March 7, 2005

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, March 7, 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; Loretta Roberts, Ambulance Director, Barbara Shoate, Asst. Ambulance Director, Lori Evans, City Clerk; and Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent. Lee Roberts and Elaine Duggan, Allen County EMS Director, were visitors attending the meeting. Raymond Ashford arrived at 7:20 PM and Sheri Smith arrived at 8:04 PM as visitors.

BID OPENING FOR 1996 CROWN VICTORIA

Mayor Merkel opened and read the bids as follows:
Teresa Stewart         $352.00
Raymond Ashford     $626.00
Dan Harris               $1100.00
Kenny Manzanares   $500.00
Stephen Reed           $500.00
Kim Cole                 $601.00

Councilmember Mueller moved to accept the bid offered by Dan Harris. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the March 2005 consent agenda consisting of the February 2005 regular council meeting minutes, March 2005 pay ordinance totaling $66,366.08, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a $20,000.00 CD maturing March 10, 2005. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Elaine Duggan introduced herself to the Council as the new EMS Director for Allen County. Ms. Duggan informed the Council that she has previous EMS experience and worked as a paramedic for one year for Sedgwick County EMS. She said her position with Allen County will mainly be an administrative position as she will handle billing for the ambulance in addition to the director’s duties. Mayor Merkel thanked Ms. Duggan for introducing herself and advised her that Council may have questions for her later in the meeting regarding the ambulance service.

Mr. Ashford said he was present to check on the outcome of the bid for the police vehicle. Mayor Merkel informed Mr. Ashford that Mr. Harris had the highest bid for the vehicle but should he refuse the bid Mr. Ashford would be offered the opportunity to purchase the vehicle as he was the second high bidder.

OLD BUSINESS

KEMTA Conference – The Council asked Ms. Duggan for her opinion on sending ambulance personnel to the annual KEMTA conference. She said the County Commissioners would prefer that the Moran unit not be taken out of service as in years past. If all of Moran’s personnel attend the conference and the unit is out of service Humboldt and Iola units will have to cover eastern Allen County. The Council asked the ambulance crew how long the unit would be out of service. Barbara Shoate estimated the unit would be out of service for 72-80 hours from Thursday afternoon to Sunday evening. The Council advised Ms. Duggan that approval to attend the conference was given last meeting before the attendance issue arose. Councilmember Mueller suggested it would be best to go ahead and take the unit out of service for training this year but suggested the Council review training schedules and staffing issues early in 2006.

Director Roberts requested the Council consider paying expenses for Denise Byrd to attend KEMTA training as Denise is the primary RN making transfers with the unit. Lee Roberts said he would like to use his personal comp time to pay for Bryan Miller’s expenses so he could attend the conference. Councilmember Johnson moved the Council meet in executive session at 7:42 PM to discuss non-elected personnel matters for 20 minutes. Ms. Duggan and Bret Heim were invited to attend the session. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open session at 7:58 PM. Councilmember Ginn moved the City pay all expenses for Denise Byrd to attend the KEMTA conference and to allow Bryan Miller to attend the conference as a staff member of the Moran EMS with Lee Roberts paying for Bryan’s expenses. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Moran EMS Staffing and Operations - Topic was tabled until later in the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Memorial Tree – Clerk Evans relayed a request from the local Girl Scout Troop to plant two pin oak trees at the ball field as a memorial to Jordan Dickerson. The topic was tabled until later in the meeting.

Moran EMS Staffing and Operations (cont) – Councilmember Mueller moved the Council meet in executive session for 20 minutes at 8:06 PM to discuss non-elected personnel matters. Sheri Smith was invited to meet with the Council. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open session at 8:26 PM. Mayor Merkel informed Sheri that she was welcome to continue making runs with the ambulance service if she wished. Sheri said she would be glad to work if the service needed her.

Director Roberts requested approval to schedule CPR training and recertification for interested City employees. Councilmember Ginn moved to approve the request. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

Memorial Tree (cont) – Councilmember Jackman moved that Superintendent Stodgell be given the authority to approve the type and manner of placement of trees at the City Park. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Review of Chapters 12 and 13 of the Moran City Code – Attorney Heim suggested a change to Chapter 12 Section 108 that would give the Council discretion to approve temporary camping at the City Park. He also noted that 12-201 should be updated to incorporate Charter Ordinance 5. The Council agreed to the suggested changes.

Bulk Water Sales and Policy – Superintendent Stodgell reported a problem with large water hauling trucks tearing up the road at the intersection of Oak and Church streets where the trucks are loaded with water. He also reported that neighbors have complained that the trucks are left running causing problems with noise and diesel fumes. Councilmember Johnson moved the City discontinue bulk water sales that require using fire hydrants to load trucks. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Alley Maintenance – Superintendent Stodgell asked for clarification of the City’s rock and maintenance policy in regards to alleys. He said he would like to build a new alley to service the electric line in the 300 block of S. Cedar behind Mike’s Gun Shop. Additionally, he would like to add rock to alleys that have been rocked in years past. The Council discussed the request and Councilmember Ginn moved the City crew re-rock existing alleys and build the alley in the 300 block of S. Cedar. She also moved that all new alley construction be approved by the Council. Jackman seconded the motion. Motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief – Chief Merkel reported receiving the leather fire boots ordered last month and that Asst. Fire Chief Miller is testing the boots.

