May 7, 2007

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 7, 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; Craig Miller, Asst. City Superintendent; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Shawn Turner, Loren Mitchell, Jeff Johnson, Frances Poling, Bill Bigelow, and Mike Endicott were visitors attending the meeting.

Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the May 2007 consent agenda consisting of: April 2007 regular Council meeting minutes, May 2007 pay ordinance totaling $84,249.75 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $30,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing May 20, 2007. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Loren Mitchell, President of the Marmaton Village Board, asked if the City could rock the alley to the west of the Village. Superintendent Stodgell said he had plans to rock the alley as soon as the ground dries out.

Mike Endicott told the Council that he and his wife had been looking for grants to purchase lights for the west ball field and asked if the Council had any concern if they were to pursue grant funding to install new lights. The Council said they didn’t see any problems with researching grants but that he should be aware there would be additional costs than just the lighting alone. New electric service to the field would need to be built along with new poles for the lights, transformer, and lighting switches would need to be purchased. Also, the City’s bucket trucks do not reach high enough to install the lights which would require rental of a bucket truck to install the lights.

Mike also informed the Council that he has three 15’ red maple trees that he would like to donate to the park and asked if the trees could be planted between the two ball fields. The Council voiced some concerns with planting the trees between the ball fields and suggested other areas to plant the trees. Councilmembers Mueller and Johnson offered to check on possible areas to plant the trees and the City will contact Mike regarding the Council’s findings.

Craig Miller asked the Council’s permission to take his remaining 40 hours of vacation as pay as his employment anniversary date is near and he will not be able to take the time off. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the request, Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

OLD BUSINESS

Water Project Update – Shawn Turner advised the Council that the project survey had been delayed due to the weather but that the design should be complete in the next 30 days. Shawn then submitted an EPA compliance form for the Mayor’s signature. Councilmember Mueller asked when the City could expect to break ground on the project; Shawn replied that he thought the project could begin as early as late July.

Appointment to Moran Library Board – Mayor Merkel noted a correction to the appointment of the Library Board as Travis Harrison is all ready appointed to the Board. He then appointed Nelda Cuppy to fill the Board vacancy. Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the appointment, Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Employment Applications – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

Municipal Court Software – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

Update to County Wide Law Enforcement Consolidation – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

Wholesale Customer Disconnects/PWWS No. 5 – City Attorney Heim advised the Council that he had spoken with Elmer Tasch of PWWS No. 5 and that Mr. Tasch advised him the City crew could not disconnect customers on the PWWS No. 5 line for non-payment. Heim said he asked Mr. Tasch to send the City a written response on PWWS No. 5’s policy regarding disconnects. Heim also advised he spoke with Mr. Tasch and requested that PWWS No. 5’s submit their meter readings in a timely manner to expedite the City’s billing process. Mr. Tasch said he would speak with PWWS No.5’s billing clerk about the City’s concerns.

Purchase of Playground Equipment for City Park – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

Roof Leak at City Hall – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

Copier Pricing – The Council reviewed pricing and options for copiers from Copy Products and Modern Copy Systems as follows:

Copy Products
Toshiba 232 $4,055.00
Toshiba 2500C $7,151.00

Modern Copy System
Kyocera 2550 $2,950.00
Kyocera 3050 $5,350.00
Kyocera 3225C $7,900.00

Councilmember Mueller moved to purchase a Kyocera 3050 from Modern Copy Systems. Johnson moved to second the purchase, motion passed with all approving.

Westar Update – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Water Sample Testing for South 59 Water District – Jeff Johnson and Frances Poling, representatives from the South 59 Water District, spoke with the Council regarding their water supply system. Mr. Johnson told the Council that the water district had made plans to make repairs to their 40 year old water lines, but had been informed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that as their repair plans would increase the line size and because of the increased number of taps on the water line they were out of compliance with State regulations. Mr. Johnson said they would be in compliance with the State if they could obtain the services of a State certified water operator to collect two water samples a month to send to the State. Mr. Johnson asked if the City would be willing to amend their contract with the City to allow one of the City’s certified water operator’s to collect the required samples. He said the district would be willing to pay for testing and postage to mail the samples. Following discussion or the request, Councilmember Holman moved City Attorney Heim contact KDHE regarding the State’s requirements for testing and to draft a new contract with South 59 Water District. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Oath of Office for Mayor and Council – Phillip Merkel took the oath of office for Mayor, and James Mueller and Warren Johnson took the oath of office for Councilmembers.

Mayoral Appointments – Mayor Merkel submitted the following appointments for Council approval:
City Treasurer Debra Merkel
Municipal Judge Patty Miklos
Police Chief R. Shane Smith
City Clerk Lori Evans
Assistant City Clerk Lynn Heskett
City Attorney Bret Heim
Public Officer R. Shane Smith
Building Inspector Mike Stodgell
Fire Chief Phillip Merkel
Asst. Fire Chief Craig Miller
Firemen Phillip Merkel
          Craig Miller
          Dewey Stotler
          Larry Reed
          Curt Drake
          Derek Wagner
          Mike Stodgell
          Lee Roberts
          Joe Carr
          Kevin Davis

Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the Mayor’s appointments. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Election of President of the Council – Councilmember Johnson moved that James Mueller be named President of the Council. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

OLD BUSINESS (continued)

Update to County Wide Law Enforcement Consolidation – Councilmember Mueller reviewed a list of advantages and disadvantages concerning implementing consolidated law enforcement he received as a member of the Allen County Consolidated Law Enforcement Study Group. The Council discussed various City departments that would not be served by consolidated law enforcement such as the Code Office and Animal Control Officer. Mueller noted the Study Group would tour the Riley County Consolidated Law Enforcement facilities some time in May. The Council asked Clerk Evans to prepare a report listing Revenue and Expenses for the Police Department for the Council’s review at the June 4th meeting. No action was taken.

Municipal Court Software – City Attorney Heim offered to contact Data Technologies and Jayhawk Software regarding software pricing for smaller Courts. Topic was tabled until the June 4th meeting.

Westar Update – The Council noted budgetary concerns and time constraints regarding the publication of the proposed agreement between Westar and the City of Moran. The Council asked Clerk Evans to contact Bill Birnell regarding the status of the agreement and report back next meeting.

Property Conditions at 115 E. Hill – The Council discussed Code violations on the property located at 115 E. Hill and asked the Public Officer to prepare a notice for the land owner.

Review Employment Applications – Councilmember Mueller moved the Council meet in executive session for 20 minutes at 9:37 PM to discuss non-elected personnel matters; Superintendent Stodgell was invited to attend the session. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open session at 9:57 PM. Councilmember Mueller moved Superintended Stodgell interview Kevin Davis for the general laborer’s position with the City. If Superintendent Stodgell approves the outcome of the interview, Davis would be offered the position. Beginning wage would be $7.50 per hour and the position would be subject to the standard 90 day probationary period. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Purchase of Playground Equipment for City Park – Councilmember Mueller reported he has ordered new catalogs for playground equipment but have not received the mailings yet. Clerk Evans informed the Council that the Moran Day Committee has offered to donate $2,000.00 towards the purchase of new equipment for the playground, repairs on the shelter house, or other improvements at the City Park. Discussion resumed on the request earlier in the meeting to plant three trees at the City Park. Councilmember Mueller moved the City not plant any additional trees for the immediate future. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council agreed to review the purchase of playground equipment at the June meeting.

Roof Leak at City Hall – Topic Mayor Merkel informed the Council that a representative from Alert Roofing stopped by to look at the City’s roof. Alert’s representative said the City originally had a 20 year warranty on the roof, but that warranty was voided when the contractors installed sewer and heat vents without contacting Alert for assistance when the building was built. Alert’s representative did reseat some flashing and did some minor caulking but Mayor Merkel said the flashing needed totally recaulked and painted to properly seal the roof. Superintendent Stodgell said he believes the City crew can make the suggested repairs when the weather dries.

NEW BUSINESS (continued)

Radio Repeater – Mayor Merkel reported the radio repeater was damaged in a recent storm and repairs have been made. Merkel relayed a suggestion from Ed Schoonover of Chanute Communications that the City consider purchasing a new repeater as the current repeater is almost 20 years old. Merkel suggested the City purchase a repeater, duplexer, battery backup, and desk microphone for $1,788.00. He said the current repeater would be used as a backup system should any problems occur with the new repeater. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the purchase as requested. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Chief Merkel said he was still reviewing sample burn permit applications and forms. He also noted residents have expressed their concerns about the lack of storm shelters in the community. The Council discussed the situation and requested the Clerk research possible grants and costs for storm shelters.

Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of April 2007:
· Cleaned out electric meter can and stored
· Power outage in alley of 100 block of Church Street, replaced fuse; outage caused by car backing into pole, causing fuse to blow
· Trimmed tree limbs at Sycamore and First Streets
· Installed water, electric, and sewer taps for new home at 220 N. Birch
· Trimmed tree limbs at Randolph and Linn Streets
· Power outage at Linn and Randolph Streets, caused by bird at transformer
· Replaced burned out oil switch at ball field
· Power outage on primary electric line at 807 N. Cedar; replaced transformer fuse
· Replaced transformer fuse at 709 N. Cedar
· Replaced ten electric meters
· Used Weed Eater to trim around water pit meters and valves outside town
· Replaced setter valve – ¾” ball valve at 304 S. Cedar
· Cleaned air hoses and air trap at #2 Lift Station
· Marked sewer tap at 110 S. Cottonwood; resident replaced sewer service
· Rodded manhole at school to clear back-up
· Sprayed weeds at City Hall and ballpark
· Installed new culvert at 404 N. Pine
· Confirmed Spring Cleanup dates with Dual County; dumpster will be at park from June 1-8 with clean up day on June 5 th
· Cleaned leaves and debris from ends of culverts
· Picked up 5 yards of cold patch at Gas City
· Filled potholes, using 2 yards of cold patch
· Installed 8’x12” metal culvert at 412 N. Linn
· Rocked entrance at County building
· Picked up limbs and mowed park
· Provided two gallons of aluminum paint to Galen Bigelow to paint the batting cage
· Fixed swing at City Park, wired up fence on new ball field
· Measured boards at Troxel Park for supplies
· Removed box blade and loader off 4310 John Deere; put on mower deck
· Repaired two flat tires
· Sandblasted and painted rust spots on 1997 GMC truck
· Installed new front door at City Shop
· Sharpened blades and replaced o-ring on fuel tank of 4310 John Deere, and repaired brake light
· Installed spotlights on 1995 bucket truck
· Installed back up alarm on 1984 Chevy dump truck
· Sharpened bush hog blades
· Painted awning and stained boards at City Shop
· Installed back up alarm in 1997 GMC truck

Superintendent Stodgell submitted pricing of $1,119.96 to purchase two 5” heavy duty aluminum basketball poles and goals for the park as suggested at the April meeting. Mueller moved to approve the purchase of the basketball poles and goals, Johnson seconded the motion. Motion passed with all approving.

City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported income for the month of April 2007 as follows:

Clerk Evans advised the Council that a number of mow notices have been returned as undeliverable and notice of weed violations would need to be published in the Iola Register before action was taken on a property.

The Council requested the Clerk to prepare a report showing the dates and times for monthly electrical peaks and to have the information available for the next Council meeting.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 11:14 PM. With Holman seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

This page was prepared June, 2007