The Lynnville City Council met in regular session on Monday, Jan. 8, with all councilmembers present and guests Jack Pope with Garden and Associates, Travis Squires with Piper Jaffray, Glenn Lewis, and Faye Brand.
A resolution to approve gross salary report was added to the agenda. The amended agenda was approved. The minutes of the December meeting were approved.
Squires presented some options for financing the sewer project. He has worked with the local school and other local towns on projects in the past. Cities must hire a certified advisor to make sure the city is in compliance according to the Iowa Finance Committee. The city currently has no debt. The state revolving fund is an option for funding. Currently, the rates are lower than nearly every banking institution.
Four options were presented:
- Paid for 100 percent with sewer revenue bonds through SRF.
- Paid for 100 percent with general obligation bonds.
- Paid for with a combination of general obligation bonds and sewer revenue bonds.
- Paid for with a combination of general obligation bonds and sewer revenue bonds.
The council reviewed the options and asked questions for nearly an hour and will continue to review. The reality is the project will probably be in 2019.
Councilmember Bev Van Maanen reported she has received questions on why flags are in yards. A call was made to One Call for the sewer design process, residents should not be concerned, no digging will take place at this time. The flags can be removed.
The city and payroll claims were approved.
In old business, the Old Settlers Park rental agreement was reviewed. Changes included rates from $25 to $35, if alcohol will be present a proof of liability must be received, supplies must be provided by renter, if there is any damage then the deposit will not be returned, and the city has the right to refuse any renter. Churches and Smoke on the Water event will continue to be exempt from the charges. The new agreement was approved.
The locks have been replaced on city hall doors. Old keys in circulation will not work.
An employment agreement with City of Lynnville and Caldwell, Brierly, Chalupa, and Nuzum, PLLC as city attorney firm was renewed.
A building permit from Mohamed Mohamed for a new home on Hillside Drive was approved.
Lynnville City Clerk Bev Arthur inquired if there are any budget ideas for 2019. Raising of sewer and water rates was suggested. Street repairs need to continue with funds budgeted. Computer and software updates may be needed.
Hot water in the kitchen at the city hall has not been working, and Josh DeWitt will look into it.
Resolution to approve the 2017 gross salary report was passed and will be published.
In new business, a legal agreement with Garden and Associates was approved. An ECIC membership invite was declined.
In the maintenance report, the plow was down for a few hours with blown hydraulic hoses. The council discussed alternative options of who could help in case of equipment breakdown or DeWitt being on vacation. DeWitt will reach out to Dustin Ver Ploeg. The council thanked DeWitt for the excellent snow removal and the extra trips he put in during the nights checking on heaters during the cold snap.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
