Lawton City Council Minutes

 

November 4, 2003

 

The Lawton City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 4, 2003, at the Lawton City Clerk’s office.  Council members answering roll: Jeff Nitzschke, Terry Masching, Tony Bengford, Arlan Kolker. Mayor pro tem Kolker called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  Consent agenda included approval of minutes from October 7, 2003 meeting, disbursements of $11,096.44, bills of $3,065.53, clerks’ report and October financial statements. Masching moved to approve tentative and consent agendas as presented. Bengford seconded, roll call 4-0, carried.

 

A thank you letter was received from the American Legion Post #718 for providing a location for their flag disposal box near City Hall.  The box was put on site Monday, November 3, 2003.  A building permit was approved for a fence for Vos Enterprises, Inc. doing business as Lawton Pronto.  Mary Beth Schorg arrived at 5:05 p.m..

 

After continued discussion on Dale Peterson annexation proposal, Masching moved to approve Resolution # 2003-25, ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY to include granting tax abatement of city property taxes over the next 5 (five) years to all affected property owners at the rate of 50% the first year, 40% the second year, 30% the third year, 20% the fourth year and 10% the fifth year.  Schorg seconded motion.  On roll:  Ayes:  Masching, Schorg and Bengford.  Nays: Nitzschke and Kolker.  Motion carried 3-2.  Full text of Resolution #2003-25 is available for inspection at City Hall.

 

Schorg moved to accept City Annual Financial Report as presented.  Publication of this report will be in November 13, 2003 edition of Moville Record.  Bengford seconded motion.  On roll 5-0, carried.

 

Resident concerns have been raised regarding the use of mopeds, mini bikes and other motorized vehicles on city streets by our youth.  According to Attorney Metcalf, State law requires that both vehicle and operator must be licensed.  Operators must also be at least 14 years of age and there is a limit of one person per vehicle.   Metcalf also reminded Council that even one violation will result in the immediate loss of a permit.  Persons may file a written complaint with the County Attorney if a violation is witnessed. 

 

Clerk informed Council the abstract for Lots 13-16 of Block 3 has been updated, and has been delivered to Mark Richardson for inspection.  He was asked to respond within 10 days.

 

Charlie Bechtold, Rose Engineering, spoke regarding possible golf course/housing development west of Eastland Avenue.  Bechtold asked for a commitment from the city.  Since the city has seen no hard figures on paper, Council declined to give any type commitment, but asked Bechtold to put together figures for Council to consider.  Bechtold asked for special meeting on November 18th.

 

Kim Clay presented information regarding grant she is writing for.  It will include black and gold flowers to be planted throughout the city in observance of the Lawton Centennial.  Council expressed appreciation to Kim for the work she has put into the grant, and expressed willingness to help financially if grant funds do not become available.

 

 

City Maintenance Lowell Anderson informed Council three diseased or damaged trees had been removed.  Stumps still need to be ground out.  Notices sent to property owners regarding trimming of trees has resulted in all trees being trimmed.

 

Council discussed the need to amend current city ordinance Section 3-14 concerning trees.  Much of current code deals specifically with Dutch Elm Disease.  After careful consideration, Nitzschke moved to amend current city code to include verbiage ordering adjacent property owners to maintain or remove all trees, regardless of state of health.  Bengford seconded motion.  On roll, first reading carried 5-0.  Complete text of proposed ordinance amendment will be available at city clerks’ office.

 

Council discussed digging test well south of city shop on property currently owned by the city.  Masching moved to ask Jerry Steffen to send IDNR application for site approval.  Nitzschke seconded.  On roll 5-0, carried.

 

Clerk is to send nuisance abatement letter to property owner regarding blocking of water way.  Attorney is to send nuisance abatement letter to property owner regarding dilapidated building within city limits.

 

With no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

 

 

 

WARRANTS APPROVED

 

IMFOA, fall conference registration

35.00

Lawton Pronto, fuel

64.25

Lowell Anderson, salary

441.28

Acco Unlimited, chlorine

425.54

Engleson Abstract Co, Lots 13-16, Blk 3

338.00

MidAmerican Energy

1209.95

Sewer-Matic, camera scope Maple

472.50

US Bank, supplies

212.94

Western Iowa Telephone

112.43

Wigman Co., PVC & supplies

97.60

Lowell Anderson, salary

441.28

Bomgaars, light bulbs, oil

18.58

Iowa Rural Water Association, Lowell class

10.00

Sewer-Matic, root saw Maple Street

1031.25

Lowell Anderson, salary

441.28

Lowell Anderson, salary

441.28

Matt Anderson, salary

170.49

Patricia Washburn, salary

1258.23

IPERS, October contribution

457.75

State Treasurer, withholding

1205.12

Big Soo Terminal, road salt

102.15

Connie Brockhaus, reimburse ˝ mileage

86.40

Iowa One Call, 20 faxes

18.10

Siouxland District Health Dept, lab fee

10.00

Utility Equipment Co., supplies

1282.73

Martin Shorman, chain saw chain

18.37

Patricia Washburn, expenses

43.94

K & J Landscaping, trim trees

469.13

United Rentals, rent cherry picker

180.87

CHN Garbage

1934.40

Central Iowa Distributing, orange float

198.00

Grainger, dehumidifier

272.75

Iowa League of Cities, budget wkshp fee

30.00

Menard's, misc. supplies

147.10

Moville Record, legal pubs.

372.65

Share Corp, Natraklene

110.63

 

 

 

 

                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                            SIGNED BY:                                                               

                                                                                          Arlan Kolker, Mayor pro tem

 

 

ATTESTED BY:         

 

                                                           

Patricia L Washburn, City Clerk