CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor ProTem Bowman on May 23, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Nelson, Tull, Zabel and Cruz. Staff present was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman and City Clerk, Dawne Bowman. Colleen Larimer and Emilio Escobar were also present.

Tull made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve 05/09/22 meeting minutes, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. Nelson made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Emilio Escobar, with Michael Foods was present to discuss potential housing in Lenox. Escobar mentioned working with Housing 360 in the past; however, is wanting to stay local and has had communication with Lenox Development Corporation. Escobar added that Michael Foods is currently struggling to get employees due to housing issues and would like to continue their commitment to Lenox by constructing a 30- unit apartment complex that could house a number of their employees, as well as other residents. Michael Foods is willing to fund a revolving loan for this project (up to $3,000,000.00); however, they do not want to own the property. After discussion, it was decided that Michael Foods will continue discussions with Lenox Development Corporation and Kitzman will be in contact with our TIF attorney to get information on possibly establishing a TIF district to pay Michael Foods back on the loan. Escobar mentioned Birch Street as the potential site for the complex.

Kitzman discussed speeding on East Temple Street and has been in contact with Deputy Pafford to install the speed trailer in the area to get a base speed of vehicles traveling that area. Kitzman has also looked into other ways to control the speed. Speed bumps were mentioned in a previous meeting; however, there is liability to the City with speed bumps, could be a hazard for emergency personnel and could also redirect the traffic to another street. The council expressed no interest in speed bumps; however, they are interested in more enforcement. Kitzman mentioned a couple of other options, such as flashing signs that display your speed, as well as a camera to take pictures, so enforcement could potentially write tickets. It was decided that Kitzman will continue to get quotes and this will be on the next agenda.

Tull made a motion to approve City of Lenox 5 Day Special Class C Liquor license, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried.

Nelson made a motion to approve Casey's Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor Permit, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Zabel made a motion to approve Lenox Area Chamber of Commerce Special Event Permit for Pocket Park Market (Farmer's Market), seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. It was mentioned there was a business that was not in favor of blocking traffic to their business; however, it was decided that if it becomes an issue, we could adjust parking at a later date. The Pocket Park Market will begin on June 4th and will run from 8am to 1pm with Main Street being blocked off from Temple Street to Ohio Street.

Tull made a motion to approve the re- appointment of Tom Christensen, Don Cox and Kim Morris to the Park/Pool/Rec Board for a term of 2 years, expiring June 2024, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Nelson made a motion to approve Resolution 22- 28 Seasonal Pool Employee Wages, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried. The council agreed to increase the base pay for lifeguards to $10.00 per hour with a $5.50 increase for each year of employment, to be capped at $14.00 per hour. The manager wage would increase to $15.00 per hour. The City of Lenox will also reimburse for lifeguard certifications, as we have in the past.

Cruz motioned to adjourn the meeting, Tull seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:47 P.M.