01/30/2016 - Special Call Agenda

CALL FOR A SPECIAL MEETING 

OF THE

 

GOVERNING BODY 

TO:  MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY:

 

A Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt is hereby called to be held in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 the object and purpose of said meeting to be the following: 

1.    Executive Session for Confidential Data Relating to Financial Affairs or Trade Secrets of Second Parties to Last Thirty Minutes. 

                                                                                   

SIGNED:

_______________ __________________

Commissioner
 

__________________________________

Commissioner
                                                                             
 __________________________________
Commissioner
 
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

You are hereby notified that there will be a Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street, for the purpose of: 

1.    Executive Session for Confidential Data Relating to Financial Affairs or Trade Secrets of Second Parties to Last Thirty Minutes.

 

WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, THIS 27^TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2017.

           
SIGNED:

__________________________________    
LuAnn Kramer, City Clerk 

TO THE CHIEF OF POLICE, HIS DEPUTY, OR A POLICE OFFICER OR OTHER CITY EMPLOYEE: 

You are hereby directed to serve the above notice at once personally to each Commissioner or to leave it at his/her place of residence or business before 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017.

01/03/2017-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

JANUARY 03, 2017

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

 

PRESENT:                  

 

Lucus Kumberg            Mayor

Bill Hlavachick            Commissioner
Doug Meyer                 Commissioner
Gary Schmidt               Commissioner
Don Peters                    Commissioner
      
ALSO PRESENT:

 

Roy Eckert                   City Manager

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk
Diana Garten                Finance Director
Gary Myers                   Chief of Police
Brad Blankenship         Building Inspector
Jamie Huber                 Dir. of Electric Utilities
Bruce Pinkall               Recreation Director                                                      

CALL TO ORDER:

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

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

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

MINUTES:

Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2016 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES: 

·        Mayor:

City Manager Roy Eckert presented Mayor Kumberg with a plaque and stated that it was an honor and a privilege to honor him as Mayor.  Mr. Eckert added that he had done an excellent job.  Commissioner Taylor stated that Mayor Kumberg had the toughest twenty months as Mayor and he had never seen a Mayor like him.  Commissioner Taylor added that there were some difficult times and Mayor Kumberg continued to manage to stay on top of legislative changes.  Mayor Kumberg thanked everyone for the recognition in this interesting past year.

·        Outgoing Commissioner: 

Mayor Kumberg commented that being a Commissioner was a thankless job; however, it was always rewarding.  Mayor Kumberg stated that we choose to be in public service and, if you did not learn anything, you had not embraced the job.  Mayor Kumberg commented that he appreciated the two outgoing Commissioners and what they had done.   

Mayor Kumberg stated that Commissioner Taylor had been on the Commission for twenty-four years and he honored him with a key to the City.  Mayor Kumberg stated that Commissioner Skaggs had been on the Commission for six years and presented him with a plaque for his dedication.  Recreation Director Pinkall commented that the Commissioners got to throw out the first pitch at the time of the Sports Complex project and Mr. Pinkall presented Commissioner Taylor with that signed baseball.  Mr. Pinkall also stated that a ginkgo tree was lost in front of the hardware store during the Main Street project and handed Commissioner Skaggs a certificate that promised him that a ginkgo tree would be planted in Merchants Park.  Commissioners Taylor and Skaggs thanked everyone for their hard work and commitment to the City of Pratt. 

CERTIFICATION OF NOVEMBER 08, 2016 CITY COMMISSION ELECTION: 

City Clerk Kramer read the certification of the November 08, 2016 City general election that had been sent by County Clerk Sherry Kruse indicating that Candidates Gary A. Schmidt and Don Peters had received the majority of the votes; therefore, voted in to serve as City Commissioners. 

OATH OF OFFICE GIVEN TO NEWLY ELECTED CITY COMMISSIONERS: 

City Clerk Kramer gave the oath of office to newly elected Commissioners Gary A. Schmidt and Don Peters. 

REORGANIZATION OF PRATT CITY COMMISSION:

NOMINATION FOR MAYOR: 

A nomination by Commissioner Hlavachick was made for Mayor Kumberg to serve an additional term as Mayor.  Mayor Kumberg asked if there were any further nominations for Mayor and, hearing none, closed the nomination process.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to appoint Mayor Kumberg as Mayor for the year 2017. Commissioner Meyer seconded the motion. The motion and second passed unanimously. 

NOMINATION FOR VICE-MAYOR: 

A nomination by Commissioner Hlavachick was made for Commissioner Meyer to serve as Vice-Mayor. Mayor Kumberg asked for other nominations for Vice-Mayor and, hearing none, closed the nomination process. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to appoint Commissioner Meyer as Vice-Mayor for 2017.  Commissioner Schmidt seconded the motion. The motion and second passed unanimously.  

DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL CITY DEPOSITORIES – THE PEOPLES BANK, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, FIRST STATE BANK AND TRUST: 

A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve The Peoples Bank, First National Bank and The First State Bank as the official City depositories. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER – THE PRATT TRIBUNE: 

A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick was made to approve The Pratt Tribune as the official newspaper for the City of Pratt. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS: 

PRESENTATION ON ECONOMIC IMPACT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT FOR 2015/2016:

Pratt Community College President Dr. Mike Calvert stated that one of the short comings of a Community College was that they were not very good at blowing their own horn and he was going to change that.  Dr. Calvert commented that he was going to share some of the good economic news and social quality of life contributions that PCC brings to the community of Pratt.   

Dr. Calvert pointed out the different partnerships that the college has and the number of students that they serve.  Dr. Calvert stated that they had partnerships with State institutions and the different opportunities they do with local school districts.  Dr. Calvert commented that they offer a large scholarship amount to Pratt County residents and they were looking at revamping this policy and increasing the number at their regular board meetings.  Dr. Calvert stated that they had given $155,000 annually to Pratt County residents and they were proud of that.  

Dr. Calvert stated that their motto was that Community was their middle name and they do their best to give back to the community.  Dr. Calvert commented that one of the biggest areas was community service and they had donated 10,000 hours this past year.  Dr. Calvert explained that they were at the communities’ disposal whether it be a church, individual or helping with Lemon Park lights.  Dr. Calvert stated that they have cultural programs, community concerts, sporting events and the campus was used by visitors, walkers, Miss Kansas and a host of other organizations such as schools and government entities. 

Dr. Calvert introduced their economic contributions with information on bank deposits, employment numbers, purchases made within the community and the dollar value to the community service from PCC students and staff.  Dr. Calvert stated that they purchase their goods and services locally whenever possible; however, not everything could be done that way.  Dr. Calvert explained that they had adjusted their purchasing policy a couple of years ago to allow them to take a bid that was within 5% of the low bid from local vendors and they did not have to lower it to be the low bid.   

Dr. Calvert stated that they were very proud of the annual PCC payroll added to the purchases the college had and what the students spend locally that would not be here if there was not a college.  Dr. Calvert commented that that figure multiplied by a conservative multiplier brings an annual economic contribution of around $38 million minus the local taxes and the annual net economic contribution from PCC to Pratt County was a little less than $32 million.  Dr. Calvert added that that number varies with enrollment.  Dr. Calvert broke that down a little more and the $38 million could be responsible for the livelihood of 1,014 Pratt County residents.  Dr. Calvert informed the Commission that 62.2% of Pratt County residents had a college degree or had attended college and the State average was 62.8%.  Dr. Calvert stated that they were very proud of the fact that, for every $1 a student invests in their future, brings an economic return of $5.46.  Dr. Calvert commented that PCC runs about 60% of their funding locally, 20% from the State and 20% from the students.  Dr. Calvert stated that Pratt County’s return on investment was that for every $1 spent there was a return of $5.94. 

Dr. Calvert stated that the college had been recognized by Smart Asset.com as one of the top fifteen community colleges for the last three years and Wallet Hub.com had PCC as one of the top fifteen in 2016.  Dr. Calvert explained that these were two financial services that look at the cost of higher education versus the success of students while they were attending school.  Dr. Calvert added that they also look at the scholarships that were given and if the student was successful or if they transferred or graduated.  Dr. Calvert stated that there were about 1,200 community colleges in the country and the college was in the top 150.  Dr. Calvert commented that the college had been able to produce an average student with an associate’s degree, the highest starting salary of all 19 community colleges and 17 technical colleges at an average of $45,000.   

Dr. Calvert thanked the Commission for letting him present this information to them and he was happy to report good news.  Commissioner Peters stated that the college provides a vital role and was a great asset to the community.  Commissioner Peters questioned if they would meet the needs of new employees if a small business was coming to town.  Dr. Calvert stated that they were always looking for new opportunities. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY’S APPOINTMENT TO THE ED BOARD TO REPLACE OUTGOING MEMBER KENTON LADENBURGER:

Mayor Kumberg stated that he had visited with Mr. Jason Leslie about being on the ED Board and he was very interested.  Mayor Kumberg commented that he did know that the board had suggested him for a replacement.  Commissioner Schmidt questioned how many were on that board.  Mayor Kumberg answered that there were five members.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve Mr. Jason Leslie to replace Mr. Kenton Ladenburger on the ED Board.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1701 ANNEXING LAND TO THE CITY: 

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that this was property that was being requested by the owner to be annexed into the City.  Mr. Blankenship explained that this property loops around and was on the State right-of-way and we had done this type of annexation before.  Mr. Blankenship commented that this would make an entrance to the theatre and be relief for Fincham Road.  City Manager Eckert stated that he had been talking to the State highway department for the last couple of weeks and they recognized the importance of getting in and out of where the theatre would be.  Mr. Eckert added that this would be very big for Pratt and he was excited about them wanting to make it work.   

Mr. Eckert stated that the property owner wanted this annexed; therefore, we did not have to go to a vote of the people.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned how many acres it was.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it was three or four.  Commissioner Meyer asked if Fields and Sons would have to move their equipment.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they would not.  Mr. Eckert stated that Casey’s was doing the left of Fincham Road and it was coming along very well.  Mr. Eckert added that we had an easement between the motels and that was already done.  Mr. Eckert commented that there had been talk about extending the right-of-way to Fincham Road to get to the theatre and go to Dale Street or Cooper Street and extend the road about 735’ so that people could access the theatre or shopping. 

With no more discussion, the following Ordinance 1701 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING LAND TO THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Ordinance 1701 annexing land to the City of Pratt.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and passed unanimously. 

OPEN AGENDA: 

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission. 

REPORTS: 

City Manager: 

·        Interviews: 

City Manager Eckert stated that he had been working on City Attorney and Indigent Attorney interviews.  Mr. Eckert commented that it was very interesting to go watch a candidate in court and he was very impressed with the court system here.

·        Handbook: 

Mr. Eckert stated that he was working on the new employee handbook and it was very time consuming but rewarding.  Mr. Eckert reminded the Commission that the current handbook was done in 1995. 

·        Annexation: 

Mr. Eckert stated that we had been working with EBH on the annexation description and a traffic count.  Mr. Eckert stated that Mr. Fields had too many entrances and this was a nice time to be doing this with the count being down in the winter time.  Mr. Eckert added that this was a tremendous project for the City of Pratt. 

·        Casey’s:

Mr. Eckert commented that this Casey’s was larger than normal.  Mr. Blankenship added that this was the fourth Style Q that they had built and this one was focused on truckers.  Mr. Blankenship stated that there would be 4 ½ acres of concrete.  Commissioner Schmidt asked if it was all concrete.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it was.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if it could handle the drainage.  Mr. Blankenship commented that it could and had been taken care of way ahead of time.  Mayor Kumberg stated that he was impressed that one day it was studs and the next day it was enclosed.  Mr. Blankenship stated that the whole Casey’s system was on four semi loads.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they were looking at an April 20^th opening date. 

·        New position: 

Mr. Eckert stated that he had looked at how they go about creating a new position and he would work on the description when that time came. 

Inspections: 

·        Surgery: 

Building Inspector Blankenship asked that the Commission keep Public Works Director Rambat in their prayers after his back surgery.  Mr. Blankenship added that it was rough times right now. 

Electric Department:

·        Pole hit: 

Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that it had been pretty quiet; however, another pole got hit by a semi in the Southwest Truck parking lot. 

