Tuesday, January 15, 2019

City Council Minutes January 7, 2019


City of Russell
Council Meeting
January 7, 2019
Present:  Duane Bedford (Mayor), Council members:  Chris Feehan, Terry Newcomb, Casey DeHoedt Jay Pierschbacher and City Maintenance Supervisor Jim Larrington and Cindy Smith, City Clerk.
Duane Bedford, Mayor, called the meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes from Meeting on December 3, 2018 were reviewed and motioned for approval by Casey DeHoedt and seconded by Chris Feehan.
Aye’s – All approved
Nay’s – None
Minutes from meeting on December 12, 2018 were reviewed and motioned for approval by Terry Newcomb and seconded by Casey DeHoedt.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Jay Pierschbacher joined the meeting at this time (7:06 pm)
Income and Expenses were reviewed and motioned for approval by Chris Feehan and seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Vickie Jordan had requested that the Council review and approve the renewal of the liquor license for Harley Haven.  This was motioned for approval by Chris Feehan and seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Officer Dustin Hardin was unable to attend, but he did submit a written report to Mayor Bedford. This report was reviewed by all council members in attendance.  Per his report he will be working on the junk and debris ordinance that is in place and will be taking pictures and submitting in writing to property owner’s area’s that will need to be addressed. 
Chief Brian Beaty also was unable to attend, Chris Feehan had spoken with Chief Beaty and stated that there was nothing new to report. The new recruit’s are still in training.
Jim Larrington made his reports on water/waste water and streets:
Waste water – with all the rain/warm weather and backup into the lagoon. 
Water – water loss in December was at 26%.  Terry Newcomb has assisted in getting some meters changed.  This is a change that is taking place as time and resident scheduling can be accomplished. 
Streets – Jim and Lyle have been trimming and cleaning up trees, he will have the lift until the 15th of the month.  He has been graveling roads as he can.  Gravel was frozen and unable to spread and now needs to be reordered as all the rock has been used.  Roads will be rocked as he can get to once the rock is here. 
It was noted that someone has taken rock from the rockpile and has not reported use to the city. 
Garden and Associates are still in the initial phases.  Duane stated that he will be talking with them to see where they are at in regards to the DNR and scheduling.
Old Business:  Budget work session that had been previously scheduled was delayed due to illness and has been rescheduled for Monday January 21, 2019 at 6:00 pm.
Terry Newcomb questioned whether the steps in front of the post office should have been addressed when the concrete work was completed in front of the city hall office.  Duane stated that it will be completed in stages and that he had discussed with Scott McGee how to proceed with the next phase.
Terry Newcomb also stated that he has received some complaints about several culverts that aren’t working correctly.  One had a tree stump that has since been removed and is now working correctly.  The culvert at the end of Shaw street will be blown out by a fire truck to determine if it is plugged or if it has collapsed.  Once this is determined it will be decided if it needs replaced.  If it does need to be replaced it will not be until spring.
Terry Newcomb also stated that he had a complaint of someone firing a firearm at a dog to scare the dog as it had gotten loose from the tether line.  It is unknown who fired the gun, but it is against city ordinance to fire a gun inside city limits.  Officer Hardin will be notified of the incident so that it can be investigated.  All dogs to be on a leash at all times. They are not allowed to roam free.
Terry Newcomb also requested of the Council to allow Ed Sellers use of the community center for a money raiser for the Russell Historical Society.  Mr. Sellers will be having a dance class starting Monday February 4th through March 25th.

Chris Feehan motioned for approval of the use of the community center at no charge by Ed Sellers this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Ayes’ – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Terry Newcomb has had several complaints about the old mill located at the west end of Shaw street, it has become a real hazard to the community.  Jay Pierschbacher stated that he has heard of kids “exploring” this old building.  Issues with the railroad may also be involved.
Maintenance of right of ways was discussed.  The appropriate ordinance will be amended to clarify that the property owners are required to maintain from curb to curb.  In right of ways which have shrubs and tress, the city may clean them one time then it will be the landowner’s responsibility to maintain after that.  
Lockridge Networks has requested that our attorney review the contract that we currently have with Skybeam.  Cindy will contact Skybeam about their frequency.  If Lockridge Network wishes a review of the contract by an attorney, they will need to proceed with that.
New Business:  Jim and Chris have been in contact with the county in regards to purchasing their used road grader.  Jim has been researching what our grader may be worth and how payments may possibly be made to purchase the county’s grader.  Chris will contact the county about details and let the Council know what he finds out.
The skid loader was also discussed, we may look into upgrading this as well and/or look into a grapple hook for the backhoe.
Casey DeHoedt motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm. and this was seconded by Jay Pierschbacher.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s - None

___________________________
Approved by:
Duane Bedford, Mayor
___________________________
Attest:
Cindy A Smith, City Clerk

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