The governing body of the City of Claflin met in regular session, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in the city building. Present were: Mayor Michael Urban; Councilpersons: Dan Michaelis, Dustin Daniels, Doug Hubbard and Casey Hubbard. Also, present: City Attorney Bob Suelter, City Clerk Patricia Schmidt, Gary Vaughan, Gregg Vannoster, Richard Hayes, Darin Martin, Don Steinert, John Herter and Robert Gunder.

During the department head reports, per council consensus, Vaughan is to issue a letter instructing the property owners at 306 Park to have the property’s problems abated or the property sold by Jan. 9, 2020, and if not done a citation will be issued.

The property owner of 503 and 511 3rd, has been in contact with Vaughan about properties. Due to health issues, more has not been done at the property. Vaughan instructed them to continue working on them and will recheck them in March 2020.

Work has begun on the property at 114 6th.

A City Council member from Hoisington spoke with Vaughan about procedures we use for property cleanup.

The house at 104 C still needs to have the siding finished. The City will give the property owner more time to finish.

The concrete projects have not been done yet. If the company hasn’t started the projects by the next meeting, Hayes will have a bid from another concrete company.

In other business:

• Marmies has contacted Vannoster about the new police pickup. The cost will be around $31,000 for the truck, with additional options up to $35,000.

• John Herter is not happy with the size of the building going up across the street from him. He was under the impression the building would be the size of a regular sized garage. The Council explained the ordinance was amended and the building is in code.

• Ordinance 19-1209 to levy a city retailers’ sales tax in the amount of ½ cent within the city of Claflin was approved.

• Cereal Malt Beverage applications were approved for:

Squeegy’s Bar & Grill for carry out only; Squeegy’s Bar & Grill for consumption on the premises; and Bailey’s Food Bin for carry out only.

• Approval was given to give employees the budgeted 5 percent pay raise.

• Year end transfers will be approved during the January meeting.

• The council decided to keep the old city fire truck at this time.

D. Hubbard suggested that at budget time, the city look at replacing Christmas decorations.

• C. Hubbard reported the county is hiring a dedicated grant writer.

• Per Urban, Hickel Construction gave a bid for reskinning the bus barn of $18,500.00.

• Michaelis wants to put in the water line at the new annexation so the city owns and maintains the water line. By council consensuses, the city will put in the new water line and meter.

• Mayor Urban appointed Robert Gunder to fill the vacant council seat. Gunder took his oath of office.

This article was written from the summary of the minutes by Patricia Schmidt. The minutes are subject to approval at the next council meeting.