City Council

Page 79 The City of Dyer Board of Mayor and Alderpersons met in regular session, Monday, October 22, 2018, at 7:22 PM. Those present were Mayor Chris Younger, Alderpersons Ray Carroll, Richard Reed, Fred Ivie, Robert Johnson, Michael Barron, Craig Blackburn, Tom Mikkelsen, and Jennifer Hughey. The City Attorney was present. Motion made by Jennifer Hughey, seconded by Michael Barron to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2018 regular meeting. Motion carried with all ayes. Mayor's Report Mayor Younger asked the board what it wished to do about the Trunk-or-Treat in the event of inclement weather. After some discussion, the board decided to hold the event at the Dyer Fire Department. Mayor Younger asked members to call City Hall for information on location. Mayor Younger said that he had received a letter from Bishop Hicks and James Roach stating that the Church of God is still in the process of selling their building on College Street. If the sale isn't completed, the church will demolish it, but additional time is needed. Department Reports Dyer Fire Chief Ryan Shanklin said that the fire department had been awarded the forestry grant. Public Works Supervisor Randy Gregory said that Higdon Electric had begun work on the lights at the wastewater plant and that the lift rental wasn't needed. Gregory said that he will pursue renting a lift from First Choice (Dresden); this pull-behind lift can be rented for $200 per day and will be used to complete painting at the City Garage. The City Recorder presented the November 2018 financial report. He also reminded board members and the public about property tax relief. Wastewater Superintendent Randy Gregory said that in the past, the pistagrit at the wastewater plant had been shut down in the winter to keep it from freezing, that the pinch valve often freezes up. This has caused some damage and resulted in difficulty restarting the machine in the spring. Gregory asked the board to approve the purchase of an "electric blanket" to keep it from freezing. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve up to $1,500.00 for the purchase of a heater blanket for the pistagrit. Motion carried with all ayes. Committee Reports Mayor Younger reported that the Finance Committee had asked Fire Chief Ryan Shanklin to evaluate a used truck from M3 Fire Apparatus for possible purchase. Chief Shanklin will report back to the City Board. The committee also discussed CDBG grant programs. New Business Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Craig Blackburn to cancel the November 12, 2018 regular meeting due to the Veteran's Day Holiday. Motion carried with Carroll, Johnson, Blackburn, Mikkelsen, and Hughey voting aye; Ivie, Reed, and Barron abstained. Motion made by Tom Mikkelsen, seconded by Craig Blackburn to hire Austin Juhl as a regular full-time public works employee effective October 26, 2018 at a rate of $10.00 per hour. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Ray Carroll, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to pay the accounts. Motion carried with all ayes.  Page 80 Motion made by Jennifer Hughey, seconded by Craig Blackburn to adjourn. Motion carried with all ayes. Nathan Reed, City Recorder