September 7, 2004

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 7, 2004. 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. Ben Hardman and Sharon Hardman were visitors attending the meeting.

Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the September consent agenda consisting of: August 2004 regular council meeting minutes, August pay ordinance totaling $74,153.15, and corporate resolution for purchase of a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing September 8, 2004. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

POOL/BARACKMAN PROPERTY REVIEW

No one was present representing the property, the review was tabled until later in the meeting.

VISITORS

Ben Hardman of Rosie's Landmark Tavern asked for Council approval to hold a street dance on Saturday, September 18th in conjunction with the Moran Day's Celebration. Mr. Hardman requested permission to block Spruce Street between the intersection of Randolph Street and the south edge of the Landmark building. The Council discussed beer sales and problems that could arise. The Council suggested the owner's post "No Beer Outside" signs and place employees at each exit advising patrons they cannot leave the premises with opened containers. Following this discussion, Councilmember Jackman moved to allow Rosie's Landmark to sponsor a street dance, Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

OLD BUSINESS

Property Clean Up at 303 E. First The Council reviewed a letter from the owner of the property stating the property should be cleaned up by November 1st. The Council agreed to review the topic at the November meeting.

911 Response To Information Request The Council discussed a letter received from the Director of Allen County 911detailing the time of dispatch and procedure relating to the fire call at the Moran Locker. The Council agreed they were satisfied with the way the incident was handled and no further action was taken.

Signage for City Hall Clerk Evans submitted pricing for three types of changeable letter signs that could be placed in front of City Hall. No action was taken.

Review Chapter 1 of the City Code Book The Council discussed and suggested proposed changes to Chapter 1: Correct 1-111 notes to read (K.S.A. 12-3008; Code 1993)
Correct 1-203 to change meeting time to 7:00 PM
Add (Code 1993) to any section where needed

The Council decided to review Chapters 3 and 4 of the City Code at the October meeting.

Employee Payroll and Benefits Topic was tabled until later in the meeting.

Annual Christmas Party The Clerk was asked to contact Mrs. Stewart to see if the FCCLA would be interested in hosting and catering this year's Christmas Party. The Council suggested December 1 or December 8 as possible dates for the party. Councilmember Ginn moved the Clerk's office be given authority to spend up to $100.00 to purchase small gifts for guests attending the party. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Pool/Barackman Property Review (cont.) Councilmember Mueller moved the Mayor be given authority to sign Resolution 2004-02 condemning the property at 408 N. Birch. Holman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council requested Superintendent Stodgell contact Virgil Tucker to get an estimate on costs to raze the house, garage, and take down the dead tree on the rear of the property. Clerk Evans was asked to send a letter and copy of the resolution to the landowners.

NEW BUSINESS

Mechanical Problems with Police Car Chief Smith informed the Council that the front ball joint and A arm bushing on the driver side of police car were damaged and needed replacing. He advised the Council that the ball joint had been replaced but the bushing would need to be ordered. The Council agreed the repairs should be made. Additionally the Council discussed purchasing a new police car and possible funding. No further action was taken.

Residential Request for Security Light and Dead End Sign on South Elm Councilmember Ginn moved to approve installation of a dead end sign at the intersection of Second and Elm Streets showing no through outlet on south Elm Street. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. Placement of the sign will be at Superintendent Stodgell's discretion. The Council then discussed the possibility of installing a security light for a residence at 321 S. Elm. The Council was advised the primary electric line serving this residence ends at the north edge of the property and the residents had requested the security be installed at the south edge of their property. After considering the costs to extend the primary electric line to allow for the light installation the Council declined to honor the request.

Candy for Moran Day Parade Councilmember Mueller moved to approve spending up to $300.00 for candy for the parade. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Fire Equipment Purchase Chief Merkel requested approval to purchase a new set of turn out gear for the fire department. He estimated the cost for the gear to be between $1,000.00 and $1,200.00. Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the request, Ginn seconded the motion. Motion passed with all approving.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief - Chief Merkel informed the Council that the new rural truck will be ready for service following the Moran Day's Parade.

