The Perry City Council met in regular session Monday.
At the meeting, City Administrator Butch Niebuhr talked about the sexual assault incident in Wiese Park over the weekend. He thanked the police department for their hard work. Niebuhr also said that Hy-Line International plans to close the doors their plant as the result of the avian influenza outbreak. Niebuhr also mentioned the Dog Park Celebration on May 30th with the Humane Society of Perry. Assistant City Administrator Sven Peterson then recapped Saturday’s Hiawatha Classic and steamroller art project. He said both events were successful, attracting around 75 and 40 participants respectively.
Mayor Jay Pattee then mentioned that he and Councilman John Andorf would be attending the Metro Alliance Council meeting Tuesday. He also talked about how Perry tends to be a step ahead when it comes to trails in the area. He thanked City administration and the Conservation Board for making that happen for Perry.
Andorf said he attend the board and administrator training last week. He said it touched on legal requirements, doing what’s right and enhancing board effectiveness. He encouraged attendees to share the information they received with others on their boards and in their organizations. Councilman Dr. Randy McCaulley then mentioned that Presidential candidate Rick Perry may be doing a charity ride from Perry in the coming months, which could be some great exposure for the City. Councilman Phil Stone then brought up ongoing meetings in regards to the Emerald Ash Borer. Niebuhr said another meeting will be held tomorrow with department heads to discuss the issue but it sounds like the recommendation may be to treat or eliminate trees in the parks and worry about other areas once that is completed. City Clerk Corey Eastman says an assessment shows there are more than 800 trees in Perry, therefore treating all of them would exceed the Tree Board’s budget. Dr. McCaulley then mentioned how he appreciated the phone call to his landline over the weekend stating that there was a tornado warning in the area.
A public hearing in regards to the fiscal year 2015 budget was then held. As previously reported, the amendment includes a $117,427, or 3.6 percent, increase in operating expenses or wages. After hearing no comments from the public, the Council later approved the amendment.
A second public hearing in regards to a perpetual easement in the alley behind 1121 and 1117 Second Street. The new owners of the former Joebgen Shoes building made the request to use the alley for utilities and maintenance. Again, following no comments from the public, the easement was unanimously approved.
A change order for the 18th Street reconstruction project was than approved. This is for an additional $32,946 for extra work done by the Perry Water Works. The fifth pay request for that project was also approved in the amount of $87,983 to Elder Corporation for work completed through April 24th. The project is currently 97 percent completed and paid for. In addition, the final acceptance and certificate of completion for the project was also approved. City Engineer Matt Ferrier with Bolton and Menk says there is still a punch list for Elder to complete for the project.
Next a $10,000 permanent transfer from the Tax Increment Financing Fund to the Sewer Operating Fund was approved. This money was temporarily transferred to cover a project in the urban renewal area, consisting of a grant to Perry Economic Development to benefit the Perry Grand Theater.
A resolution setting the cost of machinery and labor for nuisance abatements was then approved. This sets the cost of various equipment, labor, and other fees associated with nuisance and compliance issues that are addressed by the city and then costs assessed back to the property owner. Finance Officer Susie Moorhead says these fees have not been reviewed or amended in about five years and the approved cost increase is for an average of five dollars per hour.
The Council then approved a request to have chickens within city limits. John Cruit of 1812 Jones Street has met with Building Official Steve Tibbles to discuss the building and fencing requirements. He has also agreed to not have more than six chickens at one time.
A request from the Perry Community School District to waive all permit fees for their elementary parking lot project was then discussed. Tibbles has calculated costs for the permit, which also includes plan review from the city engineer, Bolton and Menk Inc. Tibbles says fees totaled around $7,125 with less than $200 of that being for the engineering costs. Niebuhr says historically, the City of Perry has forgiven similar building permit fees. including those associated with the Perry Performing Arts Center project. Mayor Pattee and Councilman McCaulley both spoke about the City and school district working together being beneficial. Councilman Chuck Schott expressed interest in waiving the fees but asking the District to reimburse the City if there are out of pocket fees including engineering costs. The council approved the request but the District will be responsible for any engineering costs and out of pocket fees for the City.
Finally, the Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance repealing and replacing the City’s rental code. That will go into effect once it is published next month.
For more on last night’s meeting, tune into today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County when we speak with Niebuhr about these and other happenings in the City of Perry. The program airs during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on AM 1310 KDLS.