COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF ATTICA

April 14, 2008

 

The Common Council for the City of Attica met on the 14th day of April at the hour of 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Those present: Mr. Larry Grant, Mr. Bill Craft, Mr. Larry Askren, Mr. Dale Wilson, Mrs. Valerie Maus, Mr. Tom O’Connor, Mr. Deon Swift, and Ms. Sharon Negele. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Mr. Askren made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 10th council meeting, seconded by Mrs. Maus.

 

PRESENTATION

Eric Smith with HWC (Hannum, Wagle & Cline Engineering) presented a CSO LTCP (Combined Sewer Overflow, Long Term Control Plan) project update.  The City of Attica has three CSO service areas and is required by IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) to address these overflows thru a LTCP which HWC is proposing an 85% capture.  The proposed project cost is approximately $.9 million.  He further explained the two screening methods, demonstrative versus presumptive and the modeling required to predict the volume and frequency of overflows.  IDEM has issued an extension based on additional flow monitoring required and HWC/City is currently revising the plan for completion of a State Judicial Agreement (SJA) by September 2008.  Dependent upon the model results from new design storms the selected plan will be implemented  over 5-10 years.  The most immediate improvements will be to maximize flows at the Waste Water Treatment Plant including a 2nd influent grinder, pump modifications and weir modifications with an approximate cost of $250,000.  Public awareness and input is critical for new alternatives and identifying priority areas.

 

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Mr. Jean announced he hired a new employee, Shannon Billingsley.  He also said they were able to finally pick up patch material and would start tomorrow on the numerous potholes.  Mr. Snoeberger reported that Joe Whitaker of FEMA is applying for a grant to help provide better laptop equipment  to assist implementation of electronic ticketing.  Additionally, Mr. Snoeberger will be applying for a grant through the Criminal Justice Institute to provide funds for printers and setups for each car. Mr. O’Farrell reported that he had submitted a FEMA grant application for an engine/pumper for $342,325.  His concern is the cost versus the number of fires may be viewed as a negative and it will take 9 months to a year before he will be notified of an award.  Additionally he noted that the engine/pumper we currently have has a rebuilt pump from over 3 years ago and both of our Tankers have leaks (1969 and 1978 models) due to age and metal tanks.  A new tanker would cost $180,000 and would have a leak free poly tank.  Overall the departments weaknesses are the engine and two tankers.  He also mentioned that the DNR is willing to meet to discuss the burning off at Ravine Park and that it would also require any tree which is 6” in diameter or smaller needs to be cut down 1st for undergrowth cleanup.  Additionally, we would need permission from the DNR and Council.  Mr. Shepherd asked if you could burn piles?  Mr. O’Farrell responded that with the cities permission he would be willing to burn piles.  Mr. Grant asked what is the purpose of this undergrowth burning?  Mr. O’Farrell stated that the purpose is to make a healthier woods.   Mr. Coffee reported that the Lister property is now down with the lot cleaned, the Bond Street house has received a quote on demolition of $5,000 and is working with the USDA for financial assistance.  Mr. O’Connor added that he is working with the attorney that represents Mr. Cooper’s house  It is set for trial in June between the owner and the insurance company.    

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

The council discussed the request from Wilma Lytle regarding a rent reduction for a longer rental agreement for the Community Building.  The council determined that a fair rate would be $150 per week with a two week maximum per annual and not in conflict with any city programs.  Jody Ping approached the Council to request an elimination of rent for the Bi-County Soccer to hold a rummage sale from 4/30-5/4 to raise needed funds.  Mr. Grant made a motion to allow a no cost temporary rental and Mr. Askren seconded, all ayes. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Negele presented resolution #3 which requests approval to move a dormant fund to the rainy day fund.  Mr. Craft made a motion to read resolution #3 and Mrs. Maus seconded.  Mr. Craft made a motion to accept the resolution and Mr. Askren seconded, all ayes.

 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Mr. Swift wanted to remind everyone that the City Wide Cleanup is on May 3rd , bids would be opened for 127 N. Perry St. on Tuesday the 15th at 4:30pm., and that the Girl Scouts that attended our last Council meeting had sent in a nice Thank You.  Ms. Negele presented each board member a copy of  the Attica City code book on CD.  She explained how to access the information and if anyone has any questions to please contact her.   Mr. Swift wanted to remind everyone that there will be no parking between the side walk and street  on Perry street and after the renovation it will be strictly enforced by the police.  He also wanted to congratulate Brittany Rayburn on receiving the Miss Basketball award for 2008.  With her permission he will place a congratulatory message on the City Message board.  Mrs. Maus inquired about several issues on Maple Street including a infestation issue (Butch referred this address to Ron Coffee - Building Commissioner), a Van without a plate, a permanent trash container at the street and excess dog barking.  Mr. Swift referred the latter complaints to Mr. Snoeberger for investigation.  Additionally Mrs. Maus asked about the rules regarding cars parked on a private driveway off of Council street in front of the house at a corner creating limited view on exiting the side street onto Council.  Mr. O’Connor stated that he would investigate but thought that we really had no jurisdiction on this issue.  Mr. Grant inquired about 607 N. Perry regarding trash.  Mr. Swift referred this address to Mr. Snoeberger.            

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

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

 

 

                                                                        ________________________________

                                                                        Deon H. Swift, II, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

________________________________

Sharon Negele, Clerk/Treasurer