Thursday, May 9, 2019

City Council Minutes


City of Russell
Council Meeting
May 6, 2019
Present: Mayor: Duane Bedford (arrived at 7:45 pm), Council members: Chris Feehan (acting as Mayor Pro-Tem until 7:45 pm), Casey DeHoedt, Terry Newcomb, City Maintenance Supervisor: Jim Larrington and City Clerk: Cindy Smith.  Special Guest Dale Housh from Lockridge was also present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Mayor Pro-Tem Chris Feehan.
Minutes from previous council meetings dated April 1, and April 10, 2019, were reviewed and motioned for approval by Terry Newcomb and this motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.
Ayes – All Approved
Nay’s - None
Expenses and revenue were reviewed and motioned for approval by Casey DeHoedt and this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Ayes – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Dale Housh, who has been to previous council meeting requesting approval to place a receiving tower on the city water tower, notified the council that their tower will not interfere with the Skybeam tower that is already on the tower and that the city could now determine if they would proceed in allowing the Lockridge tower to be placed on the water tower.  Chris Feehan motioned for approval to allow tower to be placed on the tower with the final negotiations of payment to be completed and finalized after more data was compiled by Lockridge on tower receiver final design.  This motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.
Ayes – All Approved
Nay’s – none
Police report, Chris Feehan stated that Tyler will be in the office next Tuesday to begin reviewing city ordinances and that Office Jeffrey and Mayor Bedford will be meeting with Sheriff Tharp to finalize any further information that the Lucas County Sheriff will need from Officer Jeffrey.
Fire report was also presented by Chris Feehan, the fire department has received 2 grants totaling $25,000.00, these grants will be used to purchase additional air tanks.  The fire department will also be washing sand off hard surface streets by the end of May.  Jim Larrington gave an update on the draining/culvert situation at the fire station corner.  There is 256’ of culvert that will need to be replaced to repair the drain problem and correct the water flowing under the driveway for the fire trucks.  This project will run between $5 to$ 6,000.00 and will be scheduled to be repaired in July with the new fiscal budget.



Jim Larrington reported on water that several more new remote water meters have been replaced.  He has also been flushing the hydrants. There will be 2 more hydrants purchased in the new fiscal year, then he will schedule to replace 4 at one time.
Jim Larrington reported there is still a lot of water running through the lagoon.  He will be going up to work with Chariton and review their waste water plant operation.
Duane stated that he has been in contact with Garden and Associates regarding our new sewer work that needs to be completed.  They are to have their final report to us at the end of June or 1st part of July and then let bids for the project.
Jim Larrington then reported on the streets; he has spoken with L&W regarding rock for W Corse Street.  We will need approximately 150 ton of rock for this road.  Jim will need to work more on crowning and getting ditches dug in where needed then we will rock and compress the road out to Fryer St.  This work will run about $2,800.00.  The council approved for him to proceed with this work as the weather allows.
There are several streets in town that need to have work done to them.  It was decided that we will do grading/crowning/ditch installation/rocking, on selected streets this fiscal year and early next fiscal year so that in 20/21 fiscal year we will be better prepared to have sealcoating completed on those streets.   Jim will work on getting quotes for renting a heavy roller.  East Smith seal coating will be completed this fiscal year.   We will also be replacing culverts so that they will not need to be torn up again after rocking/compacting roads.
Red flags have been installed on “STOP SIGN AHEAD” signs and they seem to have helped slow traffic and people stopping at the signs.
The new Community Building sign has been completed and will be installed as weather permits.   Fire Siren will be repaired on Friday the 10th of this month.   Jim Larrington has purchased new sinks, toilets and flooring for the restrooms in the community center and Chris Feehan has ordered new exterior doors for the west and south entrances.  This will require new keys to be made.  The cost of the new doors and hardware will be a total of $1,570.00.  The doors that are currently on the building do not shut properly and are hard to lock.
Old Business:  Fencing ordinance will be completed with review of Jim Mefford, City Attornery, to be sure we cover all legalities on fencing within the city limits.  Fencing requirements will include type of fencing for different breeds of animals along with spacing between posts.  A fine will also be imposed on fencing that does not meet with these requirements. 
Duane still needs to meet with the city attorney on condemning properties inside the city limits.



New Business:  We received a rate increase from the County Board of Supervisors for recycling and capital project expenses related to recycling.  With the sewer system that need repair and more maintenance due to DNR requirements and water rate reviews, we will be looking into increasing monthly minimum rates and usage rates.  Increases will be determined in the next Council Meeting set for June 3, 2019.

Terry Newcomb stated that the Historical Society will again be furnishing lunch for the month of June through the school system.  At present this will still be held at the library/museum location as it was last year, but if he has a good turn out, he may change to the community building where they will have more room and the van that brings the food would have a better location away from traffic to get the children their food.

Chris Feehan motioned for meeting adjournment at 9:00 and Casey DeHoedt seconded.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s - none



______________________________
Approved by
Duane Bedford, Mayor

______________________________
Attest:
Cindy A Smith




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