McGregor, City of

The McGregor City Council meeting addressed several key projects and funding requests. Discussions included progress updates on the Main Street and Wastewater Treatment Plant projects, approval of payment requests and change orders for the WWTP project. A grant application for courtesy docks was approved, along with a use permit for the McGregor Hook & Ladder Fire Department's annual fish fry. A business enhancement grant was approved for Free Spirit Boutique, and a CDBG grant agreement for the Triangle Park/Brick Street Project was also approved. Finally, the council approved the 2024 Annual Debt Report and heard reports from various city officials.

The board meeting covered various topics, including committee appointments, easement discussions for underground services, approval of the 2022-2023 fiscal year budgets, and a wage adjustment for employees. Resolutions were adopted for adjusting hourly rates, adopting shop rates for work orders, and adopting an electric reliability plan. Updates were given on the UMMEG meeting, including rate mitigation and reserve fund balances. The board also reviewed and adjusted incentives for purchasing city-owned lots, approved a copier contract on a trial basis, discussed employee benefits and the service radius, and approved payment of bills.

The meeting included a public hearing on a proposed electric rate increase to cover operational, maintenance, and capital improvement projects. A part-time seasonal position was approved, pending pre-employment drug testing. A collaboration with the Iowa STEM Externships program was approved for three weeks, involving projects such as revising the solar policy and exploring a backup generator for Well #7. A significant increase in the cost of the Main Street water project was discussed, along with various rate increase options to finance the project. Resolution #01-05-22, amending electric rate fees, was approved. The June meeting date was changed to Tuesday, June 14th. Bills totaling $69,289.16 were approved.

The board discussed the cost of a single health insurance plan for part-time employees and decided to maintain the current benefits package covering only full-time employees. They reviewed applications for a full-time utility worker and part-time office assistant position, and approved hiring applicant #2 for both positions pending background checks. A summer help ad was approved for posting. The board reviewed a letter to property owners regarding water, sanitary, and storm water services and discussed a service line repair cost. A memorial for Mary Guritz was approved. The board noted Hunter Fletcher's completion of his water treatment certification and reviewed offset collections. Finally, they approved the month's bills.

The board meeting covered several key topics, including the re-election of the board chairman and secretary, the re-appointment of the treasurer and attorney, and a discussion on committee appointments to be addressed in the following month's meeting. An updated cost worksheet for a customer underground extension project was reviewed, along with a proposed deadline for easement recording. New hourly rates for work orders were discussed and approved, including adjustments for employee shop rates and bucket truck rates. The board approved vacation time for employees. The February meeting date was changed. A grant award of $500,000 for a Main Street infrastructure project was announced, and the annual financial exam was reviewed. Discussions were held regarding insurance options for part-time employees, with further research to be conducted. Finally, the board approved payment of bills totaling $79,004.17.