Forest City public meetings in 2021

Council

The council approved the accounts payable total of $463,030.05 and payroll checks of $74,828.90, for a combined total of $537,858.95. The expenditures were allocated across various funds, including general, road use, hotel/motel, CDBG, water, sewer, electric, and others. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved accounts payable totaling $463,030.05
• Approved payroll checks totaling $74,828.90
• Approved combined disbursements of $537,858.95

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $527,827.04, which includes accounts payable of $345,499.83 and payroll checks of $182,327.21. The report was approved as presented, covering various expenditures across city funds. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved claims report totaling $527,827.04 (accounts payable $345,499.83, payroll $182,327.21)
• Approved payments including $52,736.87 to Groe Electric for Phase 1D improvements
• Approved $39,052.58 to DGR Engineering for Phase 1D district improvements
• Approved $16,603.83 to Rognes Brothers for North 13th St final retainage
• Approved $12,574.55 to WHKS & Co. for WWTP preliminary design
• Approved $11,200.00 to Larry Pump for accounting/audit/data processing

Council

The Forest City Council held a public hearing and unanimously approved the Planning & Zoning Commission's recommendations to rezone portions of Blocks One and Two in Rebecca Clark's Addition from Business Commercial (BC) to Single Family Residential (RS), with some areas remaining BC but allowing single-family homes as a special exception. The council also passed the first reading of Ordinance No. 821 to implement these changes, with the second reading scheduled for December 6, 2021. Additionally, the council approved several resolutions, including obligating TIF funds to the YMCA daycare and Forest City Economic Development, and approved various financial reports.

• Approved Planning & Zoning Commission's zoning recommendations for Blocks One and Two (unanimous)
• Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 821 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-17 setting public hearing for property transfer to FCWF Housing LLC (5-0)
• Approved sponsoring FCED grant applications for childcare market study and Rural Return Grant (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-18 approving Street Finance Report (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-19 approving Annual Financial Report (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-20 approving Annual Urban Renewal Report (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-21 obligating $25,000 TIF funds to YMCA daycare (5-0)

Council

The Forest City Council held a public hearing and approved a $1.12 million sewer revenue loan anticipation note to fund the Sewer Improvements Project, with no public objections. The council also approved several resolutions, including accepting the 2020 North 13th Street improvements and setting a hearing on a garage encroachment easement. A professional services agreement for Bear Creek Golf Course bridge repairs was tabled for further review. The council approved the FYE 2021 audit, which received a clean opinion.

• Approved Resolution 21-22-14 for $1,120,000 sewer revenue loan note (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-22-15 setting hearing on South 7th Street easement encroachment (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-22-16 accepting 2020 North 13th Street improvements (5-0)
• Approved bond council engagement letter with Dorsey & Whitney (5-0)
• Approved Pay Request #5 of $13,235.26 to Nebcon for electric distribution work (5-0)
• Approved payroll change notices for six employees (5-0)
• Tabled professional services agreement with WHKS for Bear Creek Golf Course bridge repairs (5-0)
• Approved FYE 2021 audit with clean opinion (5-0)

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $172,258.71, covering accounts payable and payroll checks. The report was attested by City Clerk/Administrator Daisy Huffman and Mayor Byron Ruiter. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved accounts payable and payroll totaling $172,258.71

Council

The Forest City Council meeting minutes for September 20, 2021, consist solely of a claims report. The council approved accounts payable totaling $338,856.57 and payroll checks of $75,308.29, for a combined report total of $414,164.86. The minutes also include monthly fund recap reports for June, July, and August 2021, showing total receipts of $1,384,840.94, $1,255,005.33, and $992,495.33 respectively. No other decisions, proposals, or discussions are recorded in these minutes.

• Approved accounts payable totaling $338,856.57
• Approved payroll checks totaling $75,308.29
• Approved combined claims and payroll report total of $414,164.86

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $484,193.75 in accounts payable and $84,566.69 in payroll checks, for a combined total of $568,760.44. The payments cover a wide range of city operations, including major projects like the North 13th Street improvements, the visitor center parking lot, and the J Street Trail project. The report was attested by City Clerk/Administrator Daisy Huffman and Mayor Byron Ruiter.

