June 4, 2001

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 4, 2001. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Dan Bruner, Mark Barnett, Mike Holman, Harvey Collins, and Jim Mueller. Also present were Bret Heim, City Attorney; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Richard Luken, Dr. Maynard Jordan, and James Dean were visitors in attendance.

Councilman Bruner moved to approve the minutes of the regular council meeting held May 7, 2001. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilman Collins moved to approve the May pay ordinance totaling $62,782.87. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

James Dean asked the Council if any decision has been made with regards to filling the Police Chief Vacancy. Mayor Merkel advised Mr. Dean the topic was on the agenda for this evening and invited Mr. Dean to stay until the topic was addressed.

OLD BUSINESS

Advertising with Kansas Tourism Guide (Dr. Maynard A. Jordan) – Dr. Jordan spoke with the Council about advertising in his upcoming publication promoting tourism in South East Kansas. Dr. Jordan offered to reduce his advertising costs as an incentive to the Council as follows; full-page ad $450.00, half page ad $250.00, and quarter page ad $125.00. Dr. Jordan advised the Council that he planned to publish the travel guide on the internet and in hard copy in August of this year. Mayor Merkel called for a motion with none received.

The Council discussed purchasing an advertisement promoting Moran and offering local business owners the opportunity to purchase a portion of the advertisement. The Council took no action and tabled any decision until the July meeting.

Police Chief Position – Councilman Collins moved the Council meet in executive session at 7:40 PM for 30 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel issues. Bruner seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Bret Heim was invited to attend the session. The Council returned to open meeting at 8:04 PM, with Mayor Merkel calling for a motion. Dan Bruner moved the Council offer the Chief Position to Jason Prock with a salary of $1,850.00 per month. If he accepts the offer, Mr. Prock will begin duty at the first date he is available in July. The position requires successful completion of a 90-day probationary period and Mr. Prock must agree to move to Moran as soon as possible following the completion of the probationary period. Mr. Prock will be given ten days to accept or refuse the offer of employment. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Tom Adams Retainage Fee – The Council discussed the condition of alleys and city streets in the area of last years sewer project. As the release of the retainage fees will allow the State of Kansas Department of Health and Environment to finalize the City’s loan amount, Councilman Collins moved to release the retainage fee currently held for Tom Adam’s Construction. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Clerk asked if the Council wished to release the funds immediately or to post the check for payment in July. The Council agreed to release the funds immediately.

Connect Fee Ordinance – Mayor Merkel read the title of Ordinance 1076 “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XV, ARTICLE I OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MORAN, BY AMENDING SECTIONS 15-106 ESTABLISHING ELECTRICAL AND WATER METER CONNECTION FEES FOR THE CITY OF MORAN, KANSAS”. Councilman Bruner moved to adopt the ordinance and the Mayor sign the ordinance as written. Barnett seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

Utility Outage Notification – Councilman Barnett moved the City offer notification of foreseeable utility interruptions to local business and residential customers who are dependant upon medical devices requiring water or electric service. Business owners or residents desiring to be notified of foreseeable interruptions must sign and return an agreement freeing the City from any liability arising from failure to notify customers in the even of unseen circumstances. Collins seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Citations for Non-purchase of Dog Tags – The Council agreed to continue with plans discussed during the May meeting to issue citations to dog owners not registering their pets with the City. Additional charges will be brought against owners of pit bulls not housing their pets in compliance with Moran City Code.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Chief Merkel reported on the progress with repairs made to the foundation of the North wall of the fire department. Structo has completed the project as bid with the exception of the exterior caulking. The Clerk was advised to issue a letter to Structo advising them the City is holding a check for payment and ask when they could finish the project. Additionally the Chief discussed various fire calls received by the fire department the weekend of June 1-3.

Ambulance Director – Not present.

City Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell reported the following activities for the month of May:

• Finished preparing roadways in preparation for chip and seal.
• Continued with utility meter change out, should be completed in June.
• Cleaned drainage ditch in the 100 block between South Cedar and Pine.

The Council discussed the upcoming chip and seal project, which the County said could begin late in June or early July. The Council agreed to furnish meals, pop, and donuts for County Crew.

The Council was informed that the Clerk’s office had received a telephone call from Gratz Peters relaying his concern with being charged by the City to build primary electric service to his new convenience store. Mr. Peter’s told the Clerk that he has built and operates a number of convenience stores and has never had to pay for primary electric service. The Council discussed the City’s policy for charging to build electric services and agreed the policy should not be changed for just one customer. In the event the Council could not waive the charges for primary electric service, Mr. Peter’s asked if the Council would consider allowing him to make installment payments on the total utility construction costs. The Council took no action regarding this request, however the Clerk was asked to advise Mr. Peter’s that the City would waive ordinary labor costs for building the new utility services.

City Clerk –The Clerk reported income for the month of May as follows:

NEW BUSINESS

Residential Complaint of Unfit Dwelling – The Council reviewed a complaint signed by five families requesting the Council declare the residence at 111 S. Sycamore as an unfit dwelling. Councilman Bruner moved the property be investigated and set for hearing as allowed by Moran City Code. Collins seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council discussed other properties not meeting the Health and Welfare section of the City Code. The public officer will inspect these properties and report back at the next meeting.

Request for Traffic Control – The Clerk relayed requests from residents asking that stop signs be installed at the following locations:

• Stopping north bound traffic on Spruce Street at the intersection of Spruce and Walnut Streets.
• Stopping east and westbound traffic on Franklin Street at the intersection of Franklin and Locust Street.

OTHER

Councilman Collins moved to purchase a commemorative plaque for Jerry Wallis honoring him for his service to the City of Moran as Mayor. In addition to the plaque, Mr. Wallis will receive two $25.00 gift certificates to be used at his choice of Moran businesses. Barnett seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilman Collins moved the meeting adjourn at 9:40 PM. ____________ * seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

* James Mueller seconded…

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