Lawton City Council Minutes

The Lawton City Council met in regular session at on , at the Lawton City Clerk’s Office. Present were: Mayor Martin Shorman, Council members , , Terry Masching, Jeff Nitzschke, and . Also present were Attorney , Maintenance Supervisor Anderson and City Clerk Pat Washburn. Guests: Bill Goodwin, Jerry Steffen, Chartier, Susan Logsden, Debbie Richardson, and Fire Chief Dennis Uhl.

Kolker made a motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting as well as the following disbursements. Masching seconded. All voting aye, carried.

Liquor license renewal applications were presented by the American Legion Post #718, and by Vos Enterprises, Inc. d.b.a. Lawton Pronto Market. Nitzschke made a motion to approve both renewals as presented, seconded by Schorg. All voting aye, carried.

Bill Goodwin, representing Luse-Etler-Goodwin Agency, gave presentation concerning city’s insurance. Estimated about 15% increase over last years’ premiums if city stays with current company. Goodwin will also get quote from ICAP and present it to city as soon as possible. Discussed need for additional insurance on leased property as well as updating current fidelity bond. Council will advise.

Maintenance Supervisor Anderson gave council handouts regarding long-term water tower maintenance. Also informed council Caterpillar has been contacted regarding flex mount on plow.

Janine Chartier presented council with copy of invoice from American Fence Company, Inc. in the amount of $18,752 for fencing materials and labor related to ball complex. Chartier stated labor should not have been included, leaving balance due of $14,432. After much discussion regarding possible misunderstanding of , meeting, Masching moved to pay American Fence Company, Inc. $6,500 for perimeter fencing materials. Motion seconded by Schorg. All voting aye, carried. Council noted for the record original motion made at July meeting by Nitzschke was intended to include only perimeter fencing costs of $6,500, lease on property of $1,100 and topography costs of $1,500. It was also noted topography costs of $4,000 have already exceeded original estimate. Budget was amended in September to include addition of $10,000 for Parks and Recreation. Council discussed need for a written contract between the City of and the Lawton-Bronson Little League to identify responsibilities of each entity. Attorney concurred.

Jerry Steffen presented utility map to council showing water and sewer lines. Steffen also presented topography of recently purchased property located on northwest edge of city. Discussion of possible development ensued. Kolker moved to pay Steffen Engineering, Inc. $1,275 for topography, and $760 for utility map. Nitzschke seconded. All voting aye, carried.

After careful consideration of quotes from Dell and Gateway, Schorg moved to purchase new Gateway computer for city clerk’s office. Motion seconded by Bengford. All voting aye, carried. Mayor and councilman Masching will check for availability of government rates. Clerk is to get information on available accounting software.

Community Center survey results were presented to the council along with all comments and ideas suggested. Clerk noted 269 cards had been sent , to residents and homeowners of . Nearly 40% have been returned. Of those 106 cards returned, over 72% were in favor of a community center, 21% were opposed, and 7% were undecided. Council will take under advisement all comments and suggestions. Mayor and council thank all that took time to return survey cards.

Clerk requested office closed February 28, March 1, 4 & 5, 2002 for personal reasons. Council approved request. Dates will be posted.

Clerk also requested permission to attend Iowa Municipal Clerks’ Institute to be held in . Clerk has applied for scholarship to cover cost of registration. Council granted Washburn permission to attend regardless of receipt of scholarship. City will cover cost of registration, lodging, meals, and regular salary as well as mileage of 36.5 cents per mile.

Board will meet , at in the regarding upcoming Lawton Centennial. Board has requested a representative from the city attend. Council committed to having a representative attend this meeting.

Clerk presented proposed 2002-2003 budget estimate. After discussion of each line item, Schorg moved to approve proposed budget estimate and set budget estimate hearing date of at after the following corrections are made: increase ambulance requirements from $1000 to $2000 due to expected increased insurance costs, move Snow Removal and Highway Engineering requirements from General column to Special Revenues column. Nitzschke seconded motion. All voting aye, carried.

Clerk