The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on February 4, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Scott Punke called the meeting to order and led The Pledge of Allegiance and then directed the City Clerk to call the roll. Present were Aldermen V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters. Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer; Marilyn Walter, City Clerk; Anne Sandvik, City Administrator; Jim Lehman, Public Works Director; and Chief Al Misener.

Moved by Hinnen, second by Meares, to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2008, regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Meares, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye.

The Mayor asked for public comments on any action to be taken on Agenda items. There were none.

Moved by Waters, second by Meares, to approve and pay the bills as the City’s obligation in the amount of $30,775.01. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Meares, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Hinthorne, and Prather all voting Aye.

Dan Harrod addressed the Council concerning his candidacy and qualifications for State’s Attorney in Woodford County.

Moved by V. Punke, second by Hinthorne, to approve the recommendation from the Public Safety Committee to approve Ordinance 08-02—an Ordinance amending the Eureka Municipal Code Title 9 – “Public Peace, Morals, and Welfare” with the addition of Chapter 9.100 Smoking Restriction – Use of Tobacco Products. The ordinance is modeled after the new State Law. With this ordinance in place, the officers can write tickets and the fine money goes to the City not to the State. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Hinthorne, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye.

Moved by V. Punke, second by Hinnen, to approve the recommendation from the Public Safety Committee to allow Chief Misener to order the 2008 Ford Explorer which is included in the Fiscal Year 08-09 budget prior to the formal approval in April of that budget. The amount is not to exceed $22,000. The cut-off date for ordering the 2008 vehicle is March 15, but it will be paid for after the May 1 budget is in effect. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Hinnen, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye.

Moved by V. Punke, second by Zeltwanger, to approve the recommendation from the Public Safety Committee to allow the purchase of three tasers by Chief Misener out of special funds in an amount not to exceed $3,500. Special funds include Pull Tabs, College Reserves, and Drug-related Fines. Discussion was held concerning the use, training, policies, etc. for the tasers by the officers. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Zeltwanger, Kupfer, Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye. Meares voted no.

Moved by Waters, second by Hinnen, to approve the recommendation from the Maintenance Committee to order the 2008 Ford Ranger  which is included in the Fiscal Year 08-09 budget prior to the formal approval in April of that budget. The amount is not to exceed $12,000. The cut-off date for ordering the 2008 vehicle is April 1. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Hinnen, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, Hinthorne, and Prather all voting Aye.

Moved by Meares, second by V. Punke, to approve the recommendation from the Administration Committee for Ordinance 08-01 adopting the 2008 edition of the Eureka Municipal Code. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye.

Moved by Hinnen, second by Meares, to approve the recommendation of the Park Committee to proceed with the feasibility study for a municipal swimming pool. The cost of the study of $25,000 will be in the FY 2008-2009 budget. If the pool is built, $16,000 of the $25,000 will be credited back. Discussion was held. The Mayor stated that a referendum would undoubtedly be held to get the approval of the citizens. Passed on roll call vote with V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Meares, Prather, and Waters all voting Aye. Hinthorne voted no.

Committee Reports:

Chairman Waters of the Budget Committee:  The 0809 budget is still in the red by $17,000. Waters asked the chairs of committee to go back to go over budgets to reduce by that amount.

Chairman Meares of the Administration and Personnel Committee: This committee will meet Thursday, Feb 7, 6:30 p.m.

Chairman Hinnen of the Enterprise Committee: No report

Chairman Waters of the Maintenance Committee: With all of this winter weather the crews have been very busy clearing roads. They have done a great job. A preliminary road repair schedule will be ready next week. Council will get copies of it to review. Council members are asked to check their Wards for repair.

Chairman V. Punke of the Public Safety Committee: No report

Chairman Hinnen of the Park and Recreation Committee:  No report

Chairman Kupfer of the Economic Development Committee: The committee meeting scheduled last Thursday night was canceled. They will meet on Wednesday, February 13 at 6 p.m.

Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Committee: No report

Chair Hinthorne of the Communications Committee: No report

New Business: The City received the $20,000 grant for sidewalk improvement. Rep. Keith Sommer put in the request for this for us. He was sent a thank you letter on behalf of the Council.

Public Comments: Don Koski spoke stating that he does not want a tax increase. This is a hard time for senior citizens. He feels a senior center should be available in our community. Also he is concerned about the snow plowing done by our crews. Scott asked Mr. Koski to call him and his aldermen next time so they can see how to correct the problem.

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

Marilyn Walter, City Clerk