December 1, 2003

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, December 1, 2003. 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 Craig Miller, Assistant City Superintendent. Sharon and Ben Hardman were visitors attending the meeting with Bob Houk arriving later in the meeting.

Councilmember Wallis moved to approve the December 2003 consent agenda consisting of: November regular council meeting minutes, November pay ordinance totaling $57,533.16, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing December 18, 2003. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

OLD BUSINESS

Temporary Utility Labor Applications - Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that applications were received from Brian Stewart, Curt Drake, and Mark Bunce. Councilmember Wallis asked Superintendent Stodgell which applicant he thought would be best for the City. Stodgell said that all the applicants looked good, but Drake had an edge as he has a CDL and more construction experience. Councilmember Mueller moved the Council meet in executive session for 45 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving and the Council moved to executive session at 7:15 PM.

The Council returned to open session at 8:00 PM. Councilmember Wallis moved the City offer the temporary position to Curt Drake. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Wallis noted that Jack McBride would be earning six days of sick leave on January 1, 2004, and 15 days vacation as of March 25, 2004. As such, he moved to advance Jack six days sick leave and one week vacation to use if needed following his surgery. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Wallis moved that city employees receive the following raises effective January 1, 2004:

Mike Stodgell    $15.65 to $15.90 hr
Craig Miller       $12.40 to $12.65 hr
Jack McBride    $ 9.15 to $ 9.40 hr
Lynn Heskett     $ 7.50 to $ 7.75 hr
Lori Evans         $11.90 to $12.15 hr
Shane Smith      $576.93 to $586.93 wk
Barbara Shoate    $345.00 to $355.00 wk
Loretta Roberts    $490.00 to $500.00 wk

Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Bob Houk voiced his concerns to the Council about older mobile homes being moved to town. The Council noted Mr. Houk's concern and assured him that all mobile homes permits issued after December 1997 have met the manufactured home requirements. Additionally, landowners with property near the applicant applying for a mobile home permit were notified of the application and invited to attend a hearing before the building officer before the permit was approved or denied.

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve issuing 2004 Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses to Pete's, Lucky Stop, the Landmark, and Stub's Market. Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Police Chief - Chief Smith informed the Council that the patrol car is back-firing and has a loss of engine power. He said he would be taking the car to Merle Kelley on Wednesday to have it checked. The Council suggested getting additional estimates if the repairs estimates were very expensive.

Superintendent - Superintended Stodgell submitted his monthly report:

• Trenched in underground electric line for 415 N. Locust
• Trenched in underground electric line and wire electric service for AgChoice
• Investigated power outage and replaced fuse
• Put up Christmas lights
• Called in locates and set up transit to mark 4" PVC water lines on corner of Chestnut & Randolph to Front St., to Cottonwood and First Street.
• Repaired control valve on water dock
• Locates for KS Gas Service and checked water services crossing the gas lines
• Repaired old water service on N. Locust
• Repaired 4" water main at Walnut & Birch
• Repaired old water service line at Locust & Franklin
• Called Mid-West Tank regarding water tower; spoke with Randy about 90° ell coming out of tower
• 11/10/03 Installed 80' 4" PVC pipe at Randolph & Chestnut going south
• 11/11/03 Installed 100' PVC pipe on Chestnut going south
• 11/12/03 Installed 160' PVC pipe on Chestnut going south
• 11/13/03 Installed 180' PVC pipe on Front & Chestnut to Cottonwood
• 11/14/03 Installed 100' PVC pipe on Front to Cottonwood
• 11/19/03 Installed 120' PVC pipe on Cottonwood; bedding and backfill
• KS Gas Service is installing new gas mains, delaying completion of water main on Chestnut, etc.
• Painted blade for 2510 John Deere
• Worked on Christmas Lights
• Changed oil on units #4, #5, #1, and Backhoe
• Replaced front and back brake pads on Police car
• Changed trans axle and high fluids in backhoe

Superintendent Stodgell asked for approval to purchase a water distribution manual for $70.00 from the American Water Works Association. The Council approved the request.

The Council discussed possible work limitations for Jack McBride following his surgery. The Council agreed that a doctor's release would be needed for return to work and that Mayor Merkel will approve any request for light duty.

City Clerk - Clerk Evans reported the following income for the month of November:

Councilmember Wallis moved to present a $25 Christmas gift certificate to all full time employees. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Ginn moved the meeting adjourn at 9:06 PM. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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