October 1, 2001

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 1, 2001. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mark Barnett, Mike Holman, James Mueller, and Debbie Sager. Special guests in attendance were Allen County Commissioners Dick Works and Kent Thompson. Also present were Bret Heim, City Attorney; Jason Prock, Police Chief; Loretta Roberts, Ambulance Director; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Audrey Maley, Zelma Watkins, Ruby Eisenbrandt, David Beck, Bill McAdam, Bob Johnson, Shane Smith, Rex Bowen, and Glenn Terrill were visitors attending the meeting. Lee Roberts arrived at 10:30 PM.

Mayor Merkel read the Council a letter submitted by Harvey Collins in which he resigned his Council position effective immediately.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING THE CLOSING OF THE MORAN SENIOR CENTER

Mayor Merkel asked the Commissioners if the County has any specific plans for building a new senior center. Mr. Works replied that the County does have plans to build a 30’ X 45’ center, approximately the size of the LaHarpe Senior Center. He estimated the County expects to spend around $45,000 to build the new center, but would be willing to consider additions and/or expansions to the plans. Mr. Works said he has heard the City may want to consider adding a basement to the senior center to provide a storm facility for the community. He estimated building a basement under the new center would cost $20,000 to $30,000 to meet compliance with ADA regulations. Mr. Works advised the Council that the County was ready to proceed with construction of the new facility unless the City would like to participate.

Mayor Merkel asked the visitors if they had any comments. Audrey Maley said she was just observing the meeting but that she feels the Senior Citizens needed a place to hold their meetings. Zelma Watkins spoke up and said that she did not think it would be wise to build a new senior center anywhere near the highways. She said she would rather see the center built on the former site. Councilmember Sager asked the visitors if the residents of the Marmaton Village would utilize the senior facilities more if the center was located near the Village. Ruby Eisenbrandt said she thought that the Village residents might benefit from the center being built closer to the Village. Mayor Merkel asked Mr. Bowen if he had any comments or ideas for construction of the new senior center. Mr. Bowen said he did not believe it was necessary to build a new center, that the current center is still useable if the building was remodeled. Mr. Works advised Mr. Bowen that the County had looked into remodeling the current facility, but all the contractors have advised that the building is dangerous and would cost too much to remodel. Furthermore, the County would be held liable for reopening the senior center until the building is brought into compliance.

Mr. Works said the county would like to proceed with plans to build the new center as soon as possible, but will delay plans if the City would like to participate in the design and share financial costs. Councilmember Mueller suggested the County should move on construction, as the City is not financially able to contribute to construction costs at this time. The Commissioners did advise the County would be willing to entertain alternate building sites if anyone could find suitable land. Councilmember Barnett suggested the City might be able to participate in the construction by improving building lots, providing exterior lighting, drainage, and utilities if the County chooses to build on another site. The County Commissioners advised they would move as quickly as possible to construct a new senior center.

Councilmember Barnett moved to approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting held September 4, 2001, October pay ordinance totaling $65,694.10, and the Corporate Resolution to renew a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit maturing Oct. 16, 2001. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

OLD BUSINESS

Utility Rate Increases – Bret Heim read the title of Ordinance 1079 increasing electric, water, and sewer rates. Clerk Evans advised the Council that City Hall had received questions asking if the City would increase water rates charged to the water districts served by the City. After some discussion regarding the rate schedule, Councilmember Mueller moved the ordinance be adopted as written. Barnett seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

USD 256 Computer Damage - Councilmember Mueller reported that he had spoken with John Leith regarding the damage to one of the Shop’s CAD workstations and that the school would like to submit the claim to the City’s insurance carrier. Mueller told the Council that the City would only be liable for the $250.00 deductible if the claim were honored.

Appointments to the Moran Library Board – Councilmember Barnett moved that City Attorney Bret Heim draft an ordinance allowing a maximum of two board members to live outside the City limits within the boundaries of the Marmaton and Osage Townships. Sager seconded the motion, motion passed with Holman approving and Mueller abstaining.

Request to Open the 100 Block of West Oak to Two - Way Traffic - Councilmember Mueller told the Council that he and Chief Prock have spoken with Superintendent Bradbury and discussed the City’s concerns with opening Oak Street to two way traffic. After which, Mr. Bradbury agreed that it may not be in the Schools best interest to open the street to two-way traffic at the present time.

Mike Holman Electrical Damage – The Council discussed Employers Mutual Insurance’s (EMI) letter denying the claim for damages. EMI denied the claim saying the damage was due to an “Act of God” rather than negligence on the part of the City. Councilmember Mueller said the Council has three options: 1) Take no action, 2) Resubmit the claim for EMI’s review, and 3) City pays for the loss, estimated to be $300.00 – $350.00 based on known loss at this time. Bret Heim said the Council should clearly state the City’s position if the Council decides to honor the claim, as the Council will be setting policy for future claims. After much discussion, it was agreed to request EMI review the claim.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Ambulance Director – Director Roberts notified the Council that the County Commissioners have approved purchase of a new Stryker stretcher for the Moran unit. She reported that the light bar on the front of the ambulance was damaged when they hit some type of bird. Repairs will be made as soon as parts are received. She also reported that the County is still predicting the new ambulance unit should be completed and ready for service by the end of the year.

Police Chief – Chief Prock advised the Council that the City would be responsible for placing ‘End of School Zone’ signs on Highway 59. Superintendent Stodgell reported that he has already ordered the signs. Chief Prock noted that he has been investigating the complaint submitted by Nick Gonzalez and that traffic has slowed down in that neighborhood.

Chief Prock asked the Council for approval to change cellular phone plans and discontinue the pager service. In addition to changing the cellular plan, he asked the Council to consider allowing him to share the cost of the phone with the City paying the monthly base amount and he would pay all costs above the base amount. By doing this, Chief Prock will not need to carry his personal cell phone along with the Police Department cell phone. Councilmember Sager voiced some concern with using the Police cell phone for personal use. The Council agreed to discontinue the pager service and asked Chief Prock to get various cell phone rate plans and prices for the November Council meeting.

Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell reported that the electric schooling he and Craig Miller attended in Manhattan was very educational and that he is working on establishing new policy for electrical projects. He also reported the following for the month of September:

• Revised electric project to serve Moran Mini-Mart as they now plan to construct a new building.
• Planning and construction of utility services for Keith Hobart's new home.
• Check and verified electric service to Dave’s Barbershop, no problems found. Customer was advised to have an electrician check their service.
• Straightened and replaced guy wire on electric pole at 1st and Cedar.

Superintendent Stodgell told the Council that an increased number of properties were found to be in violation of the City Code setting maximum allowable grass height during the past growing season. Notice was given to the landowners, but several did not mow their properties within the timeframe and the City crew had to mow the properties. The Council discussed raising the mowing rates to try to detour future violations. Superintendent Stodgell suggested the Council leave the rates unchanged, but impose a minimum two-hour mowing charge for each property mowed. The Council agreed to assess a two hour minimum charge for all property mowed by the City with charges taking effect January 1, 2002. The Clerk was advised to post notice in the next City newsletter.

City Clerk – Clerk Evans updated the August net income to $72,022.74 reflecting $1,051.88 of interest income unreported for the month. September income was reported as follows:

Councilmember Sager moved Mayor Merkel sign the 1-year Project Certification letter as requested by the Kansas Department of Health and Welfare to meet the requirements of the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan. Barnett seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

NEW BUSINESS

Flu Shots for City Employees (Oct 10, 2001) – Councilmember Barnett moved the City pay for employees to receive flu shots through the SEK Multi-Health Clinic. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Mueller moved the Council meet in executive session at 10:55 PM for 15 minutes to discuss personnel matters. Bret Heim was invited to attend the session. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned at 11:14 PM and Barnett moved to return to executive session for an additional 15 minutes to continue the discussion. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open meeting at 11:27 PM with no action taken.

Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 11:30 PM. Barnet seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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