The Volga City Council held a special meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 601 Washington Street (library side).
Mayor Elaine Follon called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Council members Crystal Nicholson, Alex Fettkether, Tom
Whittle and Parker Klingman answered Roll Call. Darren Nading, Regina Weber, Trisha Weber-Jasper, Tom Jasper,
Terry Weber, Dianna Johnson, Melissa Fettkether, Glenna Whitford, Lorna Christeleit, Rhonda Fry, Joan Pope, Karla
Duff, Gina Briggs, Bethany Klingman, Tom Klingman, George Duff, and Ann Duff were also in attendance.
Mayor Follon opened the Public Hearing for consideration to dispose of 505 Washington Street. Written comments were read by the Clerk. Oral comments were received regarding building use, the historical nature of main street, current plans, restoration plans, options for loan assistance for improvements, and business development. Motion by Fettkether to close the Public Hearing. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. The Public Hearing was closed.
Public Comments: Melissa Fettkether, Shaping Volga Endowment discussed the committee’s plans to continue Volga Day on July 19, 2025 and would like to work with the City in regards to the Parade Route depending on the status of work on Washington Street at that time. Fettkether discussed the committee’s upcoming project to assist with a building cleanup and has been in contact with the owner. Additional interest has been expressed to incorporate the All-School Reunion during the event.
Appointment of Council member to fill vacancy: Two candidates presented interest in the position. Darren Nading and Rhonda Fry discussed why they were interested in serving on City Council. Questions were taken regarding conflict of interest issues. The Clerk cited the Iowa League of Cities indication that there are no violations for any of the parties who expressed interest in the Council position. Motion by Fettkether to appoint Darren Nading. Second by Whittle. Klingman noted he would abstain due to perceived conflict of interest being related to an interested candidate. Ayes: Fettkether, Whittle, Nicholson. Abstain: Klingman. Motion carried.
Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2024-26: A Resolution to Appoint Council Member. Motion by Fettkether to approve Resolution 2024-26. Second by Whittle. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Fettkether, Whittle, Nicholson. Nays: None. Abstain: Klingman.
Darren Nading recited the Oath of Office for Council.
Property at 505 Washington Street:
Council reviewed bids and proposals received by October 10 for 505 Washington Street to accept or reject any and all bids received. Motion by Klingman to accept the bid submitted by Karla Duff for $5000. Second by Whittle. Ayes: Klingman, Whittle, Nicholson. Nays: Fettkether, Nading. Motion carried
Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2024-22: A Resolution to dispose of 505 Washington Street. Motion by Klingman to approve Resolution 2024-22. Second by Whittle. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Whittle, Klingman, Nicholson. Nays: Fettkether, Nading. Resolution 2024-22 was passed.
Council reviewed Committees and Committee Chairs to include updates to Council following the appointment of Mayor, Pro-tem and Council. STREETS: Includes ditches/culverts/street work/curb/replacement/closing/new
Darren Nading, Parker Klingman, Crystal Nicholson; UTILITIES: Includes water/sewer/cable/electricity/phone Darren Nading, Alex Fettkether, Tom Whittle; DIKE: Includes maintenance, inspections Alex Fettkether, Darren Nading, Tom Whittle; BUILDINGS/EQUIPMENT: Includes maintenance, replacement, use policies Crystal Nicholson, Alex Fettkether, Parker Klingman; COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Includes promotion, information gathering, grant writing Darren Nading, Parker Klingman, Crystal Nicholson. NOTE: Committee member first named on each committee is Chairperson. Motion by Whittle to approve the updated Committee Listing. Second by Klingman. Ayes: Fettkether, Whittle, Klingman, Nicholson. Nays: none. Abstain: Nading. Motion carried.
Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2024-27: A Resolution to appoint the Standing Committees for the City of Volga, Iowa. Motion by Fettkether to approve Resolution 2024-27. Second by Klingman. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Fettkether, Whittle, Klingman, Nicholson. Nays: none. Abstain: Nading. Resolution 2024-27 was approved.
Water Pressure Project: Council reviewed the Substantial Completion letter provided by Origin Design. A punch list of items was provided before Final Completion can be issued. Diana Johnson updated council on the status of the project and agreement with Origin Design to request an extension for the CDBG in order to complete paperwork and necessary wage reporting. Motion by Fettkether to authorize the Mayor to request for CDBG extension contingent upon verifying status with the SRLF Loan Forgiveness program through Origin Design. Second by Klingman. All Voted in favor. Motion carried.
Council member Darren Nading left the meeting.
Diana Johnson explained the Additional Administration Contract presented by Upper Explorerland to cover costs until the final reporting is completed. Motion by Klingman to verify with Origin Design that the City can include the additional costs in the retainage for up to $500 per month from Ray’s Excavating. Second by Fettkether. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
The Clerk informed Council they had been approved for the full amount of the Demolition Grant from the Northeast Iowa Housing Trust Fund to assist with the barn/shed structure removal behind 500 Washington Street (address corrected). Motion by Nicholson to request sealed bids for the removal of the structure, contents, and cleanup site. Bids will be due November 11, 2024 to be reviewed at the November 11 council meeting to accept or reject any and all bids received. Second by Fettkether. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Council reviewed the ordinance relating to bag limits for weekly pickup. The current ordinance states a 6 bag limit, per week, per household. Public Works has indicated that there are issues where that limit is exceeded on a regular basis. A reminder will be included in the upcoming newsletter, and Public Works will enforce the ordinance, leaving extra bags if the limit is exceeded on a regular, ongoing basis.
Motion by Fettkether to adjourn. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:19pm.
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