REGULAR MEETING:  November 8, 2011.  The regular meeting of the Oxford Junction City Council was held at the Wregie Memorial Library at 7 pm.  Mayor Tank called roll.  Council present were Chase, Ewing, Balichek and Martin entered at 8:05 pm.  Bonny was absent.  Staff present was Hansen and Wink.  Visitors were Shirley Jones-Midland Times, Denny Coon-Fire Dept. and Greg Graver-Jones Co. Sheriff entered at 7:55 pm. 

     Moved by Balichek seconded by Ewing to approve the agenda.  Ayes:  Chase, Ewing, Balichek.  Absent:  Martin, Bonny.  Motion Carried.

     Moved by Balichek seconded by Ewing to approve the consent agenda.  Ayes:  Chase, Ewing, Balichek.  Absent:  Martin, Bonny.  Motion Carried.

RECEIPTS:  General $25,140.60; Library $12,913.18; RUT $3,346.10; Employee Benefits $4,063.20; Emergency $471.00; LOST $3,034.07; Debt Service $1,327.58; Capital Projects $15,518.17; Water $7,018.64; Sewer $3,800.88; WWTF $7,043.91

     Fire Chief Denny Coon announced that the fire dept got an approx $3300 DNR matching grant.  They will use this money to replace 2 nozzles, some hose, and buy 10 more pagers.  They have 8 new members that will attend fire fighter one training in Olin.  There is a possibility of receiving a USDA grant for the roof.  They will refresh the bids and meet with the USDA rep after the 1^st of the year.  Old tanker is almost completely restored and ready to go.

     Maintenance Superintendent Wink asked the Council about buying a new cutting edge for the bucket on the tractor and he would put the old one on the backhoe.  The Council said not at this time.  He also asked about purchasing a safety coat for Wiese.  The City will buy it unless Wiese wants to purchase his own so he could take it with him and use it elsewhere.  Wink also said we need to purchase another box of water meters.  They will be starting on Christmas lights soon.

     Mayor Tank has been busy with complaints about the curb & gutter.  He also reported that Wiese has been doing a good job.  We have someone trapping muskrats at the lagoons.  We will have some repairs to do. 

     The December meeting will start at 6:30 with a budget meeting to follow.  The clerk will be getting prices for a new computer because the old one has been freezing up.

     Kathy Chase reported that the library has received their direct state aid, but it was 25.5% less than in previous years.  They also received their Jones Co Contribution and will be getting more from Enrich Iowa.  Looking into replacing lights in back room.

     Jones County Sheriff Greg Graver presented the Council with the report from October.  Graver advised that if we have any nuisance vehicles on the streets that need to be taken care of, we should do that before it starts snowing.

     Tank stated that the Junction for Opportunities received a donation to be used for Christmas decorations.  They would like to put a big tree in the empty lot on Broadway across from the Senior Center and some small trees on some corners.  The Council has no problems with this, but it will be up to the JFO to figure out how to get the lighting.

     Mayor Tank reported that the curb & gutter is just about complete.  He also said that IIW cost the State a lot of money because it was not designed correctly.

     Moved by Chase seconded by Balichek to approve Pay Application No. 9 Final to Anstoetter Construction for $16,910.15 (to be paid after the 9^th) Roll Call Vote.  Ayes:  Balichek, Chase, Ewing.  Absent:  Bonny, Martin.  Motion Carried.

     Moved by Balichek seconded by Ewing to approve signing the “Written Notice of Works in Operation” for the water mains.  Ayes:  Ewing, Chase, Balichek.  Absent:  Bonny, Martin.  Motion Carried. 

     Surveyors from IIW were here and have unofficially approved the site at the existing well for the new well site.  Mayor Tank has been in close contact with the engineers and is trying to keep the costs down.  We will be getting a planning and design loan to pay engineering expenses.

     Moved by Balichek seconded by Ewing to approve Resolution 2011-14 Holiday Pay keeping everything the same as last year.  Roll Call Vote.  Ayes:  Chase, Ewing, Martin, Balichek.  Absent:  Bonny.  Motion Carried.

     Moved by Balichek seconded by Chase to approve renewing 4 CD’s at Citizens State Bank for the 15 month special of 1.15%.  Roll Call Vote.  Ayes:  Chase, Ewing, Martin, Balichek.  Absent:  Bonny.  Motion Carried.

     Moved by Balichek seconded by Martin to approve renewing liquor license for Ligionaire Ballroom.  All Ayes.  Bonny Absent.  Motion Carried.

     Discussion was held on hiring someone periodically to drive the other dump truck when we have a heavy snowfall.  The idea behind this would be to cut down on the regular guys’ overtime.  The Council thought this would be a good idea, but only for heavy snowfalls.  This will be contract labor and will hopefully only have to happen a few times a year.

     Mayor Tank stated that there is really no reason to have heat in the old fire station anymore.  The Council agreed to have the fuel removed and the tank put up for bids.

     The furnace in the shop has been acting up.  We will have someone come and look at it.

     Moved by Balichek seconded by Chase to adjourn at 8:24 pm. 

___________________________________                              ______________________________

Merle Tank, Mayor                                                                              Attest:  Stacia Hansen, City Clerk

These minutes are not official minutes until approved by the City Council.