Friday, April 7, 2017

April 2017 Russell City Council Minutes



City of Russell
Council Meeting
April 3, 2017, 7 p.m.

Present:  Duane Bedford, Chris Feehan, Casey DeHoedt, and Terry Newcomb.  Jay Pierschbacher came later.  Corey Paige could not attend.  Also in attendance were Brian Beaty and Jim Larrington. 

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

The Council had the second reading of the proposed ordinance #142 regarding tree planting and removal.  Chris motioned to approve the ordinance as read and to skip the third reading and Terry seconded it.  Motion carried 3-0.

Chris made a motion to approve the minutes from the March Council meeting and Casey seconded it.  Motion carried 3-0.

Chris made a motion to approve the income and expense reports and Terry seconded it.  Motion carried 3-0.

Larry Templeton was next on the agenda but did not attend.

Brian reported on the Fire Dept.  Brian requested the Council vote on adding a new person to the fire department, Trevor Steinhausen, 21 years old.  Casey motioned to approve Trevor to be added to the fire department and Terry seconded it.  Motion carried 3-0.  Also, Brian stated that the fire dept. received a grant for new gear from SCICF.  Brian reminded the Council of the Ham supper on April 8 at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

Brian brought up a concern he has on the uneven concrete on the corner of Maple and Ames St. out in front of City Hall.  The Council discussed street/culvert work needed to remedy the problem.

Brian stated the Fire Dept. received their new grain rescue tube and trained on its use at South Central Coop. 

Jim reported on Water  – We are getting a free water leak detection test sometime within the next few weeks. 

RRWA talked to Jim regarding their chlorine treatment to the water this month. 

Jim talked about the difficulty he is having finding water shutoffs.  He suggested that the City purchase a GPS unit to mark shutoffs and curb boxes and keep a computerized list for future employees.  Jim will look into prices on a GPS.

Jim reported on Wastewater – He has found a large hole on the side of the road on West and South Smith Streets and has been adding loads of dirt and clay to hole.  Jim stated he would like to close the street temporarily to make sure road is safe to travel on.

Jim stated that the sewage lagoon is running way over average due to the rain fall.

Jim reported that the Prairie Street project is done except for some dirt work along the edges and preparation for seeding. 

Jim reported that the new police car is getting worked on and should be ready for Jeff to use next month.

Jay Pierschbacher entered the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

There was discussion regarding the potholes in the streets and whether we should have cold patch delivered or pick up ourselves.  It was decided that it was more cost effective for it to be delivered since the City can get more product at one time and save the time it takes to pick it up.

Chris made a motion to offer the park mowing job to Lyle Dorsey and offer $11.00 per hour.  Casey seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.  The City will be posting the mowing policy regarding the property owner’s responsibilities.

Jim brought up the need for safety signs for road work.  Duane stated he would work on getting grant money to obtain signs and the Council will discuss at next meeting.

Duane stated that the City received $2000 in grant money from SCICF for a new shelter.  Duane stated that he will apply for a Vredenburg grant also to apply to the cost of a new shelter.  It was discussed to check the Coons Foundation also for grant money. 

The Council discussed the bandstand roof and decided to wait until next year to repair.  The Fire Dept. will assist with washing ceilings in shelters so they can be re-stained.  Chris said he could provide some paint at cost for the bandstand.

Duane handed out maps on proposed streets to be seal coated.  The Council discussed which streets should have priority.  It was decided that we need to get bids from companies on streets discussed and then decide how many streets can be done within the budgeted amount.  Terry stated we need to have the companies measure to get exact square yardage for Smith St. and Highland.  It was discussed that the Council could meet before the next scheduled council meeting to get the process going.  Chris made a motion to go ahead with streets marked by the mayor except for East Ames and Casey seconded it.  The Motion carried unanimously at
4-0.

Duane stated that Jeff Johnson will attend the May Council meeting.


Duane stated that the City of Russell will have a Clean-Up Day on May 20 from 8 a.m.-12:00 noon on Shaw St. between Maple St. & Prairie St.  The charge will be $15 per pickup load or car load.  Car tires will cost $2.50 per tire, TVs and computer monitors will cost $10.  No paint or other hazardous materials will be accepted.  There will be no charge for refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, air conditioners, microwaves and flat screen TV’s.  The City will have several dumpsters delivered by Country Trash.

Terry made a motion to put Kris Wilkins, City Clerk, on the lockbox access at Great Western bank and it was seconded by Casey.  Motion carried 4-0

Chris motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.; Terry seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.



___________________________                                                             __________________________
Mayor, Duane Bedford                                                             Clerk, Kris Wilkins



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