January, 2007

January 8, 2007

 

            The Ellsworth City Council held a Public Hearing to receive comments and answer questions for the Proposed Neighborhood Revitalization District on the above date at 6:50 P.M. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

            In the absence Mayor Robert Homolka, Council President Alan Stefek opened the hearing at 6:53 P.M.  The following Council members were present Don Panzer, Dan Ray, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            There were no citizens present having questions in regard to the district.  The Council President then closed the hearing at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk

 

 

January 8, 2007

 

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

 

In the absence of Mayor Robert Homolka, Council President Alan Stefek called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Don Panzer, Dan Ray, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; James Zamrzla, Street Superintendent and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the consent agenda.  Dan Ray seconded the motion.  Don Panzer questioned the utility bills at the pool and Recreation Center.  The City Administrator will check these and report back to the Council.  The motion was then put to vote and all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            During a review of the Project Board questions regarding the use of a 6” line for the Grand Avenue Sewer Project arose.  John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent informed the Council a 6” line is acceptable.  It is the standard used currently.

 

            The next item on the agenda was the request for the 1^st half disbursement for the 2007 for the Smoky Hill Development Corporation.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the disbursement.  Dan Ray seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            A quick review of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was then presented by Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator.  The Council instructed the Administrator to have an ordinance for the Plan at the next meeting.

 

            The next item on the agenda was the Health Insurance Premium Option.  Mr. Mitchell explained the cost of the premium rose approximately 19%.  Mr. Mitchell next informed the Council the current policy provides the City pays up to $790.00 per month for each employee.  With the new premium the only impact to employees would be on the families.  They would be required to pay $181.95.  Alternatively if the City changed its policy to the City paying 90% of the premium all employees would pay 10% of the premium.  Mr. Mitchell recommended the 90/10 option.  After discussion Dan Ray motioned to approve the 90/10 recommendation.   Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Panzer requested the City Administrator contact Blue Cross/Blue Shield and inquire if the City anniversary date for enrollment can be changed to better work with Budget preparation.  Mr. Mitchell will report back to the Council when more information is available.

 

            The Clerk then requested the Council approve a Cereal Malt Beverage License for the Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course.  In previous years the License was issued by the County, but due to the recent annexation of the Golf Course into the City limits the City will be the issuing entity.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the license.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested Council guidance on the issue of City of Ellsworth’s employee residence requirements.  A Department Head has requested permission to move into the County.  After discussion the Council instructed Mr. Mitchell to have a Charter Ordinance prepared for the next meeting for consideration.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reported he would be sending an application for a FEMA Grant for the Fire Department.  If approved a smoke trailer would be purchased.  The City’s portion of the cost would be approximately $2,500.00.

 

            Mr. Mitchell also reported a Heritage Trust Fund Grant would be completed for the Drover’s Hall of Fame.  The City would not be responsible for the matching portion of this grant.  The National Drover’s Hall of Fame Board would supply the matching funds.

 

            Mr. Kerschner next informed the Council the Sewer Pond plans are starting to come together.  He continues to work with KDH&E staff and Kirkham-Michael Engineers.  Preliminary figures indicate costs to be compliant with State mandates are $870.000.00.

 

            Mr. Kerschner also indicated the main sewer lift station located on East South Main Street will need to be replaced soon.  It is the oldest of the lift stations.  The station handles approximately 60% of the flow.  Mr. Kerschner will keep the Council apprised of plans to replace the station.

 

            Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent requested the wood seating at Preisker Park be removed.  The seating is in poor condition and a possible hazard.  The City could use portable bleachers for any events held at the park until permanent seating is installed at a later date.

 

            Mr. Zamrzla then informed the Council the City had recently received a donation for park improvements.  Mr. Zamrzla recommended the funds be used to improve the roof on the picnic shelter at Preisker Park.  Council agreed the roof would be a good project for the funds.

 

            Dan Ray the inquired as to the City’s state of preparedness in the event of a natural disaster.  Mr. Ray is concerned about being able to keep citizens informed in the absence of electricity.  Further evaluation of Mr. Ray’s concern is necessary.

 

            Mr. Ray next inquired if any progress has been made toward requesting proposals for audit services for Fiscal Year 2006.  Mr. Mitchell responded that no action has been taken at this time.

 

            Mr. Ray then requested an update on the Interlocal Agreement with U.S.D. #327 and Ellsworth County (Medical Center).  Mr. Mitchell reported an advisory committee had been established to determine the best use for funds from the Host-Reiter Foundation.  Mr. Mitchell will have more information as it becomes available.

 

            Mr. Panzer inquired if any progress had been made on test drilling for wells had been made.  Mr. Mitchell informed the Council the City is waiting for improved weather conditions to access the Howard property for the purpose of drilling.  The land is currently too wet.

 

            Mr. Panzer then requested review of Ordinance #2946 (Street Cut Ordinance) to determine if changes need to be made to improve the quality of the street after patching.  After discussion it was determined the ordinance requirements are appropriate.

 

            Mr. Panzer then inquired if a determination had been made concerning the asphalt separation from the curb on Bradley Street.  Mr. Zamrzla and Mr. Kerschner feel this is a normal occurance.

 

            Mr. Worrell requested the Chief of Police provide the Council with an update of nuisance properties.  The Administrator will require the Chief to have the information for the next meeting.

 

There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until January 22, 2007.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

January 22, 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 Alan Stefek, Mary Wires, Dan Ray, Cole Worrell and Don Panzer.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent; David Smith, Chief of Police; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Neil Jednoralski, Kirkham-Michael Engineers.

 

            The Clerk presented an extension request for Water/Sewer termination from Richard Watson.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the request.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

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

 

            Neil Jednoralski, Kirkham-Michael addressed the Council.  Mr. Jednoralski informed the Council two (2) bids were received for the Grand Avenue Sewer Project.  City Plumbing & Heating submitted the low bid and Mr. Jednoralski recommended the City accept their bid.  Don Panzer motioned to accept the bid from City Plumbing & Heating.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote Panzer, Ray, Stefek and Worrell vote aye.  Ms. Wires abstained from voting.  Motion carried.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the Confirmation of Understanding for Audit Services for 2006.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Dan Ray requested an RFP be prepared for the 2007 Audit as soon as possible.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, requested the Council approve a revised telephone policy that includes reimbursement for personal calls made on land lines.  The current policy applies to cellular phones only.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the policy.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The Clerk then presented a request from the EHS Afterprom Committee.  Dan Ray motioned to approve a donation of $250.00 and to waive the rental fee for use of the gymnasium at City Hall.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mayor Homolka next appointed Bill Finke as the City’s representative to the Smoky Hill Development Corporation.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the Mayor’s appointment.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The following ordinance was then presented for Council action:

 

            AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLAN AND DESIGNATING A NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION AREA.

 

            Don Panzer motioned to approve the ordinance.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was then numbered 2975.

 

            The following ordinance was then presented for Council action:

 

            BEING AN ORDINANCE DEFINING AND REGULATING THE LICENSURE AND INVESTIGATION OF SOLICITORS, CANVASSERS AND PEDDLERS WITHIN THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT.

 

            Dan Ray motioned to approve the ordinance.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  Mr. Mitchell indicated the ordinance would not affect the local organizations holding periodic fund raising sales.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was numbered 2976.

 

            The following Charter Ordinance was then presented for Council action:

 

            AN ORDINANCE EXEMPTING THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K.S.A. 15-209 AND PROVIDING SUBSTITUTE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS ON THE SAME SUBJECT PROVIDING FOR QUALIFICATION OF APPOINTED CITY OFFICERS.

 

            Don Panzer motioned to approve the charter ordinance with corrections.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all 6 vote aye.  Motion carried.  The Charter Ordinance was numbered 21.

 

            The next item on the agenda was the granting of an easement to Tank Management Services, Inc. to install groundwater monitoring well(s) and/or soil boring(s).  Dan Ray motioned to approve the easement.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reviewed 2006 building permits and gave explanation on Senate Bill 34.  Mr. Mitchell next informed the Council the Holm Motors building owned by Roger Novak has been sold contingent upon Council approving the incentives proposed by the City Administrator.  Council felt the incentives were appropriate.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reviewed options for cutting cost at the Recreation Center.  The first would be to give away the building.  The second would be to raze the building.  The third option would be to move a portion of the Street Department Shop to the building.  Jim Zamrzla reported he had reviewed expenses to better insulate the building.  Using City Staff the approximate cost would be $15,000.00.

 

            Mr. Zamrzla recommended utilizing the facility for a Salt Shed and storage of other equipment.  The heat could be turned off.  The facility could still be available for the 4-H fair as they would have access to other restrooms.  Council agreed with the recommendation to change the use of the facility.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested Council approval to divert funds in the Capital Improvement Fund from the 3^rd and 4^th Street improvements to State Street due to serious recurrent problems on this street.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then informed the Council he had received a request to place a streetlight on the East side of Lincoln Avenue at N. Douglas Avenue.  An extra light is available.  Mr. Stefek will see the light is installed.

 

            David Smith requested the City extend the time frame thru the June billing to waive the median water/sewer/trash bill for the residence occupied by Martha Lawson and sons.  The family relocated to Ellsworth following Hurricane Katrina.  Alan Stefek motioned to extend the waiver.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Chief Smith then distributed updates on nuisances, addresses numbering and dangerous structures.  Council recommends sending reminder letters prior to spring.

 

Don Panzer inquired why Housing Authority Board members were replaced.  Mayor reported the term of the members had expired and they had not indicated to the Mayor they wanted to continue to serve.

 

Cole Worrell inquired if any signs had been ordered to prohibit concealed carrying of firearms on City property.  Mr. Mitchell reported he is working on an ordinance and signs will be posted as soon as they are available.

 

There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until February 12, 2007.

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk