THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL CODE OF ORDNANCES.  AS ORDINANCES ARE AMENDED AND PASSED FREQUENTLY BY THE COUNCIL, UPDATING OF THIS WEBSITE WILL BE DELAYED.  IF YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC QUESTION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE, CONTACT CITY HALL.  THE CITY CLERK HAS THE OFFICIAL COPY. 

CODE OF ORDINANCES

CITY OF FAIRBANK, IOWA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1-----CODE OF ORDINANCES 1

CHAPTER 2 — CHARTER 9

CHAPTER 3 — MUNICIPAL INFRACTIONS 11

CHAPTER 5 — OPERATING PROCEDURES 21

CHAPTER 6 — CITY ELECTIONS 29

CHAPTER 7 — FISCAL MANAGEMENT 35

CHAPTER 8 — URBAN RENEWAL 45

 

ADMINISTRATION, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

CHAPTER 15 — MAYOR 71

CHAPTER 16 — MAYOR PRO TEM 73

CHAPTER 17 — COUNCIL 75

CHAPTER 18 — CITY CLERK 83

CHAPTER 19 — CITY TREASURER 87

CHAPTER 20 — CITY ATTORNEY 89

CHAPTER 21 — LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 101

CHAPTER 22 — SWIMMING POOL BOARD 107

 

POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCIES

CHAPTER 30 — CONTRACT LAW ENFORCEMENT 145

CHAPTER 35 — FIRE DEPARTMENT 161

 

PUBLIC OFFENSES

CHAPTER 40 — PUBLIC PEACE 195

CHAPTER 41 — PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 199

CHAPTER 42 — PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY 203

CHAPTER 45 — ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND INTOXICATION 225

CHAPTER 46 — MINORS 227

CHAPTER 47 — PARK REGULATIONS 233

 

NUISANCES AND ANIMAL CONTROL

CHAPTER 50 — NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROCEDURE 251

CHAPTER 51 — JUNK AND JUNK VEHICLES 257

CHAPTER 55 — ANIMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL 285

 

TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES

CHAPTER 60 — ADMINISTRATION OF TRAFFIC CODE 315

CHAPTER 61 — TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES 319

CHAPTER 62 — GENERAL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS 321

CHAPTER 63 — SPEED REGULATIONS 329

CHAPTER 64 — TURNING REGULATIONS 335

CHAPTER 65 — STOP OR YIELD REQUIRED 337

CHAPTER 66 — LOAD AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS 341

CHAPTER 67 — PEDESTRIANS 343

CHAPTER 68 — ONE-WAY TRAFFIC 345

CHAPTER 69 — PARKING REGULATIONS 347

CHAPTER 70 — TRAFFIC CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES 371

CHAPTER 75 — ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND SNOWMOBILES 385

CHAPTER 76 — BICYCLE REGULATIONS 389

CHAPTER 80 — ABANDONED VEHICLES 415

 

WATER

CHAPTER 90 — WATER SERVICE SYSTEM 435

CHAPTER 91 — WATER METERS 441

CHAPTER 92 — WATER RATES 443

CHAPTER 93 — WATER LINE EXTENSIONS 447

 

SANITARY SEWER

CHAPTER 95 — SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM 455

CHAPTER 96 — BUILDING SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS 461

CHAPTER 97 — USE OF PUBLIC SEWERS 467

CHAPTER 98 — ON-SITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS 473

CHAPTER 99 — SEWER SERVICE CHARGES 475

 

GARBAGE AND SOLID WASTE

CHAPTER 105 — SOLID WASTE CONTROL 501

CHAPTER 106 — COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE 509

 

FRANCHISES AND OTHER SERVICES

CHAPTER 110 — NATURAL GAS SYSTEM 521

CHAPTER 111 — ELECTRIC UTILITY 535

CHAPTER 112 — TELEPHONE FRANCHISE 545

CHAPTER 113 — CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE AND REGULATIONS 547

CHAPTER 114 — REGULATION OF CABLE TELEVISION RATES 559

CHAPTER 115 — FRANCHISE required 563

CHAPTER 116 — CEMETERY 565

 

REGULATION OF BUSINESS AND VOCATIONS

CHAPTER 120 — LIQUOR LICENSES AND WINE AND BEER PERMITS 601

CHAPTER 121 — CIGARETTE PERMITS 605

CHAPTER 122 — PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS AND TRANSIENT MERCHANTS 609

CHAPTER 123 — LICENSING OF GAS FITTERS 615

 

STREETS AND SIDEWALKS

CHAPTER 135 — STREET USE AND MAINTENANCE 635

CHAPTER 136 — SIDEWALK REGULATIONS 639

CHAPTER 137 — VACATION AND DISPOSAL OF STREETS 645

CHAPTER 138 — STREET GRADES 647

CHAPTER 139 — NAMING OF STREETS 649

CHAPTER 140 — mailboxes 655

 

BUILDING AND PROPERTY REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 145 — DANGEROUS BUILDINGS 675

CHAPTER 146 — MANUFACTURED AND MOBILE HOMES 679

CHAPTER 150 — BUILDING NUMBERING 701

CHAPTER 151 — TREES 703

CHAPTER 155 — BUILDING STANDARDS 725

CHAPTER 156 — CONSTRUCTION PERMITS 727

CHAPTER 160 — FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS 751

 

ZONING AND SUBDIVISION

CHAPTER 165 — SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 78

 

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES

The following information is provided to assist in the use and proper maintenance of this Code of Ordinances.

DISTRIBUTION OF COPIES

The "Official Copy" of the Code of Ordinances must be kept by the City Clerk and should be identified as the "OFFICIAL COPY."

2. DISTRIBUTION. Other copies of the Code of Ordinances should be made available to all persons having a relatively frequent and continuing need to have access to ordinances which are in effect in the City as well as reference centers such as the City Library, County Law Library and perhaps the schools.

3. SALE. The sale or distribution of copies in a general fashion is not recommended as experience indicates that indiscriminate distribution tends to result in outdated codes being used or misused.

4. RECORD OF DISTRIBUTION. The City Clerk should be responsible for maintaining an accurate and current record of persons having a copy of the Code of Ordinances. Each official, elected or appointed, should return to the City, upon leaving office, all documents, records and other materials pertaining to the office, including this Code of Ordinances.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

NUMBERING OF ORDINANCES AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES

It is recommended that a simple numerical sequence be used in assigning ordinance numbers to ordinances as they are passed. For example, if the ordinance adopting the Code of Ordinances was No. 163, we would suggest that the first ordinance passed changing, adding to or deleting from the Code be assigned the number 164; the next ordinance be assigned the number 165, and so on. We advise against using the Code of Ordinances numbering system for the numbering of ordinances.

CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE
CITY OF FAIRBANK, IOWA, 1999

Adopted September 13, 1999, by Ordinance No . 249

SUPPLEMENT RECORD

SUPPLEMENT

ORDINANCES AMENDING CODE

Supp. No.

Repeals, Amends or Adds

Ord. No.

Date

Subject

Sep-99

65.02(10, 11); 65.09

246

7-12-99

Stop Intersections; Three-Way Stop Intersections

 

64.02(4)

247

7-12-99

U-Turns Prohibited

 

Ch. 140

248

8-9-99

Mailboxes

   

249

9-13-99

Adopt 1999 Code of Ordinances

 

62.01; 62.08

250

9-13-99

Traffic Regulations; Open Containers in Motor Vehicles

 

75.02(1)

251

9-13-99

All-Terrain Vehicle Definition

 

92.07

252

9-13-99

Lien Exemption

 

95.10(2)

253

9-13-99

Continuing Violations of Sanitary Sewer Chapters

         
         

PLACE IN FRONT SECTION OF CODE BOOK ALONG WITH THE

ADOPTING ORDINANCE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

CODE OF ORDINANCES

1.01 Title

1.07 Amendments

1.02 Definitions

1.08 Catchlines and Notes

1.03 City Powers

1.09 Altering Code

1.04 Indemnity

1.10 Standard Penalty

1.05 Personal Injuries

1.11 Severability

1.06 Rules of Construction

 

1.01    TITLE. This code of ordinances shall be known and may be cited as the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fairbank, Iowa, 1999.

1.02    DEFINITIONS. Where words and phrases used in this Code of Ordinances are defined by State law, such definitions apply to their use in this Code of Ordinances and are adopted by reference. Those definitions so adopted that need further definition or are reiterated, and other words and phrases used herein, have the following meanings, unless specifically defined otherwise in another portion of this Code of Ordinances:

1. "Alley" means a public right-of-way, other than a street, affording secondary means of access to abutting property.

2. "City" means the City of Fairbank, Iowa.

3. "Clerk" means the city clerk of Fairbank, Iowa.

4. "Code" means the specific chapter of this Code of Ordinances in which a specific subject is covered and bears a descriptive title word (such as the Building Code and/or a standard code adopted by reference).

5. "Code of Ordinances" means the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fairbank, Iowa, 1999.

6. "Council" means the city council of Fairbank, Iowa.

7. "County" means Buchanan County and Fayette County, Iowa.

8. "Measure" means an ordinance, amendment, resolution or motion.

9. "Month" means a calendar month.

10. "Oath" means an affirmation in all cases in which by law an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the words "affirm" and "affirmed" are equivalent to the words "swear" and "sworn."

11. "Occupant" or "tenant," applied to a building or land, includes any person who occupies the whole or a part of such building or land, whether alone or with others.

12. "Ordinances" means the ordinances of the City of Fairbank, Iowa, as embodied in this Code of Ordinances, ordinances not repealed by the ordinance adopting this Code of Ordinances, and those enacted hereafter.

13. "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, domestic or foreign corporation, company, association or joint stock association, trust, or other legal entity, and includes a trustee, receiver, assignee, or similar representative thereof, but does not include a governmental body.

14. "Preceding" and "following" mean next before and next after, respectively.

15. "Property" includes real property, and tangible and intangible personal property unless clearly indicated otherwise.

16. "Property owner" means a person owning private property in the City as shown by the County Auditor’s plats of the City.

17. "Public place" includes in its meaning, but is not restricted to, any City-owned open place, such as parks and squares.

18. "Public property" means any and all property owned by the City or held in the name of the City by any of the departments, commissions or agencies within the City government.

19. "Public way" includes any street, alley, boulevard, parkway, highway, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare.

20. "Sidewalk" means that surfaced portion of the street between the edge of the traveled way, surfacing, or curb line and the adjacent property line, intended for the use of pedestrians.

21. "State" means the State of Iowa.

22. "Statutes" or "laws" means the latest edition of the Code of Iowa, as amended.

23. "Street" or "highway" means the entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular traffic.

24. "Writing" and "written" include printing, typing, lithographing, or other mode of representing words and letters.

25. "Year" means a calendar year.

1.03    CITY POWERS. The City may, except as expressly limited by the Iowa Constitution, and if not inconsistent with the laws of the Iowa General Assembly, exercise any power and perform any function it deems appropriate to protect and preserve the rights, privileges and property of the City and of its residents, and preserve and improve the peace, safety, health, welfare, comfort and convenience of its residents and each and every provision of this Code of Ordinances shall be deemed to be in the exercise of the foregoing powers and the performance of the foregoing functions.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.1)

1.04    INDEMNITY. The applicant for any permit or license under this Code of Ordinances, by making such application, assumes and agrees to pay for all injury to or death of any person or persons whomsoever, and all loss of or damage to property whatsoever, including all costs and expenses incident thereto, however arising from or related to, directly, indirectly or remotely, the issuance of the permit or license, or the doing of anything thereunder, or the failure of such applicant, or the agents, employees or servants of such applicant, to abide by or comply with any of the provisions of this Code of Ordinances or the terms and conditions of such permit or license, and such applicant, by making such application, forever agrees to indemnify the City and its officers, agents and employees, and agrees to save them harmless from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits or liability whatsoever for any loss, damage, injury or death, including all costs and expenses incident thereto, by reason of the foregoing. The provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a part of any permit or license issued under this Code of Ordinances or any other ordinance of the City whether expressly recited therein or not.

1.05    PERSONAL INJURIES. When action is brought against the City for personal injuries alleged to have been caused by its negligence, the City may notify in writing any person by whose negligence it claims the injury was caused. The notice shall state the pendency of the action, the name of the plaintiff, the name and location of the court where the action is pending, a brief statement of the alleged facts from which the cause arose, that the City believes that the person notified is liable to it for any judgment rendered against the City, and asking the person to appear and defend. A judgment obtained in the suit is conclusive in any action by the City against any person so notified, as to the existence of the defect or other cause of the injury or damage, as to the liability of the City to the plaintiff in the first named action, and as to the amount of the damage or injury. The City may maintain an action against the person notified to recover the amount of the judgment together with all the expenses incurred by the City in the suit.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.14)

1.06    RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. In the construction of the Code of Ordinances the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the Council or repugnant to the context of the provisions.

1. Verb Tense and Plurals. Words used in the present tense include the future, the singular number includes the plural and the plural number includes the singular.

2. May. The word "may" confers a power.

3. Must. The word "must" states a requirement.

4. Shall. The word "shall" imposes a duty.

5. Gender. The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter genders.

6. Interpretation. All general provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained in the Code of Ordinances shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the Council may be fully carried out.

7. Extension of Authority. Whenever an officer or employee is required or authorized to do an act by a provision of the Code of Ordinances, the provision shall be construed as authorizing performance by a regular assistant, subordinate or a duly authorized designee of said officer or employee.

1.07    AMENDMENTS. All ordinances which amend, repeal or in any manner affect this Code of Ordinances shall include proper reference to chapter, section, subsection or paragraph to maintain an orderly codification of ordinances of the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.2)

1.08    CATCHLINES AND NOTES. The catchlines of the several sections of the Code of Ordinances, titles, headings (chapter, section and subsection), editor’s notes, cross references and State law references, unless set out in the body of the section itself, contained in the Code of Ordinances, do not constitute any part of the law, and are intended merely to indicate, explain, supplement or clarify the contents of a section.

1.09    ALTERING CODE. It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to change or amend by additions or deletions, any part or portion of the Code of Ordinances, or to insert or delete pages, or portions thereof, or to alter or tamper with the Code of Ordinances in any manner whatsoever which will cause the law of the City to be misrepresented thereby.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 718.5)

1.10    STANDARD PENALTY. Unless another penalty is expressly provided by the Code of Ordinances for any particular provision, section or chapter, any person failing to perform a duty, or obtain a license required by, or violating any provision of the Code of Ordinances, or any rule or regulation adopted herein by reference shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200.00) or imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.3[2])

1.11    SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of the Code of Ordinances is adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication will not affect the validity of the Code of Ordinances as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.

 

 

 

[The next page is 9]

CHAPTER 2

CHARTER

2.01 Title

2.04 Number and Term of Council

2.02 Form of Government

2.05 Term of Mayor

2.03 Powers and Duties

2.06 Copies on File

2.01    TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the charter of the City of Fairbank, Iowa.

2.02    FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The form of government of the City is the Mayor-Council form of government.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.4)

2.03    POWERS AND DUTIES. The Council and Mayor and other City officers have such powers and shall perform such duties as are authorized or required by State law and by the ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations of the City.

2.04    NUMBER AND TERM OF COUNCIL. The Council consists of five (5) Council Members elected at large for overlapping terms of four (4) years.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.2)

2.05    TERM OF MAYOR. The Mayor is elected for a term of two (2) years.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.2)

2.06    COPIES ON FILE. The Clerk shall keep an official copy of the charter on file with the official records of the Clerk and the Secretary of State, and shall keep copies of the charter available at the Clerk’s office for public inspection.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.1)

° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° °

CHAPTER 3

MUNICIPAL INFRACTIONS

3.01 Municipal Infraction

3.04 Civil Citations

3.02 Environmental Violation

3.05 Alternative Relief

3.03 Penalties

3.06 Criminal Penalties

3.01    MUNICIPAL INFRACTION. A violation of this Code of Ordinances or any ordinance or code herein adopted by reference or the omission or failure to perform any act or duty required by the same, with the exception of those provisions specifically provided under State law as a felony, an aggravated misdemeanor, or a serious misdemeanor, or a simple misdemeanor under Chapters 687 through 747 of the Code of Iowa, is a municipal infraction punishable by civil penalty as provided herein.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.22[3])

3.02    ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION. A municipal infraction which is a violation of Chapter 455B of the Code of Iowa or of a standard established by the City in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, or both, may be classified as an environmental violation. However, the provisions of this section shall not be applicable until the City has offered to participate in informal negotiations regarding the violation or to the following specific violations:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.22 [1])

1. A violation arising from noncompliance with a pretreatment standard or requirement referred to in 40 C.F.R. §403.8.

2. The discharge of airborne residue from grain, created by the handling, drying or storing of grain, by a person not engaged in the industrial production or manufacturing of grain products.

3. The discharge of airborne residue from grain, created by the handling, drying or storing of grain, by a person engaged in such industrial production or manufacturing if such discharge occurs from September 15 to January 15.

3.03    PENALTIES. A municipal infraction is punishable by the following civil penalties:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.22 [1])

1. Standard Civil Penalties.

A. First Offense - Not to exceed $500.00

B. Each Repeat Offense - Not to exceed $750.00

Each day that a violation occurs or is permitted to exist constitutes a repeat offense.

2. Special Civil Penalties.

A. A municipal infraction arising from noncompliance with a pretreatment standard or requirement, referred to in 40 C.F.R. §403.8, by an industrial user is punishable by a penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each day a violation exists or continues.

B. A municipal infraction classified as an environmental violation is punishable by a penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each occurrence. However, an environmental violation is not subject to such penalty if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The violation results solely from conducting an initial startup, cleaning, repairing, performing scheduled maintenance, testing, or conducting a shutdown of either equipment causing the violation or the equipment designed to reduce or eliminate the violation.

(2) The City is notified of the violation within twenty-four (24) hours from the time that the violation begins.

(3) The violation does not continue in existence for more than eight (8) hours.

3.04    CIVIL CITATIONS. Any officer authorized by the City to enforce this Code of Ordinances may issue a civil citation to a person who commits a municipal infraction. The citation may be served by personal service as provided in Rule of Civil Procedure 56.1, by certified mail addressed to the defendant at defendant’s last known mailing address, return receipt requested, or by publication in the manner as provided in Rule of Civil Procedure 60 and subject to the conditions of Rule of Civil Procedure 60.1. A copy of the citation shall be retained by the issuing officer, and one copy shall be sent to the Clerk of the District Court. The citation shall serve as notification that a civil offense has been committed and shall contain the following information:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.22 [4])

1. The name and address of the defendant.

2. The name or description of the infraction attested to by the officer issuing the citation.

3. The location and time of the infraction.

4. The amount of civil penalty to be assessed or the alternative relief sought, or both.

5. The manner, location, and time in which the penalty may be paid.

6. The time and place of court appearance.

7. The penalty for failure to appear in court.

3.05    ALTERNATIVE RELIEF. Seeking a civil penalty as authorized in this chapter does not preclude the City from seeking alternative relief from the court in the same action. Such alternative relief may include, but is not limited to, an order for abatement or injunctive relief.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.22 [8])

3.06    CRIMINAL PENALTIES. This chapter does not preclude a peace officer from issuing a criminal citation for a violation of this Code of Ordinances or regulation if criminal penalties are also provided for the violation. Nor does it preclude or limit the authority of the City to enforce the provisions of this Code of Ordinances by criminal sanctions or other lawful means.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.22[11])

[The next page is 21]

CHAPTER 5

OPERATING PROCEDURES

5.01 Oaths

5.07 Conflict of Interest

5.02 Bonds

5.08 Resignations

5.03 Duties: General

5.09 Removal of Appointed Officers and Employees

5.04 Books and Records

5.10 Vacancies

5.05 Transfer to Successor

5.11 Gifts

5.06 Meetings

 

5.01    OATHS. The oath of office shall be required and administered in accordance with the following:

1. Qualify for Office. Each elected or appointed officer shall qualify for office by taking the prescribed oath and by giving, when required, a bond. The oath shall be taken, and bond provided, after being certified as elected but not later than noon of the first day which is not a Sunday or a legal holiday in January of the first year of the term for which the officer was elected.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 63.1)

2. Prescribed Oath. The prescribed oath is: "I, (name), do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and that I will faithfully and impartially, to the best of my ability, discharge all duties of the office of (name of office) in Fairbank as now or hereafter required by law."

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 63.10)

3. Officers Empowered to Administer Oaths. The following are empowered to administer oaths and to take affirmations in any matter pertaining to the business of their respective office:

A. Mayor

B. City Clerk

C. Members of all boards, commissions or bodies created by law.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 63A.2)

5.02    BONDS. Surety bonds are provided in accordance with the following:

1. Required. The Council shall provide by resolution for a surety bond or blanket position bond running to the City and covering the Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer and such other officers and employees as may be necessary and advisable.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 64.13)

2. Bonds Approved. Bonds shall be approved by the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 64.19)

3. Bonds Filed. All bonds, after approval and proper record, shall be filed with the Clerk.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 64.23[6])

4. Record. The Clerk shall keep a book, to be known as the "Record of Official Bonds" in which shall be recorded the official bonds of all City officers, elective or appointive.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 64.24[3])

5.03    DUTIES: GENERAL. Each municipal officer shall exercise the powers and perform the duties prescribed by law and this Code of Ordinances, or as otherwise directed by the Council unless contrary to State law or City charter.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

5.04    BOOKS AND RECORDS. All books and records required to be kept by law or ordinance shall be open to examination by the public upon request, unless some other provisions of law expressly limit such right or require such records to be kept confidential. Access to public records which are combined with data processing software shall be in accordance with policies and procedures established by the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 22.2 & 22.3A)

5.05    TRANSFER TO SUCCESSOR. Each officer shall transfer to his or her successor in office all books, papers, records, documents and property in the officer’s custody and appertaining to that office.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

5.06    MEETINGS. All meetings of the Council, any board or commission, or any multi-membered body formally and directly created by any of the foregoing bodies shall be held in accordance with the following:

1. Notice of Meetings. Reasonable notice, as defined by State law, of the time, date and place of each meeting, and its tentative agenda shall be given.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 21.4)

2. Meetings Open. All meetings shall be held in open session unless closed sessions are held as expressly permitted by State law.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 21.3)

3. Minutes. Minutes shall be kept of all meetings showing the date, time and place, the members present, and the action taken at each meeting. The minutes shall show the results of each vote taken and information sufficient to indicate the vote of each member present. The vote of each member present shall be made public at the open session. The minutes shall be public records open to public inspection.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 21.3)

4. Closed Session. A closed session may be held only by affirmative vote of either two-thirds of the body or all of the members present at the meeting and in accordance with Chapter 21 of the Code of Iowa.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 21.5)

5. Cameras and Recorders. The public may use cameras or recording devices at any open session.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 21.7)

6. Electronic Meetings. A meeting may be conducted by electronic means only in circumstances where such a meeting in person is impossible or impractical and then only in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 21 of the Code of Iowa.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 21.8)

5.07    CONFLICT OF INTEREST. A City officer or employee shall not have an interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or job of work or material or the profits thereof or services to be furnished or performed for the City, unless expressly permitted by law. A contract entered into in violation of this section is void. The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5)

1. Compensation of Officers. The payment of lawful compensation of a City officer or employee holding more than one City office or position, the holding of which is not incompatible with another public office or is not prohibited by law.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[1])

2. Investment of Funds. The designation of a bank or trust company as a depository, paying agent, or for investment of funds.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[2])

3. City Treasurer. An employee of a bank or trust company, who serves as Treasurer of the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[3])

4. Stock Interests. Contracts in which a City officer or employee has an interest solely by reason of employment, or a stock interest of the kind described in subsection 8 of this section, or both, if the contract is for professional services not customarily awarded by competitive bid, if the remuneration of employment will not be directly affected as a result of the contract, and if the duties of employment do not directly involve the procurement or preparation of any part of the contract.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[5])

5. Newspaper. The designation of an official newspaper.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[6])

6. Existing Contracts. A contract in which a City officer or employee has an interest if the contract was made before the time the officer or employee was elected or appointed, but the contract may not be renewed.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[7])

7. Volunteers. Contracts with volunteer fire fighters or civil defense volunteers.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[8])

8. Corporations. A contract with a corporation in which a City officer or employee has an interest by reason of stock holdings when less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding stock of the corporation is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the officer or employee or the spouse or immediate family of such officer or employee.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[9])

9. Contracts. Contracts made by the City upon competitive bid in writing, publicly invited and opened.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[4])

10. Cumulative Purchases. Contracts not otherwise permitted by this section, for the purchase of goods or services which benefit a City officer or employee, if the purchases benefiting that officer or employee do not exceed a cumulative total purchase price of twenty-five hundred dollars ($2500.00) in a fiscal year.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[11])

11. Franchise Agreements. Franchise agreements between the City and a utility and contracts entered into by the City for the provision of essential City utility services.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.5[12])

5.08    RESIGNATIONS. An elected officer who wishes to resign may do so by submitting a resignation in writing to the Clerk so that it shall be properly recorded and considered. A person who resigns from an elective office is not eligible for appointment to the same office during the time for which the person was elected, if during that time the compensation of the office has been increased.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[9])

5.09    REMOVAL OF APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. Except as otherwise provided by State or City law, all persons appointed to City office or employment may be removed by the officer or body making the appointment, but every such removal shall be by written order. The order shall give the reasons, be filed in the office of the Clerk, and a copy shall be sent by certified mail to the person removed, who, upon request filed with the Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of mailing the copy, shall be granted a public hearing before the Council on all issues connected with the removal. The hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days after the date the request is filed, unless the person removed requests a later date.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.15)

5.10    VACANCIES. A vacancy in an elective City office during a term of office shall be filled, at the Council’s option, by one of the two following procedures:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13 [2])

1. Appointment. By appointment following public notice by the remaining members of the Council within forty (40) days after the vacancy occurs, except that if the remaining members do not constitute a quorum of the full membership, or if a petition is filed requesting an election, the Council shall call a special election as provided by law.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13 [2a])

2. Election. By a special election held to fill the office for the remaining balance of the unexpired term as provided by law.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13 [2b])

 

5.11    GIFTS. Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 68B of the Code of Iowa, a public official, public employee or candidate, or that person’s immediate family member, shall not, directly or indirectly, accept or receive any gift or series of gifts from a "restricted donor" as defined in Chapter 68B and a restricted donor shall not, directly or indirectly, individually or jointly with one or more other restricted donors, offer or make a gift or a series of gifts to a public official, public employee or candidate.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 68B.22)

 

 

[The next page is 29]

CHAPTER 6

CITY ELECTIONS

6.01 Nominating Method to be Used

6.04 Preparation of Petition and Affidavit

6.02 Nominations by Petition

6.05 Filing, Presumption, Withdrawals, Objections

6.03 Adding Name by Petition

6.06 Persons Elected

6.01    NOMINATING METHOD TO BE USED. All candidates for elective municipal offices shall be nominated under the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Code of Iowa.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.3)

6.02    NOMINATIONS BY PETITION. Nominations for elective municipal offices of the City may be made by nomination paper or papers signed by not less than ten (10) eligible electors, residents of the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 45.1)

6.03    ADDING NAME BY PETITION. The name of a candidate placed upon the ballot by any other method than by petition shall not be added by petition for the same office.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 45.2)

6.04    PREPARATION OF PETITION AND AFFIDAVIT. Each eligible elector who signs a nominating petition shall add to the signature the elector’s residence address, and date of signing. The person whose nomination is proposed by the petition shall not sign it. Each candidate shall complete and file a signed, notarized affidavit of candidacy. The affidavit shall be filed at the same time as the nomination petition. The affidavit shall be in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State and shall include information required by the Code of Iowa.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 45.3)

6.05    FILING, PRESUMPTION, WITHDRAWALS, OBJECTIONS. The time and place of filing nomination petitions, the presumption of validity thereof, the right of a candidate so nominated to withdraw and the effect of such withdrawal, and the right to object to the legal sufficiency of such petitions, or to the eligibility of the candidate, shall be governed by the appropriate provisions of Chapter 44 of the Code of Iowa.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 45.4)

6.06    PERSONS ELECTED. The candidates who receive the greatest number of votes for each office on the ballot are elected, to the extent necessary to fill the positions open.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.8[3])

 

 

 

[The next page is 35]

CHAPTER 7

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

7.01 Purpose

7.05 Operating Budget Preparation

7.02 Finance Officer

7.06 Budget Amendments

7.03 Cash Control

7.07 Accounting

7.04 Fund Control

7.08 Financial Reports

7.01    PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to establish policies and provide for rules and regulations governing the management of the financial affairs of the City.

7.02    FINANCE OFFICER. The Clerk is the finance and accounting officer of the City and is responsible for the administration of the provisions of this chapter.

7.03    CASH CONTROL. To assure the proper accounting and safe custody of moneys the following shall apply:

1. Deposit of Funds. All moneys or fees collected for any purpose by any City officer shall be deposited through the office of the finance officer. If any said fees are due to an officer, they shall be paid to the officer by check drawn by the finance officer and approved by the Council only upon such officer’s making adequate reports relating thereto as required by law, ordinance or Council directive.

2. Deposits and Investments. All moneys belonging to the City shall be promptly deposited in depositories selected by the Council in amounts not exceeding the authorized depository limitation established by the Council or invested in accordance with the City’s written investment policy and State law, including joint investments as authorized by Section 384.21 of the Code of Iowa.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.21, 12B.10, 12C.1)

3. Petty Cash Fund. The finance officer shall be custodian of a petty cash fund for the payment of small claims for minor purchases, collect-on-delivery transportation charges and small fees customarily paid at the time of rendering a service, for which payments the finance officer shall obtain some form of receipt or bill acknowledged as paid by the vendor or agent. At such time as the petty cash fund is approaching depletion, the finance officer shall draw a check for replenishment in the amount of the accumulated expenditures and said check and supporting detail shall be submitted to the Council as a claim in the usual manner for claims and charged to the proper funds and accounts. It shall not be used for salary payments or other personal services or personal expenses.

7.04    FUND CONTROL. There shall be established and maintained separate and distinct funds in accordance with the following:

1. Revenues. All moneys received by the City shall be credited to the proper fund as required by law, ordinance or resolution.

2. Expenditures. No disbursement shall be made from a fund unless such disbursement is authorized by law, ordinance or resolution, was properly budgeted, and supported by a claim approved by the Council.

3. Emergency Fund. No transfer may be made from any fund to the Emergency Fund.

(IAC, 545-2.5 [384,388], Sec. 2.5[2])

4. Debt Service Fund. Except where specifically prohibited by State law, moneys may be transferred from any other City fund to the Debt Service Fund to meet payments of principal and interest. Such transfers must be authorized by the original budget or a budget amendment.

(IAC, 545-2.5[384,388] Sec. 2.5[3])

5. Capital Improvements Reserve Fund. Except where specifically prohibited by State law, moneys may be transferred from any City fund to the Capital Improvements Reserve Fund. Such transfers must be authorized by the original budget or a budget amendment.

(IAC, 545-2.5[384,388] Sec. 2.5[4])

6. Utility and Enterprise Funds. A surplus in a Utility or Enterprise Fund may be transferred to any other City fund, except the Emergency Fund and Road Use Tax Funds, by resolution of the Council. A surplus may exist only after all required transfers have been made to any restricted accounts in accordance with the terms and provisions of any revenue bonds or loan agreements relating to the Utility or Enterprise Fund. A surplus is defined as the cash balance in the operating account or the unrestricted retained earnings calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in excess of:

A. The amount of the expense of disbursements for operating and maintaining the utility or enterprise for the preceding three (3) months, and

B. The amount necessary to make all required transfers to restricted accounts for the succeeding three (3) months.

(IAC, 545-2.5[384,388], Sec. 2.5[5])

7. Balancing of Funds. Fund accounts shall be reconciled at the close of each month and a report thereof submitted to the Council.

7.05    OPERATING BUDGET PREPARATION. The annual operating budget of the City shall be prepared in accordance with the following:

1. Proposal Prepared. The finance officer is responsible for preparation of the annual budget detail, for review by the Mayor and Council and adoption by the Council in accordance with directives of the Mayor and Council.

2. Boards and Commissions. All boards, commissions and other administrative agencies of the City that are authorized to prepare and administer budgets must submit their budget proposals to the finance officer for inclusion in the proposed City budget at such time and in such form as required by the Council.

3. Submission to Council. The finance officer shall submit the completed budget proposal to the Council no later than February 15 of each year.

4. Council Review. The Council shall review the proposed budget and may make any adjustments in the budget which it deems appropriate before accepting such proposal for publication, hearing and final adoption.

5. Notice of Hearing. Upon adopting a proposed budget the Council shall set a date for public hearing thereon to be held before March 15 and cause notice of such hearing and a summary of the proposed budget to be published not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) days before the date established for the hearing. Proof of such publication must be filed with the County Auditor.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.16[3])

6. Copies of Budget on File. Not less than twenty (20) days before the date that the budget must be certified to the County Auditor and not less than ten (10) days before the public hearing, the Clerk shall make available a sufficient number of copies of the detailed budget to meet the requests of taxpayers and organizations, and have them available for distribution at the offices of the Mayor and Clerk and at the City library.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.16[2])

7. Adoption and Certification. After the hearing, the Council shall adopt, by resolution, a budget for at least the next fiscal year and the Clerk shall certify the necessary tax levy for the next fiscal year to the County Auditor and the County Board of Supervisors. The tax levy certified may be less than, but not more than, the amount estimated in the proposed budget. Two copies each of the detailed budget as adopted and of the tax certificate must be transmitted to the County Auditor.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.16[5])

7.06    BUDGET AMENDMENTS. A City budget finally adopted for the following fiscal year becomes effective July 1 and constitutes the City appropriation for each program and purpose specified therein until amended as provided by this section.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.18)

1. Program Increase. Any increase in the amount appropriated to a program must be prepared, adopted and subject to protest in the same manner as the original budget.

(IAC, 545-2.2 [384, 388])

2. Program Transfer. Any transfer of appropriation from one program to another must be prepared, adopted and subject to protest in the same manner as the original budget.

(IAC, 545-2.3 [384, 388])

3. Activity Transfer. Any transfer of appropriation from one activity to another activity within a program must be approved by resolution of the Council.

(IAC, 545-2.4 [384, 388])

4. Administrative Transfers. The finance officer shall have the authority to adjust, by transfer or otherwise, the appropriations allocated within a specific activity without prior Council approval.

(IAC, 545-2.4 [384, 388])

7.07    ACCOUNTING. The accounting records of the City shall consist of not less than the following:

1. Books of Original Entry. There shall be established and maintained books of original entry to provide a chronological record of cash received and disbursed.

2. General Ledger. There shall be established and maintained a general ledger controlling all cash transactions, budgetary accounts and for recording unappropriated surpluses.

3. Checks. Checks shall be prenumbered and signed by the Clerk following Council approval, except as provided by subsection 5 hereof.

4. Budget Accounts. There shall be established such individual accounts to record receipts by source and expenditures by program and activity as will provide adequate information and control for budgeting purposes as planned and approved by the Council. Each individual account shall be maintained within its proper fund and so kept that receipts can be immediately and directly compared with revenue estimates and expenditures can be related to the authorizing appropriation. No expenditure shall be posted except to the appropriation for the function and purpose for which the expense was incurred.

5. Immediate Payment Authorized. The Council may by resolution authorize the Clerk to issue checks for immediate payment of amounts due, which if not paid promptly would result in loss of discount, penalty for late payment or additional interest cost. Any such payments made shall be reported to the Council for review and approval with and in the same manner as other claims at the next meeting following such payment. The resolution authorizing immediate payment shall specify the type of payment so authorized and may include but is not limited to payment of utility bills, contractual obligations, payroll and bond principal and interest.

6. Utilities. The finance officer shall perform and be responsible for accounting functions of the municipally owned utilities.

7.08    FINANCIAL REPORTS. The finance officer shall prepare and file the following financial reports:

1. Monthly Reports. There shall be submitted to the Council each month a report showing the activity and status of each fund, program, sub-program and activity for the preceding month.

2. Annual Report. Not later than December first of each year there shall be published an annual report containing a summary for the preceding fiscal year of all collections and receipts, all accounts due the City, and all expenditures, the current public debt of the City, and the legal debt limit of the City for the current fiscal year. A copy of the annual report must be filed with the Auditor of State not later than December 1 of each year.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.22)

 

 

 

[The next page is 45]

CHAPTER 8

URBAN RENEWAL

8.01 Purpose

8.03 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area

8.02 Fairbank Urban Renewal Area

 

8.01    PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the division of taxes levied on the taxable property in the Urban Renewal Areas of the City each year by and for the benefit of the State, City, County, school districts or other taxing districts after the effective date of the ordinances codified in this chapter in order to create a special fund to pay the principal of and interest on loans, advances or indebtedness, including bonds proposed to be issued by the City, to finance projects in such areas.

8.02    FAIRBANK URBAN RENEWAL AREA. The provisions of this section apply to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area, the boundaries of which are set out below, such area having been identified in the Urban Renewal Plan approved by the Council by resolution adopted on December 23, 1991:

Part of the northeast quadrant of the City of Fairbank, generally within the boundaries of Grove Street on the south, 1st Street, Forest Street and 4th Street extended on the west; the corporate limits on the north and the corporate limits on the east; plus a triangular piece of property adjacent to the eastern corporate limits, all as more fully shown on a map in the City Clerk’s office, and including the full right-of-way of any streets forming the boundaries of the area.

 

The taxes levied on the taxable property in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area each year by and for the benefit of the State, the City, the County and any school district or other taxing district in which the such Urban Renewal Area is located, from and after the effective date of Ordinance No. 209, shall be divided as follows:

1. That portion of the taxes which would be produced by the rate at which the tax is levied each year by or for each of the taxing districts upon the total sum of the assessed value of the taxable property in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area, as shown on the assessment roll as of January 1, 1990, shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into the fund for the respective taxing district as taxes by or for said taxing district into which all other property taxes are paid. For the purpose of allocating taxes levied by or for any taxing district which did not include the territory in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area on the effective date of Ordinance No. 209, but to which the territory has been annexed or otherwise included after said effective date, the assessment roll as of January 1, 1990, shall be used in determining the assessed valuation of the taxable property in said Fairbank Urban Renewal Area on the effective date.

2. That portion of the taxes each year in excess of such amounts shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into a special fund of the City to pay the principal of and interest on loans, advances or indebtedness, whether funded, refunded, assumed or otherwise, including bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9[1] of the Code of Iowa, incurred by the City to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, projects in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area, except that taxes for the payment of bonds and interest of each taxing district shall be collected against all taxable property within the taxing district without limitation by the provisions of this section. Unless and until the total assessed valuation of the taxable property in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area exceeds the total assessed value of the taxable property in such area as shown on the assessment roll referred to in subsection 1 of this section, all of the taxes levied and collected upon the taxable property in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts as taxes by or for said taxing districts in the same manner as all other property taxes. When such loans, advances, indebtedness, and bonds, if any, and interest thereon, have been paid, all money thereafter received from taxes upon the taxable property in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts in the same manner as taxes on all other property.

3. The portion of taxes mentioned in subsection 2 of this section and the special fund into which that portion shall be paid may be irrevocably pledged by the City for the payment of the principal and interest on loans, advances, bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9[1] of the Code of Iowa, or indebtedness incurred by the City to finance or refinance in whole or in part projects in the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area.

4. As used in this section, the word "taxes" includes, but is not limited to, all levies on an ad valorem basis upon land or real property.

8.03    1998 ADDITION TO THE FAIRBANK URBAN RENEWAL AREA. The provisions of this section apply to the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area, the boundaries of which are set out below, such area having been identified in the Urban Renewal Plan approved by the Council by resolution adopted on July 13, 1998:

Fayette County:

The West 870 feet of the Southwest ¼ of the Southwest ¼, Section 33, Township 91 North, Range 10 West of the 5th P.M., Fayette County, Iowa, except the south 601 feet thereof.

Buchanan County:

The Northwest ¼ of the Northwest ¼ 4-90-10 lying north of the railroad right-of-way and south of Front Street, City of Fairbank, Buchanan County, Iowa.

 

The taxes levied on the taxable property in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area each year by and for the benefit of the State, the City, the County and any school district or other taxing district in which the such Urban Renewal Area is located, from and after the effective date of Ordinance No. 243, shall be divided as follows:

1. That portion of the taxes which would be produced by the rate at which the tax is levied each year by or for each of the taxing districts upon the total sum of the assessed value of the taxable property in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area, as shown on the assessment roll as of January 1 of the calendar year preceding the first calendar year in which the City certifies to the County Auditor the amount of loans, advances, indebtedness or bonds payable from the special fund referred to in subsection 2 below, shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into the fund for the respective taxing district as taxes by or for said taxing district into which all other property taxes are paid. For the purpose of allocating taxes levied by or for any taxing district which did not include the territory in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area on the effective date of Ordinance No. 243, but to which the territory has been annexed or otherwise included after said effective date, the assessment roll applicable to property in the annexed territory as of January 1 of the calendar year preceding the effective date of the ordinance which amends the plan for the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area to include the annexed area shall be used in determining the assessed valuation of the taxable property in the annexed area.

2. That portion of the taxes each year in excess of such amounts shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into a special fund of the City to pay the principal of and interest on loans, advances or indebtedness, whether funded, refunded, assumed or otherwise, including bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9[1] of the Code of Iowa, incurred by the City to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, projects in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area, except that taxes for the payment of bonds and interest of each taxing district shall be collected against all taxable property within the taxing district without limitation by the provisions of this section. Unless and until the total assessed valuation of the taxable property in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area exceeds the total assessed value of the taxable property in such area as shown on the assessment roll referred to in subsection 1 of this section, all of the taxes levied and collected upon the taxable property in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts as taxes by or for said taxing districts in the same manner as all other property taxes. When such loans, advances, indebtedness, and bonds, if any, and interest thereon, have been paid, all money thereafter received from taxes upon the taxable property in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts in the same manner as taxes on all other property.

3. The portion of taxes mentioned in subsection 2 of this section and the special fund into which that portion shall be paid may be irrevocably pledged by the City for the payment of the principal and interest on loans, advances, bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9[1] of the Code of Iowa, or indebtedness incurred by the City to finance or refinance in whole or in part projects in the 1998 Addition to the Fairbank Urban Renewal Area.

4. As used in this section, the word "taxes" includes, but is not limited to, all levies on an ad valorem basis upon land or real property.

 

 

[The next page is 71]

CHAPTER 15

MAYOR

15.01 Term of Office

15.04 Compensation

15.02 Powers and Duties

15.05 Voting

15.03 Appointments

 

15.01    TERM OF OFFICE. The Mayor is elected for a term of two (2) years.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.2)

15.02    POWERS AND DUTIES. The powers and duties of the Mayor are as follows:

1. Chief Executive Officer. Act as the chief executive officer of the City and presiding officer of the Council, supervise all departments of the City, give direction to department heads concerning the functions of the departments, and have the power to examine all functions of the municipal departments, their records and to call for special reports from department heads at any time.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[1])

2. Proclamation of Emergency. Have authority to take command of the police and govern the City by proclamation, upon making a determination that a time of emergency or public danger exists. Within the City limits, the Mayor has all the powers conferred upon the Sheriff to suppress disorders.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[2])

3. Special Meetings. Call special meetings of the Council when the Mayor deems such meetings necessary to the interests of the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[1])

4. Mayor’s Veto. Sign, veto or take no action on an ordinance, amendment or resolution passed by the Council. The Mayor may veto an ordinance, amendment or resolution within fourteen days after passage. The Mayor shall explain the reasons for the veto in a written message to the Council at the time of the veto.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.5 & 380.6[2])

5. Reports to Council. Make such oral or written reports to the Council as required. These reports shall concern municipal affairs generally, the municipal departments, and recommendations suitable for Council action.

6. Negotiations. Represent the City in all negotiations properly entered into in accordance with law or ordinance. The Mayor shall not represent the City where this duty is specifically delegated to another officer by law, ordinance, or Council direction.

7. Contracts. Whenever authorized by the Council, sign contracts on behalf of the City.

8. Professional Services. Upon order of the Council, secure for the City such specialized and professional services not already available to the City. In executing the order of the Council, the Mayor shall act in accordance with the Code of Ordinances and the laws of the State.

9. Licenses and Permits. Sign all licenses and permits which have been granted by the Council, except those designated by law or ordinance to be issued by another municipal officer.

10. Nuisances. Issue written order for removal, at public expense, any nuisance for which no person can be found responsible and liable.

11. Absentee Officer. Make appropriate provision that duties of any absentee officer be carried on during such absence.

15.03    APPOINTMENTS. The Mayor shall appoint the following officials:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.4)

    1. Mayor Pro Tem
    2. Library Board of Trustees
    3. Swimming Pool Board

15.04    COMPENSATION. The salary of the Mayor is two hundred dollars ($200.00) per month.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[8])

15.05    VOTING. The Mayor is not a member of the Council and may not vote as a member of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.4)

 

CHAPTER 16

MAYOR PRO TEM

16.01 Vice President of Council

16.03 Voting Rights

16.02 Powers and Duties

16.04 Compensation

16.01    VICE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL. The Mayor Pro Tem is vice president of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[3])

16.02    POWERS AND DUTIES. Except for the limitations otherwise provided herein, the Mayor Pro Tem shall perform the duties of the Mayor in cases of absence or inability of the Mayor to perform such duties. In the exercise of the duties of the office the Mayor Pro Tem shall not have power to employ, or discharge from employment, officers or employees that the Mayor has the power to appoint, employ or discharge without the approval of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[3])

16.03    VOTING RIGHTS. The Mayor Pro Tem shall have the right to vote as a member of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[3])

16.04    COMPENSATION. If the Mayor Pro Tem performs the duties of the Mayor during the Mayor’s absence or disability for a continuous period of fifteen (15) days or more, the Mayor Pro Tem may be paid for that period the compensation as determined by the Council, based upon the Mayor Pro Tem’s performance of the Mayor’s duties and upon the compensation of the Mayor.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[8])

 

 

 

 

 

° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° °

CHAPTER 17

COUNCIL

17.01 Number and Term of Council

17.04 Council Meetings

17.02 Powers and Duties

17.05 Appointments

17.03 Exercise of Power

17.06 Compensation

17.01    NUMBER AND TERM OF COUNCIL. The Council consists of five (5) Council members elected at large for overlapping terms of four (4) years.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.4 & 376.2)

17.02    POWERS AND DUTIES. The powers and duties of the Council include, but are not limited to the following:

1. General. All powers of the City are vested in the Council except as otherwise provided by law or ordinance.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.2[1])

2. Wards. By ordinance, the Council may divide the City into wards based upon population, change the boundaries of wards, eliminate wards or create new wards.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[7])

3. Fiscal Authority. The Council shall apportion and appropriate all funds, and audit and allow all bills, accounts, payrolls and claims, and order payment thereof. It shall make all assessments for the cost of street improvements, sidewalks, sewers and other work, improvement or repairs which may be specially assessed.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.2[1], 384.16 & 384.38 [1])

4. Public Improvements. The Council shall make all orders for the doing of work, or the making or construction of any improvements, bridges or buildings.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.2[1])

5. Contracts. The Council shall make or authorize the making of all contracts. No contract shall bind or be obligatory upon the City unless adopted by resolution of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.100)

6. Employees. The Council shall authorize, by resolution, the number, duties, term of office and compensation of employees or officers not otherwise provided for by State law or the Code of Ordinances.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

7. Setting Compensation for Elected Officers. By ordinance, the Council shall prescribe the compensation of the Mayor, Council members, and other elected City officers, but a change in the compensation of the Mayor does not become effective during the term in which the change is adopted, and the Council shall not adopt such an ordinance changing the compensation of any elected officer during the months of November and December in the year of a regular City election. A change in the compensation of Council members becomes effective for all Council members at the beginning of the term of the Council members elected at the election next following the change in compensation.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[8])

17.03    EXERCISE OF POWER. The Council shall exercise a power only by the passage of a motion, a resolution, an amendment or an ordinance in the following manner:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.3[1])

1. Action by Council. Passage of an ordinance, amendment or resolution requires a majority vote of all of the members of the Council. Passage of a motion requires a majority vote of a quorum of the Council. A resolution must be passed to spend public funds in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) on any one project, or to accept public improvements and facilities upon their completion. Each Council member’s vote on a measure must be recorded. A measure which fails to receive sufficient votes for passage shall be considered defeated.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.4)

2. Overriding Mayor’s Veto. Within thirty (30) days after the Mayor’s veto, the Council may pass the measure again by a vote of not less than two-thirds of all of the members of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.6[2])

3. Measures Become Effective. Measures passed by the Council become effective in one of the following ways:

A. An ordinance or amendment signed by the Mayor becomes effective when the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance is published, unless a subsequent effective date is provided within the ordinance or amendment.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.6[1a])

B. A resolution signed by the Mayor becomes effective immediately upon signing.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.6[1b])

C. A motion becomes effective immediately upon passage of the motion by the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.6[1c])

D. If the Mayor vetoes an ordinance, amendment or resolution and the Council repasses the measure after the Mayor’s veto, a resolution becomes effective immediately upon repassage, and an ordinance or amendment becomes a law when the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance is published, unless a subsequent effective date is provided within the ordinance or amendment.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.6[2])

E. If the Mayor takes no action on an ordinance, amendment or resolution, a resolution becomes effective fourteen (14) days after the date of passage, and an ordinance or amendment becomes law when the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance is published, but not sooner than fourteen (14) days after the date of passage, unless a subsequent effective date is provided within the ordinance or amendment.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.6[3])

"All of the members of the Council" refers to all of the seats of the Council including a vacant seat and a seat where the member is absent, but does not include a seat where the Council member declines to vote by reason of a conflict of interest.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.4)

17.04    COUNCIL MEETINGS. Procedures for giving notice of meetings of the Council and other provisions regarding the conduct of Council meetings are contained in Section 5.06 of this Code of Ordinances. Additional particulars relating to Council meetings are the following:

1. Regular Meetings. The time and place of the regular meetings of the Council shall be fixed by resolution of the Council.

2. Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be held upon call of the Mayor or upon the written request of a majority of the members of the Council submitted to the Clerk. Notice of a special meeting shall specify the date, time, place and subject of the meeting and such notice shall be given personally or left at the usual place of residence of each member of the Council. A record of the service of notice shall be maintained by the Clerk.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[5])

3. Quorum. A majority of all Council members is a quorum.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[1])

4. Rules of Procedure. The Council shall determine its own rules and maintain records of its proceedings.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[5])

5. Compelling Attendance. Any three (3) members of the Council can compel the attendance of the absent members at any regular, adjourned or duly called meeting, by serving a written notice upon the absent members to attend at once.

17.05    APPOINTMENTS. The Council shall appoint the following officials and prescribe their powers, duties, compensation and term of office:

    1. City Clerk
    2. City Attorney
    3. City Treasurer

17.06    COMPENSATION. The salary of each Council member is thirty dollars ($30.00) for each meeting of the Council attended.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[8])

 

 

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CHAPTER 18

CITY CLERK

18.01 Appointment and Compensation

18.08 Records

18.02 Powers and Duties: General

18.09 Attendance at Meetings

18.03 Publication of Minutes

18.10 Issue Licenses and Permits

18.04 Recording Measures

18.11 Notify Appointees

18.05 Publication

18.12 Elections

18.06 Authentication

18.13 City Seal

18.07 Certify Measures

 

18.01    APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION. At its first meeting in January following the regular city election the Council shall appoint by majority vote a City Clerk to serve for a term of two (2) years. The Clerk shall receive such compensation as established by resolution of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[3])

18.02    POWERS AND DUTIES: GENERAL. The Clerk, or in the Clerk’s absence or inability to act, the Deputy Clerk, has the powers and duties as provided in this chapter, this Code of Ordinances and the law.

18.03    PUBLICATION OF MINUTES. The Clerk shall attend all regular and special Council meetings and within fifteen (15) days following a regular or special meeting shall cause the minutes of the proceedings thereof to be published. Such publication shall include a list of all claims allowed and a summary of all receipts and shall show the gross amount of the claim.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[6])

18.04    RECORDING MEASURES. The Clerk shall promptly record each measure considered by the Council and record a statement with the measure, where applicable, indicating whether the Mayor signed, vetoed or took no action on the measure, and whether the measure was repassed after the Mayor’s veto.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.7[1 & 2])

18.05    PUBLICATION. The Clerk shall cause to be published all ordinances, enactments, proceedings and official notices requiring publication as follows:

1. Time. If notice of an election, hearing, or other official action is required by this Code of Ordinances or law, the notice must be published at least once, not less than four (4) nor more than twenty (20) days before

the date of the election, hearing or other action, unless otherwise provided by law.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.3[1])

2. Manner of Publication. A publication required by this Code of Ordinances or law must be in a newspaper published at least once weekly and having general circulation in the City, except that ordinances and amendments may be published by posting in the following places:

Fairbank City Hall, 116 East Main Street

Fairbank State Bank, 119 East Main Street

U. S. Post Office, 201 East Main Street

The Clerk is hereby directed to post promptly such ordinances and amendments, and to leave them so posted for not less than ten (10) days after the first date of posting. Unauthorized removal of the posted ordinance or amendment prior to the completion of the ten days shall not affect the validity of said ordinance or amendment. The Clerk shall note the first date of such posting on the official copy of the ordinance and in the official ordinance book immediately following the ordinance.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 362.3[2])

18.06    AUTHENTICATION. The Clerk shall authenticate all measures except motions with the Clerk’s signature, certifying the time and manner of publication when required.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.7[4])

18.07    CERTIFY MEASURES. The Clerk shall certify all measures establishing any zoning district, building lines, or fire limits and a plat showing the district, lines, or limits to the recorder of the County containing the affected parts of the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.11)

18.08    RECORDS. The Clerk shall maintain the specified City records in the following manner:

1. Ordinances and Codes. Maintain copies of all effective City ordinances and codes for public use.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.7[5])

2. Custody. Have custody and be responsible for the safekeeping of all writings or documents in which the City is a party in interest unless otherwise specifically directed by law or ordinance.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

3. Maintenance. Maintain all City records and documents, or accurate reproductions, for at least five (5) years except that ordinances, resolutions, Council proceedings, records and documents, or accurate reproductions, relating to the issuance, cancellation, transfer, redemption or replacement of public bonds or obligations shall be kept for at least eleven (11) years following the final maturity of the bonds or obligations. Ordinances, resolutions, Council proceedings, records and documents, or accurate reproductions, relating to real property transactions shall be maintained permanently.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[3 & 5])

4. Provide Copy. Furnish upon request to any municipal officer a copy of any record, paper or public document under the Clerk’s control when it may be necessary to such officer in the discharge of such officer’s duty; furnish a copy to any citizen when requested upon payment of the fee set by Council resolution; under the direction of the Mayor or other authorized officer, affix the seal of the City to those public documents or instruments which by ordinance and Code of Ordinances are required to be attested by the affixing of the seal.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4 & 5] and 380.7[5])

5. Filing of Communications. Keep and file all communications and petitions directed to the Council or to the City generally. The Clerk shall endorse thereon the action of the Council taken upon matters considered in such communications and petitions.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

18.09    ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS. At the direction of the Council, the Clerk shall attend meetings of committees, boards and commissions. The Clerk shall record and preserve a correct record of the proceedings of such meetings.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

18.10    ISSUE LICENSES AND PERMITS. The Clerk shall issue or revoke licenses and permits when authorized by this Code of Ordinances, and keep a record of licenses and permits issued which shall show date of issuance, license or permit number, official receipt number, name of person to whom issued, term of license or permit and purpose for which issued.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

18.11    NOTIFY APPOINTEES. The Clerk shall inform all persons appointed by the Mayor or Council to offices in the City government of their position and the time at which they shall assume the duties of their office.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

18.12    ELECTIONS. The Clerk shall perform the following duties relating to elections and nominations:

1. In the event of a change in the method of nomination process used by the City, certify to the Commissioner of Elections the type of nomination process to be used by the City no later than seventy-seven (77) days before the date of the regular City election.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.6)

2. Accept the nomination petition of a candidate for a City office for filing if on its face it appears to have the requisite number of signatures and is timely filed.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.4)

3. Designate other employees or officials of the City who are ordinarily available to accept nomination papers if the Clerk is not readily available during normal working hours.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.4)

4. Note upon each petition and affidavit accepted for filing the date and time that the petition was filed.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.4)

5. Deliver all nomination petitions, together with the text of any public measure being submitted by the Council to the electorate, to the County Commissioner of Elections not later than five o’clock (5:00) p.m. on the day following the last day on which nomination petitions can be filed.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.4)

18.13    CITY SEAL. The City seal is in the custody of the Clerk and shall be attached by the Clerk to all transcripts, orders and certificates which it may be necessary or proper to authenticate. The City seal is circular in form, in the center of which are the words "FAIRBANK, IOWA" and around the margin the words "TOWN SEAL."

