Thursday, August 23, 2007

July, 2007

July 9, 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.

 

Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Don Panzer, Alan Stefek, George Stover, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Justin Mader, Kirkham-Michael Engineers and Tina Davis, Chairperson, Ellsworth Celebration Committee.

 

            Don Panzer motioned to approve the consent agenda.  George Stover seconded the motion.  Cole Worrell asked for explanation on the Municipal Pool phone bill.  The Clerk reported the expense is for turn on fees.  Mr. Worrell then inquired if the pilot lights on the heating units at the Recreation Center could be extinguished to cut costs.  Mr. Worrell also requested the minutes of the June 23 meeting be changed to include comments from Greg Hoffman concerning the sale of cereal malt beverages at Celebration Committee events.  The motion was then put to vote and all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Tina Davis, Chairperson Ellsworth Celebrations Committee then updated the Council on events sponsored by the committee.  Mrs. Davis reported the Committee continues to look for ways to cut cost at events while increasing income.  Mrs. Davis reported the Star Spangled Spectacular was a great success.  She also reported a scholarship program has been established to encourage area students to volunteer to work at events.  The “Movies in the Park” series will begin with Ghostbusters on Friday the 13th.

 

            Mrs. Davis then reported a carnival will be included at this years Cowtown Days.  The committee is requesting permission to close East N. Main Street from the east side of N. Douglas Avenue to the west side of Court Avenue.  After discussion the Council directed the City Administrator to work with businesses on W. First Street from the west side of N. Douglas Avenue to the east side of Grand Avenue to allow the carnival to be located in these blocks.

 

            Mrs. Davis next addressed the issue of selling cereal malt beverages at events.  Mrs. Davis has been working to hold a “wine tasting” at the Golf Course meeting room in the fall.  Mrs. Davis inquired if the Council would support such an event.  Council agreed the event was acceptable.

 

            Justin Mader, Kirkham-Michael Engineers reviewed the bid received from City Plumbing & Heating to move the water lines and install the storm sewer inlets for the TDD Project.  City Plumbing’s bid was lower than the engineer’s estimates.  Don Panzer motioned to accept the bid for $130,322.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mader then gave a brief progress report of the TDD Project and informed Council they should begin to see work starting in August.  Actual road construction will be completed in 2008.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, informed Council the test wells will be drilled next week weather permitting.  Mr. Mitchell also reported several City representatives met with members of Senator Sam Brownback’s office last week.  The City is still slated to receive a $300,000 grant earmarked for the sewer lagoon project.

 

            The next item on the agenda was a review of the needs and issues at the Recreation Center.  Alan Stefek stated he believed the building should be closed to the public and utilized by the Street and ECF Parks Departments.  The building will still be available during the 4-H Fair.  Mayor Homolka disagreed.

 

            The phone use policy was then discussed.  The Administrator proposed a new policy penalizing employees using the phones for personal use.  This penalty would be 40 cents per minute regardless of the amount the City pays for the phone and service.  Also time spent by department heads and staff reviewing bills has become cumbersome.  George Stover motioned to approve the new policy.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The following resolution was then presented for Council action:

 

            RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OFFERING FOR SALE OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2007, OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS.

 

            Don Panzer motioned to approve the resolution.  George Stover seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was then numbered 09-0707A.

 

            Cole Worrell requested a list of the streets planned for “chip-n-seal” for 2008.  The Clerk will have it at the next meeting.  Mr. Worrell also requested the Clerk’s office and Police Department begin completing Department Updates for Council review.

 

            Don Panzer inquired if progress had been made toward the reformation of the Golf Course Advisory Board.  Mr. Mitchell has several names but is still accepting recommendations.  Mr. Panzer then requested clarification of the use of the golf course by employees and their families.  The Clerk explained the employee can play for free according to IRS “No-Additional-Cost Services” rule, as long as the employee does not displace a paying customer.  However the same rule does not apply to the employee’s families.  Therefore the season passes or daily fees are required to be run through payroll and be included on the employee’s W-2 as wages.  All taxes must be paid on the benefit.  A child is considered a family member, by IRS, until age 25 if they are a dependent of the employee.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested Council review the WWTP and Lift Station Progress Report #1.  Mr. Mitchell next reported the Recreation Director has set up meetings with 3 engineer/architect firms for development of a Recreation Master Plan.  Council recommended the following individuals be included in the meetings: Robert Homolka, Mayor; Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Ronnie Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent and Josh Webb, Greens keeper/City Arborist.

 

            The last item Mr. Mitchell had for Council was a request to have all members meet at 6:30 P.M. on July 10 and 11 to review the proposed 2008 Budget.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until July 10, 2007 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

July 10, 2007

 

            The Ellsworth City Council met in recessed session on the above date at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

            Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Don Panzer, Alan Stefek, George Stover, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator and Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent. Chief of Police David Smith arrived at 6:55 P.M.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator gave a presentation of the proposed 2008 Budget for all departments in the General Fund.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until July 11, 2007 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

July 11, 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, George Stover, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; John Kerschner; Water/Sewer Superintendent; Ron Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, gave presentations of all funds other than those within the General Fund.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until July 23, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. at the Ellsworth Recreation Center.

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

July 23, 2007

 

            The Ellsworth City Council met in recessed session on the above date at 6:30 P.M. at the Ellsworth Recreation Center.

 

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

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; John Kerschner; Water/Sewer Superintendent; Ron Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Kermit Rush and Terry Kueser, Ellsworth County Commissioners; Brent Goss, Ellsworth County Extension Agent and Keith Adams.

 

            All attendees walked through the building, inspecting the condition of each room.

 

There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until 7:05 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

July 23, 2007

 

            The Ellsworth City Council met in recessed session on the above date at 7:09 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, George Stover, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; John Kerschner; Water/Sewer Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Kermit Rush and Terry Kueser, Ellsworth County Commissioners, Brent Goss, Ellsworth County Extension Agent and Keith Adams.

 

            There were no customers in attendance to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.  The Clerk presented an extension request until August 3rd for Richard Watson.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the extension.  George Stover seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the Consent Agenda.  George Stover seconded the motion.  The motion was then put to vote and all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator reported the test wells had not been drilled due to harvest and unusually wet conditions.  If the wells can not be drilled within the next week the City will need to request an extension.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested the Council meet on August 6, 2007 at 6:00 P.M. to hear proposals for a Recreation Master Plan.  Council requested they be reminded of the meeting closer to the date of the presentations.

 

            The next item on the agenda was the Downtown Master Plan Recommendations.  Mr. Mitchell reported the Downtown Taskforce had met with two consultants and received proposals for the Downtown Master Plan.  The taskforce recommended entering into an agreement with William Morris Associates.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the taskforce’s recommendation.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Discussion centering on the future of the Recreation Center was next held.  Keith Adams informed the Council he would not be in favor of closing the center.  Brent Goss, Ellsworth County Extension Agent requested the center stay open.  Terry Kueser and Kermit Rush, Ellsworth County Commissioners recommended working with the County and U.S.D. #327 to keep the facility open.  Mr. Mitchell indicated the cost of keeping the building open would be approximately $130,000.  This amount this did not include roofing.

 

            Following lengthy discussion Don Panzer motioned to keep the Recreation Center Gym open and available for rental until November 1st; to lock the restrooms immediately; to require renters to provide port-a-potties or other restroom facilities; to terminate the water and gas service as quickly as possible; to authorize the City Administrator to contact Ellsworth County Commissioners and U.S.D. #327 Board to discuss other options to make the building available to citizens; and to request the building be included in the Recreation Master Plan.  George Stover seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The following ordinance was then presented for Council action:

 

            AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS AND THE STATE OF KANSAS, ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECT; ESTABLISHING A DEDICATED SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR REPAYMENT OF SUCH LOAN; AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOAN AGREEMENT.

 

            George Stover motioned to approve the ordinance.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was then numbered 2986.

 

            The following ordinance was then presented for Council action:

 

            AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $1,250,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS (KUNKLE, DEES AND O’DONNELL TDD PROJECT), OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS TO PAY THE COSTS OF CERTAIN TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN THE CITY; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A BOND TRUST INDENTURE BY THE CITY AND CITIZENS STATE BANK AND TRUST, CO., ELLSWORTH , KANSAS, AS TRUSTEE; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE BONDS BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY AND PIPER JAFFRAY & CO., LEAWOOD, KANSAS, AS PURCHASER OF THE BONDS; MAKING CERTAIN COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT AND SECURITY OF THE BONDS AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

 

            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 2987.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then presented a revised phone policy.  Mr. Mitchell explained after reviewing policies of other cities and at the request of unhappy staff members the policy was changed to allow “reasonable use” by employees.  Each minute of personal use will be paid at 10 cents per minute.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the policy.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote Panzer, Stover, Wires and Worrell vote aye.  Stefek votes nay.  Motion carried.

 

            Don Panzer then motioned to approve August 13, 2007 at 6:45 P.M. for the Public Hearing for the 2008 Budget.  George Stover seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Don Panzer reported the vacant lot at Kunkle and Elizabeth Drives needed to be mowed.  Smoky Hill Development Corporation has been contacted and will be mowing soon.

 

            Mr. Panzer then reported he had been contacted concerning stereo amplification ordinance.  Mr. Mitchell will review the ordinance to determine if changes are necessary.

 

            Cole Worrell requested the owner of the garage that had been blown down over a year ago during a storm be contacted to have the remains of the building removed.

 

            Kermit Rush requested police patrol on Evans Street be increased during shift changes at St. Francis Boys Home.  Mr. Mitchell will pass the request on to the Police Department.

 

            Mr. Mitchell requested the Council’s direction in regards to the parking lot at the Ellsworth Federal Credit Union.  The lease has expired and the Credit Union is requesting the City be responsible for snow removal.  Council instructed Mr. Mitchell to go forward with the lease including the City removing snow.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then informed the Council FEMA has extended the dates for damage caused by tornados, floods, etc. in the month of May to include damage to City property throughout the City.  Mr. Mitchell and Department Heads will be working to complete paperwork for reimbursement of cost associated with flooding during this timeframe.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next informed Council he would like to go forward with the request to the Horst-Reiter Foundation for a new shelter building at Kreizek Park.  Council agreed with Mr. Mitchell’s plan.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reviewed the Consulting Services Agreement for the engineering expense for the AWOS System.  The engineering is not included with the grant for the system.  George Stover motioned to approve the consulting agreement.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell requested the funds that had been earmarked for playground equipment be used to make the Inmate Detail Shop more energy efficient.  Council recommended an estimate of expenses be completed prior to approving the funding.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested Council approve the purchase of sequentially numbered tags for use as proof a daily fees being paid for the Golf Course.  Currently people are playing golf after the Clubhouse is closed and they are not paying the green fees.  Council agreed to the purchase of the tags.

 

There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until August 13, 2007.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home