April, 2007
March 5, 2007The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, March 5th, 2007. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Jackman, James Mueller, and Warren Johnson. Also present were Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Chief; Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent; and Lynn Heskett, Assistant City Clerk. Galen Bigelow, Jack McBride, Loretta and Lee Roberts, and Bill Birnel were visitors attending the meeting. Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the March 2007 consent agenda consisting of: the February 2007 regular Council meeting minutes, the March 2007 pay ordinance totaling $54,159.39, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $30,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing March 14, 2007. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. VISITORSMoran Ball Association President Galen Bigelow expressed appreciation for the City Council’s support of improvements at the ball fields, and extended thanks to the Council and to the City Crew for helping to accomplish the many tasks. Mr. Bigelow clarified that USD 256 has provided funding toward these improvements and area clubs such as 4-H are helping as well. He presented the topic of selling vinyl advertisement signs to local businesses as a fundraiser for the association and asked if the Council would mind those signs being attached to the ballpark fences during games. Council agreed this was a good idea.Jack McBride requested the City of Moran pay out any remaining vacation he has accrued upon his retirement. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve Mr. McBride’s request. Jackman seconding the motion, motion passed with all approving. OLD BUSINESSReview Transystems Contract – City Attorney Bret Heim indicated the Agreement with Transystems was acceptable, thereby leading to a motion to accept by Councilmember Mueller. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.Refuse Resolution 2007-01 - This Resolution adopts increased solid waste fees as residential rates, $5.50 per single-family dwelling unit, and $1.65 per residential poly cart. Mueller moved to adopt Resolution 2007-01, with Johnson seconding. Motion passed unanimously. Purchase of Utility Maintenance Truck – City Superintendent Mike Stodgell presented a quote from American Equipment Company of $33,727.00 for a 2007 GMC Sierra 2500 HD work truck. This includes the price for the cab and chassis, and service body. Stodgell also requested to purchase a light bar for the truck. Mueller moved to purchase the truck with light bar, with Holman seconding the motion. Motion passed with all approving. Court Software – After discussion of Municipal Court software samples, the topic was tabled until the April meeting. Employee Retirement/Staffing – Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that employee Jack McBride is retiring and that his last day of work will be March 23, 2007. Council inquired of Stodgell of the urgency of hiring a replacement for McBride. Stodgell indicated he and Assistant Superintendent Craig Miller could manage in the short-term. He also mentioned that Curt Drake and Clint Wiles would be available should an emergency arise. Council also voted to honor McBride’s employment with the City by presenting a plaque and gift to McBride at the April Council meeting. Shelter House Repairs – After some discussion to the state of repairs of the Park Shelter House, a review committee of Councilmen Mueller and Johnson was formed. They will assess repair needs and report back in April for possible action regarding repairs. NEW BUSINESSWestar Agreement Update – Westar representative Bill Birnel gave a presentation and question and answer session regarding the City’s contract renewal. He agreed to fax rate examples to the City, which will then be sent to City Attorney Bret Heim for review.Street Abandonment – Lee and Loretta Roberts requested that the City abandon Linn Street west of the intersection of First and Linn. Mueller moved the City abandon the street, with Jackman seconding. Motion passed with Holman, Mueller and Jackman approving, Johnson abstaining. Review CMB Licenses – Officer Smith stated that he reviewed the stipulations of cereal malt beverage licenses with Play-Mor and Landmark. Smith informed the businesses of consequences to follow should they not comply and that the City can revoke their CMB license for 30 days and report their actions to the ABC. Fair Housing Proclamation – Councilman Johnson moved to approve the Fair Housing Proclamation, with Mueller seconding. Motion passed with all approving. Cite resident for driving in yard – After discussion of condition of the property at 322 W. First, Council advised Officer Smith to cite residents into court for the exterior condition of the residence. Follow up of 803 N. Cedar – Officer Smith advised that clean-up of residence at 803 N. Cedar after demolition of mobile home was nearly completed. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTSFire Chief – No ReportPolice Chief – Chief Smith informed the Council that the resident at 203 S. Pine would like the City to place a “Dead End” or “No Outlet” sign on her street. Mueller moved to place a “Dead End” sign at that location, Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Due to recent traffic accidents near the intersection of Pine & Randolph Streets, Smith also suggested placing stop signs at this location in the near future to prevent further accidents. Council said they would take this into consideration, but took no action at the present time. Smith requested permission to attend a three-day Basic Spanish course May 7-9, 2007, in Springfield, MO. There is no cost for the class, and it qualifies for MCTC (Midwest Counterdrug Training Center). Councilmember Mueller moved Smith attend the class with the City paying mileage, Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Smith will attend the March 13th STEP program luncheon in Parsons and will carpool with officers from Iola. He reported the patrol unit is running well, and that he was able to upgrade the unit’s camera to a digital system, valued at $5,000, through grant funding. There will be a meeting of the Kansas Pipeline Association on April 17th, 11:00 a.m., in Parsons, for safety training. Council approved Smith’s attendance.
Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of February 2007: Mr. Stodgell advised the Council that Clyde Shetler was working to repair a major water leak on the West 54 water district, and that they would have a substantial water bill coming due on March 20th. He also informed the Council that in the recent past, the City has made numerous suggestions to West 54 of the need for line upgrades on their district. Stodgell reported that chip and seal of City streets was approaching, and that he plans to contact the county to see if we can be scheduled earlier in the summer. He will also check on prices of washed rock. He spoke of the need to fix the crown on Linn Street from Randolph, south to First Street, to which the Council agreed. He also reported the City crew repaired a water leak at 423 N. Linn on 3/06/07. City Clerk – Assistant Clerk Heskett reported income for the month of February 2007 as follows:
Assistant City Clerk Heskett informed the Council there will be a public hearing on Monday, March 26, 2007, 9:00 a.m., pertaining to the request of Eugene and Rosita Petree to place a mobile home at 220 N. Birch. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Johnson moved the meeting adjourn at 10:08 PM. Holman seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.
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April, 2007
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