CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on September 12, 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 were City Clerk, Dawne Bowman and City Administrator, Allison Kitzman. Visitors attending were Colleen Larimer and Deputy Lynn.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve 08/22/22 meeting minutes, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve August 2022 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried.

Bowman motioned to approve Resolution 22- 35 Tax Abatement for Gary and Barb Freeman at 1013 Westwind Drive, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Zabel made a motion to approve CDBG Draw Request #2 for LMU water project in the amount of $4,389, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed the possibility of a mural being painted on the southwest corner of the library through a grant for the Leading Ladies of Lenox. The grant is specific on the location of the mural, which needs to be on Main Street. The original location in the east pocket park needs to be tucked, so they are wanting permission to put the mural on the library. The council is not opposed; however, they would like to see it prior to it being done. Bowman commented that if there was a different location, as we just spent so much on the library to paint on it. Other options were discussed, with Zabel adding the west wall of City Hall shop for consideration. Kitzman stated that a City building would be the best option. This will be on the next agenda.

Kitzman discussed the 2022 Street Improvement project, as it is complete; however, there were a couple of issues. The first issue was with the Catholic Church parking, as after Michigan Street was completed there was a lip to the parking of the church that would eventually break off, so we had to do the parking to even it out. The intersection of Michigan and Spear Street is not complete and will have to be concrete at a later date, due to the asphalt sinking. Kitzman mentioned issues with signage in the beginning of the project. Bowman made a motion to approve Pay Application #1 for 2022 Street Improvement Project in the amount of $356,658.96, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed the Housing Project. Michael Foods is wanting to move forward with this project and are looking for a minimum of 4 acres of blighted property to construct 3 apartment buildings, with 32 apartments in each building. The council brainstormed different properties; however, the city does not own that much land in city limits. Kitzman mentioned the land could still be a TIF area if it was 2 miles outside of city limits. The city is committed to this project and will continue to explore options for this additional housing.

Cruz motioned to adjourn the meeting, Tull seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:18 P.M.