The Lawton City Council met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. on March 5, 2002, at the Lawton City Clerk’s Office. Present were: Mayor Martin Shorman, Council members , , Terry Masching, Jeff Nitzschke, and . Also present were City Clerk Pat Washburn, City Maintenance Supervisor Anderson and Fire Chief Dennis Uhl. Visitors included Deb Brown, , Tracy Kunkel, Kim Luze, Susan Logsdon, Pat Bamrick, Chartier, Michelle Kelly, Shorman, Heidi Shorman, and Jerry Steffen.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Shorman. Motion was made by Masching, seconded by Nitzschke, to approve minutes from February meeting as well as the following disbursements. All voted aye, carried.

Deb Brown informed council of address change on her building permit issued June 5, 2001. New home will be built at 406 E Maple rather than on Birch Street. Council approved.

of Tri-State Electronic Services, Inc. gave bid on custom-built computer of $1,646. This would include 3-yr. warranty on hard drive. Richardson suggested using Windows 2000 as the operating system rather than Windows XP for a variety of reasons. He also stated he would assist with conversion of current software to new software at cost of $65/hr regardless of computer purchase. After consideration, Masching moved to purchase computer and service from Tri-State Electronics, Inc. rather than from Gateway as was originally discussed. Kolker seconded. All voting aye, carried.

Janine Chartier, representing Lawton-Bronson Little League/Summer League, contested minutes from February meeting. Chartier asked that “topography costs of $4,000” be broken down and corrected in minutes. After seeing original invoice from Steffen Engineering, Chartier accepted copy of invoice rather than having minutes corrected as requested. Mrs. Chartier also expressed disappointment that minutes did not state she said she had a tape recording made at July, 2001 council meeting, and that council stated last month that they would pay more on fence for ball complex if that is what tape revealed. Councilmen Masching and Nitzschke stated council did not approve paying any extra conditional on her tape. Nitzschke reminded Mrs. Chartier and representatives from the ball complex his intent on the original motion was for perimeter fencing only. When asked if current meeting was being taped, Mrs. Chartier stated she was not taping. No one else commented.

Council asked Mrs. Chartier about funds available. She requested specifics of donations not be published in city council minutes. Council requested, and was assured of receiving, an Operational Plan including budget. Council was assured by Chartier that no additional funds would be sought from the City of Lawton other than those previously requested. Council noted the Parks budget is already over-extended for current year. Regarding original request of $49,587.50 from the city, less $35,000 for lights (not approved), less $6,500 paid for perimeter fence, less $4,000 paid to Steffen Engineering, motion was made by Nitzschke to pay American Fence Company, Inc. additional $4,000 for fencing materials, payable after July 1, 2002. Motion seconded by Kolker. All voting aye, carried. Letter will be sent to American Fence Company, Inc. notifying them of decision.

Council agreed city will be responsible for yearly lease as set out in contract, liability insurance under city policy, insurance on physical property as deemed necessary by city, utilities and garbage. Summer League will turn profits over to city to offset utilities and garbage. Mrs. Chartier concurred on behalf of the Lawton-Bronson Little League/Summer League. Summer League will handle maintenance on ball complex. According to Mrs. Chartier, Susan Logsdon and Kim Luze the Summer League will decide who will have access to use the complex. They also noted no one will be allowed to use facility if it interferes with Summer League.

Dennis Uhl gave presentation on new siren, stating old sirens are obsolete. Bid received on new siren is around $6,600, with total installed price nearing $10,000. Council asked for additional quotes.

Jerry Steffen presented new city map listing flood zones, water mains and sewer mains.

City Maintenance reports were heard. Anderson discussed possible filtration system for the city. Iowa Rural Water Association representative will be asked to attend April meeting.

Discussion was held regarding shared employee contract with school. Clerk will contact city attorney for specifics.

Council discussed street breakup on Tara Way. It was also mentioned that dirt is washing out around approach on one of the new bridges installed on Birch. Mayor will contact contractor.

A public hearing was held on the proposed 2002-2003 budget. No verbal or written opposition was received. The hearing was closed. Motion to approve budget as presented was made by Masching, seconded by Schorg. All voted aye, carried.

Clerk gave presentation on software options. It was decided, due to extreme cost variances, to stay with QuickBooks Pro, but to upgrade to the 2002 edition. Clerk will place order.

At this point, Mayor Shorman rescinded his mayoral duties to Mayor pro tem and addressed the council as a citizen of the community. Shorman gave a community development proposal presentation based on property he recently purchased located on the northern edge of the city of Lawton.