CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on March 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Cruz, Tull and Zabel; Nelson was absent. Staff present was City Clerk, Dawne Bowman and City Administrator, Allison Kitzman. Visitors were Will Fargo, Harold Huber and friend, Lisa and Leroy Jensen, Roger John, Aaron Kralik, John Glass and Colleen Larimer.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve 2/27/23 meeting minutes, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried. Cruz made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried. Zabel made a motion to approve the February 2023 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

At 5:30 PM Zabel opened the Public Hearing on Proposed Plans and Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for Lenox Sidewalk Improvements, seconded by Tull. Lisa Jensen was the spokesperson for the group that had questions and concerns regarding the Sidewalk Improvement Project, claiming they had no prior knowledge this project was taking place, nor had they seen any plans or drawing to what was involved in the project. Mayor Douglas explained that this project has been discussed at several council meetings and these meetings are open to the public. Kitzman mentioned that there is a map of the project at City Hall that can be viewed and that committee member, Jo Adams sent letters to all residents on the route of the path, notifying them of the project. Jensen asked several questions regarding the project, such as how wide the sidewalk was going to be, who was maintaining it, where the sidewalk was actually going, what will happen to existing sidewalks, and what the actual proposal was. At this time, Will Fargo, with Garden & Associates discussed the project, answering many of the questions. The sidewalk will be 8ft wide through the rodeo grounds, then it will be 5 ft wide north to Van Buren Street. Jensen asked for the width to be reduced to 2 or 3 feet wide, as there is no need for a 5 ft sidewalk in front of peoples' properties. Fargo stated it is required to be 5 ft due to wheelchair accessibility. Mayor also mentioned the importance of the width, as it would allow 2 people to walk together on the sidewalk, or even give room to meet someone else. Fargo added that any previous sidewalks would be removed and replaced, this project will also be going around trees and some utilities. Zabel mentioned to the group that this project is being done on city property, as all construction will be on City Right of Way. Kitzman also mentioned that this project is being done by a "group", it's not the City; however, the funds are going through the City, that's why we are involved. Bowman asked this group present if they thought the City was progressive or reactive, stating that the City supports any projects that will add value to our town, as these are ways to bring people here. Jensen discussed Roger John's property, as it sits closer to the road and the sidewalk will be very close to his house. Huber discussed his property and some sink holes, while John Glass asked about his driveway, as a 5 ft sidewalk would keep him from parking in his driveway, due to an ordinance violation. The Fargo explained that each scenario discussed will be addressed at some point. Roger John, Lisa and Leroy Jensen left the meeting at 6:00 PM. Huber, Glass and Kralik left the meeting. At 6:05 PM Bowman made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried.

At 6:05 PM Bowman opened the Public Hearing Budget Amendment #2 FY23, seconded by Tull. There were no comments heard from the public. At 6:06 PM Tull motioned to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Zabel.

Kitzman discussed bids received for the Lenox Sidewalk Improvement Project, explaining that 5 bids were received, with the lowest bid at $192,620 by Hymbaugh Construction. This bid came in approximately 20% over the engineers estimate but were budgeted for. All funds for the project have been raised through grants and local donors by the walking trail group. Kitzman stated there was enough donated funds to complete phase 1 and 2 of the walking trail project. Cruz made a motion to approve Resolution 23- 13 to Accept Bids and Authorize Award of Contract for Lenox Sidewalk Improvements, seconded by Tull. Roll call votes- all ayes, motion carried.

Zabel made a motion to approve Resolution 23- 14 Amending FY23 Budget, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Tull made a motion to approve Resolution 23- 15 Acquisition or Development for Outdoor Recreation, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried. Kitzman mentioned this is for Phase 3 of the walking trail project from the Care Center to the Golf Course. The Walking Trail committee has been working with SICOG to apply for the Land & Water Conservation Fund in the amount of $75,000.

Zabel made a motion to approve DMT Class C Alcohol License with Outdoor Service Renewal, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitman discussed Health Insurance renewal, as there was an increase of 8% and a quote from United Health Care having a 29% increase. Tull made a motion to renew or current plan with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed Delta Dental renewal, as there was an increase of $1.24 for adults and $0.98 for a child under 21 years of age; however, this increase is 100% paid by the employee. Zabel motioned to approve Delta Dental renewal, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman also discussed Vision Insurance renewal with a 3% increase for the next 2 years and would also be paid by the employee. Tull made a motion to approve Vision Insurance renewal, seconded by Zabel, all ayes, motion carried.

Tull motioned to adjourn the meeting, Cruz seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM.