[0:00] near you. >> The Iowa to order. First of all, this

[0:04] roll call that we are joined by council member Martinez, council member Schultz,

[0:09] council or mayor pro McFaren, council member Dominguez, and council member

[0:15] Perez. Um, first up is approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve?

[0:22] » Is there a second? Second. >> Is there discussion?

[0:25] » Hearing none, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Those opposed? Nay. The

[0:30] eyes have it. And we will move on to approval of the consent agenda. Does the

[0:35] city council minutes from uh July 21st, 2026? Is there a motion to Is there a

[0:42] second? Second. >> Is there discussion?

[0:46] Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I.

[0:49] » I. >> Those opposed, nay. The eyes have it.

[0:52] And we will move to item number four which is uh 4A uh the city engineers

[0:58] report. Um and there is an information packet there. Uh and also I think Kelly

[1:05] was hoping for more on the swimming pool tonight.

[1:08] » I think we're doing the work session at the next meeting.

[1:10] » Yes. Yeah. But I'm good. I thought you would be faster. Stephen just fine. You

[1:16] would be faster. >> You're all right. With that admiration,

[1:21] you're up. >> Yeah. Oh, I didn't need Marine the

[1:24] report with me tonight. I wanted >> No, no, not the the the

[1:29] » Oh, cool. >> Oh, yeah.

[1:33] » Um, yeah. So, E6 Street, uh, MJ Electric's moving along. So, we got the

[1:40] the website. We're going to get that live tomorrow. Uh, I'm just going to add

[1:45] in the next update. And we're just going to start with bi-weekly updates in that

[1:50] that construction update link that for the city residents that I think

[1:54] Britney's planning on set sharing with through social media and different

[1:58] avenues with the residents every two weeks. So, it will be the Monday before

[2:01] the council meeting. And then when construction gets a little more active,

[2:05] when we start getting the street recon and everything, we'll start doing that

[2:08] every Monday weekly at that point along with uh having progress meetings with

[2:13] the with the contractor. So, right now, um like I said, MJ Electric's working on

[2:19] things. Uh had a couple phone calls from a few residents, but I think we got that

[2:23] all handled with sewer locating sewer services and and so forth. Um they're

[2:29] expecting to be done later this month along with the gas utility should be

[2:33] starting up any day uh relocating it and they're going to start from Clark Street

[2:38] to Corn Street and they're going to relocate that gas service. So then that

[2:41] way they'll work on the eastern half or I guess really from Farmers Lane to Corn

[2:45] Street will take place this year with the water main work being this fall.

[2:50] That's still the schedule to date. Um nothing's changed. So, I'd expect um

[2:56] early September uh when they'll get over. I don't know if they're going to

[2:59] wait until after Labor Day to to start the street work or if they're going to

[3:03] start that first week of September. That's the one piece that I'm waiting

[3:06] waiting on from the contractor, but that work will be starting from corn or

[3:10] farmers laying the corn street and then immediately after they'll start doing

[3:14] the water mane. Uh the one clarification I have is a lot of times they'll have a

[3:18] different crew doing the water mane work versus the crew that's doing the street

[3:21] work. So, I don't know if they'll have them working simultaneously at the same

[3:26] time or if they'll do one and then move on to the next. So, that's the other

[3:30] piece that I'm waiting on. And then I did talk with Eddie a little bit today.

[3:34] He's got a few more easements that he's trying to get get signed. Um, and he was

[3:38] asking me some questions and I talked with him and told him uh what we're

[3:42] doing. It's really 10 ft. There might be some that are a little more. I can't

[3:45] remember each property off the top of my head, but I told them if in the easement

[3:50] agreement it states that they're required to restore it back to condition

[3:55] previously. So, um there shouldn't be any additional language there and if the

[3:59] contractor happened to encroach further onto the property, the contractor is

[4:03] required by contract with the city to to remedy any disturbance to things outside

[4:08] the construction limit. So, if they damage a piece of the property, it's at

[4:11] their cost if they have to fix it. Um

[4:16] but yeah, those are are the big things with that. The pool, like we mentioned,

[4:21] we're going to have that for work session on the the 18th. Um 8 8th Street

[4:26] residential development, the depot chalk, that is we don't have much else

[4:30] there. Um, I think they had one or Brad TripleB might be doing the construction

[4:36] for that also and he reached out for with a few questions that we're going to

[4:41] get back to him this week that he had for things. But our two major uh

[4:45] comments on theirs was to do a standard drain or each street comes with a sub

[4:50] drain. We wanted them to go up to 6 in rather than 4 inch just because getting

[4:55] a jetdder down a 4 inch line is a lot harder than a 6-in line and the cost

[4:59] between a 4inch line and 6 in uh essentially farm tile is insignificant.

[5:05] So, usually the same price. And then the other thing was is to make sure they do

[5:09] a full design and reconstruction of the intersection at 7th and Farmers Lane. um

[5:15] rather than >> a school or no,

[5:18] » that would be at the very end where where you get what I think of as old

[5:22] Harold's old auction area. Um so, but they only had it tying into that curb

[5:28] line and we told them no, we're terminating the new Farmers Lane Street

[5:32] there. You need to redo that intersection fully. That way, if Seventh

[5:35] Street ever got done, you have a nice tie in there. You're not having to redo

[5:39] that that intersection at that time. um industrial uh storm water review. I

[5:44] think we've gotten all their questions answered. I haven't heard anything for

[5:47] for the last week or so. Um for the water department, uh we're doing quite a

[5:54] bit with them right now. Uh the antiscalant pump uh permit has been

[6:00] submitted to the DNR. Um finally got through everything with the the supplier

[6:04] to get that pump selected. And uh the good news is they found the pump that we

[6:09] don't have to go through a variance request through the DNR. So that that

[6:12] saves a lot of time. That variance requests can take four to 6 months to

[6:16] get approval. So this should only be a month to get get through the DNR. Um

[6:21] we've started work on the hydraulic model. will be meeting with the city on

[6:25] the 18th of August, also the same day as the school work session,

[6:29] » um to start going over the preliminary findings and then go over some questions

[6:33] and ultimate goals of it just to make sure we're aligned as we're we're

[6:37] getting started into that. Um we've got most of the information from the city. I

[6:41] think there's a few small things that we're still waiting on, but for the most

[6:44] part that's been done. um lead service line plan of action has been started and

[6:50] we plan on getting that report tight or finalized and submitted with the funding

[6:54] application later this month. I'm sure at the 18th uh meeting we'll we'll go

[6:58] over that with city staff um what that plan of action report is like. Um, our

[7:05] survey crew will be out later this or next week sometime actually to do the

[7:11] the topographic survey of the West Main Waterloop and then I I told our informed

[7:16] the city staff of the there's two land own private land owners that we'll be

[7:20] going through West Liberty Heritage Foundation and uh Gary's and we'll be

[7:25] working with them make sure that we got permit that they are know that we're

[7:29] going to have people on their property doing topographic survey and that way we

[7:32] can notify them that we're going to need a 20 ft utility easement through that

[7:36] section of land for future maintenance of the water man.

[7:41] And then the the last piece with that is um I think they finished up the day our

[7:47] interns getting all the rest of the city utility GIS collection. So um they did

[7:52] it Monday through Wednesday last week and then the cellular data went out on

[7:56] them. So they they had to stop midday last Wednesday and then they were out

[8:00] yesterday and today and got done around lunchtime it sounds like. So we're going

[8:04] to work with uh Magic our uh the people in Musket team to get your your GIS data

[8:10] or mapping updated with all that new data in there. So that will help out

[8:14] with the hydraulic water model too. Uh wastewater um the big one is is that uh

[8:19] it's been about a year since we started monitoring the phenol. So, I'm going to

[8:24] get all that data collected or compiled later this month um and have that ready

[8:29] sent over to to Craig over at the wastewater department and city staff,

[8:32] but I don't imagine there will be much out of there. I think it will show that

[8:36] you're doing just fine with phenols. So, hopefully we're able to remove that from

[8:40] your your permit, that compliance schedule, and we don't have to do

[8:43] anything further with that. That's that's the hope anyways.

[8:47] And then um the big action items, like I said, uh we got the construction website

[8:52] completed. Um the final draft is completed for the

[8:57] West Liberty pool. I sent that over, didn't I?

[9:00] » I did. >> Okay. And then uh

[9:04] the uh schedule for West Liberty 6 Street, we're we're continually

[9:08] updating. And then the big one is is meeting regarding the hydraulic water

[9:12] model lead service line. And then we're in September, I would imagine we're

[9:17] going to get together and start talking about the the sewer collection modeling

[9:20] because of all the rain that's been become a top of mind priority also. Um

[9:25] anytime it rains like this that sometimes gets brought back to the top.

[9:29] So >> yeah,

[9:30] » but that that's more just scoping and understanding what what is needed there.

[9:34] So um we can do something in the future regarding that.

[9:39] » Other than that, not much else. Any questions?

[9:42] » Yeah, question for council. I have a question.

[9:44] » Yeah. >> Um, so on Sixth Street, all those trees

[9:48] that you all cut down, will those stumps be removed?

[9:51] » Yeah. So when they get get in and start doing the work, they'll they'll pull out

[9:54] the excavating and everything. They'll pull out those stumps. They're not going

[9:57] to leave the stumps just >> yay high. They're going to pull out the

[10:00] » street to Columbus. If that street section won't be done until next year,

[10:05] will they take care of the stumps before winter when they do the street?

[10:10] » I will ask. I I guess I'll ask. That might be a question for the property

[10:14] owners that they want because they'll pull those out and then they'll have to

[10:17] do some temporary grading and seating if you'd want that disturbance this year or

[10:21] if you want to wait till just when everything's going to be disturbed. It

[10:24] doesn't really matter to me and I think the contractor will do whatever is in

[10:28] the interest. >> Just been curious. So,

[10:31] » I can I I'll I'll add that to the website and let them know if you'd like

[10:38] it removed this year um for the sections that aren't going to be done this year

[10:41] to contact city hall and we can make sure the contractor gets that done this

[10:45] year. So,

[10:47] » took my dad down that street last weekend. Oh my god, what happened? Did a

[10:51] tornado come through? >> It looks It looks different. That's for

[10:55] sure. >> Where did all the trees go?

[10:57] » Yeah. Yeah, >> it does look a lot different. Yeah.

[11:00] » Problem is is leaving the trees and then digging sidewalks and utilities and

[11:05] disturbing the roots. They you would have ended up with a lot of dead trees.

[11:08] So >> Oh, yeah. I'm sure. I know. They It was

[11:11] » We We've had communities that want to do that and then you're four or five years

[11:16] later they're removing all the trees because they're just dying. So, it's an

[11:20] unfortunate process that you have to deal with with street reconstruction. I

[11:23] wish I wish you could save them, but when they're that big and established,

[11:27] it's just hard to >> Right. Yeah. and making it look nice at

[11:30] the end. And that's really everyone's goal at the end of the project.

[11:35] » Okay, no other questions. Thank you very much.

[11:38] » Thank you. >> All right, city manager.

[11:41] » Um I'm just going to build off um just give a verbal update um because a lot of

[11:46] the things that I have coordinate with what um the city and the mayor is

[11:51] providing to you. Um, in addition to those items that we've all been working

[11:56] on, I think we're down to about a dozen easements that we've not been able to

[12:01] get. And so, um, so Eddie and I met today and we we've got a plan in place

[12:07] and, um, and some of them are because they're, um, they're a commercial owner

[12:14] on property and so it's just trying to connect with them to get that finished

[12:18] up. and thank you for assisting on those residential uh questions. Yeah.

[12:25] » Yeah. So, um so I appreciate he he took on that task and his manage it. So, for

[12:32] the public, I mean there if you haven't signed it, we're going to be, you know,

[12:36] following up to get those completed soon. Um then in addition to that, I've

[12:41] been working on um uh updating the police chief's job description and

[12:46] putting together a recruitment packet. And we'll be talking more about that in

[12:50] the meeting. On the economic development side, we have started the process of

[12:55] annexation for what's known as the harvest housing development. Um that is

[13:02] formerly on the Dor property, but it's now owned by um uh the Doppel family.

[13:07] And so we've started that process this Friday. We have a consultation meeting

[13:12] with the supervisors, musketine county supervisors and the wsy trustees um and

[13:18] we'll go over that information um to start going through the rest of the

[13:23] process of annexation. Um life raft. Yes. um they they knew that you guys you

[13:30] was working with them on the storm water stuff and so they have all the permit

[13:35] documents that they need to complete. um based on our conversations we've had um

[13:41] they're happy and they feel as though I mean the mayor can tell you any

[13:44] differently but um they're they're happy with the process and feel that they're

[13:48] on track with the schedule um that they were looking to have in order to get um

[13:55] the construction going on the facility. Um and then with uh Deepoo Chalk um

[14:01] we're currently just waiting for um it's being communicated um requesting TIFF

[14:08] the infrastructure and so we're waiting on the application uh so that way we can

[14:13] start the urban renewal process and a development agreement um because that's

[14:18] a lengthy process and with public meetings that will have to be completed

[14:21] on that as well. Um we're continuing to work with Westbury Foods um as we are um

[14:28] really needing to move into our SRF bonding for the project number two uh

[14:34] for the wastewater treatment. And so um really hoping that we can get that

[14:40] wrapped up so we can um possibly on the 18th post for um a public hearing for

[14:45] ESSA bonding. Um and outside of that, um

[14:54] the clerk has just reported that um right now they have um some staffing uh

[15:00] levels that um with individuals taking vacations in the summer. So just please

[15:06] be aware that you know we may only have one person, you know, at the front. Um

[15:11] but um they the clerk and the utility clerk are supporting where they can. Um

[15:17] in addition to that um the clerk has continued to work in um getting through

[15:22] reconciliation um and is working quite rapidly. So we

[15:26] should have updated funding reports here in the near future. Um and outside of

[15:32] that I think that's all I have right now unless council has any questions. I just

[15:37] want to add uh I've been to several of the meetings that Lee's had with Life

[15:42] and has been working very closely and very diligently on that.

[15:49] » Get them built and get some jobs. >> Yes. Right.

[15:52] » That's the key. >> Are there other questions for the city

[15:57] manager? >> Um public safety. So I think

[16:03] » council member Schultz or you >> Yes. We met last week uh to go over

[16:10] matters for Hood Police Department and the recruitment of a police chief. Uh

[16:15] there is a full memo in our packet that's provided. Um we discussed

[16:24] um kind of our main priority is what we're looking for police chief, how to

[16:28] get there, how to attract that. We discussed kind of the pay sale for that

[16:33] um to attract what we're looking for which

[16:38] um it's in there. Um so much knowledge and assistance from

[16:45] our partners at the Musk County Sheriff's Office and the Musking Police

[16:50] Department. Their their assistance is it's it's great and very appreciated.

[16:55] So, um, our focus is to get the recruitment

[17:01] going and hopefully attract some good leadership individuals that can lead you

[17:09] to love. >> Yeah. All right. Thanks. Other questions

[17:12] for council member? >> Okay.

[17:15] » And council member Freak has anything to add.

[17:17] » Oh, yeah. Great. Sorry. >> No, you summed it up pretty well. I

[17:20] think a good thing also established the timeline of when we want this stuff to

[17:26] happen. So they they've been pretty aggressive with that. So maybe hopefully

[17:29] in here in a couple months we'll it'll happen. We'll have something settled.

[17:36] » All right. Are there reports from council members?

[17:40] » Uh I have a couple here. Yeah, >> I did after our last meeting I did meet

[17:45] with um Clerk Pulpert and she showed me a bit of in code and kind of the ins and

[17:50] outs of that and kind of what city staff views. I also met with um library

[17:55] director Alec Parsons and she showed me on her end as well. Um it's interesting

[18:00] so I encourage anybody on council just to see what they are and the process and

[18:05] policy that we um went through at the last meeting and how it works alongside

[18:10] with them. Um, I did also meet with utility billing quick Melissa. Um, she

[18:18] helped show me the new utility online profile that's available for the

[18:22] community members. Um, I went in and signed up and it's I mean it's great.

[18:28] See it all there. Easy to log in, get that going. Um, and I did also meet with

[18:35] librarian NI as well and she showed me some of the work she's doing with the

[18:39] internet. um alongside with Ricky and Lee and Seth

[18:46] and

[18:50] » other council members.

[18:54] » All right, we will move on to item 5A, vendor voucher claim list number one in

[19:02] the amount of $514,20012.

