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

 

November Minutes

November 10, 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; Ronnie Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Murray Marston and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the October 27, 2008 meeting and Claims Ordinance #A01-1008.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator, reported State and Federal approval of the WWTP design has been received and bid letting should begin in the near future.  Mr. Mitchell also reported the AWOS has been installed at the airport and a dedicated phone line will be installed to make the information gathered by the system available on the internet.  Mr. Mitchell also informed Council of the lighting and fencing needed to complete the TDD Project.  The final item on the Project Board was a request for Council guidance on an ordinance pertaining to trees in the Transportation Enhancement Development District.

 

            Chief David Smith next reported his findings in regards to a request from the First United Methodist Church to return a portion of the alley located behind the church to 2-way.  Chief Smith recommended the request be denied.  Murray Marston on behalf of the Church spoke in favor of the change.  After further discussion Council recommended placing additional one-way signs at the entrance to the alley and further monitoring by the Police Department.

 

            At this time Irene Pacey motioned and Cole Worrell seconded the motion to accept a payment of $5,000 from Western Electric Cooperative for the following described property:

 

            South Fifty Feet (S50’) of Lots Twenty-one (21), Twenty-two (22), Twenty-three (23), Twenty-four (24), Twenty-Five (25) and Twenty-six (26) and the North Twenty-five Feet (N25’) of Lots One (1), Two (2), Three (3), Four (4), Five (5) and Six (6), and the vacated alley lying north of and adjacent to Lots One (1) to Six (6), inclusive, and vacated alley lying south of and adjacent to Lots Twenty-one (21) to Twenty-six (26), inclusive, All in Block Fifty-two (52), in the City of Ellsworth, Kansas.

 

            When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Alan Stefek abstained from the vote.  Ms. Pacey then motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign the Quit Claim Deed for the above mentioned property.  Mr. Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Alan Stefek abstained from the vote.  Motion carried.

 

            Following discussion concerning revision options to Ordinance #2875 concerning the planting of trees/shrubs in City easements and right-of-ways the item was tabled until the next meeting.

 

            Ronnie Tenbrink, Recreation Director, gave an update of progress on the Recreation Master Plan and Task Force.  Mr. Tenbrink requested the Council make a commitment to the project as others will be more likely to commit resources if they are aware of the City’s support of the plan.  Recommendations were made to work with the School District Board for the possible implementation of a Recreation Commission and/or the use of the Public Building Commission as the bonding entity.

 

            Irene Pacey requested a date be set for the Substance Abuse Committee meeting.  A date and time were set.

 

            Jonathan Mitchell reviewed the Budget Status Reports and requested the amount of Chamber Certificates for the Governing Body, full time employees and two part-time Police Department employees be raised to $50.00 along with the purchase of commemorative bricks for each Governing Body members and full time employee to be included in the Downtown Transportation Enhancement District.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the request.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell next reported a request for waiver of water/sewer tap fees would be presented at the next meeting.  Mr. Mitchell reminded Council the requests are currently being handled on a case by case basis.  He then requested Council consider taking official action to end to the Welcome Home Plan benefits at the next meeting.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reported Senator Sam Brownback will be in the City on December 9^th from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.  His office has requested the Governing Body meet with Senator Brownback.

 

            The last item Mr. Mitchell reported is John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent will be giving an informative presentation on water rights at the next meeting.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until November 24, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

November 24, 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; Ronnie Tenbrink, Recreation Director; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; David Stonebraker and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

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

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of November 10, 2008 meeting and Cereal Malt Beverage License for Kwik Shop.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote and all vote aye. Motion carried.

 

            David Stonebraker advised the Council he has paid taxes on his golf cart shed and golf cart for the last three years. He is advising the council his taxes on his golf cart went from $50.00 to $150.00.  He stated he is one of the few who pays taxes on his shed and cart.

 

            David Stonebraker left at 7:12 P.M.

 

Mr. Mitchell reported the AWOS computer at the Ellsworth Municipal Airport is installed and online so everyone can access this on the internet.  He is working on signage for the Dees and Kunkle project and two new street lights will be installed at Gene’s Heartland Foods entrances on Tuesday.

           

            Then Ordinance #2875, which addresses the placement of trees in the City of Ellsworth, was then discussed. John Whitmer motioned to change the ordinance to allow the 3 species of trees, which is outlined in the Streetscape Plan, and shrubs with root guards to be planted in the Streetscape area only. The City Administrator and Street Superintendent will be compliance officers and the responsibility for maintenance in the Streetscape area is the City’s. Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.

 

            The Ellsworth Streetscape Project agreement with the State of Kansas was then addressed.  Council recommended the agreement to be corrected to say North Main Street not South Main Street and for the agreement to address the east and west boundaries from Douglas Ave.  Mr. Mitchell will get this corrected before the next meeting. No action taken.

           

            Ronnie Tenbrink, Recreation Director reported on what a Recreation Commission can do.  Discussion then followed.  Council asked Mr. Tenbrink to visit with the Recreation Director at Lyons and the USD 327 School Board to set a date so all can attend an informational work session regarding a Recreation Commissions. No action taken.

 

            John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent presented an analysis of the City’s current water rights and MDS (minimum desirable stream flow).  The report indicated to Council what the City’s current water supply is and how it could be increased. Mr. Kerschner educated the Council concerning vested water rights, senior water rights and junior water rights and how these are determined.  Discussion then followed the presentation. No action taken.

           

            Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator asked the Council if they want to continue the Welcome Home Plan benefits or to discontinue the program as the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan is now in place. Cole Worrell motioned to discontinue the City’s Welcome Home Benefits.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion. When put to a vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.           

 

            David Smith, Chief of Police informed the Council the PD continues to stay busy have solved the majority of the cases.

 

            Mr. Mitchell asked the Council to review the proposed fee schedule for 2009.  The schedule will be an action item on the agenda for the December 22, 2008.

 

            Following discussion the Solid Waste contract continue for a term of 4 years.

 

            Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter into Executive Session with the City Administrator at 8:30 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council returns to the open meeting at 8:40 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 in Executive Session at 8:30 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:40 P.M.  No action taken.

 

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

 

 

                        Angela Mueller

                        Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer