02/02/15-Approved Recessed City Commission Meeting

MONDAY

February 02, 2015 

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Recessed 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
Brad Blankenship         Building Inspector
Kenny Gates                 Zoning Commission Chairman
Fred Badders                Zoning Commission Vice-Chairman
Eric Nystrom                Zoning Commissioner
Tom Haltom                 Zoning Commissioner
Frank Laubhan             Zoning Commissioner
Linda Hart                    Zoning Commissioner
Lola Shumway             Records Secretary
Kenton Ladenburger     Economic Dev. Board Member
Jack Galle                     Economic Dev. Board Member
Darrel Stroda                Economic Dev. Board Member
Steve Mills                   Economic Dev. Board Member
Curtis Nightingale        Economic Dev. Board Member

 

CALL TO ORDER: 

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

BUSINESS: 

DISCUSSION ON LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE: 

Mayor Taylor commented that the City Commission had passed the landscape ordinance a few months ago and since then there had been some concerns from the ED Board that had come forward.  Mayor Taylor stated that one concern was that this ordinance would cause landscaping to be too costly and could hurt development and the Commission did not want to do that.  Mayor Taylor explained that the City of Pratt needed a landscaping ordinance, but it was not to put their thumb on anyone or force them to do something.  Mayor Taylor commented that it had come to his attention that so many feet of landscaping per parking stall added too much and the trees could distract from the business.  Mayor Taylor explained that the Commission had passed this because the Planning and Zoning Commission had spent a lot of time on it, but we were open to hear concerns so that it could be refined. 

City Manager Howard commented that City staff had put together a list of concerns after the ordinance had been passed and that the trees were the biggest controversy.  Mr. Howard explained that EBH had a landscape architect look at the Home Lumber property and Knight’s Construction had looked at it with a local landscaper.  Mr. Howard added that Home Lumber president John Humphries wanted a grand entrance; however, this ordinance would take away from that along with cutting into his parking.  Mr. Howard added that it would also cost around $50,000.   

Commissioner Skaggs questioned where this format came from on the ordinance that was passed.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that it was largely passed from something similar to Dodge City.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that he thought that it was ready for the City Commission’s stamp of approval since the Planning & Zoning Commission had been working on it for a couple of years.  Building Inspector Blankenship stated that it started with Arkansas City and had switched over to Dodge City and that was where some of the wording got messed up.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he did not understand how there was one that the Planning Commission was working on and then there was the one the City Commission got.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they had looked for a more organized ordinance and the Dodge City one was clear on what it did.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that it should work for us if it works for Dodge City.  Mr. Howard commented that he did not see that it was being used by Dodge City.  P & Z Commissioner Nystrom commented that he was not in agreement with the ordinance because of the trees. 

ED Board member Jack Galle stated that he had read the ordinance and it had some major issues.  Mr. Galle stated that we needed to back-up a little and look at the overriding question of why we needed the ordinance.  Mr. Galle stated that there were three sections that were pertinent to Pratt and he did not see trying to fix a problem when there was no problem.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that there had been new construction that did landscaping in a helter skelter manner and some did nothing.  Mr. Nystrom stated that the property on East First Street was KDOT’s property and, if this had been in effect for Maurice’s and Hibbett’s, KDOT would not have allowed trees.  Mr. Nystrom added that Dan Gillig’s place would also have a different look.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he agreed that too many trees was not a good thing.  Mr. Galle commented that this should be a business decision and be beneficial to a business, but this ordinance was good for the community and not the business.  Mr. Galle added that it goes back to whether we have a problem or not.  Mr. Galle stated that some businesses on First Street have tress and some do not.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that it could look better.  Mr. Galle agreed, but he asked if we were truly getting a benefit. 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we were going to modify or scrap this ordinance.  Mr. Galle stated that we could not separate the two, so if it was not good for the business then it was not good for the community.  Mr. Howard commented that O’Reilly’s was the only business that never intended to do landscaping and we had to say that that was okay because we did not have an ordinance in place.  Mr. Howard stated that Wal-Mart did not want shrubs due to a potential trash issue, so they went for the sprinkler system and grass.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he could work on a new ordinance leaving out the trees.  Mr. Howard stated that most people plant trees anyway and it had never been an issue.  Mr. Howard added that the ordinance could be as simple as stating that they had to submit a site plan to Mr. Blankenship.  Mayor Taylor commented that they should have it reviewed before construction begins.  Commissioner Meyer stated that the key would be to make sure it would be enforceable.  Commissioner Meyer commented that Mr. Blankenship may be more lenient than the next guy, so a checklist would make it consistent when we were no longer here.  Commissioner Meyer added that vague was good, but we needed to have a buffer between residential and commercial and offer them guidelines, such as what types of trees do well in this area.  Mr. Howard agreed and added that we needed to think about dealing with bigger businesses.   