[19:08] Is there a motion to approve? Motion to approve. Second

[19:12] » and it's been moved and seconded. Is there discussion?

[19:16] Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I.

[19:20] » Those opposed? Nay. The eyes have it. And we will move to 5B library preplay

[19:27] paid claim list in the amount of $4,683.73.

[19:34] Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. Is there a second?

[19:37] Second. Is there discussion?

[19:43] Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. The

[19:48] eyes have it. And we move to item number six, which is public comments and/or

[19:53] correspondence. And it's a time in our agenda where folks can um talk on um

[19:59] issues that are not on the agenda. No action can be taken. Um, and we ask that

[20:05] you state your name and address for the record and keep your comments to no more

[20:10] than 2 minutes. Are there any public comments?

[20:15] Are there any public comments? Are there any public comments?

[20:21] Hearing none, uh, we will move on to, um, city council member public comments

[20:27] and correspondence. We'll start with council member Martinez. I don't have

[20:31] any time.

[20:34] » I had a few mentions of more flooding and standing water, especially after our

[20:40] heavy rain recently down at the curve of 8th Street by the entrance to um Harold

[20:48] auction lot down there. >> Okay.

[20:51] » I wasn't sure I was going to check in on this, but I'm assuming that area will be

[20:55] worked with once development is maybe going possibly. It's in line with what

[21:01] um you know I can't speak for the street but um a bigger part of that is is that

[21:07] it's underdeveloped. So um so there's no existing drainage. I

[21:12] think there is there is one uh patch that's in there but it's you know I I

[21:20] can't say that it's probably not it's probably not working properly because

[21:24] it's it's under construction and with the dirt movement. Um but once it get

[21:30] then it will it's required to have storm water curve and gutter. Um that should

[21:35] and that's part of what um the city and engineer what they're looking at is

[21:40] identifying you know the impact of uh the water and the collections within

[21:45] that housing development. >> So around that corner we'll hopefully

[21:49] see those issues that true intersection. It's going to be

[21:53] a true T intersection as part of the project and that should lead it. I don't

[21:57] know when you get heavy rains. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you

[22:01] three inch rain in an hour, you're going to have ponding in the street, but

[22:05] you're you're trying to localize it and then it drains away at a decent rate.

[22:09] So, but you shouldn't see the the flooding that you have currently. It

[22:12] should improve with the the T intersection and the storm sewer

[22:15] infrastructure. And then they also have a pond there that they're going to

[22:18] provide some relief to the storm sewer system to detain the water for a period

[22:22] of time before it goes out the outlet to the creek. Very good.

[22:27] » And we do have um and we do have a preliminary

[22:32] um kind of a pre preliminary design. So if you wanted to take a look or if

[22:38] you're interested in taking a look at it, we can we can provide that. Again,

[22:42] it it just shows more of the retention pond, but it doesn't get into the

[22:45] infrastructure so much. I know nothing because they'll change that

[22:50] intersection. >> To give you kind of an idea, I'm trying

[22:53] to think of how to say this where it makes sense, but the runoff from that

[22:58] area that's being developed, what they do is they take it from like your

[23:02] 100redyear pre-developed rate that would be leaving that site. they have to size

[23:07] their their detention and everything on site to keep that same rate leaving

[23:12] leaving leaving the site after it's developed with all the streets and the

[23:15] impervious area that you're adding to it. So that's why they have the pond

[23:18] there to help detain that water for a period of time and that way you're not

[23:21] having to size your storm sewer so large that it becomes so costly and um not not

[23:27] able to construct it because it's too costly to be able to do that. So

[23:32] » they they provided a storm water report. So it, like I said, that intersection

[23:36] should be improved. It may not be perfect, but it's going to be better

[23:39] than what it is today.

[23:43] » That sounds

[23:48] » okay. Council member Dominguez, >> nothing.

[23:51] » Council member Prazik, I believe. Okay. uh city manager.

[23:57] » Um I just uh did some follow-ups with some of the public that had questions

[24:01] about the pool and um notify them that we will have a work session on August

[24:06] 18th um at 5:30. Um I did receive that report and so staff was going to review

[24:13] that and the plan will be to send that out to council prior to the work session

[24:18] to give you time to review it so you can be best prepared um with any questions

[24:22] that we could get over to Lenny. um to just be most efficient with the time

[24:27] that we have during the work session. Um likewise um I wanted to follow up with

[24:34] so we were able to we did have the stop sign um placed back on Spencer and third

[24:40] and then um we completed um I'm looking at council member Schultz because these

[24:46] are some things that we had talked about. we were able to complete um one

[24:51] of the uh one of the nuisances um that we had talked about and so that

[24:58] should be things they should be moved and should be uh in a better position

[25:02] with that residence and then the other thing is is that um still working with

[25:07] our staff about um the questions with regards to the parking um here at the

[25:13] park. So, just wanted to give you a followup on that.

[25:17] That's all I know. >> Okay. Uh, city clerk,

[25:20] » you know. >> Okay. All right. So, then we will move

[25:24] on to uh item number 7A, which is discussion and appropriate action by the

[25:30] city council on the West Liberty Police Department and timetable for police

[25:36] chief hiring. Um, and so we'll have discussion, motion, uh, consent vote on

[25:41] this. Um and council member Schultz I think has already pointed out quite a

[25:47] bit of the work and added to by council member Greasy. So um open that up for

[25:53] discussion.

[25:59] There's no discussion. Is there a motion?

[26:02] » Motion to approve. >> Second.

[26:05] » Okay. So we'll proceed with the >> report and the Yeah. Okay.

