City Council Discuss Several Different Issues At April Board Meeting
City Council Discuss Several Different Issues At April Board Meeting
By Beth Hunolt
On Monday, April 19th, the Board of Aldermen for the City of Edina met in regular session at seven p.m. at Edina City Hall to address the monthly agenda. Mayor of Edina Davy Strickler greeted the gathering and called the meeting to order, followed by Albert Hagerla leading the attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. City Clerk Margaret Gibson presented the Board with the minutes of the March meeting’s minutes, which the Board accepted without any additions or corrections. City Collector Betty Morgret presented the Board with the collector’s report, which was unanimously approved by the Board, along with the monthly bills.
The Knox County Clerk’s office recently announced their certified results of the April 6th, 2010 municipal election, which elected Sid Leckbee, Linda Ritchie and re-elected Rene Edwards, and announced the approval of proposition A; which asked voters for the transfer of funds from the Special Light Fund to the Street and Maintenance Fund.
The Board then acknowledged the service of outgoing Aldermen Albert Hagerla and Donnie Davis this being the last Board meeting for the pair. Cake and refreshments were served as a joint celebration of the retirement of two board members, the addition of two board members and celebration of city clerk Margaret Gibson birthday. Newly appointed members Sid Leckbee and Lori Ritchie, re-elected Aldermen Rene Edwards, City Collector betty Morgret and Mayor Davey Strickler were sworn in to office by city clerk Margaret Gibson and the meeting was called back to order.
Peggy Collinge city treasurer presented the treasurer’s report, which was heard and approved by the Board of Aldermen.
Jackie Kline representative of the Genesis Maternity home project located in Edna, an organization aimed at aiding expecting mothers makes wise decisions for the future. The home that is in the process of being renovated to house the participants will be staying in and noted that the project and the housing repairs are funded solely by donation. Mrs. Kline explained the benefits to the project and expressed a need for the program. She also extended an invitation to each Board member for a Fund Raising event on May 1st at the Rehoboth Baptist Church in Kirksville
The Board of Aldermen then viewed to applications for building permits in Edina. At the home of 501 East Morgan Street, an application for the approval of an addition of a wooden deck and privacy fence was approved by the Board, The Board also approved an application from D Cars Inc. at 501 Reid Street for the removal of an old trailer and the building of a new shop and new pavement which is to be constructed by C&C or Morton Contracting.
Rick Winter Representative of the Edina Ball Association met with the Board and reviewed information he had shared with them at a previous meeting regarding the drainage of the ball field and he reported that the ball field is holding up better than anticipated thus far and that the field had been spray for mosquitoes again this year. Winter told the Board approximately one hundred kids signed up for baseball this year. He updated the Board on some maintenance the association would like to take care of for the season including painting, some rock for belchers and the repair of a broken window. He mentioned that the ball association recently repaired a water leak in one of the restroom facilities and purchased a load of sand for the infield. Winter was granted $1,000 from the Edina city council to go to the Edina Ball Association.
Water waste Superintendent Brad Eitel presented his department report to the Board and updated the freshmen members on his department’s activities and offered a tour of the wastewater facilities to the council members. Eitel reports “Astronomical numbers for the month of March”, double the average due to recent rainfall and snow melting conditions. Eitel reported that his plans for replacing the plant’s roof and ceiling were put on hold until a seasonable work date could be agreed and added that since the warmer weather was present he would continue gathering bids for the repair work.
Superintendent of Utilities Mike Wriedt introduced himself to the newly elected Board members and presented his report. He commented on his upcoming reditching projects and advises this will prove to be the best rout e the city could take as far as maintaining the road conditions. He announced that due to a leak at the Edina Swimming Pool he was forced by regulations to shut the pool’s water off. Wriedt announced the water would stay off until the leak was mended and discussed what actions were taken and could possibly be taken to remedy the situation. Wriedt also suggested reverting street from the decaying pavement back to gravel, eliminating the need to repave it.
Chief of Police Rodger Waibel reported to the Board of Aldermen that he and another office would be observing and recording for the May Cleanup. Waibel reported the actions he has taken in preparing for the demolition of condemned homes. Waibel also noted that he had been receiving numerous work related called on his cell phone from individuals and asked that the Board taken in to consideration his work related calls and reimburse him and the officers for the minutes used.
The board heard and approved the department reports unanimously. As there were no new Business or Old Business the Board of Aldermen for the City of Edina adjourned the April 19th meeting at 8:45 p.m.
