City of Russell
Council Meeting
January 9, 2017, 7pm
Mayor Duane Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Council members present were Casey DeHoedt, Terry Newcomb, Corey Paige, Chris
Feehan, and Jay Pierschbacher. Also
present was Jim Larrington.
The past minutes were read and approved; Chris made a motion
to approve and was seconded by Terry. Motion carried 5-0.
Chris stated that CD - Bandstand funds are available and
that the council should discuss obtaining a grant for a new shelter in the
future and possibly use the CD for matching funds.
Jay asked about the percentage of sewer income compared to
the water income. The city clerk will
look into the charging rates. There was
discussion regarding raising the price for water and sewer.
Income and expense reports were reviewed by the Council. Jay motioned to approve the income and
expense reports and Chris seconded. Motion
passed 5-0.
Ed Scheel was on the agenda, but could not attend.
Chris reported for the Fire department. He said that Brian Beaty, the fire chief,
could not attend due to a prior commitment.
Chris talked to Brian regarding the budget and Brian thought the budget
would be pretty much the same as the previous year.
Jim reported on streets.
Jim stated that when plowing streets, the chain broke on the sander and he purchased a total replacement chain. The old chain will be kept on hand for parts.
Jim talked to several companies regarding resurfacing some
streets in Russell. One company quoted
$2.50 per yard of single coat and $250.00 per ton for patch. Another quoted $2.40 per sq. yard for single
coat/$4.00 for double coat. The City has
approximately 12,675 yards to resurface.
Jim is still waiting for a quote from a blacktop company for resurfacing
Smith Street.
Jim reported that the water tower heater went out in the
control box and controls froze up.
Rathbun alerted us regarding this.
Jim talked to several companies regarding quotes on meter
changeovers to remote read meters. Jim stated
that the City has many meters now that are over the age limit and gallons limits
recommended for change over to new meter.
The cost for purchasing new meters (that are in use now) is
approximately $110 per meter. A company quoted approximately $66,000 for
changing out 225 meters, including computer and training. There would also be a $1500 yearly software
fee for updates and support. The Council
will discuss at next budget session.
The Council discussed the sewage lagoon and possible
regulation changes coming in the future.
The city received two smoke-free signs from Public Health and
Jim will put them up in the parks when weather permits.
Jim obtained pricing on a new air compressor. Casey made the motion to approve up to
$550.00 to purchase a new air compressor and Terry seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
Duane passed out a letter from Great Western Bank asking the
City of Russell to take possession of the old bank building in Russell as a
donation. The post office pays the bank
$450 per month for rent. Chris stated
that he would like to set up a time to look the building over before making a
decision. Duane will set up a time to do
a walkthrough of the building.
Casey stated that she was interested in obtaining a grant to
resurface the old school track at the football field. She asked Jim to get a quote on small rock
for resurfacing.
Chris stated that the City should look into obtaining a SCICF
grant for a new shelter in the bandstand park and take down the old one. Corey said he will get an estimate from Lockridge
Lumber on cost for a 24x30 foot shelter with 9-foot side walls with a roof
overhang.
Duane stated that he looked at a 2010 Ford Explorer for a
replacement police vehicle for the city.
The vehicle was a Sheriff’s deputy vehicle and has approx. 120,000 miles
with a light bar and good tires.
Duane stated that we would publish a notice in the newspaper
regarding the upcoming Budget hearing on February 6, 2017.
Jim received a quote on renting a lift to assist in cutting
trees and the cost was approx. $2000 per month.
The Council discussed setting another Budget work session meeting. Terry made the motion to set the meeting for January
16 at 6:30 p.m. and Corey seconded it.
Motion passed 5-0.
At the next Council meeting on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 7
p.m., the Council will hold a Budget hearing for FY18.
Casey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 pm and Terry
seconded it. Motion passed 5-0.
___________________________
__________________________
Mayor, Duane Bedford
Clerk, Kris
Wilkins
