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Last meeting of 2021 for Guttenberg city council

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By Shelia Tomkins

The Guttenberg city council covered a relatively brief agenda at the final monthly meeting of the year on Monday, Dec. 13. The meeting marked the last regular meeting for Mayor Bill Frommelt and council members Mick Pierce, Virginia Saeugling and Fred Schaub (mayor-elect), whose terms expire at the end of the year. Also present were councilmembers Austin Greve and Jane Parker.

Project updates

Steve Thompson, an engineer with Veenstra-Kimm, submitted a written update on four city projects. He noted that with the installation of light poles on Schiller Street the project is approaching final completion.

Thompson reported that the DNR has responded that purchasing a dredge for the Limbeck Pond project is not an eligible expense under rules of the grant. The city manager will see if the grant terms allow the lease or rental of a dredge. 

The engineer noted that the water system improvement project will require a significant environmental review period since Guttenberg is a historical and archaeologically relevant area. 

Additional funding sources are becoming available for the storm sewer extension project, so the scope and design of the project application will be determined after more information is announced. The council approved  proceeding with a $68,000 contract with Veenstra-Kimm for additional storm sewer survey work in order to be shovel ready when applying for grant money.

Other business

Sam Rumph, Clayton County E911 Coordinator, spoke to the council and asked that the city pay half the cost of repairs to the Acre Street communications shed, which would be $2,800. The building houses communication equipment for the city, hospital and fire department. The council agreed to the request and will formally approve the agreement at next month's meeting.

The council concurred with a recommendation from the Riverfront Advisory Board to leave riverfront leases the same for 2022 at a rate of $8 per foot.

The council discussed an amendment to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan that would create a new TIF district for the new brewery in downtown Guttenberg. The matter will be discussed further at the January meeting.

  The council approved a $1,000 business accelerator grant for  Sadie Hefel/Divine Current Wellness to purchase an infrared sauna; the Guttenberg Economic and Industrial Development Committee also approved a grant. 

Discussion was held on municipal wages and salaries, and the mayor recommended a 4% increase for bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit employees. After lengthy discussion, a motion to grant a 4% increase failed on a 4-1 vote with Pierce voting in the minority.   

The council approved a revised cell tower lease with Northeast Iowa Telephone Co. to correct names in the original lease. 

Nancy McClellan, a member of the city cable commission, presented options for replacing and upgrading current equipment that was installed in 2008 and is starting to fail. She said the cable commission recommends going with the option featuring internet transmission, with an estimated cost of $19,000 which will be paid for with funds set aside and franchise fees. The council approved the recommendation. 

Police Chief Derek Chambers reported on the status of the police patrol vehicle that was ordered earlier this year and that had been scheduled for delivery in mid-December, a date that has now been pushed back. The council agreed to his recommendation to instead purchase a 2021 Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle from an Ankeny firm that is available now. 

As discussed at a previous meeting, the council moved forward on a request from Lakeside Ballroom to purchase parcels of property adjoining the business. There were no public comments on the proposed sale, and the council passed an ordinance vacating the property and authorizing the sale.

Resident Mike Landwehr spoke to the council with concerns about nuisance properties throughout the city. He asked that the council remain focused on the issue and keep the matter on monthly council agendas.

The council approved switching city email account to ".gov" accounts.

The Kwik Star fuel bid with a 7 cent per gallon discount was accepted.

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