--- date: "2002-10-09" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2002-10-09" source: "2002-10-09-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 9, 2002 Attended: Leonard Wolf, Mayor Marvin Casebeer, Councilor Anna Bass, Councilor Mort Rennels, Councilor Diane Clingman, City Recorder Judy Jacobs Rod Hendrickson Debbie Letoski Karen Jacobs, Councilor Lance Delgado, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Jim Hamsher Kris Shull Melanie DeJong Etta Lou Hendrickson David Carkuff Mayor Wolf called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The roll was called, all members of the Council being present. The pledge of allegiance was recited. The minutes of the August 28, 2002 regular meeting were considered for approval. MSP: To approve the minutes of the August 28 meeting as written, Marvin Casebeer/Anna Bass. Mayor Wolf recognized Rod and Etta Lou Hendrickson regarding the street widening issue. Roger McKinley asked to be recognized before discussion was to begin. He apologized to the Hendrickson’s for his statements made during a meeting with them the week before. The Hendrickson’s accepted his apology. Mayor Wolf asked the Hendrickson’s to explain their position to the Council as they saw it. Etta Lou said that in February they were contacted by Joe Hitz and told what the City was considering (widening Fourth Street, construction of retaining wall) and that a decision had not been made yet, but he would let them know. They did not hear from Joe again until the project began on September 19 when Iron Triangle began excavation to widen the street and erect the wall. She stated that no approval had been given by them and that they were surprised by what was happening. She said she contacted the Mayor on September 21 and some negotiations were made, but they (Hendrickson’s) decided not to accept the negotiations after all. She stated that Hitz and the City should have done the proper paperwork in advance. She said they now have severe property damage and an open sewer line, as well as a dying shrub and a discrepancy as to how much property was taken for the wall. There was some discussion regarding the actual dates of the above the events. Mayor Wolf said he and the Council had been under the impression that everything was in order before construction began, but obviously there had been a misunderstanding and that the City would try to work things out. He said the wall would be moved onto City property and the property restored as much as possible. The Hendrickson’s said they felt as though they had been made out to be the bad guys because they took issue with how Minutes October 9, 2002 things were done. Mayor Wolf said he had indicated (in his conversations with the Hendricksons) that the City was at fault. Rod agreed that no statement had been made (by the Mayor) to make them feel at fault. It was agreed that the City should meet with the Hendrickson’s to formulate a solution. Mayor Wolf said he would meet with Hitz to coordinate. It was also agreed that the changes should be in writing, approved by all parties, and be expedited. Mayor Wolf said the City would do its best and remarked that all parties should have met before hand. Rod also expressed concern over the construction of the wall. He said it appeared to have been built on un-compacted ground, and was not level or straight. Roger McKinley said the issue was being addressed. Action List:  No additional information was obtained regarding NW Aquifer. Mort Rennels suggested contacting a local service.  Anna Bass noted the flags at the Post Office, Church on Front Street and on top of the Co-Gen Plant are not lighted. Mort Rennels said he would see to it through the American Legion. Planning: No Report Public Safety: No Report Landfill Inspection Report: Bob Titus was not in attendance and no written report was provided to the Council. Mayor Wolf noted that some time ago the landfill operator’s cat (used for compaction) had broken down and not been repaired. Apparently another larger one was being borrowed occasionally and used for compaction. It is assumed that this is the reason all 4 tarps have been in use, but could also be the reason the trench is filling much faster than anticipated. Mayor Wolf said the trench might not last another 2 years at this rate. He also said he has been taking pictures of the landfill since June and that they do no match the inspection reports given to the Council. It did appear that the 4th tarp had finally been repaired and taken out of service, but that not enough time is being spent maintaining the site. Discussion followed regarding the limitation of certain types of debris, i.e., construction materials that do not compact well and tend to tear the tarps. It was also noted that more tonnage than originally anticipated is going into the landfill. The operator estimated the amount at 25 tons per month, but the weight slips have been averaging 40 tons per month. It was agreed that the Council should reconsider what type of waste to accept and whether or not to continue operation of the landfill. Each member of the Council was given a file documenting correspondence with the landfill operator. Public Works: Bob Titus was not present. Mayor Wolf updated the Council on the problems with the new sewer pumps. Replacements are on the way and a temporary pump is in place if needed. Office: No Report Minutes October 9, 2002 Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the October bills, Mort Rennels/Marvin Casebeer. Other Business: Mayor Wolf said a computer is needed at the Museum in order to facilitate the cataloging of items. He said he had tried to utilized the old computers from the office, but found them to be inoperable. He asked the Council to consider the purchase of new equipment so the software would be compatible with the City’s other computers. He also said the Friends of the Railroad would most likely participate in the purchase of the equipment. It was noted that a combination printer/scanner/fax would be very useful. Debbie Letoski asked to be recognized. She explained that Judy Jacobs’ 2nd grade class had taken a tour of the City’s water and wastewater facilities in conjunction with their current class work. She thanked Georgia Patterson and Chris Camarena for an excellent tour and presented a thank you book written by the class. Having done these sorts of field trips with schools in other cities, she said the Prairie City tour was one of the best she has ever experienced. 7:00 p.m. MSP: To adjourn the meeting, Marvin Casebeer/Anna Bass. Respectfully submitted: ___________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved this Date: ________________ _________________________________ Leonard Wolf, Mayor Minutes October 9, 2002