City of Knoxville City Council met Nov. 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Call to Order: Mayor Myers called the Regular Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All rose to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: Present: Aldermen Eiker, Gruner, Hillier, Hope, Moore, Reed and Taylor; Mayor Myers, Treasurer Barnum, Attorney McCoy, Chief Poyner, and City Clerk Wilt. Absent: Engineer Cooper. Also in attendance: Ms. Penny Flesner, Mrs. Kathy Breeden, Mr. David Wilt.
Public Comments: Library Board President Penny Flesner introduced Library Board member Kathy Breeden.
Approval of Minutes: Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Minutes of the October 17, 2022 City Council Meeting. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion which passed by voice vote with no dissent.
GENERAL REPORTS
Attorney Report: No report.
Engineer Report: No report.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Barnum noted transfers of extra funds from the Water and General Fund checking accounts to Money Market accounts were made to take advantage of the higher interest rate that the bank is offering.
City Clerk’s Report: Clerk Wilt noted that the sale of 207 E North St had been finalized and filed with the county. She also gave a brief presentation listing what the basic income and expense responsibilities are for each department.
INFORMATION ITEMS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
1. West South Street Streetlight Request: The Ameren IL study supported the addition of a streetlight on West South Street. Alderman Gruner moved to approve the installation of a streetlight in the 400 block of West South Street. Alderman Hillier seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes.
2. Library Window Tinting/Library East Exterior Door: Alderman Hillier reported that the Public Library Board has requested to hold off on tinting the west windows at this time. Alderman Eiker reported that the non-essential east exterior door could not be removed and bricked over due to lack of appropriate bricks, but options for dry-walling it over on the inside would be investigated.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Annual Property/Liability Insurance Renewal: Mayor Myers stated that the annual property and liability insurance renewal rates had increased for the coming year, mostly due to the addition of the City Hall annex plus the value of other properties had increased. Alderman Gruner moved to approve the Porter-Hay Insurance invoice for $73,928.26, which allows for an early pay discount. Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes.
2. South Gilson Street Temporary Additional Lighting: Chief Poyner stated that he is reviewing lighting options, including partnering with the school district, to purchase a portable lighting unit. The item will be discussed at the November 21, 2022 Council meeting.
3. Administrative Warrants for Two Properties: Attorney McCoy stated that demolition proceedings for 109 W Main St could continue without entering the property, but as the property is now in foreclosure, the bank would need to be notified. He also stated that we would need entry to the house that burned at 209 N Hebard St to view any violations. Attorney McCoy said that the City could seek the cost of the demolitions from the homeowners, but there are usually no assets to draw from. Alderman Eiker moved to proceed with administrative warrants for 109 W Main St and 209 N Hebard St. Alderman Taylor seconded the motion, which passed with seven (7) Yes votes.
4. Burning Yard Waste Options: Alderman Gruner stated that a resident requested additional no burning days besides Mondays, however he saw no reason to change the burning ordinance other than in 10-2-5 to add the term “natural gas.” Mayor Myers stated that a sweeper that vacuums up residents’ leaves could be purchased in the future, but it is expensive. Alderman Hope suggested starting a city compost pile. Currently the city does some composting to enrich dirt for cemetery grave fills. Aldermen were asked to consider leaf removal options, in addition to burning, to protect the health of the community.
5. 2023-2024 Tax Levies: Mayor Myers set Monday, November 21, 2022 at 6:00 PM for an Administrative Committee meeting to discuss tax levies and employee Christmas bonuses.
Mayor’s Report:
• Barb Kirchgessner is in charge of the Christmas parade on December 3, 2022.
• An employee, council, and committee member Christmas party will be held on December 11, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Big Catz BBQ.
• The asphalt project at the former skateboard park area of James Knox Park has been completed.
• The solar project at the wastewater treatment plant is progressing slowly.
• The sanitary sewer televising project is progressing, and at least one hole has been discovered.
• The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the City Hall Annex, with the aforementioned Administrative Committee meeting at 6:00 PM.
Committee Reports:
• Administration: Alderman Hillier reported that the Public Library would be closed from December 26 through January 2, and that Librarian Walker would be using vacation time for that.
• Cemetery: No report.
• Economic Development: No report.
• Parks: No report.
• Police: Alderman Moore reported that there is currently no cage in any police vehicle, and the purchase of one is being explored. Chief Poyner reported that the 2020 police vehicle was hit by another vehicle and sustained $3,200.00 worth of damage.
• Sanitation: No report.
• Streets: Alderman Eiker reported that the ditch work throughout the city is almost all completed.
• Water/Sewer: No report.
Adjourn: At 8:00 PM, Alderman Gruner moved to Adjourn the Meeting; Alderman Eiker seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with no dissent. The meeting was adjourned.
https://kville.org/wp-content/uploads/minutes-agendas-newsletters/Minutes_2022-11-07.pdf
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