July 2011

Beacon City Council Meeting Minutes for Thursday, July 7, 2011.

I. Call to order: Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Council members present were: Richard

Thomas, Aron Whitlatch, Tom VanDerVeer, Wayne Braden and Ron Ferree.

II. General Business

A. Minutes of the June 7, 2011 meeting were reviewed. Aron Whitlatch made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and Ron Ferree seconded. The motion carried.

B. Treasurer’s report was presented. Wayne Braden made a motion to approve, Ron Ferree seconded. The motion carried.

C. Claims to be paid from June were presented. Five claims were added to the report. After reviewing the additions, Ron Ferree made a motion to accept claims with the additions and Tom VanDerVeer seconded. The motion carried.

D. Sewer Report –Kevin Bork reported Municipal Pipe Tool Co. contacted him regarding extending Beacon’s contract. After discussion with the council it was decided the extension was not needed but Mayor Maxwell requested Kevin find out what the cost of the extension would be. Tom VanDerVeer inquired if it was still too wet to mow at the lagoon, Kevin stated he would check the condition and mow if possible.

E. Water Report –

1. Shirley Mitrisin – Collections for June were: Sewer $5151.06 and Water: $8868.99. Two new depositors and

three citizens water disconnected for non-payment.

2. Elwood Hanna – Reported Oskaloosa Water Consumer Confidence Report was published in the Herald. He will

file report with the state.

3. Justin Scholtus – Reported he and Woody found a leak in the water pit located near the Edwards house. Council

believed this main had been shut off two years prior. After discussion it was decided Justin would purchase a

lock and install at the main.

F. Hall Rentals – Diane Whitlatch reported the following hall rentals: June – 3 and July – 2.

G. Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter Report – City Clerk reported the shelter had two dog intakes from Beacon. After

discussion on the city’s contract with the shelter, it was decided Shawn Maxwell and Ron Ferree will attend the

next shelter meeting to clarify the agreement terms with shelter. The City Clerk will inquire on the next meeting.

H. Sheriff’s Report – Mayor Shawn Maxwell reported he did not receive a report from the Sheriff’s office.

III. Old Business

A. Annexation – Discussion tabled.

B. Fenton/Thomas Alley Sale – City Clerk is working on the Quick Claim Deed.

C. Moore Alley Sale – City Clerk is working on the Quick Claim Deed.

D. Nuisance Letters to Linville and LaFollette/Feeney – City Clerk mailed Certified letters 7/7/11.

E. Mahaska Rural Water – Discussion tabled.

F. North Grant Ditch Work – City is waiting for Randy Pleima at Mahaska Rural Water to install the tile under the

street. Tom VanDerVeer will make contact with Randy before the next council meeting and inquire on timeframe

to complete.

G. City Maintenance Issues – Leaning street sign on Front/Leighton Street, Sign on Grant Street, No parking

sign on Leighton/Grant Street and Stop sign on Front/Elm Streets. Shawn Maxwell reported the price of the

auger had increased more than the city wanted to pay, Shawn will wait to purchase until the price is adjusted.

Tom VanDerVeer and Shawn Maxwell will do the sign maintenance as soon as possible on the streets.

Additional 8 Ton Load Limit signs will be installed on Grant, Reed and Leighton streets.

H. Tree Removal near Smith Residence – City is waiting on license verification from Steve Hynick. Ron Ferree will

check with VerMeer on free removal of the tree stump.

I. Abandoned Property – Aron Whitlatch will make contact with homeowner.

J. Guardrail Placement/Replacement – After discussion, council decided not to proceed with guardrail. Shawn

Maxwell will contact Mahaska County and inquire on barricade installation.

K. Widening of the Highway – Work on highway project postponed due to new information received from the Ia.

Dept. of Transportation. Shawn Maxwell will make contact and inquire if Beacon can proceed with the project.

L. Third Reading for Council Pay Increase – Approved at June meeting.

M. City Hall Hail Damage – Insurance adjuster contacted Ron Ferree and surveyed damage to city property. The

city received several bids for the City Hall siding on North/East sides. After discussion Council agreed to get bids for the South/West sides before they commit to a contractor. Shawn Maxwell will get bids on gutter replacement and air conditioning repairs.

IV. New Business

A. Iowa Dept. of Transportation – Farm to Market Extension Roads – County boundaries have changed for the

Farm- to-Market roads. Report stated Beacon dropped below 500 citizens in the 2010 Census and will be required to turn over all Road Use monies to Mahaska County. After discussion on whether Beacon would be allowed to continue with the highway widening project, it was decided Shawn Maxwell and Ron Ferree will attend the next Mahaska County Supervisors’ meeting to better understand what this means for Beacon and the project.

B. Area 15 Regional Planning Commission – Sign Retro-reflectivity Survey – Beacon will need to establish a program

by January 2012. Wayne Braden will complete the survey and mail by 7/27/11.

C. USDA Rural Development Workshop July 20 – City received invitation to attend workshop held at Drake Public

Library to discuss development of rural towns.

D. Dept. of Natural Resources – Annual Public Water Supply Fee for 2012 – Added to the claims report for

payment.

E. Ia. League of Cities – Member Dues for 2011-2012 – Added to claims report for payment.

E. Mahaska County Auditor – City Elections 2011 Election Planning Workshop – City Clerk will complete survey and

submit.

V. Business from the Floor

A. Citizen complaint of parking in the alley at the Winkelman residence. Richard Thomas and Shawn Maxwell will

speak with the homeowner.

VI. Next meeting date – August 4, 2011

VII. Adjournment – Motion to adjourn was made by Ron Ferree and seconded by Richard Thomas. Motion carried.