July 5, 2006

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, July 5, 2006. 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; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Mike Ginn, Susie Jackman, Bonnie Booth, Jackie Luken, Sylvia Jackson, Veda Gillham, Ron Gill, and Steve Crume were visitors attending the meeting. Nancy Gardner, Loretta Roberts, Jeanne Harles, Bill McAdam, and Glen Terrill arrived after the meeting began.

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the July 2006 consent agenda consisting of: June regular Council meeting minutes, June pay ordinance totaling $61,648.20, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing July 18, 2006. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

OLD BUSINESS

Cereal Malt Beverage Application – Councilmember Johnson moved the Council recess at 7:42 PM for 30 minutes to inspect the facilities of the cereal malt beverage applicant. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open meeting at 7:56 PM. Councilmember Jackman moved to approve Mr. Crume’s cereal malt beverage application contingent upon a wall being built to separate the building. The wall must be constructed within 30 days and Public Officer Smith will inspect the construction before the license is issued. Ginn seconded the motion. Motion passed with Johnson and Mueller approving and Ginn opposing.

Cereal Malt Beverage Distance Regulations – Councilmember Mueller moved the Council adopt Ordinance 1089 increasing the distance regulations of Chapter III, Sections 206 and 306 from 200 feet to 500 feet. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Water Project Update – The Council requested the Clerk ask Turner Consulting for an update on the project costs and for the Clerk to revise the water rate analysis using the updated costs. Councilmember Mueller moved to hold a Public Hearing regarding the proposed loan with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 6:45 PM on September 5th . Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

2007 Budget – The Council reviewed the budget estimates and discussed shortfalls in the water and sewer funds.

Street Sweeper Rental – Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that he cannot find any street sweepers for rent locally but found one at Seller’s Equipment in Wichita. The weekly rental rate for the sweeper is $880.00 and the rate includes shipping both to and from Wichita. He also suggested the City consider requesting a bobcat and sweeper demonstration from VL Phillips if one is available. Stodgell informed the Council that the life expectancy of the oil being used on the streets is rated to last three to four years. Currently the City chips and seals ½ of the streets each year with Randolph and Birch Streets sealed yearly. He asked if the Council would like to consider chip and sealing 1/3 of the streets each year to reduce costs. No action was taken.

The Council asked Superintendent Stodgell to contact Buddy Mann to see what could be done to take the crown off Birch Street between Randolph and First Streets. Councilmember Mueller moved to request the bobcat and sweeper for demonstration if available, if it is not available to rent the sweeper from Seller’s Equipment. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Water Rationing Policy – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

Property Condition of 505 S. Cedar – Attorney Heim said he spoke with Bill King, Allen County Public Works Director, and asked that he inspect the condition of the property.

Shelter House Repairs - Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Code Modification to Chapter 7, Article 4 – Council member Johnson moved to adopt the Kansas League of Municipalities revised wording for the fire insurance proceeds fund and to update the City Code with the revision. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with Ginn and Jackman approving. Mueller ab-stained from the vote.

Water Rationing Policy (cont) – The Council reviewed agreements with the water districts and water rationing scenarios. No action was taken.

Shelter House Repairs (cont)-Topic was tabled until spring 2007.

2006 Special Budget Meeting/2005 Audit Report – Councilmember Johnson moved to hold a special budget meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, July 10, 2006 to discuss the 2007 Budget and 2005 Audit Report. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Digital Camera Replacement for Police Dept – The Council approved to spend up to $200.00 each to purchase digital cameras for the Police Department and Fire Department.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Police Chief – Nothing to report.

Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of June:
• Removed stump by electric pole at 207 W. Randolph
• Spoke with Chanute Communications regarding electrical service for new storm siren
• Corrected electric problems at 112 E. Oak
• Replaced duplex with new triplex for the school storm siren, and hooked up security lights
• Started 2400/7200 project in alley at Park Street, trimmed trees from primary lines
• Sold two 25KVA Transformers for $100 to the City of Elsmore; old 7620 with PCB
• Repaired water leak (3/4”) at 614 N. Birch
• Flushed lines at 634 N. Spruce
• Flushed and tested all hydrants, and painted
• Changed out water meter and pit at 404 N. Pine
• State water sample tests passed
• Spread rock on tarred roads
• Mosquito spray around town (6 times)
• Checked signs at highway 54 and 59 junction
• Contacted Larry at SEKan about using street sweeper; he advised they don’t have one
• Cold-patched streets
• Cleaned up limbs and filled potholes around town
• Attached rubber backing to backstop
• Mowed many times
• Cleaned restrooms and emptied trash cans as needed
• Painted big swing set at park
• Changed oil and filter in backhoe
• Moran Clean up Day went well
• Installed new water pump on ’66 Chevy
• Welded jack on roller

The Council approved replacing the refrigerator at the City shop.

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

Councilmember Ginn moved the City crew help residents take out old sidewalks when they apply for new sidewalk permit. Residents must build the new sidewalk within 60 days or the City will build the sidewalk and assess the charges back to the landowner. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Clerk’s office will publicize this service in the next newsletter.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Jackman moved the meeting adjourn at 11:25 PM. With Holman seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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