Motion Kirchhoff Second Homeister to Approve the Agenda. AA MC

January 21, 2013

The Tripoli City Council held a regular council meeting on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall with Mayor Ranard presiding. Also present were: Morgan Bergmann, Steve Hahn, Roger Callanan, Doris Callanan, Gregg Eschweiler, Don Neil, Karen Neil, Bill Stukey, Tim Smalley and Dorsey Steere.

Mayor Ranard called the meeting to order with roll call. All councilpersons were in attendance, with Sievers and Ambrose participating via phone.

Motion Kirchhoff second Homeister to approve the agenda. AA MC.

Mayor Ranard asked for public comments. Discussion on a work session concerning the staffing of the ambulance crew. A marketing campaign is an option to get more members to join. Gregg Eschweiler addressed the council on grants for apartments in the downtown area. He would like the council to consider all aspects of renovating the downtown into apartments before deciding to accept grant money that may have stipulations attached.

Motion Kirchhoff second Woods to approve the minutes from January 7, 2013; claims for $86,768.28; and treasurer’s report for December. AA MC.

Mayor Ranard opened the public hearing on closing of the alley between North Main Street, 1st Avenue NW, and 1st Street NW for the bike trail. Tim Smalley and Dorsey Steere voiced their concern and objection to closing this alley. They each own property adjacent to the alley, and if the south entrance to the alley is closed, their renters will have difficulty getting into their garage or property. After a lengthy discussion, the hearing was closed. The council will go re-asses the area, and see if a solution can be arrived at.

Motion Kirchhoff second Homeister to table Resolution 2013-4 to close an alley for the bike trail. AA MC.

Bill Stukey gave the monthly water/wastewater report. Motion Kirchhoff second Homeister to approve the report. AA MC.

One bid was received for the old red dump truck. Motion Homeister second Kirchhoff to accept the bid from Eugene Judisch for $2,500. AA MC.

Mayor Ranard found that the city already had an ordinance pertaining to towing of vehicles left on the street during a snow emergency. Street superintendent Ducker will contact the Sheriff’s office for enforcement of this ordinance in the future.

Councilmen Homeister and Kirchhoff will work on a solution to the sidewalks which are not shoveled. The city does not have the manpower to do the sidewalks, so they will look at other options and a cost structure. Motion Homeister second Woods to approve Jennifer Seehas Miller to the Parks and Recreation board. AA MC.

Discussion on the 2nd reading of Ordinance 8-2012 concerning hunting/trapping in city limits. Karen Neil spoke in favor of the ordinance. Gregg Eschweiler voiced his concern with the various aspects of the ordinance including enforcement, penalties, and kinds of traps. Motion Kirchhoff second Homeister to table the 2nd reading of Ordinance 8-2012. RCV: Ayes – 4, Nays – Ambrose. MC. Council will have a work session to work thru more details.

Motion Woods second Ambrose to approve the draft of the thank you letter to Attorney Stevens. AA MC.

Motion Ambrose second Woods to appoint Pat Dillon as City Attorney. AA MC.

Motion Kirchhoff second Homeister to have the Clerk ask Steve Troyer from Fox Engineering to attend the next meeting and discuss his review of the water plant proposal. AA MC.

Motion Kirchhoff second Ambrose to approve the Readlyn Tractor Pullers Association using the area behind the fire station and installing light poles for the tractor pull on June 29th. AA MC.

Mayor Ranard gave his update. He offered the police chief position to a person who turned it down. He will be attending legislative day on Tuesday, January 22nd. The Community Club will be having the Sumner EMS manager speak at their next meeting. He reminded the council of the tabletop disaster meeting this Thursday, the 24th.

Motion Homeister second Sievers to adjourn. AA MC.

______Norbert Ranard – Mayor

______De Ann Lahmann – City Clerk, CMC