CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING JUNE 27th, 2006

 

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held June 27th, 2006, in City Hall, at 308 Walnut Street. Mayor Nightingale called the meeting to order at 8:00PM. Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Fleming, Bentzinger, Neally, and Walker. Absent was Treasurer Lunt. 

 

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the appointment of Sean Campbell, to replace Mary Duffy as First Ward Alderman. He will finish Alderman Duffy’s term, ending in April 2007. All five Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Clerk Graham swore Alderman Campbell into office with the official Oath of Office. 

 

The Mayor announced several changes to the City’s standing committees.  Dan Neally will be the chairman of the Public Property Committee. Sean Campbell will serve on this Committee, the Public Works and the Policy and Legislative Committees.

 

Mayor Nightingale recognized John Huston, Highway Impact Committee Chairman, to present to the Council the recommendations of the study. Steve Freiburg, from PSBA, presented the details and recommendations. The Council will vote on an ordinance at the next Council meeting July 11th.

 

Mayor Nightingale reported that Ann Dunham would be returning to school and unable to continue membership on the Kibbee Museum board.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to appoint Larry Coleman to this position to serve until 2007. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Fleming to approve the June 13th meeting minutes, all six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Mayor Nightingale reported on a meeting with the Library’s attorney, Rod Clark, and board president, John Dittmer. The Library board is requesting $2000/year for a 10-year period for the City to use their former building. They had a $40,000 cost overrun on fixing up the Marine Bank.

 

Alderman Smith mentioned that the City Office also had the option to move to the Marine Bank, but instead assisted the Library with $5,000 to help pay for their revision plan. There was also discussion that the City originally sold the building to the library for $1.00 many years ago.

 

Should the City move to the building, many changes would need to occur to accommodate the Police and City offices. Though no architect estimates have been completed, Mayor Nightingale estimated that it could run as high as $100,000 to modify the building to accommodate the City’s needs. 

 

Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Fleming to tell the library board that the City is still interested in the building, but not financially able to make the financial commitment.  All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Attorney Glidden reported that he had filed the tax exemption documents for the Warren Johnson property, purchased earlier this year by the City.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Fleming to approve Ordinance 2006-6 changing the grass height to not exceed 6”. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Fleming to approve Ordinance 2006-7, the annexation of the Terry and Denise Junk property.  All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Fleming to approve Ordinance 2006-8, the annexation of the Don and Norma Whewell property. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Alderman Smith reported the new police car is fully equipped and in service. With the 4th of July holiday, the next Public Safety meeting is scheduled for the 10th.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Fleming to approve the purchase of a back up generator for $1500.00. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.  Brian Vance will pick it up on his trailer the next time he is in Mendon.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Neally, seconded by Walker to have Max Gronewald clean up the Warren Johnson property, in exchange for pasture usage. Attorney Glidden will draw up a contract. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

The next Pubic Property Meeting is scheduled for July 10th at 6:00.

 

 

Alderman Walker reminded the Council of the 4th of July parade. Participants need to sign in and receive their assigned number at Bilderback Trucking on East Main. The parade starts at 10:00 It was suggested each Alderman give $5.00 to Alderman Walker to defray costs for signs.

 

Alderman Fleming reported on the MFT letting on the 26th. PSBA estimated $95,851.5 for the project. The lowest bid was from WL Miller for $91,562.99 Motion was made by Alderman Fleming seconded by Bentzinger to approve WL Miller bid. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

The culvert on N Haven needs replacing. It was determined to be a City expense. A plastic culvert will be utilized at a cost of $607.00

 

Motion was made by Alderman Fleming, seconded by Bentzinger to approve Ordinance 2006-9 to allow bids for the Water project on Kiwanis and Madison, and the Sewer project on Hopkins and Parkway. Both projects will be under one bid. The bids will be opened on July 20th at 1:00 PM at City Hall.

 

Alderman Fleming reminded the Council of Alfred “Bud” Wear’s retirement party 2-4PM Friday, June 30th  at City Hall.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Fleming, seconded by Neally to approve the purchase of a new meter at the Water plant for approximately $1300. It should more accurately monitor chemical usage, and diminish chemical costs. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

 

Travis Duffy has completed the seeding on Lyon Avenue, but still has Prairie Avenue to seed before payment.

 

Motion was made by Alderman Walker to adjourn at 9:35 PM. 

 

Katherine Graham

City Clerk