October 2, 2006

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 2, 2006. 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; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Steve Crume and Mike Ginn were visitors attending the meeting.

Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the October 2006 consent agenda consisting of: September 2006 regular Council meeting minutes with a correction to page 4 paragraph 3 to read …Jackman moved to approve a request…, October 2006 pay ordinance totaling $65,362.23, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing October 5, 2006. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Steve Crume asked the Council if he needed approval to build an enclosed beer garden on the east side of his establishment. Discussion followed with Attorney Heim advising he would research the request. The request was tabled until the November meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Minimum Water Purchase from PWWS #5 – Mayor Merkel notified the Council that Daryl Drake had spoken with him and voiced some concern with the Council’s decision to lower the City’s monthly purchase minimum. Discussion followed, no action was taken.

Property Review 505 S. Cedar – Topic was tabled until the November meeting.

Review Ordinance 1062/1064 – The Council reviewed proposed changes to the ordinance and legal ramifications of imposing age requirements on manufactured/mobile homes and agreed to make no changes to the current ordinance.

Property Review 222 W. Franklin – Chief Smith informed the Council that the property owner failed to attend an informal hearing scheduled on September 25th. He further recommended the Council begin condemnation proceedings on this property. The Council scheduled this topic for review at the November meeting.

Additional CD Purchase – The Council reviewed investment bids for certificate of deposits received from four banks. Discussion followed with Councilmember Mueller moving to reject all the bids and to increase the monthly certificate of deposits from $25,000.00 to $30,000.00. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Mueller requested this topic be reviewed at the September 2007 meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

The Council returned to open meeting at 8:45 PM. Councilmember Holman moved to pay Chief Smith for 41 hours vacation not used during the year. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Annual Christmas Party – The Council agreed to schedule the party for November 14th, 15th, or 16th and to ask the FCCLA to cater the party and to hold the party at the Senior Center. Clerk Evans will check with Mrs. Stewart regarding possible dates, pricing, and menus.

Year End Review of Salaries and Benefits – Topic was tabled until later in the meeting.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Police Chief – Chief Smith reported on training attended throughout the month. He also noted the Police Department had applied to participate in the 2007 Step Grant Program.

Chief Smith informed the Council that an exhaust manifold bolt was broken on the patrol car. The Council instructed Chief Smith to get estimates and have the car repaired at his earliest convenience.

Superintenden – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of September 2006:
• Inspected fence around 2400 substation and work on plans to replace fence
• Marked and set poles for substation fence
• Built new electric service and changed electric meter at 504 Birch
• Replaced approximately twelve older electric meters
• Repaired many street lights damaged by storms
• Installed three phase electric service at AG-Choice’s new building
• Framed in for new fencing around 2400 volt sub
• Located water line for Gas Company at 811 N. Cedar; picked up dirt and backfilled with rock
• Changed per-gallon water rate on water dock on 9/1/06
• Repaired water leak in front of 129 W. Randolph, on 4” cast iron line
• Locate water valves
• Replaced 5/8” water at 3940 Hwy 54 (Moran Manor); ordered new 2” compound meter with setter
• Attempted repairs on 2” water meter from Manor; needs new meter and setter
• Changed out fourteen older water meters
• Both state water tests passed
• Replaced and repaired rusted water lines at Library
• Set new water meter and established service at new AG Choice building
• Tarped 8” PVC water pipe
• Spoke with resident at 620 N. Birch about leak on 5/8” line; determined leak is on their side
• Swept south Spruce street and hauled away rock
• Hauled rock
• Put together signs for Moran’s Day
• Mowed residences in violation of grass height regulations, mowed parade route, etc.
• Locates around parade route
• Pulled signs from Moran Days and cleaned up
• Prepared for Moran Day; cleaned picnic tables, trash cans, bathrooms, etc.
• Trimmed trees at City Park
• Cleaned up Park after Moran Days
• Flushed manholes at school and behind residence at 643 N. Cedar
• Rodded manholes #27-33
• Located manhole covers and sewer for chip and seal
• Lagoons tested per State regulations, passed test

Superintendent Stodgell informed the Council that the 2” water meter at Moran Manor needed replaced and the 4” register on Rural 12 Water District needs replaced. He estimated costs to be $1,700.00 for the Manor’s meter and $1,300.00 for Rural 12’s register. Councilmember Mueller moved to purchase the meter and register as needed. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Mueller moved the City purchase 10 gallons of mosquito spray using monies from the Electric Fund. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

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

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 10:19 PM. With Johnson seconding the motion, the motion passed with unanimous approval.

This page was prepared November, 2006