·        Lemon Lights usage: 

Mr. Huber stated that the Lemon Lights had used 72,000 kw last year and only 63,000 this year.  Mr. Huber explained that we ran the lights two more days this year and the drop in usage was due to LED’s.  Mr. Huber stated that they planned on installing new LED’s each year.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if the LED street lights were metered.  Mr. Huber stated that some were read annually, but they did not meter the dusk to dawn.  Mayor Kumberg asked if it was possible to get a street light on someone’s property.  Mr. Huber stated that we did have rental lights, but they did not do them in a blind alley. 

Police Department: 

·        2016 Stats: 

Police Chief Myers stated that he would be working on 2016 stats and bring that to a future Commission meeting. 

Finance Department: 

·        Sales tax: 

Finance Director Garten stated that sales tax was down $65,000 for 2016.  Ms. Garten commented that we had budgeted for the decrease and it was less than anticipated.

Mayor and Commission: 

·        Commissioner Taylor: 

Commissioner Hlavachick commended outgoing Commissioner Taylor for his years of service.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he had never been without Mr. Taylor on the Commission. 

·        Tough act to follow: 

Commissioner Peters commented that he had sat out in the audience watching for a while and he was glad that Mr. Taylor was still here.  Commissioner Peters stated that Commissioner Schmidt and he were very impressed on how things were handled in every situation and how questions were asked and the dedication they had.  Commissioner Peters added that they had visited with staff and he appreciated them visiting with them to help the newly elected get on board. 

Commissioner Schmidt stated that he would echo what Commissioner Peters had said.  Commissioner Schmidt commented that they had a lot to learn and he appreciated the dedication the staff had in their positions.  Commissioner Schmidt stated that he looked forward to working with everyone. 

·        Training: 

City Manager Eckert stated that he had talked to Ms. Paula Downs concerning the three hour training on KOMA and it would be held on January 18^th in the afternoon.  Mr. Eckert informed the Commission that the longer mission training would be on Saturday, January 21^st and would be about six hours so it would include lunch. 

ADJOURN:

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

__________________________________

 LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

 ATTEST:

___________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

01/16/2017-City Commission Meeting Agenda

 

MONDAY

JANUARY 16, 2017

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 03, 2017 Regular City Meeting                             

5.      BUSINESS: 

5.1             Consideration and Approval Re-appointment of Denis Rasmussen to the Cemetery Board – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director                                 (3 year term) 

5.2             Consideration and Approval of Charter Ordinance 21 Exempting the City of Pratt from Certain Provisions of K.S.A. 14-205 – Rick Eckert, City Manager

5.3             Consideration and Approval of the 2017 Public Defender Agreement – Rick Eckert, City Manager

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

 

 

 

12/19/16-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

 

DECEMBER 19, 2016

 

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

 

PRESENT:  

 

Lucus Kumberg            Mayor
Bill Hlavachick             Commissioner
Jeff Taylor                    Commissioner
Gary Skaggs                 Commissioner
Doug Meyer                 Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT:

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

          
CALL TO ORDER:

 

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

 

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

 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

 

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

 

MINUTES:

 

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 05, 2016 recessed City/County joint meeting and the December 05, 2016 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously. 

 

BUSINESS:

 

RECOGNITION OF PRATT HIGH SCHOOL AS THE 2016 4A DIV. II STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPS:

 

Mayor Kumberg addressed the Pratt High School football State Champs by letting them know that it was a privilege to be able to honor them for the achievement that they would remember for the rest of their lives.  Public Works Director Rambat let the team members know that there would be signs up at each entrance into Pratt in about two weeks.  Commissioner Taylor stated that the team brought a great amount of pride to the school and the community.  Commissioner Meyer commented that there was a lot of hard work that goes into a winning season and there were not many that see all that they had done.  Commissioner Skaggs joked with the team stating that there were many here that were Greenbacks in the past and they wished that they had done as well, but this team had shown them what it takes to bring home a State title.  Mayor Kumberg presented the team with a sign that had many City employee signatures and congratulated them again on a great season. 

