City Council Meeting s9

City Council Meeting

September 1, 2011

All Aldermen present: Mary Bohannan, Jeff Hayes, Larry Walthall, David Rice, James Schmitz and Chris Schaffer. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

Chris Schaffer made motion to accept the minutes. David Rice seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.

City Attorney John Verkamp briefly reported on the lawsuit with the county. He visited the county and the jail to copy records and has been reviewing documents. He was finding a lot of what we had suspected.

Alderman Larry Walthall spoke to the council proposing a trash rate increase and benefits. He distributed a printout of current customer income and dumpster expense. Mr. Walthall quotes: “We are not receiving the same amount of income money today as we were with last year’s census count. I believe we need to review every department and see where we can adjust budgets and justify expenses. As council members, we have the responsibility for the management and control of the city finances and all real and personal property belonging to the city. (That is a quote from the duties of Alderman/Council members in the Guidebook for Municipal Officials of Mayor/Council cities.)(also Handbook page 497). We approved the annual operating budget for 2011 in February and I believe we need to review it again as our overall income has changed. We, as council members need to review, manage and control all city expenses for the remaining part of this year very closely. At this time I would like to address the city’s Trash department and propose a realignment of rates to accommodate an increase but also add a customer benefit.” “I feel we are charging our customers twice when they pay for a trash charge on their monthly bill and then have to pay again if they have trash to take to the dumpster which cannot or is not picked up because of other issues.(too big/appliance/not normal trash).”

Larry Walthall made a motion that we increase the monthly rates as stated, which will help offset any deficit on the dumpster bin and provide the added benefit of a No Charge, for Charleston paying customers, to use the dumpster bin on the 1st Saturday of each month effective January 1st, 2012. No Charge customers must provide their current monthly bill plus a valid driver’s license with the same address on site prior to any usage of the dumpster. Other customers must continue to pay $20.00 per pick-up truck load or $30.00 per small trailer load.

After discussion on this matter, Mary Bohannan thanked Mr. Walthall for all the trouble he went to on this report but she suggested we think about this and not jump into something yet. Mayor Hiatt confirms the motion dies due to lack of second.

Project Coordinator-Tracee presented her monthly report. (copy) City Council Meeting

September 1, 2011

Police report-Chief Billy Atchley presented his report. He introduced Daniel Little as the new police officer and commented that Tyler Underwood graduated from the police academy, which will raise his yearly salary $1,000.00.

Superintendent Report- George was present but had no written report due to overflow of work. Terry Jones is unable to work due to an unrelated work accident and will be off several weeks. Larry Walthall asked if the city could fix or get rid of the cable in the ditch on Lincoln Dr. He is concerned it could be a safety hazard. He also asked if anything could be done with the ditch itself. George will call the cable or phone company about the cable matter. The toddler swings for the park have been purchased and will be put up soon.

Mary Bohannan suggested advertising for bids for the water audit since that will be coming up soon. John Verkamp will prepare a letter for advertisement.

Upon review of the water adjustments for the month, David Rice made motion to accept the adjustments. James Schmitz seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.

All invoices for the previous month of City General and Water/Sewer O & M accounts were presented to the council for review and discussion. After review, all paid invoices were approved by David Rice and seconded by Mary Bohannan. Motion carried 6-0.

David Rice made motion to adjourn. Chris Schaffer seconded. Motion carried 6-0. PROGRESS REPORT SEPTEMBER 2011

1. Following my meeting with the Highway Department regarding our Sidewalk Improvement Project; Sherman, George, and I met with Andy Dibble to discuss the project further and determine what we could accomplish with the grant money. Darla Verkamp and Paul Efurd have both agreed to letting us remove trees from their properties in favor of installing new decorative lights.

2. While I was at the Highway Department in Little Rock I met with the Mapping Department to get corrections made to our boundaries.

3. Working with George on a Disc Golf Course. There was money left out of the Skatepark Grant that needed to be spent or returned. Today we met with a designer who will design the course at no cost to us.

4. The Police Department is receiving a grant in the amount of $3500 with no match required.

5. I have completed my Census work and will be turning it over to John Verkamp.

6. Getting an early start on 2012 Health and Fitness Fair. Date is Saturday, January 28.

7. This is how I spent last week… Tuesday, August 23—Going through Dispatch Logs with John. Wednesday, August 24—Cleaning Community Center (Tina quit so we’re taking applications) Thursday, August 25—Cleaning Community Center Friday, August 26—Water Office (Janie Vacation)

8. Upcoming deadlines for Department of Rural Services Grants. The first 2 grants require no match. *Wildlife Recreational Facilities Grant Program—Eligible projects include fishing ponds, firing ranges, fishing piers, archery ranges, fish cleaning stations, boat launches, observation platforms and blinds. (November 4) *General Improvement Fund Grant Program (Community Enhancement or Fire Protection) (November 18) *Rural Community Grant Program (Community Enhancement or Fire Protection) (December 9 and March 16)

(50/50 Matching Grant)