MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILOCTOBER 14, 2003 – 6:00 P.M.The following Council members were present at the opening of the meeting: Mayor Jim Jellema, Councilmen-Linus Svoboda, Dana Dahlquist, and Keith Elbers. Councilman Arlen Leenderts arrived at approximately 7:03 P.M. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: John and Bonnie Burgers, Mary Kortlever, and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent. The Council reviewed a draft of the utility billing book for 2004: (1) the billing due dates will remain on the 15th of the month, and any bills received after the 15th will be charged a $10 late fee; (2) disconnect and reconnection fees will increase to $25 each; and (3) past due accounts will be given one late notice prior to the disconnection of water service. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of the September 9th minutes. Motion carried.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve payment of the September expenditures; General $4,410.85; Park $1,721.95; Fire $1,465.58; Street $3,822.30; Legion $802.27; Barbershop $200.90; Sewer $1,471.94; Garbage $3,083.74; Recycling $450.00; Water $6,277.16; Baseball $93.37; Softball $234.47. Approval to reimburse the City Treasurer for office supplies. Motion carried. The Council approved to reimburse Ward for 14 vacation days, accumulated from past years through December 31, 2002, to be reimbursed at his 2002 salary rate. The Council reviewed Ward’s timecard of 9/1/03 to 9/7/03. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to pay Ward for one additional hour at straight time, rather than overtime, due to sick leave used within the same week. Also, the sick leave time-off must be rounded-up, due to the City’s policy that sick leave must be used to the whole hour. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to grant Ed Kolberg a building permit for a garage, pending he revises the plan to allow five feet from the edge of the alley; and abide by floor drain regulations per state requirements. Kolberg will be advised of the location of the sewer line; and informed of the ordinance pertaining to the keeping of vehicles. Motion carried. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to approve of building permits for Laurie Gorder for a garage; Adam and Dana Huisman for a dog kennel; George Reining for a home addition; and Alan Opheim for a garage. Motion carried. Councilman Arlen Leenderts joined the meeting. Discussed whether additional information should be obtained for replacing lights in the American Legion. The Council agreed to have the painting completed prior to the lighting work. The painters will be asked to revise their bids for painting only the auditorium ceiling and walls, and the hallway. Mary Kortlever appeared at the meeting to request a building permit for a double garage and patio. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of the application, pending the plans for the garage are revised to allow for the five-foot setback requirements along the north and east property lines. Motion carried. John and Bonnie Burgers appeared at the meeting to inform the Council that Ryan Burgers plans to sell his trailer house, which is currently located on City property at 120 West North 2nd Street, and to inquire whether the City would be interested in purchasing the trailer for $4,000. Leenderts suggested that the City deed the property over to whoever buys the trailer. The Council tabled discussion in order to obtain legal advice. TREASURER’S REPORT:Motion by Elbers, seconded by Leenderts to reinvest sewer CD#17877 for one year at 1.50% interest. Motion carried. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Leenderts to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. The Clerk informed the Council that the out of control tree burning, which damaged Overgaard’s cornfield on October 7th was reported to insurance, and claims have been initiated. The Council approved to continue with their regular meeting on November 11, 2003, which falls on Veteran’s Day. City maintenance will be instructed to stain the playground equipment at Jacobson Park, following proper maintenance instructions through Rainbow. In reference to earlier discussion regarding the reimbursement of accumulated vacation days, the Council was referred to minutes of December 10, 2002, wherein accumulated time-off is to be used or paid-out as of December 31, 2003. Since a motion to pay-off Ward’s vacation time was made in earlier discussion, payment will be made as approved. In the future no accumulated vacation days will be reimbursed until after December 31st. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 7:57 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(10-30)
