Downs City Council – April 17, 2017

Regular meeting of the mayor and council was held April 17, 2017, 5:00 p.m., at city hall.  Mayor Jennifer Brush presided.  Council members present:  Devin Renken, John Cary, Teri Cordill, Tonya Kuhn, John Bisnette.  Others present:  Bruce Berkley, Terry Gradig, Vickie Oviatt.

Mayor Brush called the meeting to order and led in the flag salute.

John C. moved, seconded by Teri, to approve the minutes from the April 3, 2017 meeting.  Carried.

Terry reported for code enforcement that a door hanger notice was hung and the person is working on removing the trash.

City Attorney, Bruce Berkley, presented an agreement between the city and the parties involved in the damage at the memorial park.

Bruce had obtained the paperwork from the county appraiser to apply for a tax exemption on the Railroad Avenue extension property.  John C. advised to hold off on the construction until it can be paved correctly.

John Bisnette entered.

Following discussion, Tonya moved to approve the city attorney to file exemption papers to exempt the extension of the Railroad Avenue property.  Devin seconded the motion.  Carried.

Bruce reported that LINK would be at the memorial hall on Tuesday for a walk through regarding ADA requirements.  He will be meeting with LINK, along with Mayor Brush, John Cary, and the grant committee members.

Council had reviewed Ordinance #979, relating to water and sewer service.  Devin moved to pass Ordinance #979.  John B. seconded the motion.  Carried.

A complaint form received from Stephanie Ancona on April 4th was referred to Animal Control.

City Superintendent, Terry Gradig, presented a written report of current projects.  He reported that he had visited with The Scoular Co.  He presented a copy of their plan view drawing for an outbound truck scale near the curb on Commercial Street.  There was discussion.

Terry reported that he had met with APAC for a walk through at the water plant.

Terry discussed estimated prices for a used loader.  It was suggested he also look at the Ford New Holland line.

Council agreed for Terry to replace the tin on the ballfield bleachers at approximately $450.00.

Terry urged the council to reconsider hiring additional summer help.  Council asked if the concrete work on Railroad would be completed before harvest and also the curb and water line at the city office.

Teri asked if the city could possibly level out the alley behind the businesses then the business owner will purchase the material.  Council agreed to help out with cleaning up the alley for the businesses.

Teri asked if Terry would be doing some street sweeping.  Terry reported that he had completed this earlier today.

John C. reported that items were listed on Purple Wave for the May 2 auction.

City Clerk reported that two Request to Appear forms were received.  One from Terry Ancona was referred to the Zoning Administrator and one from Alan Sumpter was referred to the clerk.

Tonya moved, seconded by Teri, to waive the fees for the Alumni Association for Saturday June 24.  Carried.

John B. moved, seconded by Devin, to approve special use permit #17-16.  Carried.

Devin moved, seconded by Tonya, to approve demolition permit #17-04.  Carried.

Tonya moved, seconded by Devin, to approve building permit #17-05.  Carried.

Bruce reported no response to the notice sent out on an unsafe structure.

Mayor Brush reported on the conference call to Union Pacific.  Rick Harris offered two options.  There was continued discussion.  Bruce will check with the League.

Teri reported that opening day for the pool will be May 27, 2017.  Pool rates will be reviewed at the next meeting.

John C. reported that Roy DeBey said that he would be happy to take a look at the clinic for possible needed repairs.  John C. gave Roy the report from Donnie File.

Vouchers were reviewed and signed.  Devin moved, seconded by Tonya, to approve the vouchers and payroll as presented.  Carried.

At 6:23 p.m., John C. moved, seconded by Devin, to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel with the mayor and council present.  Carried.

(Remaining minutes by Jennifer Brush)

At 6:43 p.m., council resumed regular session.  Teri made a motion to offer Trystan Schlaefli the same pay as last year.  John B. seconded the motion.  No discussion.  Motion passed unanimously.

Tonya made a motion to adjourn at 6:44 p.m.  Teri seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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