CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on June 27, 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 Administrator, Allison Kitzman, City Clerk, Dawne Bowman, City Attorney, James Varley and Public Works, Ryan Brown. Other visitors were Bill and Janet Reed, Doug Horton, Ben French and Deputy Pafford.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Adams, all aye, motion carried. Adams made a motion to approve 6/13/16 meeting minutes, seconded by Custer, all aye, motion carried. Vogel made a motion to approve the payment of the bills, seconded by Bowman all aye, motion carried.

Bill and Janet Reed were present to discuss their bush located at 502 North Main St. and request a variance to allow them to keep the bush. Reeds stated they realize the bush is out of compliance with the Code of Ordinance, as it is over 2 1/2 feet tall; however, they have spent a lot of time trimming it and would keep the bush tied up at all times, as to not obstruct the view of others. Vogel discussed the current tree removal plan to remove diseased trees around town and requested a temporary variance until it is decided how to proceed. Adams acknowledged the Reed's efforts on the bush, but noted that it is out of compliance. Bowman explained to the Reeds that a council person's position is to interpret and follow the Code and setting a standard is important. Deputy Pafford spoke about the original letter to trim the bush, as it was brought to the City's attention as an obstruction of view; however, after looking deeper into the situation, it was noticed that the Code of Ordinance states that on a corner lot, bushes must be kept at 2 1/2 feet or less.

Adams made a motion to deny Resolution 16- 19, Variance for Bill and Janet Reed's Bush at 502 North Main Street, seconded by Bowman. Roll call votes- Custer, Borland, Bowman, Adams- aye, Vogel- nay, motion carried.

Deputy Pafford reported for the Sheriff's Department.

Doug Horton, Taylor County Supervisor discussed Home Avenue (Taylor Ridge driveway) that is currently owned by Taylor County. Horton expressed the desire to give Home Avenue to the City at this time. It was previously discussed, that when the City receives that street, it needs to be in good condition. Horton stated that the County is willing to chip and seal the street, but nothing more. It was the consensus of the Council that the City is not interested in taking over the street in the condition that it's in and will wait for a better compromise.

Custer made a motion to approve Resolution 16- 16 Appointing Allison Kitzman as the Title VI Coordinator, seconded by Borland, all aye, motion carried.

Custer made a motion to approve liquor license for Dally Post Saloon, seconded by Adams, all aye, motion carried.

Resolutions 16- 17 and 16- 18, Tax Abatement for 114 South Main St. (old Hotel) will be on the next agenda, as the Council had questions prior to approving the Resolutions.

Borland made a motion to approve Resolution 16- 20 Transfer of Funds from Sports Complex Money Market, seconded by Bowman, all aye, motion carried.

Custer made a motion to approve Resolution 16- 21 Placing Stop Sign at Kansas St. and Main St. on the north side, seconded by Bowman, all aye, motion carried.

Bowman made a motion to approve Resolution 16- 22 Placing Stop Sign at Kansas St. and Main. St. on the south side, seconded by Custer, all aye, motion carried.

Adams made a motion to approve Resolution 16- 23 Removing Stop Sign at Main St. and Kansas St. on east side, seconded by Bowman, all ayes- Custer nay, motion carried.

There was nothing new to report on the repairs to City Hall. We continue to receive surveys regarding the repairs. Bowman made a motion to approve the Building committee (Vogel and Custer) to negotiate options, such as contents and/or pricing on Lenox Tire Center, seconded by Borland, all aye, motion carried. Adams also discussed a lease option to keep the City costs down at this time.

Adams moved to adjourn the meeting, Custer seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:25 P.M.