CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on July 22, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Peterson, Tull, Hodges and Cruz; Nelson was absent. Staff present was City Clerk, Dawne Bowman and City Administrator, Allison Kitzman. Visitors were Colleen Larimer, George Hernandez, Shari Burger and Deputy Pafford.

Cruz made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried. Tull made a motion to approve 7/8/24 meeting minutes, seconded by Peterson, all ayes, motion carried. Hodges made a motion to approve payment of the bills, seconded by Peterson, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion on the speed limit on Brooks Street. After much consideration, it was decided to move forward with changing the speed limit on Brooks Street. It was decided to change the speed limit from 45 MPH on South Brooks Street from Iowa Street to Dallas Street to 30 MPH. It was also decided that due to construction of the new Agrivision building, to change the speed limit from 45 MPH on North Brooks Street to the 700 block of North Brooks to 35 MPH, then increase to 45 MPH at the 700 block of North Brooks, then 55 MPH at edge of city limits. Kitzman will prepare and ordinance and this will be on the next agenda.

Hernandez left the meeting.

Shari Burger presented the council with Annual Library report. There was a discussion on the interior lift of the library; however, the ramp on the exterior of the library is not accessible for wheelchairs and not compliant due to settling.

Peterson made a motion to approve Dally Post Special Event Permit Application for Rodeo Dance on July 27, 2024, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Discussion was held on the application for the Lenox Hispanic Heritage for Fiesta Celebration being held on September 14, 2024. The application stated the road closures included Main Street from Michigan to Temple Street and Ohio Street from Main Street to Walnut Street. The council expressed concern about blocking both the bank drive through windows on a Saturday during the time they are open as well as the residential area being able to access their properties during this time. It was consensus of the council to not allow Main Street between Michigan and Ohio Street to be closed and instead offered to allow Main Street from Temple to Illinois or Temple Street from Main Street to Walnut Street to be closed. This would allow the celebration the same amount of room without affecting the banks or residential areas. Hodges made a motion to approve Lenox Hispanic Heritage for Fiesta Celebration on September 14, 2024, with changes to the road closure, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Peterson made a motion to approve Dally Post Alcohol License Amendment to Include Outdoor Service for Rodeo Dance, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried.

Hodges made a motion to approve hiring Laurence Fischer to Lenox Neighborhood Center, seconded by Tull, all ayes, motion carried.

Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution 24- 31 Wage of $12 per hour for Laurence Fischer, seconded by Cruz, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman stated that she has been contacted by the Chamber of Bedford to discuss the possibility of having a shared position for an abatement officer with other surrounding communities. Kitzman stated that we already have an employee responsible for abatements that is part of their job description and is manageable with the employees we already have. The council decided they are not interested in a shared abatement officer.

Tull made a motion to approve CDBG Draw #15 Final for LMU Water Project in the amount of $37,370.00, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed ITC easements for the transmission project. There are 4 easements located in the following areas, City Hall and LMU, rodeo grounds, tennis courts, and east Temple Street lift station. The process for this will start at the next council meeting.

Tull motioned to adjourn the meeting, Hodges seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM.