The Tingley City Council met on Monday May 6, 2019 at the Tingley Community Building. Mayor Larry Jarred called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. Members present were Amelia Quick, Julie Ackley, Bob Johnson, Sherry Briner (arrive 8:09), and clerk Tony Mercer. Members absent were Donetta Phelps. Also present were Karen Pettinger, Priscill Alvik, Karen Williams, Sue Richards, James Novak and Felicia Novak.
Motion to approve the agenda made by Ackley, seconded by Quick; motion carried.
Motion to approve the minutes made by Quick, seconded by Ackley; motion carried.
Motion to approve bills made by Johnson, seconded by Quick; motion carried.
Motion to approve Treasurer’s report by Ackley seconded by Johnson; motion carried.
Public Forum - Several concerned citizens were present to ask the council about fences and animal ordinances. A lengthy discussion ensued about our current ordinances, grandfathered permissions, and adding new ordinances and enforcing current ones more strictly. The Tingley Code of Ordinances Section 4-1-5 as it pertains to livestock reads in full:
It is unlawful for a person to keep livestock within the City except by written consent of the Council or except in compliance with the City’s zoning regulations.
However this has rarely, if ever been enforced as many pastures and farms reside within the city limits and many persons or properties were grandfathered in with the adoption of the new ordinances. The council agreed that it would not be in the public’s best interest to allow every lot in town to be fenced off for the pasturing of livestock. The council also discussed decorative fencing versus functional fencing for the restraint of animals including dogs. The council will discuss this again at the next meeting and asks all interested persons to attend for their input.
Sue Richards was present to advise of the intent to remove sidewalk along Main St. on the west end of town on vacant lots. The sidewalk was pitched and uneven making mowing difficult. Sue also announced her intent to have a cemetery tour August 24th at around 10 AM as part of her family reunion if others from the public would like to attend. Sue also advised the council of a dead tree at the west park that needs removed when the ground dries up.Committee - Ackley reported calling in a request to Alliant to replace a rotting pole. Ackley and Phelps had also written several grants for banners, basketball hoops, and shelter/gazebo repairs. A $500 grant from Alliant had been received for the new Memorial Park. Johnson reported that the truck route was still closed for applying surface rock and grading but should be opened soon.
Mercer reported that the County Auditor is proposing a county ordinances requiring recording of all cemetery lots sold at time of purchase. Mercer also reported research done on the cemetery, having found a dozen burials so far without headstones some dating back to 1890s, hoping that a grant could be written in the future to provide stones to unmarked graves. Mercer also reported that he had created a website for Tingley: tingley.org where he hopes to post info about the town. A full copy of the Tingley Code of Ordinances is available for viewing/download on the website.
Old Business - Johnson reported that new dirt had been hauled into the new Memorial Park. Danny Connelly had donated his time and equipment to install a new water hydrant. Seeding will be next when weather permits. A sign has been ordered from Podium Ink, John Allen to build an aluminum frame for it. Al Ibbotson donated a flagpole to be erected. Billy Breckenridge sent a $100 donation for the park.
Clark Property - City attorney has been provided details for a contract of purchase. A hearing on the sale of property will be conducted at a future meeting once the paperwork is complete.
New Business - Animal ordinances were discussed during the public forum and will be on the agenda next month.
Adjournment – Quick made a motion to adjourn. Ackley seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:12 PM.Tony Mercer
clerk/treasurer