July 7, 2003

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, July 7, 2003. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:15 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; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Donna Barker and Barbara Shoate were visitors in attendance.

Councilmember Wallis moved to approve the July consent agenda consisting of: June regular council meeting minutes, July pay ordinance totaling $55,647.18, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing July 16, 2003. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Barbara Shoate spoke with the Council about the recent vehicle notices sent by the Public Officer and asked how much time a resident has to comply after receiving a Code violation notice. Chief Smith advised the Council that the car in question had all four wheels on blocks and that the Code allows 7 days after receipt of notice to comply with the regulations. Chief Smith advised the vehicle can be worked on for up to 30 days, but that all four wheels cannot be on blocks at the same time. The Council also discussed other vehicle violations and requested the Public Officer issue Code violation notices as needed.

OLD BUSINESS

Councilmember Wallis moved to contact Don Higinbotham and offer him the bid if he is interested. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Ambulance Director - Director Roberts requested approval to purchase an airway trainer which will allow EMT's to practice intubation of patients and a pulse oximeter for measuring patient vitals. She estimated the trainer would cost around $1,300.00 and the pulse oximeter $753.00. Discussion followed regarding EMT's qualified to intubate and certifications needed for intubation. Following which, Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the purchase of both items. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Police Chief - Chief Smith informed the Council that the video camera is installed in the patrol car and is now operational. He also noted the patrol car is being worked on by Twin Motor Ford and may have serious repair issues.

Chief Smith asked the Council if they would approve paying mileage for the time he drove to and from Iola to catch his ride to the academy. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve a mileage payment of $196.56 for Chief Smith. Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Chief Smith advised the Council that the Iola Police Department has been approved for the Byrne Grant and that the grant advisory board is estimating the software cost may run around a $1.00 per day. No action was taken.

Superintendent - Superintendent Stodgell reported the following activities for the month of June:

• Repaired leaks on N. Birch and N. Linn
• Moved and reset water meter for Ag Choice
• Replaced a 2400 cut out in the 500 block of N. Cedar
• Continued working on the 7200 project between Cedar and Spruce
• Tree trimming

Superintendent Stodgell advised the Council that Allen County will begin requiring that trucks and trailers hauling refuse or brush to the landfill must be tarped. He said a tarp system for the dump truck would run between $800.00 and $1000.00. Councilmember Wallis, Forman at the Allen County Landfill, told the Council that the City would not need to tarp the dump truck if it was not loaded higher than the side boards.

The Council discussed and agreed to make carburetor repairs to the dump truck estimated to cost around $400.00. They also agreed to have Virgil Tucker blade the alley between Cedar and Pine in the North 500 block to help improve drainage.

City Clerk - Clerk Evans reported income for the month of July;

Clerk Evans requested approval to purchase a new office chair, the Council approved the request.

NEW BUSINESS

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Opportunity for Storm Shelters - The Council reviewed the CDBG funding opportunity and noted the August application deadline. The Council agreed it would not be feasible to make application as the City would need to conduct a city wide income survey before August 1st.

Residential Request for Rocking Alley - Scott Houk - The Council considered Mr. Houk's request to rock the alley between the 300 blocks of N. Birch and Linn and agreed the Council could not honor the request at this time.

OTHER

The Council discussed property condition of 102 S. Cedar, no action was taken.

ADJOURNMENT

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