October, 2009
October 12, 2009
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 Stephen Bahan called the meeting to order. Council members present were Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.
Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator; David Smith, Chief of Police; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Josh Beckman, Kirkham Michael and Don Cikanek.
Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of Claims Ordinance #A01-0909 and minutes of the September 14 and 28, 2009 meetings. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Don Cikanek requested an extension to remove inoperable vehicles and motor boats from his property. Council agreed to allow Mr. Cikanek 30 additional days.
Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, reported the Downtown Streetscape project continues to make good progress. There may be some inconveniences during construction but every effort will be made to accommodate businesses and their customers. Mr. Vandall requested he be contacted if an issue arises. Mr. Vandall then reported work on the airport apron continues to stay on schedule. There may be delays with both projects due to wet weather.
Mr. Vandall also reported progress continues to be made at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Irene Pacey motioned to approve Pay Estimate #4 – from APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Division. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye.
Mayor Bahan and Council member Pacey gave a brief synopsis of concurrent work sessions attended while at the League of Kansas Municipalities Conference. Both indicated they enjoyed the conference.
Mr. Vandall then reported he would like the City to begin producing a Capital Improvement Plan and Municipal Equipment Plan in an easy to read format. A copy of the plans would be available at City Hall for anyone that would like one. Mr. Vandall next informed Council a Planning Commission meeting covering the Comprehensive Plan will be held on October 28th at 6:30 P.M.
Mr. Vandall next noted work is being done on the bridge on 4th Street. Mayor Bahan remarked he has received positive comments about the curb at the Lutheran Church.
John Whitmer motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:22 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the regular meeting at 7:32 P.M. Alan Stefek seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Council entered Executive Session at 7:22 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 7:32 P.M. Alan Stefek then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:32 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the regular meeting at 7:42 P.M. John Whitmer seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Council entered Executive Session at 7:32 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 7:42 P.M. Alan Stefek motioned to approve a merit increase for the City Clerk from step 5 to step 6 on the approved pay scale. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all aye. Motion carried.
John Whitmer motioned to enter Executive Session with the City Administrator for the purpose of discussing acquisition of real property at 7:44 P.M. and return to regular meeting at 7:49 P.M. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Council entered Executive Session at 7:44 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 7:49 P.M. No action was taken.
There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was regular until October 26, 2009.
Patti L. Booher
City Clerk
October 26, 2009
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 Stephen Bahan called the meeting to order. Council members present were Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.
Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.
The Clerk presented 3 requests for extensions for Water/Sewer terminations. Irene Pacey motioned to approve the requests. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the October 12, 2009 meeting. Irene Pacey seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, reviewed the Project Board. Mr. Vandall reported the contractor has started laying bricks in the Streetscape project. The project is currently on schedule despite inclement weather. There have been two accidents involving the project and those individuals have been directed to contact Heartstone, Inc., contractor for the project. Mayor Bahan inquired as to the status of a ramp to be constructed on the south side of 302 N. Douglas Avenue in conjunction with the project. Mr. Vandall reported it would be a change order and would cost approximately $6,000. Further investigation is required to determine what party is responsible for the cost. John Whitmer inquired if fall was good time to plant trees. Mr. Vandall will consult with Josh Webb concerning the planting of trees and shrubs during the fall.
Mr. Vandall also informed Council Smoky Hill Construction has completed the majority of the work on the apron at the airport. This project should be complete ahead of schedule.
John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent gave an update of the Waste Water Treatment Plant project. Several concerns have been noted and Mr. Kerschner is awaiting solutions from the engineer and contractor. Mr. Kerschner will keep the Council apprised of the situation and resolution of the issues.
The 2008 Audit was the next item on the agenda. Mr. Vandall and the Clerk explained funds from 2007 Transportation Development District Bond Issue had not been included in the financial statements of the City. The funds have now been added to reflect the amount held by Citizens State Bank along with all other funds of the City. Irene Pacey motioned to approve the 2008 Audit. Mary Wires seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Irene Pacey requested the Mr. Vandall’s name be placed on the Contractor Checklist for Building Permit Consideration form. Mrs. Pacey also noted the roof on the shed under the water tower located at Webb Street and E. Second Street has loose shingles and needs to be repaired.
Mr. Vandall reported he and the Water/Sewer Superintendent continue to working to become a member of the Kansas One Call program. Mr. Vandall next informed Council the Planning Commission will meet on October 28 for the purpose of reviewing the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning.
Mr. Vandall also reported an energy audit has been completed and the auditing company did not find any significant problems. Mr. Vandall then spoke on the importance of citizens input in relation to the CIP and ME Plans.
Alan Stefek motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator, City Attorney and the Chief of Police at 7:41 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 7:46 P.M. Irene Pacey seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Council entered Executive Session at 7:41 P.M. and returned to the recessed meeting at 7:46 P.M. Alan Stefek motioned to approve a merit increase for Officer David Tudor to a Step 7 on the approved pay scale. Irene Pacey seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
John Whitmer then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:47 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the regular meeting at 8:00 P.M. Cole Worrell seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.
Council entered Executive Session at 7:47 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:00 P.M. Alan Stefek motioned to approve a merit increase for the Street Superintendent to a step 7 on the approved pay scale. John Whitmer seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried. Irene Pacey then motioned to approve a merit increase for the Water Distribution Foreman to Step 9.5 on the approved pay scale. Alan Stefek 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 November 9, 2009.
Patti L. Booher
