The Guttenberg city council moved through a shorter-than-usual agenda when it met in regular session on Monday evening, Feb. 13. 

Revenue bonds

As discussed at last month's meeting, the council approved the issuance of revenue bonds at the behest of the Guttenberg Economic and Industrial Development Committee in an amount not to exceed $1.3 million. 

The money will be used for   costs related to the GEIDC's newly-constructed three-story office building located just south of the municipal building.

City Manager Jamie Blume said the GEIDC is eligible for a tax-exempt loan but the application needs to be under the aegis of another entity. She noted that the city would not be responsible for any part of the debt. 

City code update

The council voted to retain Simmering-Cory/Iowa Codification to review and update the city's book of codes at a cost of $7,000.  The City Manager said the last full update was completed in 2006.

Envelope inserter

The council considered a request from the city office staff to purchase an inserter that will stuff city utility bills into envelopes.  

The city used to mail utility bills in postcard form, but that is no longer feasible after new billing software went into effect late last year as part of an accounting upgrade. The city office has been working with the software provider to address some billing issues  that have arisen with the new system.

The estimated cost of the inserter is approximately $8,000. 

The city office has a printer/folder that was purchased two and a half years ago. After discussion, the city manager was asked to look into the cost of trading in the current equipment  for a printer/folder that would also insert bills into envelopes.

Building concerns

The city manager said an engineer was asked to assess a problem in the municipal building basement boiler room where pieces of the concrete  ceiling had fallen down. The boiler room is located under the police squad car garage. The situation has been determined to be unsafe. The city manager said two contractors have been asked for estimates on a temporary solution.

Discussion was held on the cost of using an engineer for a more permanent solution, and also the ongoing issues of dealing with an aging building. The city manager was asked to research what it costs to operate the building and to see if there are any grants available to help with repairs.

Masonic Lodge

The former Masonic Lodge building, located at the corner of Pearl and South First Streets, appeared on the council agenda at the request of Penny Rausch, seeking city input on their plans to revitalizing the building. Isaac Sweet spoke to the council and said they are seeking grants to help finance improvements. He spoke of several possible uses for the building, and said guidance has been sought from county development officials, an architect, historic preservation people, and others.

After discussion the council voted to approve a letter of city support if needed for any grants they  might seek.

Other business

The purchase of a mower attachment for the public works department received a green light from the council. The attachment will allow for greater versatility and safety.

The city manager was given the go-ahead to advertise for concession stand operators at city venues this coming season.

In routine annual appointments, Jim Cunningham was re-appointed fire chief, and John Hess and Steve Staebler were named to the park board.

Discussion continued on a request by Dan Parker to purchase a small parcel of city land west of his business office. The City Manager explained the process of surveying, appraisal and fees that are required. The council decided to discuss the matter in a closed session set for March 23.

Dave Bahls of the River Park Cruisers received council approval for city street and alley closures for the group's annual event on Sept. 12 — the same closures as in previous years.

The council approved the Historic Preservation Commission's annual report. 

A sewer adjustment was approved for a residence at 1108 N. Fifth Lane.

—On hand for the meeting were Mayor Fred Schaub, council members Brian Rodenberg, Austin Greve, Jane Parker, Steve Bahls and Michelle Geuder, and City Manager Jamie Blume.