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CITY OF IDANHA
REGULAR COUNCIL SESSION
January 12, 2009
(draft)
REGULAR COUNCIL SESSION:
Council president Traci Martinez called this meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Present at the meeting was Councilor Peggy Gray and newly elected councilors Karen Clark, Al Adams and Jeff Skeeters. Also present were Recorder Wenonah Blanchette, Water Clerk Tina Clark and City Attorney Jim McGehee. Additional members of the audience in attendance are summarized on the sign up sheet (attached). City Attorney Jim McGehee administered the Oath of Office to newly elected city Councilors Karen Clark, Jeff Skeeters, and Al Adams following notarization. Karen Clark four year term, Al Adams four year term and Jeff Skeeters two year term. After the Oath of Office, Council President Martinez opened the floor for nominations for Mayor. Motion "to nominate Karen Clark as Mayor," made by Councilor Gray. Council President Martinez asked for any discussion. None heard. Motions seconded by Councilor Adams. Motion passed unanimously amongst the Council. Aye: 4, Nay: 0.

Mayor Clark closed the Regular Council Session to hold a Public Hearing at 7:07PM.

Mayor Clark reopened the Regular Council Session at 7:20PM.

Motion "to contact Marion County Building to inspect 115 Second Street and to re inspect 145 Second Street as a Dangerous Building," was made by Councilor Gray and seconded by Councilor Adams. Motion passed with aye votes heard from: Adams, Clark, Gray, and Martinez. Councilor Skeeters abstained from vote due to ownership of one property. Aye: 4, Nay:0. Motion "to declare a violation of Ordinance No. 68 and send the property owner a letter of the violation," was made by Councilor Skeeters and seconded by Councilor Martinez. Vote: Adams, Clark, Gray, Martinez, and Skeeters. Nay: 0.

MINUTES/BILLS PAYABLE LIST/ FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Mayor Clark called for corrections or additions to the minutes dated December 8, 2008. Motion "to accept the minutes for December 8, 2008," was made by Councilor Adams and seconded by Councilor Gray. Councilor Skeeters abstained and did not vote. Vote: Adams, Clark, Gray, and Martinez. Nay: 0. Motion "to accept the Bills Payable for January was made by Councilor Gray and seconded by Councilor Martinez. Motion passed with aye votes heard from: Adams, Clark, and Gray. Councilor Martinez and Councilor Skeeters abstained from vote.

ORDER OF BUSINESS:
  1. Discussion had regarding the update to the City Charter and to change the process to which the Mayor is elected. City Attorney Jim McGehee discussed time and cost. Contact with Marion County elections to find a projected price and time frame as to having the updated Charter placed on the Ballot for election.

  2. Letter received from the Fire Department requesting a timely repair to the asphalt. Mutual censuses of the Council to request the Attorney to send a letter to the Fire Department with at temporary way to repair the area with the best fit option; cold patch, fill the area with gravel, or lay a large metal plate over the area until more funds become available. The Recorder was requested to research costs efficiency to each technique of repair.

  3. Discussion heard regarding de obligating funds originally appropriated for the City's wastewater project previously held from the joint wastewater project with Detroit. Mayor Clark called for a motion "to de obligate funds originally held from the joint project." Motion made by Councilor Gray and seconded by Councilor Adams. Vote: Aye: Adams, Clark, Gray. Nay: Skeeters. Abstain: Martinez.

  4. Motion to "adopt Ordinance No. 123 An Ordinance Replacing and Repealing Ordinance No. 92, The City of Idanha's Franchise Agreement with Verizon Northwest Inc., Formerly GTE Northwest Inc, effective the date of it's expiration in August 2008." was read by title. Motion made by Councilor Adams and seconded by Councilor Gray. Vote, Aye: 5, Nay: 0.

  5. The Attorney informed the Council of the City's wish to draft a city ordinance regarding removal of vehicles on city right of way in designated snow routes. No action.

  6. Resolution 2009-1 A Resolution Amending Land Use Application Fees and Repealing Resolution 2003-3, and All Other Conflicting or Previous Application Fees, was read aloud by Recorder Blanchette. Motion " to adopt Resolution 2009-1," was made by Councilor Martinez and seconded by Councilor Gray. Vote: Adams, Clark, Gray, Martinez, and Skeeters. Nay: 0.

  7. Motion "to appoint Wenonah Blanchette as Budget Officer for the 2009-2010 Budget Year." Motion made by Councilor Adams and seconded by Councilor Martinez. Vote: 5, Nay: 0.

  8. Discussion held for Budget Committee Members for 2009-2010. Audience member Loren Greer would consider being on the committee but would inform the council the following day as to his plans. Motion "of appointment of Susan and Jeff Smith. Loretta Adam, Judy Gregory, and Teresa Madsen, with Loren Greer and Christi Ammon as alternates, was made by Councilor Martinez and seconded by Councilor Gray. Vote: 5, Nay:0.

  9. Motion "to accept the Budget Calendar for 2009-2010 was made by Councilor Gray and seconded by Councilor Adams. Vote; Aye: 5, Nay:0.

  10. Motion made by Councilor Adams and seconded by Councilor Gray" to renew the lease agreement with Ikon Office Solutions for the copier / fax machine." Vote, Aye: 5, Nay: 0.

  11. Motion made by Councilor Martinez and seconded by Councilor Gray "to renew the liquor license for 183 Hwy 22 Idanha Country Store." Councilor Skeeters declared a conflict with his owning the business and did not vote. Voting aye: Adams, Clark, Gray, and Martinez. Nay votes heard: 0.

  12. Motion made Councilor Gray "to grant Gregor Professional the audit extension and check to correct dates on the document." Motion seconded by Councilor Adams. Motion passed with aye votes heard from: Adams, Clark, Gray, Martinez, and Skeeters. No nay votes heard.

  13. Recorders Report was discussed. Discussion items included a grant available through CCIS for approximately $300.00 for risk management and the Recorder will research the criteria to have locking file cabinets for better security financially for the City. No action taken.

COMPLAINTS/ VIOLATIONS:
  1. 481Hwy 22 and 136 Riverside Drive, violations of Ordinance No. 68 previously declared discussed. Council also previously requested the attorney to begin official procedures to filing claims with the Court. The Attorney wanted updates and requested the Recorder to document pictures.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
Water Report: The monthly water report as prepared by Water Superintendent Greg Benthin was reviewed. The water tank became very low at one point during the month due to a broken electronic piece that distributes intake of water to be treated. The City is waiting for the part. During a scheduled power outage the City's generator performed for the first time with no problems.

Street Report: A few ditches on the south side of town flooded due to current flooding situation in the area. No problems at the moment. Building Report: Recorder Blanchette will be contacting Marion County with inspections for dangerous building for 115 Second Street and to re inspect 145 Second Street.

ADJOURNMENT:The Council made a unanimous decision to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 PM.




____________________________________________________
Mayor Karen Clark




Attest:
___________________________________________________
City Recorder Wenonah Blanchette

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