Lawton City Council Minutes

The Lawton City Council met in regular session on , at the Lawton City Clerk’s office. Council members answering roll: Jeff Nitzschke, Terry Masching, Mary Beth Schorg, Tony Bengford and Arlan Kolker. Mayor pro tem Kolker called the meeting to order at Clerk asked to amend agenda to include Lawton-Bronson Youth Ball Lighting System. Masching moved to approve tentative agenda with amendment. Nitzschke seconded, roll call 5-0, carried. Consent agenda included minutes from Sept. 2^nd & 16^th meetings, financial statements from August & September, 2003, disbursements of $71,036.92, bills of $3,161.76, Resolution #2003-23 Dispensing with Rule Requiring Three Readings Prior to Passage of Ordinance Amendment, Resolution #2003-24 Final Passage and Adoption of Ordinance Amending Sec. 6-5-4 To Include State-Allowed Returned Check Charge for Dishonored Checks and clerk’s report. Masching moved to approve consent agenda as presented. Nitzschke seconded, roll call 5-0, carried. Currently the state of allows $30 to be assessed for any dishonored check. This ordinance, in its entirety, is available for inspection at the city clerk’s office.

Building permits were presented and approved for Jeff Dunnington, 403 E Maple, chain-link fence; Lieber Construction, 219 Ash, pole shed. Mayor Shorman arrived at

Property owners affected by the proposed annexation by Dale Peterson were invited to attend this meeting to be heard regarding taxation issues. Information was incorrectly given at the public hearing on September 16^th. Ag land would show approximately a 3% increase in taxes by annexing into the city. Residential property would show approximately a 19% increase in taxes. Patrons expressed concern over the increase in taxes. Attorney Metcalf stated they would pay $62/yr less in base water fees in addition to the other benefits mentioned at the public hearing. After considerable discussion, Nitzschke moved to deny the involuntary annexation request from Dale Peterson. Kolker seconded. On roll: Ayes: Nitzschke, Kolker. Nays: Masching, Schorg, Bengford. Motion failed 2-3. Schorg moved to table any action until the November 4 meeting, thereby giving property owners and city attorney time to investigate several matters brought up before the meeting. Masching seconded motion. On roll: Ayes: Masching, Schorg, Bengford. Nays: Nitzschke, Kolker. Motion carried 3-2.

Council gave approval to Centennial Committee for use of park picnic tables for soup / chili cook-off scheduled for October 11^th at the fire hall. Tony Thompson was on hand to answer questions regarding beer garden he plans to have set up for the cook-off. Mashing moved to approve beer garden request, Kolker seconded. Motion carried on roll 5-0.

Jerry Steffen of Steffen Engineering had investigated site south of city shop for possible use as over-flow parking area during Centennial. Jerry Witt has dirt he is willing to donate to build up site. Jeanine Chartier will donate brome seed from the Lawton Bronson Youth League. City will prepare site.

Rod Lieber was present to verify curb responsibilities on his property at 219 Ash. Curb placements are the responsibility of the property owner.

Charlie Bechtold with Rose Engineering presented council with a preliminary Developer’s Agreement regarding proposed recreation and housing development west of the city. Discussion was held regarding plans for development.

Don Grigg requested permission from city to place reception box for unsuitable American flags. After several locations were considered, Council feels box should be placed near city hall on the parking. Box is currently being painted red, white & blue and will be placed on a cement slab abutting the east side of driveway leading up to city hall building. Homeowner of adjoining property will be notified.

Motion was made by Masching to add property coverage for the water tower and attached equipment to current city insurance policy at an annual cost of $630. Motion seconded by Schorg, carried on roll 5-0.

Jeanine Chartier, representing Lawton Bronson Youth Ball League, requested financial assistance from City of to help purchase lighting system around one field at new ball complex. The League is working with MUSCO Lighting and will make all payments from their own funds. However, they requested help with the original 25% down payment of $7,750 and the 1% origination fee of $310. After much discussion, Kolker moved to pay MUSCO Lighting the requested $8,060 with the understanding the League would pay the remaining balance of $23,250. Masching seconded. On roll 5-0, carried. City will continue to pay for utilities at the ball complex.

City Maintenance Supervisor, Lowell Anderson, was instructed by Council to remove three trees according to city code that were deemed to be dying or diseased. Council reminded those in attendance that sidewalks must be in good repair, and this cost is incurred by the property owner. also informed Council the cost of Badger water meters is raising considerably. He is investigating cost of touch-pad meters as possible replacements.

Council asked to pour cement apron on northeast edge of box culvert at Elm & Larimer Streets to divert water into culvert. Currently some water is bypassing culvert and erosion is occurring. Council also discussed alternative locations for water filtration plant. DNR will be contacted and test well may be dug at site under consideration.

Council approved Clerk attending IMFOA Conference in October 22-24.

With no further business, Nitzschke moved to adjourn meeting at Motion seconded by Masching, carried 5-0.

REVENUES BY FUND DISBURSEMENTS BY FUND

SIGNED BY:

D. Martin Shorman, Mayor

ATTESTED BY: