September 6, 2005

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 6, 2005. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Jackman, 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. Craig Miller, Asst. Superintendent arrived shortly after the meeting began. Sarah Alumbaugh and Richard Johnson were visitors attending the meeting.

Councilmember Holman moved to approve the September 2005 consent agenda consisting of: August 2005 regular Council meeting minutes, September 2005 pay ordinance totaling $76,821.85 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing September 8, 2005. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

No business for the Council

OLD BUSINESS

Ambulance Contract – Attorney Heim informed the Council that the County had not submitted a revised contract for the Council’s review. The Council agreed to table the topic until the October meeting.

Concession Stand Update – Councilmember Johnson reported that quite a few of the newer concession stands are being built with a partial second story to house the scorekeeping equipment. As such, Johnson submitted a bid from Diebolt Lumber for $4,885.00 and a bid from New Klein Lumber of $4,581.10 for materials to add a second story to a 20’ X 20’ block concession stand. The Council discussed the need to build a second story for the scorekeeping equipment and agreed that it would be more practical to build a single story 20’ X 20’ block building with a covered area over the front of the building and to set a table up for the scorekeeper and equipment. No action was taken and the topic was tabled until the October meeting.

Part Time Law Enforcement Academy – The topic was tabled until later in the meeting.

Backhoe Quotes – Richard Johnson of Martin Tractor presented a proposal for purchase of a new 2006 Caterpillar backhoe. A standard two wheel drive backhoe would be $59,505; two wheel drive with extended hoe $63,334.00; standard four wheel drive $65,003.00; four wheel drive with extended hoe $70,555.00. Adding a 4 in 1 bucket option increases the price $4,032.00. Martin Tractor has offered a $20,000.00 trade-in discount for the City’s 1993 Case. Superintendent Stodgell and Asst. Superintendent Miller agreed they felt the four wheel drive standard backhoe with the 4 in 1 bucket would best serve the City’s needs. After applying the Case as trade the net price would be $49,035.00. The Council discussed various options and extended warranties and thanked Mr. Johnson for his time. The Council noted the Case bid with like options would be $50,300.00 after allowing $15,000.00 trade for the 1993 Case. Clerk Evans informed the Council that the Case representative had offered the City an additional 2% off the total purchase price. After applying this discount the Case would be the less expensive of the two backhoes. After considerable discussion Councilmember Ginn moved the Mayor sign the intent to purchase for the Case backhoe. Delivery of the backhoe will be after the first of the year and Superintendent Stodgell and Asst. Superintendent Miller will finalize specifications and pricing for the backhoe. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

NEW BUSINESS

Increase of Paramedic/Nurse Run Pay – Clerk Evans notified the Council that Allen County EMS Director Elaine Duggan has requested that Paramedic/Nurse pay be increased from $100.00 to $150.00 for any runs that begin between 7:00 AM Monday to 3:00 PM Friday. Runs that begin between 3:00 PM Friday and 7:00 AM Monday will be paid at a weekend rate of $225.00. Clerk Evans also informed the Council that one registered nurse that only makes runs with Moran has requested on call pay as Humboldt pays Paramedics/Nurses $1.00 per hour on call pay when they are on call. Clerk Evans also reported hearing that Paramedics/Nurses were supposed to be paid the weekend rate for any holidays worked, but Ms. Dugan did not mention paying on call or holiday pay when she requested the change in run rates. The Council agreed to request a written clarification from the County Commissioners or Ms. Duggan detailing run pay and hours, on call pay, and holiday pay. Councilmember Johnson moved to approve increasing run pay to $150.00 for weekday runs and $225.00 for weekend runs but no other changes to the pay scale will be made unless the City receives a written request by the County Commissioners or Ms. Duggan. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Review of Charter Ordinance and Franchise Agreements in the City Code – The Council agreed to add Charter Ordinances 5 and 6 to the Code book and agreed to review Chapter 2 for the next meeting.

Equipment Purchase for City Hall – Clerk Evans requested approval to purchase a 17” LCD to replace 19” CRT that is failing and an additional hard drive for the Dimension 4550 computer. Estimated price for the LCD is $206.00 and the hard drive price is estimated to be between $50.00 and $80.00. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve spending up to $400.00 for the purchases. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Chief Merkel reported ordering traffic cones for the department to use when working accidents. He also said he would be ordering ground lighting to assist in helicopter landings and leather boots for some of the firemen.

Ambulance Director – Not present.

Police Chief – Chief Smith reported his new uniforms have arrived and that he is preparing for Moran Days.

Part Time Law Enforcement Academy (cont) – Chief Smith said it would cost approximately $950.00 in salary and mileage and $150.00 for a psychological evaluation to send Derek McVey to the part time academy. The Council discussed employing Derek part time and possible budget concerns. Councilmember Mueller moved the Council meet in executive session for 15 minutes at 9:38 PM to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Clerk Evans was invited to join the session at 9:45 PM. The Council returned to open session at 9:53 PM. Councilmember Mueller moved to send Derek McVey to the part time academy and pay an hourly rate of $8.00 per hour if Derek agrees to work 10 hours every two weeks. Also, Derek must agree to pay any schooling expense should he not work a full year for the City. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council agreed the hourly rate offered to Derek may increase after he completes the academy.

City Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following work report for the month of August:

  1. Disconnected Ag-Choice secondary electric line due to new building construction. Will plan for new three-phase electric service when construction is completed
  2. Repaired electric outage caused by squirrel at 305 W. First
  3. Removed old school signs and flashers and installed new signs and flashers; lights are working very well
  4. Repaired hydrant leak at First & Birch, repaired flange on valve
  5. Submitted two water tests to the State, both tests passed
  6. Repaired a water leak on the 8” main on Franklin
  7. Installed new sewer tap at residence at 428 N. Spruce
  8. Changed oil and serviced sewer rodder
  9. Painted ceiling at shelter house
  10. Mike Philips, KS Department of Labor, inspected city property, and equipment. Report to follow
  11. Cleaned and painted curbs
  12. Painted sewer rodder
  13. Sprayed for mosquitoes
  14. Trimmed trees
  15. Lots of mowing and weed-eating
  16. Changed oil on city equipment
  17. Estimated concrete needed for the new concession stand at park
  18. Installed Library sign
  19. Received state inspection report and made corrections as noted in the report:
    1. (#2) Cover was missing receptacle in Library furnace room – replaced cover
    2. (#3) Protective equipment not tested since 2001 – sent insulated sleeves and gloves for testing
    3. (#4) No cover to enclose crawl way pit – put cover on pit
    4. (#5) Two fuel storage tanks not equipped with No Smoking signs – put No Smoking signs up
Superintendent Stodgell advised the Council that the County crew should be in town around the end of September or first of October to chip and seal streets. He asked for Council approval to purchase donuts, pop, and meals for the County crew as the City has done in the past. The Council agreed to the request. The Council also suggested Superintendent Stodgell check on road oil prices to make sure the budget could handle the projected expenses.

City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported income for the month of August:

General   Ambulance Fund
Charges For Services 16.64   Charges For Services 13,918.21
Dog Pickup Charge/Boarding 20.00   Water Fund
Court Fines 4,099.00   Sales To Customers 9,339.60
Building Permit 18.00   Penalties 669.36
Reimb Exp-General 10,157.65   Water Protection Fee 50.97
Ks Sales Tax 3,439.28   Bulk Water Sales 97.45
VIN Inspection 30.00   Connect Fees 75.00
Interest Earned Checking/Cd 606.53   Reimb Expense 282.74
Refuse 1,201.74   Sewer Fund
Electric Fund   Sales To Customers    4,632.03
Sales To Customers 41,251.50   Gross Receipts 94,859.94
Fuel Adjustment 3,683.14   LIEAP Credit 116.55
Overpaid-Electric 31.11   Credits     61.75
Sales Tax 1,239.99   Net Receipts 94,681.64

Clerk Evans submitted a photograph to the Council showing a lack of bicycle parking spaces at the Library in early August. The Council suggested the Library Board contact the FFA to see if they might consider building an additional bike rack.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Ginn moved the meeting adjourn at 10:21 PM. With Mueller seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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This page was prepared

October, 2005