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he could do an ordinance along those lines, but questioned if we really wanted to include residential property in the ordinance.  Mr. Nystrom commented that you had to have erosion development because you cannot leave the ground bare.  Mr. Howard stated that people fifty years from now would ask why we did things the way we did.  ED Board Member Kenton Ladenburger commented that it looks a lot better than it did in 1990 when he first came to town and there was a toilet sitting on the porch of the house you saw coming into the town.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that an additional 50’ setback would have been better as in the case of the Servateria.  Mr. Ladenburger stated that Skaggs would have lost parking in the back if we had had this ordinance.  Mayor Taylor stated that this was not our intent. 

Mr. Galle pointed out that the paragraphs that talk about setbacks could be in our code somewhere else as could the site distance.  Mr. Galle stated that those were positives, but could be in with something already.  Mr. Galle commented that we needed to acknowledge what position we put people in and be careful of what we think and do.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that we need an ordinance, but not this one and it should be simpler.  Commissioner Hlavachick commented that they should direct Mr. Van Blaricum to draw up a draft and then they could look at the concerns to see what we wanted.  Mr. Howard stated that he wanted the Planning Commission to still be involved.   

Planning & Zoning Commissioner Badders stated that, in defense of what the P & Z had talked about for two years, they had finally decided that they could not do anything more.  Mr. Badders added that, if it was not good enough, we could hire a landscape architect to come up with a plan.  Mr. Howard stated that they could have the local landscaper come to a Planning & Zoning meeting to see what insight he had.  Mr. Howard added that Park Superintendent Eckhoff would also be willing to help.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this had passed knowing that there would be building blocks.  Commissioner Skaggs suggested that half of them work on commercial and the other half work on residential.  Mr. Howard stated that we want businesses to thrive and have visibility, but we also want the City to look good.  Mr. Howard added that the ED Board could come to the Planning & Zoning meetings also if this goes back to them.  Mr. Nystrom questioned if we had anything on erosion control.  Mr. Blankenship stated that we did not, but we enforce self-screening for new construction.  

Mr. Howard stated that 99.9% of businesses that come in have a site plan and it was practical.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that he would not like to build a $300,000 structure and not know what the neighbor was going to do.  Commissioner Skaggs suggested that, if the P & Z did not want this back, we hire Younie Landscaping or someone to help.   Mr. Badders stated that they had looked at ordinances from other places and they were not 100% agreeable, but he thought they had a compromise.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he was not sure that we needed to hire a professional to help with commercial property, but we needed a checklist that would be generally agreeable.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that we should work on commercial first and then work on residential. 

Commissioner Kumberg stated that the intention of this ordinance was for commercial and this was making it too difficult for residential.  Commissioner Kumberg added that it was easier to sell property if there was landscaping in place, but we were making it too hard and made us look like a homeowners association.  Mr. Nystrom commented that we want to make sure that the ground was covered.  Mayor Taylor commented that not everyone wants trees in their yard.  Commissioner Meyer stated that we should have guidelines if they were going to plant trees.  Mr. Howard stated that the disagreement about the downtown was 50/50 for trees because they block the store front, attract birds and there were leaves to deal with.  Mr. Howard added that we would knock out a big part of the ordinance if we could agree on what to do with trees.   

ED Board Member Nightingale questioned what would happen to the ordinance that was in effect.  Mr. Howard stated that it would be repealed.  Mr. Nightingale commented that that might sway business’s minds about coming to Pratt.  Mayor Taylor stated that he appreciated all the work that was put into this ordinance by the Planning & Zoning Commission.  Mayor Taylor added that we needed to make this ordinance simpler and easier for both commercial and residential.  Mr. Howard commented that the P & Z Commission had been working on annexations, zone changes and plats, so this was not the only focus for them. 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned what ordinance fencing and setbacks came under.  Mr. Blankenship stated that there was a new one for Sandy Creek on what you could and could not do.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if we should have separate ordinances.  Mr. Howard stated that he could mention that.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he would put together a couple of ordinances and could have a draft for consideration for the first meeting in March.  Mr. Howard mentioned that they could repeal this ordinance in this meeting.  Mr. Van Blaricum agreed, but added that we could also consciously not enforce it.  Mr. Howard stated that we would be violating our own ordinance so he would rather it be repealed and taken off the books.  Mr. Stroda clarified that Home Lumber did have a plan to do some landscaping.  Mr. Howard stated that they did have their own plan and there would be trees all the way around the building. 

With no further discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to repeal Ordinance 1413 as passed by the City Commission on November 14, 2014.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

GENERAL DISCUSSION: 

·        Properties not in right zoning area: 

Mr. Laubhan commented that the Davis/Kahmeyer situation brought to light that there were properties sitting in areas that were not in the right zoning area.  Mr. Laubhan questioned how they had gotten zoned in a residential area and if the Elks could go out of business and sell to a tavern or if they would be restricted to R-2.  Mr. Laubhan stated that the Davis’ wanted to sell their business to the Baker’s but keep the garage and do a lot split.  Mr. Laubhan added that this brought up the issue of what would happen if the Elks wanted to move or sell their building.  Mayor Taylor stated that they would probably not be able to rebuild if it burned down.  Mr. Blankenship clarified that, if commercial property burned down in a residential area, they could not rebuild.   

Mr. Howard stated that it had probably been grandfathered in.  Mr. Badders commented that someone had to zone that R-2.  Mayor Taylor questioned if there had even been a zoning ordinance back then.  Mr. Nystrom questioned what ‘grandfathered in’ actually meant.  Mr. Howard stated that, when originally zoned, the use did not fit that zoning but they were going to allow it, but if it were sold or burned down, it could not be put back.  Mr. Laubhan questioned if that pertained to the property or the owner.  Mr. Howard stated that it would depend on what you put in it.  Mr. Laubhan commented that that meant that the Elks could not sell to another business and stay at R-2.  Mr. Laubhan stated that it was irrelevant how it got there, but the issue was how we control it.  Mr. Laubhan added that that type of business should be able to stay that way if it was there now.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they could serve alcohol if that was what they do now.  Mr. Laubhan stated that it should be able to be the same type of business, such as leaving Kahmeyer’s as a professional office and not a liquor store.   

Mayor Taylor commented that the lot split was what created the problem for the Davis’.  Mr. Nystrom commented that Baker’s were curious about what they would have done if they sold.  Mr. Howard stated that you could not do a lot split for other variances.  Mayor Taylor commented that that might be something that we start to look at.  Mr. Nystrom stated that it could be attached to the deed with a definition.  Mr. Laubhan suggested notifying property owners that they were in a non-compliant area so they would know before they see it attached to a deed.   

Mr. Laubhan stated that another issue would be the City limits.  Mr. Laubhan commented that there were properties in town that sit isolated in the County.  Mr. Blankenship stated that we do not get deeds when we do zoning and the only one he had seen was to the old Wal-Mart nursery.  Mr. Blankenship questioned who would enforce the issues that would be on a deed.  Mr. Nystrom commented that the title company would know if there was an attachment.  Mr. Howard stated that we had been contacted by banks concerning non-conforming zoning.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that banks were aware of whether there were zoning restrictions and the background was on file at the Court House.  Mr. Howard added that it was buyer beware if it was a cash transaction.   

Mr. Galle questioned if the City could change zoning subsequent to a purchase.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we could, but it would not be wise for the City to do that.  Mr. Howard commented that a lot of Cities force zoning, but the laws were tougher these days.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the Elk’s was a private club and, if it burned down, the owner could request that it be developed as residential.  Mr. Howard clarified that you could not rebuild it in R-2 Residential if it burned down.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that it could be rezoned if sold as a residence with a garage. 

·        Movie Theatre: 

Mr. Nightingale stated that there would be someone here to do a feasibility study for a movie theatre on Thursday after 11:00 a.m.  Mr. Nightingale explained that this was a national company that runs movie theatres and one family does the design, one does the building and the others manage it.  Mr. Nightingale commented that they were looking for possible locations including the current location.  Mr. Nightingale added that a one screen theatre was not a feasible financial plan, but three or more screens was.  Mr. Nightingale questioned if we could make that swing here.  Mr. Nightingale stated that bigger chain restaurants look at what your town has to offer and this would be a positive for Pratt. 

Mr. Nightingale stated that there were two phases to this and that the first phase was a tabletop and now we meet with these people on sight Thursday.  Mayor Taylor questioned if this was confidential.  Mr. Nightingale stated that it was not and we had already spent money on it.  Mr. Nightingale explained that they had the theatre in Great Bend and he was sure that they had used Pratt within their draw and we would be infringing in that area if we go back.

Mr. Nightingale commented that you get a finger on the pulse of the investors and they come forward to see what we have to offer.  Mr. Nightingale added that restaurants had looked at the area where the motels were and we had looked at putting a theatre in that area.  Mr. Howard stated that we would help with that since we own the land and we could also contribute to the project.  Mr. Nightingale commented that he had talked where other communities that had put in their theatres and this was pretty generic to what other communities had done, but we could make it happen.  Mr. Howard stated that most of the utilities were already close to being there, so there would not be a cost since it was already paid for.   

Commissioner Skaggs commented that the City owns the corner property northeast of the Complex.  Mr. Howard stated that the Sandy Creek Addition was zoned residential now and the area west of the motel was probably the least desirable for residential.  Mr. Nightingale commented that the investors wanted certain land in Great Bend and ended up spending twice as much as that to get the theatre built.  Mr. Nightingale added that we could not use Great Bend’s numbers because they started throwing money at the sight.  Mayor Taylor stated that this was exciting because that was a concern for many in the community. 

Mr. Nightingale commented that there was a Facebook page to save the Barron Theatre and that was where the conversation got started.  Mr. Nightingale stated that a community owned theatre was not the way to go, but we need to get creative financial options.  Mr. Howard commented that we would be the bank if it was a community owned bank.  Mr. Nightingale explained that their questionnaire asked about serving alcohol, luxury seating and first run movies.  Commissioner Hlavachick asked about individual costs.  Mr. Nightingale stated that the ticket pricing would be set by the management group.  Mr. Nightingale commented that a sales tax incentive could be for that location only and could go back towards the debt or whatever. 

·        Forward thinking: 

Mr. Galle stated that we needed to think forward ten years down the road and question if it was appropriate for the City to have ownership of properties.  Mr. Galle commented that he understood the City’s position to have properties available, but there was a risk of not knowing what was going to happen.  Mr. Howard stated that the movie theatre was a good example of that and anything the City wants to buy usually drives the price up.  Mr. Nightingale commented that Newton had bought property, zoned it and ran utilities on the City’s dime and their Industrial Park was still empty.  Mr. Badders added that Greensburg was the same way.  Mayor Taylor commented that the City had been fortunate with Prairie Parkway and Sandy Creek.  Mayor Taylor added that property in Sandy Creek had been sold to the church and the hotel, which had paid for the property.  Mayor Taylor stated that there were houses being built and we had infrastructure out there also.  Mr. Howard explained that the church would be bringing in about six hundred workers for their new structure and that would have an impact on the town through the summer.  Mr. Howard stated that they were very professional about the plans. 

Commissioner Skaggs stated that he had heard that Cunningham might be a possible site for a truck stop.  Mr. Howard commented that there was a group that wanted to do one.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the local one had hit a snag or was moving forward.  Mr. Howard stated that it was always in the works, but the property owner would not sell.

ADJOURN:

With no more discussion, Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and passed unanimously.                              

_____________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

ATTEST:
______________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

02/16/2015 City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

 

FEBRUARY 16, 2015

 

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 –    
         February 02, 2015         Recessed Commission Meeting
         February 02, 2015         Regular Commission Meeting
 

5.      BUSINESS: 

5.1          Consideration and Approval for The Vernon Filley Art Museum to Serve Free Alcoholic Liquor – Stan Reimer; Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney 

 

5.2          Consideration and Approval of the Lease Agreement with South Central Wireless Inc. – Dave Howard, City Manager 

 

5.3          Discussion on Legislature’s Moving Municipal Elections to the Fall of Even Numbered Years – Mayor & Commission (Approval of Res. 021615 would oppose moving elections and be sent to Topeka) 

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

01/19/15-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

January 19, 2015 

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. 

Mayor Taylor reminded the audience and staff that this meeting was being recorded and/or taped.

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 January 05, 2015 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and passed unanimously.

BUSINESS: 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE BID FOR A NEW DIGGER DERRICK TRUCK: 

Line Distribution Superintendent Jamie Huber informed the Commission that he had worked with two aerial companies on specifications for the last year and had sent out bid requests in November.  Mr. Huber explained that each company had the opportunity to demonstrate a model on-site and one company did that.  Mr. Huber commented that Terex Utilities did not have any models to demonstrate; however, Altec dropped off a unit for a week that they were able to operate and talk about options that best fit their needs.   

Mr. Huber stated that Terex Utilities did not submit a bid and Altec submitted a bid of $265,723 without tax.  Mr. Huber recommended the truck be purchased from Altec.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if that price had been expected.  Mr. Huber stated that it was and added that the last truck was purchased in 1998 and was $108,000 and the demand for them had gone up.  Mr. Huber commented that they had started saving money in the budget for this purchase for the last six years.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if both companies would have presented a truck with the same features.  Mr. Huber explained that they each build their own truck.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if Terex Utilities was a better company since they did not have time to bid.  Mr. Huber explained that they were satisfied with Altec and they were here if we needed them.  Mr. Huber added that the last truck was a Terex so Altec had to step it up plus they had been more reliable.   

Mr. Huber stated that this new unit would be the primary digger truck and they would keep the other one for a secondary.  Mr. Huber explained that they were using the 1976 as a back-up, but they could not get parts for it anymore; therefore, they would like to sell it or auction it off after the new one comes in.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned what we might get for it if we traded it in.  Mr. Huber stated that both dealers did not want to fiddle with it but we might get $1,500.  Mr. Huber added that these trucks were usually on a ten year plan and this one was at sixteen years.   

Commissioner Skaggs asked if there were enough funds set aside.  Finance Director Garten stated that there were.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned when the delivery date would be.  Mr. Huber stated that it would take nine to ten months and was being built in Virginia.  Commissioner Kumberg asked if they wanted paid on order or on delivery.  Mr. Huber stated that it was on order.  Commissioner Meyer asked if there would have to be any special training.  Mr. Huber commented that they would bring it here on a trailer and give us their book.  Commissioner Meyer questioned the cost of insurance.  City Manager Howard stated that it would be like any other new vehicle. 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned giving the old one to the park department to trim trees.  Mr. Howard stated that it was not safe to operate.  Mr. Huber stated that he had been stopped by KDOT and they were surprised that we still had that old thing.  After little more discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the purchase of the Altec aerial digger truck for $265,723 plus sales tax as recommended by the Line Distribution Superintendent.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

UPDATE ON PARRISH PROJECT: 

City Manager Howard informed the Commission that there had been a meeting a week ago Friday with the contractors on the Parrish project.  Mr. Howard pointed out the area that they wanted designated as the construction zone that included the parking spaces.  Mr. Howard explained that they wanted the parking spaces for their equipment as well as to keep anyone from parking there.  Mr. Howard commented that there might be times where half or all of Fourth Street may need to be closed if there was a crane coming in to load roof mounting units, but he had told them that he was sure that the City would work with them on those issues.  Mr. Howard explained that the tower would be coming off the top and he pointed out the area where a temporary one with guide wires would be located.  Mr. Howard stated that he had requested that they give the City a weeks’ notice so he could let the Commission know about a street closing, but that would not always be possible.   

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that there would be scaffolding along the sidewalk.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if there would be fence around that whole section.  Mr. Howard stated that they would probably use caution tape and Mr. Blankenship added that there would be fence around the parking lot only.  Commissioner Meyer asked if the antenna would be made permanent.  Mr. Howard explained that it would be on the roof eventually, but this one would be a truck mounted one and was temporary.   

Mr. Blankenship stated that he had seen three guys throwing things off the roof, another pitching stuff out of the eighth floor and one from the fourth.  Commissioner Kumberg asked if they would put fencing around the cooling units.  Mr. Howard stated that that should not be a problem.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they thought that they could get the roof top units in by putting the crane on the east side.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they had given a timeline on the demolition.  Mr. Howard stated that he had been told that they would have it cleaned out within thirty days.  Mr. Howard explained that we would be replacing the water line on West Fourth Street because the current line was not adequate to feed it.   Mr. Blankenship commented that Water Superintendent Clay had said that there was a 2 ½” line on South Jackson Street now and the new one would be 4”.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the wastewater line was okay.  Mr. Howard stated that it was fine.   

