Lawton City Council Minutes

The Lawton City Council met in regular session on , at the Lawton City Clerk’s office. Mayor pro tem Arlan Kolker called meeting to order at Council members present: Tony Bengford, Arlan Kolker, Terry Masching, . Also present: Attorney Pat Phipps, Maintenance Supervisor Lowell Anderson, Clerk Pat Washburn. Visitors: Jerry Steffen, Norm Custer, Dale Peterson, Spencer Griffith, Larry Aakhus, Lisa Petersen, Deb Furlich, Janet Witt, Jeff and Jennifer Sparr, Jonathon Robitaille, James C Spaar, Chuck Hinds and Joe Garthright. Councilman Nitzschke arrived at , Mayor Shorman arrived at .

Schorg moved to approve minutes from the previous meeting as well as the following disbursements. Masching seconded. Motion carried 4-0.

Jerry Steffen gave report on progress of project. Cement has been completed to the end of the project. Seeding will be done on landowner’s side. Steffen also presented Council with a Change Order for additional work on project to include concrete lined channel on the north side slope at a cost of $5,207.10. The Change Order also calls for cutting, removing and replacing curb and 3 foot wide gutter at a cost of $9,700. Spence Griffith stated work could begin yet this week. Nitzschke moved to accept Change Order in the amount of $14,907.10. Masching seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Masching made motion to approve payment of $12,170.16 to Concrete Complete for work completed on . Nitzschke seconded. Carried 5-0. Retainer Fee will be paid upon completion of entire project.

Due to absence of regular city attorney, Steffen requested discussing Street Construction Financing at July meeting. Council granted request.

Dale Peterson discussed possibility of annexing part of his property south of Hwy. 20 into city of . Council recommended Peterson continue researching this possibility. Landscaping around city sign on Peterson’s property was also discussed. Mayor and Peterson will view site and proceed accordingly.

Larry Aakhus requested financial assistance from the city regarding new sidewalk, curb and handicap ramp that will be installed on southwest corner of and intersection. has given verbal estimate to project of $4,895. Kolker made motion to pay half the cost of this project which was estimated to fall between $4,800 and $4,900 to install handicap ramp and curb. Bengford seconded. Carried 5-0.

City clerk reviewed bond payment information. Clerk will be handling payments in the future rather than the city attorney handling payments.

Richard Parker from Iowa Rural Water Association gave presentation on two water filtration system options. Discussion followed. Mayor or a council member will attend Lawton-Bronson school board meeting on June 10 to discuss possible land easements with school officials. Council recommended Parker ask Neil Kuehl of Kuehl Engineering to attend July meeting.

Centennial Committee had requested a key for to be held from now through July, 2004. Council denied request, however permission was granted for Centennial Committee to purchase items through the City.

After brief discussion, Nitzschke moved to give City Maintenance Supervisor, Lowell Anderson, a 5% raise for the upcoming fiscal year bringing his salary to $30,238.03. Individual insurance will continue to be provided, as well as two weeks vacation time per year. Bengford seconded. Carried 4-0, Schorg had left proceedings.

Nitzschke also made motion to hire part-time student for $7.50/hr to assist with daily duties. requested possible assistance 3 days/week. Masching seconded. Motion carried 4-0. will fill position.

Discussion was held and a motion was made by Kolker, seconded by Bengford to purchase twelve 3’x5’ American flags and necessary hardware to be placed on the street lights along . Motion carried 4-0.