March 4, 2002

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, March 4, 2002. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mark Barnett, Mike Holman, Warren Johnson, Debbie Sager, and James Mueller. Also present were Jason Prock, Police Chief; Lori Evans, City Clerk; Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent; and Craig Miller, Assistant City Superintendent. James Nelson, Richard Luken and Travis Nelson were visitors attending the meeting.

Mayor Merkel called for questions or comments regarding the Consent Agenda. It was noted that check number 11786 was listed showing a $0.00 amount payable. The Clerk advised that was an error and that the actual amount for the check was $22.16. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the March Consent Agenda consisting of; minutes of the regular council meeting held February 4, 2002, minutes of the special council meeting held February 14,2002, March pay ordinance with a corrected total of $78,973.77, and corporate resolution to purchase a new $20,000.00 certificate of deposit to replace a certificate of deposit maturing March 8th. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

James Nelson, Mayor for the City of Elsmore, asked the Council if they would consider allowing the City crew to assist their employees in replacing five (5) electric poles damaged in the recent ice storm, as they do not have the equipment to set the poles. Additionally, Mr. Nelson asked if the City crew could assist Elsmore employees in the event of an electric emergency. He acknowledged that the City of Elsmore is willing to pay reasonable costs if the Council agrees to Elsmore’s requests. He said he was not looking for a decision at this meeting, but wanted to present the request to the Council and the Council could discuss the request and make a decision at a later date. Questions were raised regarding insurance coverage and liability for city employees and equipment. Councilmember Mueller said he was not sure of the policy coverage on a situation such as this but would check in to it. No action was taken.

Travis Nelson asked the Council for permission for co-ed ball teams to use the baseball field and lights for Sunday night games. Travis said the co-ed teams plan to play two games an evening between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM and that the season would only last two to three months. The Council noted some concern with a possible conflict with the summer youth ball program. The Council advised Travis to contact officials of the ball association to make sure the games would not conflict with their plans. If the ball association agrees, the Council agreed they did not have a problem with the co-ed team using the ball field or the lights for their games.

OLD BUSINESS

Ron Gill Request for Waiver of Utility Connect Fees – The Council continued discussion regarding a request from Ron Gill submitted during the February meeting. Councilmember Sager moved that no exemption be made and to follow current City policy with regards to connect fees. Barnett seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Maintenance Contract for Lift Station – The Council discussed entering into a contract for maintenance for the new lift station, no was action taken.

Contract with Marmaton/Osage Fire Department – The Fire Chief advised the Council that it would cost between $54,300.50 to $57,031.50 to purchase a turnkey fire truck. He suggested another option would be to purchase the truck and pump separately, which would cost between $45,000.00 to $50,000.00. After considerable discussion, the Council agreed to offer the following terms to the Marmaton/Osage Fire Department:

• The City will purchase a new 4X4 fire truck to use in rural firefighting.
• The City will take over operation of the equipment van, 1981 4X4, and 6X6 Tanker. (1959 fire truck not included)
• Contract would be for a term of ten years with a one year notice for cancellation of contract.
• Contract cost will be $10,000.00 annually payable to the City of Moran.

The Clerk was asked to send a letter to the Marmaton/Osage fire department advising of the Council’s offer. No other action was taken.

Storm Cleanup Report - Representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are completing the City’s application for monetary aid, no dollar amount has been set as of yet. The majority of tree and limb clean up has been completed and has been very successful with the help of Virgil Tucker. The City crew will continue replacing or repairing residential service lines and primary lines damaged in the ice storm.

Computer Upgrades for Police Department – Councilmember Barnett moved to approve purchase of a new computer, limit of $300.00, for the Police Department. Sager seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Front Street Lift Station Generator – Mayor Merkel suggested the Council consider moving the generator at the Front Street lift station. The Mayor noted that the generator has been exposed to the weather for the past twenty years and he would like to place the generator on trailer so it could be stored at the City shop. The City crew could then transport the generator back to the lift station if the need arose. The Council discussed trailer prices and restrictions on moving the generator as it was purchased with grant funds. The Clerk will check on grant requirements and Superintendent will check on trailer prices and report back at the April council meeting.

PCB Testing Program – Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that he had requested information regarding PCB testing, but did not receive the information in time for the meeting. The topic will be discussed when information is available.

NEW BUSINESS

Insurance Coverage for Lift Stations – Councilmember Barnett moved the City insure both lift stations for $20,000.00 each with the cost being approximately $160.00 a year. Holman seconded the motion. Motion passed with Sager and Johnson approving and Mueller abstaining.

Proposal from Copy Products for Maintenance Agreement on Konica 7020 – Council discussed Copy Products proposal and agreed to request bids for maintenance service from other agencies.

Renewing Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission Dues ($35.00) – Councilmember Mueller moved to renew the City’s membership with the SEKRPC. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Proclamation of April as Fair Housing Month – Mueller moved the Mayor sign the proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month. Sager seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Annual Firefighter Relief Premium for Treasurer of the Moran Fire Department – Councilmember Sager moved the City pay $350.00 towards the annual fire fighter relief insurance policies. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Johnson moved that the Council meet in executive session to discuss employer/employee matters at 8:44 PM for 15 minutes. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Craig Miller and Mike Stodgell were invited to attend executive session. Miller and Stodgell returned to regular meeting at 8:55 PM. Council returned to open session at 9:03 PM with no action taken.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Chief Merkel reported a problem with broken suspension system in the Fire Knight helmets. All of the helmets are damaged and he proposed to request that Fire Knight replace the helmets at no charge to the fire department or to trade the helmets for a newer model for a minimal charge. Chief Merkel also reported that Overhead Door has made repairs to the fire bay door, insurance proceeds covered the cost of the repairs.

Ambulance Director – Not present.

Police Chief – Chief Prock asked for Council approval to attend Chief Training as the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Agency at the end of May. The training is offered free of charge. Chief Prock also advised the Council that he will be required to go to Germany with the Army National Guard from July 7 to July 27. Councilmember Barnett moved to approve the training request. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Superintendent – Stodgell reported the following activities for February:

• Construction of McAdam-Mini Mart electric service is completed.
• The City crew spent the first 2 weeks of February with storm clean up.
• Continuing to trim tree limbs damaged during the ice storm that are a threat to the electric lines.
• The digger-derrick truck needed repairs, which were done by Martin Tractor.
• Repaired a water leak behind Western Auto.

Superintendent Stodgell told the Council that the new rake worked great in cleaning up small branches and debris. He also advised the Council that areas of the park needed reseeding. The Council agreed that seeding needed to be done.

City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported revised income totals for the month of January as $83,115.59 to reflect unreported interest income for the month. February income was reported as follows:

OTHER

Councilmember Barnett moved that the Council meet in executive session for 20 minutes at 9:35 PM to discuss employee/employer matters. Johnson seconded the motion, which passed with all approving. Council returned to open session at 9:55 PM. Councilmember Johnson moved that Council return to executive session at 9:59 for an additional 20 minutes to continue discussion of employee/employer matters. Barnett seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. At 10:05 Superintendent Stodgell was invited to attend the session. Council returned to open meeting at 10:20 PM.

Upon return, Councilmember Barnett moved to approve a 75 cent per hour increase in wages for Craig Miller and Lori Evans. Sager seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

The Council also discussed and agreed to begin planning for the 2003 budget at May council meeting. The asked that all department heads be prepared to submit budget requests at that time.

Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 10:25 PM. Sager seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

||city main page|| council members|| council minutes|| city codes|| city information||