City Council

Page 99 The City of Dyer Board of Mayor and Alderpersons met in regular session, Monday, December 11, 2017 at 7:07 PM. Those present were Mayor Chris Younger, Alderpersons Fred Ivie, Robert Johnson, Tom Mikkelsen, and Jennifer Hughey. The City Attorney was present. Motion made by Robert Johnson, seconded by Tom Mikkelsen to approve the minutes of the November 27, 2017 regular meeting. Motion carried with Ivie, Mikkelsen, and Hughey voting aye; Robert Johnson abstained. Department Reports Dyer Fire Chief Ryan Shanklin said the Firefighter and Officer of the year, as chosen by the fire department, had been presented to Brandon Rudd and Nick Taylor, respectively. He also said that the 4 newest firemen had completed their required training. Chief Shanklin asked the board to approve the purchase of 2 sets of turnout gear and boots at a cost of $6,070.00. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve the purchase of turnout gear at a cost of $6,070.00. Motion carried with all ayes. The City Recorder reported that sales tax collections are running ahead of projections for the fiscal year to date, and that property tax payments for the year had begun to come in in earnest. He also encouraged board members to continue spreading the word about tax relief. Water Superintendent Randy Gregory asked the board to approve the purchase of additional anthracite media for the gravity filter at the water treatment plant. The time between backwashes of the filter has been decreasing and adding additional filter media is necessary. The cost for 79 cubic feet is approximately $2,000.00 with shipping estimated at $500.00. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve $2,500.00 for the purchase and delivery of anthracite media for the gravity filter. Motion carried with all ayes. Gregory explained the filtering process for the board. Water Superintendent William Caton said that the cured-in-place pipe installation on Lee Street (part of the CDBG Grant) has been completed. The new screen is not yet installed at the wastewater plant; some additional parts are necessary. Committee Reports Mayor Younger said the Public Safety Committee will likely discuss a change to fire department policies and procedures in July, but between now and July, some additional tactics will be attempted with a goal of not requiring a change in policy. Street, Maintenance, Water, and Sewer Committee Chair Tom Mikkelsen congratulated the public works department on the landfill, "The dump looks great. Firsttime I've seen it look good in a long time." Mikkelsen suggested that following his 90 day evaluation, Bradley Skinner might need more than a $1.00 increase. Mikkelsen also thanked everyone who had a hand in the Christmas Party; he expressed hope that in the future, the Mayor and Family might not have to serve. Mayor Younger suggested that after the first of the year, he may restructure committees. Unfinished Business Mayor Younger said that work had begun on sidewalks, but gotten sidetracked. He'd like to resume repairing sidewalks beginning with those that concern TML and continuing with those where people walk most. Sidewalks increase the sense of community, safety, and can improve property values. Some residents have assisted financially with replacing sidewalks in their neighborhoods. The board voiced no objections to continuing work on sidewalks. MayorYounger commented on continuing ditch repair. Voids have appeared adjacent to some concrete drainage ditches in residents' yards. Also, some fences need repair.  Page 100 Finally, MayorYounger said that the board had talked a few months back about property maintenance. Mayor Younger would like to begin considering hiring a property maintenance and health code enforcement officer beginning in the new fiscal year (2018-2019). Between now and July, the board could develop any new ordinance or regulations and hopefully hire someone (from outside the city) to assist with enforcing code. New Business Motion made by Robert Johnson, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to cancel the December 25, 2017 regular meeting due to the Christmas Holiday. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Robert Johnson, seconded by Tom Mikkelsen to approve PO 8452 to Tennessee Tractor for $1,648.47 for Generator Repairat the police department. It was found that one of the cylinders had never fired since the generator was installed. Motion carried with all ayes. Randy Gregory and the City Recorder will coordinate and contact Nixon about generator maintenance. Motion made by Robert Johnson, seconded by Tom Mikkelsen to pay the accounts. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Jennifer Hughey, seconded by Fred Ivie to adjourn. Motion carried with all ayes. Nathan Reed, City Recorder