City Council Minutes

City of Russell

Council Meeting

March 6, 2017, 7 p.m.

Present:  Duane Bedford, Chris Feehan, Corey Paige, Casey DeHoedt, and Jay Pierschbacher.  Also in attendance were Brian Beaty and Jim Larrington.  Visitors were Dolores Carroll, Austin Smith, Mike Beaty, Dan Sinclair, and Scott and Jennifer Bear.  Terry Newcomb was unable to attend due to illness.

Duane Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Duane stated that the Council should do a roll call vote to approve and close the budget hearing and budget resolution as published for the City of Russell FY2018 budget.  Casey, Chris, Corey, and Jay when called by name each voted to approve.

Regarding last month’s Council minutes, Chris stated that the motion to approve a bid of $7000 to remove trees pending notification of the residents was not carried unanimously; Chris stated that he voted Nay on this motion, which would make the vote 3-1; Corey abstained.  The minutes from February were approved, with the above amendment.  Chris made the motion to approve with the correction, Corey seconded.  Motion carried 4-0.

On the renewal of Southside liquor license, Chris motioned to approve; Casey seconded.  Motion carried 4-0.

On the renewal of Last Chance liquor license, Casey motioned to approve; Corey seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0.

Austin Smith, from Garden & Associates, talked about the City of Russell’s disadvantaged community status in regards to our compliance schedule for completion of repairs and improvements to our wastewater system.  Some elements in the effluent from the system exceed current and pending limits by EPA and DNR standards.  The disadvantaged community status gives the City a two-year extension on deadlines.  Chris stated that he would like to see the City get some repairs done on our own and monitor the effects the repairs could make.  Then the City could reevaluate what is needed and resubmit in two years a request for needed projects. 

Austin stated that many techniques are available for testing sewer lines.  The Council discussed current sewer problems such as storm drain run-off and water leaks.  Chris also stated that the City has plans to update streets and does not want to dig up streets to work on sewer lines after streets have been newly repaired.

Austin discussed putting flow meters in man holes.  Austin will look into some options for us to begin locating problems.

Dan Sinclair, from Metering and Technology Solutions, spoke about their bid for the City to replace meters and put in a remote reading system which is Cloud based.  The base charge for the computer set-up is $6500 and a $.89 per month fee per meter.  New meters with radio reader would cost approx. $226 each.  Dan recommended a leak detection test before changing out our meters.  Chris stated that Jim get estimates on leak detection services and let Council members know by phone or email before next Council meeting.

During a review of the income and expense report, Brian had a question on the propane bill for the Fire Dept.  It was decided the City clerk is to pay the Fire Dept. back one-third of the propane bill for the City Hall/Fire Dept. bldg.

Casey motioned to approve the income and expense report and Jay seconded.  Motion carried 4-0.

Brian reported on the Fire Dept.  He stated the Fire Dept. had been doing CRP burns.  Also, the dept. has been given a grain rescue tube and will be training on its use.  Chris asked about future policy of pool fills for residents.  Brian stated that he thought the Fire Dept. should do them for a donation and cost of the water at the time of the fill.  It was also discussed keeping record of the pool fills at City Hall.

Jim reported on water/wastewater – he stated that he pumped the well down again, which is required.  Jim found new holes in the sewer lines out in the field.

Jim reported that he put new blades on the road grader.  He has been cleaning out ditches that have filled in.  Rock has been put down on Smith and Stanton streets.  Jim reported that he only got one bid for the Prairie Street project.  Chris motioned that we go ahead and hire Mathes Construction and Jay seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0.  We will contact Mathes as soon as possible in keeping with completion date of May 1.

Jim received on loan a metal locator from HD Supply.  It is a demo model and is priced as is for $550.  A new one costs approximately $700.  Corey motioned to purchase the metal locator and Chris seconded.  Motion carried 4-0.

Old Business:  There was discussion regarding the sealed bidding process for the tractor and old police vehicle the City has for sale.  Duane suggested that we get the tractor running to get a better price.  Jay asked how many miles the old police vehicle has and Jim stated 125,000.  It was suggested that the vehicle be advertised in the Chariton paper a couple of times.

Scott Bear brought up some items on the contract signed between him and the City of Russell regarding hay ground.  Some items were added and amended on the contract with both parties agreeing and signed by Council.  It was agreed that Scott could put up a gate and he will provide hedge post; the City will do locates.  It was agreed that the City would provide seed in case of damage caused by City officials.  It was agreed that a padlock could be put on gate with the City and Scott having a key. In New Business, Mike Beaty provided information on Employment Practices Liability Insurance.   One million dollars in coverage costs $1875 per year with a $1500 deductible.  Chris motioned to approve purchasing this insurance and Casey seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0.

Casey made a motion for Council meeting to go past 9 p.m.; Chris seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0.

Letters have been mailed to homeowners regarding the ash borer problem and explaining that trees on the adjacent right-of-way may be affected and will be cut down by the City.  Duane proposed a tree ordinance for the Council to approve regarding a no-planting policy in right-of-ways (60 ft.)  Chris stated he agreed with the first two portions of the ordinance, but not the third one.  Jay made a motion to approve the tree ordinance using only the first two portions as Chris stated; Casey seconded that motion.  The Council was called for a roll call vote by name and Casey, Chris, Corey, and Jay, when called by name, each voted to adopt the ordinance.  The second reading of the ordinance will be given at the April Council meeting.

Jay motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.; Casey seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

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Mayor, Duane Bedford                                                                Clerk, Kris Wilkins