PROCEEDINGS
OF LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING, MONDAY, MARCH 7,
2005, 7:00 PM
The
regular meeting of the Lowden City Council was called to order by
Mayor Reuben Wenndt. Councilmembers present on roll call: Conrad,
Hamdorf, Decker, Kroemer. Absent: Gottschalk. Visitors: Jason Miller,
Pat Kroemer, Gene Hamdorf, Jim Rice, Tom Schwarz, Barb McCreight,
Jan Olsen, Kent Strackbein, Craig Wiebel, Mike Blake, David DeWine,
Larry Wiebel.
M/S Conrad, Hamdorf to approve the minutes of the 2-7-05 meeting. Ayes: All.
M/S Hamdorf, Decker to approve payment of the bills as presented. Ayes: All.
Mayor Wenndt introduced Kent Strackbein and Craig Wiebel from the Lowden Cemetery
Board. The Cemetery Board wanted to inform the Council they are going to mandate
that all burials in the Lowden City Cemetery will require a vault. The Lowden
City Cemetery Board will meet soon to adopt this policy.
Mike Blake was present to discuss the water leak he had at Blake Apts. last month.
Gene Hamdorf said water was running on Washington Avenue and they thought there
was a water main break and called JJJ Ent. to dig. However, they found later
it was a break on Blake’s side of the water pipe. Blake also has an issue
with JJJ Enterprises since a month after the initial digging the shut off was
broken due to settling. Council told Blake he would have to contact JJJ about
this.
Jason Miller, MSA, was present to discuss the proposed water tower project which
was denied funding from a CDBG grant. Miller asked the council what they wanted
to do as far as proceeding with the project. The City can apply for a CDBG grant
again within the next year. In the next month, council will consider how they
want to proceed with the project and put the issue on the April meeting agenda.
Jan Olsen and Barb McCreight, Lowden Garden Club, informed the council they intend
to cement the walking path at Lowden Memorial Park. It may be a 2-year project
and told the council they would appreciate any financial assistance the City
could offer. Council will discuss this further at the April meeting.
M/S Hamdorf, Conrad to close the meeting and open the Public Hearing on the FY06
budget. Ayes: All. There being no oral or written comments on the FY06 budget,
M/S Kroemer, Decker to close the Public Hearing on the FY06 budget and open the
meeting. Ayes: All. M/S Kroemer, Hamdorf to adopt the FY06 budget. Ayes: All.
After a short presentation by Tom Schwarz, M/S Hamdorf, Decker to pass Resolution
#04-05 whereby the City of Lowden is in support of the North Cedar Bond Issue
proposing building improvements to the elementary building in Lowden and middle
school in Clarence and a new elementary building in Mechanicsville. Ayes: All.
Jim Rice presented
an idea for replacing the ramp and sidewalks on the north side of
City Hall. The City must upgrade its handicapped accessibility to
City Hall before the November election. Council asked Rice to draw
up a plan and provide an estimate for the cost of the project and
present it at the April meeting.
Three bids were received for summer mowing at Lowden Memorial Park: Soctt Harden-$4500/season
or $187/time, Jeff Goettsch-$1800, and Cole Hamilton-$2240. M/S Kroemer, Decker
to hire Cole Hamilton for mowing at Lowden Memorial Park this summer at a cost
of $2240. Ayes: All.
Two bids were received for replacing the roof at the north Park shelter at
Lowden Memorial Park: Tim Kahl $2349.18, and Neal Mess-$2100 plus $270 for
shingle disposal and dumpster. Kahl indicated he did not have insurance but
would sign a waiver dismissing the Town from any claims. M/S Conrad, Hamdorf
to hire Neal Mess at a cost of $2370 to roof the north Park shelter at Lowden
Memorial Park, providing he provides proof of insurance to City Hall. Ayes:
All. Mess will supply materials for the project unless plywood sheeting is
needed, which the town would provide.
M/S Hamdorf, Decker to hire Ashley Hansen for a librarian aide. Ayes: All.
M/S Kroemer, Hamdorf to approve the monthly financial report. Ayes: All.
M/S Hamdorf, Decker to approve a curb and gutter permit for Wes Griesbach,
duplex at 409 4th Street. Ayes: All.
M/S Kroemer, Hamdorf to approve a liquor permit for Good Times LLC, David DeWine,
effective March 29, 2005. Aye: All.
Gene Hamdorf presented prices for a new ABS pump for the sewer plant, price
range being $5300-5400. After discussion, M/S Conrad, Hamdorf to order a new
pump for the waterwater plant at an estimated cost of $5300. Ayes: All.
Gene Hamdorf presented his monthly work log to the Mayor as requested at the
February meeting.
Councilman Kroemer asked if the City will be advertising for summer help by
a high school aged youth. He said this person could do mowing and help with
garbage and recycling when Gene or Tim are on vacation. Mayor Wenndt said he
would like to do the mowing when needed. After discussion, Council decided
not to advertise for summer help.
Gene Hamdorf will contact MSI to have the summer street work done in June.
Council directed maintenance men to get the following projects done as soon
as possible: put up street signs, trim trees, and paint parking lines.
Mayor Wenndt suggested the maintenance men make a list of all water shutoffs
that do not work. Currently, this is a problem where delinquent water bills
occur and the shutoffs are broken and water cannot be turned off. Council did
not think it was necessary for the maintenance men to check every shutoff in
town to see if they are in working condition. Council told maintenance men
they are not to go to houses trying to collect delinquent water bills.
Mayor presented a written police report to the Council.
M/S Hamdorf, Decker to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Ayes: All.
Next regular meeting is April 4, 2005, 7:00 PM.
