LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

PROCEEDINGS OF LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING, MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2009, 6:15 PM, CITY HALL

The regular meeting of the Lowden City Council was called to order by Mayor Dan Hamdorf. Councilmembers present on roll call: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Decker. Visitors: Victor Marz, Rob Hunter, Eben Conner, Gene Hamdorf, Pat Kroemer, Bob Tobin, Victor Young, Louis Licht.

Council accepted the resignation of councilmember Judy Tucker, due to her relocation out of town.

M/S Olsen, Ryan to approve the minutes of the 3/2/09 meeting. Ayes: All.

M/S Ryan, Decker to approve payment of the bills as presented. Ayes: All.

Victor Marz, MMS Consultants, gave the council another copy of the wastewater plant preliminary engineering report which was completed one year ago. He wanted to refresh the council on the upcoming project and told the council we are waiting for the new wastewater permit from IDNR. He said MMS Consultants will work with Bob Tobin of Shoemaker and Haaland Engineers when proceeding with the wastewater plant project. Mayor Hamdorf said rainwater infiltration needs to be addressed before the project gets underway. Sump pumps and down spouts need to be disconnected from City sewer lines. Marx said the City can do smoke testing in sewer mains to determine where infiltration exists. City will also look into raising water and sewer rates to increase the chances of the City’s eligibility for a wastewater project grant.

Galen Conrad was appointed to the WGML Committee to replace Judy Tucker.

M/S Olsen, Ryan to approve the monthly financial report. Ayes: All.

M/S Conrad, Decker to approve the liquor license for Good Times LLC. Ayes: All.

Turkle Tree Service will be removing three trees on Grant Ave. to allow for new curb and gutter installation. Turkle will also remove a tree at Lowden Cemetery. Cy’s Tree Service also submitted an estimate for the tree removal but Turkle’s estimate was less. Council questioned the planting of trees in the City right of way between sidewalks and the curb. Gene Hamdorf will check the ordinance on this.

Louis Licht, EcoloTree, was present and asked the council to consider an alternative to a new mechanical system at the wastewater plant. A drip irrigation system through roots of trees is a successful, less expensive method of handling a town's wastewater discharge. Council thanked Licht for sharing the information with them.

Council directed maintenance men to replace the culvert in front of 402 Jefferson Avenue. Mayor Hamdorf said JJJ Enterprises will be clearing out the drainage area at the end of the culvert at 907 Washington Avenue when the weather conditions are dry.

Mayor said the council needs to appoint a new councilmember to replace Judy Tucker. Galen Conrad wanted to appoint Derrick Lange since he ran on the ballot at the last City election. The remaining councilmembers thought a notice should be placed in the newspaper for interested persons in the council position to contact City Hall.

M/S Olsen, Ryan to place a notice in the newspaper for interested people in the open council position to contact City Hall and an appointment will be made at the May council meeting. Ayes: Ryan, Olsen, Decker. Nays: Conrad.

Next regular meeting was set for Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 7:00 PM.

M/S Decker, Ryan to adjourn at 7:30 PM. Ayes: All.

Dan Hamdorf, Mayor
Peggy Kedley, City Clerk

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