COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF ATTICA

August 13, 2007

 

 

 

The Common Council for the City of Attica met on the 13th day of August  at the hour of 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Those present:  Mr. Larry Grant, Mr. Bill Craft, Mr. Larry Askren, Mr. Brad Summers, Mrs. Maus, Mr. Deon Swift, Mr. Tom O’Connor and Ms. Sharon Negele. 

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Mr. Askren made a motion to approve the minutes of July 9th, seconded by Mr. Summers.

 

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Mr. Swift reported for Mr. Jean that the city pool closed on Sunday August 12th.  Mr. Snoeberger announced the promotion of Officer French to Assistant Chief and that there was a new officer position available due to Anthony Pruitts resignation.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

In the previous meeting Miss Mary Mattern approached the council on passing a tree ordinance that would enable the City of Attica to fulfill one of the requirements to become an official Tree City.  The ordinance was tabled.  Mr. Summers made a motion to bring it from the table and read it for the third time, Mrs. Maus seconded, all ayes.  Mr. O’Connor read the Ordinance and then discussion began regarding the types of trees listed and the shift in authority from the Board of Works versus the Tree Board.  Mr. Grant made a motion to table the ordinance for further analysis and Mr. Askren seconded, all ayes. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Negele presented the 2008 City Budget to Council for their review.  Mr. Grant commented on the gas/oil line items with regards to escalating prices.  Mr. Swift responded that at this time he felt that each line item had been sufficiently increased.  Mr. Grant raised the letter that he had presented last meeting proposing an ordinance that would protect the remaining brick roads from being blacktopped.  He presented his support on the protection of these remaining roads.  A citizen, Mr. Dave Huckleberry also presented his findings and consultation with a company that repairs and builds brick roads.  The cost was discussed at length and it was estimated that the repair of Park Street could cost approximately $30,000.  Mr. Grant suggested that this repair could occur over time to help minimize the financial impact.  Mr. Grant asked Mr. O’Connor to prepare an Ordinance for the next council meeting and Mr. O’Connor agreed that he would comply.     

 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Mr. Swift thanked Ms. Negele for the submission of the video of Attica for the Ikea small business contest.  Ms. Negele responded with appreciation and hoped that it would encourage citizens to support our downtown façade project and promote enthusiasm for the city overall.  Mr. Swift also wanted to thank Bob & Martha Geyer, Carolyn Paulson (In Memory of George Ray Borst) and The Attica/Williamsport Rotary for their generous donations to complete the remaining 4 bridges in the park.  The construction has already began.  Ms. Negele provided a brief summary on the downtown façade renovation project and announced the next meeting to review the preliminary plans will be held on August 16th , 7:00PM  at the city building.  Next she presented a proposal on purchasing a condemned downtown property that was sold in a tax sale to Vinod Gupta.  Mr. Gupta would be willing to sell the property to the City of Attica for the redemption amount of $4,189.82 as of 8/14/2007.  The reason she is suggesting that the City of Attica purchase this tax sale is to eventually turn this eyesore into a useable parking lot.  She received two quotes on the cost of demolition ($6,000-$6,500) which could not occur until the title transfer was complete.  The advantages the city would have over private ownership are as follows:

·        Less parking congestion and better access for our seniors that struggle with parallel parking for any business downtown.

·        Elimination of an eyesore in a reasonable amount of time.

·        No additional property tax burden on a local business owner.

·        An available area for snow buildup

If the city chose to wait for the property to transfer to Mr. Gupta then the disadvantage to the city would be that we would have to first pursue the demolition with Mr. Gupta.  Upon no action in his case we would have to demolish the building and attach a lien to the property.  The property would still be owned by Mr. Gupta and the downtown patrons would still most likely not have access.  In addition, the city would still not have any or very little control over the use of the empty lot and the ground condition.  She then proposed the use of Riverboat Gambling funds to finance this project.  Mrs. Maus made a motion to purchase the tax sale certificate with Riverboat Gambling funds and Mr. Summers seconded, all ayes.  Mrs. Maus inquired on the status of several properties that require weed control and properly secured windows and doors.  Mr. Snoeberger reported that he would investigate the properties and also notify the building commissioner of the improperly secured residence.  Mr. Askren also identified a house that required a weed notice.

      

ADJOURNMENT

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

                                                            ________________________________

 

                                                                        Deon H. Swift, II, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

________________________________

Sharon Negele, Clerk/Treasurer