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A regular meeting of the Philip City Council was held on Monday, August 3, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Haakon Co. Courthouse.
Present were Finance Officer Monna Van Lint, Council Members Shirley Chin, John Kangas, Monte Palecek, Mike Vetter, Greg Arthur and Tom Struble. Also present were Deputy Finance Officer Brittany Smith, Public Works Director Matt Reckling, General Maintenance Brian Pearson, Police Officer David Butler, Utility Coord. Carol Schofield, , Harlan Quenzer with SPN & Assoc., Nancy Haigh with the Pioneer Review, Trisha Larson with Haakon County Young Women, Brian Mills with the Philip Match Bronc Ride; and later, City Attorney Gay Tollefson and Branden West with the Philip Match Bronc Ride.
Absent: Mayor John F. Hart
Council President Mike Vetter called the meeting to order and presided over the meeting in Mayor Hart's absence.
Motion was made by Kangas, seconded by Palecek to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Palecek, seconded by Struble to approve the minutes of the last meeting as published in the Pioneer Review. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Kangas, seconded by Arthur to approve payment of the bills from the appropriated funds. Motion carried.
Gross Salaries - July 31, 2009:
Gross Salaries: Adm. - $4593.34; Police - $5511.99; Public Works - $2859.99; Street - $4542.28; Swimming Pool - $8503.35; Water - $2112.93
AFLAC Employee Supplemental Ins.- 07/09 172.78
EFTPS S.S., Medicare, Withholding- 07/09 5707.24
SDRS Employee Retirement- 07/09 2395.54
Airport Improv. Project:
Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc. Engineering - thru 6/20/09 380.13
Ash Street Improv. Project:
Ainsworth-Benning Construction Pay Req. #03 (Final) - thru 7/17/09 14247.53
SPN & Assoc. Const. Eng. thru 07/25/09 2183.45
Philip School Drainage Project:
G & G Excavating Backhoe Geo-Thermal Line - 07/09 715.40
SPN & Assoc. Const. Eng. thru 07/25/09 3262.65
This Month's Bills:
Alltel Cell Phone 06-07/09 79.62
Arnold Pool Co. Supplies - 06/09 10.95
Bad River Rural Water City Shop Water 06-07/09 29.20
CNH Capital Supplies 06-07/09 23.35
Coyle's Super Valu Supplies/Resale 06-07/09 742.58
Dakota Care Ins. Employee Health Ins. - 08/09 7296.71
Dale Trucking Trucking (4) Loads of Chips 979.09
Delta Dental Ins. Employee Dental Ins. - 08/09 512.70
Farm Plan Pool Supplies - 08/09 7.99
1st Nat'l Agency Airport Bldg/Fuel Ins. 08/09-08/10 825.00
1st Nat'l Bank - Philip Utility Postage - 08/09 106.24
1st Nat'l Bank - S.F. SRF Loan #01 Pay #153 - 08/09 3591.18
SRF Loan #02 Pay #129 - 08/09 2163.90
SRF Loan #03 Pay #32 - 08/09 2223.41
Fitzgerald Oil Co. Fuel/Supplies 06-07/09 609.50
Golden West Telephone/Internet 07-08/09 625.83
Grossenburg Implement Supplies - 07/09 10.99
Haakon Co. Treasurer Office Rent - 08/09 60.00
Hawkins, Inc. Pool Chemical - 07/09 555.50
I-90 Fuel Services, Inc. P.D. Fuel - 06/09 36.00
Ingram Hardware Supplies 07/09 35.23
Jebro, Inc. 6109 gal. Road Oil - 07/09 16697.03
Lurz Plumbing Cleaned Pool Floor Drains - 07/09 87.35
Morrison's Pit Stop Fuel/Tire Repair - 07/09 1674.07
NAPA Auto Parts Supplies - 07/09 24.32
O'Connell Construction, Inc. 36.3 T Gravel - 07/09 181.50
Occupational Health Network, Inc. (4) Pre-employment Tests - 07/09 152.00
Pete Lien & Sons, Inc. 120.74 T Chips - 07/09 1277.64
Petersen's Variety Supplies - 07/09 5.27
Petro Tech, Inc. Fueling System Conversion - 06/09 1225.19
Petty Cash Postage/Cert. Mail - 07/09 31.59
Philip Standard Service Oil Chg/Tires - 07/09 478.95
Pioneer Review Publishing - 07/09 863.78
Quill Corp. Supplies - 07/09 218.72
Shell Fleet Card Fuel - 06/09 792.53
Slovek, Dwight/Marie Water Refund - 08/09 8.00
SD Assoc. of Rural Water Systems Annual Dues 08/09-08/10 360.00
SD Dept. of Revenue Sales Tax Payable - 07/09 573.67
Water/Pool Testing 06-07/09 412.00
