BY GEORGE NUNNEMACHER | July 13, 2022

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present, except for Council Member Robert Suppenbach. 

In connection with the city’s water project, Paul Owings of BG Consultants made a short presentation regarding land needed for a booster pump location near La Cygne. Owings explained the benefit of gaining an easement, as opposed to acquiring a parcel of land for the booster pump. The council approved Council Member John Weers’ motion authorizing City Attorney James Brun to negotiate with the landowner for an easement.

At this point, the council adjourned to enter into a 20-minute executive session, reporting upon its return that no action was taken.

Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings reported that code violation letters were sent to 22 property owners in June for various violations. Hastings reported that 61 building permits were issued in June, including six for new residences.  To date, the city has issued a total of 271 building permits in 2022.        

Public Safety Director Corey Murrison reported on Police Department activity during the past month, including one arrest for Disorderly Conduct, two reports for Credit Card Fraud, two reports for Criminal Damage and two vehicle accidents including one death.   Murrison noted that the July 4^th weekend was relatively calm with no major incidents to report.

The Fire Department responded 11 medical calls and two traffic accidents with injuries in Linn Valley, as well as, four medical calls in Miami County.  The city has applied for a 50/50 grant to purchase an Ultra High Pressure (UHP) firefighting system and is awaiting a response.   Murrison is gathering information and evaluating available UHP systems which are available.  He noted that the Fire Department’s annual July 4^th Fireworks Sale Fundraiser was a success netting approximately $14,500 for future equipment purchases. 

City Clerk Karen Siffring presented the June 2022 Financial Report which included General Fund income of $192,064 (including ad valorem tax revenue of $138,543) and expenses totaling $74,038.  The council voted to approve expense vouchers totaling $251,769 for the month of June.   Siffring reported there were no issues with the city’s annual audit.   

The council held a special meeting on June 20 to discuss the 2023 Budget and the proposed hiring of Eric Mills as the city’s Planning and Zoning consultant.   The budget items for consideration are:

·                The city’s sales tax proposal

·                Repairs on the City Hall roof and breezeway

·                Relocation of flags to the front of City Hall

·                Projected cost for a Planning & Zoning consultant

·                Lease for a new police vehicle

·                Setting aside funds for the purchase of a new fire truck

·                Increased utility costs

·                Cost of living/merit raises for city employees

A budget hearing will be scheduled in early September.