Lawton City Council Minutes

The Lawton City Council met in regular session on , at the Lawton City Clerk’s office. Council members answering roll: , , and Tony Bengford. Mayor called the meeting to order at

Representatives of the Woodbury County Deputy Sheriff’s Association were present to make council aware of ’s budget crisis and proposed cuts to emergency services by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. After considerable discussion, Council agreed to send letter to Board of Supervisors requesting they reconsider the proposed cuts. Council feels it would be a detriment to the citizens of to lose the emergency services and personnel currently provided by the county.

Rollie Clark of CHN Garbage was present to ask council to renew 2-year contract for services. stated CHN would continue with annual city-wide pickup in June as has been done in the past. There will be no additional fees for this service. Rates to the city for picking up garbage will increase by 80 cents per can per month. Council feels at this time the increase can be absorbed by Garbage Fund rather than increase costs to users. Grigg moved to sign 2-year contract with CHN. Schorg seconded. On roll 5-0, carried.

Brian McNaughton expressed concerns that the city is not cleaning his portion of , i.e. his driveway. He presented a letter dated , from Attorney Metcalf stating “the City would be solely responsible for the maintenance of this street…” Metcalf reiterated that is currently considered a private drive because an “un-qualified” deed for has not been presented to the city for acceptance. It is therefore not the city responsibility at this time.

On motion by Bengford, seconded by Masching, Council approved pre-payment of $487.92 to Town & Country Lawn Services for a 4-step application on and park located on . On roll, 5-0, carried.

Motion to pay membership dues to Iowa Rural Water Association for fiscal year 2004-05 was made by Ludwig, seconded by Masching. Dues are $175.00. On roll 5-0, carried.

New light fixtures and poles for were discussed. Also discussed was the possibility of widening in downtown area by narrowing sidewalks on each side. Council feels completion could not be done prior to Centennial; therefore it was tabled at this time.

Regarding Friendship Center Renewal Project, Mayor will investigate cost of taping, retexturing and painting the ceiling. Walls will remain as they are.

Council gave approval to Clerk Washburn to purchase web page software and begin working on a city website. Web page may include agendas, minutes, calendar of events, Centennial information, as well as links to other entities.

2005 Budget proposal was presented for consideration. Considering reimbursement cuts by the State, Counsel pointed out additional revenue source not generally used by . After much discussion Council agreed to levy for property and liability insurance in addition to 8.10 limit. Bengford moved to pass Resolution #2004-06, Resolution to Hold Public Hearing to Approve Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year 2004-2005. Clerk will make modifications as ordered by Council. Ludwig seconded motion. On roll, 5-0, carried.

According to Anderson new sander is in, however is not in use yet. Jack Howard has been hired as part-time, on-call help with snow removal. Some residents still blow or scoop snow onto already cleaned streets when they are clearing their driveways and sidewalks. This creates a nuisance for street crews as well as other residents. also reported he can no longer get currently used water meters from the same vendor. New meters are needed.

Council gave approval to request grant information from MRHD. Grant would be used for new informational sign. Specifics on sign have not been decided as of yet. A single-face sign located on the side of the was discussed, as well as a double-faced sign located on a free-standing pole. Grigg also mentioned the need for a “ ” sign above Clerk’s office door. Schorg will investigate options.

notified Council of photo shoot to be held at WIT Monday morning. The city will be receiving $1000 grant from INS, with matching $1000 from Western Iowa Telephone. Money is to be used to purchase black and gold flowers for Centennial. Mayor Nitzschke plans to attend.

Centennial Committee will need sand for sand volleyball court. Also will need electrical sources. City okayed use of drop cords. Centennial meeting will be held February 9^th.

At this time, subject of outdoor warning sirens or weather radios has been dropped. State law does not require city to provide emergency warning devices. NOAA/National Weather Service channels are available to everyone in town and provide a very reliable service.

Masching made motion to approve Consent Agenda including minutes of ; disbursements of $16,617.62; bills of $1,287.88; liquor permit renewal for Vos Enterprises, dba Lawton Pronto; financial statements for January 2004; clerk’s report. Motion seconded by Grigg. Carried on roll 5-0.

After discussing the benefits of banking locally with the services provided, Masching caused to be read DEPOSITORY RESOLUTION #2004-05. This resolution states the depository of the City of will be First Trust and Savings Bank of Moville . The maximum deposit allowed to be held in this bank for the city is $1,250,000. Schorg seconded motion. On roll, 5-0, carried.

Regarding purchase of grass rig for fire department, Council discussed option of splitting equipment purchases equally between City, and . Motion made by Masching that state formula should be used on all purchases, including equipment purchasing. This formula changes every two years and is currently 24% for City, 21% for , 55% for . Formula is based on three items: population, property valuation, and number of calls within each district. Motion seconded by Ludwig. Carried on roll 5-0. Clerk will notify township secretaries.