Ambulance Director - Director Roberts advised the Council that she had taken the ambulance in for alignment at East Side Tire and they found a possible problem with one of the ball joints on the ambulance. The ambulance was then taken to Twin Motors for inspection and they said they did not find a problem with the ball joints. The Council asked Director Roberts to contact Merle Kelly Ford or Beckman Motors to ask for a second opinion.

Police Chief - Chief Smith reported that members of the Kansas Highway Patrol, Allen County Sheriff's Department and the Iola Police Department will participate in the Moran Day activities. Chief Smith said he invited Tom Williams, Republican Candidate for Allen County Sheriff, to attend the festivities.

Chief Smith spoke with the Council about the riding of lawn mowers and pocket bikes on City streets. The Council discussed his concerns and asked that the topic be placed on the agenda for the October meeting.

Chief Smith informed the Council that he received certification to operate the Intoxilyzer alcohol tester and would need to recertify every six to eight months to keep his certificate current.

City Superintendent - Superintendent Stodgell reported the following activities for the month of August:

  • Installed new three phase bank, pole, wire, etc., 400 amp service, new metering C.T. for Moran Locker. Will establish service in two weeks, working possibly on a Saturday.
  • Repaired water leak on house service on S. Cedar.
  • Repaired water leak on setters on N. Cedar.
  • Two state water samples taken and sent to state for testing. All tests passed.
  • Repaired water leak on 8" cast iron at Randolph & Chestnut.
  • Resident at 322 W. Randolph reported she had discolored water from her water service. After investigating, a closed 4" valve was found, which caused a dead end. Opened the valve and water cleared up.
  • Repaired 2" water leak at Oak & Locust.
  • Inspected and drained water tower. Water tower looked good. The water level was down 5' from over flow, but will be raised to provide better water pressure.
  • Water project dates and work involved:
    8/02/04 Laid 180' PVC pipe
    8/04/04 Dug up 6" PVC at Maple & First, put in T-cross and tied to 4" PVC
    8/12/04 Tied new 4" PVC to old 4" PVC, tied service at 217 E. Second to main
    8/16/04 Tied 3 water services to new 4" main
    8/17/04 Tied house service into new main
    8/18/04 Tied house service into new main
    8/19/04 Tied 2" main to new 4" main at Second & Maple
    8/24/04 Laid 30' PVC Pipe (rain)
    8/25/04 Laid 60' PVC Pipe (many utilities)
    8/27/04 Laid 210' PVC Pipe
  • Ordered 2 tanks of oil to chip and seal east and west streets.
  • Continued spraying for mosquitoes throughout the month.
  • Met with Mr. Pruitt of TNT pest control and examined the Library for termites. Drilled holes and sprayed for termites.
  • Continued mowing as needed.
  • Painted school crossing on 59 Hwy, and set timers for lights.
City Clerk - Clerk Evans reported income for the month of August as follows:


General Fund Ambulance Fund
Charges For Services 6.40 Charges For Services 8,481.95
Dog Pickup Charge/Boarding 29.25 Special Highway
Court Fines 2,879.15 Reimb Expense 15.00
Building Permit 120.00 Refuse 1,192.30
Dog Tag 14.00 Water Fund
Reimb Exp-General 169.79 Sales To Customers 8,655.40
Ks Sales Tax 4,490.28 Penalties 286.13
VIN Inspection 20.00 Water Protection Fee 48.60
Interest Earned Checking/Cd 554.78 Bulk Water Sales 378.30
Electric Fund Reimb Expense 29.85
Sales To Customers 36,485.60 Sewer Fund
Fuel Adjustment 1,168.98 Sales To Customers    4,885.11
Connect Fees-Electric 73.89 Gross Receipts 71,207.04
Overpaid-Electric 78.56 Lieap Credit 21.33
Sales Tax 1,143.72 Credits        56.16
Net Receipts 71,129.55


Employee Payroll and Benefits (cont.) - Councilmember Muller moved the council meet in executive session at 10:12 PM for 20 minutes to discuss employer/employee relations. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open meeting at 10:30 PM, no action was taken. Councilman Ginn moved the meeting adjourn at 10:30 PM. With Mueller seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

Close this page to return to the previous page

This page was prepared

October , 2004