The Madison City Council meets routinely on the first and third Mondays of each month. The following report was generated from the official minutes of the Aug. 19 council meeting, which were approved at their most recent meeting on Sept. 3.
The Madison City Council began the Sept. 3 meeting at the water plant, as Water Plant Operator John Hudson provided a tour and talked to the officials about needed repairs. He took the council to the low water pump to see the leak, where Mayor Paul Dean suggested it might be an O-ring or a gasket. Additional issues included roof and window leaks and relay switch repairs. James Paugh, with maintenance, shared that National Power Company will be coming out Sept. 24 to look at the power system.
Water Plant Operator Hudson stated that the chlorinator meters cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 a piece to do main-tenance. Hudson said they only read about 30 to 40 minutes after the plant fires up. Regarding the roof, Hudson stated that a previous storm caused damages as the roof was raised about four inches. Crews cleaned it up, but a second windstorm caused additional damage, this time raising the roof approximately 12 inches. Clerk Alice Grimm told the council roof repair was slated to begin on Sept. 16. Additional items discussed during the water plant report were: mix tank clarifier, Kansas Water Office grant, sandblasting, water leaks, rate evaluations and latches/locks.
During open forum, Tyler Haynes from Shull Roofing presented the council with bids for different kinds of shingles and a roof bid for a 26-gauge roof for the pool. Haynes noted that shake shingles would need constant maintenance and are expensive. However, he also shared an estimate for a designer shake shingle. Haynes presented the council with a bid for stone coated steel for $72,000 and will write an estimate by the next council meeting. No decision was made.
During the clerk report, Clerk Grimm talked to the council about the estimate for the fire station for termite control. She shared that Nathan Knobloch came in and explained that he had picked up a package and took it inside. The package was full of termites and he would like to have the building treated. No decisions were made.
Grimm talked to the council about 427 N.7th Street.
Clerk Grimm also talked to the council about a new violation at 208 E. Garfield Street. The council approved the violation. Discussion was held regarding adding property at 210 S. 5th to the violation list; however, council member Evan Casey stated he had reached out to the property owner and they are looking to demolish the property. Casey noted he shared the city would assist with a portion of the demo. Casey also talked about the house at 216 S. 5th Street and noted that the resident wants to fix the house up.
Clerk Grimm presented the council with updated violation pictures. All that was presented were abated.
Discussion was held regarding residents having stuff back on their property behind a building and in the alley where it can’t be seen from the street.
Grimm provided the council with a fire hydrant list. John Talkington got parts to start working on installing the new ones.
The council approved donating $50 to Madison Schools to help purchase t-shirts. The council also approved sponsoring the game of the week.
A building permit was approved at 419 W. Madison Avenue. Clerk Grimm talked to the council about the sidewalk at the location, stating the resident wanted to know if the city would go in half on a new sidewalk. The sidewalk has to be torn out to lay new water lines. The council approved to pay half.
In unfinished business, Clerk Grimm talked to the council about reaching out to Dale Fox about his line reimbursement with no response. Council advised Grimm to write a letter and send it to him.
Mayor Dean noted that Coffelt Signs had sent him a picture of the marquee sign. The council approved the proof.
During reports from the governing body, Tony Fankhauser talked to the council about personnel. Fankhauser suggested giving Hudson and Corey Stutesman a raise. The council approved to increase their rate to $25/ hour.
The Aug. 5 meeting minutes and accounts payable were approved.
The meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m.
The council will meet on Monday, Sept. 16.
