COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF ATTICA

November 10, 2008

 

The Common Council for the City of Attica met on the 10th day of November at the hour of 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Those present: Mr. Larry Grant, Mr. Bill Craft, Mr. Larry Askren, Mrs. Valerie Maus, Mr. Dale Wilson, Mr. Tom O’Connor, Mr. Deon Swift, and Ms. Sharon Negele. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Mrs. Maus made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 13th council meeting and then seconded by Mr. Askren.

 

CITIZENS PETITION

Richard Malas the owner of Low Rider Saloon presented himself to the Council.  He informed the board that he has good intentions and has many rules in place to keep his patrons and employees under control.  He asked that the board make a point to talk to him directly if there are any problems.  After an extensive speech regarding his charitable actions, life experiences, love for Harleys and vision he foresees in his establishment Mr. Swift proceeded to discuss the many issues that have been brought to his office regarding the establishment.  There have been complaints of a dancing pole on his stage that has been used in a manner not allowed by city ordinance, motorcycles inside the building, trash in the parking lot behind the building and excessive noise made by revving motorcycles.  Mr. Malas explained that the pole was a present from friends and it was suppose to be funny and that his patrons were not removing clothes.  He also stated that the photo shoot that occurred with some women who were modeling on the motorcycles were fully clothed and he had pictures with him if anyone cared to look at them.  The motorcycles that had entered his establishment were only being put inside for theft protection due to the ease of stealing one because the patron had too much to drink and required a ride home.  Additionally he stated that he cleaned up the trash in the back but had new trash accumulating due to his ongoing process of cleaning out the upstairs apartments and would haul it away as soon as he had a truck full.  He then addressed the noise of the motorcycles stating that in the cooler weather a Harley requires several minutes of revving before driving it due to its design and if he or the bartender noticed the revving to be excessive they would ask the patron leaving to stop.  Mr. Swift explained to Mr. Malas that he can not have a motorcycle inside the bar due to the gas in the tank invoking a fire code violation and that his neighbors had previously been advised the same and that the rule applies to all of the downtown buildings.  Mr. Malas then asked if he could have a trailer in the back for storage if a patron requires a ride home.  Mr. O’Connor told him he could if the trailer was properly licensed.  The Council thanked him for his attendance.  After Mr. Malas and his group of supporters exited, Shiela and Don Reitz, the adjoining neighbors addressed the Council.  She verified the motorcycles entering the bar, the excessive noise and that they have been told at times to move vehicles parked in the street in front of the saloon because it was designated motorcycle parking.  Additionally she explained that they now feel that they are being picked on due to the initial reporting of the fire code violations to the local police.  Mr. O’Connor stated that there is no such thing as designated parking.  Mr. Swift added that he would inform Mr. Malas regarding this parking issue.  The Council thanked them for their attendance.                 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Mr. Jean reported that the water tower is scheduled to be painted in 2011 but it did require a power wash and would address the maintenance company regarding the cleaning.  Mr. O’Farrell reported that he was still working on the tanker leak issue. 

 

UNFINISED BUSINESS

Ms. Negele presented an update on the Downtown Façade Grant.  The Board of Works has signed the architectural contract and meetings with property owners would occur starting November 11th.  The announcement of the award would occur on Friday but either way we have the local match to start the design development and it made prudent sense to accomplish this portion.  If the grant was not awarded we would re-apply in the next round in spring and the dollars spent would still be applied as the local match.  Mr. Swift announced that Eric Smith would be attending the next Council meeting to present an update on the CSO long term control plan. 

      

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Ms. Negele provided an update on the Perry Street Phase II timeline.  The request for proposals had been completed for the construction engineering and the most points were awarded to Hannum Wagle and Cline.  The next step is to negotiate this contract.  On March 11th the construction bids will be opened for the project and as soon as weather permits the project should begin.  Mr. Swift added that there is a plan in place to cover all traffic flow to allow all residences access.  Ms. Negele advised the Council that we were accepting quotes on all of our insurance and that the quotes will be analyzed and reviewed at the December 2nd Board of Works meeting.  She also reported that the court room blinds would be installed next week.  Mr. Swift reported that a Citizen of the year had been chosen and accepted by Robert Maus.  There will be a dinner to celebrate at Harrison Hill Country Club on December 4th and anyone wishing to attend should contact Dolly Poston-Zollar.   

 

 ADJOURNMENT

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

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ________________________________

                                                                        Deon H. Swift, II, Mayor

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

________________________________

Sharon Negele, Clerk/Treasurer