LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

PROCEEDINGS OF LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL, SPECIAL MEETING, MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2007, 5:30 PM

The special meeting of the Lowden City Council was called to order by Mayor Reuben Wenndt. Councilpersons present on roll call: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Madden. Decker seated at 5:45 PM. Visitors: Gene Hamdorf, Larry Wiebel, Jan Olsen, Joey Wenndt, David Boettcher, Derrick Lange.

Larry Wiebel and Jan Olsen, Sesquicentennial Committee, told the Council they have been having many fundraisers for the August celebration. They asked if the City could help by providing funds for porta potties, extra police protection, dumpsters for garbage, flowers for planters, and any additional cost for liability insurance. M/S Ryan, Olsen to help with Sesquicentennial costs by paying for the above expenses. Ayes: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Madden.

Larry Wiebel, Kent Stout, and Jan Olsen, are on the committee for the Community Foundation of Cedar County which distributes funds from Scott County gambling proceeds. Cedar County is asked to pay $1000 for operating expenses for the Foundation. LEDCO paid the City’s portion, $150, towards this expense and Jan Olsen asked the Council for reimbursement of this fee. M/S Olsen, Ryan to reimburse LEDCO $150 for the operational expense to the Community Foundation of Cedar County. Ayes: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Madden.

Jan Olsen presented the FY08 budget request for the Lowden Library, $30,105, an increase of $1921 from the previous year. M/S Olsen, Madden to seat Decker at 5:45 PM. Ayes: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Madden.

Joey Wenndt presented the proposed budget for FY08 for the Lowden Fire Department. The budget showed an increase of $2000 from the previous year, an approximate 7% increase. Joey told the council they are having major problems with the 1977 tanker they currently have and would like the council’s opinion on whether they should be looking at buying a new tanker at a cost of $80,000 or what are some other options. After discussion later in the meeting, council decided the Fire Dept. should look for a new or used chassis only for the tanker. Councilman Ryan said he will speak to Joey Wenndt about getting prices for a chassis for the tanker.

Joey Wenndt said the Rescue budget would remain the same as last year, $5925.

Council discussed other budget items. Street work and curb and gutter work will be the major expenditures for FY08. Gene is to get prices for sealcoating Main Street from east City limits to west City limits. He is also to get a price for a culvert along 1st Street from Roosevelt Avenue east to Rex Feed. Council also will budget $12,000 for a new mower for the Park.

Council decided not to put a new roof on the remaining three sides of City Hall.

M/S Conrad, Decker to have Galen Conrad speak to Jason Conrad about straightening the eavespouts on the north side of City Hall to correct the drainage problem. Ayes: All.

Gene Hamdorf presented information to the council on his requested wage increase and showed comparisons of other maintenance mens’wages in nearby towns. He asked for an additional $1.00/hr., a 7% increase. Mayor Wenndt asked if the City has enough work for two full-time men. Gene said there is plenty of work for two men.

After discussion, M/S Ryan, Olsen to approve the following FY08 budget requests:
Library-$30,105, Fire-$28,000, Rescue-$5925, LEDCO-$5000, and wage increases-Gene Hamdorf from $14.25/hr. to $15.25/hr., Tim Burmeister-$12.90/hr. to $13.80 hr., Peggy Kedley, $13,375/yr., to $15,310/yr. and insurance stipend from $200/mo. to $250/mo., and additional compensation if City Hall hours are increased, and Lucille Horman from $10.00/hr. to $10.50/hr. Ayes: All.

Council set March 5, 2007, 7:00 PM, for a Public Hearing on the FY08 Budget.

M/S Ryan, Decker to adjourn at 7:52 PM. Ayes: All.

Next regular meeting is February 5, 2007, 5:30 PM.

<< BACK