City Council

Page 35 The City of Dyer Board of Mayor and Alderpersons met in regular session, Monday, May 14, 2018, at 7:05 PM. Those present were Mayor ChrisYounger, Alderpersons Richard Reed, Craig Blackburn, Jennifer Hughey,Tom Mikkelsen, Fred Ivie, Michael Barron, and Robert Johnson. The City Attorney was present. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Craig Blackburn to approve the minutes of the April 23, 2018 regular meeting. Motion carried with all ayes. Visitors William Caton addressed the board concerning recent disciplinary infractions including a violation of the purchasing policy and the discovery of contraband materials that were accessible to county inmate laborers. Caton said he believed he had Mayor Younger's approval to commence the cleanup of a city owned property on Freemont Street; in any event, the contractor had exceeded Caton's estimate, both because he worked longer than anticipated and there were hauling charges that were unknown to Caton. Concerning the contraband material, Caton said he didn't use the office and that it was accessible to anyone. Board members discussed the purchasing policy and the contraband material with Caton. Alderman Johnson expressed his disappointment that Caton had not attended the personnel committee on Friday evening. Caton said that he had been told not to attend the meeting. "That's what the Mayor said, he said no. Said he was going to try to get me moved back to the wastewater plant and that was fine with me," said Caton. Alderman Ivie asked if felt he was responsible for supervising facilities; Caton said you can't watch everywhere. Mayor's Report Mayor Younger asked the board if they wanted to hire Jake Siler as a seasonal laborer. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to hire Jake Siler as a seasonal laborer through August 1, 2018. Motion carried with all ayes. Department Reports Dyer Fire Chief Ryan Shanklin asked the board to approve two new Fire Department policies. These policies are recommended by MTAS. One concerns training and attendance. The other is a pro forma policy that allows the department to count hours volunteered or worked at the station as "manned hours" for ISO purposes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Michael Barron to adopt both policies. Motion carried with all ayes. Dyer Police Chief Brad Lindsey said he's waiting on quotes from Milan for the tactical vests. The City Recorder reminded members that the finance committee would meet on Thursday evening to continue work on the 2018-2019 annual budget. Water Superintendent Randy Gregory said that it would take about 3 loads of sand to refill the drying beds. The loads are $450 each for a total of $1350.00. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve the purchase of sand for $1350.00. Motion carried with all ayes. Committee Reports Mayor Younger reported that a fire truck is leaking water. Casey Barnett will come to look at the valves. More will be known after he examines the truck. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Michael Barron to terminate William Caton effective immediately. Alderman Johnson suggested having a committee meeting to which Caton would be invited and given a chance to more completely defend himself, since Caton says he was told not to come to the previous meeting. Motion made by Robert Johnson to refer to the motion for termination to the Finance, Administration, and Personnel Committee for further deliberations. The motion failed for lack of a second.  Page 36 The main motion, to terminate William Caton effective immediately, carried with Reed, Ivie, Barron, Blackburn, Mikkelsen, and Hughey voting aye; Robert Johnson abstained. Alderman Mikkelsen reported that work is continuing on the VFW, including painting on the Saturday and Sunday previous to the meeting. Mayor Younger talked to Dawn Siler about where to put the proposed mural. She's going to plan it out and present a drawing; she'll begin on the left-hand side with flag, and possibly a veteran's commemorative in the middle. Siler will attempt to get the flag completed before July 4. Shutters were discussed at a cost of about $75 per window. Mayor Younger said the double doors in the front would be replaced, and that it should be part of budget discussions. New Business Motion made by Robert Johnson, seconded by Michael Barron to cancel the May 28, 2018 regular meeting due to the Memorial Day Holiday. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to require the animal control officer to submit a report the City Board each month on what he does and how many [dogs] he turns away and doesn't pick up. Michael Barron said that everybody deserves a vacation and the chance to be out of town; Alderman Blackburn said that wasn't the intent of his motion. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, 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