OAKLAND ACRES CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
7:00 p.m. Monday, July 12, 2010
Oakland Acres Golf Club House
Call Meeting to Order: Mayor Lennie Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Anita Allwood, Robin Elliott, Roger Fisher, Nancy Minner, and Michael Osten were present. Also present: Christina Machin and Duane Venenga. Allwood excused herself from the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
Inquiries from the Community: Smith recognized Craig Lombard who asked about the status of the tile work at his residence. Smith reported that the tile work is temporarily on hold to check for silt damage. Work will resume on it when he’s able to till and seed it.
Fisher distributed copies of an e-mail he received from a resident concerning Fore Seasons Drive. The Council discussed the condition of the road and the need for a plan to be developed with the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding road repair. Smith plans to put rock in the ruts along Fore Seasons Drive.
Approval of Minutes: Allwood moved to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2010 meeting as submitted. Fisher seconded. Ayes: All.
Treasurer’s Report: Allwood moved to approve the June treasurer’s report as submitted. Elliott seconded. Ayes: All.
Payment of Bills: Fisher moved to approve payment of the bills. Minner seconded. Ayes: All
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Payable to: |
Amount: |
Description: |
|
|
IPERS |
$38.33 |
Retirement fund |
|
|
Alliant Energy |
$81.53 |
Electricity |
|
|
Iowa League of Cities |
$217.00 |
Membership dues 2010/2011 |
|
|
Hall Trucking, LLC |
$176.04 |
Gravel |
|
|
Midwest Curb Grinding LLC |
$204.00 |
Curb grinding |
|
|
Top Line Tree Service |
$802.50 |
Brush clean-up |
|
|
Greg & Tom’s Mowing |
$680.00 |
Mowing for June |
|
|
Oakland Acres Golf Course |
$25.00 |
Clubhouse rental for 7/12 |
|
|
United States Treasury |
$136.72 |
941 for 2nd Quarter 2010 |
|
|
Christina Machin |
$307.48 |
Salary for June |
|
|
TOTAL |
$2,668.60 |
Mayor’s Opening Address and Report
Mayor Smith reminded everyone that anyone can speak at the meeting when they have the floor. This includes the mayor, council members, and members of the community. He also reminded everyone to be considerate to the person talking and let them finish before commenting.
Smith has contacted Earthworks regarding the tile work to be done at the park. Prior discussion was to put an 8” tube in on the overflow and hooking it into the main drain tube. If the main drain tube is working correctly, it would be too much water in too little of a space. It would need to be tiled all the way down to the culvert. The Council discussed there may be a need for a special meeting once more information is received from Earthworks for work to begin.
Smith received an e-mail about possible FEMA money for Jasper County for damage done by all of the recent rain if the total exceeds $120,000.
It was decided at the last meeting to cut down the trees by the stop sign along the entrance. Smith reported that he has volunteers to help with this project.
Old Business
Maintenance Building Update: Smith will be working on digging the hole this week and pouring the concrete so the electricians can come in.
Road Repair: Rock has been delivered. Smith will be working this week on putting rock around the curves that need it as well as along the sides of the new road put in at the entrance.
A resident of the community suggested that the area at the end of Fore Seasons Drive needs to be bladed to improve drainage. This area is worked by the snow plow during the winter and a lot of dirt gets moved. This is also where the garbage truck turns around so the ground needs to be leveled out and packed down so the truck is not leaving ruts.
League Registration: Registration is due August 20th to get the reduced rate. At the next meeting, those attending will strategize to see who will attend which sessions.
New Business
FEMA Reports: Smith e-mailed applications for EMS/FEMA to Council members. There is also a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 28th at 1:00 p.m. at the Jasper County Community Center in Newton to discuss risk assessment.
Signs and Road Usage: Smith heard from residents Zeb Rutledge and Pat Carney that people are driving thru their private drives. Fisher made a motion to spend up to $100 for Private Drive signs to be posted on each end of the driveway. Minner seconded. Ayes: All
All motorized vehicles need to slow down. Smith will contact the Sheriff’s department to discuss speed limits and enforcement.
Fines and Ordinances: The city has ordinances on items such as speeding, blowing grass on the road, and keeping trees trimmed. However, there are no penalties for not obeying them in the city code. The Council will continue to visit with members of the community to remind them of these ordinances. If the issues are not getting better by June of the next year, the Council will discuss implementing fines.
Siren Estimate: The estimate to put in a new mechanism in the siren is $1,200. Smith will follow up with the EMS to see if there is any grant money available. Osten made a motion to pay $3,000 to repair the siren as soon as possible. Fisher seconded. Ayes: All.
Park Repair and Equipment Upgrade: Elliott presented two options for playground equipment that was developed by a representative from Miracle Recreation. The old equipment would be taken out and the new equipment put in the same area. The prices did not include removal or installation. Miracle sends a supervisor to oversee the installation. Ten people have committed to helping with the project. The priority is to get the tile work done at the park prior to installing the equipment. However, it takes 4 weeks for the equipment to be delivered once ordered. Elliott suggested that the equipment be ordered once work has begun on the park. The Council discussed possibly adding swings or using the swings already at the park if possible. Elliott will address this with the representative from Miracle.
Council Reports: Minner reported that the current City Attorney has accepted a position at a private company. The Council discussed the need to find a new City Attorney.
The Council discussed the progress of the new City Directory.
Osten reported that wireless internet is very expensive and that no action will be taken by the city at this time.
Clerk Report: The Council discussed snow removal for the upcoming year. Smith will work on getting a contract.
Maintenance Report: Venenga reported that the blocks and rocks have been put around the entrance sign. Smith reported that the solar lights have been purchased as well. The storm door has been put on the bus stop shed and the whole thing painted. Venenga has also completed painting all of the sign poles throughout the community.
Venenga reported that the wood on some of the wood signs in the community is discolored. He will buy the stain and brushes to stain these.
Smith reported that rock has been brought in to various locations. He will be working this week on getting rock along the roads where needed. He will also be working on the maintenance shed in preparation of the electrician coming, meeting with Earthworks to discuss tile work at the park, and getting some weeds knocked down at the dam.
Smith acknowledged the many volunteers that have helped this past month and thanked them. He encourages all who can to volunteer to help make the community a better place.
Smith will be contacting someone to spray the weeds at the corner of the entrance. The Council also discussed landscaping around that corner – rock vs. wood chips.
The electric box at the corner had the electricity disconnected in the box. Smith ordered shingles to redo the roof on the school bus stop shed and will need electricity from that box.
Adjournment: Fisher moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 p.m. Minner seconded. Ayes: All.
Respectfully submitted,
Christina Machin, City Clerk
(These minutes are subject to council approval at the next regular city council meeting.)
The next regular meeting of the Oakland Acres City Council is scheduled on Monday, August 9, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at the Oakland Acres Golf Club.