Lewistown City Council – June 2024 Minutes
June 3, 2024
Mayor Sharpe called the meeting to order with Aldermen Lay, Huebotter and Geisendorfer, Treasurer Lori Washburn, Troy TenEyck and Clerk Shirley Hetzler in attendance.
Alderman Geisendorfer moved to approve the Treasurer’s report as printed and distributed, Alderman Huebotter seconded and the motion carried.
Alderman Huebotter moved to approve the minutes of the previous regular and special meetings as printed and distributed, Alderman Lay seconded, and the motion carried.
Collector Rachel McKenzie was present to advise she’s currently working on preparation of letters for delinquent taxes prior to the August tax sale. Installing a drop box for payment of taxes was discussed as well as obtaining separate post office boxes for the Collector and Water Department.
Zachary O’Neal was present to express his interest in the remainder of the one-year unexpired term for First (North) Ward Alderman previously held by Wes Sharpe. He also submitted a letter to the Council stating his reasons to be selected for this position.
Betsy Kempe was present expressing her interest in the City Clerk position being vacated. She highlighted to the Council her strengths for this position which were stated in her previously submitted resume.
Troy TenEyck advised the trash dumpster at the apartments was to have been removed so there will be no further additional billings from Republic. Discussion was held on the City’s computer not being compatible with required programs. Troy had obtained a quote of $1,425.00 from Chris Gonnerman for a new computer. After further discussion, motion was made by Alderman Geisendorfer and seconded by Alderman Lay to obtain a quote for updating all City computers (Water Dept. and City Collector). Motion carried. Troy also stated he recently received an alert on his phone regarding issues at the water tower. Upon examination at the tower, it was determined valves weren’t functioning properly and the tower wasn’t getting water from CCWWC. Work was being done today to resolve these issues.
Mayor Sharpe stated that since no ditching bids have been received, he visited with Cory Logsdon who is interested in doing this work later in the summer, to begin where the work was ended last summer. Driveway tubes for properties east of the Methodist Church on East Quincy Street to Pine Street were briefly discussed. A cost estimate will be obtained from Mr. Logsdon before any work is begun.
Alderman Geisendorfer inquired about the amount of diesel fuel used by the City. Discussion was held on possibly acquiring a small tank and saving taxes on the clear fuel currently being purchased. He will contact Ayers about possibly acquiring a used 300 gallon tank for the City’s use.
Brief discussion was held on making the Building Inspector a paid position and seeking a qualified person to assume this role for inspection of dwellings during the nuisance ordinance or condemnation process.
Alderman Huebotter moved to contact the City Attorney to see if the City can have water bills for rental properties placed in the name of the property owner instead of the renter. Alderman Geisendorfer seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
Review of nuisance ordinance violation letters sent last month was held. The Council directed that additional letters be sent to Matthew Fletcher, David Lay and Edwin Ellis for mowing. Letters also shall be sent to Jerod Payne and Angela Mosley for mowing.
Possible violation of the kennel ordinance at the Billy Davis residence and continued violation of the nuisance ordinance (overgrown vegetation and piled cut brush) were discussed. No action will be taken until after the court probation review this month.
Parking of equipment along the ditch at Derrick Turner’s was discussed. Alderman Geisendorfer will DIA make contact with Turner about his moving the equipment from this location.
Committee appointments were tabled until after the appointment of a North Ward Alderman.
Motion to approve the 2024-2025 liquor license for Los Girasoles II LLC was made by Alderman Geisendorfer and seconded by Alderman Lay. Motion carried.
Adoption of the 2024-2025 budget was tabled until next month.
Nothing new was reported on available grants for a sidewalk project to Dollar General.
Payment to Larry Lay for cutting four trees was confirmed.
The need for mulch at the park playground was discussed as well as adding mulch to the Lemo playground area.
Being no further business to come before the regular meeting, motion was made by Aldermanageme Huebotter and seconded by Alderman Geisendorfer to adjourn the regular meeting and go into closed session per Section 610.021(3) as previously posted. Roll call: Lay aye, Huebotter aye, Geisendorfer aye. Motion carried.
Approved
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Hetzler – City Clerk
See May 2024 Lewistown City Council Meeting Minutes Here
