CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on May 10, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Tull and Zabel; Brown and Cruz were absent. Staff present was City Clerk, Dawne Bowman. Colleen Larimer was also present.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve 04/26/21 meeting minutes, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried. Bowman made a motion to approve April 2021 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried.

Deputy Lynn entered the meeting at 5:33 PM.

There was a discussion held on the Walking Trail, as it was suggested by Jeremy Rounds, with SICOG to include solar lighting to enhance the application. There was also discussion on the location of the "spur" from the walking trail to the tennis court. Bowman made a motion to approve solar lighting at a cost of approximately $104,405.00, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Tull made a motion to approve the purchase of 2 portable nets for the tennis courts at a cost of approximately $1,574 each; however, the $50,000 donation that was received will cover $2,580 of this expense, so the City's portion will be approximately $568, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion held on the Sesquicentennial Celebration. Dawne Bowman discussed advertising for this, as well as upcoming meetings and planning events and would like to determine the City's contribution to the event and how they would like the funding to work. It was decided to utilize our current fund accounting software for the expenses and revenues, so there is tracking on all funds. Zabel made a motion to approve $10,000 with all proceeds coming from the City, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried. Bowman also mentioned this amount can be adjusted pending activities.

There was a discussion on lifeguard pay, as the City is struggling to get applicants and certifications for guards this year. Zabel made a motion to approve the reimbursement of certification at the end of the season, pending the lifeguard works the entire season, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Zabel made a motion to approve hiring pool manager at $9.75 per hour, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve increasing wage for lifeguards to $8.00 per hour, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried. The council would like information on employers in town, such as Casey's and Tiger Den to see what their wages are. There was also a discussion on the possibility of not having a lifeguard in the baby pool, due to staffing issues. Dawne Bowman had spoke with the State on this issue, and it was noted that there needs to be appropriate signage "No Lifeguard on Duty" for this to happen. It was decided to contact the City Attorney to check the liability on this. This will be on the next agenda.

Deputy Lynn reported and uptick in call volume and a couple of dogs were picked up over the weekend.

Tull moved to adjourn the meeting, Zabel seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:08 P.M.