Minutes Ocotber 16, 2013
A regular meeting of the New Underwood City Council was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Center on October 16, 2013. Present were: Mayor Jack Trullinger, Council member’s: Rikka Buchtel, Larry Graham, Laurie Holloway, and Kathy Trullinger. Also present: Finance Officer Meri Jo Anderson, Dir. of Public Works John Bale, Deputy McPherson, and Dianne Trullinger. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Trullinger.
AGENDA
Motion by Buchtel second by K. Trullinger to approve the amended agenda. Aye: all. Motion carried.
MINUTES
Moved by K. Trullinger second by Graham to approve the October 2, 2013 minutes as presented. Aye: all. Motion carried.
SNOW REMOVAL BILLS
(The city staff had contacted contractors on October 6 to help with snow removal and others volunteered to help.) Two bills were received so far for snow removal. Motion by Buchtel second by Holloway to issue checks to Charles Schaff and Arlen Carmichael. Aye: all. Motion carried.
PUBLIC WORKS
Mr. Bale reported they had winterized the swimming pool; working with Paul’s on the electrical at the lift station for new pump and generator (had to babysit the generator during blizzard); tree limbs were removed from drainage areas and floodway. Mr. Bale injured his back during limb removal from the flood ditch and is currently on light duty as directed by medical personnel.
SNOW REMOVAL POLICY & BLIZZARD REPORT
The Council went over the current snow removal policy and will review and rearrange again at the next meeting.
A check list for equipment readiness during storm warnings will be developed and implemented.
A generator room will be built at the lift station, so that the generator does not have to be taken down to the lift station during blizzards.
The Mayor reported that he had been making calls for help to process and remove the broken limbs and branches from the city. He contacted the National Guard, Airbase, State & County emergency management organizations, but currently there is no help available beyond suggestions. He then contacted contractors to chip and remove limbs but estimates were over $20,000.00. The Mayor got three quotes for renting chippers, so it was moved by Buchtel second by K. Trullinger to rent the larger wood chipper that was located the closest (Box Elder) and lowest quote from Vermeer. Roll call vote. Aye: Buchtel, Holloway, K. Trullinger, and Graham. Nay: none. Motion carried. Concerns were expressed by the Council about needing volunteers to help with the chipping. Councilor K. Trullinger volunteered to help the three days a week she is available. The Mayor will also contact the Fire Department and other clubs to organize some help.
The following resolution was introduced by the Mayor for consideration.
RESOLUTION NUMBER 13-14
CITY of NEW UNDERWOOD
WINTER STROM DISASTER DECLARATION
WHEREAS, beginning on October 4th, 2013 the City of New Underwood and the entire Black Hills region were hit by a severe winter storm consisting of heavy snow and high winds; and
WHEREAS, due to the nature of the storm, heavy damage was caused to the region’s power system, critical infrastructure, trees, livestock and homes; and
WHEREAS, over a thousand homes in the area have been without power and heat during this time, and
WHEREAS, the storm uprooted, or severely damaged, hundreds of trees in the City and the damage will require extensive debris removal; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Underwood experienced difficulty in snow removal, drainage problems, lift station overloads, and wells & booster pumps shutting down; overtime, and significant increase in calls; and
WHEREAS, THE City took many actions during the storm to protect lives and property, including closure of streets, declaration of a city emergency, hiring of private contractors, and heavy citizen volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, the recovery and debris removal will require several weeks and substantial resources to return the community back to normal. Estimates of the cost for the response, recovery and repair of damaged facilities and cleanup will be in excess of thousands of dollars.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of New Underwood be designated a disaster area due to the damage caused by the severe winter storm; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City of New Underwood, that the Governor of the State of South Dakota declare that an emergency and/or disaster exists in New Underwood and that he provide whatever assistance he can for the City’s cleanup and recovery efforts, including helping to seek federal assistance.
Dated this 16th day of October, 2013.
Jack W. Trullinger, Mayor
(SEAL)
Meri Jo Anderson, Finance Officer
After discussion it was moved by Buchtel second by Holloway to approve resolution number 13-14. Roll call vote. Aye: Buchtel, Holloway, K. Trullinger, and Graham. Nay: none. Motion carried.
COLLECTION OF DELINQUENTS
A lengthy discussion on collected delinquent water, sewer, and garbage bills using clearance certificate, collection agency, or small claims court followed. The Council agreed that the City has gotten a handle on the delinquent bills and to continue with the program that has been implemented. If any large bills come up when the annual readings occur the Council will be notified. The Mayor will send a letter to the title companies to contact us when property transfers so that accounts due can be taken care of prior to transfer of ownership.
RCAC
Denise Livingston at Midwest Assistance Program met with the Mayor and Finance Officer on October 15 to discuss recycling. The city would need to purchase container bins and try to get citizen support. The Mayor will continue to pursue recycling as long as it can save the city money and not cost them money.
CONFERENCE REPORT
Councilors Graham & K. Trullinger along with the Mayor and Finance Officer discussed the pros and cons of the Annual Conference October 8-11 in Aberdeen.
BUILDING PERMITS
BP#13-24; Jason Winegar; 110 N. “B” Ave; garage
Moved by Buchtel second by Holloway to approve this permit as long as all set backs are met. Aye: all. Motion carried.
Other items discussed:
1. Law Enforcement expressed concerns about the fence that was knocked done by the snow on the corner of “A” Ave and 1416 due to security. The landowner will be contacted.
2. County Commissioners agendas will be looked at every week.
3. Mileage check.
Being no further business Mayor Trullinger adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
(Seal) Meri Jo Anderson, Finance Officer