CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on April 11, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Adams, Vogel, Borland and Custer. Staff present included City Clerk, Dawne Bowman, Public Works, Ryan Brown and City Attorney, James Varley. Other visitors were Ben French, Deputy's Stenda and Pafford and Brandt Gelden.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Adams, all aye, motion carried.

Adams made a motion to approve 3/28/16 meeting minutes, seconded by Vogel, all aye, motion carried. Custer made a motion to approve the payment of the bills, seconded by Bowman, all aye, motion carried. Adams made a motion to approve March 2016 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Vogel, all aye, motion carried.

Brandt Gelsen with Copper Tree Consultants presented the council with information regarding a former tree inventory report conducted and funded by the DNR. The report showed 286 trees that the City of Lenox is responsible for, 40 of which are ash trees, and 1 tree that is in need of removal right now. Gelsen advised the council to begin removing the ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer. Custer questioned the opinion of treating, rather than removing them. Gelsen noted that treating an ash causes wounds to the tree. It is more cost effective to remove a live tree, rather than a dead tree, so we would have to continue treating every 2 years until removal. Adams expressed concern if residents want to treat an ash tree; however, it is ultimately the City's responsibility for the tree and the decision should not be left to a resident. There is an Ash Tree Replacement Program online to view the species of trees best to replace the ash trees in the community.

Vogel expressed his desire to form a committee of community members, Chamber members, and possibly council members to discuss the occupancy in Main Street buildings and the need to be proactive. Bowman volunteered to assist Vogel with this.

Bowman made a motion to approve a 3 year lease agreement with PPI for $1 per year, seconded by Borland, all aye, motion carried. PPI has leased this ground in the past; however, the lease was up for renewal and the proposed walking trail would be utilizing a portion of the ground. The new lease excludes 25 feet for the walking trail.

There were 2 bids for the mowing and spraying of the City Park, Lincoln's Lawn Care and Samo Lawn Care. After clarity on the spraying, Adams made a motion to approve Samo Lawn Care at the low bid of $110 per mowing and $150 per time for spraying, seconded by Vogel, all aye motion carried. This is a 3 year contract and the Golf Board has asked the park to be moved at the end of any given week.

Custer made a motion to approve the hiring of Shawn McFee for the 2016 part- time mowing position at the Sports Complex at a rate of $10 per hour, seconded by Bowman, all aye, motion carried.

Deputy Stenda reported for the Sheriff's Department.

Vogel made a motion to approve Resolution 16- 4 Tax Abatement for Temple Street Apartments at 101 East Temple (Marty Green), seconded by Adams. Roll call votes- all ayes, motion carried.

Adams made a motion to approve Liquor Licenses for Ramsey's Market, seconded by Borland, all aye, motion carried.

Adams discussed a quilt raffle for a quilt at the Library. It was noted that through the State of Iowa, the City is allowed to have 1 free raffle per year, and any raffle after that will be at a cost. Borland made a motion to approve the quilt raffle for the Lenox Library, seconded by Vogel, all aye, motion carried.

Vogel discussed repairs to City Hall, and the extent of other portions of City Hall to possibly need repaired, such as tuck pointing the rest of the building. The Building Committee (Vogel and Custer) met and decided that it may not be cost effective to repair City Hall at this time, and asked for thoughts on other options. Adams noted, she would like to see City Hall preserved, but cost is crucial. Bowman made mention of other big expenses already in the works for the City, such as the treatment plant. Vogel and Custer will look into other options and bring them back on the next agenda.

The Mayor discussed the City Administrator position. It was recommended by the Personnel Committee to hire Allison Kitzman at a wage of $60,000 to begin May 2, 2016 with 3 weeks vacation. Borland disagreed with the salary, as Kitzman has less experience as the previous Administrator. Mayor discussed the stability we are looking for in an employee. Bowman made a motion to approve hiring Allison Kitzman at the above terms, seconded by Adams. Roll call votes - Custer, Vogel, Adams, Bowman - aye, Borland nay, motion carried.

A discussion of the Depot repairs was held. It was recommended to contact other local contractors for bids and move forward. This will be on the next agenda.

Adams moved to adjourn the meeting, Custer seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 P.M.