Councilmembers Cover Four Items During Their May 1st Meeting

The City Council meeting for May 1 was attended by approximately 10 people and lasted 28 minutes.  The five councilmembers moved through the agenda quickly, which included an added item by Councilmember Jim Hodges regarding establishing a public hearing for the city budget.   

Wayfinding Signage

City Manager Mike Burns brought an issue to council members regarding grant money which was received in 2013 to go toward new signs throughout the city. The signs were intended to point to the location of a variety of features such as the historic downtown district, various parks and trails, and other points of interest.  

Former City Manager Mark Howe had spearheaded the project and secured the necessary grant money. However, the plan stalled with his dismissal by the City Council in 2016. Burns has been receiving quarterly action reports for the grant but says he has not known what to do about the issue.

Mayor Mike DeVore indicated while he was serving as the council representative on the Parks and Recreation board, there was a discussion about signs. The board wanted to have any signs pointing to parks and trails be uniform with signs pointing to other city landmarks.  

In 2013, the project had an estimated cost of $59,000, and the amount of the grant money received was $53,500.  Burns noted the cost of the project will likely be higher now that four years have passed.  Councilmember Canfield asked if the Downtown District Authority (DDA) might be able to help with the difference between the actual cost of the project and what was received in grant money.  Councilmembers directed Burns to contact Williams and Works to assist with the project so it could move forward.  

Park Usage Agreements

Three resolutions were passed regarding the use of city parks.  Lowell Little League, the YMCA and Backyard Dreams all requested use of the parks for activities.  The agreements they enter into with the city determine factors such as a participation fees paid to the city, maintenance of the area(s) of the park(s) where activities will take place, utilities, concessions permits, and scheduling activities.  Each of the three agreements are three years in duration starting April 1, 2017 and will end March 31, 2020.  

Fire Authority Building Maintenance

Burns, along with the Department of Public Works Director and the Fire Chief, have had discussions pertaining to the maintenance of the Fire Station building.  There has been confusion as to the responsibility of maintenance.  It has been determined that a memorandum should be drafted by the city attorney to clarify responsibilities for determining what work is needed and where funds should come from to pay for upkeep.  Through discussions during the past few months, an agreement on responsibility was established but a memorandum of understanding is being sought.  

Members of the Fire Authority agreed something in writing is needed to clarify roles as well as who insures the building.  Currently the building is on the city’s policy.  

Councilmembers directed Burns to have a memorandum presented at a future meeting indicating the Fire Authority is responsible for maintenance, including the funding of projects. The authority should also be responsible for carrying insurance on the building.  The city will be listed as additional insured.

Budget Discussion

This Saturday, May 6 at 10am on the second floor of the Lowell Light & Power (LL&P) building, a work session will take place to discuss the preliminary budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.  An item was added to the agenda during the May 1 meeting so that a public hearing regarding the budget could be announced.  A public hearing for the budget will take place at the May 15 council meeting.  It is anticipated the budget will also be approved at this meeting following the public hearing.

City Manager’s Report

During his city manager comments, Burns addressed two issues he’s heard as the subject of rumors in the community. The first is an alleged plan to reinstitute the Lowell biodigester. The other is the reason for Chief Steve Bukala being placed on a temporary suspension.  

On the topic of the biodigester, Burns said he and Steve Donkersloot, General Manager of Lowell Light & Power, continue to be in negotiations with LEAD about what will happen with the facility site and equipment. Burns says neither he nor Donkersloot are aware of any information indicating the biodigester will reopen.  He did say the city has been in talks with Litehouse trying to assist them with disposing waste which was being sent to the biodigester while it was operating.  Burns commented he hopes to have a final proposal for City Council and the Lowell Light & Power Board within the next month.

With regard to the paid suspension of Chief Bukala, Burns said that he would not comment on what the investigation is about. However, he would mention topics which are not being investigated.  He indicated Chief Bukala was not being investigated for any inappropriate sexual activity, embezzlement, bribery, or fraud.  

Burns has been working with Sgt. Hurst, who has been named acting Chief, to address staffing issues and fill in scheduling gaps with as little disruption as possible.  Part time officer Mike Stevens has been given an indefinite full-time position until the outcome of the investigation is resolved.  

Council Comments

During council comments, Councilmember Greg Canfield questioned the planning for the upkeep of streets.  He asked if there was a way to put a question on the ballot or otherwise seek voter input on how to handle the financial burden of repairing city streets.  His suggested remedies were continuing what is currently being done as far as what funds are put aside for roads, look into a millage, or pose a local income tax in which those outside the city would contribute.  

Burns indicated a better approach would be to know how much it would cost to replace streets prior to discussing where funding would come from.  He went on to say it would take a year and a half for a road assessment plan to be completed.  Canfield responded saying he did not like the idea of doing nothing while waiting for an estimated cost.  It was determined the topic of street funding would be put on the agenda for a future meeting and further discussion.

Canfield also asked Burns if he had an update on the food truck ordinance which was to be drafted and brought to council for discussion.  Burns said the city attorney began drafting an ordinance but he thought the issue with New Union Brewery resolved itself and therefore the issue was not pursued.  Canfield asked if the topic could be put on a future agenda to ensure a proper resolution.  

Finally, Canfield requested a review of the Lowell Light & Power PILOT agreement in which LL&P pays the city a percentage of its gross receipts in lieu of paying taxes to the city.   This agreement has not been reviewed in a number of years.

Meeting Information

Coffee with Council will be held this Saturday, May 6 from 8-10am in the Chamber building on the Riverwalk.  

The next City Council meeting will take place in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall on Monday, May 15 at 7pm.  Meeting minutes and agendas can be found on the city’s website.  And meetings can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel.  Or check in with Lowell’s First Look after each meeting for a recap of what happened.

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