City of Modale City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, 2023 The regular meeting of the Modale City Council was held on January 9, 2023. Mayor James Cox called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present were Katie Offenbacker, Blair Adams, Terigene Tiffey (via telephone), Kathy Dugdale, and Amber Larsen. Visitors present were Carl and Linda Anderson, Jay Gerke, Randy Wendt, Kent Beebe, Ruth Zahner, Tammy and Johnny Cooperrider, Dustin Wallis, Troy Groth, Max Harris, Laurie Harris, Chris and Elissa Kappes. Staff present were Linda Windschitl and Shauna Gerke Gerke reported there was an incorrect vote listed on the 12-28-22 special meeting minutes. The Consent Agenda at that meeting had a vote of 3-0-1, with Offenbacker obstaining. Offenbacker made a motion to approve the consent Agenda. Dugdale seconded; motion carried with a 4-0 vote. Amber Larsen arrived at 7:03 p.m. Marty Skinner reported on Public Works. There was a leak recently, which was promptly fixed, and the high service pump burned up. Marty is waiting on a new one, then he’ll get the burned up one rebuilt. We’re running off of one sewer pump as well while waiting for the other to be repaired. The construction permit for the tank was approved by the DNR. He’ll call Snyder tomorrow to get it ordered. Marty met with Zahner and Dustin Wallis regarding getting water to the Lagoon during construction. Zahner was agreeable to use his water and is looking at a price for the electricity needed during this process. All Councilmembers feel it is an amazing gesture by Zahner’s to assist in this way. A discussion was had regarding the bid for the Lagoon project. The amount of the bid will not be adjusted, but they are looking at ways to reduce costs. We cannot award the bid until the gap funding is secured. However, Troy did submit his recommendation to the USDA to accept the bid by Armodus, LLC, as soon as that funding issue is resolved. The Council would like Marty to set up a meeting with Tracy regarding road work for 2023. Marty suggested using pea gravel instead of quartzite for the shoulders (which would save some money) as well as cut some stretches of road out of the plan. There are several places that need patching, especially on E Anderson by the Fire Hall. There were no citizen inquries. Ruth Zahner reported for the Library. The iPads have been a hit. They didn’t come with headphone or cords, so they will use the remaining grant money to purchase those items. On December 31st Jason & Greg lowered a snowman when the noon whistle blew. Thank you to the Fireman for assisting with this event. They are using Facebook to promote activities so if you know someone who doesn’t have Facebook, please spread the word. Diane has completed 10 certification classes. Diane would like to have the swing direction on the doors changed. They will get some bids, the Skinners could probably help as well. The recent winds damaged the signboard outside and it’s not being used. Requested last half of their budget. Dugdale made a motion to release the funds, Tiffey seconded, motion passed 5-0. Kent Beebe reported for the Fire Department. Jason sent an emailed report. They recently elected officers: Chief – Jason, Assistant Chief - Greg, Secretary – Morgan, Treasurer – Kent. There are 11 members, which is pretty good. Kent says they are short on daytime help, but they’ve been making the calls. Review of the ordinances is about half done. They have been comparing our ordinances to the Iowa code and to other towns with City specific codes. Kathy volunteered to assist with continued review of the codes, at least until tax season arrives. There were two bids received for the sale of 408 N. Main Street. Both bids were read, one from Randy Wendt for $1500 and one from Max Harris for $501. Due to the amount and lack of contingency, Offenbacker made a motion to accept Wendt’s bid. Larsen seconded, motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Resolution 2023-01 was made to enter into a purchase agreement with Randy Wendt to purchase the property located at 408 N. Main Street in the amount of $1500.00. Offenbacker made the motion, Adams seconded, motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Project needs: Marty would like to move the shed from the area by the recycling containers and get either a Gingerich-type pole shed or some shipping containers and place them to the south of the City building. He would also like to get the handicap accessible parking and door closure situation resolved soon. A discussion was had regarding funding and looking for a grant. It was requested this item be placed on the next Agenda. Review the employee handbook and come to next meeting with thoughts. 2023 (not 2022 as Agenda stated) Appointments: James appointed Kathy Dugdale as Mayor pro tem. Larson made a motion to approve, Adams seconded. Motion carried on a 4-0-1 vote, with Dugdale abstaining. Offenbacker motioned to appoint Community Bank and Midstates Bank as official depositories, Dugdale seconded, motion carried on 5-0 vote. Adams made a motion to keep the meeting date and time the same, Offenbacker seconded, motion carried 5-0. Dugdale made a motion to keep the Missouri Valley Times-News as our official newspaper. Adams seconded, motion carried 5-0. Offenbacker motioned to keep Todd Argotsinger as the City’s attorney. Larsen seconded, motion carried 5-0. Items to add to the next Agenda: telephone answering service, office hours posted (regular schedule), list of Linda’s and Shauna’s duties to the Council, shared email and cap Modale Fun Days donation at $500.00. Tiffey made a motion to adjourn. Adams seconded the motion; motion carried with a 5-0 vote. Mayor Cox adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. James Cox, Mayor Shauna Gerke, Deputy City Clerk These minutes are as recorded by the City Clerk and are subject to Council approval at the next regular meeting. Full copies of these minutes will be available at City Hall. Minutes can be sent via email. December 2022 Paid, Description, Amount Heartland Coop, Fire Hall $398.84 Heartland Coop, Water, Sewer, Parks, Fire, Library, City Hall, Roads $1,816.85 Waste Connections, General $29.50 Bomgaars, Water $659.97 Sundquist, Sewer $6,348.43 Windstream, Sewer $90.40 Boyd Software, General $600.00 Linda Windschitl, General $580.13 Jennifer Skinner, Library $1,640.19 Veenstra & Kimm, Water $326.00 Jennifer Skinner, Library $48.78 Siouxland District Health, Water $24.00 MVTN, Water, Sewer, Parks, Fire, Library, City Hall, Roads $259.55 Vetter, Water $15.70 Hawkins, Water $590.64 Amazon, Library $94.75 Amazon, General $299.58 Kent Beebe, Wages $15.55 Terigene Tiffey, Wages $369.40 Katie Offenbacker, Wages $369.40 Amber Larson, Wages $273.22 James Cox, Wages $526.10 Kathy Dugdale, Wages $369.40 Johnny Cooperrider, Wages $92.35 Blair Adams, Wages $184.70 Shauna Gerke, Wages $446.81 Dianne Pratt, Wages $298.19 Alvin Schiltz, Wages $220.69 Marty Skinner, Wages $1,627.50 Linda Windschitl, Wages $928.66 IPERS, IPERS $714.89 IRS, FICA $1,676.04 Total Bills $21,936.21 December Revenues Water Fund $1,930.87 Local Option Sales Tax $5,060.74 Sewer Fund $3,307.95 General Fund $21,378.09 Road Use Tax $1,650.74 Debt Services $- TOTAL REVENUES $33,328.39 MVTN 1-18-23
