TOWN OF WILSON CREEK
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 13, 2018
Council Present: Mayor Kevin Newland, and Councilmembers Scott Mortimer, Raymond Kelby, Kellie Ribail, Debbie Moore, and Keith Jensen. Staff present: Kaci Anderson.
Open Meeting: Mayor Kevin Newland called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Newland wanted to note, prior to beginning the budget hearing and regular meeting, that the house that suffered fire damage earlier this year has passed its electrical inspection and is fully insurable. Good news!
2019 Budget Hearing: Anderson outlined the proposed changes to the budget, noting the extensive work she and the mayor put in to ensure a balanced budget. During this budgeting process and with the help of the new financials software, she learned that previous budget(s) were unbalanced and showed a deficit. Although the Town did not actually operate at a deficit, state law dictates towns/cities adopt balanced budgets.
Approval of 2019 Budget: Ordinance #428: Motion made by K. Ribail, seconded by K. Jensen, and carried to approve Ordinance #428.
Minutes: Motion made by S. Mortimer, seconded by K. Ribail, and carried to approve the November 8, 2018, meeting minutes.
Public Comment: None.
Council Concerns: Mortimer proposed two items for the January 2019 meeting agenda for council discussion and consideration: burning and vegetation management.
Reports
Mayor’s Address
Discussion of water leak on private property: Mayor Newland reported a 2-inch water line on abandoned/empty private property recently burst. There is no water meter at the location. C. Stout was able to seal the leak, but did not cap it off. The Council discussed who should be responsible for the cost, since it is on private property. Council decided to bill property owners for 50% of employee time/wages and parts, and further repairs would be the responsibility of the property owners.
Review of visit with Nick Vann of Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation: Mayor Newland summarized the visit, highlighting the following:
Mortar previously used to repair an exterior wall on Town Hall is a type of mortar that is harder than the bricks, which means the bricks are absorbing excess water instead of the mortar. It was recommended to re-mortar these locations.
Replace latches on interior doors
Regarding Town Hall’s large double doors at the street corner, it was recommended to have the trim removed, duplicated, and then re-hang the doors. The Council discussed possible vendors for this project. S. Mortimer mentioned Danny Myers.
Mayor Newland noted that grants are available to apply for, and the Town would need quotes for any jobs that would not be completed by staff.
Clerk/Treasurer Report:
K. Anderson noted check #10033, payable to M-1 Tanks in the amount of $473.34 would be voided, as the invoice was incorrectly addressed to the Town and was actually paid by the school. Motion made by K. Ribail, seconded by R. Kelby, and carried to approve the Town’s current fiscal status and to pay the December 2018 bills as follows:
December 2018 Bills Current Account Balances
Payroll checks 10014 – 10024 $ 1,821.31 US Bank $ 128,574.13
A/P checks 10025 – 10039 $ 3,910.23 Grant County $ 109,008.24
EFT – IRS $ 379.23 Total $ 237,582.37
Total $ 6,110.77
VOID check 1003 $ 473.34
GRAND TOTAL $ 5,637.43
Maintenance Report: Mayor Newland reported L. Komarek had finished painting at the multi-use building. In working to ensure the dump truck was running property. C. Stout discovered it needs a new fuel pump. Mayor Newland estimated this would cost approximately $20.
Old Business:
Approval of increased councilmember and/or mayor compensation: The Council reviewed a list compiled by K. Anderson of area towns’ mayor compensation rates. K. Anderson noted the budget allows room for up to double of the current rate. Motion made by K. Jensen, seconded by S. Mortimer, and carried to increase mayor’s pay rate to $150 per meeting, effective January 1, 2019.
Approval of business license Ordinance #427: Motion made by K. Ribail, seconded by R. Kelby, and carried to approve Ordinance #427 regarding business licenses.
New Business:
Approval of Resolution 2018-02: 2019 Levy: Anderson provided a brief description of the levy amounts, noting the Town is able to levy for the full 1% increase. Motion made by K. Ribail, seconded by K. Jensen, and carried to approve Resolution 2018-02: 2019 Levy.
Adjournment: Motion made by K. Ribail, seconded by D. Moore, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 pm. The next regular council meeting is Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 6:00 pm.
A PDF of these minutes is available here: 2018-12-13 minutes