April 11, 2000 Council Meeting

 The LaGrange City Council met in session on Monday evening, April 10, 2000 at 7.00 p.m. with Mayor Harold L. Ludwig presiding and the following Council members present: Ayers, Lowe, Sherwood, Martin Wiewel and Burbridge.

*Copies of the minutes from the March 13, 2000 meeting were given to the Council. Mayor Ludwig asked for additions or corrections. Sherwood stated in the minutes for dates given by Larry Seckington for Mark Twain Casino should be May and June. Martin motioned to accept the minutes with the correction. Sherwood seconded the motion. Motion carried with all six yes.

*Copies of the minutes from the March 15, 2000 Fire Committee meeting were given to the Council. Mayor Ludwig asked for any additions or corrections. Ayers motioned to accept the minutes. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried all six yes.

*Copies of the minutes from the March 20, 2000 special meeting were given to the Council. Mayor Ludwig asked for addition or corrections. Wiewel motioned to accept the minutes. Sherwood seconded the motion. Motion carried all six yes.Copies of the minutes from the March 22, 2000 Community Fire Association meeting were given to the Council. Mayor Ludwig stated it was up to the Council if they would like to approval these minutes. Martin motioned to accept the minutes. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried all six yes.

*A listing of bills were given to the Council. Mayor Ludwig stated he had two bills not listed, from Fire Chief Heindselman. The first one was for $180 for arson and fire investigation and the second one in the amount of $85.86 for mileage. Mayor Ludwig stated there was not enough money left in the training budget to cover either of these two bills. Heindselman stated the mileage was from 2 to 3 weeks ago when from attending a meeting held in Jefferson City by the Fire Marshal, and he was basically asking for approval to move money from another area in the budget to cover this training. Ayers stated the money was available to transfer but Sherwood had stated in a past meeting, these matters should be brought before the Council before taking action. Ayers also stated but since the Mayor and Police Chief went to where ever it was to find out about another towns gaming boat, and the City Clerk went to Jefferson City without permission and you can check the minutes, these bills should be paid. Ayers made the motion to move money to pay these two bills with a strong reprimand to not do it again. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried with five yes and Sherwood opposing.

LET'S SEE NOW. SINCE THE MAYOR SPENDS MONEY WITHOUT APPROVAL AND THE CITY CLERK SPENDS MONEY WITHOUT APPROVAL, IT IS NOW OK FOR THE FIRE CHIEF TO SPEND MONEY WITHOUT APPROVAL. DONE IT BEFORE, WILL DO IT AGAIN.

Mayor Ludwig asked for any further additions or corrects to the bills. Lowe motioned to pay the bills. Wiewel seconded the motion. Motion carried all six Yes.

*Copies of the Treasurer Report  were given to the Council. Mayor Ludwig asked for comments. Martin asked if there was a water leak up by Ronnie Powers. Vaughn stated he first thought it was a leak at a valve, but he is waiting on United Cities Gas to mark their line. Ayers stated he has had to replace the flipper in his stool twice since 1993 and he has shown the part to Vaughn and he was told it was bad metal in the flipper. Avers stated if the water was doing this to his stool what was it doing to the other appliances. Ayers stated he felt the water needed to be analyzed or checked into to see what is causing the problem. Martin asked Vaughn if there was anything further that could be done. Vaughn stated softening the water would be one step. Mayor Ludwig asked Vaughn if he had checked into the cost of a softener. Vaughn stated no. Ayers stated Vaughn had shown him a piece of pipe that the water dept., had to replace and it was full of material collected in the pipe from years of use. Wiewel stated with no further discussion he moved to accept the report. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried all six yes. 

GOOD OL FRED (no prayer here) Wiewel. Get off the subject and forget it.

Visitors: Larry Seckington, the Attorney representing Mark Twain Gaming, was present and Mayor Ludwig; turned the floor over to him. Seckington spoke to the Council projected start dates for placing ads in the paper for bids. Seckington also stated their financial backer were in town to look over the area where the Casino is to be built and they should be completely done with the financing part around the 15th of May. Seckington stated the Casino was also going to need to acquire additional ground from the City. The property is on the east side of Route B in Block Two (2) and Block Twenty-two (22). Block Two (2) would be used for semi parking and Block Twenty-Two (22) would be left as is and used to hold run off' from the property on the west side of Route B. Discussion was held regarding a 10" gas line in this area. Seckington stated there would be no construction in this area as he had stated it would remain as it is. Seckington stated he would prepare a proposal for the Council regarding the needed ground so that they would have it for the next Council meeting. Ayers stated he did not want any more closed session regarding dealing with the Casino. Avers stated he feels everyone should be able to hear, because what he interpret and what the other Councilmen interpret is sometimes different. Martin stated he did not agree. Meetings regarding real estate, should be closed under the sunshine law. Ayers stated Martin should check with the Sun Shine law, Martin stated he was aware of the law.  

FORGET IT ANDY. MARTIN WANTS THESE SECRET MEETINGS. 

Ayers stated, it states it may be closed it does not state it has to be closed. Martin stated this is true but when a City holds discussion on real estate it should be under closed. 

  (pave my drive free) does not believe that the public should be able to know what he is planning against them.

Ayers stated he had his option. Martin stated that is right and he is entitled to voice his. Seckington stated if the weather permits, they should be under construction by June first and completion in 10 months. Theresa Gunsauls asked, what should the City be telling individuals who call about jobs on the boat. Seckington said anyone interested in sending a resume. The City could have them sent to his office. A job fair would not be held until 3 to 4 months before they get ready to open. Ayers asked about completing 3rd street. Seckington stated this would be part of the over all project, but the engineer would be informed this needed to be completed. Ayers asked if notice could be given before they start on the road so home owners could be notified. Seckington stated that would not be a problem and the home owners would have access to get home. Having no further questions, Mayor Ludwig thanked Seckington for coming.

*Visitor: Marleen Booher spoke to the Council regarding having a street light placed in the middle of the block where she has her business. According to Booher she is afraid to leave the neighborhood at night with $5 or $500 because it is so dark. Ayers motioned to have the street light installed. Burbridge second the motion. Motion carried all six. 

*Visitor: Sheri Tobias asked the Council to consider closing an alley located next to their property, so they can in the future build a garage. Ayers asked if the City usually' did this. Mayor Ludwig stated in the past the City has turned down these request.  

TOBIAS YOU ARE NOT A GAMBLING BOAT. BUT, IF YOU WENT TO FRED (NO PRAYER HERE) WIEWEL AND RALPH (PAVE MY DRIVE FREE) MARTIN ON THE SIDE, YOU MIGHT GET YOUR ALLEY CLOSED. 

Tobias, asked if this request was denied would the City mark the alley so they would know where they could and could not build. Tobias asked about how far from the City street would they need to be to place a small building. Mayor Ludwig stated 10 feet, and Mayor Ludwig said he would have the City Attorney look into the alley request and get back with Tobias. 

WHAT ORDINANCE STATES 10 FEET?  NO SUCH ORDINANCE. 

*Unfinished Business: Annette Sweet from Ameren UL, was present regarding the proposed contract with the City and two ordinances. Discussion was held regarding the length of the ordinance. Mayor Ludwig stated all of this City's having a franchise agreement with Ameren is for 20 years, they do not sign on anything less, due to the financing. 

WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL. 

 Lowe motioned to sign the contract with Ameren. Wiewel second the motion. Motion carried with four yes. Martin abstain and Ayers opposing. 

Ordinance #398 Renewing an existing Franchise agreement: as adopted with 4 yes and Martin abstained and Ayers opposing. 

Ordinance #399 Providing for Lighting by electricity in the streets, avenue. alley's and other public places in the City of LaGrange, was adopted with 4 yes and Martin abstained and Ayers opposing. 

Ayers asked about having a work session for the whole Council regarding the proposed 2000-2001 City budget. Ayers stated this way questioned could be asked before the budget is presented to the Council to be approved. Martin stated this could be done on the 19th of April with the Finance committee. Ayers asked if a meeting was going to be held with the Communitv Fire Association board regarding the Fire Dept., budget. Martin stated their budget had been taken care of. Ayers stated it had been agreed in a meeting that all would attend when the Finance committee discussed, their budget. Martin stated that the committee had Heindselman submit a budget and the committee worked from there. Heindselman stated he would have like to been present to defend his budget. The Council agreed to meet regarding the budget on April 19, 2000 when the Council will meet to approve the election and payment of election cost. 

Committee Reports: Burbridge chairman of the Parks/Cemetery Committee stated he would like to thank everyone involved in getting the play ground equipment. Basketball court and ground work completed. They all did a fine job and the Parks look great. Ayers asked about painting lines on the court. If so it would be 30 days or longer before this could be done. No action was taken. Ayers stated someone other then himself needs to check out the swings. Ayers stated to him they are weather checked and he was not sure how long this would last or what it would cost to replace them. Burbridge stated he had several books at home and he would check into the cost of replacing the seats. Ayers stated that the City crew would need to do some additional cleaning up in the park of excess concrete. fill in ruts and place some fill dirt where needed. Ayers also asked about checking with Lewis County to see if they had anyone needed to do community service. No further action was taken. 

*New Business: Mayor Ludwig stated there are two resolution that the Council needed to consider passing. Mayor Ludwig read the propose resolution to the Council. A resolution to grant authority' to the Mayor to negotiate and enter into construction contracts with Ensor Construction and S. A. Construction LLC of CT. Ensor stated that in the resolution under the part for Ensor Construction it calls for reinforcement to be in the apron. The cost of reinforcement are 6 gauge mat for both buildings $950 10 gauge for both building $561 regular roll wire for both buildings $450.8' x 15' mat for both buildings $650. Ensor stated something needs to be in the aprons. Martin motion to put the 10 gauge steel at $561.00 in. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried all six yes. Lowe motioned to adopt the resolution. Burbridge second the motion Roll call vote; Burbridge yes Wiewel yes. Martin yes Sherwood yes Lowe yes and Avers yes. 

Proposed Resolution: A resolution to grant authority to the Mayor. to negotiate and enter into future contracts and or agreements for the completion of the City Maintenance Building and Fire Station. Mayor Ludwig read the resolution to the Council. Martin stated he did not think- the resolution was consistent with what the was trying to do. Martin asked that an additional statement be placed in the resolution to help make it clear that only alter the Council approved any further contract or agreements. City Attorney Kruse added the additional statement. Ayers stated the thought the resolution should be tabled. Martin motioned to adopt the resolution with the City Clerk to make the necessary changes. Sherwood second the motion. Roll call vote. Avers abstained Lowe yes Sherwood yes Martin yes Wiewel yes and Burbridge yes. 

*M.Lowe stated Chief Baker had asked him to present to the Council his request to purchase a refurbished 600 1 digital camera in the amount of $409 with an extended warranty for $89. Lowe stated there was make in the Police dept. budget to cover this expense. Lowe stated if Baker was allowed to make this purchase he was going to give the City Hall the other camera. Ayers asked how can Chief Baker just sell or give away property without asking permission. Lowe stated he hasn't that is what he is asking now of the full Council. Ayers asked why this could not be tabled and let the new Council make the decision. Lowe stated Chief Baker wanted to use money from this budget year. Martin stated he thought the present camera did a good enough job and another one is not needed. Further discussion was held. Wiewel motioned to allow- the purchase of $409 without the extended warranty. Burbridge second the motion. Motion carried with four yes and Martin and Ayers opposing.

*Fire Chief Heindselman asked the Council for their permission to due a volunteer job of hydrant flow checks on each hydrant. According to Heindselman this is needed for the ISO rating and it needs to be completed before June. Heindselman stated the flow rating was 40% of an ISO rating. The flow test needs to be done yearly and kept on file. Lowe motioned to allow the Firemen to do the testing, with either Vaughn or Slater accompanying them. 

WELL FOLKS, THERE GOES YOUR WATER. THE YELLOW STAINS AND BROWN WATER WILL BE HERE ALL SUMMER. 

DO NOT CALL THE WATER DEPARTMENT. CALL GREG HEINDSELMAN

The public is to be notified first and since the testing is to be done on the weekend  with Vaughn or Slater will be paid for their time. Martin second the motion carried all Six yes.

*Fire Chief Heindselman stated so far the following calls have be answered by the Fire Dept.. 20 medical structure flies. 4 vehicle. 8 mutual aid 4 grass fires. 1 tree fire 2 weather and 9 meetings.

Heindselman also asked if overhead door had been called regarding the doors for the two buildings. Mayor Ludwig stated no, but he would call them 04 11:00.

Mayor Ludwig stated a letter was in the Council packet from the City Attorney regarding Mo Legislative changes. The only one at present was for dangerous and unsafe buildings. The present ordinance can be up dated at the cost of $80 to $160. Wiewel motioned to take care of the matter as soon as possible. Martin second the motion. Motion carried five yes with Ayers opposing. 

I WONDER WHO THEY ARE AFTER NOW.  

*Sherwood asked about the sludge truck the City was interested in. Mayor Ludwig stated the City was unable to purchase the truck.

*Ayers asked if a restriction could be placed on property being sold. City Attorney Kruse stated the City could place this restriction on the deed. Ayers stated he felt this should be the practice m the future and it would benefit the buyer and seller.

*Lowe stated he had been asked by the Riverfront Liquor store if the City employee could dump the barrel by her business every two weeks. Mayor Ludwig stated the barrel were placed there to help keep trash off of the street and as a courtesy and the City should not be put on a time schedule. Avers stated the barrels are the owners problem. Vaughn stated in the pasted they have used these barrel for their private use. Avers stated it is her customers using the barrel to disregard boxes so the problem is hers. No further action was taken on this matter.

*Ayers asked if anything had been done regarding the loop. Mayor Ludwig turned the floor over to the City Attorney Kruse. According to Kruse there are two options. A volunteer annex and all of the residents have to agree or a City vote to change the boundary. Sherwood stated he had spoken to someone that lives on the road and they are not in favor of annex. Martin stated our charter allow the City to hop from one location to the another. 

WHERE IN THE WORLD DID HE GET THAT INFORMATION???????? 

 The City Attorney is to check into the different options available to the City. Oh Yeah!

*Mayor Ludwig stated the Chamber is asking if the City wanted to co-sponsor the Appreciation Day again. Ayers motioned to allow $200. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried all six yes.

* Sherwood asked about taking the school speed limit signs down since there is no longer a school. Mayor Ludwig and Martin stated they have been left up since the school buses load and unload in the parking lot.

* Ayers asked if a survey had ever been done regarding the weigh limit on trucks, or had it just been dropped. Mayor Ludwig stated it had been dropped.

Having no further business before the Council. Martin motioned to adjourn the meeting. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried all six yes.