October, 2008 Minutes

October 13, 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 John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  Irene Pacey was absent.

 

            Also in attendance were Carey Hipp, City Attorney; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the September 22, 2008 meeting and Claims Ordinance #A01-0908.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Consideration of trees within the Downtown Streetscape Project was tabled until the October 27, 2008 meeting.

 

Cole Worrell motioned to authorize the City Administrator to sign the grant agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.

 

John Whitmer motioned to approve Change Order #3 for the TDD Project.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  The change order is required to increase the number of work days for Paver’s Inc. to complete additional work.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

An agreement with William Morris Associates was tabled until the October 27, 2008.

 

Consideration of a request from First Methodist Church to change a section of the alley located behind their property to incorporate 2-way traffic was then discussed.  Following discussion Council directed the Chief of Police make the final determination.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until October 27, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

October 27, 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, John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police, Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Jon Halbewachs, Kirkham – Michael; David Brownback and Kurt Williams, Downtown Task Force; Michael Whitmer, Sharon Haverkamp and Diane Steinhaus.

 

            There were no customers in attendance to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.  The Clerk presented written requests from Richard Watson for an extension until November 3^rd and Bruce Svoboda until October 31^st.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the requests.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the October 13^th meeting and a Cereal Malt Beverage renewal for Jeffrey A. Gose (Gene’s Heartland Foods).  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote and all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator gave an update on the TDD Project.  Lighting at Gene’s IGA will be completed in the future.  Mr. Mitchell also gave updates on the AWOS and the emergency siren.

 

            David Brownback, Downtown Task Force, reported on a recent trip to Lyons, Kansas to view a streetscape project.  After receiving comments from Mr. Brownback, Dr. Kurt Williams, and Linda Denning, Council discussed incorporating trees into the Downtown Streetscape Project.  Following the discussion John Whitmer motioned to allow the incorporation of trees in the Downtown Streetscape Project and instruct the City Attorney to prepare a draft ordinance allowing the placement of trees in the Downtown Streetscape Project district as defined by the Master Plan.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote Pacey, Whitmer and Worrell vote aye, Stefek and Wires vote nay.  Motion carried.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with William Morris Associates for Architect’s Services for the Downtown Streetscape Project.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The following ordinance was presented for action:

 

            AN ORDINANCE REGULATING PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE “UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES”, EDITION OF 2008.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to approve the ordinance.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was number 2998.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve GPM Industrial Revenue Bond, Series A, 2008 Lease Amendment No. 1.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve GPM Industrial Revenue Bond, Series B, 2008 Lease Amendment No. 1.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve Pay Estimate #5 for TDD Project.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Council requested they be informed of requests for additional work days on future projects.

 

            Chief Smith informed Council the Director of Mosaic has been on leave, but upon her return he will work with her to determine the best resolution to the request the north portion of the alley between Kansas and Douglas Avenue commencing at Second Street and ending at Third Street be re-established as two-way.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reported the actual mil levy for the 2009 Budget is lower than projected due to higher assessed valuations.  The approved levy was 75.602 and the county certified levy is 75.275.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next reported he is working with the Clerk and Attorney to prepare a “Red Flag” policy required by federal law.  The purpose of the policy is to deter identity theft of utility customers.  Mr. Mitchell also commended DeAnne Hoch for her efforts to secure an additional TBRA Grant.  Cole Worrell motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign the TBRA Grant Agreement.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session at 8:18 P.M. with the City Administrator for the purpose of discussing preliminary matters relating to the acquisition of real property and that the Council return to open meeting at 8:25 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 8:18 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:25 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

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

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk