The Royal City Council met in special session on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.  This was a rescheduled meeting due to a tornado warning issued on June 11th.  Mayor Virelli called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  Present were council members:  Bill Burgeson, John Roberts, Arlene Wimmer, Monica Kelly, Becky Smoot.  Brad Howe, city attorney; Mike Buren, city employee; & Barb Fletcher, city clerk were also present.  There were approximately 40 citizens in attendance.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting had been read and were amended with the change of water rates being raised to $4.50 per thousand.  B. Smoot made a motion to approve the minutes and amended minutes.  All ayes; motion carried.

 

The financial report & bills were reviewed by the council.  B. Smoot made a motion to approve the financial report.  A. Wimmer seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.

 

The 1st Reading of the accessory vehicle ordinance was next on the agenda.  Mayor Virelli read the proposed ordinance.  Brad Howe then explained the rules of mayor-council form of government.  Lee Youde wanted to address the council on other items that he finds in violation of other city code ordinances.  He was told this was not on the agenda and he asked for this to be addressed at the next council meeting.

Citizens asked questions and much discussion followed on this proposed ordinance.  J. Roberts made a motion to approve the 1st Reading of proposed ordinance #99.  B. Smoot seconded.  Roll Call Vote – Ayes: B. Smoot.  Nays: B. Burgeson, J. Roberts, A. Wimmer, M. Kelly.  Ordinance failed.

 

Emergency preparedness was discussed.  Mike Wimmer, fire chief, was present to discuss the warning signal for tornado warnings.  The city’s whistle was not blown when the tornado warning was issued a few weeks ago, as some of the fireman are trained spotters and are doing that job during that time.  Our whistle must be blown from outside.  Mike has spoken with the county emergency coordinator about the situation.  They will offer the city a used warning system at no charge and the city would pay to have it installed.  B. Smoot made a motion to accept this warning system from the county and for the city to pay for installation.  A. Wimmer seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.  Many citizens left the meeting at this time.

 

Building permits was next on the agenda.  M. Kelly made a motion to approve a building permit for Aron Nielsen of 111 Long Street for a storage shed in his backyard.  A. Wimmer seconded.  Ayes: B. Smoot, B. Burgeson, A. Wimmer, M. Kelly.  Nay:  J. Roberts.  Permit approved.  Robert Hanson of 116 Church Street requested to put up a privacy fence around his property, which was surveyed.  Robert was present to answer questions from the council.  A. Wimmer made a motion to approve this permit.  B. Burgeson seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.  Ed Najera of 112 Church Street requested to put up a fence on the east side of their property, which he also had surveyed.  After discussion, A. Wimmer made a motion to approve this permit.  M. Kelly seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.

 

Arlene Wimmer discussed nuisance properties and listed the ones that are still not in compliance.  The ones not in compliance will be given to the attorney and sent a notice to abate nuisance.

 

City attorney Brad Howe explained reasons for going into closed session and when it would be necessary.  The council thanked Brad and he left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

 

Sewer maintenance was discussed.  Mike shared three bids with the council.  After discussion, A. Wimmer made a motion to accept the bid to do sewer maintenance from Pete Howe Industrial at 30 cents a foot to jet any size line. M. Kelly seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.  The council agreed to have Pete Howe Industrial also clean 11 drains.

 

The water and sewer ordinance was read.  This increases water rates to $4.50 per thousand and sewer rates to $2.50 per thousand and leaves the minimums the same rate.  J. Roberts made a motion to approve the 2nd reading and waive the 3rd reading and finally approve Ordinance #98.  A. Wimmer seconded.  Roll Call Vote – Ayes:  B. Smoot, B. Burgeson, J. Roberts, A. Wimmer, M. Kelly.  Ordinance approved.  These new rates will be reflected on the August water bill.

 

Mike Buren gave his maintenance report.  The council approved having Mike get gravel and rock for the gravel roads north of Main Street.  Mike will have the mower repaired, as the tire was damaged mowing a noncompliant yard.

 

J. Roberts made a motion to renew a liquor license for the Silver Minnow.  B. Smoot seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.

 

B. Smoot made a motion to approve a cigarette permit renewal for the Silver Minnow.  A. Wimmer seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.  B. Smoot made a motion to approve a cigarette permit renewal for Frederick’s Market.  A. Wimmer seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.

 

The council discussed emergency preparedness.  Becky serves on the county emergency board and had suggestions for the council to review.  This discussion will continue at the July meeting.

 

Employee wages and benefits was last on the agenda.  Becky has been checking with the health insurance company.  Their office is in Cedar Rapids and had been closed due to flooding.  A. Wimmer made a motion to table this until more information is available for the July meeting.  M. Kelly seconded.  All ayes; motion carried.

 

J. Roberts made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.  A. Wimmer seconded.  Meeting adjourned.