The Volga City Council met for the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, November 9 , 2023 in the Volga City Hall. Mayor Carrie Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Council members Elaine Follon, Crystal Nicholson and George Duff answered Roll Call. Mike Howard, Megan McDonald, Tom Klingman, Artella Coonfare, Tyler Alber and Keaton Klingman were also in attendance.
Tom Klingman discussed recent requests for designation of Handicap Parking at the Volga City Opera House. Motion by Nicholson to purchase blue paint for the curb to designate Handicap Parking on the east side of Washington Street. Additional signage will be installed as part of the ISU project in 2025. Second by Follon. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Public Comments: Mayor Taylor thanked all candidates for the civic engagement to be on the ballot for city council. George Duff and Dennis Christeleit were thanked for their years of service on council.
Artella Coonfare informed council she would not pay the contractor fee for the property cleanup.
Council reviewed the at-large animal ordinance following concerns expressed for the number of cats running loose.
Updates on Focus Areas:
Transportation Infrastructure: Surveying has been completed on all sidewalk accesses and will be forwarded to Iowa State for the project planning.
Property Cleanup: Council reviewed notified properties for plans to be provided by the December 11th deadline. Motion by Follon to authorize application to Northeast Iowa Housing Trust Fund for Residential Home Removal Program for 500 Washington Street. Second by Duff. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Marketing & Promotions: Council discussed options for development of a city logo. Motion by Duff to work with Joe Hallock to develop the items into an oval shape. Second by Follon. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Department Updates:
Public Works: Council reviewed quotes received for USDA grant maintenance items to accept or reject any and all quotes received. Motion by Follon to accept TNT Repair & Tire quote for $4684 for tires and the NAPA quote for $6000 for maintenance items. Second by Nicholson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Water/Sewer/Garbage Departments: Motion by Follon to schedule a Public Hearing for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Volga Water Improvement Project for 6:50pm on December 11, 2023. Second by Nicholson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Motion by Duff to approve Payment No. 8 in the amount of $18002.92 for Ray’s Excavating for Council
consideration of payment for work completed in October. Second by Follon. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Administration: Motion by Follon to table the First Reading of Ordinance #173: Alliant Energy Franchise Renewal. Second by Nicholson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Taylor presented Resolution 2023-32: Street Financial Report. Motion by Nicholson to approve
Resolution 2023-32. Second by Duff. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Nicholson, Follon, Duff. Nays: none.
Motion carried.
Motion by Nicholson to have the letters for the community sign returned to city hall and designate Jay Taylor as
the contact for sign messages. Requests will be communicated to City Hall by email or phone 10 days prior to
events. Postings will only be made on Sundays, with priority given to city events. Second by Follon. All voted
in favor. Motion carried.
The Clerk provided an update on the FY 24-25 Budget process and new laws affecting valuations, general fund
levy limits, and exemptions. Additional publications in March and additional meetings will be required in April to meet the new deadline of April 30.
Library: no report
Emergency Services: Thank to all who supported the Fire Department fundraiser and upcoming First Responder breakfast.
Park Board: McDonald reported on the upcoming December meeting. The UTV/ATV park info will be posted when available with rules and regulations. Restrooms have been closed for the season and off-season camping rates are available.
Library Planning Committee: The Mayor will submit permit applications for updated costs received.
Clayton County Development Group: Current projects include social media workshops, calendar of events, and the tourism marketing promotion project that was awarded UMGC funds.
The Consent Agenda was presented with the following items: 1) Minutes, 2) Claims, 3) Treasurer’s Report -October 2023, 4) Bank Reconciliation - October 2023, 5) Monthly Budget Report, 6) Application for Building Permit: 106 N Lafayette Street, Artella Coonfare, 7) Application for Building Permit: 800 Washington Street, Parker Klingman, 8) Application for Building Permit: 603 West Street, Craig Fry, and 9) Application for Building Permit: 509 West Street, Carl Petsche. Motion by Duff to approve all items except number 6. Second by Follon. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Delinquent Utilities were reviewed and shut offs approved.
Motion by Duff to adjourn. Second by Follon. All voted in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 8:46pm.
ATTEST:
Kristin Klingman, City Clerk