December, 2008 Minutes

December 8, 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; David Smith, Chief of Police; Ronnie Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Mark McCoy, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Murray Marston and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the November 24, 2008 meeting and Claims Ordinance #A01-1108.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            John Strella arrived at the meeting at 7:05 P.M.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, reported the AWOS has been completed.  Mr. Mitchell also informed the Council the Downtown Street Project is awaiting state approval on the 60% plan.  The final item on the Project Board was a request for Council guidance with signage in the TDD Project.  Mr. Mitchell presented on design including a bronze longhorn.  Council instructed Mr. Mitchell to seek additional options for the signs.

 

            John Strella addressed Council concerning traffic violations occurring on Kunkle Drive.  Mr. Strella presented a petition signed by residents of the street to lower the speed limit to 20 m.p.h.  Mr. Strella also reported while collecting signatures on the petition other concerns were noted.  Chief Smith responded he had observed the area and reported his findings during the 2 hours he was present.  Following discussion Council instructed the Police Department to study the traffic patterns for 2 weeks and to report the information at the meeting on December 22^nd.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign KDOT Project No. (K) 14-27-TE-0328-01 Agreement with revisions to the Project area.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Ron Tenbrink, Recreation Director arrived at the meeting at 7:40 P.M.

 

            Cole Worrell next motioned to approve the 2009 Proposed Fee Schedule.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign the Consultant Agreement for Apron Rehabilitation at the Ellsworth Municipal Airport.  The agreement includes design, engineering and construction inspection conducted by HWS Engineers.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Tenbrink reported he had attended a U.S.D. 327 Board Members meeting and the Board is agreeable to meet with the Council for and informative session relating to the formation of a Recreation Commission.  Mr. Tenbrink will schedule the meeting as soon as possible.

 

            Mayor Homolka announced Cynthia Edgerle has resigned from the Housing Authority.  A new member will be appointed as quickly as possible.

 

            Irene Pacey inquired if wind generators could be installed within City limits.  Mr. Mitchell will research the inquiry and report back.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reminded Council Senator Sam Brownback will be at the Chamber Office on the 9^th from 10:15 – 11:15 A.M.  Mr. Mitchell requested all Council Members attend if possible.  He next informed Council the estimated increase to health insurance rates is approximately 13%.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested the Emergency Snow Route Ordinance be revised.  The proposed ordinance will be presented at the next meeting for Council action.  Mr. Mitchell also presented a sign to be posted at parks referencing pet pick up reminder.  Mr. Mitchell next requested all full time employees be permitted to take off the afternoon of December 19^th and the entire day of December 26^th with pay.  Mayor Homolka approved the request.

 

            A COLA increase for staff was tabled until the December 22^nd meeting.  Council had no objection to the removal of the tree near City Hall.  Mr. Mitchell then reported the Chamber of Commerce has expressed an interest in overseeing the Celebrations Committee if the City will continue the funding at the current amount.  Mr. Mitchell will explore this option further and report back to the Council.

 

            Mr. Mitchell’s last report was in regards to the General Government vehicle.  The Toyota Prius will be delivered on December 11^th.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 8:25 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 8:40 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 8:25 P.M. and returned to regular meeting at 8:40 P.M.  John Whitmer motioned to approve merit increases for the Roger Paulson to step 9½ and Verle Willey to step 10 for Patrol Officers on the City of Ellsworth Pay Plan.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then read a letter of resignation as City Administrator.  Alan Stefek motioned to accept the resignation effective March 6, 2009.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Mr. Stefek next motioned to approve advertising for a City Administrator and Street Department Equipment 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 recessed until December 22, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

December22, 2008

 

The Ellsworth City Council met in regular session on the above date at 7:00 P.M. at the Council Chambers of 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; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Ron Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Jon Halbegewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineers; Mike Slechta, Slechta Enterprises; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; John Strella and 2 students enrolled in Government at EHS.

 

            There were no customers in attendance to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.

 

            Irene Pacey motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewals for Pizzaco, Inc.; Casey’s General Stroe, Inc.; American Legion Post #174; Ampride (Ellsworth Coop); Jeffrey A. Gose (Gene’s Heartland Foods); El-Kan Western Riders of Ellsworth County; National Drovers Hall of Fame Association; Roehrman Renaissance; Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course; KC’s Café; Duckwall – ALCO Stores, Inc. and Coach & Four Bowling Lanes.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote and all vote aye. Motion carried.

 

            John Strella requested the findings by the Police Department of the survey of Kunkle Drive and the actions Council will take to rectify the issues he has previously expressed.  The Chief of Police reported the results of the study.  Following discussion no action was taken.

 

            Jon Halbegewachs, Kirkham-Michael Engineers reported bids for the WWTP were higher than the engineers’ estimate.  Although higher, with several modifications the funding is available through the EPA Grant and the KDH&E State Revolving Loan Program.  Jonathan Mitchell informed Council the General Government vehicle will be received on December 9^th.

 

            Council next reviewed the bid received for the Solid Waste Contract.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the contract with Slechta Enterprises, Inc.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council took no action on a request from Jodi Chase to adjust her utility bill for 2008.

 

            The following resolution was presented for Council action:

 

A RESOLUTION CONCERNING SERVICE, LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS AND SERVICE AREA OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the resolution.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 22-1208A.

 

            Council next considered the following ordinance:

 

BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH TITLE 12 STREET, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES CHAPTER 12.28 REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS TREES OR OBJECTS.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the motion.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  Alan Stefek stated he felt the ordinance is unfair to those not in the Transportation Enhancement District.  When put to vote Pacey, Whitmer and Worrell vote aye.  Stefek and Wires vote nay.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was then numbered 2999.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve a $0.25 COLA for 2009 for all full-time employees.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mayor Robert Homolka appointed Pat Bender and Rick Garrett to the Housing Authority.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the appointments.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Chief Smith informed Council his department will be stricter in enforcing the nuisance ordinance in the future.

 

            Mrs. Pacey requested the City Administrator research ordinances vacating alleys in Blake’s Addition to the City.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reviewed the 2008 YTD budget information.

 

            Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter into Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:50 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council returns to the open meeting at 7:55 P.M.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion. The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of identifiable individuals.  When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.

 

            Council entered in Executive Session at 7:50 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 7:55 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the Administrator’s recommendations for merit increases to the appropriate step on the City of Ellsworth Pay Plan for Harold Waymaster, DeAnne Hoch and George.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk