CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on April 12, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Brown, Tull, Zabel and Cruz. Staff present was City Clerk, Dawne Bowman and City Administrator, Allison Kitzman. Others in attendance Jo Adams, Diana Maharry, Erin Christensen and Colleen Larimer.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried. Brown made a motion to approve 03/22/21 meeting minutes, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve March 2021 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried.

Diana Maharry spoke on behalf of LLOl about the new pocket park project to be located in the alley between 112 North Main and 114 North Main. Maharry stated that she has been in contact with all adjoining business owners and there are no issues with construction. The pocket park will be consistent with the 1st one; however, instead of a clock, it will have a lighted globe structure and different pavers. Maharry added that construction will begin after May 1st, will be the full length of the alley and will have a mural on the wall of the previous Breedaex building. Zabel discussed the poor condition of the alley portion of the other pocket park. A resolution will be on the next agenda to address the alley between 112 North Main and 114 North Main.

Kitzman discussed the tennis court, as there has been a possible donor of approximately $50,000 for renovation. This property was given to the City years ago and had stipulations that it will always be used for recreation. Kitzman has been in contact with Pro Track and Tennis to look at our current tennis court and get a quote for a possible multi- purpose court, that could possibly have pickle ball, tennis, volleyball and basketball. It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with the assessment of the tennis court.

Jo Adams was present to discuss a walking trail to link up with the current walking trail at the round barn and continue out to the golf course. Adams has been in contact with an engineering firm on this project, as there are COVID non- matching grant funds offered by the IA DOT for walking trails. There was discussion on the thickness of the walking trail, as this will be something that will need to be maintained in the winter and it needs to hold heavy equipment without tearing it up. The trail is proposed to be a 5 ft sidewalk on the East side of Locust to Nebraska, then move to the West side and will expand to 8 ft at the Care Center to continue out to the golf course. Adams stated they are also looking into resurfacing the trail behind the fire station, as well as lighting for the trail in this grant. This will be on the next agenda.

Erin Christensen was present to discuss the insurance policy renewal with EMC, as there was a 19% increase, mainly due to workman's comp claims. Kitzman explained that the City of Lenox shares this plan with LMU and it covers all equipment, buildings and property. Bowman made a motion to increase the deductibles to $2,500 for property and $1,000 for auto to decrease our premiums seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed the City's Sesquicentennial (150 years) and would like direction from the council on how to plan for this event, which will take place next year. The council was given a list of activities from the last Centennial celebration in Lenox for ideas. There was discussion of holding this in conjunction with the Lenox Rodeo. Diana Maharry addressed the council regarding properties in town that the City needs to be working on getting cleaned up now, before the celebration. The discussion of junk properties came up, with Zabel adding that she has received calls. Kitzman disagreed that the City of Lenox is not filled with junk properties, we have our problem areas and those people know how to work the system. Bowman added that nuisance properties is an ongoing issue with the council and always a work in progress, encouraging others to go to other towns and look at some of their residential areas. Maharry added that she has also had contact with people from out of town that are impressed with the way the city looks. Brown commented that groups like LLOI are setting examples to enhance properties. As far as the City's Sesquicentennial, it was decided that Kitzman will contact other cities that have had a Centennial celebration in the past to get some ideas.

Brown made a motion to approve Resolution 21- 14 Employee Wages for Mescha Hoskins as part- time librarian at $9.45 per hour and David Cortez as shared employee at $16 per hour, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed the Revolving Loan Fund that LMU is offering for economic development in the City of Lenox. This is a 10- year interest free loan, that is paid back to the loan account and must reach $25,000 before it can be loaned back out. LMU is currently loaning out $209,000 to a dentist for equipment. If the loan is not paid back, LMU will have a lien on the building and the equipment. LMU is paying 20% matching funds of the loan amount, which is $41,800. Mayor asked who was preparing the loan documents and the filing process, in which Kitzman commented that office staff at LMU would be handling all the paperwork, along with a committee selected by LMU Board of Trustees. Zabel suggested that this is something the City of Lenox could possibly budget for and contribute annually. Bowman added that this is a good way to show support for our businesses and our Main Street. Bowman made a motion to approve contributing $20,000 to the Revolving Loan Fund, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion on the updated covenants for the LDC School Lane sub- division. Kitzman discussed a couple changes which were that due to current cost of construction materials, they are allowing 18 months for construction, rather than 12 months. Another change was that the garage must be attached to the house. Tull made a motion to approve the LDC School Lane sub- division updates, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

A discussion was held on library repairs, as there is concern from engineer and contractor regarding replacement of the basement windows. Although it allows more light inside, there are advantages to blocking them in, such as less maintenance, structural stability and adequate sealing for leaking purposes. Kitzman also discussed the tile that was uncovered on the ceiling and would like to salvage this tile, rather than cover it, which could save the City on the cost of bulkhead installation. Bowman agreed to save the history of the building if possible. Bowman made a motion to block in the basement windows, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman did a presentation on the SAM GIS mapping that was recently purchased. This presentation showed all sewer mains, power poles, natural gas lines and other utility information throughout the City of Lenox. It can be updated on- site when anything new is added and will print any type of report needed involving city utilities.

Brown moved to adjourn the meeting, Tull seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 P.M.