November Minutes

November 26, 2007

 

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

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; David Smith, Chief of Police; Neil Berry, Patrol Officer; Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent; Kermit Rush, Ellsworth County Commissioner; Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Development Corporation; Carl Miller, Ellsworth County Commissioner; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

            There were no customers in attendance to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.  The Clerk presented extension requests until November 30^th for Mark Gwinner and December 3^rd for Steve Shultz.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the extensions.  Irene Pacey 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.

 

            A dangerous structure hearing for 331 W. First Street was then held.  The property is owned by Shane Bloom of Fredericksburg, VA.  Mr. Bloom nor his agent were in attendance.  The hearing was closed.

 

            A dangerous structure hearing for 100 N. Colorado Avenue was then held.  The property is owned by Robert Shalamov of Phoenix, AZ.  Mr. Shalamov nor his agent were in attendance.  The hearing was closed.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to authorize the preparation of resolutions finding the structures dangerous and setting a reasonable time to remove said structures or they shall be razed by the City.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Rob Fillion, Director, Smoky Hill Development Corporation and Carl Miller, Ellsworth County Appraiser gave an in-depth presentation of the proposed Ellsworth County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.  The plan would include the County, all cities and USDs 327 and 328.  Taxes collected on the appraised value of qualifying improvements would be rebated, using the schedule in the plan, Ad Valorem tax after the taxes have been paid in full.  Mr. Fillion and Mr. Miller will be meeting with the other interested entities in the upcoming weeks to seek their support for the plan.  They have presented this information to the County Commissioners and USD #327 Board of Directors.  Although no official action was taken the consensus of the Council was to support the plan.

 

            The Council then received presentations for replacement roofing on City Hall from Geisler Roofing, Inc., High Plains Roofing, Inc. and Roofmasters Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc.  Following the presentations Mary Wires motioned to award the project to Roofmasters Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc. for the proposed Option A.  Option A being a new TPO membrane placed above the south end of the building and a pitched steel roof retrofit placed on the east and west sides of the center of the building, including guttering.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent, then proposed Nebraska Street between First Street and E. North Main Street be permanently closed.  The asphalt was damaged extensively by flooding in June.  A shallow culvert would be installed at E. North Main Street preventing water from passing over E. North Main Street.  Council requested the City Administrator contact property owners affected should the street be closed and directed the Street Superintendent work on cost estimates covering the proposed plan.

 

            Mary Wires reported she had received compliments directed to the Street Department’s recent crack sealing.

 

            Mr. Zamrzla next explained the positioning of the culvert located at Ninth and Park Streets.

 

            Don Panzer questioned if there were any plans for signage on K-156 indicating the location of downtown Ellsworth.  Mr. Mitchell indicated signage is included in the TDD if the monies are available.

 

            Mr. Mitchell gave a quick updates on current grant applications.

 

Cole Worrell then motioned the Council go into Executive Session with the City Administrator and Street Superintendent at 9:05 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 9:08 P.M.  The session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 9:05 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 9:08 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until December 10^th, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk