CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on October 25, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Brown, Tull, Zabel and Cruz. Staff present was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman and City Clerk, Dawne Bowman; others present were Jeremy Rounds, Deputy Lynn and Colleen Larimer.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve 10/11/21 meeting minutes, seconded by Brown, all ayes, motion carried. Brown made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

A discussion was held on library repairs. Kitzman reported that the library has been painted the gray that was chosen by the council and Public Works is currently re- routing the gas line. The back wall is not painted yet and there are a couple more items around windows, then the project should be complete.

Jeremy Rounds was present to answer questions about the grants that are currently available, which are Downtown Housing Grant, Community Catalyst Grant, Covid Downtown Façade Grant, Covid Microenterprise Grant and Derelict Building Grant. Kitzman commented that there is already someone interested in the Community Catalyst Grant and the City does not have Derelict Buildings, so those 2 grants are not something we would be interested in. The Downtown Housing Grant promotes Main Street upper story living. Rounds encourages this grant, due to the simplicity of the application process. There was discussion of some downtown buildings that upper stories and might be interested in this grant; however, it is for 1 property only. Kitzman will send letters to qualifying business owners to advise them of the Downtown Housing Grant. Rounds also discussed the Covid Downtown Façade Grant, which would be a good grant to apply for as is not a competitive grant with other cities. This grant is based on blighted downtown properties and Rounds suggested that interested business owners submit their ideas for their façade to the council. The Covid Microenterprise Grant is for small business that have been impacted by Covid. These funds must demonstrate how the activities prevent, prepare for, or respond to Covid. Rounds noted this is a first come, first serve basis until the funds are gone and it is a forgivable loan to business owners; however, there is an income level in order to qualify. It was the consensus of the Council to notify the Main Street and Business District property owners of these grants to see if there is interest. Kitzman also informed the Council that there could be potential for City funds to be used for any of these grants.

Zabel made a motion to approve Resolution 21- 43 Tripp Subdivision Phase 3 Final Plat, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed the purchase of dump truck, as our current 1991 dump truck has electrical issues and most recently the front springs are not functioning properly, making it immobile. The cost estimate to fix the springs is $3,000. Kitzman presented the council with a quote on a 2009 Sterling Acterra located in Manchester, IA. The price on the dump truck is $33,000 and Kitzman suggested using RUT funds for the purchase, as this is not in the current budget. The 1991 would not be sold due to its condition. Bowman added this 2009 Sterling is comparable to the last dump truck that was purchased and stressed the importance of having good reliable equipment. Zabel asked if the 2009 had any warranty with it, in which it doesn't; however, the company selling it still uses it on occasion. Zabel made a motion to approve the purchase of 2009 Sterling Acterra dump truck, pending inspection, in the amount of $33,000, using RUT funds for purchase, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Brown made a motion to approve the Annual Financial Report FY20, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Tull made a motion to approve Lenox Chamber Special Events Permit for Trunk or Treat Parade on 10/31/21, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed community center rental pertaining to only renting the small room on weekends. The small room being rented on the weekends is a loss of revenue for the City, as we have several people try to rent the whole building for wedding receptions or large family gatherings and have to be turned away due to the small room being booked. Outside of November and December, the Depot is available for small gatherings. After much discussion of rental prices, agreements, deposits and cleaning, it was decided that booking only the small room on Friday (after 12 P.M.) through Sunday will no longer be allowed starting on January 1, 2022. This will be on the next agenda.

Brown motioned to adjourn the meeting, Tull seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M.