January, 2008 Minutes
January 14, 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.
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; David Smith Chief of Police; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Julie Wright, Peter Eck and Darren Webb.
The Clerk presented bids for a new copier. After reviewing the options Don Panzer motioned to approve the purchase of a Canon imageRunner 4580i from Office Product Incorporated for an amount not to exceed $12,933.00. Irene Pacey seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Cole Worrell motioned to approve the consent agenda. Don Panzer seconded the motion. Questions concerning Claims Ordinance #01-0108A were answered by the Clerk. When put to vote and all vote aye. Motion carried.
Darren Webb addressed Council and requested use of the
Julie Wright next addressed Council. Ms. Wright explained following an ice storm she had additional family members staying at her home until their electric power could be restored. The storm occurred during a sewer averaging month and her water usage was higher than normal. She then requested her sewer average be adjusted to the previous year’s average. Don Panzer motioned to approve the request. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried. Council noted if any other requests were received they would be handled on an individual basis.
Peter Eck then informed the Council he had purchased Downtown Liquor. He has submitted an application to the state for a Liquor License. He will request a Receipt – Occupation Tax when he receives the State’s approved license.
Cary Hipp, City Attorney, arrived at the meeting at 7:20 P.M.
Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, reported the hydrologist has identified 5 potential sites for water exploration. Of the 5 the majority are 5 to 10 miles away from the City. Work continues to find an alternate source of water.
Mr. Mitchell also reported the State is working with the City in regards to Salvage Yards that are over flowing. The City has placed stakes where it believes its’ right-of-way/easement exists at A-1 Welding. The owner of the salvage yard has been directed to remove any items past the stakes and is complying.
Mr. Mitchell informed the Council the Omnibus Appropriations Bill had been approved and the City will receive $300,000.00 to be used for the wastewater treatment facility improvements. These funds will not be received for several months. Council will make at determination on Sewer rates after the monies have been received. John Kerschner reported progress is being made slowly on the project. Mr. Kerschner indicated the improvements would not be completed in 2008.
Don Panzer next motioned to loan the baby grand piano that currently is not being utilized by the City to USD #327 with the understanding if they no longer wish to use it the piano it is returned to the City and while in their possession they are responsible for the maintenance it requires. Irene Pacey seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
The review of the Recreation Master Plan Concept drawings was tabled until the next meeting.
Don Panzer then moved to authorize the Clerk to sign the Confirmation of Understanding with Clubine, Rettele Chartered for the 2007 Audit. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Irene Pacey noted the Street Department has been busy picking up limbs and debris from the ice storm. Mr. Stefek recommended a deadline for pick up be determined. Mr. Mitchell will discuss a timeframe with the superintendent.
Don Panzer inquired as to whose responsibility it is to maintain the streets in the TDD project. Mr. Mitchell confirmed it is the City’s responsibility and the street department had taken care of the issue.
Carey Hipp, City Attorney, reminded the Council she would be on maternity leave sometime in the very near future.
Mr. Mitchell updated the Council on many grant applications and awards, new employees and progress being made identifying owners of golf cart sheds at the municipal course. Mr. Mitchell next reviewed Blue Cross/Blue Shield Premiums. There is a significant increase in rates. Mr. Mitchell has requested each department cut costs to cover the additional premium.
Mr. Mitchell also requested Council permission to attend the
Alan Stefek then motioned the Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 8:10 P.M. 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 open meeting at 8:20 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 Executive Session at 8:10 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 8:20 P.M. No action was taken.
There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until January 28, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
Patti L. Booher
City Clerk
January 28, 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; Robert Fillion, Smoky Hill Development Corporation; Kermit Rush and Albert Oller, Ellsworth County Commissioners; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; a delegation from Great Plains Manufacturing; Patrick Hoffman, John Sherman and other City of Ellsworth citizens.
There were no customers in attendance to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations. The Clerk presented an extension request until February 3rd for Richard Watson. Don Panzer motioned to approve the extension. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Cole Worrell then motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Mary Wires seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Patrick Hoffman, Attorney for Peter and Amy Eck then informed Council the Eck’s had received a State Liquor License and requested the City issue an Occupation Tax Receipt for Downtown Liquor & Spirits. Don Panzer motioned to approve the request. Irene Pacey seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Alan Stefek then motioned Council go into Executive Session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 7:05 P.M. 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 open meeting at 7:20 P.M. The session is required to protect the attorney-client privilege and the public interest. Don Panzer seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Council entered into Executive Session at 7:05 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 7:20 P.M. At this time Roy Hall, owner and Linda Salem, CFO Great Plains Manufacturing, addressed Council. After giving a description of the various divisions of the company Mr. Hall further explained a contract on the El-Kan building had been signed and GPM is planning to expand their manufacturing capabilities by utilizing the building. Ms. Salem then explained the benefits of the City issuing Industrial Revenue Bonds to GPM. When Mr. Hall had finished answering questions from the Council Greg Hoffman, City Attorney presented the Council with the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS DETERMINING THE ADVISABILITY OF ISSUING THE CITY’S INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS TO PAY THE COSTS OF ACQUIRING AND EQUIPPING A MANUFACTURING FACILITY LOCATED IN THE CITY.
Don Panzer motioned to approve the resolution. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried. The resolution was numbered 28-0108A.
A policy establishing the requirements for granting exemptions from ad valorem taxation for economic development purposes within the corporate boundaries of the City of
Don Panzer then motioned to approve the Cost Benefit Analysis worksheet as to form only from Kansas Department of Commerce. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. The form is required to be completed prior to the approval of IRBs. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
David Smith, Chief of Police, reviewed department recommendations received from officers. He will narrow the requests to determine which requests are reasonable.
Alan Stefek inquired what process would be implemented to have limbs and debris from the ice storm removed if property owners do not do it. The Chief of Police responded they would be handled through the Police Department in the same manner as any other nuisance property.
Don Panzer inquired if additional funding for health insurance premiums had been determined. Mr. Mitchell explained each Department Head is responsible to cut their department budgets by $1750.00 per employee in their department enrolled in health insurance.
Mr. Mitchell gave grant updates for various projects. He then informed Council of a upcoming program provided by the local paper on the topic of Open Meetings and Open Records.
There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until February 11, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
Patti L. Booher
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