--- date: "2011-11-09" title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2011-11-09" source: "2011-11-09-minutes-council-monthly.pdf" --- City of Prairie City CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 9, 2011 Attended: Alvan Cooley, Mayor Gary Waterhouse, Councilor Carole Garrison, Councilor Tim Coe, Councilor Roger McKinley, Councilor Georgia Patterson Melanie DeJong Judy Jacobs Dianne Lesniak Ivie Gill Mayor Cooley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call taken, Roger McKinley and Les Church being absent. The minutes of the October 12 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the minutes as written, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe. Cooley, Waterhouse, Garrison, and Coe voted in favor, none opposed. The Mayor reminded the audience that they would have 3 to 5 minutes to address the Council and that prolonged discussions repetitive in nature are discouraged. Melanie DeJong was recognized and stated she is the president of the Prairie City Community Association. She referred to the group’s bylaws and said they had recently acquired the (former Methodist Church to utilize as a community center for events such as music and classes. She noted that the utilities for the building are costly. She then referred back to their bylaws and said they include giving all the groups’ assets to the City if the association dissolves. She was asked if the acquisition of the building had been brought before the Council before purchasing it and she said it had not. She was asked if they plan to charge for use of the building to offset operating costs and she indicated they would eventually and then brought up insurance costs. The Mayor asked her to tell them what she wanted and she indicated she wanted free water and sewer for the building until they are able to pay it on their own. She suggested the City “partner with them to be successful” and talked about ideas for events. Carole Garrison suggested they seek sponsors that would each pay one month’s utilities. It was noted that the Council had been approached by the Grange for free utilities and had been turned down; the stand being that free services would not be given to non- profits or other entities. DeJong argued that the community association is different than other non- profits and that the (church) building is an extension of the city park. The Council did not agree. MSP: To not provide non-profits with water and sewer services for free, Tim Coe/Carole Garrison. There was further discussion wherein the Council stated they cannot supply every non- profit organization or church with free water because basically doing so would put the burden of paying their bills on the citizens. The Council said they appreciated what the group was trying to do but that they should have considered the costs involved before purchasing the building. November 9, 2011 6:20pm Roger McKinley arrived and said he had heard the discussion from the hall. It was generally agreed that granting the group free water and sewer services would only encourage more groups to ask for the same. The Mayor called for a vote. Waterhouse, Garrison, Coe, McKinley and Cooley all voted in favor, none opposed. Ivie Waterson was recognized next and said she was representing the new owners of the Branding Iron. She said they are requesting approval to construct a fenced-in outdoor smoking area so patrons can have their drinks outside when smoking. She said the structure would have to adhere to the OLCC’s rules but she needed to know if the City would allow it before moving forward. She said the new owners are Roxanne and Sid Wolf of Texas and that one of the family members will be residing in Prairie City to run the establishment. The Council felt they needed more information on how the fenced area would be constructed and if it would meet fire safety requirements. There was concern that if law enforcement drove by they wouldn’t be able to see inside the area, but Waterson countered that they can’t see inside the bar either when they drive by. She said the OLCC would require that it meet fire codes and that it would basically be an extension of the building. It was generally agreed that more information is needed before giving approval. MSP: To grant approval upon the findings of the OLCC and their requirements and defer approval to the Mayor upon his review of the information, Roger McKinley/Gary Waterhouse. Waterhouse, McKinley and Cooley voted in favor. Garrison and Coe opposed. The Mayor stressed they make sure fire safety is seriously considered and asked her to get the information to him as soon as possible. Museum: Carole Garrison reported that the Museum is closed for the season but would be open for the Christmas on the Prairie event on November 19. She said the CAP had been submitted and that she is becoming familiar with the operation of the museum. Well Drilling: Georgia Patterson reported that a power pole is being installed and that they are working on the change order. Accounts Payable: MSP: To pay the accounts payable, Carole Garrison/Tim Coe. Cooley, McKinley, Waterhouse, Garrison, and Coe voted in favor, none opposed. 6:45 p.m. It was agreed no workshop would be held on the 23rd because of Thanksgiving. It was moved and seconded to adjourn, all members voted in favor. Submitted by: ___________________________________ Diane Clingman, City Recorder Approved by the City Council this ____ day of ___________________, 2011 and signed by the Mayor. _______________________________ November 9, 2011 Alvan F. Cooley, Mayor November 9, 2011