Tollefson, Gay Attorney Retainer - 08/09 150.00
Triple XXX Spraying, LLC Lagoon Spraying - 06/09 392.00
Waggoner Spraying - 07/09 633.57
Ultramax P.D. Ammunition - 07/09 142.90
USDA RD Loan Pay #56 - 08/09 3069.00
VISA-UMB Bank Supplies - 07/09 94.95
Waste Connections dba Walker Refuse Residential Collection - 07/09 4320.54
Dumpsters - 07/09 213.20
West Central Electric Electric Charges 06-07/09 2691.23
West Payment Center SDCL 2009 Update 16.00
WR/LJ Rural Water 6,248,000 gals - 07/09 7810.00
Contract Min - 07/09 3000.00
Airport Waterline Final Const. 1102.40
Wohlenberg Ritzman & CO., LLC Progress Billing FY 2008 Audit 5784.17
Zeeb Pharmacy, Inc. Supplies - 07/09 20.54
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Total Expenditures - 08/03/09 $ 95,818.24
Old Business:
Motion was made by Palecek, seconded by Kangas to approve the 2nd Reading of Ord. #2009-06, 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance Airport Improvements - Snow Removal Equipment Building & Environmental Study Approaches. Motion carried with all members voting aye.
ORDINANCE #2009-06
2009 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE
AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS
SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT BUILDING &
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY - APPROACHES
WHEREAS, in 2008, the City of Philip, South Dakota entered into a grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of South Dakota Dept. of Transportation for the purpose of constructing a Snow Removal Equipment Building to be used to house airport runway maintenance equipment; and,
WHEREAS, in June of 2008, the City of Philip was offered an additional grant through the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of South Dakota Dept. of Transportation for the purpose of conducting an Environmental Study of the existing Airport Runway Approaches and the areas in and around these approaches; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Philip did not anticipate that the construction of said Snow Removal Equipment Building would carry over into the City's 2009 Fiscal Year and Budget. Further, the City failed to budget for the additional grant offered to the City to assist in conducting the environmental study of the Airport approaches in preparation for the possibility of obtaining additional land for said approaches;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the following Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance be and hereby is adopted in order that the appropriate budgetary requirements will be in place to reflect the anticipated revenues and expenses related to these projects and are expected to be forthcoming in Fiscal Year 2009.
GENERAL FUND
43500 AIRPORT
43500 Airport Improv. SRE Bldg. $ 52,895.00
43500 Airport Improv. Env. Study $ 75,790.00
TOTAL AIRPORT IMPROV. EXP. $ 128,685.00
TOTAL APPROP. & ACCUM. $ 128,685.00
MEANS OF FINANCE
The following designates the fund or funds that money derived from the following sources is applied to.
GENERAL FUND
33100 FEDERAL & STATE GRANT
33100 - Fed. FAA & State DOT Grant $ 126,411.00
TOTAL FED./STATE GRANT $ 126,411.00
41150 CONTINGENCY TRAN.
41150 Contingency Transfer $ 2,274.00
TOTAL CONTINGENCY TRAN. $ 2,274.00
TOTAL MEANS OF FINANCE $ 128,685.00
Dated this 3rd day of August 2009.
/s/ John F. Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Monna Van Lint, Finance Officer
Passed First Reading: July 06, 2009
Passed Second Reading: August 03, 2009
Yeas: 06 Nays: 00
(Published twice on July 16 and August 13, 2009 at an approximate cost of $_________)
Motion was made by Kangas, seconded by Palecek to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance #2009-07, 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance, Warning Siren, Emergency Management Grant. Motion carried with all members voting aye.
ORDINANCE #2009-07
2009 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE
WARNING SIREN - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GRANT
WHEREAS, the City of Philip, South Dakota has determined that for the safety and security of its residents, it would be in the City's best interest to pursue funding for the installation of an additional disaster warning siren in the northern area of the community to enhance and improve the existing warning system and more effectively notify and protect the general public of impending disaster; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Philip applied for and was awarded a SD Homeland Security Grant through the SD Emergency Management Program in the amount of $7,155.00; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Philip did not anticipate the award of this grant when preparing the 2009 Municipal Appropriations budget;
SO NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the following Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance be and hereby is adopted in order that the appropriate funding can be in place to reflect the grant awarded and expenses that will be incurred in the purchase and installation of an additional disaster warning siren.
GENERAL FUND
42200 FIRE DEPARTMENT
42200 Fire Dept. Equip. $ 9,356.00
TOTAL FIRE DEPARTMENT $ 9,356.00
TOTAL APPROP. & ACCUM. $ 9,356.00
MEANS OF FINANCE
The following designates the fund or funds that money derived from the following sources is applied to.
GENERAL FUND
33180 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT
33180 - Homeland Security Grant $ 7,155.00
TOTAL HOMELAND SEC. GRANT $ 7,155.00
41150 CONTINGENCY TRAN.
41150 Contingency Transfer $ 2,201.00
TOTAL CONTINGENCY TRAN. $ 2,201.00
TOTAL MEANS OF FINANCE $ 9,356.00
Dated this 3rd day of August 2009.
/s/ John F. Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Monna Van Lint, Finance Officer
Passed First Reading: July 06, 2009
Passed Second Reading: August 03, 2009
Yeas: 06 Nays: 00
(Published twice on July 16 and August 13, 2009 at an approximate cost of $_______)
New Business:
Ash Street Improv. Project:
Harlan Quenzer, Engineer with SPN & Assoc., reviewed the final documentation of the Ash St. Improv. project with the Council. He noted that the project is 100% complete and would recommend the Council approve Change Order #03, Pay Request #03 (Final) and the Notice of Final Inspection and Acceptance.
Motion was made by Palecek, seconded by Arthur to approve Change Order #03 in the amount of $2,707.14 with Ainsworth-Benning for final quantities installed by the contractor for completion of the project. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Kangas, seconded by Palecek to approve Pay Request #03 (Final) in the amount of $14,247.53 to Ainsworth-Benning for work completed through July 17, 2009. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Arthur, seconded by Kangas to approve and authorize Mayor Hart's signature on the Notice of Final Inspection and Acceptance of the Ash St. Improv. project. Motion carried with all members voting aye.
Philip School Drainage Project:
Mr. Quenzer reviewed the draft Change Order #03, decreasing the contract price by $309.56 for actual quantities installed for the project. He stressed that this is only a draft and the official signed document has not been received by Grizzly Excavating, Inc.
He then reviewed the draft Pay Request #03 (Final) in the amount of $33,000.87 which reflects the above Change Order #03. Again, he stated that this is only a draft pay request as the official signed document has not received by Grizzly Excavating, Inc.
He stressed that there is also concerns that Grizzly Excavating, Inc. is failing to pay suppliers for this project. At this time, the City and SPN & Assoc. have been contacted by two of their suppliers for the project, Cretex Concrete Products and Gibson Concrete Construction. To date, these suppliers are owed more than $35,000 combined from Grizzly Excavating, Inc.
In turn, he has provided both suppliers with Grizzly's bonding company information and advised them that each must file a lien against Grizzly's bond through its bonding company. This is the legal process to follow and if done so, Mr. Quenzer is hopeful that they will receive their payments so that they can then sign the necessary lien wavers in order for the City to finalize the project.
FO Van Lint noted that the City's funding agency also has requirements for the City to receive their funding. One being certified payrolls from the contractor. Some of which have not been received. These must be on file and approved in order for the City to request its grant funds through the CDBG program.