Ambulance Director – Director Roberts advised the Council that the ambulance would undergo annual inspection as required for state licensing on March 8th at Twin Motors.

Police Chief – Chief Smith submitted his monthly report for the department to the Council. He notified the Council that he will be gone for training on Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iola March 28 and 29. The training will count 16 hours toward his annual recertification and there are no charges for the training.

Chief Smith reported he has begun inspection of yards to ensure compliance with City Code and that he will address inoperable vehicles as summer approaches.

Chief Smith requested approval to purchase a new uniform consisting of shirt and pants. Councilmember Ginn moved to approve the purchase of two new uniforms. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

The Council noted the resident at 304 N. Park was allowing their pet to be outdoors on a chain without supervision. The dog is muzzled but the Council expressed their concern that the dog is on a chain rather than in a pen as ball season is approaching. Chief Smith said he would check the minutes from last year the Council’s ruling regarding pen requirements then speak with the resident.

City Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted his monthly report for the City crew as follows:

  • Replace meter at 315 N. Park
  • Replaced damaged electric meter at Moran Mini Mart
  • Worked on plans for the 7200 electric project
  • Received 12 transformers; inspected and added to inventory
  • Rewired City Library and installed new panel box
  • Spoke with contractor about new home construction at 406 W. Oak Street
  • Resident at 213 S. Sycamore complained of too much chlorine in water. Tested water for chlorine and suggested resident flush lines
  • Prepared 2” water meter and 2” setter for school; will install when weather and scheduling allows
  • Repaired street at intersection of Park & Oak
  • Alley Maintenance – see agenda
    • Barbara Shoate – 3 tons
    • Marvin Jackman – 3 ton
    • Mike’s Gun Shop – 30 ton
    • Otis Smith (half) – ½ ton
    • Moran Village – No rock needed
    • Scott Houk – 1 ½ ton
    • Telephone alley – 3 ton
    • Stub’s – 3 ton
    • City Hall – 2 ton
    • Bank – 2 ton
    • Chryll Ginn – ½ ton
    • Jerry Jackman – 3 ton
    • Daryl Drake – 3 ton
    • Jack McBride – 3 ton
    • Connie Booth – 4 ton
    • Marvin Tefft – ¼ ton
    • School Alley – 2 ton
    • Road south of Stub’s – 3 ton
    • Total Estimate of Rock Needed – 66.75 tons
  • Inspect and cleaned all electric hardware
  • Changed fuel filters in all vehicles
  • Serviced 3” trash pump and packer
  • Scraped and painted shop gates
  • Painted trailers
  • Removed old gas pipe in Library; and installed and rerouted new pipe
  • Hauled rock
  • Replaced two swings at City Park
Superintendent Stodgell asked the Council if the City would sponsor a City Wide Clean Up Day on June 7th. The Council agreed to sponsor a clean up day. He also asked for permission to have Mann Construction submit a bid to clean ditches and grade roads in the southeast area of the City. Stodgell said he would also like to get an estimate from Mr. Mann to rebuild Chestnut and Cottonwood Streets. The Council agreed to have Mann Construction submit a bid but suggested Mr. Mann might want to submit a breakdown of cost per street or block in the event the total project cost is more than the City’s budget can support.

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


GENERAL   SPECIAL HIGHWAY 5,492.35
Charges For Services 34.30   AMBULANCE
VIN Inspection 20.00   Charges For Services 11,661.10
Court Fines 4,603.00   SEWER FUND
KS Sales Tax 4,051.03   Sales To Customers 4,597.21
Franchise Fee 100.00   SALES TAX 1,091.91
Reimb Exp-General 3.88   WATER FUND
Dog Tags 50.00   Sales To Customers 8,748.12
Dog Pickup 85.00   Bulk Water Sales 60.95
NSF Checks 439.12   Water Protection Fee 41.25
Interest Earned Checking/CD 450.03   Penalties 382.06
Refuse 1,212.00   Connect Fees     75.00
ELECTRIC FUND   GROSS RECEIPTS 82,168.86
Sales To Customers 38,586.27   Fuel Exemption 332.38
Connect Fees-Electric 73.89   Leak Adjustment 176.90
Lieap Payments 219.38   Credits     196.84
Overpaid-Electric 91.01   NET RECEIPTS 81,462.74

There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Johnson moved the meeting adjourn at 10:01 PM. With Jackman seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.


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This page was prepared

April, 2005