August 7, 2006

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

2006 BUDGET HEARING

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the August 2006 consent agenda consisting of: July 2006 regular and special Council meeting minutes, August 2006 pay ordinance totaling $76,528.85 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing August 15, 2006. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

OLD BUSINESS

Water Rationing Policy – The Council agreed the water rationing to the Water districts will be in increments comparable to water rationed to the City by Public Wholesale Water Supply # 5. The Clerk’s office will send notice to the Water districts advising them of the new policy.

2006 Water Loss – The Council discussed water losses for the year. Superintendent Stodgell will continue to search for leaks on the system.

Approval of Judge’s Increase of Court Costs – The Council acknowledged the Judge’s increase of court costs from $20.00 to $30.00 effective September 13, 2006.

Property Condition of 505 S. Cedar – Topic tabled until September meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Review of Ordinance 1062 and 1064 – Clerk Evans was asked to contact other City’s to see how they regulate mobile/manufactured homes. The topic was then tabled until September meeting.

2006 Audit/2007 Budget Agreement with Jarred, Gilmore, & Phillips – Councilmember Ginn moved the Mayor sign the proposed agreements. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Establishing Deposit for Use of Key for Park Facilities – Councilmember Mueller moved the City charge a $20.00 deposit for use of the park bathroom keys. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Ordinance Setting Water Rates and Meter Rates – Councilmember Mueller moved the City adopt Ordinance 1090 increasing water and meter rates. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Moran Day Festivities – Councilmember Holman moved to approve Sharon Hardman’s request to close a section in the 200 block of N. Spruce to hold a street dance on Moran Day. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council also agreed to allow a co-ed softball tournament at the ball field and use of the concession stand for Moran Day festivities.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Police Chief – Chief Smith informed the Council that the next Step Campaign, You Drink, You Drive, You Loose, is scheduled August 18th through September 4th.

Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of July:
• Trim tree limbs in the 500 block of S. Cedar.
• Trim tree limbs in the 500 block of N. Cedar.
• Installed new electric service at 543 N. Cedar and 416 S. Cedar.
• Continued work on Park Street electric project; wrecked out pole, trimmed trees.
• Trimmed trees out of primary at 306 N. Gas.
• Constructed meter masks for 520 W. Randolph and 304 N. Park.
• Replaced wedge clamp on Ag Choice electric service.
• Repaired library telephone lines and installed new magazines racks.
• Professional Electric Testing inspected electric bucket trucks.
• Checked power outage; one phase down on Westar’s line.
• Replaced blown arrestors at USD 256 and Ag Choice.
• Replaced fuse blown on Spruce St.
• Checked air conditioner at concession stand, unit needs new control board.
• Installed photo cell east of City Hall/Fire Station.
• Built electric service for siren and helped install new siren at USD 256.
• Repaired water leak at 247 N. Cedar.
• Water Tower drained, inspected, and refilled.
• Replaced water meter at 205 W. First.
• Patched pot holes.
• Spread screening on streets bleeding oil.
• Sprayed for weeds downtown, old water plant, 2400 KVA transformer pad, and Senior Center.
• Cleaned ditch at 416 N. Birch.
• Painted playground equipment.

The Council requested the Clerk prepare a letter to Public Wholesale Water Supply No. 5 asking they replace the master meter at the water tower.

Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that Mr. Mann suggested the City try resurfacing Birch Street between Randolph and First Street with hot mix asphalt rather than rebuilding that section of road. Stodgell estimated the cost to resurface the road would be around $2000.00 and the cost to reconstruct the road to be around $3200.00. Councilmember Holman moved the City resurface the road as per Mr. Mann’s recommendations. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

The Council reviewed the water tower inspection report from Utility Service and agreed to send a letter to Nautilus Communications Data Systems and request they move their coax cable off the tower ladder within 30 days. Should the cable not be moved the City will take action to remove the cable.

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

Clerk Evans informed the Council that a representative from the American Legion requested the Council reconsider charge light rent for the security light at the Landmark. He reported long-time members recalled the City agreed to provide the security light at no charge as Legion and Masonic Lodge members used that parking lot for their meetings. The Council agreed not to charge a monthly fee but agreed the light should be moved closer to Spruce Street if the light ever needs replaced.

Councilmember Holman offered to see if Russell Stover would donate candy for the Moran Day Parade.

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve installing DSL to the City offices. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Ginn moved the meeting adjourn at 10:15 PM. With Jackman seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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