The Madison City Council meets bimonthly on the first and third Mondays of the month. The following article was created from the official minutes of the July 16 meeting of the Madison City Council, which were approved during their most recent meeting on Monday, Aug. 5.
Mayor Paul Dean called the July 16 meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Following approval of the agenda, Bob Kimberlin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the previous regular meeting and accounts payable were approved.
Open Forum
The council approved a request from resident Ezequiel Villanelle to block off in front of and half of the street at 212 W. Main for an auction on July 27-28.
Marcie Harrison, who appeared via Zoom, talked to the council about no financial information being presented for almost a year. Dean reassured her the council has all the information on all the account balances and expenses, however what is missing is a comprehensive report to catalog that information for the council. Dean stated the council has asked multiple accounting firms to be treasurer, and everybody has said no. Council member Bekah Leach stated if this is an issue in the fall, the students in the accounting club at ESU take on projects like this, if this is something the council would be interested in. Dean stated it would be something to look into. As discussion continued, Harrison said she has been asked why the city is not discussing the finances. Dean stated that what one person used to do, is being handled by two individuals. Dean advised if anyone has a suggestion or wants to apply for treasure, they should contact city hall, Dean or anyone on the council. Dean stated he audit gives a good idea of finances. As Dean is the one who does the budget, he will go over numbers and set the budget for next year. Dean suggested holding a budget meeting on July 29.
Kimberlin approached the council and asked Dean how he was coming on the legal process on an ordinance to register for spraying. Dean advised he hasn’t come across anything and the council would have to create an ordinance as he has not found anything. After discussion, no decisions were made.
Staff Reports
City Clerk Alice Grimm talked to the council about the bid to repair the city hall front door from Glassworks. The motion to repair the door for $450 was approved.
Grimm presented the council with building permits. Dean stated he has gone through them, and he has no issues with them. The building permits were approved.
Grimm talked to the council about needing pictures of abated violations to show they have been completed. Dean suggested adding a letter to the violation to take photos of work that is completed and drop them off at city hall. A motion to approve amending abatement of properties to require a photo and also changing the signature to the city council members rather than city clerk were approved.
Resident Steven Black questioned if the city or the county vacated the property on Mill St. Dean stated that it is already vacated and could only be done by the city.
Damage to West Oak St. due to the trash truck having to swing out wide due to tree limbs hanging down was discussed. Councilman Tony Fankhauser told the council that they are getting a pole saw and will start trimming branches. Dean advised them to talk to Republic Trash about their backup policy.
Grimm discussed the LMI Survey for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The council was provided a copy of the survey that will be sent out with a letter encouraging the residents to fill out. Information will be anonymous. Councilman Jennifer Boles stated that people that don’t get individual water bills will not get the information and encouraged residents to update mailing addresses so they can get information that the city mails out.
Grimm presented prices from Colangelo & Taber and Agler & Gaddert. Colangelo & Taber will charge a quarterly fee of $85, and a monthly fee of $25 for payroll, The Library pays $200 a month for accountant fees through Agler & Gaddert.
Casey talked to the council about the Mayor’s report, and that some of the manhole covers are reported to be covered in asphalt and suggested they be cleaned so they can clean the sewers. Dean suggested that every manhole be realigned as it’s a concern to get them open.
Boles informed the council that Tony Haag has been reimbursed $2,600, leaving a balance of $45.55. The council approved a payment to Haag for $45.55.
Haag informed the council about an address for the FFA building. FFA building address as 1500 (B) and the football field as 1600 S.W Blvd.
Dean revisited the bids for the depo and the pool roofs. However, the bids were tabled to the next meeting.
Casey talked to the council about the quotes for metal doors and frames. Three are needed for the ballfield on the hill and three are needed for the lake. The council approved the quotes, not to exceed $4,500. Casey suggested that if materials are available, Lloyd Lieser may put in a bid to put the doors on. Casey also suggested Lieser put in a bid for the roof at the water plant.
Casey told the council that he called Glassworks and they have all the frames done and they would be starting on the building 3x4 50-52 weeks
Saturday or Monday. Casey said he went in on the July 4 and cleaned the building and everything is good and working as intended.
Concern about invoices were voiced. Dean stated he talked with Steve, and he does not owe anything due to improvements that have made. It was approved for Dirt Roads Network to not pay rent or utilities from March 18 until they are able to get back into their building.
Concerns over a bowed sewer line were discussed. Haag told the council that it was dug up and is city’s issue.
The Standfield Roofing agreement for the water plant was presented. The KCAMP adjuster has authorized Standfield Roofing to come in and do a temporary fix. Dean will go over the agreement, and the issue was tabled until the next meeting.
Casey talked to the camp host about his concerns at the lake. Discussion was held regarding property kept at the lake, as well as lake permits and paperwork. Dean suggested the council come up with an idea of what they want the camp host to do and a vehicle limit. Dean also asked Grimm to email the list of duties of the camp host.
The council also discussed other ideas for the lake, including moving the docks due to safety concerns, moving the fish feeder, need for additional fire rings, as well as utilizing Reserve America.
A 10-minute executive session was held for personnel. No decisions were made.
Boles presented the council with her resignation letter.
The next meeting for the Madison City Council is Monday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.
