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Regular Business Meeting March 6, 2023

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING

MARCH 6, 2023

Mayor Rob Lessen opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was stated by all present. The roll call was taken, and all members of the City Council were present. The minutes from the previous meeting were presented to the City Council. Gary Pommier made the motion to approve the minutes. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved. The mayor presented the evenings agenda. Richard Kerley made the motion to approve the agenda as presented.  Gary Pommier seconds the motion. The motion was approved. Appropriation Ordinance #2 was presented for approval. Bob Lauck questioned the reason why Crozier's bill was under office supplies. Bette stated that yes, she will correct this line item. Howard questioned paying mileage plus overtime for the officer going to school. Also, a question on Jim Zibert's bill was answered. Carma Burns made the motion to approve payment on Appropriation Ordinance #2. Bob Lauck seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

REPORTS:

POLICE CHIEF REPORT

John Austin handed out his monthly written report to the City Council and went over the statics.

SUPERINTENDENT

Tom Gorman handed out his monthly report to the City Council. Tom addressed the quote from Vermeer, but Rob Lessen felt that Tom should have another quote, so he asked the Council to return the paperwork to Tom to keep the first bid concealed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

STREETER, TENNIS/PICKLE BALL COURT

Dr. Streeter handed out a price on materials but with the expense and then later finding out that the school can handle this project it would be a better way to spend the money. The project will begin after school is out in May. Carma Burns made the motion to reimburse the school half of the expense. Gary Pommier seconds the motion. The motion was approved for $4,560.00.

BALL GROUND SALARY

Gary Pommier stated that the requested salary by JP Cleland is $6000.00 for the season. This would be an annual contract. Gary Pommier made the motion to pay the groundskeeper an annual salary of $6,000.00. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

MINI-EXCAVATOR.

Tom Gorman reviewed the leash options with the City Council from the paperwork he had handed out. The council felt that there should be a second quote. Tom told the Council that the excavator will be in Arma on the 14th so that they can see it if they like for a demonstration.

201 W. SOUTH STREET PROPERTY

Bette Lessen brought this topic back up for discussion on how property is being handled. Bette stated that she understood someone has an attorney and this person is in contact with Tom Hayes, the City's attorney? Tom confirmed but did not have any new news to share.

BRENDA BANKS/JIM ZIBERT; LIBRARY BUILDING

Brenda Banks reported that the library has sent out letters to the residents for the grant application. Brenda reviewed the deadlines with the Council. Jim Zibert was questioned on the expense. Jim stated that he would compile paperwork to give to the City Council.

DANGEROUS STRUCTURES

The list from the Feb. 20 meeting was brought back up. Tom Hayes stated that he needs more information than was given to him to send out letters to the owners of these properties. Bette reviewed how the Ordinance for Dangerous Structures works. The City Council would like the Fire Chief and the Police Chief to inspect these 16 properties and then have them report back to the Council. Gary Pommier made the motion and Bob Lauck seconds. The motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS

KMEA BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Bette Lessen stated that the Director #1 which Rob Lessen holds comes up for re-appointment as of April 15th. Gary Pommier made the motion to re-appoint Rob Lessen as Director #1. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved. Then Richard Kerley made the motion to appoint Gary Pommier as the Alternate. Bob Lauck seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT

Two bids were received, Girard National Bank bid 1.7654, and Community National Bank bid 1.97. Richard Kerley made the motion to go with CNB. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

CITY WIDE SPRING CLEAN-UP

The City Council determines that April 24 through the 28th will be the week for the cleanup.

2023 STREET PAVING PROJECT

Tom Gorman is still waiting to speak with Randy Chiartano on what the county can do. Gary Pommier brought up the issue of this year's budget for paving, which is 64,800.00 which the previous years were set at 80,000.00. Gary asked if he could have a conversation with our CPA on changing the current budget. The council did not have an issue with Gary contacting the CPA.

2023 CITY LIABILITY INSURANCE

The agent will have a quote for the next meeting.

ARMA CITY POOL

A letter was submitted to the City Council on what Pool Manager, Piper Richardson would like to have updated, such as an increase in Lifeguard salaries to 10.00 an hour, reimbursing the lifeguards for certification at the end of the swim season and to hire an Assistant Manager at 10.00 an hour. Richard Kerley made the motion to approve all of Piper's requests. Gary Pommier seconds the motion. The motion was approved, Carma Burns abstained from the vote.

WELL ELECTRIC PROBLEM

Tom Gorman reported on the East well not working due to a bad motor and/or connection. Gary Pommier made the motion to allow the repairs to the east well for $12,720.00. Richard Kerley seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

ELECTRICAL SURVEY PROPOSAL

Tom Gorman addressed the work that could be done so that all the lines and transformers are in proper working condition, but the city electrician does not feel this is a feasible study. Carma Burns stated that KMEA had made know that they have equipment such as these infrared camera's that can be borrowed and used for no cost.

MIKE LOVE; LIVING FAITH CHURCH

Bette Lessen reported that Mike Love sent Vanessa an email requesting to give food and supplies to folks at the library this month. Brenda Banks was present and stated that she would manage this.

Two student nurses were present to ask the City Council about the wellbeing of the residents of Arma.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Gary Pommier reported on the cooler for the ballpark that the Rec. Association is purchasing and the City is donating 500.00.

Bob Lauck discussed the issue of a city wide trash service in Arma.

Carma Burns brought up Arma Homecoming and the work that is getting done by the board members.

Howard Camp reported on SEKRPC meeting he and Tom were to attend they could not make due to a schedule change.

Rob Lessen reported on the activity on E. Hector at the trailer park. Trash and debris are being left. The city needs to keep on top in this matter.

COMMUNICATIONS

None were present.

PURCHASE REQUEST

None were present.

Carma Burns made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

 

___________________________

Bette Lessen, City Clerk