June, 2008

June 9, 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 and Judy Brown, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Rob Fillion, Terry Kepka and Kurt Williams, Downtown Task Force; Jon Halbewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineers and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

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

 

            Rob Fillion addressed the Council and informed them of the City of Ellsworth’s Grant award from the Department of Transportation for a Transportation Development District.  Mr. Fillion gave a brief overview of the District and the steps required to formalize plans to submit to the State.

 

            Jon Halbewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineers, reported construction has begun on the TDD Project.  The project has been divided into to 2 phases and the first phase should be completed by the end of July and Phase II will begin.

 

            Mr. Halbewachs then gave an update on the WWTP Project.  Currently the plans have been sent to KDH&E and they should receive State approval soon.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, gave updates on other projects on the board.  The first was to inform Council the City is still awaiting one test result from a proposed well site.  Mr. Mitchell informed Council curb and gutter had been completed on State Street and the project should to be completed on time.  Other updates were on the AWOS and parking lot at the airport.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reviewed options for disposal of surplus property.  After discussion Irene Pacey motioned to approve the items for auction and to authorize the City Administrator to place the items in an on-line auction provided by Purplewave.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Ms. Haverkamp requested clarification referencing the nuisance ordinance.  The Chief was unable to answer without first reviewing the incident and speaking to the Officer involved with the enforcement of the ordinance Ms. Haverkamp referenced.

 

            Alan Stefek then motioned to authorize the City Administrator to pursue bids for a replacement of the emergency siren at City Hall not to exceed $16,000.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Alan Stefek next motioned to authorize the City Administrator to seek bids for a new vehicle for General Government not to exceed $24,000.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell proposed the formation of a Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee.  Following discussion Council instructed the City Administrator to continue working on the development of the committee.

 

            Irene Pacey reported she had been approached by a citizen requesting a hand rail be installed at Krizek Park to allow easier access for the elderly and handicapped.  Mr. Mitchell will review the situation and report back to the Council.

 

            Mrs. Pacey also reported the view at the northeast intersection of Webb and Third Streets is obscured by tall grass.  Mr. Mitchell will survey the property and safety issues with the Chief of Police and report back to Council.

 

            Mr. Mitchell informed Council Slechta Enterprises will continue to charge the current rate through the end of the year.  Mr. Slechta had indicated in December, 2007 he would review the rate after 6 months and with diesel prices continuing to increase he is unable to lower it at this time.

 

            Mr. Mitchell also informed Council a city-wide garage sale on June 21^st.  The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event and has signs available for those interested.

 

            Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:48 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 7:51 P.M.  Irene Pacey 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 7:48 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 7:51 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until June 23, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

 

June 23, 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, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  One Council seat remains vacant.

 

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

 

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

 

            Cole Worrell then motioned to approve the Consent Agenda which consisted of minutes from the June 9, 2008 meeting.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Kurt Williams addressed the Council and proposed the 30 minute parking spaces located at the northwest corner of N. Douglas Avenue and W. First Street be moved to the spaces located directly in front of State Farm Insurance.  Dr. Williams will be moving his dental practice to the corner and would prefer a 30 minute parking stall not be located in front of his practice as his patients will be in his office more than 30 minutes.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the request.  Council member Pacey stated her concerns for elderly not being able to parallel park should the stall on Douglas Avenue be moved.  The motion died for lack of a second.

 

            Further discussion was held concerning the parking issue.  Cole Worrell motioned until the parking study has been reviewed by the Downtown Taskforce to temporarily move the 30 minute parking stall located to the west of the handicap stall on the North side of W. First Street to the second stall east of the alley between Douglas and Kansas Avenues and leaving the 30 minute parking stalls on Douglas Avenue as they are currently configured.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, gave the following project board update:  Plans for the WWTP have been reviewed by KDH&E and forwarded to for additional Federal comments.  State Street construction should be completed within the next week and open soon.  Progress is slow but continues to be made on the TDD Project.  A meeting with KDOT has been scheduled for July 10^th to review the TE Grant guidelines.

 

            Council then reviewed bids received for a General Government vehicle.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the low bid of $23,738 from Longo Toyota of Los Angels, CA.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council next reviewed bids received for replacement of the City Hall siren.  Mr. Mitchell explained decibel level and installation requirements to the Council.  After discussion Alan Stefek motioned to authorize the City Administrator to negotiate with Storm Sirens Inc., for a 128 decibel at 100’ siren with the City completing the installation for a cost not to exceed a total cost of $16,000.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Sharon Haverkamp requested additional information concerning resolution of a nuisance ordinance violation noted at a previous meeting.  The Chief of Police reported he had contacted the individual and no citations were issued either this year or during the previous year.  All parties now have a better understanding of the ordinance and at this time the matter has been resolved.

 

            Cole Worrell inquired if the Administrator had reviewed the need for handrail at Krizek Park.  Mr. Mitchell reported he will have a cost estimate available at the next meeting.  Mr. Worrell then expressed concerns of wheat trucks being delayed during the Star Spangled Spectacular/Cowtown Day events.  The Chief of Police assured Council all vehicles used for harvesting will not be delayed due to the events.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reported he will have a procedural update for G.O. Bonds to be issued for the downtown enhancements at the next meeting.  He also requested Council guidance in reference to a request to develop an ordinance allowing the use of ATV’s on City streets.  Council directed the Administrator to begin drafting an ordinance. 

 

Mr. Mitchell then reported there has been no response to a request for volunteers to serve on the Recreation Master Plan Taskforce.  He then requested Council authorize him to work with the U.S.D. #327 Administrator to develop a proposed structure for a Recreation Commission.  Council approved the meetings.

 

Mr. Mitchell then reported NexTech continues to be interested in placing a cellular phone antenna on the water tower located on State Street.  An agreement should be available for review at the next Council meeting.

 

Then final item Mr. Mitchell had for Council was a request to schedule workshops for the 2009 budget.  After discussion the Council chose July 21^st and 24^th at 6:00 P.M.

 

            Cole Worrell then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 8:00 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 8:05 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 8:00 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:05 P.M.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve a merit increase to step 7 ½ for David Buchholz, Water Plant Operator.  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 adjourned until July 14, 2008 at 7:00P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk