April 7, 2004

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 7, 2004. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Wallis, James Mueller, Warren Johnson, and Chryll Ginn. Also present were Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Chief; Lori Evans, City Clerk; Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent, and Loren Korte. Jeannie Harles arrived as a visitor at 8:05 PM.

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the April 2004 consent agenda consisting of: March 2004 regular council meeting minutes, April pay ordinance totaling $93,407.27, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing April 14, 2004. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

SEALED BIDS FOR 1978 TRANS AM

Councilmember Mueller moved to sell the automobile to the highest bidder. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

INSURANCE POLICY REVIEW

VISITORS

OLD BUSINESS

Property Review of 303 E. First – The Council discussed the condition of the property. Councilmember Mueller moved the City begin condemnation proceedings on the property. Johnson seconded the motion. The Council continued discussion of the topic and Councilmembers Mueller and Johnson withdrew their motions. Councilmember Johnson moved the property owner be issued a citation to appear before the Moran Municipal Court. Mueller seconded the motion. Motion passed with all approving.

Jeanne Harles advised the Council that she had received the Public Officer’s notice to remove the vehicles behind her house but will not be able to move the vehicles before the deadline of April 7th. Councilmember Mueller moved to grant an extension until May 1st to move the vehicles. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

NEW BUSINESS

Small Mine Safety Classes for 2005 – Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that City employees usually attend mine safety training with Allen County Public Works Department. Due to an increased number of individuals attending the annual training, Bill King, Public Works Director has suggested the City of Moran consider hosting a training site for other smaller city’s from the area. Superintendent Stodgell will check on the cost to hold these classes and report back at the next meeting. Nurse Staffing for Ambulance – The Council discussed insurance coverage for the registered nurses in the EMS pool. Councilmember Mueller noted that some RN’s have not provided proof on individual insurance coverage. The topic was tabled until later in the meeting.

Sign for City Hall/Emergency Complex – Clerk Evans was asked to check pricing for a message/sign board to be placed in front of City Hall. The topic was tabled until the next meeting.

Rental of City Hall Community Room – Clerk Evans relayed a request from a resident asking to rent the City community room for a baby shower. The Council discussed the need to continue renting the City community room to the public as the senior/community center is available for rent. The Council decided to continue renting the community room but deposit and rental rates will be increase to $25.00 each. The Council also directed the clerk to prepare rules and regulations for the use of the city community room based on the senior center rules and regulations.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Ambulance Director – Not present. Police Chief – Chief Smith left to respond to a call. Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell reported the following activities by the City crew for the month of March:

• Trimmed tree branches out of electric primary lines
• Serviced chain saws
• Repaired ¾” water service at Ferrellgas
• Continued working on the water project, laying 250 feet of new line
• Connected water lines at First & Cottonwood to flush and test line pressure and chlorine
• Replaced water meter for SSM water district and ¾” water service at 503 E. Second
• Alternated hauling dirt from burn pile to land fill and rock from the landfill back to Moran
• Cleaned culverts, picked up limbs and raked leaves
• Attempted to clean out ditch at Cottonwood, too wet
• Added road rock on east side of Second Street to fill in what had settled from rain
• Repaired window at the concession stand
• Moved picnic tables to the park
• Repaired doors covering the score board box
• Painted street roller
• Painted truck bed
• Repaired power steering pump and o-rings on the Dump Truck
• Repaired light switch at Library
• Serviced sewer rodder
• Began first phase of water dock pad by pouring cement
• Jack McBride and Curt Drake attended Mine Safety Classes
• Hauled black sand, which was purchased for $2.00/ton
• Constructed side boards for Dump Truck

Councilmember Wallis relayed a request from Lee and Loretta Roberts asking that the Council consider closing Second Street between Linn and Cedar Streets. The Council noted that Second Street is an undeveloped street and discussed concerns with closing the street. No action was taken and the request was tabled until May.

Nurse Staffing for Ambulance (cont) - Councilmember Johnson moved that all RN’s making transfers with the Moran Ambulance be required to submit proof of current insurance to Director Roberts to continue employment with the Ambulance. Ambulance Director Roberts will maintain copies of the RN’s policies and request renewals when needed. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilman Johnson moved the meeting adjourn at 9:36 PM. Ginn seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.