Regular Meeting

Minutes of a regular meeting held Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Members present at roll call:  Cusack, Grinnell, Kapustka, Miller, Stanton, Tasker and Herald.

Mayor Herald presided and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Motion by Stanton seconded by Cusack to accept the minutes of the November 17, 2009 meeting as presented.  Motion carried.

Motion by Grinnell seconded by Miller to approve the bills as presented:

Motion carried.  Tasker presented the library budget amendment due to the Poindexter bequest.  Tasker also noted that Jim Lowe has narrowed his choices and selected a clock of 32 inches in diameter, planned for placement on the exterior of the building at the main intersection in the downtown area, just above the overhang. Poindexter funds will be used for this purchase.  Motion by Stanton and seconded by Kapustka to approve the amended Library budget.  Motion carried. 

Mayor Herald read a thank-you letter from Kathy Keiffer of the community food program in appreciation for City DPW digging of a sidewalk area for loading supplies at the northeast side of St. Mary's Hall.

Fire Chief Dan Kipp reported on fire incidences for the month. 

Police Chief Hilliker gave an update on planning for the Monday, January 25 “Meet My Officer” public assembly to be held at the CC-C cafeteria at 7:00 pm. Officer Nick Barbour has been personally promoting the event and receiving good responses. Hilliker stated the first set of new police uniforms has arrived. The officers will be evaluating the different look to see if the planned move from blue to black Class A and B uniforms is still what they want. Officer Justin Beck is now training for deployment to Afghanistan. The Police Committee will be meeting to plan for his replacement and also to make plans for disposing of the old police car. Officer Hilliker also reported on the police response to traffic complaints and the subsequent writing of several speeding tickets on North Division Street during early morning hours.  Hilliker also stated he met with 911 director on safety tower repeater issues.  Carson City is on the list for the possibility of a 900 radio frequency.  Councilman Stanton commended Officer Hilliker on the “Meet My Officer” article’s placement in the paper. 

DPW Director Curtis thanked council for the approval of the DPW truck that was recently purchased. Curtis reported that the return of prison work crews is indefinite at this time.  The prison worden is hoping to know by Friday, December 18 of any updates. 

City Administrator Mark Borden advised the council that MDOT approval is expected to allow placement of the new street signs, now stored in the municipal building and available for the public to see. As required by the Department of Environmental Quality, a contract for a water reliability study has been signed. The firm of Prein & Newhof of Grand Rapids will provide this service.  Administrator Borden also advised the council of a study by a Crystal cable firm in an attempt to bring cable television service to the area.

Tasker reported on the public Community Parks meeting held for receiving suggestions on recreational opportunities in the city. He and Borden have prioritized the list of more than 40 suggestions. Tasker added that some are feasible with current city-owned property and other resources.

Mayor-elect Bruce Tasker presented retiring Mayor Dan Herald with gifts and words of sincere appreciation for his dedicated service to the city.  A wooden key to the city was inscribed, “Daniel C. Herald, City of Carson City, 32 years of service.”  A plaque includes the wording, “City of Carson City, Certificate of Recognition, Presented to Daniel C. Herald, in appreciation for your 32 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Carson City.”

Tasker noted the fiscal responsibility for which Herald has become well known at city hall, stating that in the current difficult times his leadership has been most appreciated.

In his modest response, Herald gave credit to the many good people of Carson City for their hard work and community spirit - leading to recent successes.

Motion to adjourn by Miller seconded by Tasker at 8:07 p.m. to meet again for a regular meeting on January 19, 2010, 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.