City of Hiawatha

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and consent items, including the approval of bills and receiving and filing minutes from various boards and commissions. Key discussions focused on public hearings to amend the Hiawatha Code of Ordinances regarding eligibility requirements for mayor and city council offices (Ordinance #842) and adding no-parking zones in the Rolling Prairie Estates subdivision (Ordinance #843). The Council also acted on placing plans on file for the Industrial Avenue Pavement Reconstruction/Storm Sewer Improvements RISE Grant Project (Resolution #15-147), setting a public hearing date for amending the Sign Code (Resolution #15-148), supporting the Fire Department's MDA fundraising efforts (Resolution #15-149), authorizing payment for the Indian Creek/Dry Creek Sanitary Sewer Project (Resolution #15-150), approving a Construction and Maintenance Agreement with the railroad for drainage improvements (Resolution #15-151), and amending the Employee Policy Manual regarding longevity pay and bereavement leave (Resolution #15-152). A closed session was held to discuss litigation strategy.

The meeting included a public hearing to consider the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Budget Amendment, which subsequently resulted in the approval of Resolution #12-113, adjusting revenues, expenditures, and the ending fund balance. The Council approved Resolution #12-114 for the purchase and installation of a washer/extractor and dryer system for the Fire Department, funded in part by a Homeland Security Grant, recommending the lowest bid from Washburn Commercial Laundry. Resolution #12-115 was passed to support police and fire department services during the 2012 Hiawatha Hog Wild Days Events. The Council approved Resolution #12-116 for the final invoice payment for tree purchase and installation for Phase B of the North Center Point Road Streetscape Project, utilizing grant funding. Further action on Phase C included Resolution #12-117 authorizing the application for a Branching Out Grant and Resolution #12-118 approving amended design plans for tree installation. Resolution #12-119 was approved, establishing the just compensation value for property acquisitions related to the Boyson Road and Robins Road Intersection Project. Additionally, Resolution #12-120 amended specific sections of the 2010 Part-Time/Temporary/Seasonal Employee Policy Manual regarding dress code and uniforms. Finally, Resolution #12-121 authorized the addition of a new full-time Equipment Operator / Laborer position within the Public Works Department due to increased workload metrics, which was set to start in July 2012.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included routine consent items such as the approval of bills, month-end reports (Finance Director's and City Clerk's for January 2016), and the renewal of liquor licenses for Farmer's Daughter's Market. Business items involved motions to approve Settlement Agreements for cigarette violations at Fareway Stores, Inc., River Rat Vapes, and Hawkeye Convenience Store. The council planned a Public Hearing to consider amending Hiawatha Code of Ordinances Chapter 136 regarding Sidewalk Regulations and another Public Hearing concerning a Development Agreement with BDP Property Management L.L.C. and Petersen Pet Hospital, P.C. Further discussions included setting a public hearing date for the FY 2018 Budget, proceeding with Requests For Proposals for Auditing Services for FY 2017-2019, approving the purchase of Panasonic Toughbook in-car computers, authorizing an Employee Assistance Program for the Fire Department, and reviewing bids and approving resolutions for the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) face pieces and thermal imaging cameras for air packs. Change orders and final acceptance were also considered for the Emmons Street/North Center Point Road/Robins Road Intersection Improvements Project and the FY 2015 Water and Sewer Extension Project.

The City Administrator reviewed actions taken based on suggestions from the previous retreat in November 2007, including implementing changes to the city newsletter and website. The analysis of the 2008 Citizens Survey showed positive responses toward the City of Hiawatha. A presentation on the Town Center Master Plan concept, which includes realignment of Emmons Street, North Center Point, and Robins Road, was shared, with public meetings scheduled for spring 2009. The council will review a proposal on November 19th concerning the update of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Discussions also covered the progress on the Tower Terrace interchange project, including presentations made to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission regarding the need for this interchange and future major street projects (Edgewood Road, Boyson Road, and Tower Terrace). Additionally, the necessity of council liaisons attending Water Board and Library Board meetings was discussed, with the sentiment that attendance is not necessary unless specific issues require addressing.

Key discussions included citizen input regarding feral cat management and the city's potential role in passing related ordinances. Council members reported on attending Legislative Day in Des Moines. The Mayor read a Proclamation recognizing the 50th Anniversary of municipal Home Rule in Iowa. Resolutions were adopted approving the Final Plat and Development Agreement for Peck's Landing Second Addition, approving the design of two commercial buildings in that addition according to Hiawatha Design Guidelines, awarding a Professional Services Agreement for the 2018 Edgewood Road Sewer Extension and Mitchell Drive Forcemain Replacement Project, approving a Detour Agreement with Linn County Secondary Road Department for construction detours, and authorizing the replacement of City Hall security cameras and server.