During his utilities report to the Winston Trustees on Oct. 4 Tom Kober pointed out that with rising costs for trash service, electricity, and the cost to repair and replace pumps and maintain the lagoon, it will be necessary to increase rates again to keep up.
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In other business at the meeting, a provision was added to an ordinance stating that no person shall park, store or leave any vehicle upon any public street or public right-of-way marked by the posting of temporary or permanent FIRE ZONE signs, and to authorize immediate towing of vehicles where No Parking or Fire Zone signs have been in place for 48 hours.
A Fire Zone was established to run the full length of the alley from Hwy Y to Richardson Street between the Firehouse and the Park.
Mike Edwards of Ameren gave the board an update on the change of company name, full disclosure billing, outage issues and rate requests. He said that Ameren’s rates are still lower than the national average and the local competition, and he outlined their energy efficiency programs that can save consumers money if used. Board members complimented Ameren for their rapid response to concerns and requests.
The board authorized the repair of grader lights per the bid from Michael Enterprises.
Melvin McFee reported that all equipment is running well. He will drop dye in possible areas where rainwater may be entering the sewers, then run water down the drains to see where the dye ends up.
Bill Michael’s street maintenance report noted the completion of the drain grate structure next to the post office. Some culverts have been replaced and others are in progress.
Jerry Lusk reported installation of three rugs in the town hall with carpet tape and tacks. Bill Michael will check into the water leak in the men’s room at the park and winterize the facility. Jerry Lusk reported that Ameren has installed another street light at the park alley to increase the light in that location, and trimmed the tree there. Chairman Eaton will see that the branches are removed from the park and properly disposed of.
Jerry Lusk reported for emergency management that the siren was tested today and worked fine.
The clerk asked board members who would be attending the meeting to discuss a small towns municipal court. Arvella Eaton and Jerry Lusk will attend.
During public comment Suzanne Fisher asked the board to waive the ordinance prohibiting the placement of single-wide mobile or manufactured homes in Winston so she could have one installed on her lot and tear down her old house. Board members indicated that others have made similar requests, and that an ordinance can’t be waived for one without opening it up for all.
Jerry Lusk moved to seek bids for park mowing for 2011, grader operator for 2010-11, and street rock.
Jerry Lusk is to do what he can with grading the streets until an operator is found to do the grading.
Chairman Eaton and Bill Michael reported that the problems with suitable trash containers and the unauthorized use of the city dumpster appear to be resolved by asking the residents to take care of them. However, despite nice letters asking the residents to trim the trees next to their properties to prevent overhead obstruction of service vehicles, the trees have not been trimmed. The Clerk was directed to review the ordinances and if needed bring an ordinance proposal to clearly state residents/owners responsibility to prevent this type of obstruction. Bill Michael will take a look at the trees.
Chairman Eaton and Jerry Lusk ran an animal control and ordinance patrol. A warning notice was sent regarding a dog observed running loose without a collar or tag.
Board members present: Arvella Eaton, Jerry Lusk, Bill Michael, Cindy Ball. Randy Turner was excused. Others present: Lucille Lusk, Tom Kober, Melvin McFee, Mike Edwards (AmerenUE), Suzanne Fisher.