[26:10] » All right. Um then it's a consent vote. So all in favor signify by saying I. I.

[26:16] » Those opposed nay. The eyes have it. And we will move on to resolution 2026804

[26:25] 374. A resolution approving a maintenance

[26:29] service agreement with Firefly Reliability LLC for solar turbine uh

[26:35] units five and six. Um is there a motion to approve? Motion.

[26:42] » Is there a second? >> Second.

[26:44] » Been moved and seconded. Is there discussion? There's a report in the

[26:47] packet. >> I had a question.

[26:49] » Sure. >> Was there was was a RFP put out or or

[26:54] like was there a bid put out for this? Um we were able to identify um not

[27:00] having an RFP because it's a limited scope. Um, this is a company that was

[27:06] recommended by Solar, who we contract to maintenance

[27:11] uh, turbines and because we've got a limited scope of um, folks that do this.

[27:18] Um, and because they work directly with Solar um, that is why we didn't send out

[27:24] an RFP on this situation. >> Um,

[27:27] » I just wanted to make sure when we get audited that we have the justification.

[27:31] » Yep. We have that. we have that record identified as far as the the limited

[27:36] scope of the work um specific to this. So, and in and again it's unfortunate

[27:42] but we wouldn't typically be looking at that cost but the maintenance had not

[27:48] been done um for such a period of time that it's it's that's why we're looking

[27:54] at that cost in order to get the the turbines up and uh working properly.

[28:00] Have we I don't really And I know Cody's not here, but have we used the turbines

[28:07] or is this >> Yes.

[28:08] » Yeah, we've been generating. >> We've been generating um honestly almost

[28:13] on a weekly basis um especially through the whole month of

[28:18] July um and most of June. I mean early on um when we had the heat started

[28:23] coming, we we started generating. So yeah, in the last few weeks we've we've

[28:28] generated quite a bit. >> Um we just haven't we were talking about

[28:33] it today. So um I'll follow up with Cody and we can get a total hour of

[28:38] generations over the past three months and get that in my city manager report

[28:42] on the 18th for you. >> Going forth, we're going to have a

[28:47] better maintenance >> uh plan like a yearly, maybe an annual

[28:51] so it doesn't hit us quite as bad on the property.

[28:54] » Yeah. Okay. >> Yes,

[28:57] » that's where a lot of these things are being um identified as the

[29:01] superintendent is working through um and identifying that you know that these

[29:08] were in reports from Solar who handles um the contract of our maintenance uh

[29:14] but um but they hadn't been >> Yeah. And now now we have a process in

[29:20] place. Yes. And did did we get like a more specific detail of why it's so much

[29:28] like what the pieces are used or is it labor mostly or

[29:35] um so or was it just like yep here's how much it's going to

[29:40] » No, we have the >> Yeah, I apologize. I thought I had

[29:44] placed the >> As long as you have it.

[29:46] » Yeah. No, we we got the quote where it um where it the identify and it it

[29:54] breaks it down and and provides us the details. I mean the bigger part of it is

[29:59] is um you know the things that they've identified that it needs to be

[30:04] maintenance the oil changing you know um similar to your vehicle when you take it

[30:10] in and you have to have all the fluids flushed all the the oil changed and you

[30:16] know there's things that are wore out on it then they have to be replaced and so

[30:21] the amount there is based on the estimate that they see and contingent on

[30:26] work that's possibly going to be there. So hopefully it comes in less. But yeah,

[30:32] and it says like potential monthly rental fee on month two

[30:37] » is $9,000 a month. >> Yeah. And that's be because if if they

[30:43] run into issues um during this period when they're doing

[30:48] that, they are disclosing that um the rental of that equipment. It's that's

[30:54] the amount that it's based on. if they have to run into additional time

[30:58] depending on what they get into when they tear it open.

[31:01] » Yeah. And that's why it's a very limited, you know, a company and and the

[31:07] scope of work that they're going to be doing. It's it's just it's very limited

[31:11] to these individuals. So, >> why is there freight to be determined?

[31:16] » What's that? >> Freight cost. Why is that? Why don't

[31:19] they have cost on their Yeah. and bring it in and take

[31:25] them out. >> It's dependent on bringing it in and

[31:27] when they fully once they Yeah. >> Yeah. How much what what equipment is

[31:32] going to be need or parts are going to be needed for replacement. So it's an

[31:37] unknown. >> Yeah. The estimate you're looking at is

[31:41] again they're basing that off of um a total cost. Um they say to be

[31:47] determined, but there's an estimate in there that they're figuring on. they

[31:52] just don't they're not going to come right out and say it's x amount of

[31:56] dollars when the market on that, you know, could change the volume could

[32:01] change. Um, yeah, I apologize. I wasn't prepared for

[32:07] some of the questions we could have had asked Cody, but yeah, I can I can go

[32:12] back and speak with him a little bit more if we need a followup. It makes me

[32:17] nervous when it's such a high dollar amount and there's not any range, right?

[32:22] Like just to and then >> I do.

[32:26] » Yeah, I apologize. I I have the itemized document, but um I did not get it

[32:32] attached in the packet. So, >> okay.

[32:38] » I mean, basically the description is condensed of what they're doing. Um, I

[32:44] can have I can work with Cody. I mean, like I

[32:48] said, unfortunately, I wasn't prepared. Um, but I can work with him and and

[32:53] provide some more information on it. At the end of the day, it has to be done.

