CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on February 14, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Nelson and Cruz; Tull and Zabel were absent. Staff present was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman, City Clerk, Dawne Bowman; others present were Dave Sturm, Rob Lundquist and Colleen Larimer.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried. Bowman made a motion to approve 01/24/22 meeting minutes, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. Bowman made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. Cruz made a motion to approve January 2022 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried.

At 5:30 PM, Bowman opened a Public Hearing on Max Levy, seconded by Nelson. There were no comments heard from the public. Bowman closed the Public Hearing at 5:31 PM, seconded by Nelson.

Bowman made a motion to approve Resolution 22- 07 FY23 Maximum Property Tax Dollars, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried.

Dave Sturm with Snyder and Associates was present to discuss 2022 Street Improvement Project, which would consist of milling and asphalt overlays to Utah Avenue (Home Avenue), N Pine Street and Michigan Street, sidewalk ramps and intersection reconstruction. This project is estimated at $434,478.00. Bowman discussed the water project being done at the same time. Sturm assured the Council he is aware of that project and it will minimally affect the road project.

Rob Lundquist entered the meeting at 5:35 PM.

Bowman made a motion to approve Resolution 22- 08 Authorizing Bid Letting and Setting Public Hearing for 2022 Street Improvement Project, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. The bid letting will be March 9th at 2:30 PM at City Hall and the Public Hearing is set for March 14th at 5:30 PM.

Rob Lundquist with the Lenox Neighborhood Center was present to discuss the property at 108 South Main. Lundquist stated the Lenox Neighborhood Center has funds to purchase this building at a cost of $30,000 plus all closing costs. Bowman made a motion to approve Resolution 22 - 10 Purchase of 108 South Main, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried. Lundquist added that he is currently getting bids for some issues with the building, such as the north wall and the back wall. There was a discussion on the roof, as it has leaked and been repaired in the past. Lundquist is applying for Taylor County Endowment Grant for $10,000 to help with roof repair costs, adding that Taylor County has offered $5,000 towards the project and asking for $5,000 from the City of Lenox to use as the matching funds for that grant. Lundquist also mentioned that he would be applying for USDA Grants for shelving, clothing racks and a freezer. Council agreed to put $5,000 towards this project, pending the approval of the Taylor County Endowment Grant. Kitzman reminded the Council that this building will belong to the City of Lenox and we will be responsible for the upkeep of the building if the Neighborhood Center does not have funds.

Kitzman discussed the Budget and Tax Rate, which included a power point of funds, taxable valuations, taxable incomes and rollback percentages. Kitzman also put together several graphs of tax rate comparisons, to include Taylor County, surrounding counties and counties with similar population as Lenox.

Bowman made a motion to approve Resolution 22- 09 Setting Public Hearing for Budget FY23 for March 14th at 5:30 PM, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion held on an application received to have livestock in city limits. The applicant is inquiring about having 2 miniature horses on the property of 203 and 205 South Walnut. Kitzman mentioned Chapter 55.05 of Lenox Code of Ordinances and added that due to the current houses being on the property, there is not adequate room for the livestock. Bowman added that he is not in favor of starting to allow this within the city limits and made a motion to deny the application, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Cruz made a motion to approve Subrecipient Agreement with LMU, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. This is for the LMU water project.

Bowman made a motion to approve CDBG Draft Environmental Assessment, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried. This is also for the LMU water project.

Nelson made a motion to approve IEDA GAX Draw Request in the amount of $20,000 for Lenox Main Street Pocket Park Phase 2, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Nelson motioned to approve Dally Post Pheasants Forever 5 Day Class C Liquor License, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Bowman motioned to approve Dally Post Cigarette/Nicotine/Vapor Permit Application, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried.

Nelson made a motion to approve Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement for Walking Trail Project for the Taylor County Endowment Grant, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

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