The regular meeting of the Baxter City Council was called to order on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor

Stephen C. Smith. Council members present were Bryan DeJong, Todd England, Larry Hesson and Kelly Milligan. Eric Nation was absent.

Milligan moved to approve the Agenda. Hesson seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. Hesson moved to approve Minutes of the November meeting. England seconded. Motion carried, all ayes.

Baxter Community/School Library/Marie VanBeek – City Librarian, Marie VanBeek, presented a review on circulation numbers, programs and funding for the library over the past two years. VanBeek noted library staff are in the process of weeding out older books with check out dates back to 2002 to make room for new publications. The Board believes circulation numbers will increase with the continued purchase of new releases keeping the facility up to date. VanBeek advised the Board is currently working on their 2012/13 budget requests and the Council will see a requested increase in funds for purchasing and program needs.

Tiffany Finch/Community Room/Gala Event – Milligan moved to table in Finch’s absence. England seconded. Motion carried, all ayes.

Police Report – Chief Steve Wright reported. Items discussed:
1.      Decals have been installed on new car.
2.      Obtaining estimates for snow tires.

BEDC Report – Board member Jamie Milligan reported. Items discussed:
1.      Proposed covenant change letters have been mailed to residents of WFH. A public meeting will be held in January.
2.   A BEDC yearly planning session is being planned for January.
3.   Cindy Brunner has been accepted as a new member to the Board. Hesson moved to approve. DeJong seconded. Motion carried, all ayes.

Approval of 2012 BEDC Officers – Milligan advised the following roster of officers has been approved by the Board; President – Ryan Bucklin, Vice-President – Todd Foreman, Secretary – Jamie Milligan, Treasurer – Miniette Bucklin. At Mayor Smith’s request England moved to table approval of 2012 BEDC officers until the January meeting. DeJong seconded. Motion carried, all ayes.

TIF Bills Payable – None.

Maintenance Report – A written report was reviewed in Public Works Director Shawn Fuller’s absence.

Water/Wastewater Report – A written report was reviewed in Public Works Director Shawn Fuller’s absence.

MSA Professional Services/Jason Miller – Project Updates:

Storm Water Improvement Project – MSA previously mailed out three bid requests regarding contractual duties involved with the 3-year seed management program listed in the project contract. Only one proposal was received back, Blooming Prairie Nursery of Des Moines. The proposal is being reviewed by H&W Contracting at this time. With Council approval, Smith advised Miller to allow H&W two further days to respond. With lack of a response MSA will proceed to contact H&W and request immediate approval or the City will proceed to secure the Surety Bond for the project.

Wastewater Lagoon Construction Project – Two cells have been completed at this time. Rasch Construction has requested additional compensation for additional dirt work required with tile installation. The request has been submitted to the City’s legal counsel.

Resolution #10-46; Resolution Obligating Funds from the Urban Renewal Tax Revenue Fund for Appropriation to the Payment of the Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Financed Obligations Which Shall Come Due January 1, 2012 – Milligan moved to approve. England seconded. Roll call vote: Ayes: DeJong, Milligan, England, Hesson. Nays; None. Absent; Nation. Resolution #10-46 adopted.

Discussion on Amendment to City Residential Maintenance Ordinance Regarding Steel Roofing – Jasper County Zoning Administrator, Larry Ryan presented the Council with language from other community codes regarding requirements for installation of steel roofing on residential properties for consideration. The matter will be discussed further at the January meeting.

Consent Agenda – England moved to approve. Hesson seconded. Motion carried, all ayes.

Bills Payable – DeJong moved to approve. England seconded. Motion carried, all ayes.

Mayor’s Report – Items discussed:

The Clerk noted new tables and chairs have been purchased for the Community Room with funding from the Albert and Vera Clement Trust. With limited storage space discussion was held on what to do with the old furnishings. Council agreed to offer the furnishings to the school with any remaining items to go to local non profits interested.

England moved to adjourn. DeJong seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

                                                                        ________________________

                                                                           Mayor Stephen C. Smith

Attest: ______________________

            Peg Kimberley, City Clerk