CITY OF LENOX

Due to the COVID- 19 Health Crisis, Lenox City Hall is closed to public access. This Council meeting was held electronically through GoToMeeting as allowed by Section 21.8 of Iowa Code. A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on June 22, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Brown, Tull, Cruz and Zabel. Staff present electronically was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman and City Clerk, Dawne Bowman. Colleen Larimer, Shari Burger and Barb Gerber were also present electronically.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried. Brown made a motion to approve 06/08/20 meeting minutes, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve the payment of the bills, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion held on library repairs as Kitzman provided an updated priority list of repairs in order to reduce the cost of the project. Bowman discussed the bidding process while Zabel discussed the interior of the library and would like all the council members to look at it. Bowman explained that his opinion is not to tear down the library, as this has been an ongoing issue for years and it's time to deal with it. Brown commented that one of his reasons for wanting on the Council was to improve our Main Street; therefore, he would like to see the outside fixed and prioritize the maintenance issues on the inside. Zabel questioned if the POI building was still an option. Kitzman discussed the handicap ramp to the back door could be taken off the list, as it can be done by public works for less than the $45,000 quoted amount from Shive Hattery. Shari Burger discussed the windows, as the basement windows are not leaking and would not need replaced; however, there are other issues that would need addressed. Mayor Douglas explained to the Council that even after the building is water tight, there are still items at the library that will need fixed in the near future. Kitzman discussed items are budgeted on a yearly basis for repairs and maintenance of all city buildings, the library would be no different. Bowman stated that he would like to move forward with bidding. Brown discussed his frustration with the condition of the building, as it is a city owned building and why it has not had proper maintenance over the years. Tull added that we have dealt with this long enough and would agree to move forward with bidding as well. Kitzman will contact the City Attorney to discuss bidding procedures and this will be on the next agenda.

A discussion was held on employee wage increases for FY 20- 21. Zabel questioned if these increases were based on the cost of living or performance based. Kitzman added that health insurance premiums also played a big part in the decision, while Zabel discussed concerns of the amount of health insurance the city pays for employees. Kitzman added that health insurance is the only thing the city can offer its employees, unlike other places that can offer bonuses, the City isn't allowed to do that, so health insurance is all we can offer. Mayor discussed how wage increases were figured, as well as Tull and Brown discussed the process and their reasonings for increases. Zabel questioned why some employees received more of an increase than others. Kitzman stated that Ryan Brown's wage was too low when he was hired and is still too low for the work he does. Zabel made a motion to approve Resolution 20- 19 Employee Wages for FY 20- 21 with amendment for Lenox Neighborhood Center if needed, seconded by Brown. Roll call votes- all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed the Contracts and Bonds for Golf Course Grade Stabilization Sponsored Project. Zabel made a motion to approve Resolution 20- 20 Approving Contracts and Bonds for Golf Course Grade Stabilization Sponsored Project to Jeff Sickels Dozing, LLC in the amount of $52,578.50, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Tull made a motion to approve Resolution 20- 21 Library Special Funds Investment CD's, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried. Kitzman added that this CD is the library's special funds and is cashing it out to transfer to the Lenox Library Special Fund checking account.

Zabel made a motion to approve Dally Post Street Dance Special Event Permit Application, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried.

Zabel moved to adjourn the meeting, Bowman seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 P.M.