Mark Crooks

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Public Works reported on recent activities, including the repair of a water main break on Christmas, cleaning of storm intakes, hauling salt, and fixing a force main break from the landfill. A discussion ensued regarding difficulties encountered by a contractor attempting sewer lining due to manhole access issues. Reports from Police and Fire Departments detailed annual call volumes, with a significant number of police calls related to theft at Walmart. The Finance/IT discussion focused on the necessary transition from a costly VMware renewal ($20,000, up from $8,000) to utilizing Microsoft HyperV, which is covered under the existing Windows Data Center budget, with an estimated cost of $26,000 to $30,000 (down from a budgeted $48,000 capital expenditure). Council members shared updates, including nominations for 'Business of the Year,' confirmation to proceed with the Fourth of July event, and expressions of condolences. Further discussion covered pet regulations and microchipping, including exploring options for cost-effective services after initial contact with a large organization proved unsuitable. New business included the approval of a resolution adding an individual to the Fire Department and the second reading, with an amendment, of an ordinance to establish a temporary no-parking zone on Spring Street during winter months (November 1st to March 31st) to facilitate snow plowing. Finally, appointments to various boards and committees were considered, including the reappointment of Mary Storch to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the need to appoint a member to the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The meeting began with roll call, agenda approval, and consent agenda approval. Staff reports included condolences for the passing of the City Manager of Mount Pleasant, best wishes for a staff member's birthday, and an update on the ongoing housing survey, which has seen 60 completions to date and runs until January 13th. The budget calendar noted an all-day session scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th, and orientation for new council members Tony Diaz and Kathy Newberry was scheduled for Monday. Engineering updates covered drafting a letter of understanding for a grant-related matter, pothole filling in identified easements, and planning for street improvements on Mount Pleasant Street, Broadway, and West Burlington Avenue, as well as improvements at three intersections. Updates were also provided on solar options and a home warranty service line program. Department reports included the Firefighter Association's adoption of families for Christmas gifts, positive preliminary results from traffic control measures on East Agency Street, and updates from Public Works regarding staff certifications and a recent DNR inspection. Significant discussion was dedicated to thanking departing council members, Council Member Johnson and Melanie, for their service, acknowledging their past contributions, and welcoming the new members. The Mayor also emphasized the importance of continuing the housing survey, noting it is open to all community users, not just residents.

The council discussed issues with parking on Spring Street, sidewalk maintenance, and contractors pushing snow into the street. They also talked about side letters of agreement for officers, shift plans, and economic development, including the Raiders site and potential funding through EDA and RISE. The possibility of deeding a road over to the city without restrictions was considered, along with the cleanup of concrete and easements. Concerns were raised about buried materials and the need for further investigation before proceeding with road construction.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as the highway 61 roundabout, sidewalk improvements, and the finished mall ring road. The West Burlington Fire Department's participation in Toys for Tots and the Shop with a Cop event were mentioned. There was also a discussion about the increasing costs of VMware and potential alternatives, as well as concerns about scams targeting individuals eligible for Medicare. The meeting also touched on the public officials reception and the annual dinner.

The council discussed various topics including approving the agenda and consent agenda items. Council and staff reports covered cooperation, the chamber dinner, hydrant replacements, sewer jetting, camera usage, police staffing, fire department activities, hospital security, Walmart security, a four-way stop sign, budget, insurance, hazard mitigation funding, housing updates, Veterans Day, business of the year, legacy business recognition, Alzheimer's walk, All's Place tour, a grant, feral cats, financial audit presentation, general obligation debts, revenue debt, and rebate obligations.