February, 2008 Minutes

February 11, 2008

 

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 Irene Pacey, Don Panzer, Alan Stefek, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; David Smith Chief of Police; Ron Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Chad Weinand and Michael Malyn, BWR; Patrick Hoffman and Peg Britton.

 

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

 

            Chad Weinand, BWR gave a detailed presentation of concepts for the Recreation Master Plan.  Following the presentation Mr. Weinand recommended a joint meeting with U.S.D. #327 Board members before moving forward.  Mr. Mitchell will work with the Board’s Administrator to schedule the meeting.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, updated the Council concerning additional water resource exploration and TDD construction.

 

Don Panzer then motioned to approve the following Economic Development Incentive Plan:

 

A POLICY ESTABLISHING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTING EXEMPTIONS FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS.

 

            Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Panzer next motioned to approve the E.V. Cathodic Protection street sealing proposal.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Panzer then commended the staff of the golf course for putting together a tentative schedule of tournaments for the 2008 season.  Mr. Panzer also inquired if the Mayor intends to appoint members to the Golf Course Advisory Board in the near future.  Mayor indicated he would appoint the members at the first meeting in May.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then updated grant awards and percentage of costs the City would be responsible to pay.  Mr. Mitchell also informed Council interviews for Inmate Detail Supervisor will be held on February 12.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until February 25, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

February 25, 2008

 

            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 Alan Stefek called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Irene Pacey, Don Panzer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Greg Hoffman, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police; Alan Roush, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Tom Renard and Calvin Rohr.

 

            There were no customers in attendance to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.  The Clerk presented an extension request until March 3^rd for Richard Watson.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the extension.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

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

 

            A letter was presented from Sam Karst requesting the Council grant an exception to Ordinance #2973 allowing him to place an additional shipping container on property located at W. First Street and St. Louis Avenue.  The property is zoned commercial.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the request for the second container, under the condition all other requirements of the code must be complied with.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Tom Renard addressed the Council requesting he be permitted to build 3 additional cart sheds with a 2 cart capacity each at the Municipal Golf Course.  Following discussion Don Panzer motioned to allow the new sheds to be constructed under the condition they are in conformity with the adjacent sheds in size and structure and all building codes are followed and permits issued.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, gave an update on the TDD project.  A pre-construction meeting is planned for March 20, 2008 and construction is expected to begin in early May.

 

            Council then reviewed the Tourism Committee’s funding recommendations.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the recommendations.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Don Panzer inquired the Street Department had plans to utilize the crack sealer in the alley adjacent to City Hall.  At this time no information was available to respond to the inquiry.

 

            Mr. Panzer then voiced his concerns with the future parking issues arising on First Street from Douglas Avenue east and west to the alleys.  Parking is limited on the street and due to businesses locating to First Street parking will be at a premium.  After discussion Council instructed the City Administrator to contact downtown merchants to invite them to the March 24^th meeting to voice their concerns and/or solutions to the situation.

 

            Greg Hoffman, Acting City Attorney, inquired if he would need to be completing any paperwork for the transfer of property from the City of Ellsworth to the Ellsworth Family Connection Center.  The Administrator clarified an agreement has already been prepared and should be with other items Ms. Hipp, City Attorney, has for the City.  Mr. Hoffman will check for the documents at his firm.

 

            Mr. Mitchell informed Council Eric Buchholz had been hired as the Inmate Detail Supervisor.  He will be training with the former supervisor and will also attend training at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility.

 

            Mr. Mitchell also reported the City did not receive the AFG Grant for fire fighting equipment.  A modified application will be submitted for the next round of awards.  Mr. Mitchell relayed a request from the Ellsworth Area Arts Council to set aside a percentage of the mill levy to assist with funding of the Arts Council.  Council recommended the Arts Council submit a request for the 2009 Budget.  Other information provided by Mr. Mitchell included an update on the FEMA Pilot Program and bid opening for the Drover’s Hall of Fame.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reminded the Council a Public Hearing on a zoning change request from Great Plains Manufacturing would be held on February 26, 2008.  Mr. Hoffman agreed to inquire if an alternate exit could be utilized by Great Plains Manufacturing to avoid damage on Webb Street.

 

            Council agreed to close all non-essential City offices for staff retreat on March 28^th.  Council then reviewed Municipal Codes 5.12.050 and 2.04.070.  No action was taken to change the codes.  Mr. Mitchell then sought approval to install a new tile and rubber floor in the basement.  The cost is slightly higher than the FEMA reimbursement amount.  Council agreed the floor should be installed.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reported the Street Department is currently searching for a used truck.  The purchase is budgeted and the Superintendent felt strongly a truck could be purchased for less than the amount budgeted.

 

            Cole Worrell then motioned Council go into Executive Session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 8:05 P.M. for the purpose of discussing preliminary matters relating to the acquisition of real property and that the Council return to open meeting at 8:10 P.M.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 8:05 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 8:10 P.M.  Don Panzer motioned to go into Executive Session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 8:10 P.M. for the purpose of discussing preliminary matters relating to the acquisition of real property and that the Council return to open meeting at 8:15 P.M.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 8:10 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 8:15 P.M.  No action was taken.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until March 10, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk