REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

NOVEMBER 3, 2004

7:30 P.M.

 

PRESENT:  Mike Batchelder, Jerry Bruns, Mari Ann Parker, Tony French and Donna Parish.

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Dick Powell, Neal Hontz, Chris Gibson, Katie Hargis, Deb Fox, Jeff Riley, Carol Hopkins and Bill Butrick.

 

PRESIDING:  Mayor Janet Tyler.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with all councilmembers present.

 

Mike Batchelder moved to approve the minutes of the last Regular Council Meeting held October 6, 2004.  Jerry Bruns 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Jerry Bruns moved to approve the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held October 26, 2004.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Donna Parish moved to approve the bills for the month of October, 2004.  Jerry Bruns 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

Deb Fox, Dean of Finance for Highland Community College, asked the Council to review a copy of a letter from HWS Consulting Group concerning the 10 inch water line necessary for the sprinkler system in the new wellness center.  She asked if the City would be willing to look into a grant thru the U.S.D.A. that would be a 75% grant with 25% match which they would pay to run this water line.

 

Mari Ann Parker moved to coordinate a review with the college based upon the water needs of the College and City and to look into the U.S.D.A. grant as an option.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried 3-2 with Batchelder and Bruns voting No.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Tony French moved to approve the request of Chris Gibson to vacate the alley in Block 7 and to have City Attorney prepare the necessary documents.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Jerry Bruns moved to place Municipal Court fines in the general fund and Municipal Court costs in the Parks and Recreation fund.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

The Council reviewed the annual and sick leave policies for city employees with no changes being made.

 

Mike Batchelder moved to accept with regret the resignation of Roger Hopkins with thanks for all his service to the City of Highland.  Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

CITY OFFICERS REPORT

 

Police Chief Neal Hontz reported on the Ident-a-Kid program held recently and that the Bike Safety program would be held soon.

 

Jeff Riley stated that he would like to get the motor back in the city grader as soon as possible and that he would be working to put rock on city shoulders where the new asphalt was ran. 

 

The Council was informed of the circuit board on the furnace in the Community Center

being in need of repair.

 

Fire Chief Dick Powell reported on the initial talks concerning the merging of the City Fire Department and Rural Fire District #2.  Councilmember Mike Batchelder agreed to

be the council representative for future meetings.

 

Mari Ann Parker complimented Police Chief Neal Hontz and Jeff Riley for their efforts  in stepping up when the employee work force was limited.

 

8:35 p.m.  Tony French moved to go into executive session for five minutes to discuss personnel.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

8:40 p.m.  Jerry Bruns moved to come out of executive session.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Tony French moved to appoint Jeff Riley as City Superintendent at step fourteen on the salary schedule retroactive to the beginning of the pay period and to be placed on a two month probationary period.   Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Tony French moved to have the Mayor, City Superintendent and City Clerk interview applicants for the Assistant Public Works position.   Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried 4-1 with Bruns voting No.

 

8:45 p.m.  Tony French moved to adjourn.  Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

______________________                  _______________________

              Mayor                                                 City Clerk