Approval of Agenda

Mayor Meyers noted the following additions to the agenda:  Add Presentation by Fleis & Vandenbrink prior to the first Public Comment.  Moved by Leary, seconded by Gladding to approve the amended agenda.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all.

Presentation

Fleis and Vandenbrink gave an updated the councilmembers on the new WWTP project.  They will be submitting the permit application next Friday to approve the construction.  Advertisements to bid will be for the period of May 24^th through June 29^th.  The bids will be opened on June 29^th.  F&V will be meeting with trade contractors. They provided two handouts with diagrams of the new facility.  There are currently 170 plan sheets now.   Council Member Davis inquired on the plant’s ability to handle future growth.  Mayor Meyers commented on the size of the plant versus the size of the lagoons. The City will continue to seek additional grants and/or funding avenues, including working with Representative Pat Outman and Senator Rick Outman.

Consent Agenda

Moved by Leary, seconded by Davis to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes – all. 

The Consent Agenda is as follows: 

Reports by Council Liaisons

Leary reported that the Library Board and the Museum Board met however she was not able to attend.

Davis reported that the Planning Commission met on April 25^th.  An applicant for the Planning Commission was interviewed and a Recommendation for Appointment was forwarded to City Council for formal appointment.  

Mayor Meyers reported that the Housing Commission will be meeting on May 11^th at 6:15 p.m.

New Business

Public Comments

Mike Brady, 927 Masonic, commented his disappointing interactions with city hall employees regarding water bills.  He commented on learning how to interact and treat people with respect. Brady further commented the water bill payment process and the 15-day grace period not being enough.  With the rates going up, he advised, it would be an appropriate time to revisit the process.   

Jenny Bennett, 1125 Kenwood, commented on water and sewer bill rates not being disclosed on the bill.  She commented on finding better ways to read water bills and saving employee time, such as by doing virtual readings.

Bob Brown, 759 Jay Street, commented on the damage in one of the parks over the weekend and the need for cameras and motion lights.         

City Manager Comments

Stoppels commented on the following topics of interest:

·         Bids for the damaged storm sewer on Congress Street were $85,000+ at 16 feet.  For cost savings, the city is looking into working with a local contractor and Russell’s.  The storm sewer is stabilized.  The project will begin on Friday.

·         The city is looking into doing virtual readings for water bills.  It would save time and money however it is a $400,000 - $500,000 project. 

·         Stoppels thanked Brown for his comment on installing motion detecting lights.  Solar lights could be purchased at a minimal cost.  The city would like to do what they can to safeguard the Veteran’s Memorial Park. 

·         Advised that DPW is busy as people are busy.  There are employees off for training and one foreman is on limited duty for a work-related injury.   

·         DPW will be working on the road program later this summer.

·         Stoppels has not been able to locate a public service training specific to government.

Council Comments

Davis commented on the following:

·         Thanked Fleis & Vandenbrink for their update

Adjourn

Moved by Davis, seconded by Leary to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote:  Yes- all.

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Bruce Meyers, Mayor                                   Janae Ortego, City Clerk