Minutes-1 /11/1984

The Tiffin City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, January 11, 1984 at the Tiffin Methodist Church. Councilmembers present were Cox, Kobold, Morgan, Spivey and Stevens. Also present were Judy Aspelmeier, Sherm Files, Mike Scheetz, Larry Lynch and members of the high school government class. Mayor Potter called meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. No one spoke during community forum. Motion Stevens second Cox to approve agenda. Carried unanimously. Motion Stevens second Spivey to approve minutes of regular meeting December 14, 1983 and special meeting January 1, 1984. Carried unanimously. Attorney reported that fringe area study and Roberts Ferry Road dedications would be ready for February meeting. Potter reported that he talked with Mayor Katchee of Coralville about boarding cats. Katchee was concerned about the number of cats Coralville might have to euthanize. Potter will look for other alternatives. Coralville's Animal Control Board will meet to discuss proposal outlined at December's meeting. Potter stated that the Chief of Police and Coralville's attorney have approved proposal. Sherm Files asked council if it would stop minimum service charge fees for water and sewer to Eva Files' home at 201 Grant Street. Currently, Tiffin assesses minimum water and sewer fees to any house which is empty, unless the house is uninhabitable. Mrs. Files has been in a nursing home for one year and she will probably never live in the house again. Files is not sure what will be done with the house eventually. Attorney will check ordinances to see what is required. Cox suggested pulling the meter and capping it instead of cutting the service line, as the previous engineer had suggested. Engineer suggested shutting off the service and charging the turn on fee to reconnect it when needed. Council discussed fact that some businesses are seasonal and some families go south for the winter and do not use the services during those periods of time. Attorney stated that council should set a policy and be careful not to discriminate between homes, apartments and businesses. Council directed attorney to write amendment to ordinance, if necessary, allowing occupant to discontinue service if house is empty after giving city 90 days notice and make it effective in February. Attorney stated that council could waive Files' February bill if it wishes to do so. Tiffin Fire Department will come to February meeting. Mike Scheetz from Johnson County Sheriff's Department reported to council that there will not be any increase in fees for service during the next contract year. Cox asked about parking tickets. Scheetz stated that parking tickets are being written and he will send copy to city. Motion Spivey second Cox to appoint Larry Lynch as attorney for 1984 and his associate Stephen Greenleaf, both a rate of $45.00 per hour. Carried unanimously. Motion Cox second Morgan to appoint "The Leader" as official newspaper for 1984. Carried unanimously.