Council Meeting Notes: October 2, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 7pm by Mayor Hopkins. All council members were present. The agenda was amended to remove the update on the sewer project since the town engineer was unable to attend the meeting. The minutes from 8-21-12, 9-4-12 and 9-18-12 were approved without discussion other than Councilmember Hunt complementing about how good they were.

General Public Comment

I noted a nostalgic sorrow that we would no longer be a town after tonight. I also encouraged the town again to plan something to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of the stack implosion this January.

Business 

1. Ordinance 1381 – Reclassify to a Non-Charter Code City (2^nd Reading): Councilmember Hedrick noted it was a historic night for Ruston, although not as big as the new garbage cans or the sewer project. He felt the move brought more flexibility. Hardin liked that it gives the right of referendum to the people. He  never heard from anyone who was directly opposed. The ordinance passed 5-0.

2. Resolution 525 – Amend JWM&A Contract: Passed 5-0.

3. Resolution 526 – Amend MTC Contract: Passed 5-0.

4. Resolution 527 – Award Public Contract – Tercom: This contract is to underground utilities along Baltimore near Court and Rust Way. 6 poles will be removed. There is money in the budget to cover the cost. Councilmember Kristovich asked to have the area described again. Hunt asked if the next area for undergrounding had been prioritized yet. The electrician is looking for areas where it can be done easily, such as when Pt. Ruston runs new line down 52^nd. Hedrick asked if the poles that are in poor shape would also be a priority. The electrician wants to start testing poles. Hunt confirmed that the “ugly” light on Commercial is going away with this project. The resolution passed 5-0.

Claims & Payroll: Passed 5-0 with no discussion.

Mayor’s Time

Hopkins outlined the investment income. He noted the new garbage cans had come in and Hardin is working with him on how to implement the new system. It's budget time again and the department heads should have their budgets turned in soon. He will not be at the next council meeting, so the new budget will be presented at the first meeting in November.

Council Time

No one had any comment.

The meeting adjourned at 7:26pm.

I don’t normally note anything from after the meeting, but it there was some unusual activity this night. I was in the hallway talking with a neighbor after the meeting. A cooler with what looked like fancy beer bottles was stationed on the floor near the mayor during the meeting. Shortly after the meeting adjourned, the town planner stuck his head out the door of the council chambers, said hi and locked the door as he closed it. Councilmembers Hardin and Hedrick were still inside along with the mayor, planner and clerk. I could hear laughter and loud voices occasionally over the next 15 minutes or so. I confirmed with the planner as we left that he had brought some of his homemade hard (alcoholic) apple cider in the blue cooler to the meeting.