Around Town September 16th

Russell City Council Mini-minutes

September 8, 2014

   Ownership changes at Harley Haven were made from Scott Jordan 100% owner to Scott Jordan 50% owner and Vicki Jordan 50% owner.

   Permission was denied to allow the street closure (Harley Haven) for their event on September 20, due to earlier music problems.

   Wendy, City Clerk, is to attend the fall Data Technologies software training session in Des Moines on Wednesday October 15.

    Approval was granted to close the street in front of the Southside all day on September 13 for the parade and street dance from 9 p.m. -12 a.m. 

   Water/ditch issues regarding Shaw St and Highland St. and others were discussed.

   Congratulations to RVFD on 3rd place finish at the state convention. The City of Russell is extremely fortunate to have such a stellar fire department keeping us safe. 

   It was approved the city paying for one Kybo and the fire department will pay for a second for the Fall Festival. Shawn Werts will be cleaning Maple and Shaw streets sometime during the week of Sept. 8-13.

   Larry is going to get several estimates on fixing the switch on the pickup and estimates for emergency lighting for the dump truck/skid loader/backhoe and to get more cold-patch to fix potholes.

   Smoke testing the sewer system was mentioned and having Larry do the work. Storm drains are in bad shape. Some clay tile drains were found that are not on the maps of the city system.

   The City of Russell received $20,000 in grant money from the Vredenburg Foundation to resurface the tennis court. Norris Asphalt bid on the project and that bid amount is good through the end of this year. Duane will seek a bid from another asphalt company before a decision is made.

    Along with posting the City Council agenda at city hall it will also be posted at the post office and bank.

    It was decided not to proceed at this time with finding funds for a generator at the community building.

    Permission was granted to move the bus stop to West Shaw St. at the bandstand. Dana will meet with the school officials to inform them of this change.

    Duane had obtained bids from Menards (shingles) and Lockridge (metal) for replacing the shelter house roof at the volleyball court. The metal roofing bid was comparable to the bid for shingles. Susan will take a copy of the metal roofing quote to Gingerich metal roofing for a bid.

    The council asks to be thinking about money-making ideas for the city. 

   There is a need for an employee handbook implemented for the city. The clerk will ask EMC insurance to see if they can assist.  Susan has an old handbook from the City of Chariton to use as a guideline. Employee reviews should be done every year. None have been implemented since the clerk or the city employee has been hired. 

     Discussion followed about the tax increase.

    Marvin Neer received a bill for mowing that was assessed to the previous owner’s taxes.  He was told charges remain with the property. The city can waive these charges. It was requested the clerk find out if there were any charges to waive the mowing charges.

    Larry brought his log-book in that he uses to document his daily work. He is requested to bring the log-book to every meeting.

    Council members in attendance were Dana Blue, Crystal Moore and Susan Beecher along with Mayor Pro Tem Duane Bedford and Wendy Nickell, city clerk.  Mayor Ed Scheel was absent as was council member Jay Pierschbacher. Others attending were City employee Larry Mitchell, Jim Neer was in attendance representing the fire department. Visitors were Ken Mumford, Dolores Carroll, Kevin Tanner, Sue Neer, Marvin Neer, Chris Knust, Brenda Knust, Becki Neer, Pat Conway, Butch Evans and Jeff Neer. The next meeting will be on Monday, October 6 at 7pm.

September  Calendar

   Sunday, September 21, 2 p.m.  Russell Sportsmen's Club .22 rifle (youth shoot free)

   Russell Sportsmen’s Club and Southern Prairie Pheasants Forever will sponsor a free .22 rimfire rifle shooting experience for youth. The activity is open to youth 3rd grade through high school.  Targets, ammunition, eye/ear protection, and safety instruction will be provided.  A limited number of .22 rifles will be available for use.  Participants may bring their own firearm if they desire.  Both optical and iron sights are acceptable.  The range is located at 41570 280th Avenue southwest of Russell.  Youth should arrive early.  Required safety instruction will start promptly at 2:00.  For more information, call Dan at 641-203-5296.

   Monday, September 22, 1:15 p.m. Russell News meeting at the Museum, new members are needed

   Tuesday, September 23, 3-7 p.m. Blood Drive at the Community Center, sponsored by the Community Club. Call 1-800-

452-1097 to schedule a time.

   Sunday, September 28 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Ladies only handgun clinic

   Monday, September 29, 7 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap shoot

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   For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical SocietyBlog http:// russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com <

   For Lucas County information try their blog at http://lucascountygeneology.blogspot.com

If you have comments or suggestions for this column, please e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.