08/04/14-Approved City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

AUGUST 04, 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
Lucus Kumberg           Commissioner
Doug Meyer                 Commissioner

 

ALSO PRESENT:       

 

Dave Howard               City Manager

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum       City Attorney
Diana Garten                Finance Director
Gary Myers                  Police Chief    
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 July 21, 2014 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS:

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2015 PROPOSED CITY OF PRATT BUDGET-

a)      Open Public Hearing:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to open the public hearing on the 2015 proposed City of Pratt budget.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

b)      Discussion on Proposed 2015 City of Pratt Budget:

Finance Director Garten explained that the total 2015 budget was $23,845,643, which calculates to 46.595 mils.  Ms. Garten stated that, with taxes levied minus the neighborhood revitalization, it gave us what was discussed in the work session and what had been published. 

c)      Close Public Hearing:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to close the public hearing.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF 2015 CITY OF PRATT BUDGET:

Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the 2015 City of Pratt budget as published.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR THE USE OF CENTENNIAL PARK FOR A BIG TENT REVIVAL FROM OCTOBER 15 – 19, 2014:

Abundant Harvest Church of the Nazarene’s Rev. Scott Powell requested use of Centennial Park for a big tent revival on October 16^th thru October 18^th.  Rev. Powell added that they would also like to have the day before and after to setup the tent and clean-up afterwards.  Mayor Taylor questioned what the hours of the event would be.  Rev. Powell stated that it was from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and they would be done with music no later than 9:00 p.m.  Mayor Taylor commented that that was always a concern in a residential area.  Rev. Powell added that it would be contained under the tent.

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the request from the Abundant Harvest Church of the Nazarene for the big tent revival in October in Centennial Park.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR USE OF LEMON PARK ON AUGUST 10^TH FOR THE ‘BACK PACKS TO SCHOOL’ PROGRAM (Area South of West Shelter and/or Llama Area):

Ms. Jennifer Hamilton, First Assembly of God representative, requested permission to use the llama area in Lemon Park for the ‘Back Packs to School’ program on August 10^th.  Commissioner Skaggs mentioned that they had quite a list of needs.  Ms. Hamilton stated that she had visited with Public Works Director Rambat and he had suggested that they come before the Commission in case of questions.  Mr. Rambat explained that the fencing was the orange snow fence.  Ms. Hamilton commented that that area would take half of the fencing the area took last year. 

Ms. Hamilton stated that there would be three areas for bouncy houses, a place for the fire trucks, haircuts, back packs, food and the sound machine for music, which should fill that area.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned how much staff time this was going to take doing fencing, benches and bleachers and he also questioned whether we should limit how much effort our staff provides.  Mr. Rambat commented that we just provide the fencing and they set it up and take it back down.  City Manager Howard added that we move the tables and bleachers for other events.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they would need portable toilets.  Ms. Hamilton stated that they were only going to be there two hours so that should not be an issue.

Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the use of the llama area in Lemon Park for the ‘Back Packs for Schools’ program on August 10^th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION ON A DATE FOR A WORK SESSION ON THE LEMON PARK PROJECT:

Mr. Blake Himmelwright discussed a date that would work for everyone and he wanted to go over the ideas for the Lemon Park project.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned how long he was expecting the meeting to last.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that it would probably be an hour to an hour and a half.  After little discussion, the Commission, staff and Mr. Himmelwright agreed upon August 15^th at noon.  Mr. Himmelwright questioned if the Commission wanted the architect to be there.  Mr. Howard stated that it would not hurt, but how to move forward would be the big part of the discussion.  Mayor Taylor commented that he should probably be at any other meetings, but it was not necessary this time.

OPEN AGENDA:

 
·         More trees downtown:

Mr. Himmelwright commented that he would like to see more trees in the downtown project and that three trees per block was not enough.  Mr. Howard stated that it was too late to change what was on the plan, but they would be having another meeting with the committee and all the downtown people would be invited to attend. Mr. Howard commented that the number of trees had been a controversial topic with it being almost 50/50 amongst the people.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that shoppers that are around trees might spend more, but he added that maintenance could be an issue.  Mr. Howard explained that the letting for this project had been pushed back so we were a little bit behind and we did not want to jeopardize it.  Mr. Howard commented that we wanted to get started as early as we could so that we could be done by the holiday season.  After little more discussion, Mr. Howard stated that the committee should be involved with all of this, because they had put a lot of effort into the project.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·         Executive Session:

City Manager Howard requested an executive session at the end of the meeting for attorney/client privilege to last fifteen minutes.

