August, 2006

August 14, 2006

 

The Ellsworth City Council met in regular session on the above date at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Murray Marston, Don Panzer, Dan Ray, Alan Stefek and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Chief of Police David Smith; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Tracy Ploutz, Ellsworth County Sheriff, arrived at the meeting and addressed the Council.  Sheriff Ploutz explained he is submitting a grant application for Enhanced-911.  He then requested the Mayor sign a letter of support for the grant.  Murray Marston motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter of support.  Dan Ray seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            At this time Murray Marston motioned to approve the 2007 Budget.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The City Administrator’s Contract was tabled until after Executive Session.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, then informed Council progress continues to be made at Ellsworth Family Connection Center and gave a brief update of activities of the Celebrations Committee.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next reported HWS Engineers were proceeding with the airport master plan.  They have been doing aerial surveys.  The white X’s that have been seen around the City and County are part of the survey.

 

            Mr. Mitchell also reported the City Attorney is continuing to work on easements for the Grand Avenue sewer project.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested the Council authorize the Mayor to sign the 2007 TBRA Application.  Don Panzer motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign the 2007 TBRA Application.  Murray Marston seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Dan Ray inquired if Eagle Communications would allow the City to post information on the local channel.  This could include ordinances, minutes, water conservation notices, etc.  Mr. Mitchell will contact Eagle Communications to see if they are able to provide this service.

 

            Mr. Ray then requested a physical list of the properties not in compliance with the nuisance ordinance and where each property is in the process.  Chief Smith will update the information for the Council.

            Alan Stefek the requested the Police Department begin enforce the animal ordinance requiring citizens to remove feces on public property.  Mr. Stefek has noticed a problem at Kriezek Park.

 

            Don Panzer then recommended the merry-go-round at Priesker Park be moved to a different location.  If events are held in the band shell the noise from the merry-go-round over powers the event.

 

            Mr. Panzer then requested an update on Liberty Technologies.  Mr. Mitchell reported progress continues to be made.

 

            Cole Worrell next inquired the status of an ordinance prohibiting storage containers.  Mr. Mitchell noted the Planning Commission would need to give approval prior to Council taking action.

 

Murray Marston motioned to go into Executive Session with the City Administrator and City Attorney at 7:40 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council returns to open meeting at 7:50 P.M. in this room.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  Dan Ray seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session with the above mentioned at 7:40 P.M. and returned to regular session at 7:50 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to go into Executive Session at 8:50 P.M. with the City Administrator and City Attorney for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council returns to open meeting at 9:00 P.M.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 7:50 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 8:00 P.M.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the City Administrator’s Contract with changes made to the severance section and removal of City paid Dental Insurance.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until August 28, 2006.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

August 28, 2006

 

            The Ellsworth City Council met in recessed session on the above date at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order 7:00 P.M.  Council members Don Panzer, Dan Ray and Cole Worrell were present.  Council members Murray Marston and Alan Stefek were absent.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Anita Hoffhines, Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc. and Mike Fisher.

 

            There were no customers present to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.  The Clerk then presented requests from Rick Stroede for an extension.  Dan Ray motioned to approve the extension.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Dan Ray then motioned to approve the Consent Agenda.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Anita Hoffhines, Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc. addressed the Council.  Ms. Hoffhines requested the City extend the Welcome Home Plan incentives to contractors wanting to build spec homes.  Dan Ray motioned to approve the request for the first spec home and to consider others on a case by case basis.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            During a review of the Project Board Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, reported an agreement has been sent to Venture Corporation regarding the cracks on Evans Street.  Venture has yet to respond to the agreement.

 

            Mr. Mitchell also reported the Russell Ethanol Plant is continuing with plans to utilize water from the Kanopolis Lake.  A meeting is scheduled for September 5^th at 1:30 P.M.  The Mayor and City Administrator will attend the meeting.

 

            The following ordinance was presented for Council discussion:

 

            AN ORDINANCE DEFINING AND REGULATING THE USE OF PORTABLE STORAGE UNITS IN THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT.

 

            The ordinance will need to be presented to the Planning Committee and a Public Hearing scheduled.  The ordinance can be presented to the Council following these actions.  Mr. Mitchell was instructed to meet with the Planning Committee and ask for their guidance.

 

            Cole Worrell then motioned to authorize the City Administrator to sign the acceptance of the FAA Grant.  Dan Ray seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell informed the Council a pot-luck dinner to honor Portia Kralik will be held on September 1^st at 4 o’clock at Ellsworth Family Connection Center.  Ms. Kralik has resigned her position and anyone is welcome to attend the event.

 

            Don Panzer inquired if the City would be spraying for mosquitoes.  Mr. Panzer is concerned about West Nile Virus.  Mr. Mitchell noted the Street Department is to begin spraying this evening.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until September 11, 2006.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk