Lawton City Council Minutes

 

February 4, 2003

 

 

The Lawton City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 4, 2003, at the Lawton City Clerk’s office.  Council members answering roll: Arlan Kolker, Terry Masching and Jeff Nitzschke.  Absent:  Tony Bengford and Mary Beth Schorg.  Mayor Shorman called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.  Nitzschke moved to approve tentative agenda as presented. Masching seconded, roll call 3-0, carried.  Bengford and Schorg arrived at 5:15 p.m.  Nitzschke moved to approve consent agenda, Kolker seconded.  Roll call 5-0, carried.

 

No building permits were presented for consideration.  Liquor license renewal for Lawton Pronto Market was presented.  Nitzschke moved to approve said renewal, Schorg seconded.  On roll, 5-0 carried.  The American Legion has decided not to renew their liquor license at this time.

 

City Maintenance Supervisor Lowell Anderson reported several demolition contractors were shown through the two city-owned buildings that are to be razed this spring.  Demolition contractors were informed of asbestos concerns, therefore no bids were available for tonight’s meeting.  Contractors will have bids at March 4, 2003 meeting.  An inspection analysis has revealed asbestos in both buildings.  Motion was made by Masching, seconded by Schorg, to acquire bids from licensed contractors for the removal of asbestos.   Motion carried on roll 5-0.  Attorney Metcalf will draft notice to be sent to current tenants of LCDC building.  LCDC/Legionnaires have contacted city regarding use of storage space until other arrangements can be made.  Council gave approval.  Council also gave approval for use of City office for possible upcoming county Legion meeting in the spring.

 

Tim Loftus was present to ask about purchasing garage on Lot 15 of Block 3.  Council informed Loftus the building would be awarded to the demolition contractor.  Loftus would need to contact that person regarding the garage.  Larry Aakhus reported the sale of the Old Grocery Store Antique Shop property.  Water and sewer will need to be separated for the store and nearby garage/rental.  Aakhus was informed of the need for water and sewer hookup permits.  Also discussed was the wooden fence north of the buildings.  It is currently located on city property and will need to be moved within lot lines.  Aakhus will make that move.  Rod Lieber was not present to discuss property zoning regulations with the Council.

 

Jerry Steffen and Lowell Anderson had taken mold samples of the underside of the water tower after a citizen expressed concern.  Steffen stated that the mold is not harmful to humans, however could damage the paint on the tower if left untreated for an extended period of time.  Steffen made recommendations on treating the problem.  Steffen also briefly discussed installing a box culvert at Elm and Larimer.  He estimates a cost of $60,000-$70,000 to complete that project.  Council will take that information under advisement and consider work in the summer or fall.

 

Mark Vos was present to discuss discounting commercial water rates.  After considerable discussion and explanation of current rates, Nitzschke moved to leave water rates as currently set, with possibility of revisiting at such time as bonds are paid off. Motion seconded by Kolker.  Roll called,    5-0, carried.

 

Council instructed Anderson to get price quotes on possible sewer line videoing.  This would enable the city to tend to sewer problems before they get too severe.  Anderson also demonstrated a tamper-proof water meter from Invensys.  Discussion was held on possibly phasing in these new meters.

 

Shorman, representing the Centennial Committee, asked Council’s permission to install two small signs and one large sign advertising upcoming Lawton Centennial.  Kolker made motion for city to purchase up to three smaller signs at a cost of $90 each, and one large sign at a cost of $350 for the purpose of advertising the Centennial.  Council will not allow large sign to be placed in City Park, as it could impede view of traffic.  Instead, they recommended the large sign be placed on south side of Friendship Center building.  Motion seconded by Masching.  On roll, 4-0, Schorg abstained.  Shorman expressed thanks and will inform Centennial Committee of Council’s decision to purchase signs.

 

Clerk informed Council the deed for the LCDC property at 311 Cedar has been signed over to the city.  Electricity to new ball complex has been disconnected until needed in the spring due to considerable charges during November and December, 2002.  Mayor and clerk will gather information on the city for inclusion in the Lawton History Book.  An L-B student will be gaining work experience through the TAP program at school by assisting in Clerk’s office approximately two hours a week.

 

Bruce Heyduk of American Tower and representing interest of AT&T has requested a public hearing be held March 4, 2003 for the purpose of informing the public of possible installation of AT&T antennas on city water tower.  Proposed lease agreement has been presented to City Attorney for review.  AT&T would consider leasing this space for $900/month with an annual increase of 3%.  Kolker moved to approve Resolution #2003-03, Resolution to Hold Public Hearing for Possible Lease Option with AT&T Wireless.   Second by Masching.  On roll, 5-0, carried.

 

City Clerk presented proposed 2003-2004 Budget.  After considerable discussion, Kolker moved to pass Resolution #2003-04, Resolution to Hold Public Hearing March 4, 2003 to Approve Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year 2003-2004.  Clerk will make modifications as ordered by Council.  Masching seconded motion. On roll, 5-0, carried. 

 

As demolition bids and asbestos removal bids have not yet been acquired, Council did not act on the proposed resolution for sale of certain city-owned property.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

 

 

 

REVENUES BY FUND                                                   DISBURSEMENTS BY FUND

 

 

Interest on Investments

3,133.39

 

 

 

TIF

0.00

 

TIF

0.00

General

2,153.76

 

General

2,616.74

Local Option Sales Tax

5,315.73

 

Local Option Sales Tax

0.00

Road Use Tax

4,455.23

 

Road Use Tax

2,259.74

Water

14,194.24

 

Water

2,064.99

Sewer

6,915.13

 

Sewer

2,046.49

Garbage

6,949.49

 

Garbage

1,926.40

TOTOAL REVENUE

43,116.97

 

JAN.  DISBURSEMENTS

10,914.36

 

 

WARRANTS APPROVED

 

 

Lowell Anderson, salary

420.49

Lawton Pronto, fuel

68.00

Menards, light, salt

65.01

S&S Equipment, hose clamps

6.00

Lowell Anderson, salary

420.49

MidAmerican Energy

1724.13

Jeff Nitzschke, labor

87.50

Roto-Rooter, Friendship Center

142.00

Sewer-Matic, sewer vandalism

550.00

US Bank, postage, office supplies

158.66

Lowell Anderson, salary

420.50

Acco, liquid chlorine

332.82

Custom Creations, city shirts

80.00

IMFOA, 03-04 Dues

30.00

Iowa One Call

12.60

Lawson Products, Inc., drill bits

109.90

M&M Copy Quick, newsletters

81.58

Utility Equipment Company, meters

333.00

Lowell Anderson, salary

420.49

Patricia Washburn, salary

1001.12

First Trust & Savings, payroll liabilities

1054.12

IPERS

392.93

Big Soo Terminal, road salt

103.20

CHN Garbage

1926.40

Central Iowa Distributing, bags, orange float

214.59

Marx Truck Trailer Sales, cutting edge

77.64

Menards, shelf brackets

12.30

MidAmerican Energy, ball field

10.13

O'Reilly, Auto Parts, alternator

88.19

Roto-Rooter, Birch Street

800.00

Share Corporation, Natraklene

95.36

Siouxland Dist. Health Dept., lab fee

10.00

Sioux City Iron Company, tire chains, misc.

648.94

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    SIGNED BY:

 

                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                            Martin Shorman, Mayor

 

 

ATTESTED BY:

 

                                                                       

Patricia L Washburn, City Clerk