MINUTES OF THE EUREKA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 16, 2009

The Eureka City Council convened in regular session at the County Court House Annex on November 16, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. following a reception for the retirement of Jim Lehman, Director of Public Works, and Chief Al Misener. 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 Hinthorne, Prather, Sancken, Waters, Meares, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, and Hinnen. Also in attendance were Lynn Hinnen, Treasurer; Marilyn Walter, City Clerk; and Anne Sandvik, City Administrator.

Mayor Punke recognized Chief Misener, who has been with the City as Chief of Police for 13 years, and Jim Lehman who has been with the City for 36 years. Jim retires on Friday and Chief in December. The City of Eureka is a better place to live because of their service. The Mayor thanked them and gave gifts to them. Jim and Al thanked the Council for their support throughout the years. Both were excused from the meeting to be with their families who attended the reception.

Moved by Hinnen, second by Hinthorne, to approve the minutes of the November 2, 2009, regular meeting of the City Council. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, Sancken, Waters, Meares, Kupfer, and Zeltwanger 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 Kupfer, to approve and pay the bills as the City’s obligation in the amount of $200,890.16. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Hinnen, Kupfer, Hinthorne, Prather, Sancken, Meares, and Zeltwanger all voting Aye.

Moved by Waters, second by Hinthorne, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented for the month ending October 31, 2009. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Hinthorne, Prather, Sancken, Meares, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, and Hinnen all voting Aye.

Moved by Meares, second by Prather, to approve Ordinance 09-16 amending the Eureka Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance Title 17 with the amendment to 17.55 Rate Fee Structure, Permit, and Inspection Fees to require inspections for remodeling for commercial properties. This is recommended by the Administration Committee. The intent of the ordinance is for new commercial remodeling. The Mayor stated that the definition is left up to the City Administrator. If the owner disagrees, the Council would be consulted. Discussion was held. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Prather, Hinthorne, Kupfer, Zeltwanger, and Hinnen all voting Aye. Sancken and Waters voted Nay. The motion passed.

Moved by Meares, second by Zeltwanger, to approve Ordinance 09-17 An Ordinance amending the Eureka Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance Title 17 with the amendment to 17.55 Rate Fee Structure, Permit, and Inspection Fees to increase the fine from $25.00 to $100.00 for not calling for a required inspection. This is the recommendation of the Administration Committee. Discussion was held. This is not a fee but a fine. Many do not follow the rules in getting a building permit and scheduling the required inspections. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Zeltwanger, Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, and Sancken all voting Aye. Waters and Kupfer voted Nay.

Moved by Meares, second by Hinnen, to approve Ordinance 09-18 an Ordinance requiring the recording of the plat for the Lakeview Acres Section 14-B as annexed and made a part of the City of Eureka. This is recommended by the Administration Committee. This is a paper work issue. Passed on roll call vote with Meares, Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, Sancken, Waters, Kupfer, and Zeltwanger all voting Aye.

Moved by Sancken, second by Hinthorne, to approve the purchase of six benches and six garbage receptacles at a cost of $3,600. This purchase is from a company that is going out of business. The benches and garbage receptacles match the ones we have in the downtown area. Passed on roll call vote with Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, Sancken, Waters, Meares, Kupfer, and Zeltwanger all voting Aye.

Moved by Waters, second by Sancken, to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Glen Herren to the position of Superintendent of Streets and Maintenance. Waters, Chair of the committee, reported the application and interview process. Their choice was given to the Mayor. Mr. Herren starts work on November 17. Passed on roll call vote with Waters, Sancken, Hinnen, Hinthorne, Prather, Meares, Kupfer, and Zeltwanger all voting Aye.

 

Committee Reports:
Chairman Waters of the Budget Committee: No report

Chairman Meares of the Administration and Personnel Committee: No report

Chairman Hinnen of the Enterprise Committee: Will meet November 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Chairman Waters of the Maintenance Committee: Welcome to Mr. Herren.

Chairman Zeltwanger of the Public Safety Committee: This committee is working on making their final report to the Mayor after interviewing several applicants for the Chief of Police position.

Chairman Hinnen of the Park and Recreation Committee: No report

Chairman Sancken of the Economic Development Committee: Will be meeting on Monday, November 23, at 6:30 p.m.

Chairman Mayor Punke of the Liquor Commission: The Commission met in a hearing concerning the sale of alcohol to a minor at Casey’s. The Commission recommended and set the fine at $1,000 for Casey’s.

Chair Hinthorne of the Communications Committee: Will be meeting soon to discuss the 2010 schedule.

New Business: City Clerk Marilyn Walter told the Council that the IGA store is giving five cents to Eureka Area Food Pantry each time a patron uses a “green” bag instead of their plastic bags. This can be a great thing for the Food Pantry in terms of funds. The number of clients is rising each month.

Public Comments: None

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

____________________________
Marilyn Walter, City Clerk