CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Sparta City Hall

May 11, 2010

6:30 pm

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Mike Younker at 6:30pm with Alderman Steve Beyers, Raymond Hampton, Carl Hull and Jim Campbell all present. Also present for Council meeting was City Attorney, James Bowles and City Clerk Deborah Snider. Minutes of the April 13^th meeting were read and approved by Council. Alderman Steve Beyers made a motion to accept minutes of previous Council meeting. Alderman Carl Hull 2^nd. All in favor.

City Council reviewed April, 2010 bank statements, the General Fund Reconciliation Report, and the Water Department Credit Adjustment Report. Council also reviewed expenses of the previous month. Alderman Steve Beyers made a motion to approve the expenses. Alderman Jim Campbell made a 2^nd. All in favor.

OLD BUSINESS:

Chief Niesen presented Council with a report of the police department’s daily activities for the month of April. Chief Niesen presented Council with a Ride-a-long forms. Anyone wishing to ride along with an Officer needs to complete these forms before permission is granted.

A discussion was made regarding the Quit Claim Deed for Dollar General property. Motion to ratify signatures was made by Alderman Jim Campbell. Alderman Steve Beyers made a 2^nd. All in favor.

Discussion was made regarding letter of commitment toward water and sewer costs. Mayor Younker asks if Council wants to stick with original commitment of $25,000 or commit to more. Mayor Younker states a variety of Bank accounts may be used for payment of water and sewer line construction. Dr. Jeff Hyatt asks if the new School will need any easements. Public works director, Mike Evans states water lines are on the South side of Division St. and sewer lines vary on the North and South side of Division. City Attorney James Bowles states unless water and sewer lines cross private property, no easements are necessary. Dr. Hyatt states the new School will need a booster tank for additional water supply. Dr. Hyatt states he would like for the City to commit $75,000 to the project.

Mayor Younker states Engineer Andy Novinger says water and sewer project with loop will costs between $350,000 and $360,000. Mayor Younker states city will receive approximately $150,000 from USDA grant money. Mayor Younker states that our water and sewer rates are cheaper than most others in the area. Alderman Jim Campbell says we should look into it further. Mayor Younker states USDA will need our commitment as soon as possible. Alderman Steve Beyers states he would like to wait to make a decision. Alderman Jim Campbell 2nds motion. All in favor.

All Alderman in favor of setting a Special Session on May 18, 2010 at 6:30pm to discuss water and sewer project. Dr. Jeff Hyatt states construction on new School should begin in October or November 2010.

Jason Preston was unavailable for the Council meeting.

Discussion was had on sidewalk at South and Cherry Street. Alderman Steve Beyers says that the sidewalk is unsafe. Mayor Younker says we need to look into replacing drainage and the sidewalk. City Attorney Bowles suggests to take bids on repair of drainage and sidewalk. City must pay prevailing wage on this project. Alderman Beyers makes motion to take bids on sidewalk. Alderman Hampton 2nds motion. All in favor. Terry Wilkins says drainage issue must be fixed before sidewalk can be fixed. Mr. Wilkins says he can pay for sidewalk if City will fix drainage issue.

Public Works Director, Mike Evans approaches Board of Alderman regarding condemnation of Property. Mayor Younker states City inspector must deem property a danger to the community.

Park Board President, Blake Leyland presents the City with a plan for the park. Park board wants to buy 2 pieces of playground equipment for the Park. Mr. Leyland presents Council HGAC Buy Contract and asks Council if Park Board should enter into a contract. City Attorney James Bowles says playground equipment and installations costs should be put out for bid. Park board needs to run an ad in Newspaper for 2 weeks. City Council authorizes Park Board to spend up to $15,000 for equipment. Alderman Steve Beyers made a motion to approve. Alderman Raymond Hampton 2^nd motion. All in favor. Blake Leyland also asks council for approval to spend $6,700.00 on fireworks for 4^th of July celebration. Fireworks display will be Sat. June 26^th or Fri July 2^nd. Mr. Leyland states $4,500 for fireworks and $2,200 for extras such as pony rides and inflatables for celebration. Alderman Carl Hull makes motion to approve expenses. Alderman Raymond Hampton 2nds motion. All in favor.

Vince Denief proposes City needs to moves his water meter to his property instead of on his neighbor’s property. Mayor younker asks if Mr. Denief would be willing to pay half of costs.

Alderman Steve Beyers makes a motion to close meeting. Alderman Jim Campbell 2^nd motion. All in favor.