January 5, 2009

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 5, 2009. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Elected Officials present: Phillip L. Merkel, Mayor; Michael Holman, Jerry Jackman, James Mueller, Warren Johnson, and James Cole, Councilmembers

City Staff Present: Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Chief; Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Michael Stodgell, City Superintendent

Visitors Present: Sylvia Jackson, Connie McWhirter arrived later in the meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember Cole moved to approve the January 2009 consent agenda consisting of: January 2009 regular Council meeting minutes, December 2008 pay ordinance totaling $143,562.50 and corporate resolution to purchase a $30,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing January 11, 2009. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Sylvia Jackson spoke with the Council about a problem they have experienced with patrons from PlayMor backing into their yard when they leave the bar. She spoke of a vehicle that just recently backed out of the Playmor parking lot and into their yard and became stuck. Mrs. Jackson said they called the Allen County Sheriff Department regarding the vehicle and they advised they could not have the vehicle towed as it was left on City property. The Council discussed various options to curtail vehicles from driving on to the Jackson’s property and requested Chief Smith issue a citation to the owner of the vehicle that was left in the Jackson’s yard.

OLD BUSINESS

Breit Construction Pay Request-Clerk Evans said Roy Slates presented a pay request for $37,687.37 on behalf of Breit Construction. The Council discussed a problem with three driveways that were bored too shallow and have risen after the water line was installed. The Council discussed closing the loan without having the driveways repaired and agreed the City would approve payment of the requested amount if Breit’s Construction would issue a letter of agreement acknowledging they would repair the driveways in question on or before June 1, 2009. Councilmember Cole moved to pay the request if Breit Construction agreed to the City’s request. Mueller seconded the motion. Motion passed with all approving.

Water Project Update – Councilmember Jackman moved Mayor Merkel sign the forms finalizing the loan should Breit Construction issue a letter of agreement to repair the driveways. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Electric Project Update – Superintendent Stodgell advised the Tiede’s crew is working in California but will schedule a date for the project on January 6th or 7th.

Cereal Malt Beverage Application for Colgin’s 113 – Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the application. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Library Remodeling – Topic tabled until later in the meeting.

Nautilus Communications – No action taken.

NEW BUSINESS

Thrive Allen County – The Council discussed possible projects such as sidewalks for a walking route or a running trail at the City Park. Attorney Heim suggested the City sketch the projects and submit the plans to Mr. Toland to see what funds might be available. No action was taken.

Connie McWhirter arrived; she had no business to discuss.

The Council discussed various zoning issues and Moran’s lack of zoning regulations. No action was taken.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Chief Merkel reported two volunteers were attending fire training classes in the Wichita area. He also noted the department responded to 34 fire calls in 2008.

Police Chief – Chief Smith said he completed the year end reports for the fire and police departments. He said the vehicle is running good but the driver side window does not always work as it should. Councilmember Mueller suggested Chief Smith have Miller’s Auto Body look at the patrol car.

Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of December 2008:
• Replaced fuse at AgChoice
• Prepared and hung Christmas lights on Cedar Street
• Upgraded electric service at 333 S. Cedar
• Trimmed trees along road to burn pile
• Replaced electric meter at 709 N. Cedar
• Restocked and cleaned out bucket truck and installed new tool holders on truck
• Exercised valve at Cedar & Randolph Streets; valve leaking; plan to change out
• Removed old hydrant and installed new at 204 N. Cedar
• Spoke with owners of 205 W. First Street about water leak at pit
• Shut water off at 331 N. Pine, due to water leak
• Shut water off at 304 W. First due to water leak (on their side)
• Repaired water leak on 6” main on E. Randolph
• Removed old sidewalk and hauled away at 204 N. Cedar (Back Forty Antique Shop); owners will replace sidewalk
• Hauled two loads of rubble from 512 N. Spruce to landfill
• Filled holes from water project at 416 S. Cedar, and 404 S. Cedar

City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported income for the month of December 2008 as follows:

General Fund   Water Fund
Charges For Services 13.60   Sales To Customers 9,395.76
Refuse 1,576.40   Bulk Water Sales 95.89
Court Fines 3,203.00   Water Protection Fee 34.92
Reimbursed Expense 92.01   Connect Fee 300.00
Miscellaneous Receipts 50.00   Reimb Exp 860.02
KS Sales Tax 3,233.89   Penalties 188.91
Dog Board 30.00   Sewer Fund
Cereal Malt Beverage License 200.00   Sales To Customers 4,518.74
Interest Earned Checking/CDL 812.59  Sales Tax
Electric Fund  Sales Tax Receipts 746.65
Sales To Customers 29,129.14   Gross Receipts 56,690.31
Connect Fees 369.45
Overpaid 1,839.34

Library Remodeling (cont) - The Council walked next door to review the Library remodeling project. No action was taken.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 9:33 PM. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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This page was prepared

February, 2009