September 8, 2009
Regular Session        

            Pursuant to notice and call the Waverly City Council met in regular session at 7:03 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 in the council chambers of Waverly City Hall.  Those in attendance were Mayor Ken Antil, Clerk Deb Ryks, and Council Members:  Connie Holmes, Keith Harris, and Gary Olson.  Council Member John Konrath arrived at 7:10 p.m.  City Engineer Barry Glienke and Senior Maintenance Worker Jim Woitalla were also present at the meeting.    

Agenda

            The agenda was amended with one addition.  Wright County Economic Development Partnership Meeting with City Officials on October 8, 2009 at Noon was added to the agenda under New Business.

            Motion by Holmes, seconded by Olson to approve the agenda as amended.  Carried 4-0.

Jack Russek, Speed Limits on CSAH 8

            Wright County Commissioner Jack Russek will look at new legislation on imposing speed limits on county roads within the city limits.  Jack Russek will check with the Wright County Highway Department regarding the current regulations allowing cities to impose speed limits on residential sections of county state aid highways. The city is proposing ar 35 MPH on CSAH 8 going north and south.

Waverly Fire Dept-Keith Harris

            Keith Harris reported that one member has been added to the Waverly Fire Department as a trainee.  This addition will increase the department member total to 21.

Building Inspection

            There were no new construction permits issued in August.  There were four permits issued including three alteration permits and one basement finish.  There have been no new construction permits to date in 2009.

Wanda Tussing-MLS Report

            Manager Tussing reported that there was a $6,757 profit after a transfer from savings to cover the dram shop insurance payment.  The security surveillance system is up and running with the cameras installed.  The Car Show event was successful.  There was more attendance than last year.

Requests from the Public

            Darren DeChaine, 538 Frankfort Way was present at the meeting to inquire about the results of the population survey and the impact on local government aid.  The population survey did not result in restoration of the local government aid cut.  The current resident count is 1,161.   The 2008 household estimate was 1,092.  This was consistent with the state demographer’s estimate of 1,089 as of June 1, 2008.

            DeChaine stated that he is Interested in city planning regarding revenue generation/tax increases.  Mayor Ken Antil explained that a limited levy increase is proposed for 2010. This is due to raising taxes at significant levels over the last five years to build up general fund reserves. The general fund is recovering under the financial management plan and due to budgets with a surplus of receipts over expenditures, the city is able to keep tax rates consistent at 60 percent resulting in a low increase in 2010.  The vacant houses abandoned by builders and residents due to foreclosures are now being filled with new residents. 

Planning and Zoning

            Mary Johnson will attend the next Planning Commission meeting to declare interest in filling the vacant position until the end of the year when the term expires.

EDA-Connie Holmes

            Connie Holmes reported that the Economic Development Authority will be completing the process for publication of the Waverly community directory very soon.

            The August 24, 2009 minutes were reviewed.

            The Draft Comprehensive Plan is nearly finalized with final comments needed from  the City Engineer.  The Open House-Public Hearing schedule is being altered.  The September 21, 2009 Open House may be eliminated.  This is due to budget constraints and the anticipated lack of public participation.  It is proposed that a letter be sent to all of residents with a copy of the plan summary, land use section, and land use map.  A full copy will be available on the NAC web site or a hard copy can be reviewed at City Hall.  Residents may comment in person or in writing for consideration at the public hearing. 

            Motion by Harris, seconded by Holmes to approve the process of eliminating the public open house.  Carried 5-0.  The legality of substituting a resident letter in lieu of the public open house was checked.

Maintenance Report

            Senior Maintenance Worker Jim Woitalla was present at the meeting to give the Maintenance Department report.  The F350 Ford truck needs a water pump and a radiator.  The repair cost is approximately $590.  The truck is currently down.  Maintenance Supervisor Rassat will look for better pricing on the needed repair. 

            There were five grinder pump repairs conducted last month.  There is one pump left in stock for future repairs. The council authorized Maintenance Supervisor Rassat to order five pumps at a previous meeting.  Jim Woitalla was directed to contact the supplier by telephone in Rassat’s absence and inquire whether the order for the pumps has been placed.  The council inquired about usable parts on pulled pumps.  Woitalla reported that Mike Nelson offers a future labor discount for usable parts salvaged on pulled pumps. 

            Woitalla reported that due to recent incidents at Legion Park, Wright County Deputy Triplett suggested the installation of a camera surveillance system to prevent further vandalism losses at Legion Park.  This will be considered for the next summer season. 

            Connie Holmes suggested that Clerk Ryks consider a panic button alarm system for the Clerk’s office.  There is currently no security system in the office and there is a possibility of incidents at the Clerk’s window that warrant security.

            Clerk Ryks will obtain a price from Chase Communications on the panic button for the Clerk’s Office as the council was in favor of additional security for office employees that often staff the office alone.

City Engineer’s Report

            City Engineer Barry Glienke reported that there has been no new activity.  He is still waiting to hear from developers on the completion of punch list items for the Summerfields/Carrigan Meadows subdivisions.

Minutes

            The minutes of the August 11, 2009 Regular Session were presented for approval.  A correction was made to the minutes to reflect that Keith Harris has been elected as the Assistant Training Officer rather than the Training Officer under the Waverly Fire Department report.

            Motion by Holmes, seconded by Olson to adopt the August 11, 2009 Regular Session minutes as corrected.  Carried 5-0.

            The minutes of the August 13, 2009 Comprehensive Planning Task Force meeting were presented for approval.

            Motion by Holmes, seconded by Olson to adopt the August 13, 2009 Comprehensive Planning Task Force meeting minutes as presented.  Carried 5-0.

            The minutes of the August 26, 2009 Budget Work Session were presented for approval.

            Motion by Harris, seconded by Konrath to adopt the August 26, 2009 Budget Work Session minutes as presented.  Carried 5-0.

Accounts Payable

            The accounts payable was presented in the amount of $44,181.89.

            Motion by Holmes, seconded by Harris to approve the accounts payable in the amount of $44,181.89.  Carried 5-0.

            The monthly transfer of $30,000 from the general checking to the money market savings is not shown on the accounts payable list.

Welcome Packet Report

            Connie Holmes reported that there are 12 welcome packets to deliver with 7 more packets to be compiled.   

2010 Budget/Levy

            The proposed 2010 budget reflects a 10% increase in revenues over 2009, and less than a 1% increase in expenditures over 2009.   A 3% levy increase is proposed to keep the tax rate at 60%.  Most taxpayers will notice a minimal increase, with an average city tax increase of $30.  Higher valuated homes will notice a $75-$100 annual increase.  There may be some decreases noted since valuations have been reduced for 2010 tax collections.  The proposed levy may not be increased when considering the final levy, but it may be lowered.  The total budgeted revenues for 2010 are $1,823,774.  The total budgeted expenditures for 2010 are $1,804,288 including enterprise funds.  The 2010 expenditures budgeted for 2010 less enterprise funds is $895,140.  The enterprise fund budget is $909,148.  The proposed levy amount is $970,005.  A surplus budget of $19,486 is in place for the total budget with enterprise funds included.  A surplus of $266,654 is in place without enterprise funds.

            Resolution 09-09 was presented for adoption of the proposed 2010 budget/property tax levy. 

            Motion by Olson, seconded by Holmes to adopt Resolution 09-09 as presented.   Carried 5-0. 

2010-2011 Police Contract

            The Wright County Law Enforcement Contract for 2010-2011 was presented for council approval.  Hourly rates will be $57.50 in 2010 and $59.00 in 2011.  Annual hours are 1,460.

            Motion by Harris, seconded by Holmes to approve the contract for law enforcement with Wright County for 2010-2011.  Carried 5-0.

Wright County EDP

            Noel LaBine along with board members from the Wright County Development Partnership will be meeting with council/staff members for a lunch meeting at the city offices on October 8.  The Wright County EDP will bring lunch.              Council members/EDA members are welcome to attend. 

Acknowledgements/Recognition/Announcements

            There were no acknowledgements, recognition, or announcements made at the meeting.

Adjournment

            Motion by Konrath, seconded by Holmes to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m.  Carried 5-0

.Deborah Ryks, Clerk                                 Ken Antil, Mayor