City Council

Page 79 The City of Dyer Board of Mayor and Alderpersons met in regular session, Monday, October 23, 2023, at 7:03 PM. Those present were Mayor Chris Younger, Alderpersons Bob Moore, Mike Needham, Craig Blackburn, Jennifer Hughey, Tom Mikkelsen, Michael Barron, and Bett Jewell. The City Attorney was present. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2023 regular meeting. Motion carried with all ayes. Mayor's Report Mayor Younger commended everyone who worked on the Bicentennial Dance, including the Dyer Fire Department who did the cooking. Several local businesses sponsored the street dance, and Mayor Younger thanked them as well. He encouraged everyone to consider donating to the Fire Department's Christmas Toys for Children program. Mayor Younger reminded everyone that Trunk or Treat will be held on Tuesday, October 3 1 at 6:00 PM. There will be a band, a costume contest, a hayride, jumpers, hot dogs, water, popcorn, and "just a bit" of candy (actually quite a lot). Younger asked for help from the Board Members that night; the Fire Department will handle cooking the hot dogs and popcorn. Mayor Younger discussed the LPRF park grant and said there are some other grants that have been awarded, along with a few that are expected to be awarded. Additionally, Younger said the work on the pond at David Robinson Recreation Park has begun. Younger said that if things fall into place, he's hoping the City can do additional sidewalk work at the corner of Maple and Main Street. Department Reports The City Recorder reported that property tax notices had been mailed, some have been received, and property taxes are beginning to come in. The sidewalk bid solicitation has been published. Also, the City Recorder said that City Hall will begin using additional forms of communication with residents (such as an e-newsletter, and other social media in addition to Facebook). Committee Reports Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to hire Michael Sons as a water and wastewater assistant at $14.25 per hour for 90 days with an increase to $15.00 per hour after successful completion of a probationary period. Motion carried with all ayes. Tracy Cole of the Utility Department said that Milan had returned the wastewater sludge box and that Milan was grateful for the use of the box. New Business Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Tom Mikkelsen to approve up to $4,840.00 to Lee's Garage for Annual Service on Fire Apparatus and Pump Testing. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve $2,090.00 to Alford's Tire for Backhoe Tires. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Jennifer Hughey, seconded by Tom Mikkelsen to approve up to $31,963.93 to Absolute Construction for Flood Mitigation & Building Renovations at EMS Building (Insurance Reimbursed). Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Michael Barron to approve up to $1,750.00 to Twin City Barns for installation of a metal roof on the gazebo at the Georgia McIlwain Ellis Mini-Park. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Jennifer Hughey to approve back pay for a student worker (Bryce  Page 80 Simpson) at $12.00 per hour and approval as a temporary/seasonal employee through December 31, 2023. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Craig Blackburn, seconded by Michael Barron to approve up to $6,000.00 to Branson Trackhoe for additional drainage and dirt work at the David Robinson Recreation Park. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Tom Mikkelsen to approve PO A-6277 for $1,557.00 to Hawkins, Inc. for Water Chemicals. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Tom Mikkelsen to pay the accounts. Motion carried with all ayes. Motion made by Michael Barron, seconded by Craig Blackburn to adjourn. Motion carried with all ayes. Chris Younger, Mayor Nathan Reed, City Recorder