September 2, 2003

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 2, 2003. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Wallis, 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. Ken McWhirter, Natha Lillard, Sherry Elmenhorst, and Virginia Kennedy were visitors attending the meeting. Susan Galemore was present representing Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC).

Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission - Susan Galemore, Planning & Development Consultant, spoke with the Council regarding contract services between the City and SEKRPC. Susan submitted a contract to prepare and administer the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application and loan application for the following fees; CDBG Administration $13,580.00, Loan/Bond Administration $8,000.00, Total Administration Cost $21,580.00.

Susan informed the Council that the City would be awarded contract readiness points toward the CDBD application if the City had executed contracts with both an administrator and engineer before the grant application is submitted October 15th, 2003. The Council discussed the advantage of issuing bonds in relation to borrowing funds from the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF). Susan asked the Council if the City was considering additional phases to the project? If so, she advised the Council the City would have a better chance of receiving matching funds if the City applies for the same type of funds, whether it is bond or loan, for all projects.

Mayor Merkel called for questions or comments. Councilmember Mueller asked Susan Galemore and Bret Heim which type of matching funding would better serve the City, bonds or loan? Susan noted the City would need a good bond company to accomplish all that is required for the bond issuance before the October 15th deadline. The Council discussed the short time frame and Councilmember Mueller moved the Council proceed with the CDBG and loan application. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Wallis moved the City contract with SEKRPC for the application and administration of both the CDBG and matching funds. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Mueller moved to submit a contract to Shawn Turner of Turner Consulting for engineering services, Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Wallis moved the Mayor sign Resolution 03-04 contingent to the City Attorney's approval. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Holman moved the Mayor sign Resolution 03-05 contingent to the City Attorney's approval. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Councilmember Johnson moved the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the paperwork required for the CDBG and SRLF applications contingent to the City Attorney's approval. Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Wallis moved to approve the September 2003 consent agenda of: August 2003 regular council meeting minutes, September pay ordinance totaling $104,001.61 with the exception of holding check 13777 for later review, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing September 6th. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Virginia Kennedy - Mrs. Kennedy introduced herself as director of the 21st Century Club for the Marmaton Valley school district. She then introduced Sherry Elmenhorst, Shane Smith, Natha Lillard, and Ken McWhirter as teachers and supporters of the Club. Mrs. Kennedy informed the Council that 106 children are involved with this year's program. Program activities range from aerobics, jewelry making, science, sewing, cooking, community service to safety issues.

Mrs. Kennedy discussed various issues and goals related to the 21st Century Club and invited city representatives to attend the next advisory board for the Club which will meet on November 10th at 3:15 p.m. at the Board of Education Office. Mayor Merkel thanked Mrs. Kennedy and representatives of the 21st Century Club for taking the time to meet with the Council.

OLD BUSINESS

Kansas Interagency Committee Meeting 9/9/03 at 11:00 AM - The Council was reminded of the upcoming meeting and invited to attend if possible.

Don Higinbotham Painting Contract (Check #13777) - The Council discussed the painting project and agreed that Mr. Higinbotham should be given a limit of 10 days to complete the project and clean up. Payment will be held until the project is completed satisfactorily.

NEW BUSINESS

Community Development Block Grant Hearing at 6:45 PM on 9/3/03 - The Council discussed and agreed to recess the meeting to Wednesday, September 3rd to hold the scheduled hearing.

Replacement of 2" Fire Hydrant at USD 256 Football Field - Superintendent Stodgell reported finding a substantial water leak due to a part failure on the fire hydrant used by USD 256 to water the football field. He asked the Council if the City should bill the school district for the repairs as this particular hydrant was scheduled for removal in the late '90's but left in operation at the school's request.

Following discussion, Superintendent Stodgell was asked to contact USD 256 Superintendent Dotson Bradbury regarding the repairs. Councilmember Wallis moved to assess one half the charges to replace the hydrant to USD 256, if agreeable with Mr. Bradbury or the board. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief - Chief Merkel reported that the new rural truck is back after having the bed installed.

Ambulance Director - Not present.

Police Chief - Chief Smith advised the Council that he and the City crew have discovered a coolant leak on the police car and that he has contacted Merle Kelly Ford for a repair quote. He said he will contact Shepherd Team and Beckman Motors for additional quotes and then schedule repairs.

Superintendent - Superintendent Stodgell reviewed his monthly report to the Council :

  • Prepared streets for chip and seal
  • Painted school cross walk on Hwy 59
  • Set lights at school crossing on Hwy 59
  • Repaired driveway at American Legion, 237 N. Spruce
  • Landscaped dirt along Linda Marvin's fence line to prevent erosion
  • Cleaned gutters on both sides of Cedar to prepare for State sweeper
  • Trimmed trees around school caution light on Hwy 59
  • Hauled dirt pile from burn pile to landfill
  • Removed curbing on Randolph between Chestnut and Locust
  • Replaced hose on backhoe
  • Replaced stop signs at Locust and Church
  • Trimmed tree at Church and Locust
  • Cleaned flag pole at City Hall
  • Repaired culvert on Chestnut, between 416 N. Chestnut and Church with 3" rock and cold patch
  • Installed stop signs at Pine and Church to help with traffic control
  • Repaired triplex and split bolts in alley in 500 block of Spruce
  • Repaired security light, cup top of pole and replaced 3 phase electric line in alley in 200 block of N. Birch
  • Checked voltages at 643 N. Cedar, no problems found
  • Repaired triplex and residential service at 107 S. Sycamore
  • Inspected alley in 600-700 blocks of North Cedar for 7200 project
  • Installed additional 3 phase electric service to Moran Locker
  • Repaired water leak on 2" steel line at Church and Locust
  • Repaired water leak at Second and Maple, just 8' west of last leak
  • Replaced replacement water meter at 220 Oak St.
  • Flushed water lines at 323 N. Park, after complaint of rusty water
  • Installed replacement 2" fire hydrant at school
  • Flushed sewer at Moran Manor
  • Replaced sewer lateral at 204 S. Cedar
City Clerk - Clerk Evans reported income for the month of September:

General Fund
Ambulance Fund
Charges For Services 17.45 Charges For Services 8,332.25
Dog Pickup /Boarding 20.00 Special Highway 3,913.00
Court Fines 4,285.00 Water Fund
Building Permit 40.00 Sales To Customers 9,750.23
Nsf Checks 160.86 Penalties 257.43
Reimb Exp-General 6.30 Water Protection Fee 59.18
Ks Sales Tax 2,416.14 Bulk Water Sales 310.52
Dog Tag 135.00 Connect Fees-Water 73.89
Interest Earned Checking/Cd 598.91 Overpaid-Water 0.00
Electric Fund
Refuse 1,178.60
Sales To Customers 40,498.52 Sewer Fund
Fuel Adjustment 1,577.14 Sales To Customers 4,573.11
Reimb Exp-Electric 6.28 Reimb Exp-Sewer    123.00
Connect Fees-Electric 73.89 Gross Receipts 79,795.42
Overpaid-Electric 97.15 Refuse Credit
Lieap Receipts 42.70 Lieap Credit 99.03
Sales Tax 1,248.87 Credits     168.77
Net Receipts 79,527.62

Clerk Evans requested approval for Assistant City Clerk Heskett to become a notary public. Councilmember Ginn moved to approve the request, Johnson seconded the motion. Motion passed with Wallis and Holman approving. Mueller abstained from the vote.

At 10: 20 PM, Councilmember Wallis moved the meeting recess until 6:45PM on Wednesday, September 3, 2003. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

The meeting resumed at 6:45 PM on Wednesday September 3, 2003 with Mayor Merkel and Councilmembers James Mueller, Chryll Ginn, Jerry Wallis and Mike Holman in attendance . Lori Evans, City Clerk, and Susan Galemore representing Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission were also present.

No one was present for the public hearing.

Councilmember Mueller moved the Mayor sign an engineering contract with Shawn Turner of Turner Consulting contingent upon the City Attorney's approval. __________________* seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Holman made motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 PM, Wallis seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

*Chryll Ginn


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This page was prepared

October, 2003