April 3, 2006

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 3, 2006. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Jackman, James Mueller, Warren Johnson, and Chryll Ginn. Also present were Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Chief; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent.

Councilmember Ginn moved to approve the April 2006 consent agenda consisting of: March regular Council meeting minutes, April pay ordinance totaling $69,551.95 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing April 16, 2006. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

OLD BUSINESS

Curb Repair on Randolph Street – Superintendent Stodgell notified the Council that the prospective contractors have not submitted a bid for the curb repair project. The Council discussed the situation and Superintendent Stodgell said that he believed that the City crew could clean and cap the curbing with concrete. The Council agreed to have the City crew make repairs.

Request to Use City Hall for Commodities Distribution – Clerk Evans informed the Council that the City had not received the additional information requested regarding the use of City Hall. The Council tabled the topic until the information is received.

Water Rates/Loan/Loss – Clerk Evans submitted a report to the Council detailing various rate scenarios and projected increased revenue to the water fund. The Clerk also prepared sample utility bills showing the effect of rate changes to monthly bills. Mayor Merkel and Clerk Evans also spoke with the Council about the City’s monthly minimum water purchase from Public Wholesale Water Supply and noted the City had not met the monthly minimum purchase between January and March. The Council asked that this topic be placed on the September agenda for discussion. The Council also agreed to have Shawn Turner reassess the financial needs to replace the 8" main.

NEW BUSINESS

Specialized Traffic Enforcement Grant Program – Chief Smith asked the Council for approval to apply for the Specialized Traffic Enforcement Grant with the Kansas Department of Transportation. The grant would allow Moran officers to participate with other communities in traffic safety awareness programs and the City would be reimbursed for any overtime pay associated with the programs. Councilmember Mueller moved the City apply for the grant. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Fair Housing Proclamation – Councilmember Johnson moved the Mayor sign a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

Storm Sirens – Mayor Merkel informed the Council that the storm sirens were sounded twice this storm season. The first time the sirens were set off the west siren was damaged requiring repairs totaling $300.00. The second time the sirens were set off the south siren blew a breaker. The Mayor suggested the Council might consider the need to purchase a new siren. Councilmember Johnson suggested contacting the City of Iola to see if they might have any used sirens for sale as they have recently updated their warning system. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve purchase of a new siren system with the General and Fire Funds sharing the expense. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Request from Modern Woodman – Councilmember Ginn moved to approve a request from Modern Woodman to plant three 12' to 15' maple trees at park as a youth project. Councilmember Ginn moved to approve the request with Superintendent Stodgell overseeing placement of the trees. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Ginn asked for Council approval to use the new concession stand for the Moran Day’s Ball Tournament. The Council agreed to the request.

The Council discussed the upcoming Mayoral appointments. No action was taken.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Police Chief – Chief Smith notified the Council that the Kansas Highway Patrol has developed an automated field reporting system that the City could use for sending reports to the state. The only requirement is that Chief Smith attends a 6 hour software training class. There would be no software license fee for the first three years and the license fee is estimated to be $200.00 per year after the first three years. Councilmember Johnson moved to approve using the software and that Chief Smith attends the training as required. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Chief Smith requested approval to purchase a new printer and uniform boots. The Council approved both requests. Chief Smith also informed the Council that Derek McVey, part time officer, may be taking a position with the Iola Police Department. Officer McVey is aware that his employment contract with the City will be extended to reflect time he spends attending the police academy.

Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of March:
• Repaired ground wire at 129 W. Randolph
• Change out primary leads on 2400 line at 313 W. Franklin
• Trim trees out of secondary and primary lines at 107 E. Front
• Trim trees in alleys on Franklin, Oak, Pine, and Birch
• Cut down tree behind 129 W. Randolph
• Assisted with electric service repairs at 320 N. Park
• Repaired water leak at park
• Collected monthly water tests (2) for State, both passed test
• Talked with consultant about Emergency Water System Back-up Plan
• Painted table for concession stand
• Leveled and tamped rock around concession stand in preparation for con-crete work
• Painted ball park fence
• Built concrete forms for back stop
• Clean park for spring use
• Construction of concession stand done 3/23/06, will begin utility work
• Hauled dirt and rock from landfill
• City crew attended Mine Safety training presented by Allen Co. Public Works (good training session)
• Repaired culvert wash out on east Franklin
• Changed oil in ’97 GMC and ’03 Crown Vic
• Made door stop for concession stand
• Installed lights and mirror at Library
• Took down siren by water tower for repair
• Prepared mosquito fogger for the upcoming season
• Dug up cleanout and flushed lateral at 129 W. Randolph
• Monitored lagoons for compliance

Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that two 2" water meters needed repairs. Repair or replacement on the meter serving the Marmaton Village will cost between $300.00 to $1800.00. Repair costs to the high flow compound meter serving Moran Manor are not known at this time. Superintendent Stodgell also told the Council that the City crew will work on covering road oil that is seeping through the chip and seal sometime in April.

The Council discussed the lack of restroom facilities at the park while the new concession stand is being built. Following a request from USD 256 a porta potty was placed at the park to be used during the high school ball season. The Council instructed the Clerk to forward billing for the porta potty to USD 256.

City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported income for the month of March as follows:

Councilmember Holman moved the City add insurance coverage for the new concession stand to the City’s policy. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with Holman, Jackman, Johnson, and Ginn approving, Mueller abstained from the vote.

Councilmember Mueller moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 PM. Motion died for lack of a second.

The Council discussed the policy for sounding sirens in inclimate weather and the lack of storm shelters in the City. No action was taken.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 9:56 PM. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

Close this page to return to the previous page