The regular meeting of the Slater City Council was called to order by Mayor Rick Rewerts at 7:30 P.M. on October 15, 2007, at City Hall, 105 Greene St., Slater, Iowa. The roll being called the following Council members were present as follows: Gene Staples, Louise O’Donnell, Don Schick and Dave Cook. Electronic connection - Mark Pritchard. Absent – None. Others in attendance were Public Works Director LaDonna Chriswell, Mary Beth Chinery and approximately 30 citizens. (List on file)

John Kahler informed the council that he was with the Saylorville Dam Snowmobile Club and that the club is interested in marking the culverts and intakes along the established snowmobile route on Hwy 210 to increase safety for users. The route runs along Hwy 210 on the north from Hwy 69 to Hwy 17. The signs are universal and would be placed in December and removed in March. After several questions he informed the council that not all snowmobile’s are members of a club, but club members try to promote safe riding and try to police each other to prevent damage to property. Schick moved to give permission to the Saylorville Dam Snowmobile Club to put up signage in the Hwy 210 right of way. Motion was seconded by O’Donnell. The motion passed with record vote as follows: Yes: Schick, O’Donnell, Pritchard, Staples and Cook. No: none.

Steve Ransom told the council that he was offended by the mention of asking LaDonna Chriswell to retire before November 30, 2007, since she had served the city for over 26 years and asked the council to let her retire on her chosen date and consider her offer to volunteer.

Colin Chriswell invited the council and public to attend the Community Club’s celebration honoring Myrna Harmon as the 2007 Slater Outstanding Citizen at 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 18, 2007, at the Log Cabin.

Dick Shook also inquired about the status of Chriswell’s retirement and asked for information on the old school property. He was informed by the council that the school superintendent was not going to be attending until the demolition is more complete and that everything is still open for negotiation. The mayor then indicated that the sign from the school was going to be preserved for the Historical Society. He later inquired about the size and zoning of the property and was informed that it was about 3 acres of residential property.

Ken May informed the council and the public that tickets are still available to attend the Slater Business Association’s First Responders and Fire Fighter’s appreciation banquet at Snus Hill at 6:00 pm on October 27, 2007. He also expressed interest and concern over the school property and urged the city to look into what agreements may have been made with the school about the return and condition of the property. He later stated that Slater has been very giving to the school district by giving them free use of sports areas.

Fred Mason pointed out that the lack of maintenance performed on the building by the school district is what caused the demolition of the relatively young building. He later read a letter about what is legal versus what is fair in regards to the property. It summarized of the history between the city and the school.

Jim Wilson indicated that he believes that the city deserves the property and that the original school bond proposal should be investigated. Discussion ensued about potential uses, avenues in which to proceed and the acknowledgement that some options may be costly.

Chris Bentzinger added that there are other issues besides the initial bond that the city may want to investigate before negotiating with the school.

It was moved by Cook and seconded by O’Donnell to approve the consent agenda, October 1, 2007, minutes and expenditures totaling $ 8280.59 as follows:

The motion passed with record vote as follows: Yes: Cook, O’Donnell, Staples, Pritchard and Schick. No: none.

Al Munsterman from Snyder Engineering presented the council with Sheldahl’s plan for an odor control device and meter to address the tie-in concerns. He indicated that he thinks the solution is a reasonable effort and recommended that Sheldahl be allowed to continue with the tie-in. After considerable discussion of acceptable meter readings, detectable smell and recourse if the proposed solution is inadequate the council agreed by consensus to allow Sheldahl to proceed with the installation of the odor control device and continue with the tie in.

Gary Reiners from Public Management Resource Group informed the council of the progress that has been made by the Planning and Zoning Commission and submitted the zoning and subdivision control chapters for the council’s review. The council will discuss the chapters at the November 5, 2007, meeting.

He also presented the scope of service that PMRG could provide to assist the city in the selection of the new employees and the establishment of an effective personnel system including defining job descriptions and employee policies. The council will review the proposal and revisit it at the next meeting.

Staples moved to accept Chriswell’s resignation effective November 30, 2007. Motion was seconded by Schick. The motion passed with record vote as follows: Yes: Staples, Schick, O’Donnell, Cook and Pritchard. No: None

Mayor Rewerts informed the council that he had contacted the city’s insurance carrier and attorney concerning Chriswell’s offer to volunteer as the certified operator for the water and wastewater treatment systems. The council received copies of a volunteer agreement drawn up by the city attorney. He indicated that he saw no issue with creating this agreement. The council will revisit this agreement at the next meeting.

Two of the candidates that were chosen to be interviewed for Chriswell’s position have already accepted other positions. The panel recommended to the council to re-advertise to increase the applicant pool. Chriswell will look into methods of notifying qualified persons of the opening at a lesser cost than general newspaper publication.

Mayor Rewerts announced that Slater had been awarded a $75,000 REAP Grant to continue the work on the Central Iowa Trail Project – Slater to Sheldahl link.

The council then discussed the phone system. Currently the city has one bid and has asked staff to also secure a bit from Huxley Communications for review at the next meeting.

The Slater Business Association informed the council that they would like to install lighting on the "SLATER" sign located east of town on Hwy 210. The SBA will pay for the installation and asked the city to pay the recurring monthly utility cost. They anticipate installing a light sensor and approximately 3 to 4 bulbs aimed down from the top of the sign. They also informed the council that the location had been determined for the 2^nd sign south of the city on S. Linn St. approximately 20 feet south of the Cemetery driveway. Schick moved to approve the sign placement south of the cemetery drive and for the city to pay for the lighting of both signs. Motion was seconded by Staples. The motion passed with record vote as follows: Yes: Schick, Staples, Cook and Pritchard. No: O’Donnell.

The mayor informed the council that the city had been contacted by the county to extend the 35mph speed limit to the corporate city limits to the north of Slater on R38. The matter has been referred to the city attorney for a draft of an ordinance.

Mayor Rewerts read and signed the proclamation endorsing quality after school programs and acknowledging the leadership of the Ballard Kids Club. He declared October 18^th the celebration date for "Lights on After School". The council further commits that Slater will engage in innovative programs to ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.

Mayor Rewerts then updated the council on the status of the office staff. Due to limited hours it was decided to look into additional part-time temporary help. The council gave Mayor Rewerts and Chinery permission to review current applications, determine who may still be interested and proceed as necessary.

It was moved by Pritchard and seconded by O’Donnell to adjourn at 10:00 P.M., the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.