City of Tuscola City Council met Sept. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order with Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop, and Mayor Kleiss in attendance. Aldermen Rund and Slaughter were absent. Mayor Kleiss led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Kleiss went over the items on the consent agenda:
Minutes of the August 28 meeting
Payment of bills totaling $199,228.65
Request from Class of 2026 to conduct fundraising on Festival Corner during the Homecoming parade
Request from Shimmer and Sheek Boutique to use the two parking spaces in front of their building for sidewalk sales September 22-23
Hoey moved to approve the items on the consent agenda. Waldrop seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop. Day moved to approve the consent agenda for September 11, 2023. Shoemaker seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop.
Requested Time on the Agenda
Adam Munds, organizer of the RC Fest held the end of July; let council know this event was the largest yet with 189 participants from 17 states. There were 524 total entries and the blood drive/benefits saved up to 63 lives. Munds would like to hold the 2024 RC Fest at Wimple on July 27 & 28. He plans to bring back the Monster Truck, and add sand racing in the back prairie near the woods. Mayor Kleiss stated he felt this was a great event and very well organized. Munds will begin planning for 2024.
Mayor
Mayor Kleiss set Trick or Treat for October 31, 5:30-7:30 pm. Treasurer Long noted the Library and tourism board will host a downtown Halloween event on October 24, 5-7 pm. Mayor Kleiss asked council if there was any interest in an ordinance to allow raising hens within the city limits. Hoey stated he would like to see things stay as they are. Morris added he has had more calls against rather than for raising hens.
City Clerk - No Report
City Treasurer - No Report
City Attorney
Attorney Bequette addressed council about our current agreement with the owners of the Castle Mall. The City has not received the deed to this property, after many attempts reaching out to the owners' attorney, Bequette stated. Bequette went on to say he has filed a petition for judicial deed with the court which says we tore the property down at our expense; the owner agreed to deed us the property; and has not done so. Bequette added he is not terribly worried. The other party does not have an argument since we have a written agreement stating they will deed us the property.
City Administrator - Nothing
Ordinances
Mayor Kleiss announced we have our newest bucket truck in service and can get rid of the old truck. Shoemaker moved to approve ordinance 2023-0-9, an ordinance declaring the 1993 Ford bucket truck as surplus property and authorizing the sale of same. Morris seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop.
Other
Mayor Kleiss announced a revision to the firefighter roster approved at last meeting. According to Chief Moody, Alison Morenz will serve in an EMT only role, rather than as a probationary firefighter. Morris moved to approve this revision to the firefighter roster. Waldrop seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop.
Administrator Hoel has been able to locate an individual to help out with cleaning services as needed. Hoel stated the most pressing need right now is the Community Building, especially after alcohol events. Kyle Sweeney is a full time custodian with the school district, working afternoons and evening. Sweeney is interested in taking on the Community Building cleaning and may take on other locations if he is able. Hoey moved to approve the appointment of Kyle Sweeney as part time janitor at a rate of $25 per hour. Morris seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop.
Mayor Kleiss presented the name of Jacob McGinnis as a full time police officer to fill the vacancy left by Taylor White. Kleiss added McGinnis is fully trained and currently an officer in Palestine. McGinnis should be able to join our force in early October. Shoemaker moved to approve the appointment of Jacob McGinnis as a full time police officer at $27.70 per hour. Brace seconded. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop.
The motion to adjourn was made by Waldrop and seconded by Brace. VOTE YEA* Brace, Day, Hoey, Morris, Shoemaker, Waldrop.
https://tuscola.org/file/1216
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