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE CONVENTION & VISITOR’S BUREAU COMMITTEE:

 

Chamber Director Kim DeClue stated that there were three members on the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Committee that were up for re-appointment and they were Ms. Becky Eastes, Ms. Shelley Shaw and Mr. Kevin Evans.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if they all had a good attendance record.  Ms. DeClue stated that they did.  Commissioner Meyer asked if they all had agreed to an additional term.  Ms. DeClue commented that they were happy to serve and this was a good group to work with.  With no further discussion, Commissioner Taylor made a motion to approve the re-appointments of Ms. Becky Eastes, Ms. Shelley Shaw and Mr. Kevin Evans to an additional three year term on the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Committee.  Commissioner Meyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY’S APPOINTMENT TO THE ED BOARD TO REPLACE OUTGOING MEMBER KENTON LADENBURGER:

 

Mayor Kumberg stated that the City appointment held by Mr. Kenton Ladenburger on the ED Board would expire at the end of the year and it was the City’s decision on who would replace him.  Mayor Kumberg commented that he had suggested Mr. Jason Leslie and Ms. Jennifer Slater had also been mentioned.  After very little discussion, Commissioner Hlavachick requested that this be tabled until the January 03, 2017 meeting so that they had more time to think about candidates.  The Mayor and Commission all agreed to table this agenda item.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2017 PRATT MUNICIPAL JUDGE AGREEMENT:

 

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum stated that this was a routine yearly approval of the Judge’s contract.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this had first been drawn up by Attorney Bill Hampton years ago and the City had used it with very few changes.  Mr. Van Blaricum informed the Commission that Mr. Rob Eisenhauer was not asking for a salary increase; therefore, the only changes were the dates.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the Pratt Municipal Judge Agreement for 2017 as presented.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2017 SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION LEASE AGREEMENT:

 

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was a lease agreement that had been fine-tuned over the years and approved by the Commission in the past for the Senior Citizens.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this was for another one year extension.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they pay the utilities.  City Clerk Kramer stated that they did.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the 2017 Senior Citizens Organization Lease Agreement.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1617 AMENDING HOURLY AND SALARIED EMPLOYEES:

 

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the Commission would be approving this salary ordinance with any changes that had been discussed during the budget work session, such as the 3% wage increase.  The following Ordinance 1617 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1503; CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve Ordinance 1617 as presented.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RES. 121916 EXEMPTING THE CITY FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF K.S.A. 75-1120A (A):

 

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was an accounting resolution that we had to do annually.  Finance Director Garten added that this resolution that was an example from the auditors and was required so that we could report on a modified cash basis rather than GAAP purposes.

 

The following Resolution 121916 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.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve Resolution 121916 as presented.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously. 

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF EQUIPMENT LEASE WITH OPTION TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK FOR THE NEW BUCKET TRUCK:

 

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this agreement was a legal device that would enable the City to purchase the bucket truck and finance it through the bank.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that the bank would pay for it and he recommended that the Commission approve the agreement.  Ms. Garten explained that the Commission had approved the purchase of the truck in February and we now have the truck so these were just the legal papers that needed signed.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the equipment lease/purchase agreement for the new bucket truck with the First National Bank in Pratt.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RES. 121916A CONCERNING THE NEW BUCKET TRUCK LEASE/PURCHASE:

 

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this resolution was needed for the bank’s files and was true to form.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve Resolution 121916A dealing with the bucket truck lease/purchase with the First National Bank.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1618 ANNEXING LAND TO THE CITY:

 

With little discussion, this agenda item was tabled until the January 03, 2017 regular meeting.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RES, 121916B DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF PRATT:

 

Mayor Kumberg stated that there was no need for a 2016 boundary resolution since the annexation ordinance was tabled.  Mayor Kumberg explained that that would have been the only annexation in 2016 and you were not required to do one annually unless there were changes made.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

 

Mayor Kumberg stated that this was the best part of being on the Commission and that was to recognize the City’s employees.  Mayor Kumberg stated that this was City Attorney Van Blaricum’s last meeting as his contract expires at the end of the year.  Mayor Kumberg presented Mr. Van Blaricum with a token of appreciation and commented that there had been good times and some not so good times, but Mr. Van Blaricum had been a good voice for the City.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was the best organization in town and added that he had been County Attorney for fourteen years, Asst. County Attorney for four years and the City Attorney for ten years.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he loved this community.  The Commission wished Mr. Van Blaricum good luck in his retirement.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he would definitely be more relaxed and planned on spending more time with his grandkids.

