Minutes posted for Lamar City Council meeting

LAMAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
THIEBAUD MEETING ROOMS 
June 18, 2018 6:00 p.m. 

The council met in regular session. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Harris. Members held a moment of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

On roll call, the following members answered present: Brian Griffith, Mike Hull, Logan Powell, Max Simmons, Bill Talbott, Judd Chesnut, Mark Gardner and Steve Gilkey. Also attending, City Administrator - Russ Worsley, City Clerk – Bev Baker, Police Chief – Rusty Rives, Fire Chief – Larry Beatty, City Attorneys – Steven Kaderly and Belinda Kaderly.

Alderman Gilkey made the motion to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2018 Regular Session City Council meeting. Alderman Simmons seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

The Public Good and Welfare portion of the meeting was held. This portion is open to any citizen who would like to address the Council. The following discussed keeping the lap and indoor pools open: Abigail Kluhsman, Brittanica Born, Denise Williams, Laurann Robertson, Linda Peacock, Ray Adams Divine, Cameron Bailey, Lyman Burr, Emma Moore, and Jessica Zamora. There were also petitions presented to the Council for reopening the pool. Next the Council discussed the options for the pool. Alderman Simmons made the motion to accept the following: Summer hours have the lap pool available for Tigersharks in the morning Tuesday, June 19 to Friday, August 3. The indoor pool will be open 8-8 Monday and Thursday, 8-7 Tuesday and Wednesday. Lap pool open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1-6; Wednesday 1-5 and Sunday 1-6. Staffing needs are a manager, 1 swim team guard, 1 indoor morning guard (this could also be manager to save cost); 36 guard hours per day, 1 receptionist, 1 concessionaire. The approximate cost is $26,869.46. Off season indoor pool keeps the same operational hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am – 7 p.m. and Friday 3:30-6 p.m. for high school swim team only. Staffing needs are a manager and 1 swim team/evening guard. The approximate cost is $35,501.60. Alderman Hull seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

Phil Carroll from Finley Engineering discussed the 10-year plan for the Electric. His recommendation is to remove the 4KV lines. This recommendation has been requested since 1998.

Chief Rives discussed the Police reports. Chief Beatty discussed the fire reports.

Alderman Simmons Chairman of the Administrative committee discussed the increase in wages for the 2018-2019 budget. Alderman Simmons made the motion to increase hourly rate of pay .30 per hour, by merit. Alderman Chesnut seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

Alderman Hull turned the discussion of Economic Development over to Astra Ferris. Ms. Ferris discussed having several projects in the works. She is busy completing RFIs and recently had five different site visits. Alderman Gilkey Chairman of the Public Expenditure committee meeting discussed the budget. Alderman Simmons Chairman of the Utility Committee discussed the increase of sanitation, water and sewer rates. He requested raising residential sanitation rate from $11.00 to $15.00. The commercial rates will be reviewed later. Alderman Simmons made the motion to approve the residential increase. Alderman Talbott seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes. Members reviewed the list of bills. Alderman Hull made the motion to pay the bills. Alderman Simmons seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

Mayor Harris read the Treasurer’s Report for May 2018. Alderman Simmons made the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Alderman Talbott seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

The Municipal Court Report was presented for the month of May 2018. The outstanding balance is $136,114.98. Alderman Simmons made the motion to approve the report. Alderman Chesnut seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

Mayor Harris discussed adding one-half (1/2) of one percent sales tax for use in the parks. Members were in favor of adding this to the ballot in the November 2018 ballot. The city attorney will prepare an ordinance for the July 2018 meeting to consider for Council’s approval.

Mayor Harris opened the public hearing for the 2018-2019 budget at 9:02 pm. With no one speaking Mayor Harris closed the public hearing at 9:03 pm. Next the 2018-2019 budget was presented. After discussion Alderman Gilkey made the motion to approve the 2018-2019 budget. Alderman Hull seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

The Annual Liquor License were presented for approval. Alderman Chesnut made the motion to approve the license. Alderman Simmons seconded the motion. Alderman Talbott abstained. On vote, all other members voted yes.

Mayor Harris presented Council Bill No 1854
ESTABLISHING THE NEW SCHEDULE OF RATES TO BE CHARGED FOR ELECTRICITY, WATER AND SEWER, CLASSIFYING THE TYPES OF USERS THEREOF, THE CONDITIONS THEREFORE, AND THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.  Said bill being furnished in advance for all Alderpersons and also posted at City Hall for public inspection prior to the meeting was read by title only for the first reading. Alderman Hull made the motion to approve this bill. Alderman Simmons seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes. Said bill being furnished in advance for all Alderpersons and also posted at City Hall for public inspection prior to the meeting, was read by title only for the second and final reading. Alderman Chesnut made the motion to approve this bill. Alderman Talbott seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes. Therefore, the Mayor declared said bill had been duly adopted and numbered Ordinance 1836. The ordinance was signed and approved by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk and the seal of the City affixed thereto.

Mayor Harris presented Resolution No. 426 APPOINTING RUSS WORSLEY DIRECTOR AND KENT M HARRIS ALTERNATE DIRECTOR FOR THE JOINT MUNICIPAL WATER UTILITY COMMISSION. Alderman Simmons made the motion to approve the Resolution. Alderman Hull seconded the motion. On vote, all members voted yes.

Mayor Harris reviewed the following reports: Budget Analysis Cash and Investments by Fund Comparison of Bills and Financial Statements Electric Sales Expenses – Not Budgeted Methane Gas Generator Income and Expense Nuisance Structures Pooled Cash Report Sales Tax Revenue TATS City Administrator, Russ Worsley discussed his report.

Mayor Harris started the round table. Alderman Powell mentioned the MML conference that Russ Worsley, Mark Gardner and he attended. He said it was very informative. Mayor Harris asked if there was any more business to come before the council, if not, a motion to adjourn would be in order. Alderman Chesnut made the motion to adjourn. Alderman Talbott seconded the motion. On vote, all members present voted yes. Therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.