The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rick Julius at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Alderwoman Diana Brower, Alderwoman Laura Smith. Alderman John Kirby, Mayor Rick Julius,
Absent: Alderman Jim Tucker.
Visitors: Ryan Wolf and Norman Whittom.
Minutes from Nov. 11 regular alderman meeting was reviewed. Alderwoman Smith made motion to accept, seconded by Alderman Kirby. All in favor.
Financial report was reviewed. Alderwoman Smith made motion to accept, seconded by Alderman Kirby. All in favor.
Accounts Payable reviewed. Motion by Alderwoman Smith to accept, seconded by Alderwoman Brower. All in favor.
Discussion:
Flood Plain ordinance and resolution: The ordinance previously passed #2022-08-12-01 was the incorrect ordinance and resolution 2022-08-12-02 per Lynn Welch with the State Emergency Management Agency. He provided a copy of the correct ordinance and resolution. Motion by Alderwoman Brower and seconded by Alderman Kirby to resend this ordinance and resolution. All in favor. The correct ordinance and resolution are 22022-12-09-B and ordinance 2022-12-09-A motion to approve by Alderwoman Brower and seconded by Alderman Kirby. All in favor. Will send him copies of resolution and ordinance signed.
The board was advised what positions were going to be open for the upcoming election in April. Last day to register as a candidate is Dec. 27.
Inquiry from customer regarding a water leak he had. This is his second leak in 12 months and per city ordinance the water bill can only be adjusted once in a 12 month period for a water leak unless approved by the board. The board denied another leak adjustment. Will contact customer and advise.
The Nuisance Ordinance was sent to the city attorney on Nov. 28 with information on the city residence in question. Have not had a response from him yet. Will follow up with phone call.
It was brought to city hall’s attention that a new resident had removed access to a manhole on property they had purchased. Board requested a letter be sent to owner advising them that the city had to have access to the manhole in the event there are problems. Will send letter.
The fire department inquired about a file cabinet that was locked in the area they are using. Wanted to cut the lock off. Advised not to. Advised they could bring the cabinet to city hall and we would store it.
Also asked about removing carpet strips as they were bunching up and nasty. Advised that was okay to remove and dispose of.
The fire department advised they had their checking account set up with three names on it and that the muffler on the city fire truck had been replaced.
Alderwoman Smith said the ditches were getting really bad in some areas. Requested Paul get with Brian Jessop to see if he would be interested in doing some ditch work. If so, would have to get with county to see about having a dump truck available also.
The board requested locks be put on the city dumpsters. They are hoping this will prevent some of the properties being cluttered up with junk by people removing the items from the dumpsters.
Christmas was discussed.
Board members looked at gym floor and where leaks are inside the gym. Requested contacts for bids be made to see how much it would cost for repairs.
Alderwoman Brower said a new city sign and more signs showing directions to city hall are needed. Will table until next regular meeting.
Budget was discussed. Minimum wage is going up Jan. 1 and areas of the budget need to be adjusted. Hourly rates were adjusted for city clerk, and two maintenance workers to comply with the increase, beginning Jan. 1. Motion by Alderman Kirby and seconded by Alderwoman Brower to reduce hours for maintenance workers to 20 hours each, starting Jan. 1. If there is an emergency, it is understood this may be adjusted. Once the weather changes, will revisit hours.
A special meeting will be held Dec. 29 at 6:30 p.m. to amend the current budget and complete the proposed budget for 2023.
Motion to adjourn by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Kirby. Meeting adjourned 8:45 p.m.