Slater Regular City Council Meeting July 7, 2008

 The regular meeting of the Slater City Council was called to order by Mayor Gary Halverson at 7:30 P.M. on July 7, 2008 , at City Hall, 105 Greene St. , Slater, Iowa .  The roll being called the following council members were present as follows: Mike Higgs, Tim Locker, Ken May and Steve Ransom; Absent:  Gene Staples.

 It was moved by Locker and seconded by Ransom to approve the consent agenda, June 16, 2008 minutes, and expenditures totaling $189,912.27 as follows:

 The motion passed with record vote as follows:  Yes: Locker, Ransom, May and Higgs.  No: none. 

 Capt. Thomas with the Story Co Sheriffs Office presented the council with the town calls for June.  Several issues were discussed including concerns about people disobeying speed limits through town.

 A resident asked the council if they would consider implementing a burning ban for specific non-yard waste items.  The council will discuss specifics of an ordinance at the next meeting after reviewing other town’s policies.  The resident also mentioned that there were a lot of illegal fireworks being set off in town over the holiday weekend.   

The council decided by consensus that retiree’s should be eligible for health insurance plans in the same manner as current employees.  This would allow participation in self-funding options.  The council will review an addition to the employee handbook with the requirements for years of service and age for eligibility at the next meeting.  

The council was informed that several people had made offers for the purchase of 400 Main .  The council requested more information be included with the offers before an amount significantly different than the asking price would be considered.  

The council discussed the progress on the three dangerous structures.  One has made progress toward demolition.  The council requested that the process be started to accept demolition bids on the other two.  

Council Member Locker moved to adopt Resolution 1(2008-2009), A RESOLUTION SETTING SALARIES FOR THE 2008-2009 FISCAL YEAR (per hour as follows);

Nicolas Anspach 6.75, Ashley Baert 11.50, Courtney Bennett 6.25, Mary Chinery 19.64, Jennifer Davies 19.25, Elizabeth Eimers, 11.50, Mark Estrem 17.48, Hannah Fairchild 5.90, Justin Forre 5.90, Bo Frangenberg 4.75, Ashley Hampton 5.25, Lois Harmon 8.25, Brock Henderson 5.90, Bryan Holland 5.90, Kayla Hoppman 6.00, Kathy Houge 11.80, Jeremiah Jager 4.75, Kelsey Jensen 5.90, Nathan Jensen 4.75, Heidi Mathis 5.90, Kelsey McCasland 6.25, Benjamin McCasland 4.75, Jeff Meyer 14.70, Austin Moody 5.95, Mitchell Moody 5.35, Kellie Morrissey 5.90, Tyler Mortvedt 4.75, Mike Nelson 15.05, Kaitlin Robertson 7.70, Suzanne Sernet 8.25, Victoria Stafford 6.10, Veronica Stafford 6.10, Ethan Subra 5.25, Nancy Thornwall 11.80, and Jerry Weeks 14.43.  May seconded the motion The motion passed with record vote as follows:  Yes: Locker, May, Ransom and Higgs.  No:  None.  

Council Member May moved to adopt Resolution 2(2008-2009), RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF C.L. CARROLL’S STATEMENT OF CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT PURSUANT TO IOWA CODE CHAPTER 573 (Application 3).  Ransom seconded the motion.  The motion passed with record vote as follows:  Yes: May, Ransom, Higgs and Locker.  No:  None.  

The council briefly discussed the request from C.L. Carroll for a 30 day extension on the discharge tank project due to a delay in receiving the control panel.  This extension will not cause the city any problems with the DNR.  

The council also discussed storm water and was informed by Clerk/Administrator Chinery that the she has started the process for the city to be reimbursed for flood expenses through FEMA.  There may also be grant money available to assist the city with storm water mitigation.     

Council Member Locker moved to adopt Resolution 3 (2008-2009), RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF REGULAR AND RECURRING BILLS.  Higgs seconded the motion The motion passed with record vote as follows:  Yes: Locker, Higgs, Ransom, and May.  No:  None.  

Chinery asked the council if they were interested in finishing an ordinance regulating Utility billing that was started in August 2008.  The council indicated that they will review it at the next meeting.  

The council reviewed requests that the speed limit be modified on N. Carroll to reflect the fact that it is a residential area within city limits.  A speed ordinance will be considered at the next meeting.  

It was moved by Locker and seconded by May to approve a liquor license renewal for Take Down Bar & Grill.  The motion passed with the record vote as follows:  Yes:  May, Higgs, Staples, and Ransom.  No:  None.  The council instructed staff to request the removal of the broken glass by the front door and also remind Take Down staff that the car show needs to be monitored so that no one “burns out”.  

The council listened to possible options for improving the signage where the bike/pedestrian paths cross Hwy 210.  Staff will continue to explore options.   

It was moved by Locker and seconded by Ransom to adjourn at 10:55 P.M. , the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.  

_______________________________             ________________________________          Mary E. Chinery, City Clerk/Admin    .                           Gary Halverson, Mayor