July 6, 2004

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 6, 2004. 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; Loretta Roberts, Ambulance Director; Barbara Shoate, Asst. Ambulance Director; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Craig Miller, Asst. City Superintendent. Ed Henderson arrived later in the meeting.

Mayor Merkel made a correction to page 3 paragraph 2 of the minutes noting the word engine should be replaced with pump. With this correction Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the July consent agenda consisting of: June 2004 regular council meeting minutes, pay ordinance totaling $69,336.05, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing July 16th. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

OLD BUSINESS

Request to Limit Traffic to One Way Only for the Alley in the 300 Block Between Linn and Birch - The Council reviewed the residential responses to the survey, following which Councilmember Mueller moved to take no action regarding the request. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Ambulance Operations and Staffing - Director Roberts reported the new scheduling was working well. No action was taken.

Small Mine Safety Classes for 2005 - Clerk Evans said she had spoken with Dan Leslie, City of Iola Street and Alley Superintendent, and he gave approval for our employees to attend classes sponsored by the City of Iola.

Tree Removal at 408 N. Birch - Councilmember Johnson moved the City schedule a public hearing on Tuesday, September 7, 2004, at 7:00 PM to review this topic and the general condition of the property.

2005 Budget Preparation Meeting - 7/13/04 at 6:30 PM - The Council was notified of the scheduled meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Contract between Marmaton and Osage Fire Department and City - Attorney Heim reviewed the proposed contract and upon his approval Councilmember Johnson moved the Mayor sign the contract. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief - Chief Merkel reported the rural department's new unit should be shipped within the next few weeks.

Ambulance Director - Director Roberts had nothing to report.

Police Chief - Chief Smith informed the Council that employees of the Union Pacific Railroad and the City crew repaired the damaged drain under the railroad and that the property is now draining properly.

Chief Smith spoke with the Council about a fireworks related incident that occurred at a local residence over the weekend of the 4th. Chief Smith said he and deputies of the Allen County Sheriff department responded to complaints of fireworks being set off after 11:00 PM at night. Upon arriving at the scene the officers found a number of young adults drinking and discharging fireworks. Chief Smith issued citations for the firework violation and the deputies issued citations for minors in consumption and minors in possession.

Chief Smith notified the Council that he has been putting in 50 to 60 hours a week due to an increase in complaints and call outs. He said his job description states his salary is based on 44.5 hours worked per week. He asked the Council to consider raising the salary and hours worked per week to reflect actual hours worked or consider hiring a part time employee. No action was taken.

VISITORS

Ed Henderson spoke with Chief Smith and the Council about the fireworks incident discussed previously in the meeting.

Superintendent - Asst. Superintendent Miller informed the Council that Curt Drake had resigned effective July 2, 2004. He also relayed a request from a resident of the 200 block of East Franklin that their alley be rocked. Discussion followed with the Council agreeing that the City could not afford to rock and maintain residential alleys.

The following activities were reported taking place in the month of June:

  • Checked voltage at 107 S. Sycamore, voltage was ok. Installed ground rod at meter and checked crimps and splices. No problems found.
  • Investigated two separate power outages at Randolph & Linn, one caused by a squirrel and one caused by a bird. Repairs were made to prevent this from happening again.
  • Checked split bolts at the school library.
  • McAdams Construction agreed to weld the end on 8" water line casing so the City crew can pull it under Cedar Street.
  • Six fire hydrants received in stock.
  • Rain has caused delay in the 4" Water Project.
  • Replaced culvert in alley culvert at 220 N. Oak, to improve water flow.
  • Employees McBride and Drake did a good job preparing and painting curbs.
  • Continued spraying for mosquitoes.
  • Mowed several properties in violation of grass height.
  • Hauled dirt to landfill and rock back.
  • Cleaned up water project and filled in Randolph and Locust with dirt.
  • Formed and replaced a section of sidewalk near the Funeral Home.
  • Formed and replaced curbing at 720 N. Cedar.
  • Formed and replaced concrete walk at concession stand.
  • Collected two water samples for state testing, both passed.
  • Sewer lagoon tested, results are good.
  • Helped repair railroad culvert that was blocking storm water drainage.
  • Librarian found termites at the Library. Called TNT Pest Control and left several messages but haven't heard any response.
City Clerk - Clerk Evans reported income for the month of June:
General Fund Water Fund
Dog Tag 9.00 Sales To Customers 8,292.25
Charges For Services 8.05 Penalties 231.32
Franchise Fee 100.00 Water Protection Fee 46.65
Court Fines 2,287.00 Bulk Water Sales 231.03
Building Permit 45.00 Connect Fees-Water 300.00
Tax Disbursement 11,606.44 Reimb Exp-Water 52.89
Ks Sales Tax 1,792.33 Electric Fund
Nsf Checks 168.18 Sales To Customers 30,723.04
Dog Boarding 30.00 Lieap Receipts 48.81
Reimb Exp-General 243.90 Reimb Exp-Electric 4.10
Rent 25.00
Interest Earned Checking/Cd 575.02 Connect Fees-Electric 295.56
Sewer Fund Fuel Adjustment 1,019.84
Sales To Customers 4,949.76 Overpaid-Electric 95.32
Reimb Exp-Sewer 50.00 Sales Tax Fund 973.05
Ambulance Fund
Charges For Services 7,991.34 Refuse Fund    1,206.00
Reimbursed Expense 26.96 Gross Receipts 76,860.85
Library Lieap Credits 64.17
Tax Disbursement 1,125.08 Setoff Fees 18.41
Employee Benefit Credits      74.12
Tax Disbursement 2,307.93 Net Receipts 76,704.15

Councilmember Ginn moved the Council meet in executive session for 20 minutes beginning at 9:36 PM to discuss employee-employer relations. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open session at 9:56 PM. The Council agreed to ask the accountant to budget for a 10% increase in wages for 2005.

Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 11:00 PM. Ginn seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

OTHER

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This page was prepared

August, 2004