Caleb Adams-Brown

The meeting addressed business related to property development and zoning requests. Key discussions involved a zoning request for West Avenue, review of property development issues, and consideration of variance requests related to property setbacks and street access. Motions were made to approve a variance on a top property and another motion addressed approving a variance for SNM property regarding street placement within required warrants. Further discussion covered details about property dimensions, including lines of 25 and 25, and modifications to a structure that was previously reviewed.

The study session included a presentation regarding the risk renewals for Fiscal Year 24, covering Property and Casualty (written with ICAP), Workers Compensation (written with IMWCA), Equipment Breakdown, and Cyber coverage. Key details discussed included the structure of liability coverage (General, Public Officials, Auto, and Excess Liability totaling $5 million per occurrence). The machinery and equipment breakdown coverage limit was increased to $25 million. The presentation detailed the financial contributions for the ICAP pool, noting that the increase was primarily attributed to rising property values and inflation guard adjustments. Discussions also covered the impact of recent state legislation on non-economic damage liability limits. A detailed review of the Workers Compensation renewal highlighted a pure premium of $773,441, benefiting from an experience modification factor of 0.82, resulting in significant discounts, leading to an estimated total premium of $371,456. The council members expressed concerns regarding the timeline for receiving renewal documentation and requested joint meetings with the IMU Board for future presentations. Management noted that the city and IMU facilities are well-maintained, which supports favorable loss control ratings. A brief inquiry was made regarding existing ordinances governing UTV usage.

Discussions covered the approval of the consent agenda, including a follow-up on a HyVee item. Financial reports were updated with the newly adopted budget, and discrepancies in budgeted fiber revenue, related to write-off amounts, were noted for further investigation. Resolutions were set for public hearings regarding amendments to the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and proposed telecommunication rating. Electric utility action items included the approval of the IMU reliability plan, updates on downtown undergrounding work delayed by weather, faster than anticipated progress on another project potentially leading to earlier claims, and plans to change out two transmission poles. The successful hiring of an apprentice electrician, who is currently in lineman school, was announced. Water utility updates indicated preparations for streetscape work and internal projects involving valve and hydrant replacements, as tank cleaning maintenance was completed with no major issues found. The water superintendent search is nearing completion, with an offer expected shortly. Combined utility action included approving the write-off of utility accounts and authorizing customary collection methods. A presentation was given by the Chamber representative focusing on transforming the chamber's role to better serve businesses through economic vitality, entrepreneurship support, and workforce development initiatives, noting low unemployment and existing workforce gaps. Finally, utility leaders were encouraged to engage with the Chamber's efforts regarding advocacy and connection in economic development strategies.

The meeting included a public comment section where residents raised concerns regarding the relocation of handicapped parking spots due to ADA regulations, supported by a petition with over 400 signatures. The discussion also covered claims approval, with one item being pulled for discussion regarding change orders related to the underground utility work for the Justice Center project, specifically concerning storm sewer elevation adjustments and the discovery of an existing water main not accounted for in initial surveys. Financial matters included receiving and filing the July 2022 Treasurer's Report, which noted a decrease in the local option sales tax balance, and the EMS billing activity report. Furthermore, the council addressed infrastructure improvement projects, including a change order for pipe material substitution, and discussed project timelines and contractor adherence to completion deadlines for ongoing road work. Finally, an appointment to the Hometown Pride Committee was considered.

The council meeting commenced with a welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key proceedings included recognizing a retiring firefighter paramedic, Brent Allman, for 23 years of service and administering the oath of office to three new police officers. During the open forum, a citizen discussed efforts to fundraise for the restoration of art deco lights from the old courthouse, detailing how donations can be made to the Warren County Historical Society. The City Treasurer provided reports for June, July, and August, focusing heavily on the financial adjustments resulting from the IMU's conversion to a new accounting system (elation), which affected fund balances, revenue, and expenditures, particularly concerning payroll and permit fees. The general fund balance showed a positive growth of almost 12% compared to the previous year. The consent agenda was approved, with the exception of item 7b (claims), which was voted on separately due to a conflict of interest regarding a YMCA payment.