The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on March 6, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Punke called the meeting to order and led The Pledge of Allegiance and then directed the City Clerk to call the roll. Present were Waters, Meares, Hangartner, Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Eckert. Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer; Marilyn Walter, City Clerk; Jim Lehman, Director of Public Works; and Anne Sandvik, Acting City Administrator. Chambliss was absent.
Moved by Meares, second by Hangartner, to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2006, regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Hangartner, Waters, Weidner, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye. As a point of information, Mayor Punke pointed out that Jim and Anne had been to the Lower Park Building to find ways to lower the heating costs and have unplugged the coolers and emptied and unplugged the soda machines. This will be done in the winter months to save money.
The Mayor asked for public comments on any action to be taken on Agenda Items. There were none.
Moved by Widener, second by Hinnen, to approve and pay the bills as the City’s obligation in the amount of $37,604.30. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Hinnen, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Moved by Hinnen, second by V. Punke, to consider Ordinance 06-01 annexing the thirty-five acres at the corner of Reagan and Dickinson Drive owned by Eureka College. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, V. Punke, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, Weidner, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Moved by Hinnen, second by Widener, to consider Mr. Chambliss’ recommendation from the Maintenance Committee to proceed with the design of the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) project listing for fiscal year 06-07 in the amount of $107,530. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Weidner, Waters, Meares, Hangartner, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye.
East Street from Route 24 to Cruger Avenue $28,000
Lake Avenue from Lake Road to Curtis 8,470
Curtis Court from W. Mitchell to E. Mitchell 36,890
Eureka Street from Henry to Creamery St. 24,640
Court Street from Elm St. to 300 ft. East (Sand Seal) 2,350
Court Street from Liberty to Meek St. (Sand Seal) 3,950
Campus Street from Vennum 400 feet East (Sand Seal) 3,140
Hilldale from Crestwood South 250 feet (Sand Seal) 1,480
Moved by Widener, second by Meares, to consider Mr. Chambliss’ recommendation from the Maintenance Committee to approve the Engineering Agreement with A.J. Dowiatt, Inc. for the MFT projects listed above not to exceed the MFT engineering allowance of 9 percent for design. Passed on roll call vote with Weidner, Meares, Waters, Hangartner, Hinnen, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Moved by V. Punke, second by Meares, to consider Mr. Chambliss’ recommendation from the Maintenance Committee to spend up to $3,000 in Maintenance of Sidewalks budget to complete the sidewalk from the intersection of Route 117 and Lake Road to the road into the lower park. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Meares, Waters, Hangartner, Weidner, Hinnen, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Moved by Meares, second by V. Punke, to consider Mayor Punke’s appointment of Eric Hasselbacher to the Planning and Zoning Commission to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Bill Ruder with the term to expire April 30, 2007. Questions were asked concerning a possible conflict of interest since Mr. Hasselbacher is in business with and is related to the largest developer in the City of Eureka. Mayor Punke related the discussion at the Planning Commission leading up to this appointment recommendation. On roll call Meares, V. Punke, and Hangartner voted Aye with Waters, Weidner, Hinnen, and Eckert voting No. The motion did not pass. Discussion was held concerning the qualifications the Council is looking for to fill this position on the Planning and Zoning Commission. It was pointed out that this vacancy has not been made known to the citizens of the City.
Moved by Meares, second by Hinnen, to consider Mr. Meare’s recommendation from the Administration and Personnel Committee to approve Ordinance 06-02 amending the city Policy and Procedure Manual Section 014 of the Retiree Health Insurance continuation. The Ordinance will eliminate the city coverage of 75 percent of the premium for the spouse of a retiring employee. Currently the retired employee pays only 25 percent of the spouse’s premium. This does not affect current retirees; only those retiring after this date. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Hinnen, Waters, Hangartner, Weidner, V. Punke, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Moved by Meares, second by V. Punke, to consider Mr. Meare’s recommendation from the Administration and Personnel Committee to approve Ordinance 06-03 amending the city Policy and Procedure Manual Section 004 Part-Time Recruitment, Employment and Wage Schedule. This does not affect current part-time employees. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, V. Punke, Waters, Hangartner, Weidner, Hinnen, and Eckert all voting Aye.
Committee Reports:
Chairman Meares of the Administration & Personnel Committee: Met on February 28 and worked on the above two ordinances. Recommendations were made to the Budget Committee for line items for this committee.
Chairman Waters of the Public Safety Committee: Will meet on Thursday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m.
Chairman Eckert of the Park and Recreation Committee: Met February 22 with the security at Eureka Lake Park being the major item of discussion. The committee did not want to put up permanent gates or barriers. Signs are being put up with the Park hours, rules, and regulations. A reward was discussed. It was decided that public awareness of the cost and damage to the Park tables, garbage cans, equipment, and grounds will be the approach at this time. Jason Shultz of the Woodford County Journal was asked to help with this. The next meeting will be on Monday, March 20, at 6:00 p.m.
Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Committee: Applications for the first liquor licenses were never received by the State Police. The check was never cashed. The applicants filled out new fingerprint cards and they were sent via UPS. A rush has been put on these applications. The next meeting is on Monday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m.
New Business: None
Public Comments: None
There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marilyn Walter
City Clerk
