This page was prepared
October, 2002
September 3, 2002The Moran City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 3, 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 Kathy Wells, Daniel Campbell, Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Officer; Loretta Roberts, Ambulance Director; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Linda Houk and Bob Houk arrived after the meeting began. The Council continued with a public hearing regarding property condemnation already in progress. Councilmember Mueller moved to grant Kathy Wells, 111 S. Sycamore, an additional 60 days to seal the exterior second story door of her home, clean rubbish from the backyard, demolish an outhouse, and clean up the shop/garage area. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council then spoke with Daniel Campbell regarding his property at 140 W. Randolph. Mr. Campbell said that he could mow the property, trim back the brush, fill the sink hole to the north of the building, cover all broken windows, pay all outstanding bills due to the city, and paint the building within 30 days. Councilmember Mueller moved to grant a 30-day extension for repairs to be made to the property. Council will review improvements made to the property and reconsider the condemnation proceeding at the October 7th council meeting. Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Wallis moved to approve the September consent agenda consisting of: August regular council meeting minutes with a correction to page 1, paragraph 8 to read “…Wallis moved to offer…” and page 4, paragraph 4 to read “… Wallis moved to recess…”, August pay ordinance totaling $77,710.11 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing September 6, 2002. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.
VISITORSLinda Houk asked approval for the Library Board to repaint the interior walls of the Library. She advised the Council that paint has been donated for the project, but asked the Council if the City would be able to help repair or replace the windows on the west wall of the Library. She also asked if the lighting fixtures in the Library could be repaired and/or improved by installing additional light fixtures. The Council asked Linda to have Audrey Maley, Librarian, list the repairs that are needed and the City crew will make repairs as time allows.
OLD BUSINESSApproval of Charter Ordinance 6 – Bret Heim read Charter Ordinance No. 6 increasing court fees and misdemeanor fines. Councilmember Wallis moved the Mayor sign ordinance as read, Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.
VISITORS (cont.)Bob Houk asked the Council if the City could do anything to help control the dust on city streets following the recent chip and seal project. He asked if the City could use a street sweeper to pick up excess rock in the hopes of controlling the dust. Mayor Merkel said the City crew would try using the City’s street sweeper to pick up excess rock.Ambulance Fuel Credit Card – The Council discussed various options for credit cards and no action was taken. Director Roberts was asked to find additional information regarding fuel credit card and the topic would be reviewed at the next meeting. Review of Moran Grain Property – The Council reviewed recent photographs taken of the property and noted no repairs had been made to the property. Bret Heim advised he had spoken with Bob Talkington, attorney for Moran Grain, regarding the condition of the property. The topic was tabled until the October meeting. Police Chief Vacancy – The Clerk advised the Council the City had received an application from James Dean for the Chief position. Councilmember Wallis moved the Council meet in executive session at 8:13 PM for 20 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel matters; Bret Heim was invited to attend the session. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned at 8:33 PM, no action was taken.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTSFire Chief – Nothing to reportAmbulance Director – Director Roberts informed the Council that the emergency lights quit working on the ambulance last week but repairs have been made and the unit is again operational. Police Department – Officer Smith said the problem with after hours’ parking at the Landmark has improved. Officer Smith also reported a problem that occurred this past month with a group of children climbing on the elevator at Moran Grain. He said he has spoken with the children and their parents regarding the children’s actions. He also noted a complaint from Kim Burton, 404 S. Cedar, concerning the Department of Transportation moving the 65-mph speed limit sign. Ms. Burton believes motorists are traveling in excess of the posted speed past her home. Officer Smith said he has increased patrol in the area. City Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell reported the following activities for the month of August:
Superintendent Stodgell advised the Council that the tennis court is in need of repair and offered two options to repair the court. The City crew could fill the cracks and seal the tennis court for around $600.00 or the court could be re-asphalted at a considerably higher cost. After some discussion, Superintendent Stodgell offered to contact the City of Iola and City of Humboldt to seek their advice. No action was taken. Superintendent Stodgell reported the oil switch that controls the ball field lights has burned out. He noted the damage could have occurred due to inexperienced personnel trying to operate the ball lights. The Council suggested contacting members of the Ball Association to advise the coaches of the proper operation of the lights. The Council requested additional pricing information before making a decision to replace the switch. The Council discussed possible concerns with Code violations in the construction of the new funeral home. Superintendent Stodgell submitted a letter from the builder that did not answer the City’s concerns. Attorney Heim will prepare a letter for the builder requesting specific answers to the City’s concerns. City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported the following income for the month of August;
Councilmember Mueller moved to approve spending up to $300.00 to purchase candy to be thrown during the Moran Day parade. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. NEW BUSINESSPainting Bids – Mayor Merkel read a bid of $4,400.00 submitted Don Higginbotham to power wash and apply one coat of paint to the exterior of City Hall. Additionally, Mr. Higginbotham submitted a second bid of $570.00 to repair cracks and paint the entrance to City Hall, Council meeting room, and Clerk’s office. The bid did not include the price of paint. The Council discussed the possibility of needing to apply two coats of paint to the exterior and waterproof the trim blocks along the bottom of the face of City Hall. The Council tabled the topic until October meeting.Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission – Mayor Merkel asked if one of the Council would be willing to represent the City and attend the semi-annual meetings of the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission. Following discussion the topic was tabled until the next meeting. Westar Energy Seminar - Councilmember Ginn moved Lori Evans and Mike Stodgell attend a meeting sponsored by Westar in Topeka on September 17, 2002. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. OTHERHampel Oil Quonset Building – The Council asked the Clerk to send a letter to Hampel Oil noting the Council’s concerns with the condition of their building at 102 S. Cedar, specifically the broken windows and unsecured doors. The letter will ask officials at Hampel Oil to advised the City of their plans to remedy the Council’s concerns. The Council will review the response at the October council meeting.Councilmember Mueller moved to send Mike Stodgell to Water Tank Maintenance Training on October 15th. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval. Councilmember Johnson moved the Council meet in executive session for 30 minutes at 10:04 PM to discuss non-elected personnel issues. Attorney Heim was invited to attend the session with Ambulance Director Roberts and Officer Smith attending for a portion of the session. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned at 10:34 PM. Councilmember Wallis moved to return to executive session for an additional 10 minutes to continue discussing personnel issues at 10:35 PM. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned at 10:45 PM. No action was taken. Councilmember Wallis moved the meeting adjourn at 10:45 PM. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.
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This page was prepared October, 2002
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