January 29, 2007

A special meeting of the Slater City Council was called to order by Mayor Richard Rewerts at 7:30 P.M. on January 29, 2007, at City Hall, 105 Greene St., Slater, Iowa. The roll being called the following Council members were present and absent: Present: Cook, Staples, and Schick. Electronic connection – Pritchard. Council Member O’Donnell was absent. Others in attendance were Public Works Director LaDonna Chriswell, Colin Chriswell, Carma Belz, Wayne Rimathe, and Chuck Hoeven.

Mr. Rimathe represented the American Legion in proposing the concept of constructing a Veteran’s memorial in Slater. A preliminary concept plan is being studied and fund raising is being considered. Locations are also being discussed. The delegation suggested 400 Main as one option. The matter was taken under advisement pending further information.

Jim Wainwright with Ahlers & Cooney law firm discussed next steps regarding follow up concerning the Resolution 10 (2006-2007) declaring Oakview Construction, Inc. in default on the terms of the 2004 Slater Swimming Pool contract and the performance and maintenance bond.

After due consideration and discussion it was moved by Staples and seconded by Cook to authorize Mayor Richard Rewerts, Public Works Director Chriswell, Administrator North and Attorney Wainwright to meet with appropriate Oakview representatives to attempt to negotiate a recommendation for Council action in conclusion of the remaining issues. The motion passed with record vote as follows: Yes: Staples, Cook, Pritchard and Schick. No: None.

Discussion also was held regarding outstanding fees for engineering services. It was moved by Staples and seconded by Cook to authorize payment of $17,747 to MER Engineering relating to the Water Slide Project. The motion passed with record vote as follows: Yes: Staples, Cook, Pritchard and Schick. No: None.

Sue North asked that a closed session regarding her review be postponed to a time when the full Council could participate. It was noted that a performance measurement tool needs to be created. She suggested that an Organizational Chart be created establishing clear lines of authority. Job descriptions need to be reviewed and updated also. This will be a priority immediately following budget.

A budget work session followed. The Council is interested in determining when the last General Fund Tax levy increase went into affect. Discussion continued about debt service requirements for the R38 project, 400 Main demolition and economic development options such as Main Street Revitalization and 505 Linn.

It was agreed that the Council meeting on February 5^th begin at 7:00 p.m. to accommodate budget discussion as well as the regular agenda. A special meeting was tentatively set for February 12^th at 7:00 p.m. to continue budget development if needed.