COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF ATTICA

June 14, 2004

 

 

The Common Council for the City of Attica met on the 14th day of June 2004 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. at city hall.  Those present: Mr. Bill Craft, Mr. Larry Grant, Mrs. Maus, Mr. Harold Burris, Mr. Larry Askren, Mr. Deon Swift, Mr. Tom O’Connor, and Ms. Sharon Negele. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Mrs. Maus made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2004 meeting, seconded by Mr. Craft.

 

CITIZENS PETITIONS

Dennis McIntosh and Sharon Negele request for rezoning of a parcel behind 502 S. Council from R2 to a B1.  Mr. Craft made a motion to refer the request to the Attica Planning Committee.  Mr. Burris seconded the motion and a meeting was set for July 6, 2004 at 6:00P.M.

 

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Mr. Jean is on vacation but Mr. Swift reported that a third CSO outlet was discovered and is in the process of being analyzed for flow.  He stated that this will be an ongoing concern and he will continue to update the council on the progress.  Mr. Snoeberger presented an update on the calculation of a comp time buyout with the example of a buy down to fifty hours. He also reported that both ATV’s are running with approximately $850 into each machine.  The officers will take a training class offered by the DNR for the use of the ATV’s in regards to police work.  Mr. Snoeberger also expressed interest in budgeting for a part time clerical assistant for the 2005 budget.  Mr. O’Farrell reported that an ISO evaluation would begin in the near future.  This authority establishes our rating on the extent of our services we offer in fire protection for our citizens.  The last evaluation occurred in 1992 and the rating has an affect on our fire insurance ratings.  Mr. Turpin was not present but Mr. Swift reported that Short Stop donated $1,000 to the McDonald Park and the Thrift Shop of the Methodist Church donated $200 to the Park.   

 

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

The Police Committee held a short discussion on the Police Comp time issue and Mr. Craft made a motion to recommend a buy down of comp time to 50 hours.  Mr. Grant seconded the motion. All ayes.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A Cingular Wireless contracting agent presented to council a proposal for the construction of a 130’ monopole tower for Cingular wireless communication services.  The proposal is asking for consideration on leasing a 50’ x 50’ area located at Ouibache Park.  Typical leases are five years with four, five year renewals available with a maximum of 25 years.  Typical remuneration is an annual payment of $7,200 with increases at each five year renewal.  Mr. Burris made a motion to move forward with this proposal and Mrs. Maus seconded.  All Ayes.

 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

Mr. Swift reported that the spring clean up appeared to be well received by the community and the Athletic Dept. viewed the project as a successful fund raiser.  Ms. Negele reported that the invoice from Phelps Brothers was $6,300.  In addition, Ms Negele reported on the status of utility collections.  The accounts moved to bad debt over the past ten years have been researched for collection with approximately $11,000 tracked down for a current address.  Of that amount, as of June, approximately 4.5% has been paid.  Some cases will be pursued through the small claims court process.  Mr. Swift announced that Larry Sible passed the mandated state test for mosquito control.  Mr. Sible will directly supervise the chemical purchases and application.  Mr. Swift reminded the council that the budget process is about to begin.  In addition, he presented drawings for new construction to the Med. shed to accommodate a new “24/7” shift.  We are in the process of pursuing cost estimates and will present this information when available.  Mr. Swift reported that FEMA money may be available if Fountain County is approved as a disaster area.  Mr. Burris asked if the city had any building codes that did not allow a pole barn to be constructed in a residential area.  Mr. O’Conner said that there were no restrictions on material as long as the dimensions/location parameters complied with code.  Mr. Askren asked about the vicious dog process and who his constituents need to approach on resolving the issue.  Mr. O’Conner informed him that this was a police issue.  Mr. Grant inquired about our meter reading schedule and questioned the why the amount of days fluctuated from month to month.  Ms. Negele explained that the reads occur the third Tuesday of each month and depending on the calendar that can cause a five day fluctuation.  Various strategies were discussed and each resulted in a less than perfect solution due to manpower and overtime issues.  Ms. Negele will research the cost of adding an additional hand held reader which could lessen the reading time and allow possibly a more consistent schedule on days between reads.

     

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the council, Mr. Craft made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Askren.

 

 

 

                                                                        ________________________________

                                                                        Deon H. Swift, II, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

 

 

________________________________

Sharon Negele, Clerk/Treasurer