Lawton City Council Minutes

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

Russ Walker, Interim General Manager of Western Iowa Telephone Association (WITA), was introduced to the Council. Pam Clark, Marketing Representative with WITA, was also present to discuss website options. Ms. Clark will assist City Clerk with getting website published. NetINS will host our website. Grigg moved to enter contract with WITA to register the domain name of “lawtoniowa.com” for a period of 3 years with a total cost of $44.85. Bengford seconded motion. On roll 4-0, carried.

Jerry Steffen reported permit applications have been signed and sent in to DNR regarding test wells the city hopes to drill south of City Shop. He also discussed progress on possible widening of 300 block of . Mayor Nitzschke has been in contact with several people this may affect.

Lowell Anderson stated streets were in need of repair again. One councilman stated in the Zenor Addition is very bad. Patches put in last year are secure, however other areas are spider-webbing and breaking up. Steffen suggested replacing sections at a time, rather than the entire street. Mayor will talk to local contractors to check on feasibility. Council will revisit this item at April council meeting.

also reported water meters are in constant need of replacement. The current meters are no longer available locally. Council does not want to move to “touch-pad” meters at this time. will investigate further options for acquiring currently-used meters.

Councilman Grigg stated Anderson and Howard have done an excellent job with snow removal so far this winter. Council concurred. Residents have been very cooperative with moving vehicles from streets.

A public hearing was held on the proposed 2004-2005 budget. No verbal or written comments were received. The hearing was closed. Motion to approve budget as presented was made by Masching, seconded by Schorg. On roll, 5-0, carried. Clerk was instructed to forward budget information to .

Dan Grau with Lawton Fire Department was present to discuss Centennial fireworks. Some members of the Bronson Fire Department have been certified in pyrotechnics and will be responsible to set off fireworks during the Lawton Centennial. As such, they will also carry insurance on the display. At this time, it has not been determined what location will be used to set up the display.

Clerk informed Council property owner at has not paid past-due utility bill. Water was disconnected mid-February with all proper notifications having been sent. On motion by Masching, clerk will inform to assess outstanding balance to property taxes as soon as requirements have been met as stated in ordinance book. Ludwig seconded motion. On roll, 5-0 carried.

In other action, Council gave clerk permission to attend Spring IMFOA Conference in April. Council was also informed the city cannot require a “Peddler’s Permit” from transient merchants. However, people are encouraged to register at City Hall before going door to door. Clerk asks for pertinent information of those registering. Several complaints have come into the office lately regarding peddlers.

Centennial Committee is asking that part of be closed during the Centennial celebration. They will notify Council if permission is granted. Purchasing extra insurance for the celebration will be investigated.

After consideration, Ludwig moved to get a second credit card to be used by city maintenance. Currently one card is held by city clerk. It was decided that a second card would be beneficial to for use when he is making purchases for the city. He currently has to charge all purchases. Bengford seconded motion. On roll, 5-0, carried.

Clerk asked about possibly printing 1000 newsletters in April rather than normal 300. The increase is due to this being the last newsletter before the Centennial, and this could be passed out during the Centennial to let people know about events. Clerk will also get prices on a digital camera and scanner. Currently clerk’s personal scanner is used, with pictures being emailed to office to use in newsletter and on webpage. Most pictures on webpage have come about using this method. Borrowing a digital camera was discussed. Council is aware of downfalls when doing this.

A bid from Sign Pro was received for Centennial signs. Council would like to have two 2’x16’ signs installed under the “City of ” signs along Hwy 20. Schorg will look into the cost of the matter further.

Don Grigg offered a $50 donation toward the purchase of “ ” signage to place on front of City Hall. Motion made by Masching to hire Sign Pro to create signage using 6” formed plastic letters with Copperplate typestyle at cost of $129.60. Motion seconded by Ludwig. On roll motion carried 4-0 with Schorg abstaining.

Grigg made motion to approve Consent Agenda including minutes of ; disbursements of $14,317.04; bills of $3,068.16; liquor permit renewal for TJ’s Sports Bar and Grill; financial statements for February 2004; clerk’s report. Motion seconded by Schorg. Carried on roll 5-0.

Council instructed Attorney to send letter to property owner at regarding evergreen tree that is obstructing view to drivers at the and intersection. Owner will be asked to have tree removed prior to April 1^st. Failure to do so will result in Council taking further action at April meeting.

With no further business, meeting was adjourned at Council was able to access preview of city website. Suggestions were made to further enhance site. Clerk hopes to have website online by mid March.