Mr. Quenzer went on to recommend the Council table approval of Change Order #03 and Pay Request #03 (Final) until all lien waivers from Grizzly's suppliers are signed and submitted as well as any other paperwork that is required.
Following discussion, motion was made by Palecek, seconded by Arthur to table Change Order #03 and Pay Request #03 (Final) until all lien waivers from Grizzly's suppliers are signed and submitted and any other required paperwork is completed. Motion carried with all members voting aye.
Mr. Quenzer also informed the Council that the City received a direct bill from one of Grizzly's subcontractor's, Buskerud Construction. The bill was for an additional 1,190 square yards of seeding at $3.30 per unit for a total price of $3,927. It was noted that the contract bid price with Grizzly for seeding is $0.87 per square yard unit.
He also noted that the City only issues payment to contractors, not subcontractors under the contractual agreement. Furthermore, according to SPN & Assoc. the total seeding of the project was 2,896 square yards in total and is reflected in the above Change Order and Pay Request.
He then recommended the Council reject Buskerud's claim as it needs to be submitted through the contractor, Grizzly Excavating, Inc.
Following review, motion was made by Arthur, seconded by Palecek to deny the claim submitted by Buskerud Construction in the amount of $3,927.00. Motion carried with all members voting aye.
PWD Reckling advised the Council that the geo-thermal line on the school's property has been repaired by Action Mechanical. It took approximately one day with the City personnel completing some of the work. To date, a bill has not been received.
It was noted that the City is still in the process of determining who is responsible for the repairs to the geo-thermal line as it does not belong to the City.
No action was taken on the geo-thermal line repairs.
Branden West with the Match Bronc Ride event addressed the Council as requested. He stated that the event was fantastic and a great time was had by all. The gate attendance in 2009 is estimated at 2,500. They added more seating this year and still did not have enough for all the attendees. They are in the process of getting even more for next year's event.
He stated that he is very satisfied with everything that goes on to make this event a success. The sponsors are very important in allowing this event to continue to grow.
He then presented and reviewed the profit and loss statement with the Council noting that the event profited $612.72. He stressed that the profit is not important; it is the success of the event. He noted that in his opinion, a lot of organizations and businesses are benefiting from this event which also plays a part in the event's success, i.e. Haakon Co. Young Women, Philip Chamber of Commerce, gas stations and the downtown bars.
Council also viewed the television commercial aired on KEVN promoting the event.
Council Member Kangas questioned if Mr. West has any problems getting enough bronc riders for the event? Mr. West stated that he has had no problems getting riders; there is even a waiting list of riders wanting to get into the event.
Council Member Vetter expressed his gratitude to Mr. West for putting on an excellent event for our community.
Council Member Arthur questioned if Mr. West felt the Professional Bulling Riding (PBR) in Rapid City that weekend hurt the attendance at the event? Mr. West stated that in his opinion, we are in a bronc riding area and does not think the PBR hurt this event.
City Attorney Tollefson commended the security guards that were hired to control the crowd at the dance downtown following the bronc ride. She stated that she would recommend this company be hired for any future events such as this in our community.
Police Officer Butler was questioned as to his opinion on the Security Guards? He advised that in his opinion, everything went very well.
Council and those in attendance thanked Mr. West & Mr. Mills as they left the meeting at this time.
Warning System Siren:
PWD Reckling advised the Council that an electrical easement has been obtained between West Central Electric and Don Walker. An additional easement with West River/Lyman Jones Rural Water Systems, Inc. will be drafted in the near future with hopes of having the siren installed by mid-September.
Airport Improv. Project:
Council was informed that a meeting will be scheduled in the near future with Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc. regarding the environment assessment of the Municipal Airport for land acquisition purposes within the runway protection zones.
Pedestrian/Bicycle Project:
Council reviewed correspondence from Darin Bergquist, Secretary of the SD Dept. of Transportation regarding the City's proposed pedestrian/bicycle path on SD Highway 73 aka Larimer Ave.
Mr. Bergquist has recommended the City continue with the proposed eight feet (8') pedestrian/bicycle path plans to be eligible for Transportation Enhancement grant funds. It was noted that when the City applied for this funding in years past, it was denied due to its sidewalk classification (designed at five feet (5') in width) vs. the now proposed eight foot wide path.
Mr. Quenzer advised the Council that if they are going to be eligible for this funding, they will need to obtain right-of-way (ROW) easements from the property owners along the proposed project site prior to applying for the grant. The grant deadline is February 1, 2010.
He then confirmed with FO Van Lint that all but one of the property owners that will be affected by the pedestrian/bicycle path had previously agreed to provide an easement to the City. He further stated that the State of SD currently has six to seven feet of highway ROW. In turn, the City would need to secure an additional one to two feet of ROW in some areas. He also stressed that the State ROW footages vary from each property along the proposed project site.
FO Van Lint also stated that the owner of Morrison's Pit Stop is in favor of the project and would prefer the pedestrian/bicycle path extend all the way to SD Hwy 14.
By general consensus of the Council, the City will pursue obtaining the eight feet (8') ROW from property owners in order to apply for the grant by the February 2010 deadline.
Mr. Quenzer agreed to contact the State for the updated survey of SD Hwy 73 aka Larimer Ave. outlining their Hwy. ROW for each property. This information will be provided to City Attorney Tollefson to compile correspondence and easements to each property owner along the proposed project site.
Council reviewed the following building/flood plain development permits as presented: Christine Andrus - 26.8' x 24' addition; Ralph McQuirk for RuthAnn Carstensen and Tammi Schofield - excavate & repair water line; Coyle's Super Valu - excavate & repair parking lot & roof repair; First Lutheran Church - remove old garage & level parking lot; Joe Gittings - 12' x 12' shed; Haakon School District 27-1 - excavate & replace water line from curbstop on Philip Ave. to Barium Treatment Plant; Esther Knutson - 12' x 16' shed; Scotchman Ind. - replace 4' x 12' sidewalk; United Church - 10' x 12' shed.
Council Member Kangas questioned Ms. Andrus' proposed addition regarding water and sewer lines? PWD Reckling noted that there is a curb-stop and sewer line from an old trailer house on the south end of her property. He does not foresee the addition interfering with those lines.
PWD Reckling also advised the Council that the previous PWD, Tom Lesselyoung, had requested a meter pit be installed on the Haakon School District's waterline from S. Philip Ave. to their Barium Treatment Plant. He stated that with this being a private waterline, the water should be metered after the curb-stop. There has been unaccounted for water loss on this line that the City is absorbing because it is not properly metered.
He also noted that he has spoken with Delayne Williams, Maintenance Supt. for the School, and he is aware of this request. Furthermore, the School will possibly need to obtain an easement from the property owner on which the pit will be located.
Following review, motion was made by Kangas, seconded by Struble to approve the above permits as presented with the exception of Haakon School District's excavation permit. This permit is approved contingent upon installing a meter pit and obtaining the proper easements as stated above. Motion carried.
Council and those in attendance thanked Mr. Quenzer as he left the meeting at this time.
Council reviewed a request from G & G Excavating, LLC to dispose of sewage waste from their vactor-truck in the City's lagoons. According to Sewer Supt. Rick Coyle, he has no problems with this request nor do the State regulations prohibit the disposal of septic tank waste.
PWD Reckling requested the Council's input on establishing a fee for the dumping, i.e. $25 to $30 per load. He noted that they could be dumping, at a maximum of 1,300 gals. per load.
Council Member Palecek questioned if other communities through-out the State allow this type of disposal in their sewer lagoons? If so, what are their disposal fees per load?
PWD Reckling stated that to his knowledge, other communities allow this disposal. He is not aware of what other communities charge for this service.
Following review, motion was made by Arthur, seconded by Palecek to table G & G Excavating's request in order to determine an appropriate fee by contacting other communities for their fee schedule. Motion carried.
Council reviewed the following L/P Propane bids received this month:
July 15, 2009
Fitzgerald Oil Company $1.08/gal.
Midwest Cooperatives $1.09/gal.
Fitzgerald Oil Company was the low bidder. City propane was supplied by them for July 2009.
Departmental Reports:
The monthly Police Dept. report was presented and reviewed with Police Officer Butler.
