Answering Roll Call for the September 9th, 2004 City Council Meeting commencing at 7:30 PM were Mayor Robert Closser; Council Members, Jeff Sines, Sharon Sines, Dan Cassill & Karen Rudd.  Absent was Craig Walker.  Also present were City Clerk, Mary Stocker, Street Commissioner, Chris Day; Larry Wilkinson from Rathbun Regional and a few residents of the City.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved with a motion by Dan Cassill, seconded by Sharon Sines and motion carried.

The Financial Report was present by the Clerk showing deposits for the month of August and bills for payment in September. A motion to accept the report and pay said bills was made by Sharon Sines, seconded by Jeff Sines and motion carried.

The Park Board minutes were read by the Clerk and a motion to accept their minutes was made by Karen Rudd, seconded by Dan Cassill and motion carried.

No Committee Meetings to Report

Old Business consisted of the tower installation by Rathbun.  Larry Wilkinson reported that due to the size and weight of the siren we would be installing, it would be too heavy for their tower.  Also, workers could not climb around it to the top.  Rathbun will work with us in securing a pole to place our siren on and pay a portion of the price.  The Rathbun tower will provide wireless internet service.  Hopefully the foundation work will commence next week.  He questioned about electricity and if it was possible to tie into the Fire Department building.  A motion was made by Dan Cassill to approve them hooking onto the fire station pending approval of the Fire Chief.  Motion was seconded by Jeff Sines and motion carried.  Mayor to check with Fire Chief.

We have three bids on Storm Sirens:

Following review of the specs, a motion was made by Jeff Sines, seconded by Dan Cassell  to purchase the RC Systems Model.  Motion carried.  Mayor will get paperwork rolling with Rural Development and the Grant work.

Fire Truck Grant tabled till the December meeting awaiting on whether department gets FEMA Grant.

Discussion of the repair done on the Stephenson Building (former Hardware).  The roof has been repaired, but not properly.  The front was painted, but only as someone could reach.  The grass and weeks are again growing around it.  No major progress has been seen.

Do we want to start the condemnation process on this building ( which does not mean it will necessarily be torn down).  Most in attendance would like to see it fixed up.  Dan is to check about any grants or low interest loans or what might be available.

Clark Barker will visit with Bob Stephenson to ask him to attend the Oct. meeting about the City's interest in seeing something done.  He will also explain what we want to do.

A motion was made by Karen Rudd, seconded by Jeff Sines for Mayor Closser to visit with our City Attorney about the procedure and have him also attend our October meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.

Sam Closser house is being torn down slowly.  Jeff Sines made a motion that Mayor also check with lawyer about procedure with getting it cleaned up.  Motion seconded by Dan  Cassill.  Council also discussed the other two old buildings on the north side of the oval and in time getting them repaired in lieu of falling into a state of disrepair.

The City's storm drain on Thompson's has been repaired.

The Clerk then went thru the list of people with regard to old cars, etc. and who had responded and who hadn't.  There had been a good response, but felt the need to go over the list again.  A walking tour will be set for  Sept. 25th at 10:00 to take the list and check again.  Volunteers were Clark Barker, Bob Closser, Jeff Sines & Karen Rudd.  anyone else could volunteer to come along.

Jody Rysdam was present to ask about a "Dead End Sign" be replaced on her street as she was tired of vehicles turning around in her drive.  Discussion between her and the Mayor became quite vocal and she stated that she would be doing anything to improve the appearance of her property for this town.

Street Report:  Three estimates for a complete paving of some type for all the streets in town were presented to the Council.  They were from Municipal Street Improvement, Norris Asphalt & Southern Iowa Asphalt.  Bids differed considerably and need to be worked out and better specs given.  Also decide whether to ship-seal or asphalt.  An approximate cost for the City would be $120,000 to $130,000 for all streets including ditch work.  Further work to be done by Jeff, Chris and Bob.

The City's portable pump does not work correctly.  The Mayor was seeking permission to take to the Amish repair - motion by Karen Rudd, seconded by Dan Cassill to get it fixed.  Motion carried.

The information we have received form AMENDT regarding replacement of signs needs to be reviewed.  Chris to look it over an present to Council at next meeting.