Tuesday, October 19, 2010

10/04/10-Approved City Commission Minutes

MONDAY

OCTOBER 04, 2010

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt, Kansas met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall.

PRESENT: Bill Hlavachick Mayor
Jeff Taylor Commissioner
Willy Peltier Commissioner
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Gary Myers Asst. Chief of Police
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Director of Electric Utilities

CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Hlavachick called the regular meeting to order. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.

Mayor Hlavachick reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.

MINUTES:

A motion by Commissioner Taylor to approve the minutes of the September 20, 2010 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and it passed unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

• College Rodeo concerns:

Ms. Karen Detwiler commented that the college rodeo resulted in a lot of trash around the Industrial Park area, but it had been picked up and she appreciated that. Ms. Detwiler commented that the Humane Society, Siroky Oil, and SCK SEC were all adversely affected by the rodeo. Ms. Detwiler stated that they had been told that the college would have someone there to direct traffic, but no one was there so they parked where they could find a spot. Ms. Detwiler commented that she felt that the volunteer mower for the Humane Society would not be happy with the condition the landscape was in when they come to mow. Ms. Detwiler added that something would have to be done about that situation. Ms. Detwiler stated that the police were notified and had the people relocate.

Ms. Detwiler stated that someone from SCK SEC had told her that a pick-up and trailer had gone down Bluestem Boulevard and could not turn around, so they circled their building. Ms. Detwiler added that they have sprinkler heads and did not know if it had caused any damage. Ms. Detwiler commented that the contestants had been hosing off their horses on a landscaped area by the Humane Society causing a mud hole, so they had padlocked the hydrant only to have the hydrant handle broken. Ms. Detwiler mentioned that there were twelve trash containers put out there along with a large dumpster to be used by the contestants, but the college did not place them in convenient locations and left them clumped together. Ms. Detwiler estimated that the contents of the containers would have fit into one.

After conferring with the property owners after the rodeo, Ms. Detwiler stated that they would respectfully request that the college be required to physically direct the contestants to proper parking and signs be placed stating that Bluestem Boulevard was closed to rodeo traffic and to have the college place the trash containers near the parking area. Ms. Detwiler commented that one hydrant was not sufficient to handle over three hundred horses and, if the college was going to sponsor this rodeo, they need to put forth more effort in making it more rodeo friendly. Ms. Detwiler suggested that a large concrete pad with several hydrants and hose could be placed on college property to make it more practical and cleaner.

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR A DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT ON OCTOBER 23RD IN LEMON’S PARK:

Ms. Donna Rawlings from Pass It Forward commented that the disc golf tournament in May Dennis Park was successful and they would like to schedule a fall tournament on October 23rd in Lemon’s Park from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Ms. Rawlings stated that they have people to move the cages and to put them back. Mayor Hlavachick commented that those tournaments tend to get a lot of people involved. Commissioner Peltier questioned if this was a one or two day event. Ms. Rawlings stated that it was for one day with singles in the morning and doubles in the afternoon. Commissioner Skaggs asked if the public would be able to access the park that day. Ms. Rawlings stated that they would. Commissioner Skaggs commented that that was a large area. Ms. Rawlings stated that the tournament would be from behind the tennis courts, thru Sixth Street Park into Lemon’s Park. Commissioner Taylor questioned why the different location. Ms. Rawlings commented that it was a change of pace and presents a bigger challenge. Commissioner Peliter questioned if this could become a two day event if the City would help with promoting it State wide. Ms. Rawlings stated that she was sure they could and they had also had a request for an evening event. Commissioner Peltier asked if there was something wrong with Sundays. Ms. Rawlings commented that most of the people were against that. A motion by Commissioner Taylor to allow Pass It Forward to use Lemon’s Park on October 23rd for a disc golf tournament. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peltier and carried unanimously.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there were some similarities between this and the rodeo such as both on City property and the trash issue. City Manager Dave Howard commented that they pick up their own trash as does the college. Commissioner Skaggs commented that he understood Ms. Detwiler’s concern if this gets out of hand and the college does not react. Mr. Howard commented that they always do and that they pick up the trash, not the City. Mr. Howard added that these concerns had already been addressed with the college and that there had been some internal changes that were part of the problem. Ms. Detwiler asked what the college was going to do if the City sells more property. Mr. Howard stated that that day was coming and the City had had that conversation with the college. Mr. Howard added that the water meter for the Humane Society had been read today and the six units used since September 24th would be credited to the Humane Society and we would also reimburse them for the broken hydrant.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BUDGETED PICK-UP PURCHASE FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT:

Public Works Director Russell Rambat commented that this vehicle for the parks department had been budgeted for over several years and they would be giving the 1994 Chevy pick-up to the Municipal Building. Mr. Rambat stated that they had sent out two bids and two had come back. Mr. Rambat explained that Doug Reh Chevrolet had bid $19,970 for a 2011 Chevy pick-up and Lanterman Motors had bid $21,175. Mr. Rambat stated that his recommendation would be for the 2011 Chevy pick-up from Doug Reh Chevrolet in the amount of $19,970. A motion by Commissioner Peltier to accept the bid from Doug Reh Chevrolet for $19,970. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR PHS TO USE THE SCOUT CABIN FOR THE REGIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9TH:

Mayor Hlavachick commented that this was a common request from the school and they used the scout cabin to keep records. Commissioner Taylor questioned if they wanted the street closed as in the past. Mr. Rambat and Mr. Howard commented that they had not requested the street be closed for this tournament. After little more discussion, Commissioner Taylor made a motion to allow PHS to use the scout cabin on October 8th and 9th for their tennis tournament. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peltier. Commissioner Graf requested that the motion allow for them to close the road if necessary. Commissioner Taylor amended the motion to allow for the street closing if necessary. Commissioner Peltier seconded the amended motion and it carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

• PCC Rodeo:

City Manager Howard commented that the rodeo at the college had around seven hundred contestants; which would be a new record if confirmed. Mr. Howard added that there were a lot of them downtown Saturday morning. Mr. Howard stated that with that many people, negative things can happen.

• Law Enforcement Committee:

Mr. Howard commented that there was a board formed several years ago to help maintain the Law Enforcement Center and they had a budget of $15,000 each year that they could spend on maintenance issues. Mr. Howard stated that Mr. Eric Nystrom had been on that committee as a City representative and asked if one of the Commissioners would like to volunteer to be on the committee. Mr. Howard added that they are in need of some improvements so the committee should be getting together to make some decisions. Commissioner Graf volunteered to represent the City on the Law Enforcement Committee.

Public Works:

• Curb and Gutter project/Stout Street project:

Public Works Director Russell Rambat commented that the curb and gutter project was about finished and the Stout Street project had started.

• Main Street update:

Mr. Rambat commented that the boring on Third Street would start late tomorrow and all the business owners had been notified and it had been in the paper. Mr. Rambat explained that the street should be closed for about a week or two and, now that they have a routine, it may go quicker. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we had ever considered washing down the street where they had already been. Mr. Rambat stated that the soil had clay in it and it dries on the bricks and was hard to get off. Mr. Rambat commented that he would visit with Fire Chief David Kramer to see if the firemen could wash it down during their training this week. Commissioner Skaggs commented that it had been cool enough to leave doors open and they did not want that to blow in the stores. Mr. Rambat commented that he had had the street sweeper go over it, but it had not helped much.

Inspections:

• 816 West Blaine:

Building Inspector Brad Blankenship commented that the demolition of the house at 816 West Blaine had been delayed due to a live gas line. Mr. Blankenship added that the gas company should have that taken care of this week.

Electric Department:

• Line Distribution:

Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill commented that the line guys had finished the construction work for the FEMA project and were now catching up on projects that had been put off.

• Power Plant:

Mr. Hemphill commented that the power plant had been busy with maintenance projects and were doing routine projects.

Finance Department:

• Sales Tax:

Finance Director Diana Garten commented that the sales tax report had come in $161,640 below last year; which was no surprise. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this would impact the budget. Ms. Garten stated that we had budgeted a decrease, so we were okay.

ADJOURN:

A motion by Commissioner Peltier to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.


_____________________________________
BILL HLAVACHICK, Mayor





(SEAL)

ATTEST:

_________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

Friday, October 15, 2010

10/18/2010-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

OCTOBER 18, 2010

PRATT CITY COMMISSION – REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

COMMISSION ROOM – 5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER (Remind audience that meeting is being recorded and/or taped.)

2. ROLL CALL

3. MINUTES – October 04, 2010 Regular City Commission meeting

4. OPEN AGENDA

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Review and Discussion on Humane Society Agreement – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Dave Howard, City Manager

#1 – Agreement – Signed June 1, 2009
#2 – Requested Changes in Agreement as presented to Commission July 6, 2010 by Humane Society representatives
#3 – Copy of Minutes from the July 6, 2010 Discussion on Changes Presented
#4 – Renewal Agreement Up for Discussion

5.2 Review and Discussion on American Legion Lease Agreement – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

#1 – Lease Agreement Expiring 12.31.2010
#2 – Renewal Lease Agreement Up for Discussion

6. REPORTS

6.1 City Manager
6.2 City Attorney
6.3 Department Heads
6.4 Mayor
6.5 City Commission

7. ADJOURN

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

09/20/10-Approved City Commission Minutes

MONDAY

SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt, Kansas met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall.

PRESENT: Bill Hlavachick Mayor
Jeff Taylor Commissioner
Willy Peltier Commissioner
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Steve Holmes Chief of Police
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Director of Electric Utilities

CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Hlavachick called the regular meeting to order. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.

Mayor Hlavachick reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.

MINUTES:

A motion by Commissioner Graf to approve the minutes of the September 07, 2010 regular meeting. Commissioner Skaggs questioned the spelling of ‘bore’ when talking about the water line. After a short discussion, it was decided that ‘bore’ was the correct way. Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion to approve the minutes and it passed unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

• Signs for 86’ers:

Mr. Keith Lippoldt approached the Commission as a former coach, parent and now a fan of the American Legion 86’ers baseball team that won another State championship this year. Mr. Lippoldt stated that the 86’ers had now won a total of seven State championships. Mayor Hlavachick commented that this was a good idea and the City needed to support them. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this was a standard request for the City to do these signs. City Manager Dave Howard stated that the City does purchase the signs and install them and gave examples such as Miss America and Daniel Prater. Public Works Director Russell Rambat added that there were a total of five signs that would be placed at each entrance into the City. Commissioner Peltier asked if they were only read from one direction. Mr. Rambat stated that they were and that was when you were entering into the City. Commissioner Taylor asked if this would come from tourism funds. Mr. Howard answered that it would. A motion by Commissioner Peltier to do the signs as Mr. Lippoldt had requested. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION WITH MASTER GARDENERS ON EDUCATION PROJECT ON SOUTH MAIN STREET:

Ms. Kathy Stewart and Mr. Mark Ploger from the Pratt County Extension Office addressed the Commission concerning the Master Gardeners doing a project that would place identification labels on the trees on South Main. Mr. Ploger stated that the Master Gardeners were here to improve landscapes and to do horticulture projects throughout the City and County. Mr. Ploger informed the Commission that Ms. Stewart was the coordinator of the group.

Ms. Stewart commented that Pratt was well known for their trees and the Master Gardeners were interested in focusing on the trees on South Main Street. Ms. Stewart explained that the identification labels were noninvasive and they would be removed this fall and put back out in the spring. Mr. Ploger commented that even with the water project going on, this would be a good time for this as the foot traffic on the sidewalks would increase. Mayor Hlavachick commented that this would fit in with the Main Street improvements. Mr. Ploger commented that the group was there to beautify the town. Mayor Hlavachick commented that what to do on Main Street was still up in the air, but questioned if that was something they would donate to if asked. Ms. Stewart stated that they would love to help and offered a few suggestions.

A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to approve the tree identification markers to be placed on South Main Street by the Master Gardeners. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PLAYGROUND PLAN AT HAMPTON-PENNOCK PARK:

Public Works Director Russell Rambat commented that the Commissioners had a map of where the playground equipment would be installed at Hampton-Pennock Park and also the pricing of the equipment. Mr. Rambat added that they were also looking at purchasing more equipment for Gebhart Park, so if they doubled their order they would get a better price. Mr. Rambat explained that they were still pursuing restroom options for Hampton-Pennock Park.

Commissioner Skaggs asked if the spider net would last a lifetime. Mr. Rambat commented that they would have to put it in and see how long it lasts, but they would be sure to budget for any possible replacements in the future. Mr. Rambat added that this was on the same line as what was at the Sports Complex and it was popular. Commissioner Peltier asked if there would be any options to expand in the future. Mr. Rambat explained that the perimeters were lockable, so that would be possible. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we knew the population of the children in that area and the expected use of the equipment. Mr. Rambat stated that he did not have any resources to have that information.

Mr. Rambat stated that they would get the equipment ordered and should have it installed by early spring. Commissioner Graf questioned where the money was coming from for this project. Finance Director Diana Garten stated that it would come from the special parks and recreation fund and that money was mandated by the State to go to parks.

Commissioner Taylor suggested that when Mr. Rambat was researching restroom facilities for Hampton-Pennock Park that he might also look at what it would take to get something at Centennial Park since it is used quite a bit. Mr. Rambat stated that he would look at that. Commissioner Taylor added that it could be cheaper to do that as two projects as well. A motion by Commissioner Taylor to approve the purchase of the playground equipment for Hampton-Pennock Park at the cost of $25,180.48. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peltier and carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

• Informational Letters:

City Manager Howard pointed out several informational letters from KDHE concerning the wastewater treatment facility. Mr. Howard added that there was a draft copy of the documents for the low interest loan in City Clerk Kramer’s office if they were interested in looking at them and City Attorney Van Blaricum had also received a copy. Mr. Van Blaricum verified that he had just received those and had not had a chance to look them over. Mr. Howard stated that he would get together with Mr. Van Blaricum later to go over them to see if there were any changes that needed to be made.

• PCC Rodeo:

Mr. Howard commented that the college rodeo was coming up on October 1st thru the 3rd and the City always worked with them on using part of the Industrial Park area for parking. Mr. Howard stated that that area was less due to Terry Richardson’s new building, but they were working with them to use the area along the tree line and that the fire hydrants used to water the horses were down to two. Mr. Howard added that the college does a good job of picking up trash and we do not have any problems. Commissioner Taylor commented that the rodeo brings in a lot of funds to the City. Mr. Howard agreed.

Public Works:

• PHS Cross Country meet:

Public Works Director Rambat commented that he had noticed that the high school would be having their cross country meet in Sixth Street Park on the 30th of September and, since there was not going to be another meeting before then, he asked for the Commission’s approval to barricade both ends of Sixth Street for a few hours while the meet was going on. A motion by Commissioner Taylor to allow Mr. Rambat to set out barricades for the PHS Cross Country meet on September 30th. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously. Commissioner Taylor suggested that someone check with the Pilot Club to make sure they know about the event and this would not interfere with them.

• Main Street waterline update:

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the waterline project on Main Street was moving along and that they should finish up between Second Street and the north side of First Street as well as the boring being completed on the north side of the Club D’Est. Mr. Rambat commented that Mr. Alan Luttrell of EBH Engineering had asked that they hold off after this bore was complete so that APAC could catch up on getting the street back together. Mr. Rambat added that they did shrink back on Second Street so that traffic could go through.

Commissioner Taylor questioned if each intersection would start to go faster with this one being a learning curve. Mr. Howard commented that this one took a little longer due to the 54 project and since there would not be another one of those, it should get quicker. Mr. Rambat stated that they were keeping the business owners advised of the activities ahead of time and someone from the City or EBH Engineering were very visible during the day.

City Attorney:

• 816 W. Blaine:

City Attorney Van Blaricum commented that the Commission had held a hearing on August 19th concerning the unsafe structure at 816 West Blaine and that hearing gave the property owner until September 19th to repair or remove the structure. Mr. Van Blaricum informed the Commission that nothing had been done to the property since the hearing and that deadline had passed, so the City could take care of that property. The Commissioners were all in agreement that the City should proceed with the removal of the structure that was unsafe.

Building Inspector Brad Blankenship commented that the house was still a hazard and a mess. City Manager Howard stated that they would get an estimate on the removal tomorrow. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if that work was hired out or done by City staff. Mr. Howard stated that it was usually hired out. Mr. Blankenship added that there was junk behind the house on the east side that would have to be taken away before it was taken down.

Electric Departments:

• Generation update:

Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill commented that he had received an e-mail from KMEA on behalf of Sunflower and it informed the City of Pratt that they would be shutting the line down that feeds Pratt for twenty-four hours. Mr. Hemphill added that the City would be running on steam and would also utilize the diesel unit to make up capacity tomorrow. Mr. Hemphill stated that he felt that everything would run smooth.

Police Department:

• Chief’s retirement:

Police Chief Steve Holmes informed the Commission that he was announcing his pending retirement at the first of the year. Chief Holmes stated that he had been with the City for twenty-nine years and thanked the Commission for their support. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the twenty-nine years were all at Pratt. Chief Holmes stated that they were.

Mayor and Commission:

• Tree trimming:

Commissioner Skaggs commented that there were tree limbs that needed to be trimmed away from the street light lines on Terrace Drive. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if a citizen should call the line department when they see a situation like this. Mr. Hemphill stated that the line guys were working on the primaries throughout the City, but he would see what could be done. Commissioner Skaggs stated that this was a good program and citizens should be encouraged to call if they see something. City Clerk LuAnn Kramer suggested that they call City Hall and the staff would make a note for the linemen.

• Lemon’s Park fountain:

Commissioner Taylor questioned if there was a fountain over by the gazebo in Lemon’s Park. Mr. Rambat stated that it was a place for the deer and birds to drink out of. Mr. Howard commented that it was an old satellite dish and was supposed to be used for feed that would attract deer into that area. Commissioner Taylor commented that it was kind of an eye sore. Mr. Rambat stated that he would check on it.

• Firehouse memorial:

Commissioner Taylor stated that he had been driving family members around town and wanted to know where they were at on the memorial in front of the new fire station. Mr. Blankenship stated that they were almost done inside and that they were going to do something with the bay area floor before bringing the trucks over, but he did not know what was being done with the memorial. Ms. Kramer commented that Fire Chief David Kramer was having some health issues, but would hopefully be able to work on that when that was resolved.

• Main Street beautification:

Mayor Hlavachick commented that he would like to see the Master Gardeners in on the plan to make our downtown nice and he felt that the businesses would donate into such a program. Mr. Howard stated that it had been discussed at ED board meetings and the plan was to get through next year’s street project before starting anything else. Mr. Howard added that if anything was to be done to the buildings, we would have to have the owner’s participation.

Commissioner Skaggs commented that we need a better selection of trees and that perennials were better than annuals. Commissioner Skaggs added that part of the problem had been that some businesses do something with their planters and others do not, so there needs to be some City involvement. Mr. Howard commented that the City does have someone hired to help take care of the boxes. Mr. Howard stated that there was grant money out there for that type of project and when the Main Street project was closer to being completed, the City would start looking into that.

ADJOURN:

Upon proper motion, the meeting adjourned.


______________________________________
BILL HLAVACHICK, Mayor



(SEAL)

ATTEST:


_________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

Friday, October 1, 2010

10/01/10-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

OCTOBER 04, 2010

PRATT CITY COMMISSION – REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

COMMISSION ROOM – 5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER (Remind audience that meeting is being recorded and/or taped.)

2. ROLL CALL

3. MINUTES – September 20, 2010 Regular City Commission meeting

4. OPEN AGENDA

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Consideration and Approval for a Disc Golf Tournament on October 23rd in Lemon’s Park – Donna Rawlings, Pass It Forward Representative

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Budgeted Pick-up Purchase for the Parks Department – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director

5.3 Consideration and Approval for PHS to use the Scout Cabin for the Regional Tennis Tournament on Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th – Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director

6. REPORTS

6.1 City Manager
6.2 City Attorney
6.3 Department Heads
6.4 Mayor
6.5 City Commission

7. ADJOURN

09/07/10-Approved City Commission minutes

TUESDAY

SEPTEMBER 07, 2010

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt, Kansas met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall.

PRESENT: Bill Hlavachick Mayor
Jeff Taylor Commissioner
Willy Peltier Commissioner
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Steve Holmes Chief of Police
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Director of Electric Utilities
Bruce Pinkall Recreation Director

CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Hlavachick called the regular meeting to order. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.

Mayor Hlavachick reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.

MINUTES:

A motion by Commissioner Taylor to approve the minutes of the August 16th regular meeting and the August 23rd recessed meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

BUSINESS:

PROCLAMATION: ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH:

Mayor Hlavachick read the ‘Alcohol and Drug Addiction National Recovery Month’ proclamation. Ms. Claudine Willett thanked the Commission for recognizing her request. Mayor Hlavachick commented that it was a privilege to get to do it.

APPOINT SATISH MORAR TO REPLACE RHONDA REYNOLDS ON THE CONVENTION AND TOURISM COMMITTEE:

Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall commented that Mr. Satish Morar would be finishing the term of Ms. Rhonda Reynolds and he was from the motel industry. A motion by Commissioner Taylor to appoint Satish Morar to the Tourism Bored to fill the vacancy of Rhonda Reynolds. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.

RADIO READ, HANDHELD METER READING EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM:

City Clerk LuAnn Kramer informed the Commission that the current handheld units were obsolete and it was in this year’s budget to replace them. Ms. Kramer commented that Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill had put the bids together and they had received two back. Ms. Kramer stated that a bid from Stanion Wholesale Electric was $29,783.99 and the bid from Municipal Supply in Nebraska was $21,503.74. Ms. Kramer commented that the recommendation of Mr. Hemphill and her would be to accept the low bid from Municipal Supply.

After little more discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the bid for handheld equipment and software from Municipal Supply out of Nebraska for $21,503.74. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

UPGRADE OF ANGOOD FIELD IN LEMON PARK:

Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall commented that PCC Softball Coach Ron Hill had approached him about upgrading Angood Field and explained that he would like to have sod put in. Mr. Pinkall stated that Coach Hill would be raising the funds himself and removing the grass himself. Mr. Pinkall added that the grass dirt would be used in some washed out areas at the Sports Complex. Mr. Pinkall explained that, once the sod was stripped, off they would upgrade the sprinkler system with parts that they already had on hand and Coach Hill would be supplying the labor for that job as well.

Mr. Pinkall stated that they were asking for the Commission’s approval and that he felt it was a good plan and a good opportunity. Commissioner Taylor commented that $18,800 was quite an investment on our ball park. Mr. Pinkall agreed and added that Coach Hill had already talked to Public Works Director Russell Rambat and Street Superintendent Harley Dancaster about using a bigger backhoe to remove the grass and having a truck there to haul it off.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned what type of grass was in the outfield. Mr. Pinkall answered that there was a combination of types. Commissioner Skaggs stated that you cannot kill the roots on berrmuda grass and it would come back up in two or three years. Mr. Pinkall commented that he had not seen any big patches of bermuda out there. Coach Hill commented that the outfield was mostly fescue and crab grass.

Commissioner Graf commented that if the college was going to pay for this and continue to use the field, it was a great deal. Mr. Pinkall commented that the recreation department would also help maintain it, but Coach Hill and his girls spend a lot of time there. A motion by Commissioner Taylor to allow PCC and the recreation department to enter into a rebuild of the infield and outfield at Angood Field in Lemon’s Park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.

SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL AFTER PROM 5K RUN:

Police Chief Steve Holmes commented that he had had a request from Ms. Becca Flowers from Skyline School to do a 5K run this coming Saturday morning in Lemon’s Park. Chief Holmes stated that this event would be a fund raiser for the After Prom at the school and would cause no intrusions on the park and would not close Sixth Street. Chief Holmes added that Ms. Flowers was very organized and had helped pick the route which should finish in about an hour.

A motion by Commissioner Peltier to approve the event. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

AUTHORIZE VOTING DELEGATE(S) AT LEAGUE’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER:

City Manager Dave Howard commented that Ms. Diana Garten may be attending this year’s conference and the delegates could be anyone the Commission wanted to allow to vote on any issues. Commissioner Peltier commented that he would like to attend, so he would check his work schedule. A motion to appoint Commissioner Peltier and Ms. Garten as voting delegates at the League’s Annual Conference. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

• Stout Street pre-conference:

City Manager Howard commented that he had attended the pre-conference with APAC Shears concerning the Stout Street project and they should be starting about the 27th of this month and would be done the middle of November. Mr. Howard explained that they would be doing the asphalt first and work block to block organizing with the home owners. Mr. Howard added that they would be doing the intersection at First Street and Stout Street last.

• KMU Video:

Mr. Howard commented that KMU would be doing a video on the benefits of owning your own utilities. Mr. Howard added that this was a video of all utilities and they would be here on the 21st. Mr. Howard stated that they would like the Mayor to be involved along with any other Commissioners who would like to talk about utilities. Mr. Howard explained that Public Works Director Russell Rambat, Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill, Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith and Energy Agent Kenny Kreutzer were working on a few things for the video.

• KMEA Annual meeting:

Mr. Howard informed the Commission that the annual KEMA meeting would be on November 4th and 5th and it was a good place to educate yourself. Mayor Hlavachick commented that he enjoyed being on the KMEA bored and attending their meetings, but he was going to be out of state so he would not be attending this year.

City Attorney:

• Probation Officer:

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum informed the Commission that as of September 1st, Ms. Jamie Walker was the new probation officer and he felt that the change should improve the efficiency of that position.

Public Works:

• Waterline project:

Public Works Director Russell Rambat informed the Commission that there were going to be weekly meetings during the waterline project on Main Street; which should keep everyone up to date. Mr. Rambat stated that they would start to bore across Main Street on Second Street tomorrow where they would be opening up a hole on each side on Main Street to break into the existing water main and set valves. Mr. Rambat explained that that would all happen about 10:00 p.m. Wednesday evening and finish up about 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. Thursday. Mr. Rambat commented that all of the businesses had been contacted and the Club D’Est had been given an outline of what was going to happen.

Mr. Rambat explained that a quick run-down of what was going to happen was that on Wednesday around 10:00 p.m. they would be isolating the west side, which would affect two blocks on West Second Street going from Iuka Street back one block. Mr. Rambat stated that they would be cutting the line on the west side of Main Street to set a new valve and then by midnight they would be doing the east side and should finish up around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.

Mr. Rambat stated that after the initial bore pit crossing Main Street on Second Street, they would be setting up in front of Skaggs Ace Hardware and start the bore going north underneath First Street just to the south of the entrance going into the church parking lot. Mr. Rambat commented that he, along with the inspectors from EBH Engineering, had been communicating with the businesses and they had been very cooperative. Commissioner Taylor questioned if there had been valves there before. Mr. Rambat explained that there had been, but some of the valves were from back in the 1930’s so a lot of rust had built up in the bottom of them. Mr. Rambat commented that, despite exercising them each year, a complete isolation requires them to run up and down about six times to break all the rust loose. Mr. Rambat added that it also depends on it all coming together from the number of pumps they have and the types of fittings they put together and then using the fire hydrant to bleed off the extra pressure. Mr. Rambat stated that when the valve was installed, you reenergize the system and go check with everybody to ensure that things are running okay.

Commissioner Skaggs commented that this was a change, because it was first discussed that they would bore from the north side of Main Street and go under First Street going south. Mr. Rambat explained that there was a fire hydrant that had to be set on the radius so they were going to have to open it up anyway, so they were going to bore to the north and set the casing in the hole and pull it back to the south. Mr. Rambat added that it was going to inconvenience less people by going north and laying it out to the south. Commissioner Skaggs commented that he had seen trucks jump the corners so he questioned a fire hydrant being put there. Mr. Rambat stated that it would be placed back far enough that they would have to take out the light pole first. Commissioner Skaggs asked how many days they would be at that corner. Mr. Rambat commented that he understood that they would have the casing in place by Friday and have the parking spots shrunk back to only needing one or two.

• Hampton-Pennock Park:

Mr. Rambat stated that he had been working with Park Superintendent Mark Eckhoff on the playground equipment at Hampton-Pennock Park and he would be making a presentation to the Parks and Recreation Bored for their approval and then bring it to the Commission for their approval at the next meeting.

• Curb and Gutter:

Mr. Rambat commented that the curb and gutter project was about eighty percent complete.

Electric Department:

• FEMA project:

Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill informed the Commission that Line Distribution had continued their work on the FEMA project south of the Court House to the County barn.

• Maintenance:

Mr. Hemphill commented that the power plant technicians had been doing maintenance on the diesel engine and the steam plant. Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith commented that they were doing catch up work from running the engines and this was their down time.

Mayor and Commission:

• 2011 project:

Mayor Hlavachick commented that he would like to see people be able to bring metal detectors to Main Street during the 2011 project and donate their findings to the Historical Society. Mayor Hlavachick thought that this might make the project more tolerable.

• Pratt Fest:

Commissioner Taylor commented that the Pratt Fest went well and that he had noticed that they were out spraying for mosquitoes in the park on Thursday morning.

• Siren use:

Commissioner Graf questioned if there was a time limit on when you do not use sirens at night or early mornings, such as fires. City Manager Howard stated that there was not. Chief Holmes stated that you have to have them on to be an emergency vehicle. Mr. Howard added that there were insurance issues that were tied up in that as well and the City would not want to take on the liability.

ADJOURN:

A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.

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BILL HLAVACHICK, Mayor


(SEAL)

ATTEST:

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk