Lennox City Council held their regularly monthly meeting July 25th. One addition to the agenda was to hear from Dennis Weeldreyer, the City of Lennox’s representative with Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. He was informing the council about an issue at the treatment plant with the lime deposits. Weeldreyer explained it was necessary to make improvements to the lime basins.
According to the ARCA agreement among Lewis & Clark members however, money cannot be used from capitol funds until the project is complete, which Weeldreyer estimates is another 10 to 15 years down the road. He was at the Council to see if they would support a decision to change the wording to allow the Lewis & Clark Board to change the ARCA. He said 100% member support would be needed.
Weeldreyer said the change would allow for better cash flow in the short term. No council action was required.
Under the consent agenda, the council held some discussion on claims, questioning a request from a citizen for reimbursement of irrigation system repairs. Council voted to approve claims with the exclusion of that one, citing the need for more information.
Wayne Peterson, of Long Creek Park, brought up the issue of mobile home park licensing, stating that park licenses expired June 30. He said that Long Creek Park had complied with the requirements and paid their renewal fee in March.
Lennox Finance Officer Jerry Jones said that he knew Long Creek had passed inspection, as well as the Hammerly Trailer Court. Jones added that the other two mobile home parks (West Park Place and Sunnyside Mobile Home Park) had several issues. Jones said he would follow up on and have that on the agenda for the next meeting.
Under the Finance Officer’s report Jones said the city is on track according to his budget analysis. Jones said the repair of the front of City Hall was in progress, local contractor Doug Meyer has received quotes, which with his portion and the stone was at $10,000. Jones said the price would go up or down depending on stone choice, he said they would also be getting a new flag pole. Work is planned to begin in September.
The demolition of a condemned property in Lennox at 517 West 4th was scheduled to begin on July 19, Jones said there is an issue getting the power disconnected though, so it may be delayed.
Councilman Mike Gregg asked about the changes in open meetings law, to which Jones explained to the council, one change is what will make a quorum. He said it is now defined as in person, by phone, and now by email or any other electronic means. Jones said, “If you guys are communicating four or more people that’s a public meeting.”
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