June, 2005
May 2, 2005The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 2, 2005. 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 Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Lee Roberts, Mike Endicott, Tracy Mann, Jenna Mann, Audrey Maley, Kathy McEwan, Loren Korte, Shonda Jefferis, Valerie McNutt, Sharon Henderson, and four members of the Moran Girl Scouts were visitors attending the meeting. Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the May, 2005, consent agenda consisting of: April, 2005, regular council meeting minutes, May pay ordinance totaling $62,776.27, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing May 19, 2005. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. VISITORSShonda Jefferis and the members of the Moran Girl Scout Troop read a statement asking permission to perform a community service project at the park to help troop members earn their park conservation merit badge. The group leaders said the Troop would be willing to paint, clean, and repair various areas of the park and would provide their own supplies. The Council discussed the request and agreed the City should pay for any supplies used by the troop. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the group's request, Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Superintendent Stodgell asked that the group give the City one week's notice of the project date to purchase the needed supplies.Mike Endicott informed the Council that he had been elected as President of the Ball Association for this year and said he had three requests to relay from the Association. The first request was that the City Council consider renaming the ball field the Steve Isaac Memorial Ball Field. The Council chose to table action on this request until the June Council meeting. Secondly he asked for permission to use the ball field lights on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights for 30-45 minutes after games to hold practice. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the request to use the ball field lights for practice before the season begins and after games. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. His third request was for the City to run underground electric service to the pitchers mound as the coach's pitch teams will be using a pitching machine this year. The Council discussed safety issues with regards to installing underground electric service to the pitcher's mound. The Council agreed to run the electric service if it could be done in a safe manner. Mr. Endicott also asked approval to hold a dodge ball tournament at the park on the weekend of Moran Days. The Council agreed they saw no problem with holding a tournament at the park. Tracy Mann informed the Council that she and her daughter Jenna were planning to approach the USD 256 School Board to request they consider implementing a high school baseball and softball program for the students. Tracy said she was present to ask the Council if the City would have a problem with the school district using the ball fields if such a program was adopted. Discussion followed regarding the use of lights and possible interference with the summer youth ball program. The Council agreed they would have no problem with USD 256 using the fields as long as games and practices did not interfere with the youth ball programs. Kathy McEwan informed the Council that she was present as a member of the Moran Library Board and expressed her and the Board's appreciation for all the City has done for the Library.
NEW BUSINESSOath of Office for Mayor and Council - Clerk Evans administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Merkel. Mayor Merkel administered the Oath of Office to Councilmembers Mueller and Johnson.
Mayoral Appointments - Mayor Merkel made the following appointments: Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the Mayor's appointments. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Review of Proposed Budget for Moran Library - Audrey Maley requested the Council consider raising the City's annual appropriation to the Library Board from $2500.00 to $3000.00. Discussion followed and Councilmember Mueller moved the City increase the annual appropriation to the Library to $3000.00 beginning with the 2006 budget year. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Johnson moved the City approve the 2005 Moran Library Budget as submitted. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Review of City's Annual Insurance Policy with Loren Korte - Loren Korte reviewed the City Insurance Policy and made the following points:
Vandalized Section Only Full Tower Utility Service 2,150.00 16,000.00 Water Tower Maintenance 2,100.00 12,962.00 Cunningham Painting 3,200.00 17,725.00 Superintendent Stodgell made note that his preference for contractors would be Cunningham Painting. He also said the City crew would build a ladder guard or take off a 10' section of the ladder to deter future vandalism attempts. Councilmember Johnson moved to submit a damage claim to the insurance company for processing and then make a decision following their response. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Allen County Task Force to Study RN/Paramedic Transfers for Allen County Ambulances - Mayor Merkel informed the Council that Elaine Duggan, Allen County EMS Director, has asked that a representative for the City become a member of the task force. Councilmember Ginn said she would be glad to represent the City in this capacity. Use of City Hall for Political Meeting - The Council reviewed a request to use the meeting room at City Hall on June 6th for Senator Derek Schmidt's Listening Tour and saw no problems with approving the request. Emprise Bank eBusiness Access (Online Banking Service) - Councilmember Mueller moved the City Clerk be allowed to establish online banking (account review access only) for the City. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Review of Chapters 14 and 15 of the Moran City Code - Councilmember Ginn moved this topic be tabled until the July council meeting. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Election of President of the Council - Councilmember Ginn nominated James Mueller for President of the Council. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTSFire Chief - Nothing to report.Ambulance Director - Director Roberts told the Council that the KEMTA conference was very educational. Police Chief - Chief Smith asked approval for he and other interested city employees to attend a defensive driving class in Yates Center on May 27, 2005. Councilmember Mueller moved that city employees be allowed to attend the defensive driving course as requested. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Chief Smith informed the Council that he has two individuals that participate in the ride along program and one that he would like to bring on as a volunteer reserve officer. Following discussion, the Council agreed they did not foresee any problems with Chief Smith's plans but did ask that he purchase a shirt and cap identifying the individual as a reserve officer for the City. Superintendent - Superintendent Stodgell reported the following activities by the City crew for the month of April:
Superintendent Stodgell also mentioned on ongoing problem with water leaks on the 2" cast iron main between Church and Oak Streets. He said he would like to replace the line with 4" PVC and said supplies may cost 400.00 to 600.00. The Council found no problem with the request. City Clerk - Clerk Evans reported income for the month of April as follows:
Superintendent Stodgell requested approval to take one week vacation in pay. The Council agreed to grant his request. There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 10:04 PM. With Johnson seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.
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June, 2005
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