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Regular Business Meeting July 17th, 2023

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING

JULY 17, 2023

 

 

 

Mayor, Rob Lessen called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was stated by all present. Roll call was taken, and all members of the City Council were present. Minutes from the previous meeting were presented. Bob Lauck made the motion to approve the minutes. Carma Burns seconds the motion. The motion was approved. The evenings agenda was presented. Under Unfinished Business Item C) was tabled and Item F) League Convention was added. Under New Business Item F) Beer license was added. Gary Pommier made the motion to approve the revised agenda. Carma Burns seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

 

REPORTS

Fire Chief Mike McLeod handed in a report to the City Council for their review.

 

Librarian Brenda Banks handed in her report but also reported on the Community Garden damage, plus Brenda reported on going to the CDBG program in McPherson.

 

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

GRASS CUTTING ORDINANCE

Tom Hayes included the $250.00 amount per cut to the city ordinance. The City Council discussed the proposed ordinance. Richard Kerley felt that the fine should be $100.00 for the first offense then increased by $50.00 for each offense following. Carma Burns seconds the motion. The motion was approved. Howard Camp made the motion to change the length of grass from 6" to 12" This motion died due to the lack of a second.

 

NOISE ORDINANCE

Gary Pommier felt that a decimal meter, which would cost $40.00. Gary Pommier made the motion to table this issue. Bob Lauck seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

 

WATER METER CHARGES FOR REPAIRS

Vanessa Kent reported to the City Council her findings on the cost of repairs, but she recommended that the first repair should be in the city but if there were additional repairs the property owner should be charged. Vanessa will work up a letter regarding notifying the owner and have this to the Council by the next meeting. Carma Burns made the motion to table this issue. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

 

 

 

ELECTRIC INSPECTOR

Gary Pommier stated that the City of Arma does follow the NEC codes. Gary also stated that if the city hired an individual with qualifications, the expense would be high. Gary Pommier made the motion to hire an electric inspector. The motion died due to the lack of a second.

 

LEAGUE CONFERENCE

The City Council needs to appoint a Delegate and an Alternate to this conference for voting. Gary Pommier made the motion to appoint Carma Burns as the Delegate and Howard Camp the Alternate. Richard Kerley seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

TERRY SERCER 2022 AUDIT AND 2024 BUDGET

Terry Sercer reviewed the 2022 Audit with the City Council. Richard Kerley made the motion to approve the 2022 Audit report. Gary Pommier seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

Terry then reported on the RNR rate notice needs to be sent to the County Clerk and Terry stated that the Council should approve going over the RNR from last year. Carma Burns made the motion to inform the Co Clerk that we may go over the RNR. Richard Kerley seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

Terry will present the 2024 Budget at the August 7th meeting.

 

HOMECOMING PARADE

Bette Lessen addressed the need for signs for the vehicle that the council will use in the upcoming parade. Bette will get candy for the council.

 

TREE HECTOR/FIRESIDE, TOM GORMAN

Tom reported to the City Council about a dead tree located at E. Hector and Fireside. The resident is asking if the city is responsible for removing the tree? The city would not be responsible for a residents tree...it would be their responsibility.

 

ROAD REPAIR 640TH S. OF DOLLAR GENERAL; TOM GORMAN

Tom stated that W South has been torn up, and that the city is now responsible for the maintenance of the road. The cause is large trucks driving to the edge of the paved surface. Richard Kerley asked if the State would help. Tom said that he did not think they would, but he would speak to the County Road and bridge.

 

CHIEF AUSTIN SUPPLY REQUEST

John Austin handed the council paperwork on his request for the following supply items. First John would like to purchase 6 office chairs which through Ettinger's would cost $2,370.00. Vanessa Kent stated that she did not need a new chair, so the price was reduced to $1,980.00. Gary Pommier made the motion. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved. John then stated that the officers needed new uniforms and for 5 officers. John had 2 prices for this purchase, Godfrey at $4,584.30 or GT at $4,608.00. Gary Pommier made the motion to purchase the 5 uniform's from Godfrey's for $4,584.30. Howard Camp seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

John then held discussions of purchasing a new vehicle, ammo, and accessories. These item the City Council felt could be in the 2024 budget. John also reported that he would like to hire either a full or part time officer since school on starting up soon and the SRO officer would not be on the regular schedule. So far there is no one that is qualified, and training is required.

 

BEER LICENSE

Bette Lessen stated that the American Legion had filed a beer license for Homecoming. The council would need to approve the $25.00 stamp fee. Richard Kerley made the motion to allow the $25.00 stamp fee as well as the license. Gary Pommier seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Gary Pommier complemented the work of the city employees.

Bob Lauck reported on the Homecoming activities for Aug. 11-12-and 13th.

 

COMMINICATIONS

Bette Lessen reported to the council about the schools a/c work on the 27th.

 

PURCHASE REQUEST

No requests were made.

 

Carma Burns made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m. Bob Lauck seconds the motion. The motion was approved.

 

__________________________

Bette Lessen, City Clerk