• Approved accounts payable totaling $484,193.75
• Approved payroll checks totaling $84,566.69
• Approved combined claims and payroll totaling $568,760.44
• Approved payments for North 13th Street improvements to Bolton & Menk ($8,890.00) and Rognes Brothers ($133,033.23)
• Approved payment of $63,772.65 to Laharv Const for the visitor center parking lot
• Approved payment of $6,803.37 to Heartland Asphalt for retainage on the J Street Trail project
• Approved payment of $15,569.88 to DGR Engineering for Phase 1D district improvements
• Approved payment of $16,608.48 to Keltek Inc. for the Haas agreement

Council

The Forest City Council approved the transfer of a portion of 409 Secor Ave to Jason & Laurie Matejcek, following a re-done public hearing. They also authorized the purchase of a 2022 Ford F250 for the Water & Sewer Departments, concurred with a side-yard variance, and approved a pay request for electric distribution improvements. A wage increase for the City Clerk/Administrator was approved in closed session.

• Approved Resolution 21-22-07 transferring a portion of 409 Secor Ave to Jason & Laurie Matejcek (7-0)
• Authorized purchase of 2022 Ford F250 for $31,112.52 from Forest City Ford (unanimous)
• Concurred with Board of Adjustment's 5' side-yard variance for Marvin & Nancy Hickman at 346 West L St (unanimous)
• Approved Pay Request #2 for $30,087.85 to Nebcon Inc. for Electric Distribution Improvements Phase 1B (unanimous)
• Approved 6-month wage increase to $78,083.20 for City Clerk/Administrator Daisy Huffman (unanimous, closed session)

Council

The Forest City Council unanimously approved a $1.2 million SRF Planning & Design Loan Application for the sewer project, a $1,000 change order for the North 13th Street Improvements, and a $36,502.85 street patching proposal for Westgate Drive funded with COVID Road Use money. The council also approved the promotion of Cindi Wachholz to Interim Paramedic Supervisor at $27.77 per hour. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $1.2M SRF Planning & Design Loan Application for sewer project (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 Change Order No. 2 to Rognes' Brothers Excavating for North 13th Street Improvements (unanimous)
• Approved Heartland Asphalt proposal for $36,502.85 street patching on Westgate Drive, funded with COVID Road Use funds (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Cindi Wachholz to Interim Paramedic Supervisor at $27.77/hr (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including licenses, permits, resignations, and invoices (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council awarded a $256,000 contract to Harold K. Scholz Co. for SCADA improvements and the South Substation capacitor banks addition, and approved a $1.00 market pay increase for police lieutenants. The council also approved the 2021-2023 Public Safety Union Contract, a transit agreement with NIACOG, and a $44,952.51 pay request to Nebcon Inc. for electric distribution work. A resolution supporting a workforce housing tax credit application for Irish Hospital Apartments was adopted, and rules were waived for a water main extension for the project.

• Awarded $256,000 contract to Harold K. Scholz Co. for SCADA and capacitor banks (unanimous)
• Approved 2021-2023 Public Safety Union Contract (unanimous)
• Approved NIACOG Transit Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $44,952.51 pay request to Nebcon Inc. for electric distribution Phase 1D (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-05 approving $1.00 market increase for police lieutenants (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-06 supporting workforce housing tax credit application for Irish Hospital Apartments (unanimous)
• Waived rules for water main extension for Irish Hospital Apartments (unanimous)
• Approved extending noise resolution to midnight for VIP Lounge Beer Garden on July 24 (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council approved a not-to-exceed $100,000 Catalyst Grant Agreement for the Irish Hospital Apartments project and adopted Resolution 21-22-03, which supports applying for workforce housing tax credits and commits a $250,000 grant from the Municipal Electric Utility, repayable from increased electrical usage. The council also adopted Ordinance 819, amending the peddlers' ordinance to add a license exemption, and approved the transfer of a 30.5-foot portion of 409 Secor Avenue to Jason and Laurie Matejcek for $500 plus fees. Additionally, the council approved two temporary Clark Street closings for community events and a $152,142.01 pay application for the North 13th Street project.

