CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on May 28, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Nelson, Tull and Cruz; Peterson and Hodges were absent. Staff present was City Clerk, Dawne Bowman and City Administrator, Allison Kitzman. Visitors were Colleen Larimer and Mike and Becky Smith.

Tull made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. Cruz made a motion to approve 5/13/24 meeting minutes, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve payment of the bills, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed EMC Return to Work Program that will decrease the amount of time an employee is off work by offering transitional work. This is a mandated program and is the employee declines the transitional work, they are declining work comp benefits. Tull made a motion to approve EMC Return to Work Program, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed EMC On- Call Nurse Program that will track employees that are hurt on the job by providing the employee with a number to speak with a nurse, who will file the initial paperwork and inform the employee if a physician is needed or what steps to take. This is also a mandated program. Nelson made a motion to approve EMC On- Call Nurse, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

The council discussed the catalyst draw request for Café Signs. Mike and Becky Smith were present to update the council on the old "Office" building projects as they were awarded the catalyst grant for this project and the deadline to receive Catalyst Grant funds is June 30, 2024. Smith's mentioned the façade is complete, a new floor has been installed, the drop ceiling has been removed along with the side walls to expose original brick. Ron Thompson is 3/4 complete with the electrical work. There is currently no heating or cooling and the back patio has not been started. There is still flooring to be laid and painting to be done. Smith's explained that they have been making calls to the Iowa Economic Development Authority to request a grant extension but have been unable to reach anyone. Kitzman offered another number that might possibly be able to help them. Tull made a motion to table the draw request until the next meeting to see if Café Sign would be awarded an extension, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed some items located at the lagoon that have been there for several years and not used. Kitzman would like to take these items out to sealed bids with no minimum bid. The items are: 3 Phase Gas Generator with trailer, International Snow Blower, Vermeer Wood Chipper, Old Military Trailer, Heavy Duty Rear Mounted Blade and Landpride 3 Point Rear Discharge 72" Deck. Tull made a motion to approve sealed bids on these items, seconded by Nelson, all ayes, motion carried. These bids are due to City Hall by 4PM on June 20, 2024.

Kitzman discussed Paint Your Home Program, as the City was given funds from Vern Reynolds Trust for the purpose of painting of residential homes. The applications will be available at City Hall from now until July 30, 2024 and the home must be painted by October 30, 2024. The council could approve 1 extension if more time is needed. The homes must be owner occupied. The City will provide the paint and supplies to paint a home, trim and garage. The City will potentially run this program annually until the funds are depleted. Tull made a motion to approve Paint Your Home Program, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Tull motioned to adjourn the meeting, Nelson seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:08 PM.