Bennett County Booster

City Council Meeting, January 11, 2012

Posted Local at Jan 18, 2012

Rod Senn, engineer with Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson, points out the details of the airport map.

By Marj Oleske

At their regular meeting Wednesday, January 11, Martin City Council members learned the details of the environment assessment required at the Martin Airport from guest speaker Rod Senn, PA. The board is deliberating building a wildlife fence and land acquisition possibilities for the airport.

In other airport business, the assistant City Foreman was approved as the assistant airport manager.
City street foreman Paul Noel was also consulted for his opinion on the necessary repair of Main Street sidewalks. The board is taking steps to contact affected business owners to develop a reasonable replacement plan to improve the safety of downtown sidewalks.

The council is also pursuing steps to dispose of properties which include empty buildings which are becoming a public nuisance.

Martin City Police Chief Julio Medeiros reported on the recent fires within the city. The State Fire Marshall and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating the incidents.

Medeiros is asking the public for any information relating to the fires.

Medeiros reported that the new building is operational, thanks to many volunteers. The public is reminded that surveillance cameras are in use both in and outside the Martin City Police building. The donation of an American flag for the flag pole by the Legion Post 240 was appreciated.

Medeiros also commented on the handling of calls coming in to both the Martin City Police Department and the Bennett County Sheriff Department. “We are continuing to work well together,” he remarked.

In related business, the council approved a three percent raise in salary for Medeiros after his six months probation period is complete on January 26.

After discussion on the details of the proposed gun ordinance, Mayor Gayle Kocer read the first reading of ordinance #17, concerning the shooting of BB guns and other similar weapons. The ordinance will impose a fine and restitution for damage caused by reckless and careless firing of listed weapons.

Ordinance #178 concerning sewer replacement costs was read for the second time. The ordinance spells out the details of connection costs for homeowners.

The council discussed requests received for upkeep on the city’s Christmas decorative lights. It was agreed that the broken bulbs and decorations would be replaced.

The council appointed Amy Allard and Jackie Hicks to the Martin Housing Authority Board.

The board has also chosen the law firm of Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson and Ashmore, LLP, to complete their Ordinance Code Compilation. This will update the existing ordinances for a more user-friendly edition for use by law enforcement and the public.

Council members present were Gotheridge, McCue, Moffitt, Peck and Noel. Absent was Claussen. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, February 8, in the Library Community room at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.