CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor ProTem Tull on April 27, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Peterson, Huffman, Tull and Beck; Hodges was absent. Staff present was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman and City Clerk, Dawne Bowman. Visitors at the meeting were Colleen Larimer, Deputy Pafford, Cindy Cox, Sandy Sweeney and Sheila O'Riley.

Peterson made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried. Peterson made a motion to approve 4/13/26 regular meeting minutes, seconded by Huffman, all ayes, motion carried. Peterson made a motion to approve payment of the bills, seconded by Huffman, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion on the road project, in which Kitzman provided information on potential loan options. The total estimated cost for the project is $1.2 million with Bonding Attorney fees estimated at approximately $10,000. Kitzman received information for a total of $1.3 million-dollar loan. Kitzman mentioned these figures are based on options of a 15 year note and a 20 year note at 4.75% variable every 5 years. The City's payment on a 15-year note would be approximately $148,417 and $126,750 on a 20-year note. These amounts would change each year as principal is paid down so the interest payments would decrease. There was a discussion at the last meeting regarding increasing everyone's property taxes within the city for this project as opposed to special assessments. Using FY27 valuations, a 15-year note would increase property taxes approximately $2.4713 per $1,000 of taxable valuation and $2.1005 for a 20-year note. Kitzman provided the following example of what these increases would look like for residents: Residential homes with assessed value of $130,000 would increase $143.08 for 15 years and $122.19 for 20 years. Residential homes with assessed value of $200,000 would increase $220.12 for 15 years and $187.98 for 20 years. Residential homes with assessed value of $350,000 would increase $385.20 for 15 years and $328.97 for 20 years. Commercial property with assessed value of $150,000 would increase $165.09 for 15 years and $140.99 for 20 years. Industrial property with assessed value of $3,000,000 would increase $6,503.97 for 15 years and $5,554.47 for 20 years. These amounts are based off FY27 valuations and are subject to change each year due to valuations and rollback percentages on properties. Peterson discussed the importance of the road project, as it could potentially add to more homes being built, increasing the tax role and businesses. Peterson also mentioned that we choose where we live, even if it's on a gravel road. This will be on the next agenda and the council would like any and all residents to join the meeting to discuss the road project.

Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution 26-11 Certificate of Deposit Investments at ISSB, seconded by Huffman, all ayes, motion carried. This would be for 12 months at 3.7% APY and the CD's are Housing Rehab, Equipment Replacement, General Reserve, Hwy 49, and Main St Development.

Kitzman presented the council with the Final Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Pool Improvements, as the State approved our waiver to self-regulate the 100 maximum patron load. Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution 26-12 Authorizing Bid Letting and Setting Public Hearing for 2025 Pool Improvements, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried. The bid letting will be on June 4th at 2:30 PM at City Hall with action being taken at the June 8th council meeting. The Public Hearing on the plans and specs will be held on June 8th at 5:30PM.

Peterson made a motion to approve hiring Danielle Robinson and Kenzie Douglas as Co-Managers for the 2026 pool season, seconded by Huffman, all ayes, motion carried.

Peterson made a motion to approve Getting Slushed South of 35, LLC 5-Day Special Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried.

Beck made a motion to approve Modification of James Larkin Family Trust, seconded by Peterson, all ayes, motion carried.

Peterson motioned to adjourn the meeting, Huffman seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 PM.