City of Pratt Agendas: January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

02/03/2014-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY
February 03, 2014
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. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. MINUTES – January 20, 2014 Regular City Commission Meeting

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Consideration and Approval of Resolution 020314 in Support for an Affordable Housing Development by MRE Capital LLC – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Dave Howard, City Manager

5.2 Discussion on Renewable Energy Generation Facility Documents – Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager & Staff

6. OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)

7. REPORTS

    7.1 City Manager
    7.2 City Attorney
    7.3 Department Superintendents
    7.4 Mayor
    7.5 City Commission

8. ADJOURN

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

01/06/14-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

JANUARY 06, 2014

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

PRESENT:

Jeff Taylor  Mayor
Bill Hlavachick  Commissioner
Gary Skaggs  Commissioner
Karen Detwiler  Commissioner
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT:

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

CALL TO ORDER:

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Taylor led the staff and audience in the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES:

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2013 regular Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously with changes noted.

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT TO FORENSICALLY EXAMINE AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE:

Assistant Police Chief/Detective Jeff Ward stated that cell phones, tablets, IPads and a gamut of electronic devices had to be sent to Kansas City, Wichita or Topeka if they were part of an investigation. Asst. Chief Ward commented that the problem was growing and it was hard to keep up, but he had found a company that does provide that type of equipment to most of the Kansas agencies. Asst. Chief Ward added that Cellebrite was a national company and provided support and follow-up connections for new technology along with improvement and updates to the equipment. Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if other agencies had this. Asst. Chief Ward stated that the KBI had five units. Commissioner Skaggs asked if ours would be used by other agencies. Asst. Chief Ward commented that it would be made available. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if it was portable. Asst. Chief Ward stated that it was about the size of a brief case and was designed to be a stand-alone unit.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they would be using drug money for this. Asst. Chief Ward commented that there was $10,000 in last year’s budget and any other surveillance equipment would be earmarked in capital reserves. City Manager Howard questioned how long it takes to get the information. Asst. Chief Ward stated that it takes about thirty minutes. Mayor Taylor asked if it could be used in court. Asst. Chief Ward answered that it could be and it would save hours spent taking pictures of screens. Chief Myers stated that the software program also allows them to retrieve deleted information. Asst. Chief Ward added that it would provide them with information within a couple of hours instead of six months.

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the purchase of the equipment to forensically examine an electronic device from Cellebrite for $10,584. Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1401 AMENDING EMERGENCY SNOW ROUTES IN CITY OF PRATT:

Public Works Director Rambat commented that the last snow route ordinance was last updated in 2001 and, with the reoccurring snow events, there were a few streets that needed omitted or added. Mr. Rambat stated that he had looked over the map and the new ordinance would give residents a reasonable block or two to get to a snow route. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if notification would be sent to people that live on these streets. Mr. Rambat explained that they would be posting this on those streets and the City Manager was the only one that could declare a snow emergency that would prevent people from parking on the street.

Mr. Rambat commented that they usually clear a one plow width on each side of the street in a common event. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if having two road graders would affect this. Mr. Howard stated that it would speed it up sometimes. Mr. Howard added that this would be in affect if it were a true emergency, but we could not stop and open everyone’s driveways. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they clear alleys for sanitation. Mr. Howard stated that they manage as best as they can, but the alleys were the focus once the streets were open. Mr. Rambat explained that it was hard to clear alleys due to gas meter placements.

The following Ordinance 1401 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.20.040 OF THE PRATT MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS: EMERGENCY SNOW ROUTES ESTABLISHED. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Ordinance 1401 amending the emergency snow routes. Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR DICKERSON DIAMOND IN LEMON PARK:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that he had gone through the bidding process for the sprinkler system for Dickerson Diamond and had had a couple of meetings with the contractors. Mr. Pinkall commented that the money would come out of the recreation trust fund that had been built up over fifteen years with donation money. Mr. Pinkall stated that he would recommend the low bid from Younie Landscapes.

Commissioner Detwiler questioned if they had calculated sprinkler head maintenance and fertilizer. Mr. Pinkall stated that it was not in the budget, but there would be a small percentage of an increase. Mr. Pinkall added that they had talked about maintenance and weed killer. Commissioner Detwiler commented that insects were encouraged with water. Mr. Pinkall stated that they had a pretty intensive program, but armadillos still liked the area at times. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this would increase demand for the use of the field. Mr. Pinkall stated that it would increase use for practices and use during tournaments.

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the request for an irrigation sprinkler system for Dickerson Diamond in Lemon Park from Younie Landscapes for $12,300. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick. Commissioner Hlavachick clarified that the Lemon donation was made for watering trees and tree replacement and not for this type of thing. Finance Director Garten stated that there were two trust funds with one being for recreation and the other a park trust fund. The motion and second passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 010614 PROVIDING FOR A HEARING ON THE UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 315 ILLINOIS AVENUE:

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum stated that this was part of the informal project to bring an unsafe structure to the Commission’s attention. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that this structure was at 315 Illinois and had not been used for a long time. Mr. Van Blaricum added that this procedure would allow for a hearing on February 17th to allow time for the owner to clean it up. Mayor Taylor questioned if the owner was a non-resident. Building Inspector Blankenship stated that that was correct and he had found papers in his office from 1971 where they had sent letters about this house, so it was not ever going to get fixed up.

The following Resolution 010614 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR HEARING ON UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS STRUCTURE PURSUANT TO K.S.A. 12-1750, et seq. AND PRATT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.08.010 et seq. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Resolution 010614 providing for a hearing for 315 Illinois. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE 2013 ENERGY CONTRACT BETWEEN KMEA AND THE CITY OF PRATT:

Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that this was an amendment to the agreement signed on June 03, 2013. Mr. Hemphill explained that there were no major changes, but it did change the amount of energy to a set 600 KW year around and the date of the agreement from 2014 to 2015. Mr. Hemphill added that there was no cost to the City. Mayor Taylor questioned if this included transportation. Mr. Hemphill stated that this was for energy only. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the amendment to the energy contract between KMEA and the City of Pratt. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

• Mr. Matei:

Mr. Luca Matei again addressed the Commission stating that he was pretty informed of the status of the Government. Mr. Matei stated that Jefferson had a big idea to give property to be free, but freedom without property does not exist. Mr. Matei commented that people were losing property. Mayor Taylor questioned if this was something that they could address as a City Commission. Mr. Matei stated that they serve the people and the police do too. Mr. Matei commented that he and others had been convicted for nothing and we need to remember what was in the Constitution. Mr. Matei added that the first obligation was to serve everybody and not a few. Mr. Matei stated that the police become a mercenary to destroy the people.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

• Sale of energy to Meade & Garden City:

City Manager Howard stated that the sale of energy to Meade and Garden City had turned into a big filing with FERC. Mr. Howard commented that there would be a meeting sometime this month and he felt that we would not be able to sell to Garden City, so they would talk about how to adjust.

• Meeting with Coder Engineering:

Mr. Howard stated that there would be a meeting with Coder Engineering about the Main Street intersection and KDOT would have the preliminary plan. Mr. Howard added that they were open to ideas and we had the option to move forward or not.

Public Works:

• Traffic counter:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that he had purchased a traffic counter and had set it up in Lemon Park from December 3rd to December 31st. Mr. Rambat explained that the traffic count for the twenty-eight days was 10,269. Mr. Rambat added that that was more than he had expected and that he would be putting it on various streets to get other traffic counts. Commissioner Detwiler commented that some people take a second trip around, so a few of those were duplicates.

Inspections:

• Unsafe Structures:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that the abandoned trailer house at 904 Garfield came down last Monday and was cleaned up. Mr. Blankenship commented that they had given this property plenty of time to be cleaned up and, now that it was, someone was interested in buying the land. Commissioner Skaggs questioned what it had cost to demolish it. Mr. Blankenship stated that it was around $2,300 and the guys were pretty efficient in separating trees, aluminum and metal. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they get to keep the money from the salvage since they did the demolition. Mr. Blankenship stated that that was in the contract.

Mr. Blankenship stated that 207 North Taylor was the next unsafe structure on the list and there was a letter in the packet from the gentleman who owned it. Mr. Blankenship commented that this gave the Commission an idea of the type of letters that we get sometimes.

Mr. Blankenship stated that 315 Illinois was being taken care of, as well as the property next to Woody’s. Mr. Blankenship commented that he had visited with the gentleman who bought 412 South Main Street and they would be doing more cleaning when the weather clears up.

Electric Departments:

• Christmas lights:

Dir. of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that the line gang had been busy taking down the Christmas lights.

• Generator testing:

Mr. Hemphill stated that the power plant had been testing the generator on Engines 6 & 7 and had not had any problems. Mr. Hemphill added that they would have the EPA test in February. Mayor Taylor commented that those tests were pretty detailed. Mr. Hemphill agreed and added that they would have passed if this had been the actual EPA test today. Power Plant Superintendent Smith added that they require them to have an 80% to 83% reduction in admission. Mr. Howard asked how often they clean the filters. Mr. Smith commented that it was every five years.

Police Department:

• Snow Removal:

Police Chief Myers thanked Mr. Rambat and his crew for moving the snow so quickly. Chief Myers stated that they had had very few accidents and they had cleared the business areas very quickly.

Finance Department:

• Sales tax for 2013:

Finance Director Garten stated that sales tax for 2013 was $2,215,609 after the final distribution from State revenue. Ms. Garten added that this was the most sales tax the City had ever had.

Mayor and Commission:

• Note to fire department:

Mayor Taylor commented that there was a note in the packet from Ms. Jean Tharpe to the fire department after the difficult situation with the Ibarra family. Mayor Taylor added that that should go over to the police department also. Mayor Taylor stated that these were part of the City’s staff that make the Commissioner’s job easy.

• Job loss at KDWPT:

Commissioner Hlavachick commented that he had a letter prepared about the job loss at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, but he wanted to verify the numbers before getting signatures from the County, Chamber and ED Board.

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn that was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler. The motion and second passed unanimously.

___________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

ATTEST:
___________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

Friday, January 17, 2014

01/20/2014-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

January 20, 2014

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. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. MINUTES – January 06, 2014 Regular City Commission Meeting

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Consideration and Approval of the Use of the Municipal Building by The Bread of Life Community Kitchen, Inc. at No Charge on February 15, 2014 – Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Contract of Sale for Property in the Compton Addition Between the City and Interstate Holdings, LLC – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Dave Howard, City Manager

5.3 Consideration and Approval of the Re-Appointment of Dennis Rasmussen to the Cemetery Board – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director  (3 year term)

5.4 Consideration and Approval of Bids for Overhaul and Other Related Work on Unit #5 Steam Turbine - Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager; Power Plant Staff

6. OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)

7. REPORTS

7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Superintendents
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission

8. ADJOURN

Monday, January 6, 2014

12/16/2013-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

DECEMBER 16, 2013

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

PRESENT:

Jeff Taylor  Mayor
Bill Hlavachick  Commissioner
Gary Skaggs  Commissioner
Karen Detwiler  Commissioner
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT:

Dave Howard  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Gary Myers  Chief of Police
Russell Rambat  Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Bruce Pinkall  Recreation Director

CALL TO ORDER:

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Taylor led the staff and audience in the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES:

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 02, 2013 regular Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF KENTON LADENBURGER TO THE ED BOARD:

Ms. Jan Scarbrough stated to the Commission that the ED Board would like to see the reappointment of Mr. Kenton Ladenburger. Ms. Scarbrough commented that several of the other members were new to the board; therefore, Mr. Ladenburger was a beneficial member. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Kenton Ladenburger to the ED Board for another three year term. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM TO THE ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR THE MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE PROJECT:

EBH Engineer Alan Luttrell stated that there was no change in the fees for the Streetscape Project, but he had to do an addendum to the Engineering Contract so that it would comply with the State’s rules and regulations. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the addendum for the engineering on the Main Street Streetscape Project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF 2014 CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS:

Police Chief Gary Myers stated that we had received the last two applications for the 2014 Cereal Malt Beverage licenses from Wal-Mart and Alco. Chief Myers commented that they had met the requirements of the City of Pratt and he recommended the approval of the applications. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the 2014 Cereal Malt Beverage licenses for Wal-Mart #419 and Alco. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION FOR 2014:

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum stated that this was the lease agreement for the Senior Citizens Organization. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this was a stream line lease and he recommended the Commission approve the agreement. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we provide the liability insurance. City Manager Howard stated that it was under our EMC’s umbrella. Commissioner Skaggs questioned why it just mentions liability insurance. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the Senior’s cover the property insurance and we do the liability insurance for them. Commissioner Hlavachick asked if we had had any problems with them. Mr. Howard stated that they were very easy to work with and any snow removal issues had been taken care of. Commissioner Detwiler clarified that there were no fees. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we do not charge them any fees. Mr. Howard added that they could lose their tax exempt status if charged any fees. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the Senior Citizens Organization Lease Agreement with the City for the year 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PRATT CITY ATTORNEY AGREEMENT FOR 2014:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was a year to year contact agreement for his services and the Commission had generously given him between a 2 ½ to 3% raise last year, but there were no changes to the 2014 contract from last year. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the contract with the Pratt City Attorney for 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PRATT MUNICIPAL JUDGE AGREEMENT FOR 2014:

Mr. Van Blaricum explained that this agreement for the Pratt Municipal Judge was almost identical to last year’s with one minor change. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the IRS had not liked that we were paying office expenses to the Municipal Judge through accounts payable, so the amount of $350 had been added to his salary amount in the agreement and converts to taxable income. Mr. Van Blaricum added that Mr. Eisenhauer was okay with that change. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the contract for the Municipal Judge for the year 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CANDACE LATTIN FOR 2014:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that an increase in wages for Ms. Candace Lattin as the public defender had been discussed during budget. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that her original wage was for $24,000 per year or $2,000 per month, but he felt that her work load had doubled since taking the job and $500 of that salary was to pay her clerical staff. Mr. Van Blaricum suggested a $500 a month raise to cover the cost of her clerical staff, which would raise her annual salary to $30,000. Mr. Van Blaricum added that Ms. Lattin works hard and does a good job. Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to approve the increase in wage for the Public Defender for the year 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 121613 PROVIDING FOR UNIFORM SYSTEM OF FISCAL PROCEDURES, ACCOUNTING, AND REPORTING FOR MUNICIPALITIES:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this resolution states that we will make sure that our accounting system stays the same as it had been and that we were in compliance.

The following Resolution 121613 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: A RESOLUTION EXEMPTING THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF K.S.A. 75-1120a(a) PROVIDING FOR UNIFORM SYSTEM OF FISCAL PROCEDURES, ACCOUNTING, AND REPORTING FOR MUNICIPALITIES. A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve Resolution 121613 as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 121613A DECLARING THE HEARING TO ORDER THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF 207 NORTH TAYLOR:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he had discussed 207 North Taylor Street with the Commission a couple of months ago. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the property was run down and had not been lived in for years. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that we had initiated an unsafe structure resolution and tonight was the hearing. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the owner had been given notice by certified mail and it had been published in the paper. Mr. Van Blaricum added that, if the resolution was approved, the owner must begin repairing it by January 1st and done by February 1st.

The following Resolution 121613A was then presented to the Commission for their approval:

RESOLUTION DECLARING STRUCTURE UNSAFE, DANGEROUS, AND UNFIT; ORDER FOR REPAIR OR REMOVAL. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Resolution 121613A declaring the structure at 207 North Taylor Street unsafe, dangerous and unfit. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 121613B ADOPTING A SAFETY PLAN FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC BUILDINGS:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was something that we had discussed for several months and the legislature had approved the conceal carry in all or most public buildings unless you exempt out. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this resolution was for four years for City Hall and the Municipal Building. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the new law requires security for those buildings and we have to come up with a plan that we deem adequate.

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the prepared plan was done by resolution and explained that the door at the end of the hall outside the Commission Chambers was to be locked at all times and used by City personnel only and the same for the back door. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the Municipal Building plan was that three of the four doors would be locked at all times and the duty person would be ready to call 911, if needed.

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that, if approved, he would bundle this all up and send it to the Attorney General’s office. Mayor Taylor questioned if we were doing any other buildings. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that that was up to the Commission, but the other buildings did not have public admittance and they were careful of who comes in. Mr. Howard stated that we do tours, but those were always scheduled. Commissioner Skaggs commented that the ball was passed to the Commission and, if someone were to walk in, they were at fault. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this enables us to use signs for four more years.

Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the college was doing the same thing. Commissioner Kumberg questioned if the Senior Center had to go through us to be exempt. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they had to put up that sticker. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we go back and rescind this resolution and take down the signs after four years. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that was correct as long as the law had not changed. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the bottom line was, if approved, we would send it to Topeka and keep a copy on file at City Hall. Mr. Van Blaricum added that this resolution was not an open record. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if other Cities were doing the same thing. Mr. Van Blaricum answered that some were giving it up completely, but it was safe to say that every City our size was doing the same thing.

The following Resolution 121613B was then presented to the Commission for their approval: A RESOSLUTION ADOPTING A SAFETY PLAN FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC BUILDINGS. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Resolution 121613B for a safety plan for the City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 121613C DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was the resolution defining the boundaries for the City. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he had had Mr. Luttrell give us the legal description of any property annexed into the City and it had been embraced in the resolution.

The following Resolution 121613C was then presented to the Commission for their approval: A RESOLUTION DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 120312A. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Resolution 121613C defining the boundaries of the City of Pratt. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1310 AMENDING SECTIONS 13.04.100 OF THE CITY CODE CONCERNING WATER RATES FOR 2014:

Mr. Van Blaricum reminded the Commission that it had been several years since utility rates had been amended, but this ordinance would raise the water rates by 2% every year for five years starting in 2014. Mr. Howard added that the 2% increase was agreed upon during budget.

The following Ordinance 1310 was then presented to the Commission for approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 13.04.100 OF THE CITY OF PRATT MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS: WATER RATES ESTABLISHED. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve Ordinance 1310 amending City water rates for 2014 and thereafter as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1311 AMENDING SECTIONS 13.16.090 OF THE CITY CODE CONCERNING SEWER RATES FOR 2014:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was the ordinance raising sewer rates as discussed in budget. The following Ordinance 1311 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AENNDING SECTION 13.16.090 OF THE PRATT MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS: SEWER USER RATES ESTABLISHED. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Ordinance 1311 regarding sewer user rates for 2014.

Commissioner Detwiler seconded the motion. Commissioner Skaggs questioned how we measured sewer. Mr. Howard stated that it was based on winter water usage. Mr. Howard added that no one was allowed to discharge toxic waste into the system, but we did have sand and grease separators. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we could track any chemicals that would show up at the plant. Mr. Howard stated that we could go back and trace it. Mr. Howard added that pesticides or herbicides could affect it, so we had made the dump site at Sixth Street Park require a key that was to be picked up at City Hall and signed for. After little more discussion, the motion and second passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMPTON ADDITION FINAL PLAT:

City Manager Howard stated that this was the final plat for the Compton Addition and had been through the Planning and Zoning process. Mr. Howard pointed out the areas that were zoned commercial and the ones zoned residential services. Mr. Howard explained that the plat met all the requirements and had the verbiage that it had to have. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the final plat for the Compton Addition. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ZONING CHANGE FOR THE COMPTON ADDITION:

Mr. Howard stated that there were two zoning changes for the Compton Addition and explained the first zoning change from A-1 Agriculture to C-S Highway Service District and the second change was to amend it from A-1 Agriculture to R-4 Multi-Family Residential Dwelling District. Mr. Howard commented that the two zoning changes were in the two ordinances in the packet and it would be better to do two motions and not combine them.

The following Ordinance 1312 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY IN THE COMPTON ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN THE ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATION AS INCORPORATED INTO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Ordinance 1312 amending the zoning change in the Compton Addition to C-S Highway Service District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

The following Ordinance 1313 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY IN THE COMPTON ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN THE ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATION AS INCORPORATED INTO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Ordinance 1313 amending the zoning change in the Compton Addition to R-4 Multi-Family Residential Dwelling District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

• Luca’s comments:

Mr. Luca Matei addressed the Commission stating that he had had a meeting with the City Manager on Friday. Mr. Matei commented that he could not get addresses from the City or police and he was making arrangements to go to court with those addresses. Mr. Matei stated that his second reason was concerning a stolen item that had cost $224 in 2005 and he shared the coin operated device with the Commission and staff. Mr. Matei changed the subject and stated that the police had lied about a case where a woman had pushed him, so he had pushed her back. Mr. Matei commented that this was a pretty clear case of a false report and was not acceptable. City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was not the place to discuss a criminal case and, if Mr. Matei was not happy, he could appeal to the District Judge. Mr. Matei stated that it may not be proper, but it was true.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

• Turn lanes on Highway 54:

City Manager Howard stated that there would be a meeting with KDOT on January 7th to discuss the turn lanes on Highway 54 and the preliminary designs.

• Executive Session:

Mr. Howard requested an executive session at the end of the regular meeting to discuss a land acquisition to last twenty minutes.

Public Works:

• Larkin Aquatics:

Public Works Director Rambat commented that he would be talking to Larkin Aquatics about the future of the pool facility. Mr. Rambat stated that they would be discussing the overall plan that they would like to put together. Mr. Rambat explained that the priority would be the bath houses and the ADA issues with the goal being to incorporate a Splash Park by the fountain, which would be open 24/7. Mr. Rambat added that it would be brought before the Commission once it was refined. Mr. Howard added that they would be proceeding with the pool being in the same area.

• Downtown Park area:

Mr. Rambat stated that the City had met their obligations by roughing in and back filling the downtown park area. Mr. Rambat added that the Leadership group could continue with their project now.

• Year-end inventories:

Mr. Rambat stated that the departments had been working on their end of the year inventories.

Recreation:

• Carpet Project:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that the carpet project at the Community Center and the Municipal Building had been completed.

• Christmas dinner:

Mr. Pinkall reminded the Commission that the employee Christmas dinner was Wednesday.

Power Plant:

• Engine #7:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that his crew had run engine #7 today and it was the first time since they had installed the catalytic convertors. Mr. Smith explained that it generated a lot more heat and Fairchild’s would be doing the programming on the monitoring soon. Mr. Smith commented that the EPA would be doing air emission tests to issue the permits.

Finance:

• Public TV Station:

Finance Director Garten stated that there had been questions about the public television station and PCC personnel had said that there was some content on it and they were soliciting more from the school and hospital. Ms. Garten added that they want to sponsor an event discussion and they were not charging any fees right now.

Mayor and Commission:

• Letter from the Whisman’s:

Mayor Taylor stated that there was a letter from Larry and Jane Whisman in the packet and they had made a donation to Lemon Park in the name of their son Matthew who had passed away on Easter 2013. Mayor Taylor commented that Matthew Whisman had been a resident of Pratt through Arrowhead West and he enjoyed the lights at the park during the Christmas season. Mayor Taylor added that the Whisman’s were from Anthony.

• Lights in the park:

Commissioner Detwiler stated that there were some green spot lights in the trees at Lemon Park that made the trees look like they were full of crystals. Mayor Taylor commented that they were laser lights.

• Drop Box:

Commissioner Detwiler commented that someone had suggested that the donation drop box at Lemon Park be moved to the other side of the road and that may increase donations.

• Twelve Days of Christmas:

Commissioner Detwiler stated that they had been stopped three times by cars wanting to know how to find the Twelve Days of Christmas.

• Ethanol Plant tour:

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he had taken a tour of the Ethanol Plant with the County Commissioners and it was very eye opening. Commissioner Hlavachick commented that they were running it at 100% production and around the clock. Commissioner Hlavachick added that it was very interesting and encouraged the Commission to take a tour if they get the chance. Mr. Howard commented that Mr. Rodney Lesh was working on getting a tour arranged sometime in January.

• Round top:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the round top had been taken down. Mr. Rambat stated that the park department had gotten it done.

• Sandy Creek sign:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned when the sign would be ready for Sandy Creek. Mr. Howard stated that we would have it soon.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to enter into executive session for twenty minutes to discuss a land acquisition. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

Mayor Taylor made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

• Land Purchase:

Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to purchase 613 South Main Street for $25,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick. City Attorney Van Blaricum suggested that they amend the motion to include that the City Attorney should get the contract ready and close before the end of the calendar year. The motion and second were amended and carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

_______________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

City of
PRATT
Kansas

ATTEST:

_______________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

01/06/2014-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY
January 06, 2014
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. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. MINUTES – December 16, 2013 Regular City Commission Meeting

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Consideration and Approval of the Purchase of Equipment to Forensically Examine an Electronic Device – Jeff Ward, Det./Asst. Chief of Police; Gary Myers, Chief of Police

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1401 Amending Emergency Snow Routes in City of Pratt – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director; Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

5.3 Consideration and Approval of Bid for Sprinkler System for Dickerson Diamond in Lemon Park – Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director

5.4 Consideration and Approval of Resolution 010614 Providing for a Hearing on the Unsafe or Dangerous Structure at 315 Illinois Ave. - Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

5.5 Consideration and Approval of Amendment to the 2013 Energy Contract between KMEA and the City of Pratt – Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager

8. OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)

7. REPORTS

7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Superintendents
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission

8. ADJOURN