CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on March 9, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Brown, Bowman, Tull and Zabel. Staff present was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman and City Clerk, Dawne Bowman. Colleen Larimer was a visitor.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve 02/24/20 meeting minutes, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried. Bowman made a motion to approve the payment of the bills, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve February 2020 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion held on council vacancy applications. Kitzman noted there were 3 applicants: Chris Zagers, Rosa Cruz and Mark Reyner, as all of these applicants were invited to attend the meeting to answer any questions the council may have; however, none of them were present. There was concern that no one knew Zagers or if he would be staying in Lenox. Zagers mentioned a financial background on his application and he was chosen by former councilman, Nick Custer as a potential replacement. The council then spoke about Cruz and her willingness to help out in translating along with her efforts in wanting to keep properties looking nice. Zabel discussed city finances vs. business finances, as Kitzman mentioned that this person would need some training, regardless of their financial background. Zabel made a motion to appoint Rosa Cruz as new council member with term ending 12/31/21, seconded by Brown. Roll call votes- all ayes, motion carried.

Brown made a motion to approve Dally Post Class C Liquor license with Outdoor Services for Pheasants Forever at Community Center, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Brown approved Dally Post Class C Liquor license for Nelson Benefit at Community Center, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried.

Brown made a motion to approve DMT Golf, LLC Class C Liquor license with Sunday Sales, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Brown made a motion to approve Resolution 20- 14 Setting Public Hearing for 3/23/20 at 5:40 PM on Amendment to Lenox City Code Chapter 7 Fiscal Management Section 7.05 Operating Budget Preparation, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion held on the current driveway owned by Taylor County Courthouse. Kitzman discussed a potential home being built in that area and the homeowner would like the City to take over this driveway as a public street. It was the council's decision that this driveway needs a lot of repair and would need brought up to "street code" prior to the City taking ownership. Kitzman discussed the setback requirements for the home being built.

Tull made a motion to approve Resolution 20- 13 Authorizing Payment to the Lenox Development Corporation in the amount of $44,000 for removing the remainder of the trailers, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed 60- month printer lease and maintenance and support agreement with Counsel. Due to the large number of copies done, our current printers are not sufficient. One printer is no longer functional and the other requires regular maintenance done by staff. The agreement with Counsel is complete with all supplies included (except paper). After the lease is up, the City has the option to purchase the printer or upgrade. Zabel made a motion to approve 60- month printer lease and maintenance and support agreement with Counsel, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion held on increasing natural rates for consumption over 40,000 CCF. Zabel discussed concern of why the rates were being raised and if it was necessary. Kitzman discussed the gas rate study completed by Consortia Consulting and added that prior increases have been put on the residents, and this rate would not affect the residents, as it is only affecting any consumption over 40,000 CCF. Kitzman again explained that operating revenues need to increase to be in line with our operating expenses. The increase is going from $0.06 CCF to $0.07 CCF, effective July 1, 2020. Brown made a motion to approve Resolution 20- 11 Increasing Rates for Natural Gas System for FY20- 21, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Tull made a motion to approve Resolution 20- 12 Increasing Rates for Prescott Natural Gas System for FY 20- 21, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried. This increase is going from $26 CCF to $31 CCF, effective July 1, 2020. An email was sent to Prescott to advise them of the increase.

Brown moved to adjourn the meeting, Tull seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 P.M.