City approves little league coaches and code of conduct
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The Mount Ayr city council approved little league coaches and a new code of conduct for the recreational program at their regular meeting on Monday, April 1.
Public forum
A small crowd including Bobby Kibbe, Mark and Lynda Triggs, Guy and Cindy Fisher, Jeff Snyder, Anna Neathery listened as Sammi Jo Elliott provided feedback on the proposed little league code of conduct.
Elliott felt that the code of conduct should just be handed out as an expectation, and not be required to be returned with parent signature.
Among the comments made, Elliott brought up concerns that kids would not be allowed to wear jewelry or makeup.
“One bullet point states not to wear any jewelry and to minimize the use of makeup at games and practices,” stated Elliott, “I do agree with not wearing regular jewelry. Last year, I did buy sports earrings for the girls, which kept their ears safe.”
In general, she felt that makeup use was up to the parents’ discretion.
“I know that’s a huge part of the fun for several girls,” said Elliott, “being able to do their hair, makeup, and even paint their nails in preparation for the games.”
Little League Conduct
Summer recreation director Anna Neathery was present to review a new little league code of conduct with city council members, and to request their approval prior to handing it out to coaches and parents Tuesday, April 2.
“I will mention, I think the intent has been to protect the city as well as the athletes/kids,” stated City Administrator Brent Wise.
“Second, there was conversation held with our park board on this,” said Wise, “I do not recall anyone pushing back on the code of conduct stuff.”
The code of conduct is a change from previous years.
“Our attorney has reviewed all these documents,” said Wise, “I wanted to make sure we were going to be legally covered. He said they looked great.”
Neathery, who attended the annual training meeting, explained the information came straight from the National Little League program.
“This is a part of the National Little League program’s protocols, so it is a requirement that must be done,” said Neathery, “The code of conduct is designed for all of us to be on the same page. We’re all there to have fun, we are all there to develop our athletes, and make sure they’ve got good skills sets, and make sure they are exposed to a positive environment,” Neathery stated.
In 2018, the “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017” became Federal law. There are certain requirements from the SafeSport Act that Little League International and all local little league programs must adhere to.
To ensure all athletes can participate in sports free from bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct, or any form of emotional or physical abuse, city leaders will be taking a two-hour class.
Education and awareness are the most critical components to creating safe and respectful sporting environments, free of abuse and harassment.
Council member Mike Wik made a motion to approve the 2024 Little League Code of Conduct with 2 modifications (makeup and jewelry), and the council unanimously approved it, adding a statement about wearing makeup and jewelry “at your own risk.”
To learn about SafeSport and how it impacts your league, visit www.LittleLeague.org/SafeSport.
Garbage RFP
As part of the administrative discussion, Wise presented a Garbage RFP to the council, which would allow the city to solicit bids.
“We’ve got 3 that have shown interest,” stated Wise.
If the city did not perform garbage service, one employee’s time could be converted to extra duties, and the city would be more efficient.
Alternatively, Wise reported he also had two interested parties (both local candidates) who are interested in working for the City of Mount Ayr, which would provide additional help with garbage service.
Wise estimated it costs the city $20,000 a year to recycle.
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it, it’s just a financial impact,” said Wise.
The city has raised the rate every year, and is currently at $22.17, and plans to go near $23 next year.
“At this point, Waste Management has not presented us a renewal rate yet,” Wise stated, “They have held us at the same rate since we started discussing this.”
“I’m interested in seeing what bids would come in,” stated Jessica Bishop, “and if we would be saving as much as we think we would be.”
“It would be interesting to know what someone would bid,” stated Fetty.
“That’s why we went to managing it ourselves. Every time we turned around they were raising the rates on us,” said Mack Greene, “I don’t know I’d just assume see us keep it, and see if we can combine our days together.”
“If it is still cheaper for us to do it, then by all means, we should do it,” said Bishop.
“My only concern is the quality,” noted Chandra Poore.
After noting they need to include a clause that the city can reject bids/proposals, council member Bishop made a motion to authorize Brent Wise to move forward with taking bids for garbage, and Jessica Murphy seconded the motion. Both Greene and Wik voted “No,” while Murphy, Bishop, and Poore all voted “Yes.”
Tabled Items
Two agenda items were tabled until the next meeting, including forgiving CDBG mortgate lien pertaining to the CDBG Housing Sustainablility Award (21-HSG-013).
Administrator Wise also presented a consulting proposal from Jason VanAusdall with Iowa Inspections, LLC to help establish and facilitate a rental housing inspection program in compliance with the city minimum housing code.
The council considered whether to enter into the contract that came with a $3,500 start up fee (including 3 landlord meetings, training and template materials), and $500 per month for a minimum of 6 months, an additional $100 per hour fee for additional time spent, and a $500 inspection fee as needed.
VanAusdall currently works with Creston and Winterset.
After reviewing the contract and asking several questions, the council ultimately decided to wait until the next council meeting on April 15, and no action was taken on April 1.
Other regular business
In other regular business, the council unanimously approved:
• A revolving loan committee promissory note in the amount of $15,000 at 0% interest for a five-year term with Christi Smith/ Total Body Therapy. The note includes sixty monthly payments in the amount of $250 due the first of each month, beginning July 1, 2024.
• Setting a public hearing to adopt the full budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025
• All 2024 little league coaches as presented.
•.A retail cigarette/tobacco, nicotine vapor permit for Hy-Vee.
• A chicken permit request from Luke Graves for up to 5 chickens (no roosters).
• The resignation of City Clerk/City Treasurer Amanda Cannon. Wise noted that Cannon is the seventh employee to leave Mount Ayr since October of 2022.
Administrator Update
Wise updated the council on actions being taken with nuisance properties, noting two are still in the hands of the city’s attorney.
Referencing the General Obligation Pool Improvement Bond (series 2024B), Wise noted they are a little further out that he had hoped.
“June 18 we should have our funds to carry on as needed,” said Wise.
The next Mount Ayr city council meeting is planned for Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m.
