City Council

Page 19 The City of Dyer Board of Mayor and Alderpersons met in regular session, Monday, March 12, 2018, at 7:10 PM. Those present were Mayor Chris Younger, Alderpersons Ray Carroll, Richard Reed, Fred Ivie, Robert Johnson, Michael Barron, Tom Mikkelsen, Jennifer Hughey, and Craig Blackburn.The CityAttorney was present. Motion made by Ray Carroll, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2018 regular meeting. Motion carried with all ayes. Visitors Pam Dethloff visited the board as a candidate for the Gibson County Register of Deeds. Asa Morgan asked why he had been taken off the employee roster for Saturday work handling bulk waste. Mayor Younger referred him to his supervisor as this was a personnel matter. Mayor's Report Mayor Younger said, "At last board meeting, it was reported that I said that the school doesn't add any revenue to the City of Dyer. I want to be clear and on the record that we know the school adds many benefits to our city - including the teachers that make our school so special and successful. We're proud of the Dyer Schools, the teachers, and the students, and we're grateful for everything they add to our community. The school and the precious students there are a valued part of our community and our first responders and law enforcement are ready to respond to any emergency that may happen there." Mayor Younger recapped the earlier committee meeting including the conclusion that the City would mow behind the Junior High School with the school system mowing the football field if they required it to be mown more closely than the city plans to do. The City will no longer mow behind the elementary school as this property doesn't belong to the city and there were concerns about liability. Mayor Younger also said the committee discussed plans to continue sidewalk repair and replacement to make Dyer a more walkable city. Department Reports Dyer Fire Chief Ryan Shanklin reported that the AFG grant for Fire Prevention is ready to submit. The current grant request is $76,000 with a 5% match (which would require $3,600.00 from the city). He advised that the city might not receive the entire amount. He asked the board to approve the application with the 5% match. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve the grant application with a 5% match. Motion carried with all ayes. Dyer Police Chief Brad Lindsey said that the cost of the higher grade ballistic vests were greater than he initially anticipated, but that the still had confirmed some competitive pricing. He asked the board to approve the purchase of vests. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Craig Blackburn to approve up to $3,500.00 for the purchase of vest. Motion carried with all ayes. Chief Lindsey will continue to look for more affordable options. The City Recorder reminded the board about the purchase of city stickers. He also advised the board that the city had received notification from the Water & Wastewater Finance Board that the City of Dyer is technically "financially distressed" according their regulations. The City has sent requested reports to the WWFB and the City Recorder expects them to be satisfied with the steps the City Board has already taken and to make some suggestions for the future. Committee Reports Street, Maintenance, Water & Sewer Committee Chair Tom Mikkelsen said the new dump truck isn't working quite right. He asked that the vendor be contacted with questions and problems. New Business Mayor Younger asked the board to approve the purchase of a trench box safety system from UltraShore. "These guys have been digging in holes for years. I told them not to dig another hole without a shoring box. These guy's lives mean more to me than that hole does." William Caton saw a demonstration at the WETT show, and the city  Page 20 has a demonstration model now, working with it. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Richard Reed to purchase a trench box safety system from UltraShore at a cost not to exceed $7,395.00. Motion carried with all ayes. The Board discussed employee wearing safety belts on heavy equipment. Mayor Younger will address this with a memo. Motion made by Ray Carroll, seconded by Fred Ivie to sell the old meals on wheels car on GovDeals. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Fred Ivieto let bids on asphalt repair where utility cuts have been made in the roadway. Motion carried with all ayes. Mayor Younger informed the board about an ongoing sewer problem on Hull Street. A resident's sewer has continued to overflow through the cleanout; due to some employee safety concerns, the Mayor has instructed the public works department to not take further action to clear the line. Since the problem concerns the private sewer line and the resident has been repeatedly warned, a citation was issued and the resident should appear in city court. If the problem is not resolved, water and sewer service may be suspended to the residence. Motion made by Ray Carroll, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to pay the accounts. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to adjourn. Motion carried with all ayes. Nathan Reed, City Recorder