10-26-15 Special City Council MinutesSPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PRAIRIE CENTER
OCTOBER 26, 2015
*7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Mayor Jessica Stockamp called the meeting to order at 9:00 PM.
Roll Call: Mayor Jessica Stockamp; Councilmembers: Vern Heidner, Doug Schroeder and Jason
Warehime and Tom Darkenwald.
Staff: Lori Johnson, City Administrator; Adam Flaherty, Finance Director; Kurt Neidermeier,
Utility Manager; Ron Wagner, City Engineer and Tami Loff, City Clerk.
1. Utility Budget and CIP.
Water Utility Budget- City Administrator Johnson and Finance Director Flaherty reviewed the
draft budget. It was noted that the 2016 Fee Schedule will no longer include utility rates;
rather it will refer to an resolution that will be adopted separately in January or February. The
Council concurred with the draft budget with minor classification adjustments. CM Heidner
recommended separating the account small tools and equipment. It was discussed that
account 390 in the future City staff will note what items are continuous and what items are
new.
Water Utility CIP-
Water Tower #1 Rehabilitation was discussed. Utilities Manager Neidermeier and City Engineer
Wagner reviewed the current water system and the proposed capital expenditures. City staff is
recommending Water Tower #1 return to service in 2016 due to Water Tower #3 reaching
capacity. There was discussion on implementing odd/even water restrictions to reduce peak
flows and the resulting need for capital expenditures. The Council concurred that water tower 1
will be filled in March 2016 for the watering season, be drained in the fall for painting before
coming on line again in spring 2017.
Finance Director Flaherty reviewed the cash flow summary for the Water Access Charge Fund. A
2% increase on WAC was discussed.
Wastewater Utility Budget- City Administrator Johnson and Finance Director Flaherty reviewed
the draft budget. The Council concurred with the draft budget as proposed. A 2% increase on
SAC was discussed.
The City Council recommended rate increases; 2% increase on WAC, 2-3% in sewer rates; 0-
2% in water rates and 2% increase in SAC.
Wastewater Utility CIP- The WWTF Expansion was discussed. The City Council agreed on a
worksession with AE2S Representative Scott Schaefer.
Mayor Stockamp called for a Special Meeting on November 9, 2015 at 6:00 PM at
Prairie Center to review the WWTF Expansion. Seconded by CM Warehime. All in
favor. Motion carried.
The City Council concurred with the addition of the Wastewater System Master Plan in 2016.
Staffing -
City Administrator Johnson said one of the Utility Operators submitted his resignation today.
City staff is recommending promoting Reese Carstens the seasonal position to that position. He
currently holds a class D license.
CM Heidner. motioned to hire Reese Carstens at pay grade Grade 7, Step 1. Seconded
by CM Schroeder. All in favor. Motion carried.
There was also discussion on advertising for the 2016 Utility Operator position now to help fill in
with snow plowing. The Streets Department has not received any applicants for the winter
seasonal positions.
CM Schroeder motioned to approve advertising for the open Utility Operator
position. Seconded by CM Warehime. All in favor. Motion carried.
Other -
Finance Director Flaherty said the utility billing mail folding and stuffing machine that folds and
stuffs the utility bills needs to be replaced. The current machine is ten years old and is no
longer working. City staff recommends purchasing a machine which is less then leasing.
CM Darkenwald motioned to purchase a mail folding and stuffing machine.
Seconded by CM Schroeder. AH in favor. Motion carried.
2. Adjourn.
CM Heidner motioned to adjourn. Seconded by CM Warehime. AH in favor. Motion
carried. Adjourned at 11:13 PM.
ATTEST: SG`X`cv.`"►\t\- k414
Tami Loff, City Clerk
*Directly following the regular scheduled meeting.
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