• Approved the Catalyst Grant Agreement for Irish Hospital Apartments, not to exceed $100,000.
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-03 supporting workforce housing tax credits and a $250,000 utility grant for the apartments.
• Adopted Ordinance 819, adding a license exemption to the peddlers' ordinance.
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-01, amending employee salaries to include Christa Cosgriff's longevity, effective first pay date in July 2021.
• Adopted Resolution 21-22-02, approving the transfer of a portion of 409 Secor Avenue to Jason and Laurie Matejcek for $500 plus fees.
• Approved the temporary closing of Clark Street from J to L Street on July 22, 3-10 p.m., for Relay for Life and fireworks.
• Approved the temporary closing of Clark Street in front of the Mansion Museum on July 24, 1-6:30 p.m., for the Winnebago County Historical Society concert.
• Approved Pay Application No. 1 for $152,142.01 to Rognes Brothers Excavating for the North 13th Street project.

Council

The Forest City Council adopted Ordinance 820, amending sewer service rates, and approved Resolution 20-21-59 for FY 2021-2022 employee wages and benefits. It also passed the second reading of Ordinance 819 to amend the peddlers ordinance, and approved resolutions for a public hearing on property transfer and for SCADA improvements. A proposal to allow fireworks on July 4th died for lack of a motion.

• Adopted Ordinance 820 amending sewer rates (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 20-21-59 for FY 2021-2022 wages and benefits (6-0)
• Passed second reading of Ordinance 819 amending peddlers ordinance (5-1)
• Set July 6, 2021 public hearing for transfer of 409 Secor Avenue portion to Matejceks
• Approved street closure for Relay for Life on June 26
• Renewed employee wellness program through June 30, 2022
• Approved Resolution 20-21-61 for SCADA improvements and capacitor banks addition
• Approved $4,216 Terracon testing proposal and $4,762.24 change order for meter cutover

Council

The Forest City Council adopted Ordinance No. 818, amending electric utility rates, on third reading with a unanimous vote. The council also approved a budget amendment, renewed board and commission terms, and advanced ordinances on peddlers and sewer rates. A request to amend the city administrator's contract to allow a 2-mile moving radius died for lack of a motion.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 818 amending electric utility rates (6-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 819 amending peddler/vendor rules, including mobile food unit exemption (5-1, Buffington nay)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance No. 820 amending sewer rates (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-57 renewing board and commission terms (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-58 approving FYE 2021 budget amendment (6-0)
• Approved promotion of Chad Bina to Line Foreman effective 6/24/21 (6-0)
• Approved Paddler's Tap street closure Fridays/Saturdays 4-10 p.m., June 11-August 28, contingent on cones (6-0)
• Affirmed purchase of 2022 F-Series truck for Parks Department for $29,160.68 (6-0)

Council

The Forest City Council awarded a $41,103.17 contract to Groe Electric for Phase 1D of the Electric Meter Cutover Project, approved a $325,100 amendment for the SCADA System Replacement Project, and passed the second reading of an ordinance updating electric utility rates. The council also approved paving the Chamber/Visitor Center parking lot for $70,858.50 and tabled an ordinance amending peddler/vendor license exemptions.

• Awarded $41,103.17 contract to Groe Electric for Electric Meter Cutover Phase 1D (unanimous)
• Approved DGR Engineering Amendment #1 to Task Order No. 13 for SCADA System Replacement Project, budgeted at $325,100 (unanimous)
• Approved final pay estimate of $16,021.76 to Perrin Drilling for Electric Distribution Improvements Phase 1C (unanimous)
• Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 818 amending electric utility rates (unanimous)
• Tabled Ordinance No. 819 amending Chapter 122.18 on peddlers, vendors, transient merchants, solicitors (5-1, Wooldridge nay)
• Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 820 amending sewer rates (unanimous)
• Approved paving Chamber/Visitor Center parking lot for $70,858.50 to LaHarv Construction (unanimous)
• Approved $10,567.55 buyout of Iowa Enforcement Academy Certification from City of Lake Mills for Officer Aaron Kelso (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council approved a professional services agreement with WHKS for preliminary design of wastewater treatment plant improvements, not to exceed $150,000, contingent on City Attorney Steve Bakke's review. The council also approved the first reading of Ordinance 818 to update electric utility rates, a final pay estimate of $1,793 to K&W Coatings for water storage reservoir cover rehabilitation, and a two-year parklet agreement with Paddler's Tap. A resolution was adopted to set a public hearing for a FY2021 budget amendment for June 7, 2021. Discussion was held on possible changes to City Code 122 regarding itinerant merchants, with the city attorney to work on ordinance changes.

• Approved $150,000 WHKS contract for WWTP preliminary design (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 818 amending electric rates (unanimous)
• Approved final pay estimate of $1,793 to K&W Coatings (unanimous)
• Approved 2-year parklet agreement with Paddler's Tap (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-55 setting budget amendment hearing for June 7, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor licenses for HyVee and Casey's (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council received a presentation from WHKS on the Waste Water Treatment Plant, covering history, DNR nutrient reduction plans, improvements, costs, and funding. No formal decisions were made; the meeting adjourned after discussion.

• Heard WHKS update on Waste Water Treatment Plant (no action)

Council

The Forest City Council awarded the Rehabilitate Taxiway Lighting Project contract to Voltmer Electric Inc. for $99,918 and approved a related FAA grant application, construction administration agreement, and material testing agreement. The council also approved the sale of city land adjoining 345 West K Street to Chadwick Reece for $100, adopted Ordinance 817 to disband the Cable TV Commission, and approved several other items including a vehicle purchase and street closures.

• Awarded Rehabilitate Taxiway Lighting contract to Voltmer Electric Inc. for $99,918 (unanimous)
• Approved FAA grant application for taxiway lighting project (unanimous)
• Approved sale of land adjoining 345 West K Street to Chadwick Reece for $100 (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 817 disbanding Cable TV Commission (6-0)
• Approved purchase of 2021 Dodge Ram Tradesman truck for $31,200 (unanimous)
• Approved street closure for First Congregational Church 150th anniversary (unanimous)
• Approved street closure for Families of the Fallen fundraiser (unanimous)
• Approved replacing 9 light poles at Aquatic Center (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council awarded a $287,497.95 contract to Nebcon, Inc. for the Electric Distribution Improvements Phase 1D project and a $154,190.00 contract to Wesco Distributing for 15kV padmount capacitor banks for the South Substation. The council also approved a consent agenda, tabling a longevity pay item for library aides, and took action on several other items including nuisance abatement, street closures, and a land sale hearing.

• Awarded contract to Nebcon, Inc. for Electric Distribution Improvements Phase 1D in the amount of $287,497.95.
• Awarded contract to Wesco Distributing for 15kV padmount capacitor banks for South Substation in the amount of $154,190.00.
• Approved consent agenda, tabling Item 7L (longevity increases for library aides) upon legal advice.
• Approved sending a letter to owners of Indian Springs Association to abate a nuisance (concrete block and debris piles).
• Approved closing Clark Street and J Street on June 6 and September 12 for Motor Night.
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 817 to disband the Cable TV Commission.
• Reaffirmed incentive package for Irish Hospital Apartments, including a $250,000 grant from the City Electric Utility.
• Approved accepting a $75,000 DNR grant for the Dam to Rapids Conversion Project, contingent upon legal review and funding.

Council

The Forest City Council adopted the FY2022 budget and approved several police department actions, including hiring two new officers and one certified officer, plus a buyout for a certification. The council also approved a construction amendment for North 13th Street improvements, a lawnmower purchase, and set a public hearing for an airport taxiway lighting project. All votes were unanimous, with two councilmembers absent.

• Adopted FY2022 budget (5-0)
• Approved Bolton & Menk amendment for North 13th Street construction (5-0)
• Approved lawnmower purchase for Oakland Cemetery (5-0)
• Set public hearing for airport taxiway lighting project (5-0)
• Approved hiring police officers Cesar Baez and Keegan Carpenter (5-0)
• Approved buyout of ILEA certification from Lake Mills for Aaron Kelso (5-0)
• Approved hiring ILEA-certified officer Aaron Kelso (5-0)
• Set Boy Scout Clean-up Day for May 8 (5-0)

Council

The Council held a public hearing and then approved plans and awarded a contract for the 2020 North 13th Street Improvements Project. The low bid of $333,832.60 from Rognes Brothers was accepted. The Council also approved a lease with Lewis Grain & Livestock for biosolids application, set dates for a bid opening and public hearing on capacitor banks, and approved a demolition contract for 446 West G Street.

