July, 2006

July 6, 2006

 

            The Ellsworth City Council held a Special Meeting at 6:00 P.M. on the above date for the purpose of a conducting a 2007 Budget Work Session.

 

            Mayor Robert Homolka opened the meeting with the following Council members present Don Panzer, Dan Ray and Cole Worrell.  Council members Murray Marston and Alan Stefek were absent.

 

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

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, reviewed the Proposed 2007 Budget for all funds except General, Capital Improvement and Municipal Equipment.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed.

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk

 

July 10, 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; Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Mike Olson and Jon Halbewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineers; Linda McCowan and Anita Hoffhines, Prairie Enterprise Project and Don Lyne.

 

            The Mayor noted the minutes from the previous meeting should be removed from the consent agenda and the Clerk asked the Council to place a CMB License Renewal for Alco Discount Store #252 on the Consent agenda.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the consent agenda as amended.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Don Lyne addressed the Council requesting an extension on the demolition of the house located at 201 N. Missouri Avenue.  Cole Worrell motioned to give an extension of 60 days to complete the demolition.  Murray Marston seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Linda McGowan, Prairie Enterprise Project (PEP), gave an update on the groups’ progress.  PEP continues to consult with those wishing to open a new business or expand a current business.  Anita Hoffhines had prepared a video presentation, but was having technical difficulties and delayed the presentation until later in the meeting.

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, reported he and Street Superintendent Jim Zamrzla had met with Jon Halbewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineers along with 3 representatives from Venture Corporation to discuss the cracks in the pavement on Evans Street.  Also present as a moderator at the meeting was Don Drickie, District Engineer for Kansas Department of Transportation.  The City Administrator understood the outcome of the meeting was to complete full depth patching of the areas of concern and have each of the 3 parties pays 1/3 of the cost.  The proposed cost was $18,000.

 

Mike Olson from Kirkham-Michael Engineers then stated his concerns with the agreement between Venture Corporation, Kirkham-Michael Engineers and the City of Ellsworth.  Mr. Olson’s concerns are that his firm should not need to guarantee the contractor’s work.  Kirkham-Michael had inspectors on site during the construction.  The inspectors were not present at all time, but did inspections as required.

 

After lengthy discussion it was determined both parties would consult with their respective attorneys before signing the agreement prepared by Venture Corporation.  The City’s attorney is also to contact the bonding company that Venture Corporation had for the project.

 

            Anita Hoffhines then gave the Prairie Enterprise Project video presentation.  Following the presentation Ms. Hoffhines requested additional funding for 2006 and continued funding in 2007.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, then informed Council the 2007 Budget Hearing has been set for July 24^th at 6:30 P.M.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next reported to the Council he has received a 30-day notice from Kansas Janitorial Services to terminate the contract for the cleaning of City Hall and the Police Department.  Mr. Mitchell has received several bids to take the contract and will be informing the Council of the final decision.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then gave an update on the Ellsworth Family Connection Center.  Improvements are being made at this time to make the facility more ecstatically pleasing.  Should the Center expend all of the funds set aside in the City’s Capital Improvement Fund the Center would then be responsible for their liability insurance, property taxes and any repairs made to the facility.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reminded the Council the grace period will end in August for salvage yards to come into compliance with the ordinance passed in June.

 

            The final information Mr. Mitchell had for Council was that he had received a letter from the Kansas Department of Labor stating the City has completed all deficiencies noted following the inspection.

 

            Cole Worrell inquired if the Administrator had found any codes relating to the tractor-trailer storage units.  Mr. Mitchell explained that there is currently nothing in the City’s Code Book or Ordinances denying placement within the City.  Mr. Mitchell will have an ordinance ready for the following meeting.

 

Don Panzer motioned to go into Executive Session with the City Administrator and City Attorney at 8:40 P.M. to discuss matters involving consultation with an attorney for the council which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship and that the Council returns to open meeting at 8:50 P.M. in this room.  The executive session is required to protect the attorney-client privilege, and the public interest.  Murray Marston seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session with the above mentioned at 8:40 P.M. and returned to regular session at 8:50 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to go into Executive Session at 8:50 P.M. with the City Administrator and City Attorney to discuss matters involving consultation with an attorney for the council which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship and that the Council returns to open meeting at 8:55 P.M.  The executive session is required to protect the attorney-client privilege, and the public interest.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 8:50 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 8:55 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to go into Executive Session at 8:55 with the City Administrator to discuss personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that council return to open meeting at 9:10 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 8:55 P.M. and returned to regular session at 9:10 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until July 24, 2006.

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

July 24, 2006

 

            The Ellsworth City Council held a Public Hearing to receive comments and answer questions regarding the 2007 Proposed Budget on the above date at 6:30 P.M. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

            In the absence of Mayor Robert Homolka, Council President Murray Marston opened the hearing at 6:35 P.M.  The following Council members were present Don Panzer and Cole Worrell.  Mayor Robert Homolka and Council members Dan Ray and Alan Stefek were absent.

 

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

 

            There were no citizens present having questions in regards to the 2007 Budget.  Therefore the Council President closed the hearing at 6:55 P.M.

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk

 

July 24, 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.

 

In the absence of Mayor Robert Homolka, Council President Murray Marston called the meeting to order 7:00 P.M.  Council members Don Panzer and Cole Worrell were present.  Mayor Robert Homolka and Council members Dan Ray 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 and Jon Halwbewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineering.

 

            There were no customers present to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.  The Clerk then presented requests from Richard Watson and Maria Skeen for extensions.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the extension.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The Clerk next requested a CMB License for the Celebrations Committee be added to the Consent Agenda.  Cole Worrell then motioned to approve the Consent Agenda.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jon Halwbewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineers then inquired if Council had any questions concerning Venture Corporation.  A contract has been completed by Kirkham-Michael’s attorney.  Work on the repair has ceased at this point.

 

            At 7:12 Carey Hipp, City Attorney arrived at the meeting.

 

            During a review of the Project Board Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator informed Council the deadline to come into compliance with the Salvage Yard Ordinance is August 13^th.  At this time none of the owners had approached the Council with a plan.

 

            The 2007 Budget was tabled until the August 14, 2006 meeting to allow all governing body members an opportunity to vote on the budget.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested the Council approve a contract with Brad and Darcy Hanson to do janitorial work at City Hall.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the contract.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then presented a request from the Celebrations Committee to allow sales of Cereal Malt Beverages in Preisker Park in conjunction with the Cowtown Idol Contest on August 4^th and 5^th an on August 19^th at the Demolition Derby located north of the T-ball field.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the request.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The Clerk then presented an invoice from Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc. for the 2^nd half of the 2006 distribution.  Murray Marston motioned to approve the request.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reviewed the “City at a Glance” for June.  Mr. Mitchell also gave a brief report on progress being made at the Ellsworth Family Connection Center.  Mr. Mitchell then reported the Horst-Reiter Trust has approved the purchase of merry-go-rounds at both parks.

 

            Chief Smith reported his department continues to work on nuisance properties.

 

            John Kerschner reported water usage has dropped since the conservation notice has been mailed.

 

            Cole Worrell again inquired as to the status of prohibiting tractor-trailer type storage containers on personal property.  Mr. Mitchell explained the Zoning Board would have to approve the prohibition prior to Council action.

 

            Don Panzer then informed the Council he had received a complaint from Gene Peterman regarding his nuisance properties.  Although Mr. Peterman does not dispute his properties are in need of care, he feels all nuisance properties should be required to comply.  Mr. Peterman noted the property further up the street from him is Homolka Grain and there is more of a nuisance on that property than on Mr. Peterman’s.  Mr. Panzer would like all nuisance properties treated the same regardless of the owner of the property.

 

            Don Panzer motioned to go into Executive Session at 7:48 P.M. with the City Administrator and attorney for the purpose of discussing matters involving consultation with an attorney for the council which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship and that the council return to the open meeting at 8:00 P.M. in this room.  The executive session is required to protect the attorney-client privilege, and the public interest.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered Executive Session at 7:48 P.M. and returned to open session at 8:00 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until August 14, 2006.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk