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City of McFarland

Council Meeting

April 10, 2008

Mayor Perry Piper called the meeting to order with council members Cliff Hund, Connie Havenstein, and Stanley Havenstein present.    Arlan Miller arrived shortly after meeting started. Council member Tim Snowden was absent. Also present were Terry McDaniel, Ervan Stuewe, J.D. & Marie Miller, Randy Cossel, Aaron Miller and Tom Dillingham.

JD Miller discussed with the council several issues. Did the council wanted him to continue mowing the cemetery and was there a possibility of a raise. In addition, he voiced concern about drainage of his property to the ditch and the moving of buried cable and a telephone raiser box. The City Council requested employee McDaniel to contact Embarq / Dave Zeckser on getting information / time frame on relocation of buried cable and the raiser connection box. Council discussed issues concerning drainage ditch running along Fourth street, cleaning the drainage ditch by Joe Torneden residence, along with the county replacement schedule of stone culverts with tubes.

The council also exchanged views about the removal of Monkey Bars at the City Park due to safety concerns; ground covering for play area made of recycled material and two request dates for reserving the City Park, May 3 & 16.

Randy Cossel addressed the City Council with flooding concerns in and around his property and adjacent properties. He also requested to remove loose gravel from the streets for personal use. The City council agreed to the loose gravel.

The council heard discussion and exchanged views about drainage issues with the properties of Cory Thompson and Mike Newton on Main street including possible solutions. Additional discussion was heard from JD Miller on maintenance needed on driveways at the cemetery to address ruts in the roadbed. Council agreed to have McDaniels blade off the high spots and fill in the ruts with rock. 

Mayor Piper gave the council an update on current Municipal Court proceedings and the outcome of the hearing with Fred Beavers. The Honorable Blaine Carter, Municipal Judge, strongly urged the city council and residences to file complaints on all inoperable vehicles within the city. 

Minutes of the previous meeting held March 14^th were read and approved. Connie Havenstein moved to pay the bills. Seconded by Miller, motion passed with all voting yes.

McDaniel gave his monthly report:

Water: Discussion on computer software for water and sewer rates.  Needs to pull well pumps.

Gas: Will be attending classes at KCC for re-certification.  Installation of new anodes.

Sewer: Metal siding is in for completion of wall.

Parks: Nothing new. Still have limbs and branches to pick up.

Equipment: Nothing new.

Misc: Council heard discussion concerning concrete blocks for drainage ditch at 4^th and Wheeler and who will be hauling them.  McDaniel visited with certain persons involved with the on-going efforts at the retention dam, construction of a trash rack and specific individuals required being present when a camera is used to scope the retention dam tube. McDaniels reported that a digital camera and docking station would run $200. Miller moved to approve this purchase, Hund seconded the motion. Motion carried with all voting yes.

Discussion will be heard next meeting concerning a “city credit card” through Stockgrowers State Bank in Alma, for expenses.

Tom Dillingham discussed concerns of a dead walnut tree on Kenneth Piel (Jose Piel) property and if further action is required by the city to address the issue.

In new business, council discussed a pay raise for JD Miller for mowing and use of City Park by Myrna Gleue. Council approved use of the park.  Connie Havenstein held a discussion concerning cemetery lots available versus what is shown on the books. 

Hund moved to approve a pay raise for JD Miller $1 an hour raise and will be paid $65 to mow the cemetery. Seconded by S. Havenstein, motion carried with all voting yes. 

Discussion of a new computer for the City Clerks office will be tabled until the next meeting.

City wide clean up day will be May 17^th, city will retain the scrap iron. 

Council member Hund moved to reappoint the following: Stockgrowers State Bank as the official bank, The Wabaunsee Co. Signal Enterprise as the official newspaper, Norbert Marek, as the City Attorney, Larry Senne as the City Clerk / Utilities Clerk, and Angela Boeckman as the City Treasurer. Miller seconded motion. Motion carried with all voting yes. 

At 8:45 Hund moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Miller. Motion carried with all voting yes.