July, 2008

July 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.

 

Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  One Council seat is vacant.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Brad Waller, HWS Consulting Group; Larry Adamek and Loren Dees Airport Advisory Board members and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the June 23, 2008 meeting, Claims Ordinance #A01-0608 and a request for use of City property for a Farmer’s Market.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote and all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator reported State Street has been opened although not as early as he had reported it would be at the previous meeting.  The AWOS for the airport is scheduled to ship on the 21^st of the month and trenching for the system will begin in the near future.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next informed Council the Downtown Beautification Task Force met on July 10^th and made selections concerning lighting, trash receptacles, planters and trees for the improvements as part of the Transportation Grant.  The Task Force also reviewed the current parking survey of the downtown area.  After discussion the Task Force recommended changes to the current arrangement of the stalls.  The changes were to remove all 30 minute stalls on Douglas Avenue with the exception of 2 located on the south end of the 300 block of N. Douglas and to increase to 3 the number of 30 minute stalls on the north side of W. First Street starting at the alley and proceeding to the east.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next reported 2 citizens have contacted the Recreation Director in reference to their interest in being on the Recreation Master Steering Committee.  Mr. Mitchell will have a complete list available at the next meeting.

 

            Brad Waller, HWS Consulting Group, gave an overview of the work HWS has completed and a presentation of the Airport Master Plan.  Following the presentation Alan Stefek motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign the Airport Layout Plan prepared by HWS.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve pay estimate #1 from Pavers, Inc. for the TDD Project in the amount of $94,986.53.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested Council consider the purchase of 2 mowers.  One would be utilized at the Golf Course as a replacement for the rough mower and the other at the Street Department.  The cutting width of the mowers is 11½’.  The mowers currently in use by the Street Department are 6’ wide.  The wider cutting area should cut back the amount of hours and fuel required to keep City properties cut.  The rough mower in use at the Golf Course is in need of numerous repairs and is not aging well.  Council instructed the Administrator to request bids for the mowers and to determine if funding is available for the mowers.

 

            Irene Pacey stated her appreciation of a rail being installed at Krizek Park to allow easier access to the shelter house.  Ms. Pacey has seen several residents using the rail.

 

            Alan Stefek then requested the Police Department work diligently to inform residents grass clippings can not be left in City streets.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reviewed an estimate of the expense for wiring the WTP generator upgrade.  Alan Stefek motioned to proceed with the upgrade.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Mr. Mitchell then requested on behalf of Immanuel Lutheran Church a waiver of the building permit for the construction of a fence on Church property.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the waiver.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next reminded Council 2009 Proposed Budget Workshops are scheduled for July 12, 24 and 28 at 6:00 P.M.  A copy of CIP and ME was included with the Agenda and Mr. Mitchell requested Council review it in depth prior to the workshops.

 

            Mr. Mitchell’s final report was on the Comprehensive Plan.  The Plan is 45% complete and should be concluded on schedule.

 

            Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator, Clerk, Chief of Police and Attorney at 8:02 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 8:07 P.M.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 8:02 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:07 P.M.  Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 8:10 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and the Council return to open meeting at 8:15 P.M.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:10 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:15 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 8:15 P.M. for preliminary matters involving discussions relating to the acquisition of real property and the Council return to open meeting at 8:20 P.M.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the city’s financial interest and bargaining position.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:10 P. M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:15 P.M.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve merit increases for the Chief of Police to step 8.5 and the Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer to step 7.5 on the City of Ellsworth Pay Plan.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until July 21, 2008 at 6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

July 21, 2008

 

            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 Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  One Council seat remains vacant.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator and Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent; David Smith, Chief of Police; Josh Webb, Greens Keeper; and Bob Kepka, Fire Chief.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator gave a presentation of the proposed 2009 Budget for all Tax Levied Funds.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until July 24, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. at the Municipal Golf Course Meeting Room.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

July 24, 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, Alan Stefek, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  One Council seat remains vacant.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; John Kerschner; Water/Sewer Superintendent; Ron Tenbrink, Recreation Director and Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, gave presentations of all non-tax levied funds.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until July 28, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

July 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.

 

            Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Alan Stefek, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  Council member Irene Pacey was absent and one Council seat remains vacant.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police and Judy Brown, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            The Clerk presented 2 requests for Water/Sewer Termination extensions. Alan Stefek motioned to approve the requests.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the Consent Agenda which included minutes of the July 14, 21 and 24 Council meetings and the addition of a CMB renewal for El-Kan Western Riders.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, gave the following updates for the Project Board.  State Street is completed and will be removed from the board.  Phase I of the TDD Project continues and temporary entrances at Ampride and Pizza Hut will be complete within the week.  Also noted is the AWOS tower for airport arrived the previous week and the system should be installed within several weeks.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to authorize the City Administrator to solicit bids for mowers for the Golf Course and Street Department.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The Recreation Master Plan Steering Task Force appointments was tabled to allow the Mayor additional time to review the candidates.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve Pavers, Inc. Pay Estimate #2 for the TDD Project.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.

 

            David Smith, Chief of Police, requested Council consider the purchase of a motorcycle tricycle to be used for patrolling.  The Chief presented both pros and cons for use of the unit.  Council took no action.

 

            Cole Worrell requested “Children at Play” signs be placed on Prospect Street.  The Administrator will notify the Street Superintendent.  Discussion concerning the speed limit on Prospect Street ended with Council requesting further research be completed.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reported the City Attorney has reviewed the proposed lease with NexTech Wireless to place a Cellular Phone Antenna on a City water tower.  The document should be ready for Council action at the next meeting.

 

            Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator and Chief of Police at 7:45 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 7:55 P.M.  Worrell seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered into Executive Session at 7:45 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 7:55 P.M.  Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator and Chief of Police at 7:55 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and the Council return to open meeting at 8:05 P.M.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered into Executive Session at 7:55 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:05 P.M.  Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator and Chief of Police at 8:05 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and the Council return to open meeting at 8:10 P.M.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:05 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:10 P.M.  Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 8:12 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and the Council return to open meeting at 8:20 P.M.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered into Executive Session at 8:12 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:20 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until August 11, 2008 at 7:00P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk