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City of Shenandoah News

Posted on: June 9, 2022

Shenandoah City Council Meeting June 8, 2022 Update

Supporting Documents for Agenda Items can be found HERE.

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Attendance: Present: Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5), VACANT (Position 3) Ted Fletcher (Position 2) and Ron Raymaker (Position 1)

ITEM 6: Awarding Engineering Services for ARPA Funded Projects - Staff requested statements of qualifications from engineering firms on May 31 to provide engineering services for ARPA-eligible projects. This is a requirement for use of the federal funds. Three engineering firms collected the request for qualifications, but Bleyl Engineering was the only firm that submitted a statement of qualifications. Bleyl Engineering has provided design services for water and sewer projects for 25 years for the City of Shenandoah, other local municipalities, and MUDs. They have the experience and qualifications to perform the design services for the ARPA projects. Council voted 4-0 to award the engineering to Bleyl Engineering.

ITEM 7: Purchase of Police Vehicles- Council approved the purchase of three Chevrolet Tahoes in the 2021-2022 operating budget for $75,000 each. Due to production delays because of the ongoing supply chain shortages, the police package Tahoes are not available and there is no guarantee when they will be available. As a solution to this shortage, the police department is proposing the purchase of two (2) 2021 Dodge Chargers. Each vehicle with equipment will cost $62,094, for an approximate savings of $25,000. Council voted 4-0 to purchase two Chargers.

ITEM 8: Increase the Over 65 and Disabled Ad Valorem Tax Exemption - The over 65 and disabled exemption is currently set by ordinance at $75,000 from the appraised value. There is no maximum amount a city can adopt for this exemption, there is only a minimum amount requirement of $3,000. Staff is seeking what amount Council would want to increase the over 65 and disabled exemption to and to approve the ordinance with that amount at this meeting. Council voted 4-0 to raise the over 65 and disabled exemption to $100,000.

ITEM 9: Filling Unexpired Position 3 Seat- Staff presented Council with two options to filling the vacancy of Position 3 as a result of John Escoto as Mayor. Options are 1. a special election which could not be held until November with an estimated cost of 15,000 or 2. appointment by Council to fill the vacancy with no strict deadline. Council voted 4-0 to utilize an application process for a future appointment to fill the vacancy. The application period will run from June 9 to 5 pm June 16. Council will receive the applications and take action at a future meeting.

ITEM 10: Council Compensation Resolution - In 2017, Council eliminated many of the perks that were allowed for Council members, in an effort to be more conservative with public funds. The Resolution addressing Council was never revised to reflect that decision. The draft Resolution presented will show that cell phone allowances, data allowances, and reimbursement for electronic devices have been removed. The only compensations available to Council since 2017 are monetary compensation (same amounts) and access to the City’s health insurance if members choose to pay for it. Council voted 4-0 to clarify and update the present process to be reflected in the policy.

ITEM 11: Minutes of March 23, 2022 Meeting- Council voted 4-0 to approve the minutes as written.

ITEM 12: City Attorney Update - none scheduled

City Administrator Updates

There has been damage to the Vision Park roundabout and Public Works is handling getting it repaired.
Holly Hills Trails Park is basically completed but still barricaded to allow temporary irrigation of the park for about 90 days. After that time, the temporary irrigation pipes will be removed and barricades taken down.
Independence Celebration is set for the City Park from 10 am-noon on June 25.