Loose dogs a problem at Lincolnville
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The problem of loose dogs was addressed Monday at the May meeting of Lincolnville City Council.
It appears that one resident has five dogs, three on chains, and they get loose from time to time and pose a threat to the neighbors.
One person at the meeting reported three incidents in one week.
Mayor Scott Gutsch said he will talk to the dog owner and impress upon her the need to keep her dogs on her property.
Insurance agent Alex Case reported on his review and revision of the city's insurable property. Some items no longer in use were removed from coverage, and coverage was increased for other items.
Case has saved the city almost $600 in premium costs. The total premium for the year's coverage beginning May 1 is $7,127, compared to the previous year's premium of $7,716.
Case requested all items at the skate park be removed. Gutsch asked him to put the directive in writing.
Case noted the concession stand at the ball diamond is insured under the City of Lincolnville.
County commissioner Dan Holub was present for a short time. He said county officials will hold a budget meeting in June and are requesting that city and school officials attend to present their budgetary needs for 2007.
After Holub left, the mayor asked department heads to set goals for the coming year and determine budgets needed to meet those goals.
The council approved treasurer Clay Simons' report. April general fund income totaled $2,755.71. Expenses were $2,324.79, approximately 22 percent of the budgeted amount.
"So far, you are doing pretty well," Simons said. "You're keeping a handle on expenditures."
The council discussed a bill from Flaming Heating and Air Conditioning for extra materials for the community building. They advised clerk Jane Pigorsch to check invoices to verify receipt of the material before they approve payment.
A total of $2,233.66 in grant money expenditures for the community building was approved.
City employee Steve Podszus reported on activities for the month of April. He said some people are depositing plastic items and painted wood at the burn site, which isn't allowed.
Council members agreed to remind residents of the restrictions when they seek access to the site.
Podszus reported that Pigorsch volunteered her time to spray for weeds around town.
Brian Owens authorized the clerk to send letters to 13 residents who are delinquent six months or more on sewer fee payments. They will have until June 1 to pay the delinquent amount plus interest and fees. If not paid, the bills will be turned over to the county for collection with property taxes.
Sylvia Bailey reported the 2006 Octoberfest will be the 20th anniversary of the event. She asked for help in building a float to advertise the event in Ramona's Fourth of July festival.
The council directed Pigorsch to send letters to residents about overgrown lawns.
Senior citizens chairman Evelyn Matz reported the senior dinner will be held Tuesday rather than Wednesday. Commodities will be distributed Wednesday.
According to Dawn Kaiser, Lincolnville will host four summer ball teams — 10-and-under girls, 12-and-under girls, T-ball, and coach pitch.
The council approved a plan to borrow $36,118.50 to pay for Shilling Construction's overlay of city streets. They also approved borrowing an extra $1,000 to pay for extended paving on Main Street, which is on a connecting link between K-15 and U.S.-56/77. The county earlier agreed to pay $2,000 of the $3,000 required to overlay all of Main Street.
Community building update
Greg Hubbard reported floors at the community building are being waxed and buffed this week.
Items remaining include concrete steps at the south end, some exterior painting, installation of an outside light and outlet, and installation of guttering and down spouts.
Kitchen appliances will be delivered when the floors are done.
When the building is complete, state inspectors and fire chief Lester Kaiser will go through the building.
Hubbard hopes the building will be available for rent by June 1.
The council reviewed and adopted a rental form.
More money is needed for purchase of tables and chairs. A fund-raiser is being planned, and more donations will be sought.
Citing chances for heavy damage, Hubbard made a motion to set a policy to exclude tool sales and household/estate sales at the community building.
The motion failed, 2-3, with Kaiser, Sherri Pankratz, and Bailey opposed and Hubbard and Owens in favor.
Council members instructed Pigorsch to add exceptions to the rental agreement in such cases, requiring the carport be used for heavy items.
