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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 2011 .,j r FAIRFAx FACTS Specialpoints of - O YOU PLAY , , WITH The Parks and Beautification Committee needs you Our enthusiastic and hard working team is looking for a few new members to be involved with our city's parks, recreation and overall beautification. We hold planning sessions the third Thursday evening of each month and sponsor special events and work projects primari- ly in May through August. Please consider getting involved. This is an exciting time. We have made many improvements to our newest park, Hawks Ridge CITY HALL HOUIRS Park, but we have more to come. We also have two other well estab- lished parks, City Park and Prairie Creek Park, as well as a disc golf C ourse. The Parks and Beautification Committee also oversees the welcome sign areas located on the north and south edges of Fairfax. You can become a committee member and make a real impact in all of these areas. For additional information, contact Jo Ann Beer at $46-3164. DO YOU 1AVE A SUGGESTION'FOR YOUR CITY GO ERNMEl®TI Residents have many different ideas about what they would like from their city government. If you have an idea for an improve- ment or project, give us a call or write it down and drop it at the city clerk's office. While we must follow any applicable laws and mon- ey is always limited, many times improvements can be made that we just haven't considered. Also, there are so many possible pro- jects, that someti.n.es aui important one can get overlooked. if you. really care about a project, let us knew what is important to you. Fire Depar(ment Local government is usually the most responsive and in-touch level of government. Let us hear from your RECOLLECTIONS OF THE PAST FAIRFAX :MAN RECOUNTS 1950 REBUILDING ST. JOSEPH CHURCH .Reprinted from the June 10, 2010 issue of the West Liberty Index about the to Joseph's Catholic Church in West Liberty with the permission of Lindsay Hoeppner, Editor Each Sunday, St. Joseph Catholic Church members pass by a framed oil painting of a quaint looking, small white church surrounded by well-manicured green grass, shrubs and trees. The painting, which was created by Geraldine Ruess,has held a prominent spot in the church since Septem- ber of 1'9,81. What's more, the framed piece of artwork holds a history that is near and dear to many of St. Joseph's long- time members. The church depicted in the painting is a representation of the original St. Joseph Catholic Church, which was completed during the spring of 1891. The building, however, tragically burned down in the middle of the .night in 1946. Rebuilding the church Without a house of worship, parishioners gathered at the Strand Theatre for services, until a Quonset but was brought in shortly after. Father B. L. Barnes was the priest of St. Joseph's at the time. His long-term plan was to build a new church as economically as possible,which would include using donated labor from many of the parishioners. Father Barnes shared his plan with the Archbishop of Dubuque, whom he had previously served as a secre- tary for. The Archbishop had recently finished building a similar church in Blairstown, and gave Father Barnes the name of a Fairfax-based contracting business owned by Jacob Selzer. Curtis Selzer, Jacob's son remembers the event thereafter very well. "We got together and went over to Blairstown. and looked at the church," the 88-year-old Selzer said from his home in Fairfax. "It was a small parish and the church wasn't too large. They decided,to pretty much use the same plan so they didn't have to get an architect," Selzer,who was 28 at the time,began building the new church in mid-March of 1950. "We had the base all dug and then we had a huge snow storm that filled the basement with snow," he said. "We had to wait a couple of weeks for it to melt, because we didn't have a place to put all of it." Construction eventually was back on track, though, and parishioners banded together to mix and pour con- crete to establish the church's foundation. "It was a long day's job, because all the concrete was mixed right on site," Selzer said. "They didn't have ready-mix trucks at that time." The steel for the framework was transported to West Liberty by coal cars on the railroad. "We erected all the steel in one day and did it all by hand," Selzer said. "We didn't have any cranes or any- thing. Instead, we had a gin pole that we used to pull all the steel up and put it in place." Selzer and his co-workers, with the help of two West Liberty men, mixed the mortar and laid all the bricks for the building. The church's cornerstone was laid in early June. A month later, disaster nearly struck. "In the month of July, there was a horrendous hail storm that went through the area just west of West Liber- ty and completely wiped out the corn crop," Selzer said. "We worked 58 hour work weeks, and it came after 3 on a Saturday afternoon, because we were on our way home for the weekend. When we went back on Sunday afternoon,the ditches along Highway 6 were still filled with ice." By the grace of God,perhaps,the church wasn't to-ached. "It didn't bother the church at all," Selzer said. Selzer said the crew had the majority of the masonry finished by September. Soon after, the church was dedicated. "The Archbishop was going back to Rome for his visit to the Pope, and he wanted to tell him that he had dedicated a church, so we dedicated the church before it was completely finished," Selzer said. The parishioners also began using the church before it was finished. They began holding weekly services in early November, while construction wasn't completed until just after Thanksgiving. IN mmm MAYOR'S The first month of the New Year is a busy time of preparing the city's budget for 2011-12. The council and city staff is in the process of preparing the new budget, determining what projects the city will undertake in the future, and ensuring that we prepare a budget that is appropriate. The city has been fortunate to see a large amount of growth over the last decade and had a 1.2.32% property valuation increase mainly due to the new housing built over the last couple of years. This has al- lowed us to keep tax rates among the lowest in, the county. The same can. be said for our utility rates, in talking with other Mayors of smaller communities that have had to build new Sewer treat- ment plants, they don't have the population increase to help spread that cost. We have been able to beep our rates at an appropriate level while still meeting DNR guidelines. Some small coinmuni- ties have seen a twofold increase in their utilities rates as they try to meet these stringent guidelines. One of the main new projects for this year will be the continued planned replacement of the original water mains in the original part of Fairfax. We plan on starting the project in late March with a completion date in May. We will work hard for a timely finish. The city has lost the mainline plow truck that we use for sanding. This is the truck that is in the process of being replaced, I guess it heard this news and quit on us early. The maintenance depart- ment has worked hard to rig up our existing plow truck to sand and have used our light duty trucks to help with the plowing as well. Thankfully we have had a better winter so far,. Soon we will have our new truck, in the meantime thank you for your patience and understanding. As we prepare for another successful year, I want to thank you for last year. It was great sere- I'I ing you and as always, give me a call at 319-310-0717 or email me at mayorrabe@gmail.com s. r `- a M sd� T 3a� i eii y� i �' FAIRFAX FIRE AND RESCUE N, ALFORD NDSLIRROUNDTNG: R F,A S FROUDLY 9ERVING �AIRFAX- Is it cold out right now or is it just me?! February is sometimes our snowiest and windiest month of the year, so here are:just a few reminders. When shoveling your sidewalks and driveways,be sure you are aware of your surround- ings. With slippery roads surrounding us, it is possible for a person driving a car to see you,but slide your way instead of the other direction. Please be aware if we are getting a big snow storm that you park your car away from all emergency areas- we don't want to have our access to hydrants blocked because your truck or car is snowed in. If you have children,teach them the importance of staying away from the roads when there are bad driving conditions. Also, when it comes to making snow forts,please make sure they keep them away from the side of the road, as it can impair visibility for drivers, snow plows, or other emergency vehicles. Lastly,please be cautious if you have fireplaces. Make sure you are not overloading your fire place to keep a fire going all night. If you do have a fire in your fireplace, check it often to: be sure you have a safe fire. Also, make sure you have your carbon monoxide detectors in your house operating, in case dangerous fumes are leaking into your house. From everyone on,the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department, STAY WARM & STAY SAFE! -Jamie Meyers Y ' Let; Hdlm' e_Be:� our Choose ede.p.en ence aid digiuty e, Toose, -an b hty;, hoose security and affordability C oose� buip I V, h 141 Ch6k Car­ reliable"Senior 'e.for simple r. [i non.-iriedical home:care: Vi 'd k.,ourme t6 read t . storks.of how other real-life. h famili&S are navugatng e aging process. "' THE WOW"" plaul 40 a down and 2 Mbps up for $54.95*/month 100% dedicated FIBER Intexnet connection to YOUR r * � " UCALL T03DAY n� tt� LOPE two wy vrww.southalopo.do 1-sher (319� 892-4339 11 110- 1 111 111,1111 1111111,1n, -M- 1 11-111 1111-1. YOU CAN NOW PAY YOUR CITY OF FAIRFAX UTILITY BIM, ONLINE Ido you like making all of your payments online? If so, you can now pay your City of Fairfax utility bill online using your checking account or your credit card. Debit cards can be used if they are able to be used as a credit card. There is a $3.95 convenience fee for each transaction made through this ser- vice. This fee is not charged by the City of Fairfax or Fairfax State Savings Bank, who has arranged for this service to be available. This is a fee that the processing company charges to provide the service and they keep the entire $3.95. You can pay your bill by going to the City of Fairfax's website at: www.fairfaxi.a.com and following the link that is right on the front page. You will have to have your City of Fairfax account number, amount due, name and contact information, as well as your banking information. If you have any questions, please call the city clerk's office at: 319-546-2204. l oo 00 d t 1 ,t ti s Y Rog,", 4 voys f _ m 5}yy5rv� 7 p L� i�N h + sir��ia n " ''{u• a,A srs ' ad's E9A r�?G<y1 M1Ea�{ � 4x "d r ! , p ? A } T , PC 2 STATE' SAIVII 14OWS BANK We, re the ba.".k he r E , w 1 tied i(X it s v S. .A �e yL'rr:�3FT Fn Fes. A �� s F� f'F"rvz } m pY _ s { o, u ate �a s s ,�-,�" .� '.r,yy ;>•r7 7,+ n h. i do r r Vjn Bow- F x: Y y � a w°� " z�.. '�"� `�` �} • bid � ,�• i ,�, r • va�k �"�n� �`..%' 'ry�par� ,���`s, b�j '�a�d ,�E '9 a'x� re �. Sdx d„ i1';,,�5 sr i"3 F'� !as d '�a, ���i �p� s �l, ra,GS», �rj4a "'iy,•s,?�,+y)I,y.�f.l.� a r s;� t l �oW ° { a E? y „� ��,5.�rz"���etti� ��}}•�i y,�M����s�71*i�i r��({ {s "'sr.c p d F { !�, ;in i ,!.m �✓ y*s w t��Tfa� ^En,e �1 s 1('E,3���,�4 {t .: as F'' + yf a n; d ��ii� a1 r y s r �d}{d� {r { } r ' FoUrnv Us{kt 111 BUT V HOURr BRING "Em IN iyAL Well'Diink P.i.P♦.ii196�YiQ s Bush Light&K staaae Tallboys ' DAN INCH 8125 : SPECIAL • � f I atte of the DagwoodDL{�]�]�/.i1Vll INCLUDED! O e .i......... I I1 ' PRICE PIZZA .. Pffi 1/2 AW PIZZMANY SIZE * Dine-In or Carry-Out CMCKEN GIZIM WING NIGHr TACO NIGMi DUVER$7.99 �� $1.25BEW0.' CH[CMUCOS I $2 OFF TACO PIZZA $2 Domestic Bottles 500 BONELESS 5250 CORONA OR BUD LIGHT LINE CARD DRAW L 7PM 3 MORGANS 'L"W'KuOKER BEAGUE PUY FOR'FREE-7PM 1010 a CHICKEN [INC!e Iff WAY 111111 [11 •TICI OR 111MI 4 PIECE CMCIKEN $3.99 BASKM BIIS I) $7.99W/281106 WING$OR V#BURGER BASKETS PO]R[MK Op 2PCC1flCK MflGH&LEQ•$L99 D$4 BOMBS 10 BOTT[.F HUCKEIS(5) $9.99 EII'CH` DC)ME5TIC BOTTLES ONLY Poll 181RME'I 0 R $2.50 PY HOUR ul 0 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT P - PHASE IMPROVEMENTS P "T The City Council approved the plans and specifications for Phase 2 of the Water .Main Replacement Program during their meeting on January 25. Bids will be received at 10:00 AM on February 3, 2011. This project will replace old water mains along Main Street and Siepman Drive. Depending on the amount of the bids, additional work may be done along Losey Ave- nue,under the railroad south of Losey Avenue, and possibly along Nickolet Street. This work will begin sometime in late March or early April, 2011. The engineer's esti- mate of probable cost is $364,010. This project is being funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIF makes it possible for the City of Fairfax to do a variety of projects without raising your property tax rate. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 11 , 2011 CITY OF FAIRFAX REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2011 The regular meeting of the Fairfax City Council was held Tuesday, January 11,2011 at Fairfax City Hall. Mayor Jason Rabe called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, Council members present: JoAnn Beer, Bernie Frieden, Travis Otto, and Marianne Wainwright. Marc Magers was absent. Other city staff present: Cynthia Stimson, Lynn Miller, and Cathy Bayne. Motioned by Beer, seconded by Frieden to approve the agenda, Ayes: Beer, Frieden, Otto, and Wainwright. Absent: Magers. Motion carried. Motioned by Frieden,seconded by Otto to approve and place on file the City Council minutes from December 14, 2010. Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Otto, and Wainwright. Absent: Magers. Motion carried. Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Otto to place on file the Planning and Zoning Commission minutes from December 21,2010,the Parks and Beautification Committee minutes from November 18,2010,and the Library Board of Trustees minutes from December 8,2010 and January 4, 2011. Ayes: Beer,Frieden, Otto, and Wainwright. Ab- sent: Magers. Motion carried. Linn County Deputy Sheriff Pavelka presented the list of calls. Councilmember Marc Magers entered the meeting at 7:05 PM. Mayor Rabe reported that he and Cathy Bayne attended Walford's city council meeting on January 10 to discuss library funding. Lynn Miller reported that some of the fire department members have taken EMTB; training. He also gave the: maintenance department report stating that the yellow dump truck blew up,they have rebuilt an old sander but it is not working well,Northway Well and Pump is to work on the well tomorrow,the new truck is scheduled to arrive some- time in February,and that they have gotten mower quotes. JoAnn Beer asked about the status of the park pavilion, Mayor Rabe reported that it is getting approved and he believes it is still going to be donated. Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Beer to approve the financial reports. Ayes: Beer, Frieden,Otto,Magers,, and Wainwright. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe announced that this was the time for a Consultation Session regarding the Expanded Urban Renewal Area with Linn County,Kirkwood Community College,and College Community School District, No one was present from those other entities. Regis,Ken, and Tom Arp were present to discuss damage to their property which has been caused from erosion. They believe that this damage is the direct result of the development north of their property. Torn stated that his father and uncle have owned their farm ground for 52 years. The ground changed very little during the first 45 years. Tom stated that during the last few years there has been tremendous change. He showed a series of pictures showing ditch erosion and service line exposures. They asked that the City of Fairfax see that their land is restored so that they can use and enjoy it as they had for decades,. Marianne Wainwright asked if the swale that they City recently placed had any effect to decrease or slow down the water flow. Tom stated that be would estimate that they have seen a 30-40%improvement. He stated that he feels that the drainage problems won't be fixed until the water is taken to the creek in concrete. Fred Wood was also present to talk about his water problems. He stated that water backs up at his property. The elevation of the area and previous natural water retention areas were discussed. Regis Arp stated that they feel the change in elevation from fill,the rooftops, and the concrete in these natural water retention areas has caused the problems.Bernie Frieden stated that IDOT now diverts lots of fast moving water to this area from the other side of Highway 151. Mayor Rabe stated that he and the:city engineer will discuss the options, took at their costs, and see if some solu-, tions can be worked into the city budget. Magers introduced ORDINANCE NO. 143, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FAIRFAX CODE OF ORDINANCES OF 2007, OF THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, IOWA, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAIN- ING TO STOPS REQUIRED,BY ADDING A STOP SIGN ON PARK STREET, Motioned by Magers,seconded by Frieden to suspend the rule requiring that an ordinance be voted on for passage at two council meetings prior to this meeting with respect to ORDINANCE NO. 113, Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer, Frieden,Otto,Magers,and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. I CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 1.1 , 2011 CONTINUED: Motioned by Magers, seconded by Frieden to give final approval and adoption to ORDINANCE NO. 113, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FAIRFAX CODE OF ORDINANCES OF 2007, OF THE CITY OF FAIR- FAX,IOWA,BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO STOPS REQUIRED,BY ADDING A STOP SIGN ON PARK STREET. Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer, Frieden, Otto, Magers, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motioned by Magers, seconded by Wainwright to approve RESOLUTION 2011-01, A RESOLUTION RE- SCHEDULING DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON DESIGNATION OF THE EXPANDED FAIRFAX UR- BAN RENEWAL AREA AND ON URBAN RENEWAL PLAN AMENDMENT, Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer, Frieden, Otto,Magers, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011- 01 duly adopted. Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Beer to approve RESOLUTION 2011-02, A RESOLUTION TO IS- SUE PARTIAL PAYMENT #6 - FINAL TO RATHSE CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR THE NATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM, PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS. Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer,Frieden, Otto,Mag- ers,and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011-02 duly adopted. Motioned by Beer,seconded by Frieden to approve RESOLUTION 201.1-03, A RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 9-BALANCING FOR THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM,PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS. Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer, Frieden, Otto,Magers, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011-03 duly adopted. Motioned by Beer,seconded by Frieden to approve RESOLUTION 2011.-04, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM,PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Otto,Magers,and Wainwright. Nays; None. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLU- TION 2011-04 duly adopted. Motioned by Meer,seconded by Frieden to approve RESOLUTION 2011-05, A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATED COST OF TIME PHASE 2 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM PROTECT. Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer, Frieden, Otto,Magers, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011-05 duly adopted. Motioned by Beer, seconded by Frieden to approve RESOLUTION 2011-06, A RESOLUTION SETTING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING ENTERING INTO AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH SELZER ENTERPRISES. Roll call vote: Ayes: Beer,Frieden, Otto,Magers, and Wain- wright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011-06 duly adopted. Discussion was held on the health insurance renewal quote. Several options for self-funding to go with a policy from UnitedHealthcare Insurance and a price quote from Wellmark were reviewed. Motioned by Frieden, seconded by Beer to renew the current employee health insurance policy through United- Healthcare Insurance Company. Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Otto,Magers,and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Discussion was held on the other types of employee benefit policies through UnitedH;ealth.care Insurance. No price increase is quoted. Motioned by Beer, seconded by Frieden to renew the current coverage for Cather types of employee benefit poli- cies through UnitedHealthcare Insurance. Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Otto,Magers,and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Discussion was held about agent representation for the employee benefit insurance policies. Strategic Employee Benefit Services has met with Mayor Rabe and the city clerk to review their customer service procedures. Motioned by Wainwright,seconded by Beer to change the agent of record to Strategic Employee Benefit Services for the employee benefit insurance policies. Ayes: Beer,Frieden, Otto,Magers,and Wainwright. Nays: None. Mo- tion carried. Motioned by Frieden, seconded by Beer to re-appoint Virginia Soukup to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Otto,Magers, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. There is currently one vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission and one on the Board of Adjustment. Mayor Rabe asked the City Council for candidate suggestions and he will make contact with those expressing an inter- est. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 11 , 2011 CONTINUED: The city clerk discussed the new property valuations,asked if the city council would like any types of special reports prepared before the special budget meeting, and asked if the council members had thought of any type of capital improvement project that wasn't listed on the previous budget notes,report. Any requests are to be for=- warded to the city clerk in time for preparation before the meeting. The special budget city council meeting will be held on Tuesday,January 25 and begin at 6:00 PM. Motioned by Frieden,seconded by Beer to approve the claims list dated January 11,2011. Ayes: Beer, Frieden,Otto,Magers, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Dan Zamastil was present to discuss the handling of a past due utility bill for Charlie Fisher. The procedure for payment,notice,disconnection,and fees was discussed and will be reviewed. Marc Magers stated he feels the City should look into purchasing a different sander. The maintenance depart- ment will get a quote. Lynn,Miller stated that South Slope Telephone has been in town doing property surveying for afiber optics project they plan to do this summer. The city clerk/treasurer informed the council that the training and installation of the new software has been scheduled for the first two days of February and the first two days of March. Bernie Frieden asked if Mayor Rabe was going to attend the Legislative Day planned by the Iowa League of Cities. Mayor Rabe will check on the details. Motioned by Frieden,seconded by Magers to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Otto,Magers,and Wainwright. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe adjourned the meeting at 8:32 PM. Mayor Jason Rabe City Clerk/Treasurer Cynthia Stimson Disclaimer: The foregoing minutes are not official until approved by the City Council. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 25, 2011 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25, 2011 A special meeting of the Fairfax City Council was held Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Fairfax City Hall. Mayor Jason Rabe called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Council members present: JoAnn Beer, Bernie Frieden, Marc Magers, and Marianne Wainwright, Travis Otto was absent. Other city staff present: Cynthia Stimson, Lynn Miller, and Cathy Bayne. Also present were Fire Chief Mike Sankot, City Engineer Shane Wicks, Library Board Members, Mary Rita Meyers and Jim Stallman, and Planning and Zoning Member Dennis Kunze. Motioned by Beer, seconded by Magers to approve the agenda, Ayes: Beer, Frieden, Magers, and Wainwright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried, Motioned by Magers, seconded by Frieden to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2011-07, A RESOLUTION RE- DUCING THE AMOUNT OF THE LETTER OF CREDIT FROM GUARANTY BANK AND TRUST COM- PANY FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN PRAIRIE CREEK ESTATES:,FIFTH ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, LINN COUNTY, IOWA. Ayes. Beer, Frieden, Magers, and Wainwright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011-07 duly adopted. A quote from Future Line Track Equipment for a tailgate spreader was reviewed. The current system's limitations were discussed. Motioned by Magers, seconded by Wainwright to approve the purchase of the tailgate spreader for $4,450 to be paid for from the Road Use Fund, Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Magers, and Wainwright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried. The audit report for the fiscal year 2009-2010 was reviewed. No problems were found. The farming operation will be set up as an enterprise fund. Extensive discussion was held about the budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Mike Sankot discussed the levy level for the fire department. With Fairfax's growth,he felt that keeping the levy level the same should.work fine. Mary Rita Meyers, Jim Stallman, and Cathy Bayne were present to discuss the library budget. Jim reviewed areas needing increases. Mary Rita asked about the building issues being in their budget. The city clerk/treasurer explained that the library building expenses will be paid from this area of the budget, but that the budget will be increased to in- clude the projected expenses. Cathy Bayne discussed the condition of the windows in the meeting room. The other windows have been replaced, but these have not. They leak and the wood is rotting. Lynn Miller discussed some needed work on the planter area. New computers for the library were discussed. Keeping the levy level the same should also work for the library budget. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 25, 2011 CONTINUED: Other budget issues that were discussed were the possibility of another LOST election, a new skid leader, a gate at the tennis court, needed sidewalk at two park areas, bathrooms for Hawk's Ridge Park, extending the Linn Street trail, funding the required$125,000 for the trail project, and needed field tiling. Mayor Rabe opened a public hearing regarding the designation of the 2011 Addition to the Fairfax Urban Re- newal Area and Plan at 7:00 PM. The city clerk/treasurer stated that the clerk's office had not received any oral or written comments on this topic. The Planning and Zoning's RECOMMENDATION NO. 2011-02, A RECOMMENDATION APPROVING THE 2011 ADDITION TO THE FAIRFAX URBAN RENEWAL AREA DESIGNATION AND PLAN was submitted to the City Council. After asking for input from the audience and receiving none, Mayor Rabe closed the public hearing at 7:02 PM. Motioned by Magers,seconded by Wainwright to approve RESOLUTION NO, 2011-05 A RESOLU'T'ION TO DECLARE NECESSITY AND ESTABLISH AN URBAN RENEWAL AREA, PURSUANT TO SECTION 403.4 OF THE CODE OF IOWA AND APPROVE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE 2011 ADDI- TION TO THE, FAIRFAX URBAN RENEWAL AREA. Ayes: Beer, Frieden, Magers, and Wainwright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011-08 duly adopted. Wainwright introduced ORDINANCE 114, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE DIVISION OF TAXES LEVIED ON TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE 2011 ADDITION TO THE FAIRFAX URBAN RENEWAL AREA,PURSUANT TO SECTION 403.19 OF THE CODE OF IOWA, Motioned by Frieden, second by Magers that ORDINANCE 114 be adopted. Ayes: Beer, Frieden,Magers,and Wainwright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried. Motioned by Magers, seconded by Beer to suspend the statutory rule requiring ORDINANCE 114 to be;consid- ered and voted on for passage at two council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed. Ayes: Beer, Frieden,Magers,and Wainwright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried. Motioned by Magers, seconded by Beer that ORDINANCE 114, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE DIVISION OF TAXES .LEVEED ON TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE 2011 ADDITION TO THE FAIRFAX UR- BAN RENEWAL AREA, PURSUANT TO SECTION 403.19 OF THE CODE OF IOWA be given final adoption, Ayes: Beer,Frieden,Magers,and Wainwright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe declared ORDINANCE 114 duly adopted. Mayor Rabe opened the public hearing regarding the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the Water Main Replacement Program—Phase 2 Improvements Project at 7:06 PM. The city clerk/treasurer stated that the clerk's office had not received any oral or written comments on this topic. City Engineer Shane Wicks stated that the estimate of probable cost is $364,000. After asking for input from the audience and receiving none, Mayor Rabe closed the public hearing at 7:08 PM. Motioned by Magers, seconded by Frieden to approve RESOLUTION 2011-09, A RESOLUTION ADOPT- ING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS,FORM OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM—PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. Ayes: Beer,Friction,Magers,and Wain- wright. Absent. Otto. Motion carried, Mayor Rabe declared RESOLUTION 2011-09 duly adopted. Shane Wicks asked the city council if they wanted,to require asphalt in the street crossing areas. They do want to have this as a bid,item. Discussion continued on the budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The water fund is to start setting aside$20,000 each year to save for water tower work,the debt service levy for the sewer system will need to be raised$2.00 a month, an estimate is to be gotten for field the work,cost proposals for drainage issues will be reviewed, and Shane Wicks will talk to the IDOT about their bridge plans, The projected LOST fund balance was reviewed. A list of possible projects included: sidewalks, tiling work, Linn Street trail extension, Prairie Creek trail funding, culverts, a pickup truck with blade, city hall storage,restrooms at Hawks Ridge Park, and parking paving at Hawks Ridge and City Parks. The excess in the TIF Fund was discussed. It was proposed to use these funds for the Prairie Creek trail project. JoAnn Beer asked about the status of Casey's plans. She would like to have the City of Fairfax contact Casey's about the possibilities of renovating the existing Casey's building. Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Frieden to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: Beer, Frieden,Magers, and Wain- wright. Absent: Otto. Motion carried. Mayor Rabe adjourned the meeting at 8:05 PM. Mayor Jason Rabe City Clerk/Treasurer Cynthia Stimson Disclaimer: The foregoing minutes are not official until approved by the City Council, PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY .189 2011 Fa, irfax Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 18,2011 Chairman Kell called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Commissioners present: Kell, Kunze,Nurre, and Soukup. Absent: Meyers and Boxa. One seat is vacant. Also present: Cyn- thia Stimson, Shane Wicks, Don Lacy, Don Grisham, Dennis Best, and Sharon Gonzalez. Motioned by Kunze, seconded by Nurre to approve the minutes from December 21, 2010. All ayes. Motion carried. Discussion was held about the election of officers. Motioned by Kunze, seconded by Nurre to appoint Joe Kell as chairman, Tom Nurre as vice chairman, and to leave the secretary position vacant until there is a full board present. All ayes. Motion carried. City clerk/treasurer, Cynthia Stimson, was acting as secretary this evening and offered to do so at any meeting she attends. Cynthia presented annexation information from several different sources. This is to pre- pare the board members in case the City of Fairfax receives annexation requests in March. Don Lacy, 4760 Everlou Road, discussed area residents' concerns. A blank application form for voluntary annexation was reviewed. Shane Wicks discussed the revised Submittal and Review Schedules. He suggested changes to 166.03, 1.66.04, and 166.08 of the Fairfax Code of Ordinances. He suggested having the attorney review these changes. Discussion was held about Linn County sending plats for property outside the city lim- its, but within a 2-mile radius of Fairfax, Dennis Kunze stated he thinks that the City must re- quest to have review rights. The city clerk/treasurer will check on this issue. Motioned by Nurre, seconded by Kunze to recommend approval of the Submittal and Review Schedules and the proposed changes from Shane Wicks for code sections 166.03, 166.04, and 166.08, if such changes are approved by the city attorney. All ayes. Motion car- tied. Shane stated that the zoning map and core district topics are not complete. The Com- mission did not discuss these issues. Nothing is needed concerning the Land'Use Map. Motioned by Kunze, seconded by Nurre to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion car- ried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM. Cynthia Stimson City Clerk/Treasurer Visit the City of Fairfax's website at: WWW, fai* r1rNaxia ,, cVM PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 24, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes Monday,January 24, 2011 Chairman Kell called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM. Commissioners present: Kell, Kunze, Nurre, Meyers, and Soukup. Absent: Boxa. One seat is vacant. Also present: Cynthia Stimson. Discussion was held concerning the designation of an expanded Fairfax Urban Renewal Area and on the proposed Urban Renewal Plan Amendment. The city clerk/treasurer answered questions about how TIF Districts work. The map showing the proposed amendment was re- viewed. The City Council is proposing this change to include the areas that need, water main replacement. This will allow TIF Funds to be used to pay off the debt for the entire project. Motioned by Meyers, seconded by Soukup to approve the 2011 Addition to the Fairfax Urban Renewal Area Designation and Urban Renewal Plan Amendment. Ayes: Kell, Nurre, Meyers, and Soukup. Nays: Kunze. Absent: Boxa. One scat is vacant. Motioned by Kunze, seconded by Meyers to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 PM. Cynthia Stimson City Clerk/Treasurer Prairie Creek Veterinary Cliidc 155 80th St, Fairfax, ]A 319-846-2550 Visit our websift- and like us on www.pevefairfax.com See what's new at the r ML I imew I i i �r readers in all three handwashs! Washes start with just a quarter. Automatic washes starts at $6.001 Uses softened water and spot free rinse. 400 HighlandAve,, Fairfax Off of Hwy 151 Open all at 6:00arn Lights off at 10.00 pm Phone 846-2295 Locally owned and operated. An anteresit rate y I' ll love ,. 0 0 - 101 APY on. -.i applicable(balance[ins Balances aver $10,000 will earn.10 At°y 01 M �* rY Guaranty i lank For your lima of life. A GREAT RATE SAVE A TREE USE PLASTIC Paid on youe Guaranty, 'yam , faint balance of$10,000 and Yau�fe eligible#or the bonus rale on this account wren you use year Guaranty LESS.Our ee,gular inter lies to balances over$10,00Q �1 kbit card a rnin8rnum of 10 times each statement cycle for either PIN r a c�s > rr signature transac-tions-sorry,ATM transaetlans don'k qualuky, BE GREEN!WITH E-STATEMENT" �, Your Guaranty Green Checking account statements will be delivered elec- PAPER IS CUT ELECTRONIC IS IN kronically through our Guaranty Bank Orli-Line Banking, The, g fou Head to do to qualify#ort eous ratebas aheaking a have a monthly direct all qi It �n onthly It:liar"s lU N� w "Rates effective 01/01/11,Balesancover$10,000 will earn.10%annual percentage yield IAPYI,Interest rates are variable and may change at our discretlon.Guaranty Green Checking account Is currently only available at our Fairfax office. CITY OF : AIRFAX BUDGET ;PROCESS The City of Fairfax is currently working on the budget for the next fiscal year. The City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, January 25th to work on the specifics. Turing their February 8th meeting the preliminary budget should be close to its final totals. Minor changes may be made after that meeting and then a public hearing notice must be published. The budget hearing will be held during their regular meeting on March 8, 2011. The budget must be certified to the Linn County Auditor's office by March 15, 2011. If you would like to give input on the 2011/2012 fiscal year's budget, now is the time to contact the city clerk's office or your elected officials. The new fis- cal year begins on July 1, 2012 and runs through June 30, 2012. CITY NEWS QUICKIES • Remember to place snow removed from your sidewalk or driveway on your own property, not the street. Also see that vehicles are removed from the street to help the city crews plow the street area. • Make a New Year's resolution to never pay a City of Fairfax late fee in 2011 - sign up for auto debit of your city utility bill today! This is a free service. • To pay your bill online,visit our website at www.fairfaxia.com You can use your checking account or credit card(or debit card if it is usable as a credit card). There is a$3.95 con- venience fee for each transaction. • Look for future information about a possible Local Caption Sales Tax extension vote that may be scheduled for May, 2011. • The City of Fairfax recently amended the Fairfax Urban,Renewal.Area and Plan. This in- creases the size of the TIF District to include the entire area of the Phase 2 of the Water Main Replacement Program.. • The city clerk's office still has several sets of keys that have been found.in Fairfax. Cali or stop at the city clerk's office at 525 Vanderbilt to identify and claim. Someone must be missing them! • It takes less than an hour for the city staff to read all the water meters in town with the new remote read system! We have been using this since June of 2011. and it works great! • If you are moving, please contact the city clerk's office at 319-846-2204 as soon as you know the specifics. We want to be sure we get your final meter reading and know where to send your final bill. The water bills are always a month behind the actual usage.. • Did you know that this summer Fairfax will turn 75? I wonder how many residents share Faixfax's birth year? • Do you have historical items for the FACTS? We love to get items submitted for the Recollections of the Past section. Give us a call! BOARD CHANGES Two members of the Fairfax Planning and Zoning Commission had their terms expire on January 1, 2011.. Virginia Soukup was willing to serve another tezin and she was re-appointed during the city council meeting on January 1.1, 2011. John Hill's term also expired. John has resigned from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City of Fairfax thanks John for his service. He will be especially missed since he served as the secretary for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ed Handley's term on the Board of Adjustment also expired on January 1, 2011. Ed has also chosen to resign his position. Thank you Ed, for your service to Fairfax. If you are interested in serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of Adjustment, please contact the city clerk's office at 31.9-846-2204. We hope to have the City Council make .new appointments during their meeting on February 8th, so please call soon. Small communities have great opportunities to volunteer and learn how our local governments work. Get involved, make a. difference! THE FOUNDATION ATION FOR RURAL SERVICES (FRS)AND SOUTH SLOPE COOPERATIVE HAVE TEAMEED UP TO OFFER Ak GREAT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY The FRS was established in 1994 and, through its partnership with the National Telecommuni- cations Cooperative Association(NNTCA), promotes, educates and advocates to the public, rural telecommunications issues in order to sustain and enhance the quality of life within communi- ties throughout rural America. In keeping with its mission, furthering the education of rural youth is one of the foundation's primary focuses. Our company, South Slope Cooperative Com- munications Company and Swisher Telephone Company, are members of NTCA and are proud to support FRS in this worthy endeavor. 2011 Foundation for Dural Service ERS College Scholarship Pro rang a Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors only. • FRS will award thirty, $2,500 scholarships nationwide. FRS will fund $2,000 and South Slope will fund $500.00 each to any winners in our regions. • All applications must be postmarked to FRS no later than March 1,2011. • This is not a scholarship based on grade point average. Rather, it is geared toward seniors who are good, solid students, but may not qualify for scholarship programs based solely upon GPA. All completed applications must be signed by J.R. Brumley, the CEO of South Slope prior to mailing to FRS. e Scholarships will be awarded on a one-time basis and will not be renewable. a Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender or disability. Winners will be posted on the FRS website, www.frs.org,by May 1,2011. Awards will be paid upon proof of registration at an institute of higher education and will be issued in August 2011. For additional information about the program, visit the FRS Web site at http://www.frs.org or log on to www.southslope.com. You can download the application plus view a list of fre- quently asked questions. i I CITY OF FAIRFAX UTILITY BILLING SYSTEM The City of Fairfax bills for water, sewer, and garbage services. The bills are mailed the last business day of each month. Payment is due by the 15th of the month. A late fee of $15.00 is charged on any account not paid by the 15th. A one-time waiver of this fee will be given to each account. A disconnect notice is sent to accounts with an amount still due right after the 15th. Service will be disconnected to any address that has an amount still due � after the disconnect date. This is usually the 25th of the month. There is a $2.5.00 reconnect fee that will be charged to any account that has not paid by the time the City of Fairfax staff`goes to the property to disconnect service. Your prompt payment of the utility bill is appreciated! It helps our staff' and saves you unneeded service fees. Thank you! South Slope Cooperative and Swisher Telephone Company Supports the netINS Scholarship Program Program to,4ward up tofive $1000,00 cash scholarships to High School Seniors South Slope and Swisher Telephone are excited to announce their support for the netINS 2011 College Scholarship Program. The aim of this annual program is to help further higher educa- tion opportunities among high school students. South Slope and Swisher Telephone strongly support the youth of our community and are eager to support yet another valuable program. The program will award up to five $1,000 cash scholarships to youth across the State of Iowa. Applicants must be a resident of Iowa or attend and graduate from an Iowa High School. They must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or one of its official.territories. Ap- plicants must graduate or have graduated.from high school between January 1, 2011 and July 1, 2011. They must live in the trade area of South Slope Cooperative Communications Company or Swisher Telephone Company and they must be accepted for admission and enrolled in an Iowa college or university. Applicants must write a 300 word essay on "THE HISTORICAL AND FUTURE IMPACT OF THE INTERNET ON SOCIETY."' All entries must be submitted to s6olarship(Danetinsmet. Submissions will be accepted March I"thru April 1'. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2011. Winners will be notified in writing the week of April 25, 2011. Scholarship recipients will be selected by an.independent panel of impartial Telco staff, lowa'Nctwork Services staff, and Iowa educators. "We are always happy to have the opportunity to show our support:For the youth of our commu- nity by supporting this College Scholarship Program", said J.R. Brumley, South Slope Coopera- tive and Swisher Telephone Company CEO. "We view this program as an academic invest- ment not only in the students,but in the future of America." For more information about the program, or to download the scholarship application, visit www.iiet.INS.net/scholULhip,s or contact Stephanie Rourke, Director of Marketing at 665-5399 or e-mail steph@southslope.com. 15zd THE TUSCOLA TURN COMES IN SECOND! 1q%W1 The Union Pacific Railroad was holding a contest to pick the r r 1 L route for one of their steam locomotives. The Tuscola Turn Route would tlo have went through Fairfax. This route was to go through Iowa and into Illinois. We came in second, with 73,175 votes. Thank you to everyone who voted. The winner was The Little Rock Express Route with 76,217 votes. This route goes through Missouri and into Arkansas. The Union Pacific's Great Excursion Adventure's details, including the dates, will be released at a later date. You can go to: wAyw,upexcursion.con i for updates when they become available. Again, thank you for voting! FAIRFAX PUBLICLIBRARY NEWS LibM Contact In rmation: 313 Vanderbilt Street, PO Box 187, Fairfax 1A 52228 Phone: (319) 846-2994 Fax: (319) 846-2889 E-mail: fairfax2@southslope.net Library Hours: Mon., Tues., & Thurs.: Noon- 7:00 PM Wed.: 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM Friday: Noon - 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM-Noon SIM Time: Wednesday: 10:30 AM February Calendar I'Library Board Meeting 7:00 PM lou'Valentine's Party 6:00 PM "Please Register" 17'h Parks and Beautification Meeting 7:00 PM 18'h Adult Craft Night 6:00 PM- 12:00 AM *Please Register 25'h No School Movie Activity 1:00-3:00 PM _N *Please Register" One of the most famous authors of the 20'b March Calendar Century is Dr. Seuss. Everyone is familiar, I"Library Board Meeting 7:00 PM with his funny rhymes and quirky characters., 3rd Dr, Seuss Birthday Party 6:00 PM Dr Seuss took 220 words and created a 61 page "Please Register" book that children still love to read today. 17th Parks and Beautification Meeting 7:00 PM Theodor Geisel was born March 2, 1904 and 25'h Adult Craft Night 6:00 PM- 12:00 AM still today, he is, one of the most beloved chil- *Please Register dren's authors. His books have been made NEW MOVIE, S, into modem day movies, starring hue actors- and a Broadway musical was written from New DVDs: many of his characters. In Good Company, The At The Fairfax Public Library many of our Z Hurricane, Towelhead, The Dr. Seuss books are getting old and tired, so to Grudge, Out of Time, Dirty celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday, we are providing Work, Mission Impossible the opportunity for patrons to purchase his III:, The Last Castle books for the library at our 44% discount. We New Blu-Rays: will put your name in the book, If you are in- One Flew Over the Cuck- terested in celebrating Dr. Seuss's 107t" birth- oo's Nest, The Hangover day in this way, stop by the library and pick Mussing some of those old television shows-we have the book you would. like to purchase. All do- added many shows to our DV'D collection thanks to a nations will be greatly appreciated. wonderful DVD Donation. If you have DVD's you aren't watching any more-we would love to add them to our collection-let others enjoy them and add space on your shelf. TV Series: The West Wing - the complete first, second, third,fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons A Party of Five - the complete second season Moonlighting - seasons one and two Dark Angel - the complete first season I st and 'Fen - seasons one, two, three, four, Check out the Fairfax Public five, and six Library website and online catalog! South Park-the complete second season http://www.fairfax.lib.ia.us/ Stopin and Check Us Out! CONGRESSMAN DAVE LOEBSACK'S REPRESENTATIVE'S OFFICE HOURS Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Linn County for open office hours. Constituents are urged to come in to discuss con- cerns and issues. Tuesday, Feb. 8: Fairfax City Hall, 525 Vanderbilt St., 10:00 - 11:00 AM Ely City Hall, 1570 Rowley St., 1:00 - 2:00 PM Mt. Vernon City Hall, 213 1" St. W, 3:00 - 4:00 PM Wed., Feb. 9: Center Point City Hall, 200 Franklin St., 2:00 - 3:OOPM Central City City Hall, 137 4" St., 3:30 - 4:30 PM Wed., Feb. 16: Marion City Hall, 1225 6th Ave., 10:30 - 11:30 AM Hiawatha City Hall, 101 Emmons St., 12:00 - 1:00 PM City of Fairfax PRSRT STD PO Box 337 US POSTAGE Faux, IA 52228 PAID FAIRF AX,IA Phone:319-846-2204 PERMIl,'NO.6 fairfax@southslope.net www.fairfaxia.com ECRWSS Postal Customer Fairfax, TA 52228