Monday, October 16, 2017

City Council Minutes October 2, 2017



City of Russell
Council Meeting
October 2, 2017, 7 p.m.

Present:  Duane Bedford, Terry Newcomb, Chris Feehan, Casey DeHoedt, Corey Paige, Jeff Johnson, Jim Larrington, and Brian Beaty.    Jay Pierschbacher did not attend.

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

Minutes were read and approved; Chris Feehan made the motion to approve as read and Terry seconded the motion.  Minutes were approved unanimously 5-0.

Chris motioned to approve the Income and Expense reports; Terry seconded the motion.   Motion carried unanimously 5-0.

Corey wanted to discuss with the Council a project that would improve the basketball court and basketball hoops in town.  Corey would like to request grant funds for new poly backboards and chain nets.  Corey has acquired a 10-Bike bike rack for the City of Russell also.  The Council agreed that this would be a good thing for the kids in the community.  Brian Beaty stated that IMT has a community improvement grant ($500 maximum) that the City could look into.

Larry Templeton was on the agenda to discuss proper animal fencing, but did not attend.

Jeff reported for the Police Dept.  He stated that he has been working for Chariton part-time and will be for the next couple of months.  Jeff talked about Chariton’s policy on nuisance properties and said we should look at their ordinance and discuss at the next Council meeting.

Brian reported for the Fire Dept.  Brian said the fall festival went well and appreciated the City’s assistance.  The new fire gear has been handed out.  Brian asked that the City approve a new fire recruit, Joseph McCurdy.  Casey made a motion to approve Joe McCurdy and Terry seconded the motion.
Aye votes:  Casey, Terry, Chris, Corey
Nay votes:  None

Brian also stated that when the Community Club disbanded, they had leftover funds that were donated to the fall festival yearly to use towards kids’ games/activities.

Chris made a motion to approve Last Chance’s liquor license renewal and Corey seconded the motion.
Aye votes:  Casey, Terry, Chris, Corey
Nay votes:  None

Duane proposed a Resolution be written up regarding the requirements expected for culvert installation on City right-of-ways.  The Council discussed the requirements that should be enforced such as steel culverts required by DOT specs and size/diameter should be determined by the City.  Casey brought up a penalty for noncompliance and the Council discussed a fine and/or removal of unacceptable culverts.  Duane read the Resolution as discussed and Casey made a motion to approve the Resolution as read and Terry seconded the motion.
Aye votes:  Casey, Terry, Chris, Corey
Nay votes:  None

Duane handed out information from USDA-Rural Development regarding the conditions of the City of Russell’s pending loan and grant for sewer updating.  The USDA-RD has acquired a grant of $1,007,000 and a 2 percent loan of $432.000 for the City of Russell.  The loan will be set up for 40 years at $1307 per month.

Chris stated he is concerned about future repairs needed for the sewer system and how the City can sustain the cost.  Chris also stated that he would like to make sure other pipes not scoped the first time be checked and fixed before making the commitment on this project.

Jim reported on water.  He stated that the City has some fire hydrants that don’t work and needs to replace them.  Jim stated that he thought the City budgeted for two new hydrants.

Jim reported on Streets.  He stated he would like to smooth up East Smith St. temporarily and rock it.  Jim stated that if the City does not need to tear up the street for upcoming sewer repair, that it should be budgeted next year to permanently repair it.  State Street, north and south of Ames, is in need of repair also.  Chris stated that the rock needs to be pulled back to the middle of the graveled portion of west Prairie Street.

The Council discussed the newly acquired bank building and decided to set up a committee consisting of Chris and Corey to make plans for improvement.  Brian Beaty stated that Allerton acquired a building to move their city hall and thought we could check with them on how they designed it.

The Council discussed the sidewalk issue again.  Duane will check with Chariton on how they handle it whether they have an ordinance or a resolution.

The old shelter has been taken down.  Harry Reed plans on beginning the new shelter on Thursday, October 5.  The Council discussed a different concrete design and closing in the south side of the shelter.  Corey has been purchasing materials from Lockridge since steel has increased in price by 5% already and may continue to go up.

Casey brought up that some school kids have been causing damage on business properties and the bandstand before and after school.  She suggested that a letter be drafted to the school district regarding this problem.

The Council discussed raises for Jim Larrington and Kris Wilkins.  Chris made a motion to give a $1.00 an hour more to both Jim and Kris for the November 1 paycheck and Casey seconded the motion.
Aye votes:  Casey, Terry, Chris, Corey
Nay votes:  None

Duane stated that the periodic examination (audit) went well and we are waiting for a report.  The accounting firm doing the audit suggested the City of Russell have more training for the clerk and also council members regarding our accounting system through Data Technologies.

The Council discussed trick or treat night and decided to have it on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Brian stated that the Fire department has been asked about their trunk or treat day.  The Council discussed this and decided that the Fire Dept. will have trunk or treat day on Saturday, October 28 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  The Fire Dept. will close off the street as in the past.  Casey stated that she will assist with carnival games and costume contest.

Chris motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:09 p.m.  Casey seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 5-0.


___________________________                                                         __________________________
Mayor Duane Bedford                                                            Clerk, Kris Wilkins

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