January City Council Minutes

City of Russell

Council Meeting

January 9, 2017, 7pm

Mayor Duane Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Council members present were Casey DeHoedt, Terry Newcomb, Corey Paige, Chris Feehan, and Jay Pierschbacher.   Also present was Jim Larrington.

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

Chris stated that CD - Bandstand funds are available and that the council should discuss obtaining a grant for a new shelter in the future and possibly use the CD for matching funds.

Jay asked about the percentage of sewer income compared to the water income.  The city clerk will look into the charging rates.  There was discussion regarding raising the price for water and sewer.

Income and expense reports were reviewed by the Council.   Jay motioned to approve the income and expense reports and Chris seconded.  Motion passed 5-0.

Ed Scheel was on the agenda, but could not attend.

Chris reported for the Fire department.  He said that Brian Beaty, the fire chief, could not attend due to a prior commitment.  Chris talked to Brian regarding the budget and Brian thought the budget would be pretty much the same as the previous year.

Jim reported on streets.  Jim stated that when plowing streets, the chain broke on the sander and he  purchased a total replacement chain.  The old chain will be kept on hand for parts.

Jim talked to several companies regarding resurfacing some streets in Russell.  One company quoted $2.50 per yard of single coat and $250.00 per ton for patch.  Another quoted $2.40 per sq. yard for single coat/$4.00 for double coat.  The City has approximately 12,675 yards to resurface.  Jim is still waiting for a quote from a blacktop company for resurfacing Smith Street.

Jim reported that the water tower heater went out in the control box and controls froze up.  Rathbun alerted us regarding this.

Jim talked to several companies regarding quotes on meter changeovers to remote read meters.  Jim stated that the City has many meters now that are over the age limit and gallons limits recommended for change over to new meter.  The cost for purchasing new meters (that are in use now) is approximately $110 per meter.   A company quoted approximately $66,000 for changing out 225 meters, including computer and training.  There would also be a $1500 yearly software fee for updates and support.  The Council will discuss at next budget session.

The Council discussed the sewage lagoon and possible regulation changes coming in the future.

The city received two smoke-free signs from Public Health and Jim will put them up in the parks when weather permits.

Jim obtained pricing on a new air compressor.  Casey made the motion to approve up to $550.00 to purchase a new air compressor and Terry seconded it.  Motion carried 5-0.

Duane passed out a letter from Great Western Bank asking the City of Russell to take possession of the old bank building in Russell as a donation.  The post office pays the bank $450 per month for rent.  Chris stated that he would like to set up a time to look the building over before making a decision.  Duane will set up a time to do a walkthrough of the building.

Casey stated that she was interested in obtaining a grant to resurface the old school track at the football field.  She asked Jim to get a quote on small rock for resurfacing.

Chris stated that the City should look into obtaining a SCICF grant for a new shelter in the bandstand park and take down the old one.  Corey said he will get an estimate from Lockridge Lumber on cost for a 24x30 foot shelter with 9-foot side walls with a roof overhang.

Duane stated that he looked at a 2010 Ford Explorer for a replacement police vehicle for the city.  The vehicle was a Sheriff’s deputy vehicle and has approx. 120,000 miles with a light bar and good tires.  

Duane stated that we would publish a notice in the newspaper regarding the upcoming Budget hearing on February 6, 2017.

Jim received a quote on renting a lift to assist in cutting trees and the cost was approx. $2000 per month. 

The Council discussed setting another Budget work session meeting.  Terry made the motion to set the meeting for January 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Corey seconded it.  Motion passed 5-0.

At the next Council meeting on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 7 p.m., the Council will hold a Budget hearing for FY18.

Casey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 pm and Terry seconded it.  Motion passed 5-0.

___________________________                                                             __________________________

Mayor, Duane Bedford                                                                              Clerk, Kris Wilkins