City of Lanark City Council met Nov. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER/ROLL CALL-Lanark City Council met in regular session at the Lanark City Hall at 7:01 p.m. Roll call taken by Marilyn Heller, City Clerk, showed Alderpersons present were Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Lance Leverton and Weston Burkholder.
Mayor Ken Viglietta was present and presiding.
Others present were: John Huggins, Keenan Dickman, Jill Shaulis, Alyssa Miller, Kelli Gunderson, Ella Gunderson, Nevin Erbsen, Becky Erbsen, Codee Miller, Cindy Feltmeyer, Rosemary Flikkema, Treasurer Donalee Yenney, Police Chief Matt Magill, Attorney Ed Mitchell and City Clerk Marilyn Heller.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Alderperson Lance Leverton.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to accept the minutes of the October 19th, 2021 meeting as presented. Motion carried by 5 aye votes. Ayes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, and Weston Burkholder. Abstain: Alderperson Lance Leverton
PUBLIC COMMENTS- 2021 National Dairy Cattel Evaluation and Management winning team on behalf of Eastland High School FFA was present to ask for the cities support in purchasing three green road signs to share their high achievements at nationals. There were 32 other states and 135 people competing. The team shared that they have been invited to Scotland in June 2022. Chief Magill is working on getting the states approval for the signs and will see this through. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim that the city will purchase the three signs for the FFA National Champions team. Motion caries by 6 ayes votes. Ayes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Weston Burkholder, and Lance Leverton.
CHIPPER BIDS – Attorney Ed Mitchell looked into the legality of accepting the second highest bid and he could not find any statute indicating that the city has to take the highest. As it was also not stated on the sale sign that it would go to the highest bidder. The council discussed the assumption of most bidders is it would go to the highest but they also would have like to see the chipper stay local. It was mentioned that in the future stating on the sign that it would be to the highest bidder. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to award the chipper to DSK’s Ag. Inc. with the highest bid of $10,100. Motion caries by 4 ayes votes. Ayes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Weston Burkholder, and Lance Leverton. Abstains: Mark Macomber and Lynn Collins.
EMPLOYEE BONUSES – Alderperson Lance Leverton and Alderperson Weston Burkholder are switching committees – Lance will now be the chair of streets and property and Weston will be the chair of Personnel. The clerk will hand out updated committees list at next meeting. The council looked over last year’s bonuses and discussed new employees. Last year the library employees had received two bonuses, one from the city and one from the library board so going forward bonuses will have to go through payroll for tax purposes. A Motion was made by Alderperson Weston Burkholder and seconded by Alderperson Lance Leverton to give a bonus of $300 to managers, $200 to full time employees and $100 to part time employees. Motion caries by 6 ayes votes. Ayes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Weston Burkholder, and Lance Leverton.
MEDIA REPORTS OF MEETINGS – Alderperson Lynn Collins presented a resolution to discontinue the Mayor giving reports on the council meetings to the newspaper. The council went over The Carroll County Review article covering the last council meeting that Mayor Ken was interviewed and commented on. The council pointed out some of information was in the article from the closed executive session and some inaccuracies of the meeting. The council discussed they are concerned the paper is getting a bias account but it was also mentioned that journalist write stories to make them appealing to the readers and can word things how they please. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lance Leverton and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti that we decline verbal interviews with media outlets. Motion carried by 5 ayes votes. Ayes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, and Lance Leverton. Abstain: Alderperson Weston Burkholder.
DOWNTOWN LIGHTING CONCEPTS – Chief Magill reported that Feher Graham is working on the feasibility and will report when its finished.
STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- Park Board – park board talked with tree board and decided on three trees along the east side and Jeff Hoak will be replacing Suzie Hoak’s memorial tree. Rosemary shared more complaints that have been made about kids at the park speeding. The police were notified. Rosemary asked Matt about Quentach installing cameras for the park as they are still not in. The council discussed and advised looking into a new person to install as this company is not getting back to Matt. The basketball hoops are down and Matt did confront the groups of kids at the park about vandalizing. They believe things are improving. Rosemary has talked with Lanark Ag. in coronating the lighted parade as floats will be lining up along tracks. Also discussed sharing the rout with residents so they are aware of the streets being blocked off during that time. They were also giving permission to work with Maintenance Manager Jason to block off grass areas for this parade.
REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Mayor Ken - noted that the Maintenance will be gone for training November 17th. The big boom on Sunday was a squirrel in the transformer by the police station and blew the fuse. It caused breakers in the building to blow and leaving the generator running for over 3 hours. All she be fixed and running as normal. Attorney Ed – sent the letter to Hazelbower as discussed at last meeting and will getting a copy to Chief Magill. Treasurer Donalee – sent the annual treasurer report to the Carroll County review as it is done every year after the audit. Alderperson Haley – Old Settlers Day will be selling chili at the lighted parade. Alderperson Mark – Asked about the Library giving a report. Janie has responded that they are behind on reports due to Covid but will be working on getting it done. Alderperson Weston - was congratulated by council and guests on new baby girl. Alderperson Lynn - asked if there is a list for sidewalks. Lynn was advised to call or email Jason and he can help get that information.
ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Weston Burkholder and seconded by Alderperson Lance Leverton to adjourn at 8:22 p.m. Motion carried by 6 aye votes.
https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/City-Council-Minutes-11-02-2021.pdf
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