Russell Christmas Lights

Richard Foster Home

Troy Steinhausen Home

Russell News

Russell News December 26, 2017

Calendar

            Wednesday, January 3, 6:30 p.m. Faith United Methodist Night Owls will have their annual pizza party. Connie Smith will have the lesson.

                Monday, January 8, 7 p.m. Russell City Council meeting

                Thursday, January 18, 5:15 p.m. Russell Museum/Library Board meeting

                Thursday, January 18, 1:15 p.m. Russell News meeting at the Museum-everyone welcome

December City Council Minutes

City of Russell

Council Meeting

December 4, 2017, 7 p.m.

Present:  Duane Bedford, Terry Newcomb, Chris Feehan,  Jay Pierschbacher, Casey DeHoedt, Jeff Johnson, Jim Larrington,  and George Johnson.   Corey Paige 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 Newcomb seconded the motion.  Minutes were approved unanimously 5-0.

Terry motioned to approve the Income and Expense reports; Casey seconded the motion.   Chris mentioned that the Accounts Payable printout was for November and December.  Motion carried unanimously 5-0.

George Johnson, Code Enforcement Officer for Chariton spoke about Chariton’s procedure for municipal infractions for junk and debris properties.  He said that he writes misdemeanor citations with a fine, generally $250 for first offense.   George said he takes many pictures of the properties, going back within 30 days and taking more pictures.  He also said that if there is more than one homeowner listed on property, all people listed are ticketed.  The defendant(s) will be required to appear in court.  George suggested that we adopt the International Property Maintenance Code which covers every scenario.  Chariton has not adopted this code.  Jeff said he would look into that code and the Council will discuss at the next meeting on January 8, 2018.

Jeff had nothing to report for the Police Dept.   The Council discussed getting Jeff a camera for property issues discussed earlier.

Chris made a motion to begin the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.  There were no citizens in attendance for this public hearing regarding the resolution instituting proceedings to take additional action for the authorization of a loan agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $432,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes.   Terry Newcomb moved to adopt Resolution 2017-09 and Casey DeHoedt seconded the motion.

Aye votes:  Terry, Chris, Casey, Jay

Nay votes:  None

Chris made a motion to close the public hearing and Jay seconded the motion.

Aye votes:  Terry, Chris, Casey, Jay

Nay votes:  None

Chris reported no new information from the fire department.

Ordinance 147 – regarding penalties for illegal disposal of materials on City property was read a second time and Chris made a motion to adopt the ordinance and waive the third reading.  Terry seconded the motion.

Aye votes:  Terry, Chris, Casey, Jay

Nay votes:  None

The Resolution 2017-07 written for illegal dumping will be rescinded because the ordinance is adopted.

Ordinance 146 – amending Sec 8-1.0112 of the Russell Municipal Code to specify new placement and replacement of culverts on City of Russell right-of-ways was read a second time and Casey made a motion to adopt the ordinance and waive the third reading and Chris seconded the motion.

Aye votes:  Terry, Chris, Casey, Jay

Nay votes:  None

Ordinance 145 - amending City of Russell Floodplain sections of Chapter 414 Code of Iowa to update floodplain maps for Lucas County and incorporated area was read a second time and Jay made a motion to adopt the ordinance and waive the third reading; Terry seconded the motion.

Aye votes:  Terry, Chris, Casey, Jay

Nay votes:  None

Duane discussed the sewer project and possible changes in the plan for the lagoon and has been in contact with Garden and Associates regarding the changes.

Jim reported on Water/wastewater.  He stated that he replaced a couple curb boxes.  Jim will be attending the free training at RRWA on January 24.

Jim reported on Streets.  Jim put up the Christmas decorations on the street lights with Alliant Energy’s assistance.  Some of the boxes on the poles for the decoration attachment are rotted.  Alliant said they would assist Jim in changing those out.

There was discussion regarding a street light at 312 E. Smith St. that has been out but is not one of the City’s street lights according to Alliant.  The Council agreed to go ahead and put a new one up there and add to our list of street lights.

Jim brought up for discussion the possibility of renting a lift to do some tree and brush cutting.  Jim reported that the lift cylinder for the bucket on the backhoe is leaking.  Casey asked Jim to get a two-year record of equipment repairs and maintenance.

Jim worked on the entry door at the Community Building which was falling off the hinges and door frame was coming apart.  Jim suggested we get a new door sometime because it was just a temporary fix.

The Council discussed applying for grants from SCICF, Vredenburg, and Coons Foundation for the bandstand roof and concrete.

The Council discussed the school kids who get on and off at the park who had been causing some damage.  Duane talked to Paula at the School Office and she said they would hand out notes for students to take home to parents.

The Council discussed setting a budget work session date and decided to wait and set one in January after regular council meeting on January 8, 2018.

The Council talked about the meter project progress again and decided to get a quote from another company since there has been no progress. 

The Council discussed the bank remodel and decided on not spending the money on an interior wall.

Terry made a motion to extend the meeting past 9 p.m. and Casey seconded the motion.

The Council picked out a paint color for the bank building.

The Council discussed the MESI contract for our water and wastewater testing.  The City of Russell received a letter from Midwest Environmental Services, Inc. stating that they have transitioned out of laboratory testing.  The operations have been purchased by Keystone Laboratories and they will continue our service at the same pricing through 2018.

Chris motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Casey seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously 4-0.

___________________________                                                         __________________________

Mayor Duane Bedford                                                            Clerk, Kris Wilkins