Alburnett council accepts low-cost FY24 audit, approves park RFQ and well treatment but declines action on deductible buyback

The Alburnett City Council on Oct. 10 awarded the city’s FY24 annual examination contract to Michelle K. Thompson, CPA, the low proposer, and advanced engineering procurement for the city park while approving an amended contract to add iron-related bacteria treatment for Well No. 2. Councilors did not move to approve a proposed insurance deductible buyback policy after discussing its cost and value.

Councilors discussed two proposals for the FY24 annual exam. According to the materials read into the record by the Mayor, Michelle Thompson submitted a proposal for $5,395 and Atlas CPA and Advisers quoted $17,820. Councilor Myers moved to award the contract to Michelle K. Thompson, CPA; Councilor Bosenberg seconded and the motion carried. The resolution (2024-34) cites Section 11.6 of the Code of Iowa as the statutory basis for the required annual examination and authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute contract documents.

The council next reviewed a quoted deductible buyback policy intended to reduce a 1% property insurance deductible to $5,000 for an annual premium of $2,423. The Mayor noted the city’s total insured values and said the highest single-value exposure is the fire station (replacement value discussed at roughly $1.4 million). After discussion about payback timelines and whether federal or other assistance would apply in a catastrophic loss, the Mayor asked for a motion; no member moved to adopt the policy and the council took no action on resolution 2024-35.

On the city park project the council approved issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services to complete and manage the project. The RFQ will ask firms to submit a cover letter, qualifications and key personnel, a project approach and timeline, references, evidence of liability insurance and an estimated cost for engineering services. Responses are due by Nov. 12 for review at the Nov. 14 council meeting, the Mayor said, and staff may invite shortlisted firms to present to council.

The council also approved an amendment (resolution 2024-37) to the previously awarded maintenance contract for Well No. 2 with Northway Well and Pump Company to add iron-related bacteria treatment. The amendment increases the not-to-exceed total to $63,800 plus freight; the Mayor and Public Works staff noted freight costs were not yet specified and the amendment is contingent on Public Works’ direction to proceed. Councilor Bosenberg moved, Councilor Sukup seconded, and the motion carried.

Motions and formal actions recorded at the meeting were procedural and routine in form. Where recorded, motions and seconds were spoken from the dais (for example, Myers moved and Bosenberg seconded the annual exam award). The explicit tallies were not listed in the meeting packet or spoken verbatim; the clerk’s minutes should contain the official roll-call votes.

What’s next: the RFQ responses are due by Nov. 12 and the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Staff indicated the generator project will move to a kickoff meeting with Hawkeye and that Public Works will schedule work on wells and hydrants as needed.