[32:58] And it's unfortunate that it's going to cost that. But this is us, you know,

[33:03] moving forward to make sure our turbines are functioning because right now

[33:08] they're running into issues. So they um had we not been having issues due to

[33:14] this lack of maintenance um there's a possibility that our

[33:19] generation would have been more smoothly and we would have been able to operate

[33:22] more hours in generation but because of the maintenance that is needed it does

[33:29] impact you know a timeline of generation. it causes, you know, other

[33:35] issues that could cost repair costs, replacement costs, and administry of

[33:40] time. And so, this is the most effective way. Um, and unfortunately, when it

[33:45] comes to these pieces of equipment, um, there's not much you can do that's

[33:51] not going to be >> Well, there's two of them, too. So, take

[33:55] that cost and put them towards two units.

[34:00] » Yes. >> Yeah.

[34:03] So, did they come and inspect it? >> Yes. Um, we have a contract with Solar

[34:08] is the company we contract with and they do um they do they have a routine

[34:14] maintenance where they come in and they audit, they test um and again that would

[34:21] be something Cody can provide you because it's a it's a it's a pretty

[34:26] extensive so they they're used to coming in and

[34:31] inspecting but we this is the first time that we've seen that we need to loop up.

[34:36] » No, we've had it in previous reports. Um, this is this is the time where the

[34:42] superintendent is working through those reports

[34:45] » um and aligning it with the issues. Yeah. And aligning it with the issues

[34:50] that we've been seeing that that's been reoccurring with um the equipment and

[34:57] reviewing and going back through archived audit reports. um it's helped

[35:03] them identify and then reaching out to solar and getting their recommendations

[35:08] because there's a limited you know there's a limited in uh companies that

[35:14] can do these certain things on these types of turbines and so um

[35:21] » and again uh knowing that they work with solar in align with you know what

[35:28] they're what they're recommending that needs to be corrected in in order to

[35:32] make them work um as they should.

[35:39] » All right. Are there other questions? Hearing none, the clerk will call the

[35:43] role. >> Martinez,

[35:45] » yes. >> Freezek,

[35:46] » yes. >> McFaren,

[35:48] » yes. >> Schultz,

[35:50] » yes. >> Dominguez,

[35:52] » yes. >> Motion passes 5-0.

[35:56] All right, we are now to 7C resolution 20260804

[36:04] 375. A resolution establishing and identifying the locations of official

[36:10] traffic control and regulatory sign within the city of West Liberty. Is

[36:15] there a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve.

[36:19] » Is there a second? >> Is there discussion? long list in the of

[36:25] signs in the community on part of the packet that I

[36:28] » is this something that we've done before that I've never seen like or is this

[36:33] something new that we're doing to approve all these locations? So, so it

[36:39] is something that is required of us to be able to have. Our public works

[36:43] director has always had the listing. The city council has never approved it by

[36:48] resolution. Um and while working with the codifier, he said that is something

[36:52] that we need to have on file. So that's why it's coming before you tonight so

[36:55] that we can get that implemented and then if any changes are made, there will

[37:00] just be amendments made to this resolution um moving forward for years

[37:05] to come. Nobody will have to rewrite the entire thing. There will just be

[37:08] amendments to it. >> Okay. Thank you.

[37:13] » Is there further discussion, questions? Hearing none, the clerk will call the

[37:18] role. >> Schultz,

[37:20] » yes. >> McFaren,

[37:22] » yes. >> Griez,

[37:24] » yes. >> Dominguez,

[37:26] » yes. >> Martinez,

[37:27] » yes. >> Motion passes 5-0.

[37:30] All right, we are to 7D resolution 20260804-EN

[37:37] 376, a resolution approving the leadership assessment and training

[37:43] proposal for leadership development and management training within the city of

[37:47] West Liberty. Is there a motion to approve?

[37:51] » Motion to approve. >> Is there a second?

[37:53] » Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. We're now

[37:56] open for discussion and we have Terry with us. uh via um u our audio visual

[38:04] and could answer questions too. So questions from council

[38:12] » you guys are easy. Hello. [laughter]

[38:18] » Yes. >> Um I guess my biggest question is like

[38:22] do you feel that there's people in certain positions that want to move up

[38:25] the ladder just kind of where you mean help that? Is that what you're asking?

[38:31] » Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. So, one of the things I really

[38:34] would like to mention, too, is it doesn't always it doesn't only help

[38:38] people who are um currently managing people, but also this team. Um it could

[38:46] it could help those who are um potentially wanting to be promoted. But

[38:50] I believe the participants are those that are currently in a um manager and

[38:56] department manager positions. Am I correctly? I think that's what was

[39:00] determined. >> Yeah. So, yes, the answer that's a long

[39:04] answer to, but yes.

[39:09] And just um recently um with going through

[39:14] performance evaluations um some um HR housekeeping

[39:21] um there are some the things that are have been identified

[39:26] um is looking at training for our management team. um that the bigger part

[39:35] is, you know, communication. Um you know, are we getting it right,

[39:40] are we getting it wrong? Um we don't always know until something arises

[39:45] where, you know, it's easy for us to say, "Oh, clearly there's a breakdown in

[39:49] communication. How do we resolve that?" And so a bigger part of it again there

[39:54] could be additional things identified as you know Terry's proposing here with how

[40:00] we handle this but what's complicated is is that when you take a group out to a

[40:05] large training you're not able to specifically identify within your

[40:11] organization you know what are the pieces that best

[40:14] fit you know how you operate or what improvements or what training is missing

[40:20] or are you doing it Right. And so this provides us a opportunity

[40:26] um that will I think on multiple ways connect um our supervis supervisors, our

[40:34] management. Um there's opportunities that includes um council leadership as

