January 2, 2007

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, January 2, 2007. 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 Craig Miller, Assistant City Superintendent. Connie Booth and Jason Thompson of Dual County Sanitation were visitors attending the meeting.

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the January 2007 consent agenda consisting of: December 2006 regular and special Council meeting minutes, January 2007 pay ordinance totaling $65,833.08 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $30,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing January 10, 2007. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Connie Booth informed the Council that the alley behind her home is rutted with pot holes and asked the Council if the City crew could make repairs. Mayor Merkel said he had looked at the alley and that he doesn’t feel the alley needs additional rock but the alley does need worked to redistribute the rock. The Council agreed the City crew should check on the problem and see they can rework the alley. The Council also requested the City crew check all the alleys the City normally maintains and asked the Clerk to check the minutes for City policy relating to this matter.

Jason Thompson told the Council that he was present to answer any questions the Council might have regarding Dual County’s request for a new service agreement with the City. The Council discussed a few points of issue;
Section 2 Definition of “acceptable containers”
Section 6 Who determines what is or isn’t driver/operator error
Section 8/9 If fuel prices decrease and the CPI index decrease will rates decrease

The Council reviewed solid waste rates as listed in the League of Kansas 2005 Municipal Revenue Practices and proposed changes to the agreement. Mr. Thompson will relay the Council’s concerns and a new agreement will be sent for the Council’s review.

OLD BUSINESS

Burn Permits and Open Burning – The Council reviewed sample burn permits used by various Cities and discussed deficiencies in the City code relating to open burning regulations. The Council agreed the City code should be revised to show a definition of acceptable materials for open burning and specific fines and penalties relating to violation of the code. The clerk was asked to prepare a burn permit form for the Council’s review. Topic was tabled until the February 5th meeting.

Nautilus Data Communications Cable on Water Tower – Asst. City Superintendent Miller reported the Nautilus’ cable had been removed from the ladder on the water tower. No action was taken.

Water Project – Topic was tabled until the February 5, 2006 meeting.

Snow Removal at Moran Senior/Community Center – The Council agreed the City crew should remove snow from the Senior Center parking lot if needed.

Council Pay for Meetings – Attorney Heim advised the Council they have the authority to elect not to receive compensation for special meetings if the action is approved by a majority of the members attending the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Setting Policy for Use of Dump Truck – The Council discussed the City’s policy for residential use of the City’s dump truck. They agreed to make no changes to the policy at the present time.

Termite Inspection for City Buildings – The Council agreed to have TNT Pest Control re-inspect City properties for termites.

Moran West 54 Water District Water Bill – The Council agreed that all past due charges must be paid in full by January 8, 2007 or the meter will be disconnected. If service is disconnected due to non-payment a reconnect fee of $75.00 will be assessed.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Nothing to report.

Police Chief – Chief Smith reported the New Year holiday was quiet with no problems. He also reported the patrol car is running good.

Superintendent – Asst. Superintendent Miller submitted Superintendent Stodgell’s activity report for the month of December 2006:
· Trimmed trees on West Randolph
· Cleaned up and checked new transformers
· Disposed of three PCB transformers
· Repaired six security lights
· Replaced blown fuse at transformer at 321 S. Elm
· Shut water off at 217 S. Cedar; water leak on house side
· Water leak at residence on N. Park
· Water leak at residence on N. Linn; on house side, installed ¾” clamp
· ater leak at 316 W. Church on house side; meter pit lid off and replaced washer on water meter
· Repaired water leak on S. Sycamore, old tap
· Both state water tests passed
· Repaired water leak at 807 N. Cedar in driveway near Hwy 59; replaced 2” steel line with ¾” copper
· Shut water off for 30 minutes on South Water District 2”, so they could repair leak
· Inspected sewer service and manhole at 321 W. First
· Repaired sewer service at Moran Locker
· Snow removal
· Prepared 4310 John Deere-put on loader and tires pushed out
· Cleaned up Shop
· Cleaned and painted mower deck for 4310 John Deere
· New floor mats made for 2510 John Deere
· Replaced battery cables on 2510 John Deere
· Cleaned and prepped water pumps
· Readied 2510 & 4310 John Deere, and Backhoe for snow removal
· Cleaned and put away water tools
· 4310 John Deere repaired

Asst. Superintendent Miller requested Council approval to purchase a power washer. He submitted information and costs for various models from Hy Flow Equipment and Northern Tools.

BearCat      4hp/3 gpm       75’ hose and wheel kit       $3,185.00
Bear       5hp/4.2 gpm       75’ hose and wheel kit       $3,585.00
North Star      5 hp/2.5gpm      50’ hose       $2,199.00*
*Wheel kit and shipping not included

Councilmember Ginn moved to approve purchase of a Bear power washer and hose reel from Hy Flow Equipment of Pittsburg, KS at a cost of $3,585.00. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Additionally, Asst. Superintendent Miller requested approval to purchase a new tractor to replace the John Deere 4310. He submitted the following bids:

Case JX80 2wd       $33,097.00 less $14,797.00 govt. disc./trade = $18,300.00
Case JX80 4wd       $36,697.00 less $14,797.00 govt. disc./trade = $21,900.00
JD 5425 2wd       $44,042.00 less $17,692.00 govt. disc./trade = $26,350.00
JD 5425 4wd       $48,042.00 less $17,692.00 govt. disc./trade = $30,350.00

The Council tabled the topic until the February 5th meeting.

City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported income for the month of December 2006 as follows:

General Fund   Water Fund
Charges For Services 132.70   Sales To Customers 11,222.09
Reimbursed Expense 103.90   Bulk Water Sales 166.51
Court Fine 3,022.50   Water Protection Fee 42.51
VIN Inspections 20.00   Penalties 381.55
Cereal Malt Beverage License 250.00   Sewer Fund
KS Sales Tax 3,045.72   Sales To Customers 4,742.27
Interest Earned Checking/CDL 991.33   Sales Tax
Refuse 1,175.50   Sales Tax Receipts     874.65
Electric Fund   Gross Receipts 60,779.85
Sales To Customers 31,789.18   eBusiness Fee 5.95
Fuel Adjustment 1,282.28   Lieap Credits 16.98
Overpaid-Electric 1,466.94   Credits    : 242.79
Connect Fee 70.22   Net Receipts 60,514.13

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Ginn moved the meeting adjourn at 10:20 PM. With Mueller seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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This page was prepared

February , 2007