CHAPTER 19

CITY TREASURER

19.01 Appointment

19.03 Duties of Treasurer

19.02 Compensation

 

19.01    APPOINTMENT. The Council shall appoint by majority vote a City Treasurer to serve for a term of two (2) years.

19.02    COMPENSATION. The Treasurer is paid such compensation as specified by resolution of the Council.

19.03    DUTIES OF TREASURER. The duties of the Treasurer are as follows:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

1. Custody of Funds. Be responsible for the safe custody of all funds of the City in the manner provided by law, and Council direction.

2. Record of Fund. Keep the record of each fund separate.

3. Record Receipts. Keep an accurate record of all money or securities received by the Treasurer on behalf of the City and specify the date, from whom, and for what purpose received.

4. Record Disbursements. Keep an accurate account of all disbursements, money or property, specifying date, to whom, and from what fund paid.

5. Special Assessments. Keep a separate account of all money received by the Treasurer from special assessments.

6. Deposit Funds. Upon receipt of moneys to be held in the Treasurer’s custody and belonging to the City, deposit the same in depositories selected by the Council.

7. Reconciliation. Reconcile depository statements with the Treasurer’s books and certify monthly to the Council the balance of cash and investments of each fund and amounts received and disbursed.

8. Debt Service. Keep a register of all bonds outstanding and record all payments of interest and principal.

9. Other Duties. Perform such other duties as specified by the Council by resolution or ordinance.

10. Reconciliation with Clerk. Reconcile the Treasurer’s books with the Clerk’s every month.

CHAPTER 20

CITY ATTORNEY

20.01 Appointment and Compensation

20.05 Review and Comment

20.02 Attorney for City

20.06 Provide Legal Opinion

20.03 Power of Attorney

20.07 Attendance at Council Meetings

20.04 Ordinance Preparation

20.08 Prepare Documents

20.01    APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION. The Council shall appoint by majority vote a City Attorney to serve at the discretion of the Council. The City Attorney shall receive such compensation as established by resolution of the Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

20.02    ATTORNEY FOR CITY. The City Attorney shall act as attorney for the City in all matters affecting the City’s interest and appear on behalf of the City before any court, tribunal, commission or board. The City Attorney shall prosecute or defend all actions and proceedings when so requested by the Mayor or Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

20.03    POWER OF ATTORNEY. The City Attorney shall sign the name of the City to all appeal bonds and to all other bonds or papers of any kind that may be essential to the prosecution of any cause in court, and when so signed the City shall be bound upon the same.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

20.04    ORDINANCE PREPARATION. The City Attorney shall prepare those ordinances which the Council may desire and direct to be prepared and report to the Council upon all such ordinances before their final passage by the Council and publication.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

20.05    REVIEW AND COMMENT. The City Attorney shall, upon request, make a report to the Council giving an opinion on all contracts, documents, resolutions, or ordinances submitted to or coming under the City Attorney’s notice.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

20.06    PROVIDE LEGAL OPINION. The City Attorney shall give advice or a written legal opinion on City contracts and all questions of law relating to City matters submitted by the Mayor or Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

20.07    ATTENDANCE AT COUNCIL MEETINGS. The City Attorney shall attend meetings of the Council at the request of the Mayor or Council.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

20.08    PREPARE DOCUMENTS. The City Attorney shall, upon request, formulate drafts for contracts, forms and other writings which may be required for the use of the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])

 

 

 

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CHAPTER 21

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

21.01 Public Library

21.07 Nonresident Use

21.02 Library Trustees

21.08 Expenditures

21.03 Qualifications of Trustees

21.09 Annual Report

21.04 Organization of the Board

21.10 Injury to Books or Property

21.05 Powers and Duties

21.11 Theft

21.06 Contracting with Other Libraries

21.12 Notice Posted

21.01    PUBLIC LIBRARY. The public library for the City is known as the Fairbank Public Library. It is referred to in this chapter as the Library.

21.02    LIBRARY TRUSTEES. The Board of Trustees of the Library, hereinafter referred to as the Board, consists of four (4) resident members and one nonresident member. All resident members are to be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council. The nonresident member is to be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the County Board of Supervisors.

21.03    QUALIFICATIONS OF TRUSTEES. All resident members of the Board shall be bona fide citizens and residents of the City. The nonresident member of the Board shall be a bona fide citizen and resident of the unincorporated County. Members shall be over the age of eighteen (18) years.

21.04    ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD. The organization of the Board shall be as follows:

1. Term of Office. All appointments to the Board shall be for six (6) years, except to fill vacancies. Each term shall commence on July first. Appointments shall be made every two (2) years of one-third (1/3) the total number or as near as possible, to stagger the terms.

2. Vacancies. The position of any resident Trustee shall be vacated if such member moves permanently from the City. The position of a nonresident Trustee shall be vacated if such member moves permanently from the County or into the City. The position of any Trustee shall be deemed vacated if such member is absent from six (6) consecutive regular meetings of the Board, except in the case of sickness or temporary absence from the City or County. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled in the same manner as an original appointment except that the new Trustee shall fill out the unexpired term for which the appointment is made.

3. Compensation. Trustees shall receive no compensation for their services.

21.05    POWERS AND DUTIES. The Board shall have and exercise the following powers and duties:

1. Officers. To meet and elect from its members a President, a Secretary, and such other officers as it deems necessary. The City Treasurer shall serve as Board Treasurer, but shall not be a member of the Board.

2. Physical Plant. To have charge, control and supervision of the Library, its appurtenances, fixtures and rooms containing the same.

3. Charge of Affairs. To direct and control all affairs of the Library.

4. Hiring of Personnel. To employ a librarian, and authorize the librarian to employ such assistants and employees as may be necessary for the proper management of the Library, and fix their compensation; provided, however, that prior to such employment, the compensation of the librarian, assistants and employees shall have been fixed and approved by a majority of the members of the Board voting in favor thereof.

5. Removal of Personnel. To remove the librarian, by a two-thirds vote of the Board, and provide procedures for the removal of the assistants or employees for misdemeanor, incompetence or inattention to duty, subject however, to the provisions of Chapter 35C of the Code of Iowa.

6. Purchases. To select, or authorize the librarian to select, and make purchases of books, pamphlets, magazines, periodicals, papers, maps, journals, other Library materials, furniture, fixtures, stationery and supplies for the Library within budgetary limits set by the Board.

7. Use by Nonresidents. To authorize the use of the Library by nonresidents and to fix charges therefor unless a contract for free service exists.

8. Rules and Regulations. To make and adopt, amend, modify or repeal rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this Code of Ordinances and the law, for the care, use, government and management of the Library and the business of the Board, fixing and enforcing penalties for violations.

9. Expenditures. To have exclusive control of the expenditure of all funds allocated for Library purposes by the Council, and of all moneys available by gift or otherwise for the erection of Library buildings, and of all other moneys belonging to the Library including fines and rentals collected under the rules of the Board.

10. Gifts. To accept gifts of real property, personal property, or mixed property, and devises and bequests, including trust funds; to take the title to said property in the name of the Library; to execute deeds and bills of sale for the conveyance of said property; and to expend the funds received by them from such gifts, for the improvement of the Library.

11. Enforce the Performance of Conditions on Gifts. To enforce the performance of conditions on gifts, donations, devises and bequests accepted by the City on behalf of the Library.

(Code of Iowa, Ch. 661)

12. Record of Proceedings. To keep a record of its proceedings.

13. County Historical Association. To have authority to make agreements with the local County historical association where such exists, and to set apart the necessary room and to care