing. Reading of Ordinance to formally approve re- zoning request set for February 2010 regular City Council meeting. Motion made by Bartels and seconded by Petersen to approve annual appointment of City Attorney to Steve Greenleaf with Lynch Greenleaf and Michaels. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Bartels to approve annual appointment of City Engineer to Mike Hart with Hart Frederick Consultants. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Ball to approve two year appointment to Ruth Demuth for City Clerk. Ayes: Ball, Bartels, and Gericke. Nays: Petersen. Absent: Weipert. Motion made by Ball and seconded by Gericke to nominate and approve annual appointment for Mayor- pro- tern to Mark Petersen. Motion made by Bartels and seconded by Gericke to approve appointment of Solon State and Hills Banks as financial institutions for City of Tiffin. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Bartels to appoint Cedar Rapids Gazette as newspaper of publishing. Question raised on verification that legal publishing is published as requested. It was reported that legal verification is forwarded to city. Motion made by Petersen to not approve easement request made by Little Clippers Child Development Center and motion was not seconded. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Ball to approve and accept easement request by Little Clippers for city land for play area. Discussion held on request. The approval is contingent on landscaping