Motion was made by Arthur, seconded by Palecek to authorize the Police Dept. to purchase ammunition for qualification courses and duty pistols. This is estimated at $350. Motion carried.
The quarterly Rubble Site report was presented and review with GM Pearson.
Council Member Kangas questioned if it would be feasible for the Rubble Site to stay open over the noon hour on Fridays? Pearson stated that each week the number of Rubble Site loads vary. For instance, last Friday, there were only four loads deposited at the site.
Council Member Palecek then questioned if Saturdays are busier than Fridays? Pearson advised that Saturdays are busier. Last Saturday, there was around fifteen to twenty loads deposited at the site.
The monthly Street Dept. report was presented and reviewed.
PWD Reckling informed the Council that the City personnel chip sealed eighteen blocks last month in seven days. The chips will set for another month before they are picked up.
He also advised the Council that they are planning on fixing Walden Ave. sometime in the near future. He is concerned with its condition and will be investigating various repair options as it no longer has a base under the asphalt. Furthermore, he is looking into purchasing either hot mix or cold mix to repair the pot holes.
He then requested the Council's authorization to replace the gutter pan at the intersection of E. Pine St. and Stewart Ave. This pan is in major disrepair and continuously holding water.
Council reviewed a quote from Gibson Concrete for this replacement at $3180.21 with the City personnel disposing of the existing gutter pan. It was noted that there are sufficient funds in the FY 2009 appropriations to complete this replacement.
Following discussion, motion was made by Palecek, seconded by Kangas to approve Gibson Concrete's quote in the amount of $3180.21 to replace the gutter pan at the intersection of E. Pine St. and Stewart Ave. Motion carried.
The monthly swimming pool report was reviewed with Pool Coord. Carol Schofield.
C. Schofield advised the Council that the last swim day for the season is Aug. 16, 2009.
She further noted that Gayle Rush has again donated her time teaching swimming lessons this year.
Council and those in attendance expressed their sincere appreciation to Mrs. Rush for her generosity to the swimming pool and the community.
The quarterly Water Dept. report was presented and reviewed with GM Pearson
Pearson informed the Council that the overall average of water loss through July 2009 is 9.3 %.
Motion was made by Kangas, seconded by Chin to authorize payment of the Finance Officer's Notary Bond in order to provide this service to the public. Motion carried.
It was noted that the budget meetings have been completed. The first reading of the 2010 Appropriations Ordinance will be held during the Sept. 8, 2009, Council meeting.
At 8:00 p.m., Trisha Larson representing the Haakon County Young Women (HCYW) addressed the Council with an update on their request to install a pool heater at the swimming pool.
Pool Coord. Carol Schofield stated that a salesman from the Pool and Spa Center in Rapid City visited our pool last week regarding the possible installation of a pool heater.
Accordingly, a 400,000 btu heater that is approx. 32" in diameter was recommended for our pool. It would be located between the west wall and the first pit in the pump room.
The heater is estimated to cost $4,000 plus $1,000 for the installation. In addition to the heater installation, there are other costs involved. These include, but are not limited to, some minor electrical wiring; a propane tank estimated at $900 plus the line and regulator; and, installation of double or triple wall vent pipe through the pump room roof which is estimated to cost $1,500.
Schofield further noted that the heater should be regulated to keep the pool water at 82 degrees with maintaining a higher pH level. If this is maintained, the chemical usage is not expected to increase very much as well as the wear and tear on the pool pumps are predicted to be minimal.
Trisha Larson informed the Council that the early morning swimmers took the pool water temperature following last month's meeting. It was reported between 71 and 75 degrees at 5:00 a.m. She questioned when and where the pool personnel take the temperature.
Schofield stated that the temperatures are taken two to three times per day, ranging from mid-morning to late afternoon. She also advised that she had taken the pool water temperature one evening in three different areas of the pool. At that time, the thermometer read 82 degrees consistently. She stated that a pool thermometer is utilized for taking the temperatures, but is not positive of its accuracy.
Council Member Arthur questioned why individuals are swimming in the early morning hours? He suggested that they swim in the late evenings when, in his opinion, the water would be warmer.