 

OPEN AGENDA:

 

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

 

REPORTS:

 

City Manager:

 

• Good job by Staff:

 

City Manager Eckert stated that the staff had done a great job with the snow and really cold temperatures this past weekend and they had gone above and beyond.  Mr. Eckert added that the sanitation and street departments, police and fire departments, as well as the other departments, were what Pratt was all about.

 

• Personnel Policy Handbook:

 

Mr. Eckert stated that he was working on the 1996 personnel policy.  Mr. Eckert explained that the policy handbook had been worked on in 2006 and it was a very good draft, but never got any further.  Mr. Eckert stated that we were working off of a twenty year old policy and many things had changed in those twenty years, such as the unaffordable health care act.  Mr. Eckert added that he would continue to work on that.

 

• WSU Training:

 

Mr. Eckert stated that he had contacted Ms. Paula Downs about doing classes for newly elected Commissioners and also the veterans on the Commission.  Mr. Eckert commented that Ms. Downs presented very good classes and the department heads were welcome to be involved as well.  Mr. Eckert added that he would keep them up on things as they change and what our duties would be.

 

• Vision Mission Retreat:

 

Mr. Eckert stated that he had talked to Ms. Downs about the Vision Mission Retreat which would help us see where Pratt was going and to let citizens voice where they want us to go.  Mr. Eckert commented that it would be a four to six hour training and Ms. Downs would be sending dates that would not work for her.  Mr. Eckert added that he would forward that schedule to the Commissioners so that we could see what dates work for us.

 

• Business as usual:

 

Mr. Eckert commented that it had been business as usual and he had had the opportunity to make it to a police dinner where he was able to meet all the officers.  Mr. Eckert stated that he encouraged everyone in their endeavors and he felt that their attitude was great and upbeat to the coming year.

 

Public Works:

 

• Sand and salt event:

 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the street department had gotten the blades out last weekend and worked on some drifts on the east/west streets.  Mr. Rambat commented that it should not last long if the temperature gets up in the 40’s.  Mr. Rambat explained that the departments work outside when they had to, but they also take winter to work inside on their vehicles.

 

Inspection Department:

 

• 911 S. Mound:

 

City Inspector Blankenship stated that 911 South Mound Street had been brought before the Commission in October; however, that property had since sold.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they plan on either tearing it down, cleaning it up or selling it.

 

Electric Department:

 

• Pole hit:

 

Director of Electric Utilities Huber informed the Commission that it had been pretty quiet with the exception of trucks hitting our power poles.  Mr. Huber stated that a truck had hit a power pole by Kwik Shop this past weekend and it was being held up by the old truck since the weather was so cold Saturday.

 

Recreation:

 

• Christmas dinner:

 

Commissioner Skaggs thanked Recreation Director Pinkall for a job well done on the Christmas party.  Mr. Pinkall commented that it was a team effort.

 

Mayor and Commission:

 

• Thanks to everyone:

 

Mayor Kumberg thanked everyone for what they do and he appreciated those getting out in below zero temperatures.

 

• Christmas dinner:

 

Mayor Kumberg apologized for missing the Christmas dinner.  Mayor Kumberg explained that he had it on his schedule as the following day.  Mayor Kumberg stated that he had not gotten the email about the police dinner.

 

• 25 years of service:

 

Commissioner Taylor stated that it had been a good twenty-five years on the Commission and he had seen many changes.  Commissioner Taylor commented that it had been a real pleasure and he had enjoyed being a Commissioner.  Commissioner Taylor added that he had thought about getting off several years ago, but felt it was in the City’s best interest that he stay on at that time.  Commissioner Taylor stated that, as a Commissioner, they receive a lot of calls and those concerns had always been taken care of quickly by the staff.  Commissioner Taylor expressed his thanks to the staff for making the Commissioners look good and the City look good.  Commissioner Taylor asked that the department heads pass this on to the other employees that he was very appreciative on how things had been handled.

 

ADJOURN:

 

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

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LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST:

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk