November, 2007

November 12, 2007

 

The Ellsworth City Council met for 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 Don Panzer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  Irene Pacey and Alan Stefek were absent.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; Joshua Beckman, Kirkham-Michael Engineers; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Clint Rogers.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the consent agenda.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  It was noted a second and vote of the motion to approve the Downtown Transportation Grant was not recorded in the minutes.  The Clerk will make corrections as required.  The motion was then put to vote and all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Joshua Beckman, Kirkham-Michael Engineers presented the Council with the bids received for construction of the TDD Project.  Pavers, Inc. was the low bid at $537, 942.  The amount was below the engineers’ estimate.  Mr. Beckman requested the Council authorize the Mayor to sign the Bid Award Letter.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the engineers’ recommendation awarding the bid to Pavers, Inc. and authorize the Mayor to sign to sign the Award Letter.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  Mr. Panzer inquired if a penalty clause was included in order to keep the project on schedule.  Mr. Beckman confirmed the clause is included.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Beckman explained a field change had been made to the original plans for drainage during a recent KDOT project causing additional problems in the TDD Project area.  The State of Kansas will remedy the problem at their expense.

 

            Clint Rogers next addressed the Council and requested the City extend the Welcome Home incentives to the property he will be constructing a new home on.  The incentives include waiver of the building permit fee, sewer tap fee and installation of water service up to 5/8”.  Don Panzer motioned to approve the request.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            There was not a representative from Ellsworth Family Connections available to attend the meeting.  The organization will be present at a future meeting.

 

            Council next reviewed the 4 options available for action in reference to the pool usage ordinance.  Following discussion Cole Worrell motioned to approve the following ordinance with a change to the number of guests being limited at 4:

 

            AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A UTILITY CHARGE FOR PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE COTS OF THE CITY SWIMMING POOL AGAINST THE RESIDENTIAL UTILITY CUSTOMERS OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH AND DEFINING RESIDENTIAL UTILITY CUSTOMERS AND REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE 2964 OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH.

 

 

            Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was numbered 2991.

 

            Don Panzer then motioned to purchase Chamber Checks not to exceed an amount allowable by IRS Taxable Fringe Benefits or $40.00 whichever is lesser in lieu of providing an employee appreciation dinner.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.

 

            Mr. Panzer then requested the Street Department be instructed to grade east and west streets in the Fairbanks and Gay Streets area.

 

            Mr. Worrell reminded the City Administrator there is a pothole in the 500 block of Novak Street that is in dire need of repair.  Mr. Worrell also requested an explanation for the selected location of a culvert recently installed at Ninth and Park Streets.  Mr. Mitchell will request the Street Superintendent attend the next meeting to explain the location selection.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reviewed progress to grants currently awarded or recently applied for.  These include several for the Airport.  The runway has been resurfaced and reopened for aircraft traffic.  A final inspection of the snow removal equipment will be completed by HWS later in the week and the close out process will begin.  Progress continues to be made toward the installation of an AWOS system.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then reported the Downtown District has been placed on the National Historic Register.  This designation will allow owners to receive tax credits or grants for improvements.  The Transportation Enhancement Grant was delivered to Topeka the previous week.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested authorization to submit a grant on behalf of the Fire Department for Smoke Safety and Prevention.  The cost of the project would be $50,000 with the City responsibility placed at 5% ($2,500).  Don Panzer motioned to approve the request.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Mitchell reported the Beautification Committee is recommending using their remaining funds to do renovations at Preisker Park restrooms and purchase gift certificates for trees to be incorporated in the Recreation Master Plan.

 

            Mr. Mitchell also reported the Celebrations Committee is considering incorporating Cowtown Days with the Star Spangled Spectacular creating one large event rather than 2 smaller events.

 

            Mr. Mitchell’s final report concerned the roofing issue at City Hall.  Mr. Mitchell has explored the option of placing a pitched roof on the building and the increase in price is significant.  Council instructed Mr. Mitchell to pursue a membrane system for the roof.

 

            Cole Worrell then motioned the Council go into Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:40 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 7:45 P.M.  The session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  Don Panzer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 7:40 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 7:45 P.M.  Mr. Mitchell then requested Council guidance relating to the interview process for the Clubhouse Supervisor.  After discussion an interview panel consisting of the Administrator, the Groundskeeper and Governing Body representative Don Panzer was set.  Mr. Mitchell requested possible monetary incentives for the supervisor dependent upon the success of events.  Council was not in favor of the option.

 

            Mr. Mitchell will be working with the City Attorney to draft a membership policy for individuals utilizing the Golf Course.  Discussion was then held concerning the cart sheds at the course and Mr. Mitchell will discuss the possibility of requiring fees for the land private sheds are located on.  Mr. Worrell recommended holding an informative meeting for shed owners as there are currently no copies of leases that were believed to be executed.  Mr. Mitchell will review minutes of Council meetings held during the time in question.

 

            Mr. Mitchell then requested permission to purchase 3 used carts.  Funds are available within the Clubhouse budget.  Gas carts are preferred over electric carts.  No action on the request was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until November 26, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

November 26, 2007

 

            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 and Council President Alan Stefek, Member Don Panzer called the meeting to order.  Other members present were Irene Pacey, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Jonathan Mitchell, City Administrator; David Smith, Chief of Police; Neil Berry, Patrol Officer; Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent; Kermit Rush, Ellsworth County Commissioner; Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Development Corporation; Carl Miller, Ellsworth County Commissioner; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Sharon Haverkamp.

 

            There were no customers in attendance to request an extension for Water/Sewer terminations.  The Clerk presented extension requests until November 30^th for Mark Gwinner and December 3^rd for Steve Shultz.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the extensions.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell then motioned to approve the Consent Agenda.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            A dangerous structure hearing for 331 W. First Street was then held.  The property is owned by Shane Bloom of Fredericksburg, VA.  Mr. Bloom nor his agent were in attendance.  The hearing was closed.

 

            A dangerous structure hearing for 100 N. Colorado Avenue was then held.  The property is owned by Robert Shalamov of Phoenix, AZ.  Mr. Shalamov nor his agent were in attendance.  The hearing was closed.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to authorize the preparation of resolutions finding the structures dangerous and setting a reasonable time to remove said structures or they shall be razed by the City.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Rob Fillion, Director, Smoky Hill Development Corporation and Carl Miller, Ellsworth County Appraiser gave an in-depth presentation of the proposed Ellsworth County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.  The plan would include the County, all cities and USDs 327 and 328.  Taxes collected on the appraised value of qualifying improvements would be rebated, using the schedule in the plan, Ad Valorem tax after the taxes have been paid in full.  Mr. Fillion and Mr. Miller will be meeting with the other interested entities in the upcoming weeks to seek their support for the plan.  They have presented this information to the County Commissioners and USD #327 Board of Directors.  Although no official action was taken the consensus of the Council was to support the plan.

 

            The Council then received presentations for replacement roofing on City Hall from Geisler Roofing, Inc., High Plains Roofing, Inc. and Roofmasters Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc.  Following the presentations Mary Wires motioned to award the project to Roofmasters Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc. for the proposed Option A.  Option A being a new TPO membrane placed above the south end of the building and a pitched steel roof retrofit placed on the east and west sides of the center of the building, including guttering.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jim Zamrzla, Street Superintendent, then proposed Nebraska Street between First Street and E. North Main Street be permanently closed.  The asphalt was damaged extensively by flooding in June.  A shallow culvert would be installed at E. North Main Street preventing water from passing over E. North Main Street.  Council requested the City Administrator contact property owners affected should the street be closed and directed the Street Superintendent work on cost estimates covering the proposed plan.

 

            Mary Wires reported she had received compliments directed to the Street Department’s recent crack sealing.

 

            Mr. Zamrzla next explained the positioning of the culvert located at Ninth and Park Streets.

 

            Don Panzer questioned if there were any plans for signage on K-156 indicating the location of downtown Ellsworth.  Mr. Mitchell indicated signage is included in the TDD if the monies are available.

 

            Mr. Mitchell gave a quick updates on current grant applications.

 

Cole Worrell then motioned the Council go into Executive Session with the City Administrator and Street Superintendent at 9:05 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and that the Council return to open meeting at 9:08 P.M.  The session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered into Executive Session at 9:05 P.M. and returned to open meeting at 9:08 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until December 10^th, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk