February 2, 2009
The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, February 2, 2009. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Elected Officials Present: Phillip L. Merkel, Mayor; Michael Holman, James Mueller, Warren Johnson, and James Cole, Councilmembers.
City Staff Present: Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Chief; Lynn Heskett, Assistant City Clerk; and Craig Miller, Assistant City Superintendent
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the February 2009 consent agenda consisting of: January regular Council meeting minutes, January pay ordinance totaling $117,177.44, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $30,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing February 15, 2009. Councilmember Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.VISITORS
There were no visitors presentOLD BUSINESS
Breit Construction Pay Request – Mayor Merkel informed the Council that the final payment for Breit Construction was inadvertently mailed prior to Council approval. Merkel noted the topic will be addressed on each monthly agenda until all work is completed. He also noted the performance bond for Breit is good for one year, should action need to be taken to ensure completion.Electric Project Update – Assistant City Superintendent Miller advised the Council that Tiede’s crew was working in a location south of Moran that received damage to poles and lines from a recent ice storm. They plan to start work on the Moran Manor electric project as soon as they return. Topic tabled until the March 2, 2009 meeting.
2009 Mileage Rates – Assistant City Clerk Heskett informed the Council that the IRS Rates for travel reimbursement is .55 per mile. Councilmember Cole moved that the City pay .55/mile reimbursement. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.
Termite Damage on North Wall – The Council discussed ways to repair the termite damage on the north wall of the Library. A suggestion was made to install a programmable thermostat at the Library to help control heating costs. Councilmember Cole moved that the City employees install 30” wainscoting along the wall, topped with a chair rail, and that the City install a programmable thermostat. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.
Lack of Shelving for Storage Room – Topic was discussed but no action was taken
NEW BUSINESS
Moran Ambulance – Nathan Cunningham, Interim Director for Allen County EMS, had visited with City Clerk Lori Evans earlier in the month about past agreements between the City of Moran and the Allen County EMS. Cunningham was tentatively scheduled for this evening’s meeting, however, was not in attendance. Topic was discussed with no action taken.The City has a Ferno Cot for the ambulance, which has been stored at the Moran Public Library. The cot belongs to Allen County EMS. Councilmember Mueller stated that the Cot should be returned to EMS, and that the City contact Mr. Cunningham regarding this matter.
THRIVE Allen County – Attorney Bret Heim stated that he had met with David Toland of THRIVE Allen County, regarding possible improvements to sidewalks, streets, school, park and main street in Moran. Councilmember Mueller also reported that he had attended the THRIVE meeting at the Moran Senior Community Center, and gave an overview of ideas other attendees presented at the meeting. Councilmember Johnson moved the Council appoint Mueller as the City’s official representative to THRIVE Allen County. Councilmember Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.
Fraud Risk Assessment – Mayor Merkel suggested a change be made in regard to how accounts payable checks are processed. Council agreed that would be a prudent step to take as a fraud risk concern.
Emergency Operations Plan for City Hall – Allen County Emergency Management Director Pam Beasley had contacted Clerk Evans prior to the ice storm threat in January; inquiring of the City of Moran’s plan for continuity of operations should City Hall be disabled. Continuity of Operations would be a guideline for City Hall to follow that ensures the City could be up and running within a 12-24 hour period after any possible disaster. Assistant City Clerk Heskett relayed this information to the Council. Council discussed possible back up locations for City Hall. No action was taken.
Proclamation – National FCCLA Week, February 3 through the 14th, 2009 – Assistant City Clerk Heskett stated that National FCCLA Week is Feb. 3rd-14th, and requested the Council consider approving a Proclamation. Councilmember Cole moved that Mayor Merkel sign the Proclamation declaring February 3rd - 14th, 2009 as National FCCLA Week. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Fire Chief – Chief Merkel reported the fire department has responded to multiple county fires this month. Merkel also reported that Larry Reed had retired from the department.Police Chief – Officer Smith discussed additional concerns relating to Chief Merkel’s fire report. Smith also reported that repairs were made to the driver’s window of the patrol unit, and that there is a possible leak in the seal of the transmission, which will be closely monitored.
Superintendent – Assistant City Superintendent Craig Miller submitted department’s activity report for the month of January:
• Hauled dirt to landfill
• Repaired door flap at dog kennel
• Cut and bent culvert ends at Linn & First Streets
• Filled in around valve at Franklin & Cedar Streets
• Maintenance in Back Shop; lights, trucks, etc.
• Repaired ruts in ditch near Spruce & Franklin Streets
• Cleaned up at Troxel Park, City Park, ball fields, and burn pile
• Disconnected electricity from Water Tower at 600 W. Franklin
• Installed lock on gate at Water Tower
• Replaced split bolts, checked voltage on electric service at pole at 404 W. Randolph
• Took down Christmas decorations and moved to storage
• Installed bulletin board rail at Library
• Checked voltage at 228 N. Spruce; furnace fuse was replaced
• Spoke with Tiede’s Line Construction; plans to begin construction in February
• Plan for Moran Manor 72 Project: meter, pad mount, trench primary to transfer
Assistant Superintendent Miller stated that the sand digger was installed at City Park and that the border and black sand for the sand box will be installed as time and weather permit. Miller said that the water valve at intersection of Randolph and Cedar Streets will be repaired also as time and weather permits.
City Clerk – Assistant City Clerk Lynn Heskett reported income for the month of Janu-ary 2009 as follows:
| General Fund | Water Fund | |||
| Charges For Services | 88.50 | Sales To Customers | 9,432.05 | |
| Refuse | 1,593.60 | Bulk Water Sales | 82.74 | |
| Court Fines | 2,228.00 | Water Protection Fee | 32.47 | |
| Reimbursed Expense | 132.50 | Connect Fee | 75.00 | |
| Dog Tags | 88.00 | Overpaid | 320.06 | |
| Dog Pickup | 20.00 | Penalties | 754.20 | |
| Cereal Malt Beverage License | 25.00 | Sewer Fund | ||
| Council Filing Fees | 25.00 | Sales To Customers | 4,379.61 | |
| Interest Earned Checking/CDL | 736.54 | Reimbursed Expense | 75.00 | |
| KS Sales Tax | 3,572.26 | Special Highway Fund | ||
| NSF | 178.91 | State Payments | 3,449.43 | |
| Tax Disbursement | 20,751.67 | Library Fund | ||
| Electric Fund | Tax Disbursement | 1,885.06 | ||
| Sales To Customers | 32,812.21 | Gross Receipts | 88,833.74 | |
| Connect Fee | 108.39 | Lieap Credit | 56.79 | |
| Overpaid | 225.52 | eBusiness Fee | - | |
| Reimbursed Expense | 15.15 | Setoff Collection Fee | 27.37 | |
| Sales Tax | Fuel Adjustment | 288.35 | ||
| Sales Tax Receipts | 827.01 | Electric Credit | 547.33 | |
| Employee Benefit Fund | Net Receipts | 87,913.90 | ||
| Tax Disbursement | 4,919.86 | |||
Heskett stated that Evans had completed 2008 year end reports in preparation for auditing. Also, Evans and Heskett have been working to get the new utility software up and running.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Johnson moved the meeting adjourn at 8:30 PM. Mueller seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.
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March, 2009
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