Royal council approves change in health insurance plan

Changes in the health insurance plan and employee salaries for next year were approved by the Royal City Council at its Nov. 11 meeting.

City Clerk Barb Fletcher provided health insurance and wage information to the council. The city pays for a single health insurance policy for Fletcher and Sherman Nielsen, the city maintenance superintendent.

According to Fletcher, the premium for the current Wellmark plan will increase approximately 34 percent next year. The Iowa Municipal Benefits Plan found another Wellmark Gold plan with similar benefits. The city’s premium costs will increase 3 percent with that plan.

“Good work finding that out,” said Council Member Arlene Wimmer.

Also discussed were salaries for 2021. Because health insurance premium costs were projected to increase this year, the council decided not to increase Fletcher and Nielsen’s hourly salaries. After discussing various options for next year, the council agreed to increase Fletcher and Nielsen’s hourly salaries by $1 and to increase hourly rates for part-time employees Lance Kruse and Wimmer by that amount.

“Everyone is really happy with your work, and so am I,” said Mayor Josh Toft.

Nielsen was also permitted to carry over one week of unused vacation time to 2021.

• Equipment needs

The city is in the market for a newer dump truck. Royal was not the high bidder for a truck sold by the City of Hartley, but the City of Paullina is seeking bids for a 1992 Ford F700 with a gas engine, dump box and straight plow.

The council authorized Nielsen to inspect that truck and submit a sealed bid of up to $6,500, depending on its condition.

“It would have to be a nice truck and at a reasonable price,” Nielsen said.

According to discussion, Royal’s current plow truck will be sold if another is purchased.

Nielsen also reported the city’s chain saw is not working properly. Nielsen would also like to have a saw capable of making cuts in cement.

Council Member Matt Goyette, who is also fire chief, suggested Nielsen use the department’s saws. He said the city could provide fuel for the chain saw and replace the chain, if necessary, and use its own blade to cut concrete.

“It’s not going to hurt them, and running is the best thing for them,” Goyette said.

Other equipment needs will be discussed during the budget process early next year.

• Nuisances, truck parking

Northwest Iowa Planning and Development was unable to inspect properties identified as violating the city’s nuisance ordinance. The mayor and Nielsen checked those properties and saw some response by owners.

“We did see some improvement, actually,” Toft said. “There were changes.”

Council members felt the next step was to forward the list of those still not in compliance to the city attorney for further action.

Also discussed was the problem of semis being parked on residential streets, which council members feel is a violation of city code. The city clerk will send letters explaining that the ordinance will be enforced and also send a copy of that code section to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

• Meter installation, code revision

Plumbing issues have been found in some residents’ homes when Nielsen attempts to replace water meters. The council agreed that owners should be advised to contact a plumber to address any problems that exist.

“I’ll tell them they need to get a plumber and then I’ll change out the meter,” Nielsen said.

Northwest Iowa Planning and Development has offered to assist the city in revising the code of ordinances. Fletcher said their services include meetings with the council or a committee to thoroughly review all ordinances and make any revisions.

Planner Darren Bumgarner will be asked to be available next month to explain the process and answer any questions the council has.