Mr. Howard stated that the parking may cause trouble for some, but it would be worth it.  Mr. Blankenship commented that the biggest problem would be the curious people coming around.  Police Chief Myers stated that they had contacted him today and they want any unauthorized people arrested if they come on the premises during construction.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it could be a dangerous place.  Mr. Howard commented that at least the project had started.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if the low grade section was one basement or two levels.  Mr. Blankenship explained that there were two levels with one being a boiler room and then to the northeast drops down.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it was in pretty good shape except for needing cleaned up.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they would have an exterior elevator.  Mr. Blankenship stated that there was a freight elevator and a person elevator now and they were planning on swapping them, but would not have a freight elevator. 

Dillon’s mailbox: 

Mr. Howard stated that Recreation Director Pinkall had been in contact with the post office and set up a meeting.  Mr. Howard explained that we were going to ask them to move the mailbox at Dillon’s, but we thought that moving another one somewhere else might divert traffic to that area.  Mr. Howard showed the Fire Station parking on power point and explained that the people on the west side of town might choose to come there if there was one and that would alleviate the traffic issues on Howard Street at lunch time and after work.  Mr. Howard stated that the Commission should probably approve this item.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to allow the Post Office to place a mailbox in the City Fire Department parking lot.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he would get with the post office and let them know what was discussed. 

OPEN AGENDA:

·        Annual Disc Golf Tournament: 

Mr. Daniel Cramer requested permission to use Lemon Park for the annual disc golf tournament on February 21^st.  Mr. Howard explained that all the pins were already there since we had done this before.  Mr. Cramer commented that they would be placing signs around and they also had pins in Sixth Street Park and two in the tennis court area.  Mr. Cramer stated that they had raised $500 for Pay It Forward through this event also and everyone enjoyed coming to Lemon Park.  Commissioner Meyer asked how many participants they had.  Mr. Cramer stated that they had one hundred last year.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the use of Lemon Park on February 21^st for the Pratt Disc Golf Tournament.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. 

·        Bread of Life Kitchen request: 

Mr. Jim Ray, Bread of Life representative, addressed the Commission concerning waiving the fee for the Municipal Building for their Sweetheart Dinner and Dance on Valentine’s Day.  Mr. Ray commented that the proceeds go towards building the Community Kitchen.  Mr. Ray stated that there was a similar agreement with the Hope Center to waive their utilities.  City Manager Howard clarified that we do not waive the utilities but give them a monthly donation of $450.  Mr. Howard asked if he was asking to waive the fees for the Municipal building and the $450 donation.  Mr. Ray stated that the Bread of Life Kitchen would be opening up across the street from the Hope Center and were asking for the same agreement as the Hope Center.  Mayor Taylor stated that the Commission would need to think about that, but they could waive the Municipal Building fee.  Commissioner Kumberg agreed that they needed to look into the $450 a little more.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they had the Municipal Building reserved.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he would check on it.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to waive the fee for the Municipal Building on February 14^th for the Sweetheart Dance for the fund raiser at the Bread of Life Kitchen.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.  The Commission asked that Mr. Ray bring in a little more information on the request for the same donation as the Hope Center. 

·        Parking issues at Blade’s Hair Studio:

Ms. Lisa Eck from Blade’s Hair Studio addressed the parking issues they were having.  Ms. Eck explained that they have some elderly clients and they would like to see some handicap parking or designated parking signs put in front of their business.  Ms. Eck stated that they would like to see at least three designated parking spaces since they have stock trailers that go to Woody’s to eat and take up as many as three stalls and that makes their clients have to walk from Main Street to their shop.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that that was a problem that all businesses have.  Mayor Taylor stated that there was not a whole lot we could do if regular vehicles park there.  Mr. Howard commented that the stock trailer issue could be handled by calling the police.  Mr. Howard added that we could look at putting in one handicap parking sign.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they had to be scheduled during the lunch hour.  Ms. Eck stated that these were elderly ladies that come in at the same time every week and they would not change.   

Commissioner Meyer asked if a thirty minute parking sign would help any.  Public Works Director Rambat stated that time limit signs would do the same as handicap signs.  Mr. Howard commented that it would stop the trailers.  Mr. Rambat commented that the parking spaces came close to the building and they might look at placing them on the side of the building.  Ms. Eck stated that they would probably be fine with that.  Mr. Howard stated that they would look at it and come up with an idea.  Ms. Eck stated that they would appreciate anything they could do.  Commissioner Meyer asked if you could give someone a ticket for occupying several stalls.  Chief Myers stated that you could and they have semi’s do it all the time on South Main Street.  Mr. Howard clarified that they could do that if they were loading or unloading. 

REPORTS: 

City Manager:

 

·        New Complex at Southern Baptist Church: 

City Manager Howard stated that they had a meeting with the Southern Baptist Church concerning their new complex.  Mr. Howard explained that the new complex was in the County and  the meeting was not about building codes, but about a sight plan and what they were going to do.  Mr. Howard added that they also discussed access to Maple Street.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned that we sold them the property but it was not in the City.  Mr. Howard stated that that property was in the City but not where the church was.  Mr. Howard clarified that the new facility would be in the County but some of the improvements were in the City, such as the parking lot and drainage onto City property. 

Mr. Howard stated that they were easy to work with and they would have about six hundred people from across the United States come in during the construction.  Mr. Howard stated that it would be a big project, but it was well organized.  Commissioner Skaggs asked about there being any curb cuts.  Mr. Howard stated that there would be on the north side of the northwest side of the property that we sold them.  Mr. Howard commented that it was a good place for a cut and their busiest traffic days would be Wednesdays and Sundays. 

·        Wal-Mart meeting: 

Mr. Howard commented that they had had a meeting with the Wal-Mart manager and it was helpful and he had some good ideas for dealing with issues during the Fincham Street project.  Mr. Howard stated that he was going to take the ideas back to their traffic department.  Mr. Howard added that they had a few months before the project starts to prepare for the road closure. 

City Attorney:

·        Executive Session:

City Attorney Van Blaricum requested an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel to last twenty minutes.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that it could be at the end of the meeting. 

·        Property Dispute: 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the property dispute from awhile back had been resolved.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it had been.  Mayor Taylor added that it was about a 7” difference and not the 4’ or 5’ that everyone thought it was and that was the Judge’s ruling.   

Building Inspections: 

·        Hampton Inn: 

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that the Hampton Inn would have a crane lifting up the elevator beam tomorrow and they would be installing windows in about three weeks.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they were trying to do as much local as they could.  Mr. Blankenship added that Pratt Glass had the window contract, Adams Electric had the electric and they were using Home Lumber.   

Recreation Department: 

·        Youth programs: 

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that the youth basketball program would start this Saturday.  Mr. Pinkall explained that they were trying to incorporate others in their activities and there would be twenty-six local teams and twenty-four from out of town that would play on Saturdays.  Mr. Pinkall added that they would be playing at the Municipal Building and at Blythe.  Mr. Pinkall explained that the schedule would have Pratt teams playing Pratt teams and out-of-town teams playing out-of-town teams, but it would not totally be that way. 

Power Plant:

·        Plant moving forward: 

Line Distribution Superintendent Huber commented that the power plant was moving forward and staying busy.  Mr. Huber stated that they were scheduled to generate and fire-up on the 27^th.  Mr. Huber added that they would be running from two to four days.  Mr. Bryan Evans stated that they would start the boiler on Friday. 

Police Department: 

·        Update on Dispatch Center: 

Police Chief Myers stated that they were told that they would be able to move into the LEC building on February 2^nd.  Chief Myers commented that they would be turning off the power at the LEC tomorrow to make new electrical connections; therefore, they would be moving to the Health Department.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if they would be getting their new furniture.  Chief Myers stated that they were coordinating the moving and the furniture for February 2^nd.   

Mayor and Commission: 

·        West 5^th Street:

 

Commissioner Kumberg questioned if someone could look at how rough West Fifth Street was getting.  Mayor Taylor asked how far out he was talking about.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that it was where you go by the Elks Lodge.  Public Works Director Rambat stated that he would take a look.  Mr. Rambat explained that roots grow out and raise those bricks up.  Mayor Taylor commented that repairs there would probably last longer.  Mr. Howard stated that they would because there was no truck traffic.

Executive Session:

 

Mayor Taylor made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel for twenty minutes.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

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

Recess meeting:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to have a recessed joint meeting with the ED Board and the Planning and Zoning Board on February 2^nd at 11:00 a.m.  Commissioner Meyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Mr. Howard commented that they would have a revised landscape ordinance to the Commission in the next couple of days and also send it to the others.  Mayor Taylor stated that we should discuss areas of mutual concern while in the joint meeting.

RECESS:

Commissioner Meyer made a motion to recess until February 2^nd at 11:00 a.m.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

___________________________

JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
  __________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk