Minutes-01/13/1988

January 13, 1988 Morgan reported that she received calls about city tractor being used in Clear Creek Mobile Home Court. Potter stated that he authorized Jim Graham to use tractor after snow storm in December because Bob Herring was on vacation at that time. Potter told Graham he could push snow out of driveways of senior citizens and handicapped citizens, but did not tell him to go into trailer court. Potter talked to Graham about incident. Potter reviewed current policy on use of equipment: Residents who have worked part time for city, such as Ralph Brown, Roger Janssen, Dennis Brown, Jim Neuzil and Mayor may receive authorization to operate equipment and pay an hourly fee for its use. Anyone else must pay hourly fee for use of equipment and full time person (Bob Herring) will operate equipment. Potter asked Stratton for keys to town shed so that he would have better control of equipment. Potter stated that the open burning ordinance is pretty strict. If a complaint call comes to a council member, the council member can go and tell the violator to put out the fire. If they don't do it, the fire department can be called to extinguish the fire and the violator can be charged a fee. Spivey stated that there should be more days allowed for burning of leaves and garden debris in the fall because of rain during that time of year. He also stated that the fire truck should not be called out unless a building is in jeopardy. He felt the ordinance was probably aimed at getting rid of the burning barrels in town. Stoner stated that the problem had been the flagrant burning against ordinance. Potter stated that there had not been any way to enforce it previously. Spivey stated that it should be left more up to the fire department. Attorney Michael reported that the portico over the gas pumps at Grandpa's Grocery is not covered under the city building codes and that the State code applies only to those cities which have specifically adopted it or buildings owned by the State of Iowa. Kern reported that she had written to Joe Johnston on October 19, 1987 asking for drawing of addition to house at 480 Roberts Ferry Road in compliance with the ordinance and that a graph paper had been sent. To date, no response has been received. Runge reported that he had also provided a graph paper for Johnston. Council instructed Clerk to follow through with another letter to Johnston. Motion Morgan second Runge to approve clerk-treasurer's reports. Carried unanimously. Motion Stoner second Spivey to approve bills and accept receipts. Carried unanimously. Potter asked for evaluation of Bob Herring in grounds maintenance/utility director's position. Spivey: I didn't hear anyone call for a motion last month on not using the forms which Sandy brought. The Mayor personally took it upon himself to postpone the evaluation procedure. Potter: I don't feel good about that, either. It means a lot to him and it means a lot to Tiffin. I talked with the attorney and he told me I can't participate in the evaluation. Runge: I didn't realize we had actually voted to adopt any one form. Spivey: It was a slap in the face to Sandy.