---
date: "2007-07-11"
title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2007-07-11"
source: "2007-07-11-minutes-council-monthly.pdf"
---

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

July 11, 2007

Attended:

Stan Horrell, Mayor
Frank Primozic, Councilor
Bill Harrington, Councilor
Roger McKinley, Councilor
Pam Woodworth, Councilor
Jim Wood, Police Department
Bob Titus, Public Works
Gary Knight

Mayor Horrell called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.  The roll was called, Don Strong and Tom
McAuslan being absent.  The pledge of allegiance was recited.

There were no visitors.

Planning:  No Report

Public Safety:  Officer Wood reported the police, fire and ambulance activity.  He reminded
everyone that the fire danger is very high.  There was discussion of now being able to enforce the
air (jake) brake ordinance on Front Street, but it was noted that the City no longer has one.  It
was agreed that it would be a good idea and Wood was asked to look into drafting an ordinance.
Wood also said he had been approached about parking issues, especially vehicles left on the
street for years that are blocking vision.  He recommended the Council look into it and it was
agreed it is a safety issue.

Wood asked the Council if he could go ahead with the purchase of the radios he had budgeted
for.  He cited that there was an issue with radio transmission during the 4th of July that could
have been avoided if the new equipment had been in place.  He said he had been advised by the
Mayor to hold off on the purchase of equipment until the Council decides what they are going to
do with the police department.  He also asked the Council if the reserves could use the amount
provided for their equipment allowance.  It was agreed that police services will be needed in the
interim no matter what decision is made, and that the radios do need to be upgraded.  MSP:  To
approve the purchase of the radios and equipment for the reserves, Bill Harrington/Frank
Primozic.  Pam Woodworth opposed and said she would like to have discussed the equipment
reserve purchases.  It was agreed that perhaps the Council she ask for discussion after making a
motion in the future.  The Recorder said she would furnish them with information for the correct
(parliamentary) procedure.

Wood also recapped the activity on the 4th of July.  He said it was busy but went very well.  He
also told the Council he would be putting on a Hunter Education course soon.

Minutes July 11, 2007

Landfill:  Bob Titus reported that he had met with the DEQ that morning regarding opening a
new trench at the landfill.  He stated that the current trench has about two years left and asked for
permission to get a new trench designed and surveyed.  It was noted that the design must have an
engineer’s stamp in order to be in compliance with state regulations.  It was also noted that Titus
did not budget for it this year, though it had been talked about during budget.  Titus said the City
should look into having the trench work done out of house and said there was some of it that he
could not do.  There was discussion of what equipment will be needed and how much the City
would be able to do.  MSP:  To get an estimate on the survey and design of a new trench,
Bill Harrington/Frank Primozic.

Roger McKinley asked the Council for authorization to look into obtaining a set of rippers for
the cat.  He suggested that possibly the City could trade the winch for them.  It was agreed that
rippers would be more useful.  MSP:  To give Roger McKinley permission to seek the trade
of a winch for a set of rippers, Bill Harrington/Frank Primozic.  McKinley was instructed to
report to Council before making a deal however.

Bob Titus said he would like to look into developing a rock pit above the landfill, but it was
stated that it would have to be OK’d by the County first.

Titus also said the Prairie Wood Products had requested the use of the City’s manlift to do some
high welding.  He said he did not have a problem with it since they have always been very
accommodating and helpful to the City.  MSP:  TO allow PWP to use the manlift, Pam
Woodworth/Frank Primozic.  There was discussion of liability since it would be sent without
an operator.  It was agreed that Titus should obtain a hold-harmless agreement from them.

Titus reported that the water levels are dropping and that restrictions would need to be put into
effect soon.  He was asked if he had put the well online yet, but he said he had not.  It was noted
that the City is using over 350,000 gallons per month on the parks and questioned if cutting back
would help to alleviate the problem.  Titus was also asked if the City could use the well in the
City Park for watering.  He said there was one there but it was not connected to the watering
system.  He said he would look into it.

There was discussion of the wet-well project again, and Titus asked the Council for a decision.
It was noted that it is a safety issue and needs to be addressed.  The cost was estimated at $5,000
to $6,000.  The Recorder said that because it is early in the fiscal year there should not be a
problem, but the Council must be very mindful of spending throughout the year with regard to
the sewer fund.  Titus said the grinder at the pump station is going haywire and that a new one is
approximately $6,500.  He said the new system was designed to use filters instead so it may not
be an issue.  MSP:  To get the J-boxes put in as long as the cost estimate is still close, Roger
McKinley/Frank Primozic.

Titus then addressed the Council regarding estimates for having the reservoir cleaned and
inspected.  He reviewed the quotes of $2,660, $2,250 and $2,586 and said that he would like to
go with Liquivision at $2,660 because he had worked with them before.  There was discussion of
whether or not the City could go with a higher price without sufficient reason and it was noted
that Titus should look into the rules for contracting.  It was agreed that they would need a

Minutes July 11, 2007

concrete reason to go with the higher bidder.  Bill Harrington suggested that Titus be allowed to
choose from the 3 bids and give justification for his choice.  He suggested that next time Titus
bring written reasons why he recommends one company over another in order to save time.
MSP:  To authorize Bob Titus to select the vendor and to document his reasons why, Bill
Harrington/Frank Primozic.  Pam Woodworth opposed.

Well Drilling:  Mayor Horrell said he had talked with Russell Ricco and that Ricco has
consulted an attorney who said there is no right-of-way easement to the wells, only to Faiman
Springs.  He said Ricco will get back to him regarding what he would like in return for an
easement.  It was noted that it is becoming urgent that the landowner agreements be finalized.

Accounts Payable:  MSP:  To approve the payables, Roger McKinley/Bill Harrington.

The bill from Dice Construction in the amount of $72,955.18 was submitted for signature and
approval.  It was noted that the change order was attached and that it had not been signed before
the additional work had been done or the additional bentonite purchased.  MSP:  To sign the
change order and approve the final bill from Dice Construction, Bill Harrington/Frank
Primozic.

The Council asked if there would be an appreciation party for the 4th of July volunteers again this
year.  Since the Recorder would most likely be the one organizing and putting it on, Bill
Harrington asked her if she was comfortable taking on the extra work.  She said she would not
mind and noted that people were very pleased to be recognized last year.  When asked she said it
cost approximately $400 and that funds have been budgeted for volunteer appreciation.  MSP:
To have a 4th of July volunteer event utilizing budgeted funds, Frank Primozic/Roger
McKinley.

At 8:30 p.m. Roger McKinley left the meeting.

8:32 p.m.  It was moved and seconded to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted:

___________________________
Diane Clingman

Approved this Date: ________________

_________________________________
Stan Horrell, Mayor

Minutes July 11, 2007