It was noted that the early morning swimmers are not overly concerned with the water temperature. It has been reported that they will swim no matter what the temperature of the water is.
Schofield went on to state that the maintenance of the heater would mainly be that of the propane costs. Otherwise, the heater manual will outline steps to correct any concerns or problems.
Council once again reviewed the yearly propane costs from the surrounding communities that also have a pool heater. It was noted that the heater recommended for our pool is the same one that the City of Kadoka has, only much bigger. It was noted that the City could expect to pay between $2,400 and $3,600 for propane.
The question was asked as to where the City would locate the propane tank for the heater. PWD Reckling reiterated that they had initially considered the area south of the pool, between the Municipal Building fence and the School's football sheds.
Council Member Vetter questioned Larson as to what costs the HCYW are willing to pay for? They are willing to pay for the heater and installation which is estimated at $5,000 with the City maintaining and operating it.
Council Member Vetter stated that he was previously concerned with the maintenance costs that the City would incur each year to operate the heater. With the current information provided, he is more apt to concede to the benefits a pool heater would be to those utilizing the facility.
Council Member Arthur stressed that the Council had just finished making budget cuts for 2010 and does not foresee justifying this additional expense. He reiterated again that the City should request that the early morning swimmers be asked to swim later in the day versus the early morning hours.
Council Member Chin provided information regarding a solar swimming pool heater that is an alternative to propane heat. She stated that is one of many options for utilizing solar heat panels instead of a propane heater.
It was suggested that the solar swimming pool heater would pertain more to that of a household size pool, not the City's.
Again, it was noted that the use of Scotchman Ind. artesian well water is free to the City. The pool personnel have to contact their maintenance personnel to turn on the pumps in order to fill with their warm water. It was noted that the City is only allowed to utilize their water during the week.
PWD Reckling advised that once the City has maintained the pH level between 7.6 and 7.9, the artesian water from Scotchman Ind. is not expected to be corrosive to the heater. This was also a previous concern.
Following a lengthy discussion, motion was made by Kangas, seconded by Arthur to deny HCYW's gift of a pool heater and installation due to expected propane costs. Motion carried with a majority vote. Voting aye: Kangas, Arthur, Struble, Vetter and Palecek. Voting nay: Chin.
Ms. Larson also mentioned the possibility of the City purchasing a pool cover. In her opinion, a good cover may assist in maintaining the pool's water temperature overnight.
It was noted that the City had a pool cover years back that was damaged from the wind.
Ms. Larson stated that it may be something to consider without the yearly operational costs.
The Council was informed that the Fire Dept. Special Event Application for the Annual Firemen's Ball was cancelled on July 3, 2009, due to the weather. They have rescheduled the event to July 29, 2009, and provided written permission from the affected property owner, Barry Knutson.
Executive Session: None.
Public Comments:
Trisha Larson questioned about information from a previous Council meeting regarding possible daycare grants.
DFO Smith stated that this was something that Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin and Tim Johnson's representatives had discussed with the City. It was noted that they were reviewing our community needs and another daycare was mentioned. This was also during the time that the City visited with them regarding Lake Waggoner.
FO Van Lint also mentioned that there is Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) available for daycares to purchase a Governor's House. It was noted that the Small Pine Daycare building is a result of the CDBG program. The City administered the grant with the ownership and management being that of Philip Health Services, Inc.
She stated that other CDBG programs have also been administered through the City in the past. It is ultimately a decision of the Council if they would allow this.
DFO Smith also mentioned the Horizon's Daycare Action team work. A large amount of information was compiled and shared, but the group could not find anyone to operate/own a daycare in our community. Furthermore, she suggested Ms. Larson contact Central Enhancement District for any possible daycare grants.
Council and those in attendance thanked Ms. Larson as she left the meeting at this time.
In Other Business:
The SDML Annual Conf. is Oct. 6-9, 2009, in Watertown. Please notify FO by Sept. 2nd if you will be attending and when.
The City Offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7th in honor of the Labor Day holiday.
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next Regular City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
With no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
/s/ John F. Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Brittany Smith, Deputy Finance Officer
(Published once on August 13, 2009, at approximate cost of $_________)
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