July 5, 2011 Council Meeting


City of Canton Council Meeting
November 7, 2011
 
            Mayor Smiley called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on November 7, 2011. All members answered roll call, except Tony Wedel who was absent. John Betzer, Tim Karstetter, Lloyd Bishop,  John Rowden, LaMonte Davis, Arlen Becker and Doris Evans were also present.
            Gabe Griffith made a motion to approve the Minutes of the October 3, 2011 Regular Meeting.  Tracy Morgan seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            Gabe Griffith made a motion to approve payment of unpaid invoices and to approve the Expenditure Approval Report Dated 10/03/2011 to 11/07/2011. Jean Anderson seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            October Financial Reports and the October Maintenance Department Report were reviewed.
            In the Public Input part of the meeting, LaMonte Davis expressed concern over the prospect of signing the proposed water agreement between him and the City that the City had drafted. This was due to logistical concerns over the easement dimensions giving the City access over his property to service the sewer lagoons that are located on his property. Per Tim Karstetter, City Attorney’s suggestion, Mr. Davis was agreeable to having an independent survey completed to re-establish the easements that the City is permitted for use. This will be done in the very near future.
            Arlen Becker was at the meeting to express his need for more increased water pressure as his home. After discussion with the Council and the Maintenance staff, it was decided that Mr. Becker could go with l inch line at a cost of $800 that the City would pay to install or a 2 inch line at a cost of $1900 that the City would also pay up to the 1 inch line cost. Mr. Becker was to consider and let John Rowden, Maintenance Supervisor know what he decides.
            Doris Evans was at the meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing a newspaper to cover library events, new books, city events, obituaries, etc. After some discussion, it was decided to table this for now, as the City does not have the time and resources to take on this venture. It also appears that maybe the school system might be approached about doing this as through the journalism dept. at the high school, they would have the staff, time and resources.       
            Gabe Griffith made a motion for the Council to go into executive session for 5 minutes at 7:52 pm to discuss non-elected personnel. Tracy Morgan seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            The meeting resumed at 8:07pm. Gabe Griffith made a motion to give all full-time city employees a $100 Christmas gift. Tracy Morgan seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.   
            The subject of 2012 annual increases for all full-time employees was tabled until the next meeting in December.
            The subject of the re-coupment of jail fees was recommended to not be pursued by City Attorney Karstetter. Reason is that the City does not have very people that serve jail time on the average and would not be worthwhile to pursue.
            Jean Anderson made a motion to authorize at City Attorney Karstetter’s recommendation the City Judge Amie Bauer to assess fingerprint fees as court costs. Gabe Griffith seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            Due to a work scheduling conflict for Mayor Smiley and the holiday schedule (January), Tracy Morgan made a motion to change the meeting dates for December 2011, January 2012, November 2012, and December 2012 to the second Monday of the month as opposed to the first Monday of the month as it usually is. Meeting time for all dates is still 7 pm. Gabe Griffith seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            Jean Anderson made a motion for the Council to go into executive session for ten minutes at 8:13 pm to discuss non-elected personnel. Gabe Griffith seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            Jean Anderson made a motion for the Council to go into executive session for five minutes at 8:23 pm to discuss non-elected personnel. Gabe Griffith seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            Jean Anderson made a motion for the Council to go into executive session for five minutes at 8:30 pm to discuss non-elected personnel. Gabe Griffith seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            The meeting was called back to order at 8:35 pm. Gabe Griffith made a motion to appoint John Rowden as the permanent maintenance supervisor at a stated annual salary of $34,000 and also to appoint Lloyd Bishop as the permanent maintenance assistant at a stated annual salary of $32,500. Jean Anderson seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            The City Attorney had nothing to report. Mayor Smiley reported that the City had received a thank you card from Diann Hrabe, previous city clerk, for the many years of service that she was able to deliver to the city and also for the retirement gift she received. The mayor also reported that one of the solar lights at the park was damaged beyond repair. It was found over by the Coop building. 2 pads are needed for the solar lights.
            Police Chief, John Betzer gave his report to the Council.
            John Rowden gave his maintenance report to the Council.
            Marty Grill, City Clerk reported on a collection firm of attorneys that will visit the City soon that will offer their services on delinquent utility accounts and court fines. He discussed the various costs, which are minimal and the revenue sharing of their efforts.
            As there was no further business to discuss, Gabe Griffith made a motion to adjourn. Jean Anderson seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0.
            Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
 
 
_________________________________                         ______________________________
Paul Martin Grill, II, Clerk                                                        Bradley M. Smiley, Mayor