[40:40] well. Um we've talked about that. So this again brings in um a qualified

[40:46] individual to essentially uh get an assessment and then make some

[40:51] recommendations based on um what they have um from the training capabilities

[40:58] um that's provided here and um and see what we can do with that. So again, I

[41:04] mean it it is uh we have all these tools and

[41:10] you know it's still a challenge to communicate. Um so we we need some

[41:15] assistance on how to you know and some training on how we can identify best to

[41:20] use you know all these things we have to communicate

[41:24] » training will here in West Liberty not we won't have

[41:30] to travel staff will not have to travel outside of West Liberty to

[41:35] » so based on um and I can also we can let Terry answer um but within our proposal

[41:42] I mean it's starting off with interviews so she can interview individuals to get

[41:46] an idea of the areas and and things and then um Terry then if you wanted to

[41:52] answer you know your your training techniques or how you know what we've

[41:58] talked about um from as once we identify training or you know that additional

[42:07] steps here with your recommendations. So to answer your question, no, it would

[42:13] be happening in West Liberty so that um people wouldn't have to travel because

[42:17] nobody wants to travel, right? I get it. Um and I really like to involve city

[42:23] council. I've done this a lot in the past. I've had a business for 29 years

[42:27] and my background is in HR. So, um, I really want to hear, as Lee mentioned,

[42:34] all of the issues and things that you think are needed as well to help put

[42:38] this training together because it's really easy for me to come in and go,

[42:42] "Oh, of course, it's accountability. It's communication. It's that." Well, is

[42:46] it really? So I after hearing what all of you have to share, the mayor, Lee,

[42:55] your department managers, then I'll put something together to say here's what I

[43:00] propose in terms of what the training would look like. And then um and then

[43:05] you would say yay or nay. And my goal is always most bang for your buck. So a lot

[43:11] of people always tell me communication but I find out it's like conflict

[43:15] resolution and you know the umbrella of communication is this big and so really

[43:21] identifying what that looks like. The other thing that I mentioned to Lee

[43:25] that's pro and I think to to the mayor as well but um I think it would be very

[43:31] helpful to have for the first training the city council be part of that because

[43:36] I like to do this colors training. I don't know if any of you have done that

[43:39] before, but it's very helpful in understanding who you're working with.

[43:44] And that would again that's the more bang for your buck get everybody

[43:48] together and then that's when I would present like hey overall this is what

[43:52] I'm hearing and so this is why I chose and we chose right to do these

[43:58] particular topics. So I've done this a lot. Sometimes what comes out of it is

[44:03] there's one-on-one coaching needed. So, I um allowed for some of those hours. I

[44:09] would never go over any of this, but if I find that there's a bigger issue than

[44:12] we think, I might come back and say, "Hey, here's some additional things we

[44:17] might need." But I usually stay within or below. I mean, I I don't like to come

[44:22] in. That's not my goal. I've worked with lots of cities, lots of counties, uh and

[44:27] private sector as well, and I just want people to walk away and see maybe change

[44:32] behavior if that's what's needed. Um, and then I go away. So all of you have

[44:37] to hold each other and others accountable. So it's fun. I mean, people

[44:41] hear training and they go, "Oh." But it's like real life things. It's real

[44:45] life situations. It's real life information. So

[44:50] ask anything you want. If I didn't share anything that that maybe you want to

[44:54] know or that wasn't in here, >> let me check for additional questions

[45:00] from the council. Hearing none, the clerk will call the

[45:04] role. >> McFaren,

[45:07] » yes. >> Schultz,

[45:08] » yes. >> Martinez,

[45:10] » yes. >> Freezik,

[45:12] » yes. >> Dominguez,

[45:13] » yes. >> Motion passes 50.

[45:16] » Next up is resolution uh 7E. Resolution 20260804-377,

[45:26] a resolution approving an electrical utility evaluation agreement with Leam

[45:32] Irwin uh and uh Goldson and Associates uh LB/

[45:41] Alev Energy Advisors and authorizing

[45:46] execution of the agreement in the city of West Liberty. Is there a motion to

[45:50] approve? >> Motion to approve.

[45:52] » Is there a second? >> Second. Is there discussion?

[45:56] » So, is this different than when we've had other studies? Like the company is

[46:03] different? >> No. No. We've worked with um LeB before

[46:08] um on uh an additional study that they performed. Um now I'm

[46:15] trying to go back and I believe it it had something to do with our our in

[46:20] connect and our um those things that we're discussing and the bigger part of

[46:25] it was um the RPGI relationship >> um between the city and um and and

[46:33] identifying you know future or talking about how that relationship is. Um we

[46:38] haven't haven't moved uh any further on those pieces yet. We do have a utility

[46:44] committee meeting on Monday night where we'll be talking about those items a

[46:48] little bit more. In addition to this, um, uh, some years ago or a few years

[46:55] ago, um, we had a utility committee meeting. Um it was still on the table

[47:00] that there needed to be um the work of looking at the sustainability

[47:08] » um and um any recommendations as far as staffing sustainability of managing a

[47:17] utility um ourselves. Um what are the options out there? um what is the you

[47:24] know the the growing cost just like we were talking about for the equipment,

[47:30] the infrastructure placement and that um you know the bigger goal here is knowing

[47:36] that we have so much of this to do um and not wanting to put more cost burden

[47:41] on the utility customer. um with having a limited customer base and um this will

[47:49] also you know potentially identify you know growth and what is our potential

[47:54] with growth um but >> I don't know if the mayor has anything

[47:59] else also looking at what is the generation capabilities that we've been

[48:04] talking about >> um and those things

[48:07] » this this uh really came out of uh two different conversations with uh Amy

[48:13] Rezner, our uh attorney on this, and um she recommended that we look at a couple

[48:19] of different things. One is the IM AU, I believe I've got the initials correct on

[48:25] that, but I don't remember what it said. >> Iowa Municipal Utility Association.

[48:28] » Thank you. Uh which is the munis. Um and there are

[48:34] 147 members of uh that communities that have that. And so I've talked with Troy

[48:41] who's the director of um that uh uh program. He'll be coming in and looking

[48:47] at this uh and then uh we'll do this as well. And really goes back to that

[48:52] utility meeting that was held several years ago. Um, and as I've talked to

[48:58] both entities, um, my I have one criterion for this, and that's that we

[49:04] come out of these, uh, studies with recommendations that are best for the

[49:09] people who call West Liberty home. >> And will that include renewable

[49:14] solutions as well? Because we don't allow people to have options for

[49:20] renewable. So like even putting in the study of how it would impact like would

[49:24] it be better for us to maintain our utility or would it be harder for us to

[49:29] you know like I would love to see that as well. Um I think we'd have to go back

[49:34] and identify um that as an additional scope. This is

[49:40] more like talking about the existing. If you're talking about individuals

[49:44] requesting solar solar, um that really is that we're not we're not telling them

[49:50] no, we just do not have the process. And that's just some more followup with our

[49:56] electric superintendent. Um and it has to be able to work in our

[50:02] meters and our billing system. And so what about our ability to upgrade in the

[50:08] future to for solar? Um again there are communities that are you know investing

[50:15] in that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[50:18] » There are several and part of that is what we have available for land. But I

[50:24] what I'm hearing from the city manager is what I believe is that some that part

[50:29] we can do internally. Yeah. Here. Yeah. >> Uh and we do have uh

[50:35] » in January I I never get their name correct. We've been working with them on

[50:40] the county that they're coming in and doing more solar.

[50:46] » Um, >> so yeah, I'm I'm all uh the the

[50:52] estimates are that electric rates are going to continue to climb and that uh

[50:58] I'm certainly open to anything and everything that keeps uh our rates as

[51:03] affordable as possible for uh folks in this community. And we're talking about

[51:08] a fairly uh landlocked >> established area. Uh the recence

[51:16] um uh frankly you just don't mess with their territories and

[51:22] » um yeah I mean they're very again territory for electric utility use

[51:27] difficult to you know request a change. I um big the I just to follow up with

[51:34] what you're asking council membering is um those conversations have come up but

[51:39] it really also identifies the future relationship with RPGI

[51:44] um because of our relationship with the RPGI and our agreements um you know we

[51:50] have the generation so it um also potentially can limit us to what we can

[51:58] um what we can build on the one that we voted to terminate the

[52:05] contract. >> No,

[52:06] » that's the co-op. >> That's the interactive.

[52:10] » Yeah, that was the that was the arrangement for uh for the

[52:16] industrial park, I think is what you're referencing. Yeah. But we have we we've

[52:22] discussed our relationship with the RPGI but we have not taken any action on

[52:29] that. >> That is we have to make a decision

[52:32] within um the next year um about that relationship. Um and that's our

[52:39] contractual agreement of buying as a wholesale. That's our wholesale

[52:44] provider. >> Yeah, I thought we voted on that

[52:46] already. >> No. um the interconnect agreement um we

[52:49] did for the purpose we provide um the power to the industrial park and so we

[52:57] um council needed to discontinue that agreement in order to one either

[53:03] establish a new agreement >> or two just discontinue that so the

[53:09] alliance >> would have either put the capital

[53:12] investment into the to the >> at this part I think you are talking

[53:17] about things that would be included in the work of both of these entities

[53:22] working with us on what in the end of the day is the best for the people here.

[53:30] » Yep. We'll just want to make sure we go back is what I'm trying to say is we'll

[53:34] just want to make sure that we go back and um be clear about what we're what

[53:41] council um that we're directing. And again,

[53:44] we're going to have a utility committee conversation on Monday. And so that way

[53:50] we're very clear with them when they start working through these studies that

[53:55] we're making sure that we're collecting, you know, the data that that we're

[54:01] wanting to have um to answer these questions.

[54:06] So So I'm going to make a note of that. >> Is there further discussion?

[54:12] Hearing none, the clerk will call the role.

[54:16] » Rezac, >> yes.

[54:18] » McFaren, >> yes.

[54:20] » Schultz, >> yes.

[54:21] » Martinez, >> yes.

[54:23] » Dominguez, >> yes.

[54:24] » Motion passes 5-0. >> We are to item 7F, which is to set the

[54:31] public hearing on the budget amendment for August 18th, our next council

[54:36] meeting. >> Any objection?

[54:40] » All right, we will do that. Um so then we are to item um 7G which is preview of

[54:47] the August 18th council meeting and uh I think the important thing is a work uh

[54:53] session uh at 5:30 uh talking with the pool or talking about the pool and uh

[54:59] the report that staff has received. So other than that I think that's normal

[55:04] business. I will say uh that September 1st council meeting um I will be out of

[55:11] the country so don't miss that. Um then also u preference for return next week.

[55:20] Uh we have been delayed on completing Lee's evaluation. I wanted to get some

[55:26] other things out of the way. So, I have uh blank forms for council members to

[55:31] fill out and return to me uh by the next meeting, please.

[55:38] With that, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn.

[55:44] » Thank you. Is there discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by

[55:49] saying I. Those opposed nay. The eyes have it and we are joined.

City Council Meeting (August 4th, 2026)

Transcript