Motley City Hall soon to have sound system
It will soon be easier to hear what’s being discussed by the Motley City Council at their meetings, thanks to a new sound system that will be installed.
At their regular meeting Sept. 12, the council approved having Community Sound and Security, LLC, Brainerd, install the system. Their cost, $3,763, includes microphones, a dedicated computer with internet access to edit and send audio/video; and all installation fees.
The council received one other bid, from Design Electronics in Little Falls, for $3,919.84.
During their discussion prior to voting, the council expressed concerns about the price; but also acknowledged the importance of having a sound system. Bruce Brotherton, public works supervisor, also noted the importance of transparency, which a sound system would help ensure.
“It’s a lot of money, but we’ve had complaints that people can’t hear us,” council member Al Yoder said. Yoder also felt that it was important to “do it right” by installing quality equipment that would allow for the public, as well as council members, to watch/listen to past meetings. He was fine with hiring either company to do the work.
In other matters the council:
o APPROVED amendments to the Motley Land Use and Subdivision Ordinances, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The purpose of the amendments are to allow for the construction of an accessory building prior to a primary structure on lots 2.5 acres in size or larger and to clarify that recreational vehicles used as dwellings are not considered a primary structure.
o APPROVED proclaiming Sept. 17 - 23, 2016, as Constitution Week.
o ACCEPTED the School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement between the City of Motley and the Staples-Motley School District. As per the agreement, the city will bill the school for the actual time an officer is utilized by the school according to each officer’s wages. This sum is not to exceed $7,792.83.
o APPROVED a request from the fire department to have one of its officers attend a training for mentors of the Explorers program. Cost is $230.
o APPROVED a request for Police Chief Ron Smith to attend a Desert Snow training in Staples at a cost of $290. The remainder of the cost, $300, will be paid by National Joint Powers Alliance. Chief Smith said that Hwy 10 is a “huge drug pipeline” and that this training will help equip officers to deal with this situation. The council will wait to see whether they will send Officer Jason Borash to this.
o ACCEPTED a bid from Young Excavating of Hackensack in the amount of $108,778.29 as the contracted company for the Streets Improvement Project. Streets to be improved include Cimarron, Postel and Lil. Young Excavating was the low bidder. Other bids included Anderson Construction, $120,671; Tri-City Construction, $120,080; and DeChantal Excavating, $124,900.
o SET an assessment hearing for the above-mentioned streets improvement project for Monday, Oct. 10, during the regular council meeting.
o APPROVED moving forward on constructing an easement on a potential well site. Public works supervisor Bruce Brotherton said that they’ve narrowed it down to three sites, with one of those seeming to be the most promising in terms of being the cheapest option and simpler location.
o APPROVED sending out a second reminder letter to residents on the nuisance list.
o DISCUSSED solutions for cleaning city hall. Will contact Sentenced to Serve.
