City of Casey City Council met July 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was held beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Nik Groothuis was present over Zoom and called the Meeting to Order:
Roll Call:
Present: Alderman Mumford - Zoom
Alderman Richardson - Zoom
Alderman Ruffner – Zoom
Alderman Todd – In Council Room
Alderman Washburn - Zoom
Alderman Williams – In Council Room
Absent: None
A quorum was declared.
Public Forum:
None
Community Affairs:
None
Meeting Minutes:
Mayor Groothuis looked for approval of the minutes of the July 6th, 2020 City Council Meeting.
Alderman Ruffner motioned approval of the minutes of the July 6th, 2020 City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Mumford. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 5 – Williams, Mumford, Richardson, Ruffner and Todd
Nays: 0 – None
Abstain: 1 – Washburn
Motion declared carried
Officers Reports:
Clerk Mumford presented the July 20th, 2020 Bills Payable for approval.
Alderman Richardson motioned approval of the July 20th, 2020 Bills Payable in the amount of $166,726.77, seconded by Alderman Washburn. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 6 – Mumford, Richardson, Ruffner, Todd, Washburn and Williams
Nays: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
Clerk Mumford reported that First Midstate Bank has got in touch with him about possible savings in our 2010 Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds. They can be called and refinanced at a lower rate. With the costs of refinancing put into the bonds, there is still a chance of saving between $5,000 and $20,000. The Council recommends that we start the process of refinancing these bonds.
Attorney Shoaff presented Ordinance #477: An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of property for approval. This is for 7 SE 1st Street and 207 E Jefferson.
Alderman Mumford motioned approval of Ordinance #477, seconded by Alderman Ruffner. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 6 – Richardson, Ruffner, Todd, Washburn, Williams and Mumford
Nays: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
Attorney Shoaff reported that Officer Goble has been busy lately issuing citations and ordinance violations for property related issues. She asked for a committee to get together and give them direction on priorities as there have been a lot issued. Mayor Groothuis thinks the City Hall and Public Safety committee should meet to discuss. Alderman Washburn is the head of this committee and will get a meeting scheduled.
Superintendent Biggs reported that the utility workers were back at half staff during this most recent COVID outbreak. The bid letting for MFT work, which includes oil and chip and the main street project, is set for August 3rd at 11:00 a.m. The downtown parking areas have been painted and he is going to continue working on the parking assessment.
Economic Development Director Maulding reported that the feasibility study is finishing up. They will have a rough draft soon and she would like to get a committee together to review before presenting to the Council. IHDA revitalization study is still ongoing. They are hoping the housing study will take place in August. The NW Waterline Grant project is still underway but on hold currently.
Chief Henderson reported that he would like to get with Attorney Shoaff and revamp the UTV/Golf Cart Ordinance. He has also hired a part-time animal Control Officer, Shane Brown. He will only get dogs, per our ordinance.
New Business:
1. Downtown Improvement and Economic Development Committee Report – Chairman Mumford reported on the meeting held on 7/20/2020 where they talked about City Grants.
Alderman Mumford motioned approval to award a Business Improvement Grant to The Big Dipper in the amount of $2,213.50, seconded by Alderman Todd. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 6 – Ruffner, Todd, Washburn, Williams, Mumford and Richardson
Nays: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
Alderman Mumford motioned approval to award a Business Improvement Grant to Main Street Mercantile in the amount of $2,346.57, seconded by Alderman Richardson. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 5 – Todd, Williams, Mumford, Richardson and Ruffner
Nays: 0 – None
Abstain: 1 – Washburn
Motion declared carried
2. Public Utility Committee Report – Chairman Ruffner reported on the meeting held on 7/9/2020 where they talked about new Business Incentives. They are going to recommend the following:
- All new Business no matter the size can apply for an Electric bill discount.
- The 1st year a 40% discount up to $45,000 for the year.
- The 2nd year a 30% discount up to $35,000 for the year.
- The 3rd year a 20% discount up to $20,000 for the year.
- Economic Development Director Maulding will get with Attorney Shoaff to work on the application for this grant.
Alderman Ruffner motioned approval for the New Business Incentive Program, seconded by Alderman Mumford. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 6 – Washburn, Williams, Mumford, Richardson, Ruffner and Todd
Nays: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
3. Committee of the Whole Report – Mayor Groothuis reported on the meeting held on 6/23/2020 where they talked about City Grants and Reserve Accounts. The Economic Development Committee have reworked the following City Grants: Business Improvement Grant, Revitalization Grant, Community Grant and a new Emergency Utility Relief for Businesses Grant. They would like the Council to approve.
Alderman Mumford motioned approval of the new City Grants, seconded by Alderman Richardson. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 6 – Williams, Mumford, Richardson, Ruffner, Todd and Washburn
Nays: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
Unfinished Business:
1. Public Hearing Report – Alderman Williams reported on the Public Hearing held on 7/20/20 where they talked about Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations. Ordinance #476 is ready for approval.
Alderman Ruffner motioned approval of Ordinance #476: Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations, seconded by Alderman Williams. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 6 – Mumford, Richardson, Ruffner, Todd, Washburn and Williams
Nays: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
Alderman Reports:
Alderman Williams had some questions on the Parking Survey and wondered if we needed to have a professional firm do this for us.
Alderman Ruffner asked if the playground was still open, and it is. He also thanked Attorney Shoaff for the letter about the abatement process.
Alderman Ruffner asked that Superintendent Biggs stays on top of the moss at the park pond.
Mayor Reports:
Mayor Groothuis let Karen Huddlestun say a few words. She stated that if she bought the parking lot next to her business, she would still allow the public to park in the front 3 spots. He employees currently use the back 5 spots, so the city would be losing 5 spots.
Mayor Groothuis reported that he would still like the Alderman to get with Shelby on sidewalk issues. The Park ball diamonds are currently off limits, but he expects them to be open back up this week.
There was no further Business of the City Council for the July 20th, 2020 Council Meeting.
Adjournment:
Alderman Washburn motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Williams. Upon roll call the vote was:
Ayes: 6 – Williams, Mumford, Richardson, Ruffner, Todd and Washburn
Nays: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
Adjournment of the City Council was at 6:59 p.m
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