Public Works:

 
·         Chip Seal project:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that Hi-Plains Sand had their aggregate delivered and should start the chip seal project in the next week or two. 

 
·         Mowing:

Mr. Rambat commented that mowing was a little bit behind and they were usually done this time of year.  Mr. Rambat added that they had also started painting the school zones.

Recreation Dept.:

·         Linear Park Trail:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that the sidewalk for the Linear Park Trail had started at the Sports Complex going east.  Mr. Pinkall commented that they were going to skip going to Wal-Mart until they knew more about the development in that area.  Mr. Pinkall added that it should be completed by November.  Mayor Taylor stated that he had talked to several people and they were excited to see the City doing this. 

Electric Dept.:

·         Turbine Overhaul:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that they continued working on replacing fifty year old wiring and were waiting on the turbine overhaul.

Police Dept.:

 

·         Portable signs:

Police Chief Myers stated that he had been moving the portable signs all over town and they were on First Street by Subway now. 

·         American Legion event:

Chief Myers stated that the American Legion had their benefit event this past weekend and there were no calls or complaints. 

Mayor and Commission:

·         Country Club drainage ditch:

Commissioner Hlavachick questioned when the City would be cleaning out the drainage ditch on Country Club Road.  Public Works Director Rambat commented that they would be doing that in the fall when it dries out.

 
·         Flag display:

Commissioner Skaggs stated that he would like to see a traditional ceremonial flag in the Commission Room so that we had a first class display.  Mr. Howard stated that he would see about getting one on order.

Executive Session:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to go into executive session for fifteen minutes to discuss attorney/client privilege.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

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

RECESS:

Commissioner Meyer made a motion to recess until August 15^th at noon in the Commission Room.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

                            
___________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

  

ATTEST:

____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

08/15/14 AND 08/18/14-City Commission Meeting Agendas

FRIDAY

AUGUST 15, 2014

PRATT CITY COMMISSION – LEMON PARK WORK SESSION

COMMISSION ROOM – 1200 P.M.

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

2.      ROLL CALL

3.    DISCUSSION TOPICS:

       3.1 General Discussion on the Lemon Park Project

4.       ADJOURN

 

 

MONDAY

AUGUST 18, 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 –  August 04, 2014  Regular Commission Meeting

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Topics or Projects to Discuss with Secretary of Transportation Mike King on August 25^th – Mayor Commission & 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

 

07/21/14-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

 

JULY 21, 2014

 

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

PRESENT:                  

 

Lucus Kumberg          Vice-Mayor

Bill Hlavachick           Commissioner

Doug Meyer                Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT:    

   

Dave Howard              City Manager

LuAnn Kramer            City Clerk

Ken Van Blaricum      City Attorney

Diana Garten               Finance Director

Gary Myers                 Police Chief    

Russell Rambat           Public Works Director                        

Brad Blankenship        Building Inspector

Bruce Pinkall               Recreation Director

                                                       

CALL TO ORDER:

The recessed meeting was called to order by Vice-Mayor Kumberg.  The Vice-Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Mayor Taylor and Commissioner Skaggs.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Vice-Mayor Kumberg led the staff and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES:

Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the Joint City/County regular meeting on July 07, 2014, the recessed Commission meeting on July 07, 2014 and the recessed budget work session on July 09, 2014.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO WAIVE RENTAL FEE AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING FOR THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE & DISABILITY FAIR ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2014:

Vice-Mayor Kumberg commented that Mr. Stan Hendershot was not in the audience, but that this was something that we had allowed before.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the waiving of rental fees for Prairie Independent Living Center for their Community Resource and Disability Fair on September 24, 2014.  Commissioner Myer seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION ON DATE FOR A WORK SESSION ON LEMON PARK PROJECT:

Due to the absence of Mayor Taylor and Commissioner Skaggs, this item was tabled until the August 04, 2014 regular meeting.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ENGINEERING CONTRACT WITH EBH ENGINEERING ON 2016 GEOMETRIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON NORTH MAIN STREET:

 

EBH Engineer Alan Luttrell stated that the City was awarded the project funding for the improvement from Blaine Street to south of the railroad tracks and we would be doing the same thing that had been done in the 100 block of North Main Street.  Mr. Luttrell commented that this was the design contract for that project.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if this was due in 2016. Public Works Director Rambat stated that the funding would be available in July 2015, so if everything was on track, we could get started in late 2015.  Mr. Luttrell explained that KDOT was understaffed and we were already behind.  Mr. Luttrell added that it would depend on how willing KDOT would be to work with us on the field check. 

Vice-Mayor Kumberg questioned if they would wait to let the project until the funding was available.  Mr. Luttrell stated that they would wait until their fiscal year starts.  Mr. Rambat commented that we would get a Notice to Proceed.  Mr. Luttrell commented that he was not sure if KDOT would let this project.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if we had funding in place for this project.  Finance Director Garten stated that we did. 

Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the engineering contract with EBH Engineering on the Geometric Improvement project in 2016 for $62,000.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED KDOT PROJECT DESIGN AT HIGHWAY 54 AND 281:

City Manager Howard commented that the Highway 54 and Highway 281 project had been discussed for some time and there was a letter from KDOT wanting us to make a decision by July 25^th on their new design.  Mr. Howard explained that the drawings looked like they were widening the highway from Jackson Street maybe 6’ to 12’.  Mr. Howard reminded the Commission that these were only preliminary drawings.  Mr. Howard stated that Kentucky Fried Chicken and Sanders Agency would be losing one of their two entrances and they would not allow trucks to make a south turn that were coming from the west.  Mr. Howard added that those trucks would be diverted to Highway 64.

Mr. Howard commented that this was federal money and it would go to another project if we did not accept it.  Mr. Howard added that he did not think that KDOT would be upset if we declined the project.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned how many parking slots would be lost.  Mr. Howard stated that he thought it might be two and they had already lost one when we did the concrete on the highway.  Commissioner Meyer questioned who would make the call if we wanted to continue with the idea of diverting the truck traffic, but not to do the project.  Mr. Howard stated that KDOT does that and we could ask.  Commissioner Meyer asked if KDOT could do the project without our approval.  Mr. Howard stated that they could, but they do not usually do business that way. 

Commissioner Hlavachick questioned how this project came about.  Mr. Howard stated that a local engineer put in two or three projects due to the availability of federal funds and this was the one they chose in our district.  Commissioner Meyer commented that this disrupts access to two or three businesses and we may be asking ourselves why we did it in five or ten years when the bypass is here.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if there had to be a decision tonight.  Mr. Howard stated that we needed to let them know by Friday.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if we should wait for the other Commissioners to be here.  Commissioner Meyer commented that he had no further interest in this project.  Commissioner Hlavachick agreed.

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion that, at the present time, the City of Pratt does not want to consider the KDOT project design on Highway 54 and Highway 281.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF LOW BID FOR MAURICES/HIBBETS IMPROVED HIGHWAY ACCESS PROJECT:

Mr. Howard commented that Home Lumber was going to purchase property east of Maurice’s.  Mr. Howard explained that we had received the permit to widen the Maurice’s entrance plus KDOT funding of $565,000 to align North Fincham Road with South Fincham Street.  Mr. Howard added that we would need to get the property owner to deed us the property to move North Fincham Road, but EBH was working on that.  Mr. Luttrell stated that the City needed 30’ of Sycamore Addition on the west side of Fincham Road.  Mr. Luttrell commented that we had good bids for the project.  Mr. Howard explained that Smiley Concrete was in no hurry to do this, but would like to have it open by the time Home Lumber was open.

Mr. Howard commented that the low bid from Smiley Concrete would be contingent on the contract giving us the land.  Mr. Howard stated that we could move the system to the right side of the road and take our lines off the pole, which would cheapen the cost for Southern Pioneer.  Mr. Howard stated that we could do all of this, but it was not our strong point and it was someone else’s line. 

After little more discussion, Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the idea of the land transaction between Maurice’s/Hibbets and Home Lumber and/or Pat Flynn to access the right-of-way.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Smiley Concrete’s bid of $37,356.34 for the improved highway access at Maurice’s/Hibbets entrance contingent upon acquisition of land.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.  Mr. Howard stated that City Attorney Van Blaricum would draw up papers as soon as Mr. Luttrell got the legal description to him. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY LIQUOR PERMIT FOR THE AMERICAN LEGION FUND RAISER ON AUGUST 2^ND:

City Clerk Kramer explained that the American Legion was going to host a fund raiser for Gage Taylor on August 2^nd and they were requesting a temporary liquor permit so that they could be inside and outside in the parking lot.  Ms. Kramer stated that the event would be from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.  Ms. Kramer added that they would have to abide by the City’s noise ordinance.  Police Chief Myers stated that that would take effect for any complaints after midnight.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if their liability insurance was in place.  Ms. Kramer stated that it was.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the temporary liquor permit for the American Legion for August 2^nd with the stipulation that they comply with the State regulations and the City noise ordinance.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and it carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience addressed the Commission.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

 

·         Pratt Promotion:

Mr. Howard stated that the Hutchinson paper had a flyer insert that was a promotional thing for Pratt that was about Sandy Creek and the Parrish Hotel project.

