CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on June 12, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Adams, Borland and Custer; Vogel absent. Staff present included City Administrator, Allison Kitzman, City Clerk, Dawne Bowman, Public Works, and Ryan Brown. Other visitors were Deputy Pafford, Rob Lundquist, Ed Douglas, Jesse Sheley, John Borland, Paul Maynes, and Coleen Larimer.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Custer, all aye, motion carried. Adams made a motion to approve 5/22/17 meeting minutes, seconded by Bowman all aye, motion carried. Bowman made a motion to approve the payment of the bills, seconded by Custer, all aye, motion carried. Adams made a motion to approve May 2017 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Custer, all aye, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed allowing Cynthia Repasky to have a pot belly pig in city limits, noting there are no diseases carried by these pigs, according to the Vet Clinic. Bowman asked there be a fee for this, such as the dog licensing fee and Adams wants to ensure it follows the leash law. It was discussed at the last meeting that this would be a case by case incident, as anyone with a pot belly pig must get permission from the council to keep it in city limits. Custer made a motion to give Cynthia Repasky permission to have a pot belly pig in city limits; however, it must be contained when outside and the Council has the right to review or revoke at any time, seconded by Bowman, all aye, motion carried.

There was a discussion held regarding on- site storage containers in residential zoning areas. Councilpersons have spoken with citizens of the community, and the majority of them do not want them allowed. Paul Maynes stated that Lenox needs tax dollars and wished people would put up sheds for storage, rather than move in a metal storage container. Maynes also talked about safety concerns and how much damage a container could be in a tornado situation. Borland added that vehicles or campers would be dangerous as well. Bowman is in favor of allowing them, but would like them to look nice, with no graffiti. Bowman noted that allowing them could cut down on amount of abatements. Custer claims that these containers are designed for industrial use and need to be in the commercial zoned areas only. Adams added they are unsightly and does not want them in residential areas. Ed Douglas stated there are campers in yards that look worse than a storage container. Douglas does not care either way and added that if allowed in residential areas, he would put them right on the alley for easy pick up. Mayor Douglas discussed building permits and setbacks for this; therefore, they could not sit right on the alley. There was more discussion of allowing temporary storage containers in residential areas, and that it would be the responsibility of City Hall to determine how long a container has been at a resident. It was decided that this would not be easy to track and be could be very difficult. This will be on the next agenda.

Deputy Pafford discussed the speed trailer on Van Buren, as this is an area that receives multiple traffic complaints.

Bowman made a motion to approve Ordinance 371, allowing fireworks in city limits, seconded by Borland. Roll call votes, Custer and Adams- nay, Borland and Bowman- aye, motion did not pass.

Adams made a motion to approve Ordinance 372, not allowing fireworks in city limits, seconded by Custer. Roll call votes- Bowman and Borland- nay, Custer and Adams- aye, motion did not pass.

Rob Lundquist was present to discuss the hiring of Deb Tillman as Neighborhood Center Director at a rate of $12.00 per hour (working approximately 24 hours per week), earning 6 hours vacation per month and 24 hours sick leave per year. There was a discussion regarding the vacation time, as other employees within the City do not receive that much and the inconsistency. Lundquist noted that this was the time off Tillman was receiving when employed by Matura and the City should not deny it. After much controversy on proper employee regulations, Kitzman called Attorney Zimmerman. Zimmerman explained that each department within the City could be structured differently, due to education, responsibilities, etc. and the Council could approve what they see fit for the position. Lundquist added that these funds are strictly revenues from the Neighborhood Center. Adams made a motion to approve hiring Deb Tillman as the Neighborhood Center Director at a rate of $12.00 per hour, earning 6 hours vacation per month and 24 hours sick leave per year, contingent on the Center sustaining itself, 2nd by Bowman. Roll call votes - all ayes, Borland - nay, motion carried.

Bowman made a motion to approve proposal from Black Top Services for road repair, seconded by Custer, all ayes, motion carried.

Adams made a motion to re- appoint Shilo Leonard to the Library Board for a term of 6 years, ending July 2023, seconded by Borland, all ayes, motion carried.

Adams moved to adjourn the meeting, Custer seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 P.M.