The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the City Building on September 15, 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 Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, Hinthorne and Prather. Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer; Marilyn Walter, City Clerk; Jim Lehman, Public Works Director; Chief Misener, and Anne Sandvik, City Administrator.

Moved by Hinnen, second by Meares, to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2008, regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Meares, Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinthorne, and Prather 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 V. Punke, to approve and pay the bills as the City’s obligation in the amount of $27,693.27. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, Hinthorne, and Prather all voting Aye.

Moved by Waters, second by V. Punke, to table acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending August 31, 2008. This is because the report did not get in the packets for the Aldermen. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, Hinthorne, and Prather all voting Aye.

Moved by Waters, second by Meares, to approve the Tree Removal and Maintenance Policy for the City of Eureka as recommended by the Maintenance Committee. The Policy defines the City’s responsibility for tree removal from private property on advice from our insurance company. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Meares, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Hinthorne, and Prather all voting Aye. This policy will be put in the newspaper as residents should check their insurance for coverage of removal of downed trees.

Moved by Waters, second by Hinthorne, to consider an amendment to increase the City Fiscal Year Budget 08-09 in the amount of $180,000, in line item 23-30-4160 (Maintenance of Utility System) from $192,500 to $372,500 to pick up the shortfall in the Budget to complete the Bullock to Henry Street Project this year. The 2008-2009 budget total will increase from $3,668,357 to $3,848,357. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Hinthorne, V. Punke, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Meares, and Prather all voting Aye. A budget hearing will be held; then this will come back to the Council for final approval. The money will come from the Enterprise Fund.

Moved by Hinnen, second by Meares, to approve the low bid from Feasel Excavating in the amount of $283,582 for the Bullock to Henry Street Sewer Project as recommended by the Enterprise Committee. Note: Bids for this Project were opened on August 29: Engineer estimate was $308,807.50. Other bids received were G.A. Rich $306,744.40; Hoerr Construction $334,946.00; Walker Excavating $323,627.01; Wiegand $298,141.50.Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Meares, Waters, V. Punke, Zeltwanger, Hinthorne and Prather all voting Aye. Kupfer voted No.

Committee Reports:

Chairman Waters of the Budget Committee: No report

Chairman Meares of the Administration and Personnel Committee: The next meeting will be Monday, September 22, at 6:30 p.m.

Chairman Hinnen of the Enterprise Committee: With the six inches plus of rain received over this weekend there were some weather related problems. The sewer plant is up and running now after being flooded. The Mayor reported that the Mayor of Minonk called this weekend when we were having major flooding problems and offered the assistance of his City personnel and equipment. Fortunately, we didn’t have to use them. The Mayor will write a letter of appreciation.

Chairman Waters of the Maintenance Committee: The September 11 meeting will reconvene on September 17 at 6:30 p.m.

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

Chairman Hinnen of the Park and Recreation Committee:  The second public pool meeting will be held tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. at Eureka Middle School.

Chairman Kupfer of the Economic Development Committee: Kupfer stated that the downtown area looks very nice. The Mayor announced that the Circus is coming to town on Friday, October 3, sponsored by Kiwanis and the Sesquicentennial Committee. The advance tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children.

Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Committee: This committee met on Monday, September 8, and changed the Food to Liquor Sales Report form so it is easier to fill out.

Chair Hinthorne of the Communications Committee: Hinthorne has made some updates on the website. Lawn Mower Poker for the Sesquicentennial will be held on Saturday, September 27. Lakeview Family Restaurant is having a cookout that same day with 10 percent of the proceeds going to the Sesquicentennial Fund. Sam Leman Motors is selling raffle tickets for a new car. Only 1380 tickets will be sold at $20 each.

New Business: The Eureka Business Association Gift Checks are now available in denominations of $5 and $10. They will be sold at Eureka Community Bank, Eureka Public Library, and City Hall.

Public Comments: None

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

____________________________

Marilyn Walter, City Clerk