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City council opens new year

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By Shelia Tomkins

The Guttenberg city council opened the year Jan. 8 with a busy agenda that included awarding a contract for the Garber Road bridge replacement, moving forward on a wholesale power provider, and approving official appointments.

There were two new faces at the council table — Mayor Bill Frommelt and councilman Mick Pierce, who were elected in November and took office Jan. 1. Also on hand were councilmembers Austin Greve, Fred Schaub, Virginia Saeugling, and Jane Parker; city manager Denise Schneider and city attorney Michael Schuster.

Garber bridge project

The contract to replace the Garber Road bridge, a project that has been in the works since last year, was awarded to the low bidder, K Construction, Inc. of Elkader, for $824,562.67. The project is expected to begin this spring.

Wholesale power 

The council reviewed proposals from four entities interested in becoming the city's wholesale power provider. The city manager advised that a decision needs to be made in the near future. Representatives from Allamakee Clayton REC and RPGI (Resale Power Group of Iowa) were on hand to answer any questions about their proposals. Council questions reflected concerns about maintenance and mutual aid agreements.  The city manager said if the city entered into the lowest price proposal (RPGI), the savings would be enough to hire a second municipal lineman. On a split 4-1 vote, with councilmenber Schaub in the minority, the council directed the city manager to negotiate with RPGI and return to the February meeting with a proposal for council consideration. 

Winegar lease

A public hearing was held regarding an item discussed at the December meeting — a lease agreement between the city and Twin Towers Service, d/b/a/ Winegar Works.

  Winegar's Gary Stirn and Rose Eglseder raised  questions about an addition to the lease regarding a large boat parked on the property. Stirn said the boat is too large to store at their off-season facility.  Dave Tschantz of the Riverfront Advisory Board said it was the general consensus of the board that it was not a problem to have the boat stored there. Mayor Frommelt said he had concerns about riverfront lease rates and basing increases on the consumer price index, and recommended the city establish a different commercial lease rate. Business owner Mike Hefel said that commercial riverfront leases each represent different situations and are different than private leases. After further discussion the council voted to adopt the lease with a word change that specifically identifies the large boat in question and allows it to be stored there. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote with Pierce casting the nay vote.

Umbrella Arts proposal

Lori Kann of Umbrella Arts updated the council about the group's plans to improve sidewalk nodes in the downtown area. The group has done preliminary work by contacting business owners and other stakeholders. Kann said no decisions have been made on the plans but that UA would like the council's approval to proceed and return in April with a plan. Resident Mike Hefel said he thinks the volunteers are doing a wonderful job but the recent fish sculpture project was "terrible." Hefel and any other interested residents were invited to help with the planning. (Citizens who wish to help can contact Kann with comments, questions, or offers at lori.kann54@gmail.com.) The council voted to have UA proceed with research and bring information back to council in April. 

Housing funds

Lori Brockway of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission asked the council if the city is interested in applying for CDBG Housing Rehab grant funds. The city previously participated in the program, but this time there is no local match required. If the city takes part, an LMI (low - moderate income) survey needs to be completed. The council voted to move ahead with the LMI urvey and grant process.  

Municipal building security

Councilmember Saeugling questioned the fact that the municipal building is unlocked 24 hours a day, citing concerns about vandalism or theft. It was noted the public uses the restrooms and pop machine and walkers use the auditorium after hours. Police Chief George Morteo said that due to the age of the locks, a locksmith he spoke to would not guarantee that replacement keys would work. The chief also noted that the building's closed-circuit surveillance camera system operates around the clock. The matter was tabled pending research about keys and historic hardware.

Council positions, appointments

Council members will serve advisory positions on the following city boards: Cable TV Commission, Jane Parker; cemetery board, Fred Schaub; GEIDC, Jane Parker; Historic Preservation, Virginia Saeugling; hospital board, Bill Frommelt; library board, Virginia Saeugling; park board, Austin Greve; planning and zoning, Bill Frommelt; rec board, Jane Parker; riverfront advisory, Fred Schaub and zoning board, Mick Pierce.  

The following appointments were approved: Cemetery Board, Steve Bahls; Clayton County Emergency Management, Bill Frommelt; E-911, Bill Frommelt, Fire Chief, Jim Cunningham; Mayor Pro Tem, Virginia Saeugling, and Rec Board,  Marcia Harbaugh.

Other business

Resident Muris Melkic, who recently purchased a home on Bluff Street, questioned why he has to pay water charges when the house is not connected to the city water system. Neighbor Todd Lammers also spoke objecting to the charge. The city manager said it is in accordance with city code and that those not directly connected to the city system still benefit from it, i.e. access to fire hydrants. The council took no action on the request. 

The council changed its regular meeting date to the second Monday of the month; previously meetings were held on the first Monday.

A budget work session was set for Monday, Jan. 22,  at 5:30 p.m.

The mayor said he had received complaints about city office hours. The office currently opens to the public at 10 a.m., and he suggested 9 a.m. The matter will be placed on the agenda.

Brandon Friedlein of Community Savings Bank asked that the bank be considered a depository for city funds. The matter will be placed on the next agenda.

  In the time set aside to hear comments for items not on the agenda, resident Mike Hefel expressed concern about empty businesses in the downtown.

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