December, 2009

December 14, 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; Harold Waymaster, Water/Sewer Department; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and David Cranston, Kirkham Michael.

 

            The first item of the meeting was the consent agenda consisting of the minutes from the November 23, 2009 meeting, Claims Ordinance #A01-1109 and CMB Licenses for the following businesses: El-Kan Western Riders, American Legion Paul Aylward Post #174, National Drovers Hall of Fame Association, Ampride Convenience Store, KwikShop, Inc., Pizza Hut of Ellsworth, Casey’s Retail Company, Jeff A. Gose (Gene Heartland Foods), City of Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course, Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc., Coach and Four Bowling Lanes, Inc. and Karen Paden.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the consent agenda.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            David Cranston, Kirkham Michael Engineers addressed Council.  Mr. Cranston reported progress continues to be made on the Waste Water Treatment Project.  The contractor still anticipates concluding the project near the end of the year.  Mr. Cranston reviewed issues that had arisen during construction.  Several problems will still need to be addressed, and which party will be accountable for the expense, to resolve the discrepancies.

 

            Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, reported the Downtown Streetscape project is almost complete.  A large area of concrete still needs to be poured at EES.  Also the street lights should arrive later in the week.  The portion of East First Street that was not included in the final plans has been addressed.  Council verbally approved the change order.

 

            Mr. Vandall also reported the apron project at the airport had been completed.  A final walk through was done last week.  Mr. Vandall, members of the Airport Advisory Board and the engineers for the project were all in attendance for the inspection.  Carey Hipp, City Attorney, on behalf of the City, has entered into a contract with an appraiser for the possible acquisition of land to expand the airport.

 

            Irene Pacey motioned to approve Pay Request #6 from APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Division.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve Pay Request #3 from Heartsone, Inc.  Mary Wires seconded the motion. When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Alan Stefek then motioned to approve Pay Estimate #2 from Smoky Hill, LLC.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            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.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the resolution.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 14-1209A.

 

            Following discussion, the proposed 2010 Pay Plan was tabled until the December 28^th meeting.

 

            Alan Stefek reported he had been contacted by a local businessman wanting to place a 2^nd portable storage container on his commercial property.  After review of code 8.30.030 F, Alan Stefek motioned Coach and Four Bowling Lanes be permitted to place a 2^nd storage container on their property.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote al vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell informed Council he had received complaints concerning snow removal in the parking area of the Post Office.  It is not the City’s responsibility to remove the snow from that area.

 

            Mr. Vandall then reported the projected numbers for the 2009 numbers are within 2010 Budget projected amounts.  Also there will be no Planning Commission meeting during December.  The next meeting will be held January 27, 2010.  The City Inspector’s Report will be available for the next Council meeting.

 

            Mr. Vandall relayed positive comments for both the Recreation Department (for the numerous programs offered) and the Street Department (for recent snow removal).  Mr. Vandall inquired if employees will be permitted to leave following the Holiday Lunch scheduled for December 18^th.  Council agreed to allow employees to take the rest of the day off following the lunch.  Council also consented to purchasing $50.00 in Chamber Certificates for employees.

 

            Mr. Vandall informed Council he is working with ECMC to begin an instant notify system in case of an emergency or natural disaster.  The notification would be via text messaging or telephone.  Mr. Vandall is also awaiting more bids for repair of the Recreation Center roof.

 

            A bid has been received to remove the trailer and house on S. Lincoln Avenue.  The Administrator will seek additional bids and report back to Council.  Mr. Vandall will approach the County Commissioners requesting they waive tipping fees at the landfill.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:50 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the regular meeting at 7:55 P.M.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered Executive Session at 7:50 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 7:55 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to increase Verle Willey from Step 9.5 to step 10 on the approved pay plan.  John Whitmer 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 28, 2009.

 

                                                                        Patti L. Booher

                                                                        City Clerk

 

December 28, 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, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  Council members Alan Stefek and John Whitmer were absent.

 

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police; John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Josh Beckman, Kirkham Michael Engineers, David Buchholz, Water/Sewer Department and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            The Clerk presented 2 requests for extensions on Water/Sewer terminations.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the requests.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Irene Pacey motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the December 14, 2009 meeting.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            John Kerschner, Water/Sewer Superintendent, gave an update on continuing progress associated with the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  John Halbgewachs is awaiting further information from APAC Shears regarding a grade issue and the breakdown of expenses to refurbish the shed at the treatment plant.

 

            Tim Vandall, City Administrator, reported an appraiser has been contracted to work at the airport in anticipation of land acquisition for airport improvements.  Mr. Vandall also informed Council the light poles for the Streetscape have arrived and are being placed.  The project will be expanded to include a portion of E. First Street that had been previously been omitted.  The State will not participate in this section of the project.  A punch list is being kept to assure all minor damages will be repaired.

 

            The 2010 Proposed Pay scale was tabled until January 11, 2010.

 

            Mr. Vandall gave a brief overview of the City Inspector’s Report.  He then reviewed the proposed CIP and Municipal Equipment Brochure.  The goal of the brochure is to promote positive citizen participation.  Mr. Vandall intends to present Council with a revised Capital Improvement and Municipal Equipment Funds plan in the near future.

 

            Mr. Vandall then reported he and the Chief of Police had attended a County Commissioners meeting.  The Commissioners were receptive to the idea of helping with the situation of dilapidated buildings within the City.  Mr. Vandall will be preparing a list of the top 10 structures needing attention.

 

            Mr. Vandall noted work continues on the Total Notify System.  This undertaking would be in conjunction with Ellsworth County Medical Center and the County.  Currently costs are being considered..

 

            Mr. Vandall next presented a plaque and Lowe’s Gift Card to John Kerschner.  Mr. Kerschner will retire December 31, 2009.  Many projects have been completed while Mr. Kerschner has been in the Water/Sewer Department.

 

            Irene Pacey then motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator, at 7:26 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 7:31 P.M.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered Executive Session at 7:26 P.M. and returned to the recessed meeting at 7:31 P.M.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve a merit increase for Officer Roger Paulson to a Step 9.5 on the approved pay scale.  Mary Wires 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 January 11, 2010.

 

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk