TOWN OF WILSON CREEK
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 13, 2020 – remote/online meeting via Google Meet

Council Present: Mayor Kevin Newland, and Councilmembers Scott Mortimer, Raymond Kelby, Earl Justice, and Debbie Moore. Staff Present: Kaci Anderson.

  1. Open Meeting: Mayor Kevin Newland called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm.
  2. Approval of Minutes: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by E. Justice, and carried to approve the minutes for the regular meeting on July 9, 2020.
  3. Public Comment:
    1. Discussion regarding proposed cell tower
      Mayor Newland began the discussion by sharing the plan received from the contractor of the proposed tower. He outlined his previous discussions with the contractor, years ago, when he shared that he did not like the proposed location. Mayor Newland would prefer to see the tower on property that is not residentially zoned, such as at the airport. He noted that if the tower height was lowered by one foot, the FAA would be OK with the tower at the airport.

      Mayor Newland supplied seven letters from nine residents in town, regarding the proposed cell tower. All letters were in opposition of the proposed location for various reasons.

      K. Anderson noted that current city code does not allow for most commercial uses on residentially zoned properties. This situation does not meet the requirements for permitted exceptions listed in code for commercial use.

      Consensus was that the contractor would have to solve zoning issues before moving onto any required permits.
  4. Council Concerns:
    1. S. Mortimer mentioned trees are in the process of being trimmed in town.
    2. S. Mortimer suggested the Town look into moving the standalone bathroom unit located on the airport property, as it is not being used. He suggested moving it to the park, where there is already a septic installed.
  5. Reports
    1. Mayor’s Address: Mayor Newland discussed the following:
      1. He has been working with the town’s engineer at Century West regarding street projects with TIB next year. They looked at various areas where streets need work, but due to funding restrictions had to choose one specific section rather than larger areas. The proposed areas for work next year are on Railroad Street.
      2. Unfortunately, Water Manager Chris Stout submitted his resignation effective the end of September 2020. He graciously offered and agreed to stay on to see through the end of the water meter reading season. The Town thanked Chris for his service.
      3. Mayor Newland reminded councilmembers to stay current on their e-Learning for Open Public Meetings Act.
    2. Maintenance/Public Works Report: Mayor Newland discussed the following:
      1. The starter went out on the lawn mower, and a new one was purchased from Rowe’s.
      2. Weed control is winding down for the year, except for a few places, due to budget.
      3. The street striping bill received was nearly twice the amount anticipated, not including the price of paint ordered separately.
      4. Numbers at the airport have been repainted.
      5. The levee inspection is scheduled for August 20.
    3. Clerk/Treasurer Report:
      1. Bills, Checks & Electronic Withdrawal: Motion made by S. Mortimer, seconded by D. Moore, and carried to approve the Town’s current fiscal status and to pay the August 2020 bills as follows:
        Accounts Payable
        Payroll #10488 – 10502         $       7,180.98                             
        Payroll #10503 – 10511         $       2,562.70
        EFT payments                       $       4,249.99
        Total                                    $     13,993.67

        Bank Account Balances
        US Bank                $         162,549.94
        Grant County         $         111,960.69
        Total                     $         274,510.63
  6. Old Business: None.
  7. New Business:
    1. Public Discussion/Hearing Regarding Proposed Cell Tower: Previously discussed, nothing further.
  8. Executive Session: None taken.
  9. Adjournment: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by E. Justice, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 pm. The next regular council meeting is Thursday, September 10, 2020, at 6:00 pm.
Filed under: Council Meeting Minutes