March 14, 2000

The LaGrange City Council met in session on Monday~ evening, March 13, 2000 at 700 p m, with Mayor Harold L Ludwig presiding and the following Council members present Lowe, Ayers, Burbridge, Martin, Sherwood and Wiewel. Copies of the minutes from the February 14, 2000 meeting were given to the Council Mayor Ludwig asked for additions or corrections Wiewel motioned to accept the minutes Lowe second the motion earned all six yes.

 *Copies of the minutes from the February 29, 2000 special meeting were given to the Council Mayor Ludwig asked for any additions or corrections Martin motioned to accept the minutes, Ayers second the motion earned all six yes

 *Copies of the minutes from the March 06, 2000 special meeting were given to the Council Mayor Ludwig asked for addition or corrections Ayers motioned to accept the minutes Martin second the motion earned all six yes.

A listing of bills were given to the Council Mayor Ludwig asked for questions or comments. Ayers asked about the petty cash, City Clerk Spindler stated that was to reimburse petty cash that is paid out for mailing samples for the water dept, washing police cars and other small misc. items. Ayers asked about the check to Mayor Ludwig. Mayor Ludwig stated this was for a hotel bill and meals. A City check was given, but the bill was not figured correctly and he had to pay the remaining balance out of his pocket. Ayers asked about the Gall’s bill. City Clerk Spindler stated she was not sure of the all the purchases, but the Fire Dept, had purchased emergency kits. Ayers asked about the Hannibal Regional bill. City Clerk Spindler stated this was for Officer Hydrons physical and hepatitis B shots.

SEEMS AS THOUGH ONLY ANDY AYERS QUESTIONS questionable BILLS. Keep it up Andy!

 Having no further discussion, Lowe motioned to accept and pay the bills Wiewel seconded the motion. Motion earned all five yes with Ayers abstaining.

  *Copies of the Treasurer Report were given to the Council Mayor Ludwig, asked for questions or comments Ayers asked why the payment from the Rural Fire Association was not on the investments. City Clerk Spindler stated she would check into the matter and correct the report. Ayers asked about the high water loss for this month compared to the pass months. Sherwood asked Vaughn if there was a water leak on Monroe street. Vaughn stated no, there was a problem with the sewer. Ayers stated the loss was 642,000 gallons over last months report. Ayers asked Vaughn if he had any idea as to what the problem could be? Vaughn stated when they get the report  it is a month behind, and if the Fire Dept pumps water he has no figures. Vaughn stated he has contacted Westrum Leak Detection and they will he here in first part of April to check for leaks Wiewel stated with no further discussion, he motioned to adopt the treasurer report. Burbridge second the motion carried all six yes.

 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 regarding the gaming commissions decision to allow for a permanent dockside Casino.

THIS HAS BEEN HASHED AND REHASHED HOW MANY TIMES NOW?

 Seckington stated they have signed all contracts with the engineers and architect's.

WHY WASN'T THIS DONE MONTHS AGO? OR YEARS AGO?

 At present they are getting rid of contaminated soil. They plan to go into contract by June first, and start construction by July first. Seckington stated they will be letting out for bids in the local papers And hopefully they will he up and running by Spring of 2001.

ANOTHER YEAR TO GO!

 Discussion was held getting contractor in this busy season.

WHAT BUSY SEASON???  ANOTHER STALL??

 Seckington stated several have been in contact with them and they are aware of the upcoming project. Seckington stated they will be needing letters regarding utilities in the area if they will have available to them.

NOW IS A FINE TIME TO ASK!

Wiewel asked if the Casino will be allowed to 1eave the restrooms on solid ground.

WHAT?

 Seckington stated the designs were approved as submitted, and this will allow them to move even faster on construction. Mayor Ludwig asked how often were licensed renewed. Seckington ,stated every two years. Fire Chief Heindselman asked Seckington if he could arrange a meeting with the Casino regarding safety issues. 

The Fire Chief should have talked to the Mayor First.

Seckington stated that would he good. Seckington also stated that once final plans are completed they will be submitted to the City for approval and they will meet with the Police Dept and Fire Dept regarding public safety. Mayor Ludwig stated on one of the letters they are asking the City to sign states the real estate is not in the flood zone. Seckington stated this is not true and their financing company aware of this. They will be raising the level of ground to meet the 500 year flood. Discussion was held regarding a ground breaking ceremony. Seckington stated that would be up to the Council. Lowe stated he has been asked several times regarding an official ground breaking. Seckington stated once a general contractor is hired, they will plan on having a ground breaking ceremony. Having no further discussion, Mayor Ludwig thanked Seckington for coming

*Visitor Annette Sweet from Ameren TIE Sweet stated information was provided to the Council last month in regards to an electric franchise and proposed ordinance to renew the City’s street lighting contract. Sweet stated the franchise only gives them permission to have facilities on the City right of way and does not limit the City to only one utility. Discussion was held regarding rates, getting a map to show where each street light sets, and tree maintenance program. Discussion was held on Smart Light grants. Sweet stated they will be available in April and she would send one to the City Clerk. Discussion was held on Ameren putting up lights at the substation located next to the two new construction sites, verse the City trying to have lights installed. Ayers motioned to table further discussion regarding the franchise and ordinance until a working session could be held with the full Council. Wiewel second the motion carried all six yes. Mayor Ludwig thanked Sweet for coming Ayers motioned for a ten minute recess. Wiewel second the motion earned all six yes. Martin motioned to return to session Burbridge seconded the motion. Motion carried. all six yes.

  *Committee Reports: Ayers stated at the meeting held with the Rural Fire Association, the following items were agreed on to be purchased, Antenna, coax and mount brackets at $240, repair to one mobile unit and three portable radio’s which would include new batteries at $250, and to purchase a spare battery at $50. And the Lewis County Fire Association is asking for a $50 yearly due to help cover cost of training, secretarial services and mailings. Ayers motioned to allow for the purchase of the above items. Sherwood seconded the motion. Motion carried. all six yes. Wiewel and Chief Baker discussed with the Council purchasing a 10 x 6 x 6 dog kennel, to keep the police dog in.

NOW, ARE PAYING FOR TWO POLICE DOGS?? WHERE IS THE ONE BAKER HAD?

 The cost of the kennel and cover would he under $200. Burbridge motioned to allow the purchase of the kennel and cover. Lowe second the motion. Motion carried with four yes and Martin and Ayers voting no.

 *Chief Baker spoke to the Council regarding purchasing an additional computer for his office with a 15 GB hard drive, witch will be the main frame and the existing two computers will be net worked together. Chief Baker stated he had gotten a price of $1300 for the tower and monitor.

Baker must have a friend who needs a lot of PROFIT.

 Ayers motioned to allow the purchase. Burbridge seconded the motion. Motion carried with five yes and Martin opposing.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mayor Ludwig and Chief Baker gave a small presentation regarding their findings when they went to Caruthersville, MO A typed  report from Chief Baker was given to the Council for their information. No action was taken.

 Martin stated with actions not taken on the electrical and interior work bids, and the Council wanting both contractors to work with them on reducing cost, he feels the Council should take some measure. Further discussion was held regarding this matter. Lowe motioned to speak with the City Attorney and have the information available at the working session to he held on Wednesday evening. Wiewel seconded the motion. Motion carried. all six yes.

 *Sherwood asked Mayor Ludwig if he had heard anything regarding the loop. Mayor Ludwig stated he had not and he would speak to the City Attorney. Ayers asked Vaughn if he was putting anything into the water to help with the magnesium problem. Vaughn stated not at the time.  Ayers stated he should check into this matter since a lot of the problem was with the magnesium.

 New Business: Mayor Ludwig turned the floor over to Burbridge. Burbridge stated he had spoken to several of the youths in the City regarding a basketball court to he placed in the City — Park. Burbridge stated he had spoke to Ayers and they had presented this to the Parks and Cemetery committee. Safety was a big factor in Burbridge wanting to install the court in the City park Also discussion was held in the committee regarding installing the playground equipment in the City park and purchasing a new tennis net and basket ball nets.

 JP Logsdon and other volunteers will be willing to donate their time to help with the cement work. Discussion was held on the City using it’s equipment to prepare the sight Ayers stated the Mayor had also suggested placing swing sets down at the River front. Martin slated it would be great to look into a Smart Lighting grant for this project. Also Ayers motioned to allow for the installing of the basketball court, purchasing of bag cement, tennis net, basket ball nets and setting of the merry - go - round, monkey bars and slide in the park as well as placing the swing set at the River front park not to exceed $2000. Wiewel second the motion earned all six yes.

 *Donation request from the Chamber of Commerce for their Easter egg hunt Ayers motioned to donate $100. Lowe second the motion earned all six yes.

 *Letter of two up coming meeting were presented to the Council for their information. No action was taken. Martin stated having no further new business, he motioned to go into closed session for discussion of real estate and personnel matter. Lowe second the motion earned all six yes. Ayers motioned to go back into open session. Wiewel second the motion. carried all six yes.

 *Mayor Ludwig stated he had one more matter before the Council Mayor Ludwig stated Jenny Reid had approached him regarding installing two lights at the end of her drive way and using the culvert to run conduit through to get electricity to both lights and the light would be set back ten feet from the street. Mayor Ludwig stated she was also going to install a privacy fence. The Council had no objection to either items.

 *Ayers motioned after the discussion in closed, he would like to make the motion to give the Assistant City Clerk a .60 raise effective immediately. Wiewel second. the motion carried all six yes

 *Mayor Ludwig asked the Council if they were going to take action on any other item discussed in closed session.

 No action was taken Having no further business before the Council Martin motioned to adjourn the meeting Sherwood second the motion carried. all six yes