• Approved Resolution 20-21-42, finally approving plans and cost estimate for the 2020 North 13th Street Improvements Project.
• Awarded the North 13th Street project contract to Rognes Brothers Excavating, Inc. for $333,832.60 (Resolution 20-21-43).
• Approved a $3,058 lease agreement with Lewis Grain & Livestock for land application of biosolids.
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-44, ordering bids and setting a March 25, 2021 bid opening for 15 kV padmount capacitor banks.
• Set a public hearing for April 5, 2021 on the capacitor bank project and authorized publishing notice and posting notice to bidders.
• Awarded demolition of 446 West G Street to Groves Contracting for $9,495 plus landfill costs (Resolution 20-21-45).
• Set a public hearing for March 15, 2021 on the sale of city land (Resolution 20-21-46).
• Discussed the Cable TV Commission and agreed to place an ordinance on the next agenda.

Council

The Forest City Council is holding a work session to discuss the FY 2022 budget. No votes will be taken; the meeting is for discussion only, with public input allowed. The agenda contains only this single business item.

• Discussion of FY 2022 budget

The Forest City Council held a budget workshop to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Former City Administrator Barbara Smith reviewed revenues and expenses, and the council discussed necessary sewer improvements and a recommended rate increase. No votes were taken during the meeting, which was procedural in nature.

• Discussed proposed FY 2022 budget revenues and expenses
• Discussed plans for necessary sewer improvements
• Discussed recommended sewer rate increase

Council

The Forest City Council approved the hiring of Daisy Huffman as the new City Clerk/Administrator at an entry rate of $36.06 per hour, unanimously. The council also adopted resolutions approving the maximum property tax levy for FY2021-2022, setting a public hearing for the FY22 budget, designating 446 West G Street as a dangerous building, and awarding a contract for electrical materials for Phase 1D. A budget workshop was scheduled for February 25, 2021.

• Approved hiring Daisy Huffman as City Clerk/Administrator at $36.06/hour (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-37 approving max property tax levy for FY2021-2022 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-38 setting public hearing for FY22 budget on March 15, 2021 (unanimous)
• Scheduled budget workshop for February 25, 2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-39 designating 446 West G Street as dangerous and ordering removal (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-40 awarding contract for electrical materials Phase 1D (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-41 ordering bids for electric distribution improvements Phase 1D (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including invoices totaling $357,947.39 (Wooldridge abstained)

Council

This is a special council meeting to consider the appointment of a City Administrator/Clerk. The council will receive and approve a recommendation from the Personnel Committee, approve a pay and benefits package, and authorize the mayor to extend an offer. A possible closed session is scheduled to evaluate the candidate's professional competency, as allowed by Iowa Code.

• Receive & approve Personnel Committee recommendation for City Administrator/Clerk
• Approve pay & benefits package for City Administrator/Clerk
• Authorize Mayor to extend offer & pay/benefit package
• Possible closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(i)

The Forest City Council unanimously authorized the Mayor to extend an employment offer and contract to Candidate 310 for the newly titled City Clerk/Administrator position. The contract includes a starting salary of $75,000, a 2.5% cost-of-living increase on July 1, 2021, and a raise to $78,075 after a satisfactory 6-month probationary period. The start date is March 1, 2021, with the offer certified at the February 15 council meeting. All previous administrator contracts are considered separate from this new agreement.

• Authorized Mayor to extend offer and contract for City Clerk/Administrator (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved hiring rate of $75,000 with 2.5% COLA increase July 1, 2021
• Set pay increase to $78,075 after satisfactory 6-month probationary period
• Set start date for March 1, 2021, with offer certified at 2/15/21 council meeting
• Granted 8 years vacation credit (40 hours at hire, 120 hours after one year)
• Provided 24 hours sick leave at start, with standard accrual thereafter
• Required residency within City limits within 1 year of employment
• Subject to criminal background checks and City Attorney review of contract

Council

The Forest City Council unanimously approved several items, including accepting completion of the 4-stall hangar at the municipal airport, approving pay estimates for industrial park and trail work, and setting a public hearing on the proposed FY 2021-2022 property tax levy. The council also approved an exhaust manifold repair estimate and a new community report schedule. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Waived rules to hold Feb. 15 meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-34 accepting airport hangar completion (unanimous)
• Approved $57,143.45 pay estimate to Brian Nettleton Excavating (unanimous)
• Approved $6,332.59 pay estimate to Heartland Asphalt (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21-35 setting Feb. 15 public hearing on tax levy (unanimous)
• Approved $16,285.68 exhaust manifold repair estimate (unanimous)
• Approved new community report schedule (unanimous)