City Council Minutes

City of Russell

Council Meeting

December 5, 2016, 7pm

Mayor Pro-Tem Chris Feehan, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Council members present were   Casey DeHoedt, Terry Newcomb, Corey Paige, and Jay Pierschbacher.   Mayor Duane Bedford was absent.  Also present was Jim Larrington, Craig Alexander, and Jeff Johnson from the Police Dept. 

The past minutes were read and approved; Casey made a motion to approve and was seconded by Terry.    Motion carried 5-0.

Income and expense reports were reviewed by the Council.   Terry motioned to approve reports and Corey seconded.  Motion passed 5-0.

Kris handed out checks to Council members for their attendance at Council meetings for this year.

Jeff Johnson stated that he is retiring this month from the Police Dept.  He stated that he will be available to work part-time for us beginning in May of 2017.  Chris stated that the City of Russell would be flexible with police hours and that approx. 60 hours per month would be expected.  Jeff stated that the current wage he was receiving would be suitable for him.  Jeff stated that in the meantime, he would be available for problems such as nuisance properties if problems still exist after proper written notification by the City is ignored.  Jeff will be put on the Council agenda in April of 2017 to discuss further.  Chris stated that the Council may have a special meeting regarding junk and debris on properties in Russell.  Casey stated that we might look into programs that help people clean up their property such as the Eagles.

Craig Alexander stated that this Council meeting would be his last as fire chief for Russell.  Brian Beaty will be taking over next year as fire chief.

Jim reported on streets.  Jim is starting to contact companies regarding prices to blacktop streets in town.  Blacktop Services is coming to make an estimate.  The culvert is in and Prairie Street is re-opened as of December 1.  Jim stated that more rock will be needed in spots as the dirt settles.  The city of Russell will obtain bids for concreting the road next spring.

Jim reported that he was in need of an air compressor and tools for the shop.  Chris stated that when the Council worked on next year’s budget, they would look into purchases next fiscal year.  Jay stated that the Council should get a complete tool inventory.  Jim will make a list of tools needed.

Jim completed his water/wastewater training and will start taking the testing in January, 2017.

The new snow blade has been installed on the truck. 

The two benches are made for the parks in honor of Peggy Fulk’s parents.  The Council discussed the installation, one possibly to fit on concrete already there.  Casey made a motion for Jim to install the benches, Jay seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

A citizen had reported seeing a mountain lion in town. 

Maxine Willadson from Public Health asked the Council to adopt a tobacco-free/nicotine-free policy for the Russell City parks.  She stated that there would be no cost to the city for signs that would reflect the policy.  Jay made the motion to adopt this policy and Casey seconded it.  Motion passed 5-0.

Shirley Morr donated a Christmas tree for the Community Building.

Jim and Chris put up the city Christmas signs/decorations.  Jim stated that we are in need of some new brackets for some of the holiday signs.  Jay made a motion to have new brackets made and Terry seconded it.  Motion carried 5-0.  Also, there was discussion by the Council to purchase more decorations after new budget session.

It was discussed that the Community Building needed snow cleats on the west side of the roof to keep snow from falling on patrons.  Corey stated that the cost would be approx. $400.  Corey made the motion to purchase the cleats and Terry seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

The Council discussed setting a Budget session meeting.  Terry made the motion to set the meeting for December 21 at 7 p.m. and Corey seconded it.  Motion passed 5-0.

The Council discussed replacing some equipment such as a backhoe, skid loader, and lawn mower in the future.

The next Council meeting will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017, due to the holiday.

Casey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 pm and Terry seconded.  Motion passed 5-0.