Russell City Council Minutes

City of Russell

Council Meeting

February 5, 2018, 6 p.m.

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

Duane Bedford called the meeting to order at 6:18 p.m.

Minutes of the January 8th meeting were read and approved; Chris Feehan made the motion to approve as read and Corey seconded the motion.  Minutes were approved unanimously 4-0.

Chris motioned to approve the Income and Expense reports; Corey seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 4-0.  Brian Beaty asked how often Kris, City Clerk, charges the Fire Department for fuel.  He requested that it be billed on a quarterly basis.

Chris motioned to approve the renewal of the liquor license for Harley Haven; Casey seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 4-0.  Cory motioned to approve the renewal of the liquor license for the Southside; Casey seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Jeff Johnson had nothing to report.  The status of the municipal infraction ordinance was discussed.

Brian Beaty stated that the Fire Department has applied to S.C.I.C.F. for a grant for some new air packs and has also applied for a federal grant, the American Firefighter Grant, for another 15 fire packs.

Jim reported that April 3rd and 4th will be the dates when we will receive training for the new remote-read water meter system.  Approximately 20 of the new meters have been installed so far and all of the new meters have been received by the City.  He also reported on the water main break which occurred at Ames and West Streets.  Discussion was held regarding customers who are routinely not paying their utility bills past the shut-off date.

Jim has taken measurements for some culverts which need to be replaced.  L.L. Pelling, the contractor which did the sealcoat work last summer, will make a visit when the streets are clear of snow to take measurements and give the City a quote.  Todd Atwell would like the intersection at Smith and Garfield to be widened to accommodate his semi.  It had been noted by Jim and Duane that the width is not adequate.  Todd has said that he will help pay.  The consensus of the Council is to do the work if Todd pays for the culverts.

The City has received the final draft of the Professional Services Agreement from Garden and Associates, Ltd. for the wastewater repair and improvement project.  Three copies were received which will need to be signed and dated by the Mayor and returned to Garden and Associates.  The cover letter and attachments were circulated among the Council members.  There was a brief discussion about the reservations the Council and Mayor have about the two proposed wastewater treatment components.

The City has applied to S.C.I.C.F. for a grant to assist with the cost of roof repair on the Bandstand, replacement of the flagpole and the addition of a sidewalk around the Bandstand.  Chris reported on the progress of work at the new City Hall, the north portion of the bank building.  The new underlayment is installed and the carpet tile is laid.  The walls are repaired, textured and painted.  We will replace the baseboard and casing and add a counter top for the clerk’s office.  Some discussion was held about different file cabinets and when to move everything to the new City Hall.  The City will solicit bids to replace the HVAC system for the City Hall portion of the bank building.  Corey is soliciting bids for repair of the roof.  Russell City Hall is moving in to the bank building beginning February 15.  City hall will be closed February 15 and 16 for the moving process.

Casey motioned to approve the Notice of Final Assessment for Nuisance Abatement for a property on Highland; Chris seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 4-0.

Discussion was held regarding the offer of donation of 3 private lots to the City.  The decision to act on the donation was tabled until the City has investigated the alternatives for use or sale of said property.  Discussion was also held about a portion of Washington Street and adjoining property.

Jay motioned to approve the purchase of a new Gravely mower from Johnston Repair, Chariton; Corey seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 4-0.

The Budget Work Session began at 8:00 p.m.  Chris left the session at 8:35.

Casey motioned to adjourn the meeting and work session at 8:50; Jay seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 3-0.

_______________________                                      _______________________

Mayor Duane Bedford                                                 Clerk, Kris Wilkins