November 4, 2002

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, November 4th, 2002. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Wallis, James Mueller, Warren Johnson, and Chryll Ginn. Also present were Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Chief; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Mike Ginn, Gene Covey, Bruce Jackson, Sharon Hardman, Ben Hardman, and Richard Luken were visitors attending the meeting. Allen County Commissioner Dick Works arrived at 8:15 PM.

Councilmember Wallis moved to approve the consent agenda consisting of; October 7th regular council meeting minutes, November pay ordinance totaling $53,964.42, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing November 13, 2002. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Bruce Jackson, Mike Ginn, and Gene Covey said they were present to see what actions would be taken regarding the Senior/Community center. Mayor Merkel advised the topic was scheduled later on the agenda.

Sharon Hardman told the Council she was present regarding her application for a cereal malt beverage to operate Rosie’s Landmark. The application was scheduled under new business, but the Council chose to address the application to accommodate Mrs. Hardman. Councilmember Ginn moved to approve the application as submitted. Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

OLD BUSINESS

Property Reviews – The Council reviewed the property at 408 N. Birch and 111 S. Sycamore and discussed the lack of action in bringing the properties up to City Code. The Council chose to delay discussion of the properties until later in the meeting.

Clerk Evans relayed a question from Gary Valdez of Hampel Oil asking if the Council had a preference on how Hampel is to handle the concrete piers and loading docks on their property once the building is torn down. He asked if Hampel Oil could take them down to ground level or if they had to be completely removed. The Council agreed the piers and docks could be taken down to ground level without being totally removed.

Property Condemnations – Councilmember Mueller moved to adopt and publish resolutions 02-05 and 02-06 condemning property at 140 W. Randolph and 522 N. Locust. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

The Council tabled any action pertaining to the properties at 408 N. Birch and 111 S. Sycamore until the December meeting.

Utility Billing Software – The Council reviewed nine software bids with Councilmember Mueller moving to purchase Asyst software from United Systems Technology, Inc. for $3,510.00. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Painting Bids – Agenda topic tabled until the December meeting.

Mayor Merkel advised the Council that additional remodeling would be done at the Library with the City crew adding light fixtures, installing a new breaker box, and rewiring the library building.

NEW BUSINESS

Allen County Senior/Community Center – Commissioner Dick Works spoke with the Council regarding the new Senior/Community Center and advised the Council that the Commissioners plan to have a three-member advisor board govern the Senior/Community Center. He then asked the Council to suggest a member for appointment to the board, Mayor Merkel suggested Glen Terrill as a possible candidate. Councilmember Mueller moved that Glen Terrill be recognized as the City’s recommendation for the Senior Advisory Board. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Commissioner Works also asked the Council if the City would handle reservation scheduling for Senior/Community center. The Council agreed that the Clerks office could oversee the calendar and will assume the responsibility once the Advisory Board is appointed.

Library Maintenance – The Council discussed the need to treat the Library for termite infestation and reviewed one bid from TNT of Fort Scott. Following discussion, the Council requested additional bids from Gault Pest Control and Heinrich Pest Control. They also requested a line item bid to treat the Library, City Hall, and both City shop buildings. Topic was then tabled until the December meeting.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Chief Merkel said he had spoken with the Marmaton Township fire board and they may interested in entering into a lease-purchase agreement with the City if both parties could agree on terms. No action was taken.

Ambulance Director – Not present

Police Chief – Chief Smith asked for council approval to purchase a Second Chance bulletproof vest for $600.00. Councilmember Wallis moved to approve the request, Holman seconding the motion. Motion passed with all approving. Chief Smith then asked the Council if the City would like to adopt the 2002 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance. He estimated costs to purchase the required manuals and publish ordinances to be around $225.00. After discussion, the Council agreed to reconsider the request when the new manuals are available in 2003.

Chief Smith requested approval to purchase new boots, uniform pants, turtlenecks, and nametags at an estimated cost of $300.00. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the request, Wallis seconded the motion. Motion passed with all approving.

Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell reported the following work accomplished for the month of October:

  • Completed the 7200 electric project in the 700 and 800 blocks of N. Cedar.
  • Removed the temporary electric service to the Allen County Senior Center.
  • Insulated the ceiling of the fire bay behind the library.
  • Cut down a tree on the Marmaton Village property and complied with a residential request to trim a tree at Elm & First.
  • Repaired water leaks on a 1” poly line and a 4” main in the 500 and 600 blocks of N. Cedar.
Superintendent Stodgell asked the Council if they would like Chief Smith to assume the public officer duties. The Council discussed the situation and agreed that Superintendent Stodgell should retain the title until Chief Smith completes Kansas Law Enforcement training in May.

Mayor Merkel spoke with the Council about the need to plan a water project to replace old water lines in the southeast section of town. The Council agreed to address the need at the January 2003 meeting.

City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported the following income for the month of October:

GENERAL FUND
|     WATER FUND
   Charges For Services 58.02 |       Sales To Customers 10,583.02
   Rent 100.00 |        Penalties 355.12
   Court Fines 1,902.00 |       Water Protection Fee 67.31
   Dog Tag 4.00 |       Bulk Water Sales 264.28
   Ks Sales Tax 3,240.53 |       Connect Fees-Water 147.78
   Nsf Checks 646.41 |       Overpaid-Water 9.41
   Reimb Exp-General 950.35 |       Reimb Exp-Water 3.99
   Building Permits 8.00 |    SPECIAL HIGHWAY RECEIPTS 3,960.02
   Interest Earned Checking/CD 711.04 |    SEWER FUND
ELECTRIC FUND
|       Sales To Customers    5,223.28
   Sales To Customers 46,347.60 |    GROSS RECEIPTS 85,073.50
   Reimb Exp-Electric 91.37 |       Cash Short 1.65
   Connect Fees-Electric 147.78 |       Fuel Adjustments 319.82
   Overpaid-Electric 142.07 |       LIEAP Credits 17.34
SALES TAX 1,297.53 |       Refuse Credit 1.50
REFUSE 1,209.30 |       Electric Credits      512.12
AMBULANCE FUND
|    NET RECEIPTS 84,221.07
   Charges For Services 7,603.29 |

Councilmember Mueller moved the Council meet in executive session for 20 minutes at 10:20PM to discuss non-elected personnel matters. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Clerk Evans was invited to attend the session. The Council returned at 10:36 PM and Councilmember Mueller moved that Lynn Heskett be given regular employment status with full benefits effective November 15, 2002. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

NEW BUSINESS (continued)

2003 Audit/Budget Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred & Bledsoe -Councilmember Wallis moved the Mayor sign the contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred & Bledsoe to provide audit and budgeting services for fiscal year 2003. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Annual Christmas Party – Councilmember Mueller moved to approve holding the annual Christmas Party on Dec. 5th at 6:30 PM. Councilmembers, employees, and volunteer firemen and their families will be extended invitations requesting an RSVP. The Moran Locker will handle catering and the City will purchase one to two smoked turkeys as needed. ______________ _______________* seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Bond Issues for Americare Properties – Attorney Heim relayed a request from Southwest Bank asking the City to provide final paperwork to deed the Moran Manor property to Americare, owner of the Moran Manor. Attorney Heim said he did not feel it was the City’s responsibility to provide the final paperwork and that he advised Southwest Bank the bond attorney involved with the initial bond issuance should have prepared the necessary paperwork when the bonds were issued. The Council will review the request once the proper paperwork is received.

Councilman Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 10:58 PM. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

*Warren Johnson – Correction made December 2, 2002

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This page was prepared

December, 2002