The Elkader City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates. The proposal includes a two-percent increase in Water and Sewer Usage rates along with a Sewer Base Rate increase of two-dollars.
The Councl approved the second reading of an ordinance dealing with a Tax Incremenet Financing District in the Industrial Park.
Elkader City Council Proceedings
The Elkader City Council met on Monday, May 8, 2023 in regular session at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, with Mayor Josh Pope presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call was taken.
Roll call: Present: Peggy Lane, Tony Hauber, Deb Schmidt and Randy Henning. Eric Grau was unable to attend.
A bill was added to the claims for Gifford Insurance in the amount of $129,991.00 for the City’s insurance. Henning moved to approve the consent agenda with the addition of that bill. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Hauber, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Consent Agenda(Items on the consent agenda are considered routine in nature and all items are passed in one motion. In order to have an item voted on individually, it must be removed from the consent agenda.)
Minutes from the April 24, 2023 meeting
Bills (April 21-May 4, 2023)
Approval of Resolution 2023-23 - Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for the City of Elkader FY 2022-23 Budget Amendment
Receive 2023 Water Quality Report (a.k.a. Consumer Confidence Report)
Approval of Resolution 2023-25 – establishing pool fees (for lessons and pool rental)
Approval of liquor license for Deer Run Resort (Special Class B retail Native Wine License)
Approval of housing incentive for new purchase (708 Davidson Street NW)
Public comments No public comments were received.
Informational presentation on EARL Public Transit by Shannon Nagel, Operations Manager Council received information about the EARL Public Transit “in town” service. The “in town” service is on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and riders can call during those hours and request a ride or arrange for a ride in advance. Over the last two years EARL has seen a decline in ridership. Coupled with the lack of drivers for Clayton County, the service is considering discontinuing the “in town” service. Other scheduled routes within Elkader would remain.
Discussion on Elkader Childcare and Learning Center and need for financial assistance and possible contribution from the City The Council had a lengthy discussion with Amanda Schneider, President of the ECCLC Board of Directors. No decision was made on financial assistance but Schneider will send some follow-up information. Staff will send Council information on a public entity providing contributions to non-profits.
Approval of Resolution 2023-24 - Accepting the completion of the Carter Street Rehab Project (2021) and authorizing final payment Staff provided an explanation of the current situation regarding the final pay application and the application of liquidated damages. Hauber moved to approve Resolution 2023-24. Henning seconded the motion. The Council discussed the merits of assessing the liquidated damages (58 days over substantial completion and 10 days over final completion) versus considering the proposal from JB Holland to only assess 43 days over substantial completion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Hauber, Henning
Nay: Schmidt
Second Reading Ordinance 2023-02 - An Ordinance Deleting Property From the Tax Increment Financing District for the Elkader Urban Renewal Area of the City of Elkader, Iowa, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa; approve suspending the rules and approving third reading Lane moved to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2023-02. Hauber seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Hauber, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
(a third reading will be at the meeting on May 22, 2023).
First Reading of Ordinance 2023-03 – An Ordinance Amending the “CODE OF ORDINANCES” of the City of Elkader, Iowa, 2022, Chapter 93, Water Rates and Billing, and Chapter 99, Sewer Service Charges Lane moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2023-03. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Hauber, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Administrative staff update Staff updated the Council on several items.
No questions or concerns from the City Council were offered.
Henning moved to adjourn the meeting. Hauber seconded the motion. Council voted unanimously to adjourn. Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.