CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY OF PROSPECT
APRIL 15, 1997
PRESENT:
Mayor
Lonnie Falk; Council Members Lee Zimmerman, Harold Smith, Raymond Burse, Nan
Milliman, Alan Simon and Sandra Tucci; City Attorney John Evans, Police Chief
Lewis Nugent; City Administrator Ann Simms; Recording Secretary Phyllis A.
O’Donnell.
Mayor Falk called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
Council Member Smith moved approval of minutes of the regular City Council
Meeting of March 17, 1997; Council Member Burse seconded; passed unanimously.
COMMENTS
FROM RESIDENTS:
Mr. Art Butterfield and several residents from the Foxcroft Road area voiced
their concerns of continuing drainage problems in their area and asked what
the City’s plans were to improve the situation. Mayor Falk explained that
several drainage problems were aggravated by the recent heavy downpours and
flooding. Another contributing factor is the number of new homes being built
has changed drainage flow. The City has contacted and has been working with
FEMA to get federal help with repairs. FEMA has surveyed the City’s problems
and reports have been written but not validated yet. They will be back in
the City April 23rd and residents are allowed to point out problem
areas. Woody Smither, City Engineer, will be looking at other Fox Harbor drainage
problems and reporting back to the City within a week with his recommendations.
Also appearing was Steve Frockt of Fox Harbor, who wanted to complain about
drainage at the bottom of Fox Harbor Hill.. The Mayor said money for the repair
was in the City’s budget for this year and he expected a contract would be
let before July.
Mike Haag, resident of the Landings, expressed his concern about the traffic
on U.S. 42 and asked about putting a traffic light at the Landings and also
about reducing the speed limit. Mayor Falk explained the road belongs to the
State and the City has no control over repairs, improvements and maintenance.
He said the State’s first option is a turning lane on U.S. 42, although a
light would be cheaper, and that the State is not interested in lowering speed
limit. Mr. Haag also had questions regarding the bridge issue. Mayor Falk
reiterated the City is opposed to bridge but is working with the State Transportation
Department.
Bill Wilkinson, builder, presented plans requesting approval for a lot in
Sutherland. The City has regulations regarding garages facing the street,
and the house will have to be repositioned.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Mayor Falk presented the financial report for March 1997. There were no questions.
POLICE
REPORT
Police Chief Nugent reported nothing remarkable for the month.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
Council Member Milliman gave second reading to Ordinance no. 336, Series 1997:
An Ordinance prohibiting targeted picketing in residential areas of the City
of Prospect. Council Member Simon seconded; passed unanimously on a roll call
vote. For: Tucci, Simon, Milliman, Burse, Smith and Zimmerman. Against: None.
NEW
BUSINESS
First public hearing: use of money received by Prospect from local government
economic assistance (coal and mineral tax) fund (Approximately $135 Fiscal
Year 97-98). No discussion.
First
public hearing: use of money rceived by Prospect from state municipal road
aid fund (Approximately $33,000 Fiscal Year 97-98) Money to be used for street
signs and street repairs.
First public hearing: setting the ad valorum tax rate for the City of Prospect
22.5 cents per $100 assessed valuation. No discussion.
Council Member Burse gave first reading of Ordinance no. 337, Series 1997:
An Ordinance levying an ad valorum tax rate for the fiscal year 1997-1998.
Council
Member Simon gave first reading of Ordinance no. 338, Series 1997: An Ordinance
establishing the municipal road aid fund budget for the fiscal year july 1,
1997 to june 30, 1998.
Council Member Zimmerman gave first reading to Ordinance no. 339, Series 1997:
An Ordinance establishing the sewer treatment plant fund budget or the fiscal
year july 1, 1997 to june 30, 1998.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION:
Council Member Simon moved the Council meet in Executive session to discuss
personnel; Council Member Milliman seconded; passed unanimously. The Council
met in Executive Session from 8:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Council
Member Simon gave first reading of Ordinance no. 340, Series no. 1997: An
Ordinance establishing a budget for the general fund of the City of Prospect
for the fiscal year july 1, 1997 to june 30, 1998. Discussion followed. Council
Member Zimmerman questioned the purchase of VCRs for the Police Department.
It was stated that this is a monitoring device for added protection and surveillance
of officers and residents. Mayor Falk referred to the Mayor’s Budget Summary,
which points out the highlights of the budget.
Council Member Smith asked about responsibility of clean up along U.S. 42.
Chief Nugent stated that it is the responsibility of the State Highway Department.
Council Member Milliman gave first reading to Ordinance no. 341, Series no.
1997: An Ordinance establishing a business license fee in the City of Prospect.
Mayor Falk stated that the fee is very small and merely is a method by which
the City can keeps up to date information on ownership and contact persons
in case of emergency.
Council Member Burse moved adoption of Municipal Order no. 1, Series 1997:
An Order declaring the april 14, 1997 special meeting of the city council
to be the regular meeting of the city council for the month of april; Council
Member Simon seconded; passed unanimously.
Council Member Simon moved adoption of Municipal Order no. 2, Series 1997;
An Order establishing pay ranges for the City of Prospect pursuant to Ordinance
335, Series 1997; Council Member Burse seconded; passed unanimously.
Council Member Simon has been working on the 4th of July Celebration
for the City and is in need of volunteers. Any one willing to help should
call him at 228-4161 or 228-2960.
Mayor Falk pointed out additional information included in the back of council
books. This included a letter from Edwards, the City landscaper, updating
the council on spring clean up. They also state the before derby they will
be planting trees, bush hogging vacant lots, pulling weeds and re-fluffing
mulch and checking on irrigation systems.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION:
Council Member Zimmerman moved the Council meet in Executive Session to discuss
personnel; Council Member Simon seconded; passed unanimously. The Council
met in Executive Session from 9:40 p.m. until 11:10 p.m.
Mayor Falk announced that pursuant to City personnel procedures, after accepting
applications for the position of Lieutenant in the Prospect Police Department,
Ann Simms and Chief Nugent each selected two candidates. Of these candidates
two were selected for final consideration and interviewed by the Mayor. Based
on the criteria established by the City, Mayor Falk announced his selection
for the position is Officer Roy M. Day and asked the Council for its approval..
Council Member Simon moved that Officer Roy M. Day be promoted to Lieutenant;
Council Member Smith seconded; passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Milliman moved adjournment; Council Member Simon seconded;
passed unanimously. Mayor Falk declared the meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m.