May, 2009
March 2, 2009The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, March 2, 2009. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.Elected Officials Present: Phillip L. Merkel, Mayor; 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 Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent Visitors Present: None CONSENT AGENDACouncilmember Cole moved to approve the March 2009 consent agenda consisting of: February regular Council meeting minutes, February pay ordinance totaling $69,083.88 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $30,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing March 13, 2009. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.OLD BUSINESSWater and Electric Project Updates – Clerk Evans informed the Council that the final paperwork to close the Water Loan had not been returned to the City by Breit’s Construction, but should be returned soon. Superintendent Stodgell gave a progress update on the 7200 electric project saying the project was all but complete and all that was left was to connect the 500 kVA transformer to the new line. The City crew will hand trench the line as the location of the water line and underground electric service currently serving the Moran Manor are questionable. Superintendent Stodgell told the Council that the City does not have a backup transformer should any of the 500 kVA transformers in use become damaged or inoperable. Discussion followed with the Council asking Stodgell to contact the larger City’s in the area to ask if they might be willing to sell Moran a transformer should the need arise. No further action was taken.THRIVE Allen County – The Council discussed additional funding sources and project specifics such as pre-engineered projects and grant requirements. Councilmember Mueller reminded the Council that the community will host a Thrive discussion at 7:00 PM March 11th at the Senior Center. Councilmember Cole expressed concern with the sewer main serving the Marmaton Village and suggested the Council ask Shawn Turner of TranSystems to meet with the Council to discuss the matter. Councilmember Mueller moved the Council invite Mr. Turner to meet with the Council at the April or May meeting. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Moran Public Library – Councilmember Mueller moved the City purchase approximately one and one half lots adjoining the south side of the Library from Dewey and Kathy Stotler. No action was taken. The Council agreed to contact the owner of the section of property immediately south of Stotler’s property to discuss purchasing that property. Mayor Merkel spoke with the owner by telephone, no action was taken. Councilmember Mueller moved to purchase the property from Stotler’s for $3,000.00. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion. Motion passed with all approving. NEW BUSINESSProclamation Naming April 2009 as Fair Housing Month – Councilmember Mueller moved Mayor Merkel sign the proclamation as presented. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.Request from Allen County Commissioners for Moran to Appoint a Representative to the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission General Commission – Councilmember Mueller moved to appoint James Cole to represent the City of Moran at General Commission meetings. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Cole will receive mileage for attending the meetings. Property Hazards at 115 Hill – The Council reviewed photographs taken by Chief Smith. Smith informed the Council that he had spoken with the property owner, who had assured Chief Smith that the problems would be taken care of within 10 days. Councilmember Mueller moved the property owner be cited to Court if the repairs are not completed by March 16th. Cole seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Moran Fire Department Treasurer and Life Insurance Contribution – Chief Merkel informed the Council that Dewey Stotler has agreed to take on the treasurer’s responsibilities for the department. Councilmember Mueller moved to approve paying 15% of the total invoice for the fire fighters annual life insurance policies. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Windmill Generation – Clerk Evans reported a property owner in the 200 block of North Cedar had asked City Hall about the possibility of installing a windmill or solar panels on his property or building. Discussion followed with the Council agreeing they needed more information regarding the height and size of the proposed windmill. The Council suggested the property owner submit the information requested and apply for a building permit. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTSFire Chief – Chief Merkel reported the department has responded to 16 fire calls between January and February. This number is up considerably compared to the 32 fire calls received in 2008. Councilmember Cole suggest Chief Merkel consider asking the Insurance Services Office (ISO) to review the rating for the City of Moran as the new water lines might improve insurance rates for Moran residents and businesses. Chief Merkel noted two volunteer firemen attended training in Conway, KS and said members of the department will attend a training class in Elsmore on March 7th.Police Chief – Chief Smith informed the Council that he attended a meeting with local law enforcement on February 19th where they discussed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandatory change to narrow band radio frequencies. Some radios in use by the city are narrow band capable; those that are not must be replaced. Chief Smith said the cost is quite high as the current price for narrow band mobile units are $4000.00 and portable radios are $3000.00. Chief Smith reported the patrol vehicle is running good but feels the transmission should be checked. Smith also reminded the Council that the City will sponsor a dog tag clinic March 28th between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
Superintendent – Superintendent Stodgell submitted the following activity report for the month of February 2009: Superintendent Stodgell asked the Council if the City would like to sponsor a City wide clean up this spring. The Council agreed to hold a clean up on June 2nd or 9th and to check on prices from area roll-off vendors. City Clerk – Clerk Evans reported income for the month of February as follows:
Councilmember Mueller moved the City have Continental Analytical Services Inc perform quarterly TTHM and HAA5 testing as required by the EPA. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 9:25 PM. Cole seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.
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May, 2009
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