Approval of Agenda

Moved by Davis, seconded by Steele to approve the Agenda as presented.  Mayor Meyers added Item C. Approve Check #79511 for $45,215.83 to Ed Koehn Ford  under New Business.  The Amended Agenda was approved 4-1 by the following roll call vote: 

Yeas:           Gladding, Leary, Steele and Meyers

Nays:          Davis  

Consent Agenda

Presentation

Jill Mason, Museum Board Chairperson, reported on their events from 2022.  She handed out a booklet entitled “2023 Tri-River Historical Museum Network” (on file in the Clerk’s Office). Topics of interest included:

·                     Bring in the Past was celebrated in May with the theme “Celebrating Women”

·                     Approximately 80 women attend the “Celebrating Women” Event

·                     Throughout the year, the Museum had 1378 visitors

·                     12 private tours were given

·                     Labor Day had over 500 visitors – a record total!

·                     December was their 35^th Anniversary

·                     Two new members were appointed

·                     Chair Mason thanked the outgoing members

Reports by Council Liaisons

Steele reported that the Rec Board nominated a Chair and Vice Chair.  A citizen commented on the proposed parking lot at Lightning Bend which is included in their grant which prompted a meeting (date tbd) to be scheduled between the City Manager, the engineer and the neighbors near Lightning Bend Park.  Steele is also advocating handicap access.

Gladding reported that the Labor Day Committee will be holding a Steak Fry on Friday, March 4^th at the American Legion.  There will be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle as well.

Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission met on February 16^th.  Routine business was conducted; staff reports, accounts payable.  They received 2023/24 Federal Fund updates, approved the Director’s contract and the disposition of an agency vehicle.  The next meeting will be held on March 16^th.

New Business

City Assessor, Bob Naumann recommended reappointment of Marjorie Hansen, Douglas Lamborne, David Mierendorf and John Niemela (Alternate) noting that he has a very responsible Board of Review.  Naumann also advised that all of the perspective candidates have completed the required training to be on the Board of Review.

Moved by Gladding, seconded by Leary to reappoint Marjorie Hansen to the Board of Review.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  yes – all.

Moved by Steele, seconded by Leary to reappoint Douglas Lamborne to the Board of Review.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  yes – all.

Mayor Meyers commented the pending reappointment of David Mierendorf.  He advised that due to his online statements, Mierendorf should not represent the city in any way, shape or form.  He further advised that he has voted in favor of Mierendorf many times in the past, however he cannot support him now and worry about what people think when they come before the Board of Review. Meyers further commented that he would not support anyone who makes these types of comments. 

Leary questioned how many members are needed to have a quorum and if the alternate member could be voted as a regular member. 

Naumann advised that a quorum would consist of two members.  The alternate could be appointed as a member and then there would be no alternate.

Mayor Meyers asked the Clerk to take the to roll call:  Appointment failed 1-4 by the following roll call vote: 

Yeas:           Gladding

Nays:          Leary, Steele, Davis and Meyers     

Moved by Leary, Seconded by Davis to appoint John Niemela to the Board of Review.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote: 

Yeas:           Steele, Davis, Gladding, Leary and Meyers

Nays:          None  

Public Comments

Sam Mason, 516 W. May Street, inquired about updates on roof report and updates on the Depot repairs.

City Manager Jon Stoppels advised that the Depot is about 90% completed.  He also

advised that the roof renovations equate to about $900,000, however none are in

immediate need or failure.  Patchwork can prolong some of the roofs for another 1- 2 years.

City Manager Comments

Stoppels commented on the following topics of interest:

·         The DPW has started to put a plan together for the pending ice storm

·         The DPW has adjusted how salt is distributed and will be putting salt down before the storm starts

·         The Chief of Police has been working on his CIP and will present it at the City Council meeting on March 7^th

·         The DPW is working on their CIP and are trying to determine what to repair and what to trade-in.  They continue to get rid of scrap metal.

·         Working on the 2023/24 budget

·         A&E’s report on City Hall is finalized.  The City may look at a grant for historic restoration.

Council Comments

Gladding offered comment on her “yes” vote for Mierendorf.  Gladding stated that the comment(s) on social media were directed on a personal level.  We have a trained staff (Board of Review) and we are cutting out people when we don’t have enough to fill the what we have.

Leary commented on Belding Housing.  The unit her autistic son moved into was clean, adorable and well-maintained.  She stated that they helped his move to go very smooth and he was given fabulous customer service.

Steele commented on disability access.  She has been communicating with the State regarding access issues.  She noted that he Library has fantastic accessibility.  Steele commented that she would like to see the new police car.

Davis explained his “no” votes.    No vote #1:  He advised that he would like to see the police look into other options than a Ford Explorer for a patrol vehicle.  He had discussed this matter with the prior Chief of Police.  No vote #2:  He advised that it is not appropriate to sit on a board, committee or council due to his (Mierendorf) comments.

Mayor Meyers thanked everyone for coming, thanked Jon and advised that he is looking forward to hearing from the Police Chief regarding his CIP.

Davis additionally noted that he had a printout regarding the training from the State Tax Commission for the Board of Review (on file in the Clerk’s office).  The training can be done online.  

Adjourn

Moved by Davis, seconded by Gladding to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 p.m.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all.

_________________________________________                       ________________________________________________

Bruce Meyers, Mayor                                   Janae Ortego (fka Cooper), City Clerk