December 1, 2009 – City Council Minutes/Public Hearing
Public Hearing – December 1, 2009
Those Present: Barry Bergholm, Annell Williamson, Rick and Karen DeMarcus, Joe DeClark, Adam McKenzie, Doug Thompson, Don Clark, Marlene Kizer, VerJean Turner, Jeff and Deanna Franzen, Brice DeClark, Ray and Jean Dunford, Gary Thompson, Eric DeClark, Mark Johnson, Wanda Dunn, Ada DeClark, Randy Rex, Jessie Mendoza, Karen Hayes, Duane Peterson, Anita Panko, Scouts From Troop #
Meeting called to order: 7:05 pm
Invocation: Annell Williamson
Council President Joe DeClark told those present the council will take public comment concerning the nuisance issue at 546 Main St. and from the comments will determine the status of the nuisance issue. The following citizens expressed comments on the issue:
Rick DeMarcus – viewed the property and found the premises no worse off than others in the community. The tall dry grass and weeds were very prominent, but some others properties were also sporting the same. What some see as “junk” is “treasure” to others. Urged the council to refrain from passing laws and ordinances that manage peoples property and collectibles.
VerJean Turner – Gave history of her efforts to visit with family members and offer help from citizens. Abandoned fridges and freezers on the property, numerous garbage and junk. Property is a fire hazard, eye sore, and needs to cleaned up and secured from critters and travelers.
Mark Johnson – Suggested a letter be sent from the City to the family members requesting a clean up. Property is a fire hazard and needs to be taken care of.
Don Clark – Thanked the council for the good work they do for the citizens of the community. Believes they will do the best thing for those concerned.
Jeff Franzen – Asked if the property was locked up and secured. Has anyone from the City been over to inspect the property?
The discussion continued over the issue.
Public hearingclosed at 7:40 pm. Council moved into the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
City Council Meeting
December 1, 2009
Those Present: Barry Bergholm, Annell Williamson, Rick and Karen DeMarcus, Joe DeClark, Adam McKenzie, Doug Thompson, Don Clark, Marlene Kizer, VerJean Turner, Jeff and Deanna Franzen, Brice DeClark, Ray and jean Dunford, Gary Thompson, Eric DeClark, Mark Johnson, Wanda Dunn, Ada DeClark, Randy Rex, Karen Hayes, Duane Peterson, Anita Panko, Scouts from Troop#
Minutes from the November 4, 2009 Council meeting were read. Council member Annell Williamson made the following addition to the minutes: Second paragraph should also read, “due to the fact information for the proposed agenda items was not otherwise available for posting of the meeting”. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council accept and approve the minutes with the noted addition. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The chair entertained a motion from council member Annell Williamson the council approve the addition of an agenda item: Decision from public hearing concerning 546 Main St. nuisance issue; agenda item could not be added to agenda until council heard comments from public hearing. Council member Barry Bergholm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Duane – yes, Joe – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council instruct Officer Skinner to conduct a health and safety inspection of the premises at 546 Main St. and report back to the council at the December 10, 2009 public hearing. The council will reconvene the public hearing for 546 Main St. at that time to listen to the report from Officer Skinner and will attempt to make a decision towards the property issue. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The council discussed with City Attorney Adam McKenzie concerns and issues they have with Ordinance #27. Adam informed them the issues and concerns they have should be addressed at the upcoming public hearing on the 10th of December. His opinion is to rewrite the ordinance to fit the current time frame.
Police Report: Officer Skinner had 45 contacts
Maintenance Report: Doug continued with the seepage tests at the lagoons, sent the EPA report, marked for Digline, reported the first cell had passed the testing and is now up and running, sent water and sewer samples, turned off 3 water connections, took chlorine to the chlorinator building, found a fire hydrant that is broken on Main St. across from 514 Main St. The hydrant will cost approximately $1,600.00, felt the city needs to have a spare one hand, checked the water pressure, put the plow on the snowplow truck, patched 4 of the 6 skylights in the fire house, filled the pop machine, put lights on the trees in the park, marked plots in the new section of the cemetery, gave thanks to Doug Morrell for the use of his man lift. It worked great for the Christmas lights.
Marty reported 14 delinquent water and sewer accounts, reminded the council of the Christmas Celebration on the 4th of December 2009 at 6:00 pm and the public hearing for the 10th of December 2009.
The chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of November 2009 in the amount of $9,088.60 in the general fund, $5,690.94 in the water fund, $9,741.98 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $24,521.52. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
At 9:30 pm, the chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council adjourn from the December 2009 council meeting. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted by,
Marty Nate, City Clerk
City of Georgetown