 

·         Sandy Creek:

Mr. Howard stated that he had a housing developer that was interested in doing three or four lots, but it was in the preliminary stages.  Mr. Howard commented that the developer and his ideas would be brought before the Commission.  Mr. Howard added that he had had quite a few calls since the signs went up.

 

·         Meeting at the Parrish:

Mr. Howard reminded the Commission that there would be a meeting with the architect tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. at the Parrish Hotel.  Mr. Howard commented that he was not sure what they were going to do, but they were meeting at the site.

City Attorney:

 

·         Lemon Park deed:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that there was a copy of the original deed to Lemon Park in the packet and it says that it was to be used as a public park and not to drill oil or gas wells.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that it was pretty straight forward and we would be staying within the spirit of the deed if we move ahead with the proposed project.  Commissioner Meyer stated that he did not see anything in the deed that said that you could not charge for an event.  Mr. Howard stated that he agreed with that and we would not be violating any conditions if we did.

Public Works:

 

·         Department updates:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the curb and street project north of the pool was finished and the street had been opened back up.

Mr. Rambat commented that the chip seal project should be getting started in the next couple of weeks.

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the pool was doing okay.

Mr. Rambat stated that the street department had been busy following the water department with the phone and gas companies in town.

Mr. Rambat added that the park department had also been busy mowing.

 

Building Inspections:

 

·         Mowing:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that water superintendent Kelvin Clay had mowed the Sandy Creek Addition.

·         Tractor Supply:

Mr. Blankenship stated that Tractor Supply had started their work today.  Commissioner Meyer questioned how long it would take them.  Mr. Howard stated that they wanted to be open in November.

Electric Department:

 

·         Rewiring:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that they had been doing some rewiring and that some of the wiring was fifty years old.  Mr. Smith added that that would go in with the turbine overhaul this fall. 

 

·         Successful runs:

Mr. Smith informed the Commission that they had had two successful runs on the engines and they performed like they were supposed to.

Recreation:

 

·         Main Street meeting:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that there would be a Main Street meeting in the Commission Chambers tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.  Mr. Pinkall explained that they would be discussing temporary easements and try to get the businesses educated on why we need them.  Mr. Pinkall added that they would also be doing temporary walkways and we had to have their permission for that.  Mr. Pinkall commented that they would have to sign a document for the temporary easement that highlights their name and address.  Mr. Pinkall added that the EBH surveyor would also sign the document and stamp it.

 

·         Trail sidewalk by Wal-Mart:

Mr. Pinkall stated that they were beginning the sidewalk project by Wal-Mart and would be pouring concrete on Wednesday.  Mr. Pinkall explained that Smiley Concrete would be doing the front of the Sports Complex first and work towards Country Club Road in the early fall.

Finance:

 

·         Budget publication:

Finance Director Garten stated that the budget would be published this week and the hearing and approval would be during the August 4^th regular meeting.

Mayor and Commission:

 

 ·         Executive Session:

Vice-Mayor Kumberg requested a ten minutes executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss non-elected personnel.

 

·         Pool Hours:

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he had been asked to see if the pool could stay open until 7:00 p.m. a couple nights a week.  Commissioner Hlavachick added that we could look at it next year.  Mr. Howard stated that Pool Manager Hill had been keeping track of numbers this year so we would have data to work with next year.  Ms. Garten commented that she thought it already stayed open until 7:00 p.m. two nights a week.  Mr. Pinkall stated that it was open until 7:00 p.m. on Monday and Wednesdays and Tuesday and Thursdays were adult swim.

Executive Session:

Vice-Mayor Kumberg made a motion to enter into an executive session for ten minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Vice-Mayor Kumberg made a motion to return from the executive session with nothing to report.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:

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

___________________________________

LUCUS KUMBERG, Vice-Mayor

(SEAL)

 

ATTEST:

____________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk