01/04/2016-Approved City/County Jt. Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

JANUARY 04, 2016 

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

PRESENT:                  

 

Lucus Kumberg           Mayor

Bill Hlavachick            Commissioner

Jeff Taylor                   Commissioner 

Gary Skaggs                Commissioner

Doug Meyer                 Commissionet   

 

ALSO PRESENT: 

       

Dave Howard                City Manager

LuAnn Kramer              City Clerk

Ken Van Blaricum        City Attorney  

Glenna Borho                County Commissioner

Dave Ward                    County Commissioner

Sherry Kruse                 County Clerk

Bob Schmisseur            County Counselor                                                

CALL TO ORDER:

 

The recessed 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.

BUSINESS:

CITY WIDE CLEAN-UP DISCUSSION WITH JASON WINKEL, COUNTY LANDFILL SUPERVISOR: 

Mayor Kumberg stated that the City had requested ideas and suggestions on how to efficiently hold a community wide clean-up at the last joint meeting and the County Commissioners had asked County Landfill Superintendent Jason Winkel to share his thoughts.  Mr. Winkel explained to the Commissioners that the first order should be a location for dropping off items.  Mr. Winkel stated that it should be a centralized drop off and there would need to be a container for solid waste, one for tires, and one for metals.  Mr. Winkel added that there would be no container for chemicals and they should not be accepted at the drop off location.  Mr. Winkel suggested having a recycle bin sitting at that location and another employee to see that things were getting separated correctly.   

Mr. Winkel stated that the Alco parking lot would be a pretty good place and it could be done Monday through Saturday.  Mr. Winkel also suggested keeping it open until 6:00 p.m. so that working people could get their stuff there.  Commissioner Taylor agreed that it should be available after 4:00 p.m. or we would get people setting stuff all over.  Commissioner Taylor commented that we would also need some type of fencing around the area.  City Manager Howard stated that it would be difficult for people to get stuff up into the big containers.  Mr. Winkel stated that they have an opening in the rear end.  Mr. Winkel stated that the County could have a certified HHW person on sight so that there was not any hazardous waste put in the containers. 

Mr. Winkel stated that they could do an open week at the landfill, as well, so people could bring their own stuff out there.  Mr. Winkel added that they could have the HHW person out there instead of having them at the container location.  Commissioner Meyer commented that churches and City groups could help with pick-ups for people who could not haul their stuff to the landfill.  Mr. Winkel stated that some of this would be ‘on your honor’ and that could be tough.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he liked the idea of using the Also parking lot or possibly the fire department lot.  Mr. Howard stated that he had another idea, but he would discuss that with the Commission during an executive session.  Commissioner Taylor stated that we could do this once and see how it goes.   

Mr. Winkel asked if community service could help with something like this or even the boys home.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that he thought they could help.  Commissioner Borho asked if this could be associated with spring.  Mr. Howard stated that we used to do it in March.  Commissioner Taylor stated that doing it this way would take less City employees.  Mr. Howard stated that he had visited with Simpson’s and they could supply the bins at a cost and he would have to haul them to the landfill.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if people could call for a special pick-up.  Mr. Howard stated that we would not do that during the clean-up week, because we would have everybody calling.  Commissioner Borho suggested the dates of April 4^th through the 9^th.  Mr. Howard stated that he needed to sit down with Public Works Director Rambat and Mr. Winkel to figure out the logistics.

 

Commissioner Borho stated that they would need to keep track of what the tonnage of the clean-up was so that they did not pay back for something that was free at the end of the year.  Mr. Winkel stated that they would separate it off of the City’s solid waste.  Mayor Kumberg stated that we should do some advertisement for it.  Mr. Howard commented that we could put it on the City’s website.  Mayor Kumberg stated that he would talk to the Rotary and the Chamber.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that he would help with the college.  Mr. Howard asked if 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. would work okay.  Mr. Winkel stated that it could.  Mr. Howard commented that he would meet with Mr. Winkel before the end of January.  

·        City Waste Totals:

Mr. Winkel had a printout of the 2014 and 2015 waste totals for the City.  Mr. Winkel stated that the City was up twenty-five tons on solid waste, but that was not much.  Mr. Winkel also informed the Commission that compost was down twenty-eight tons and bio-solids did not start until June of 2014, so he could not compare 2015 to 2014.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if that was coming from the sewer plant.  Mr. Winkel stated that it was, but it was a lot dryer now.  Mr. Winkel explained that the total tonnage for 2015 was up by five hundred thirty-six tons from 2014 and that converts into the bio-solids in 2015.  Mr. Winkel stated that the City would be getting a refund of $17,930.77, which was calculated using the $25,416 that the City pays monthly for landfill.

Mayor Kumberg asked if the card board recycling was working.  Mr. Winkel stated that it was, but he did not know those numbers.  Mr. Winkel commented that card board intake had risen and it was $40/ton and it was now $80/ton and plastics were $523/ton, but were down to $300/ton.

·        Coordination between the entities:

Mayor Kumberg stated that we needed to coordinate between the entities.  Commissioner Borho commented that we needed to get the Chamber involved.  Commissioner Borho suggested that people have a number to call if they need help with a pick-up.  Mr. Howard stated that we needed to get a list of the people or groups that will help with pick-ups and he would have Recreation Director Pinkall coordinate all that.  Mr. Howard added that we could get that lined up a week ahead of time.  Mr. Howard commented that we would get fence to cover it.

 

DISCUSSION ON ANIMAL CONTROL: 

Mayor Kumberg informed the County Commission that the Humane Society had made a presentation at the last City meeting and it was time for their contract renewal.  Mayor Kumberg stated that they were asking for an increase in funds, but he was not sure what their relationship was with the County.  Commissioner Borho stated that the County gives them $1,000 a month.  Mayor Kumberg commented that many of the animals get picked up outside of the City.  Commissioner Borho questioned how they were getting picked up.  Mr. Howard stated that the City does not pick them up.  Commissioner Meyer commented that they were dumped animals.  Commissioner Borho stated that they would take a litter of puppies to the Humane Society if they get a call.

Commissioner Taylor stated that they were wanting more money for employees this time.  Commissioner Taylor commented that he was not anti-animal, but he was anti-City of Pratt paying for animals.  Commissioner Taylor stated that there was a picture in the paper the day after the meeting and it was with a pit bull.  Commissioner Taylor continued stating that they should have said that this dog cannot be adopted in the City of Pratt.  Commissioner Taylor stated that they keep dogs forever and would not get rid of them and some were unadoptable.  Commissioner Borho stated that they were a no kill shelter.  Commissioner Taylor commented that we were paying hotel rates to keep them there.  Mayor Kumberg stated that the City’s responsibility was over once the animal crosses their threshold.  

Mr. Howard stated that he thought it was 2009 when they asked for the last raise and they had also asked to change the contract so that they could accept pit bulls.  Commissioner Taylor stated that there were a lot of pit bulls in the City.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that we could see less now that the oilfield impact was down.  Commissioner Borho stated that drug users like pit bulls and that was not going away.  Commissioner Taylor stated that it was that breed’s instinct to be unsociable.  Commissioner Taylor added that he did not like taking taxpayer’s money and putting it out there to keep animals forever.  Mr. Howard stated that they need to show us their books.  Commissioner Ward questioned if we could put restrictions on them that they do not keep animals that are not adoptable.  Commissioner Borho stated that it was theirs once they cross the threshold, so it was not our place to say.  County Counselor Schmisseur stated that they would probably lose volunteers if it was a kill shelter.  Commissioner Ward added that they would lose donations too.   

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it was fair to ask to see their profit and loss statement and then we would know to what extent the public was paying.  Mr. Howard stated that we would need to give them some time to produce that and the board would need to be involved.  Mr. Howard added that we could operate under the old contract until resolved.  Mayor Kumberg stated that we were contracting them for a service.  Commissioner Taylor commented that we could do that with a vet.  Mr. Howard agreed that we could, but added that we would not operate or contract the same way we do with them.  Mr. Howard commented that we could not duplicate what the Humane Society does.  Mr. Howard stated that we would not hold to that seven days if we were taking them to a vet.   

Mr. Howard later received information that the City had increased the donation from $1,200 to $2,500 in 2012.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that they were coming back three years later asking for $500 more.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he had visited with Ms. Pam Howell and she was more concerned with the feral cats and court animals, but money was not the main things.  Mayor Kumberg questioned how many animal cases they have in a year.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that there may be one.  Mr. Howard commented that that was not very often.

GENERAL DISCUSSION:

·        Police Training: 

Mr. Schmisseur stated that he had the police training set up for April 14^th and Sedgwick County had stated that they would not charge to do it.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that the surrounding towns would be invited.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would provide a meal.  Mr. Schmisseur suggested that the City and County each pitch in $200 and that should cover that.  Mr. Schmisseur explained that they would also open the gun range, but they would have to supply their own ammo.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that we could think about an honorarium for those coming to do the training, such as a $50 restaurant gift certificate.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if they could take it.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that we could make the offer.  Commissioner Borho asked when we would get this information out to the other communities.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that he would get with Sheriff Chinn, but they should get it in the mail in early February.  Commissioner Borho questioned if the Wildlife officers could be invited also.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that they could be and this was essential training.

·        Audit Services:

Mr. Schmisseur asked who the City used for auditors.  Mr. Howard stated that we used Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball and they were the best auditors to work with.  Mr. Howard commented that they cost in the mid to higher $20,000, but they were very thorough.  Commissioner Borho stated that Mr. Schmisseur had negotiated with their auditors for the 2015 year.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that he had talked to several accountants about why there was no interest in municipalities and they had talked about malpractice for accounting firms and they did not have the staff to dedicate to audits.  

 

Commissioner Meyer asked if there were any services that we both use that could be bundled for a cheaper price.  Commissioner Borho stated that they would have to do some research since the heads of the departments and the elected officials operate separately.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that there was a dramatic savings on State cars, but no local dealers were involved so it was a double edged sword.  Mr. Howard stated that insurance companies do not like doing that due to different working environments and that could be good for one entity but not the others.  Commissioner Taylor asked about natural gas.  Commissioner Borho stated that they did not use that in any large amount.  Mr. Howard stated that he was not sure he could do that with our contract.

 

Commissioner Borho commented that the utility bill at the Court House should go down with the purchase of their new windows.  Commissioner Borho stated that they could not hear vehicles go by anymore in the Commission Chambers.  Mr. Howard stated that it should be noticeable.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that schools try to get together to purchase things, but he did not know if the City and County had anything in common.  

 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the Parrish Lofts were all electric.  Mr. Howard stated that the company did pay the gas.  Commissioner Taylor asked if there was only one bill going to the Parrish.  City Clerk Kramer explained that each apartment had its own electric meter, but the water and trash go to the Parrish.  Mayor Kumberg commented that the manager had told him that they were about 75% occupied.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he had read that the EMT’s were worried about getting a gurney in the elevator.  Commissioner Ward stated that they would have to use a fold up one, but if the person needed to lay down, they would have a problem.  Commissioner Ward added that Hillside Terrace had the same problem.  Mr. Van Blaricum questioned if that would not be an ADA problem.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that it was historic property and they had a different set of rules.

·        Hampton Inn / Fincham Street: 

Mayor Kumberg questioned when the Hampton Inn would be opening.  Mr. Howard stated that it was scheduled for the 29^th.  Mr. Howard commented that all the other hotels had a lot of traffic, so it would take time for their business to pick up.  

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if Fincham Street was open.  Mr. Howard stated that it would not be next week, but they needed to pour curbs and fill in.  Commissioner Skaggs asked about the Wal-Mart entrance.  Mr. Howard stated that they would be redoing the drainage there.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if they would keep that first entrance.  Mr. Howard stated that they would, but KDOT would not give them that entrance today.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they would be widening the Fincham Street.  Mr. Howard explained that the radius would be, but the street would not be widened.  Mr. Howard added that there would be temporary access west of Fincham Street.  Mr. Howard stated that there was not going to be that much change, but there would be a better base.

·        Wind farm:

Commissioner Meyer questioned the County Commissioners about how the wind farm was progressing.  Commissioner Borho stated that there was a planning board of appointed people and there would be a meeting at the 4-H building at 7:00 p.m. on January 18^th, but she was not sure whether they would make a recommendation or not.  Commissioner Skaggs asked who the chairman of the Planning Commission was.  Commissioner Borho stated that it was Mr. Kent Moore.  Mr. Howard stated that he had heard a rumor that this one was going to Kingman.  Commissioner Borho stated that she did not think so.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if the County Commission could rule positive or go opposite.  Commissioner Borho stated that they could.  Mayor Kumberg stated that wind energy was increasing by leaps and bounds.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that there were ten or more counties with wind farms.  Mr. Howard commented that they were shutting down coal plants because they could not afford to go by the Federal regulations.

·        Next meeting:

With little discussion, the next meeting was scheduled for March 7^th and they would be discussing the spring clean-up, LEC training update and the Humane Society.

·        Executive Sessions:

 

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

Mayor Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion was property seconded and passed unanimously.

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

Mayor Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion was property seconded and passed unanimously.

ADJOURN:

 

Upon proper motion and second, the meeting was adjourned. 

___________________________

LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

01/18/16-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

JANUARY 18, 2016

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 04, 2016 (Recessed Jt. Commission meeting)

     January 04, 2016 (Regular Commission meeting)  

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Consideration and Approval of Pratt Disc Golf Tournament February 20^th in Lemon Park, 6^th Street Park and Graves Park - JasonWinkel

5.2          Update on Community Wide Clean-up – Dave Howard, City Manager; Russell Rambat, Public Works Director; Jason Winkel, County Landfill Supervisor

5.3          Consideration and Approval of the PAHS Color Me Fun Run Route on Saturday, May 21^st – Pam Howell, PAHS Board of Directors

5.4          Presentation of PAHS Profit & Loss Statement – Pam Howell, PAHS Board of Directors

5.5          Consideration and Approval of the Re-appointment of Lori Jones and Tonya Mantey to the Cemetery Board (3 year terms) – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director 

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

12/21/15-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

DECEMBER 21, 2015

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:        

 

Dave Howard                City Manager

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum       City Attorney  
Diana Garten                Finance Director
Jeff Ward                      Police Detective
Russell Rambat             Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship         Building Inspector       
Jamie Huber                 Dir. of Electric Utilities
                                                                                                                                                        
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 Hlavachick made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 07, 2015 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR THE SOUTH MAIN PROJECT:

EBH Engineer Alan Luttrell informed the Commission that the South Main Street project was a KLINK project and would start at Santa Fe Road and go south to the City limits.  Mr. Luttrell commented that this was the standard agreement.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if they would look at doing concrete down there.  Mr. Luttrell stated that he would like to say so, but he did not think funding was going to be there for a while.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the contract with EBH Engineering for the South Main Street KLINK project.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 122115 DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF PRATT:

Mr. Alan Luttrell, EBH Engineering, stated that the previous resolution had a couple of clerical errors; therefore, the City needed to update their boundary resolution this year.  Mr. Luttrell pointed out that he had ‘east’ when it should have been ‘west’ on page 2 and there should have only been two exclusions on page two and ours had three.  Mr. Luttrell stated that, after the clerical corrections, he would recommend the Commission approve Resolution 122115.

 

The following Resolution 122115 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  A RESOLUTION DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 120312A. Commissioner Taylor made a motion to approve Resolution 122115 defining the boundaries of the City of Pratt.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2016 PRATT AREA HUMANE SOCIETY AGREEMENT:

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum stated that this was the standard agreement and had been for the last couple of years; however, the Humane Society had some suggestions this year.  Ms. Heather Nelson, 2016 PAHS Board Member, presented the Commission with a power point presentation that gave them some useful information about the Humane Society and its operations.  Ms. Nelson stated that they had taken in 388 cats and dogs in 2015 and they had a 90% live release rate.  Ms. Nelson commented that it would have cost the City approximately $44,620 to board those animals at a local veterinary clinic, which would have required a weekend City employee be available.  Ms. Nelson explained that their current payroll year-to-date was $18,418.62 for four employees and they did not receive any retirement benefit.  Ms. Nelson further broke that down for one employee at $15 per hour with no benefits at $580 a week or $30,160 per year.  Ms. Nelson stated that they currently receive $2,500 per month from the City and they were requesting $500 additional per month for 2016 to go towards payroll.  

Ms. Nelson stated that they do not accept feral cats since they were not adoptable and they were asking that any animals held for a criminal case be paid in advance.  Ms. Nelson commented that they were a State certified animal shelter that provides for the City and County.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned holding an animal for 72 hours and then spay or neutering it and asked if they did that if it was someone’s house pet.  Ms. Nelson stated that they have 72 hours to claim the animal.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they still do that if the animal was a registered breed with no liability issues.  Ms. Nelson stated that they look for microchips and the most important thing was to return the animal to its home.  Ms. April Hemphill, PAHS Manager, stated that, if the owner calls, they would hold the animal until they came and paid the boarding fee.  Ms. Hemphill clarified that they only spay or neuter animals that become theirs.  Ms. Hemphill added that they were regulated by the State to spay or neuter an animal.  Commissioner Meyer asked how often they have an animal involved in a criminal case.  Ms. Hemphill stated that they had two animal cruelty cases last year.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if pit bulls come to the Humane Society.  Ms. Hemphill stated that they go to Skaggs Veterinary Clinic.

Ms. Nelson continued informing the Commission who was on the 2016 PAHS Board of Directors.  Ms. Nelson stated that the board wants more accountability for spending and reporting with a monthly productive meeting and planning session.  Ms. Nelson added that they would continue the membership recruitment and volunteer programs and the SNAP program for low income families.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned why we were the only community our size that provides these services.  Ms. Nelson stated that Great Bend does not provide all the services we do and we were the only town of 6,000 to 7,000 that has a shelter this size.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if we should be taking in animals from Barber or Kingman Counties.  Ms. Hemphill stated that they had not taken in any animals from another County since Greensburg, but that was on a case by case basis.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that that was commendable, but questioned why we were the only community with a shelter our size.  Ms. Nelson stated that Medicine Lodge has an outdoor shelter.  

City Manager Howard stated that the Humane Society provides a service for us.  Mr. Howard added that, once an animal crosses their threshold, we give up our responsibility to it.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this kind of contract was good for us and that PAHS works as an independent contractor.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that it was not the City’s problem if they do something wrong.  Mr. Howard commented that the PAHS director had more authority than the City in animal abuse cases.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if they get anything from the County.  Ms. Hemphill stated that they receive $1,000 a month.  Mr. Howard added that the County’s philosophy was that animals picked up in the County came from someone in the City.  Commissioner Meyer stated that that would be a good topic for the next joint meeting.  

Mr. Howard stated that there was about $2,000 of other expenses that goes with animal control, such as euthanizing at a vet clinic.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned using $500 of the utility allowance to cover the donation increase.  Mr. Howard stated that we were not giving them money as a donation because they were doing a service to us.  Ms. Nelson stated that they could not afford to pay their employees forty hours a week, but there were three employees that work a total of fifty hours a week.  

 

Mayor Kumberg commented that this contract needed to have the feral cat section amended and add in for court costs.  Mr. Van Blaricum questioned who makes the upfront payments.  Ms. Nelson stated that the ones waiting on court cases were not adoptable until the case was over.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the City would make the payment even though the animal belongs to the criminal defendant.  Mr. Howard commented that the City does usually pay.  Ms. Hemphill stated that it cost $10 a day.  Mayor Kumberg questioned what other shelters do.  Ms. Nelson stated that they get sent to a vet clinic for boarding.  Mr. Howard questioned why they needed $500 additional for court case animals, because care was not that much more labor.  Mr. Van Blaricum suggested giving them the additional $500 per month and not worry about the $10 a day.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that they were going to use the increase for wages.  Mr. Howard stated that that was not going to add anything to expenses.

Mayor Kumberg questioned if we could operate without a contract since the current one expires at the end of the month.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they could by consensus.  Commissioner Taylor stated that we could take it up at the next meeting.  Mayor Kumberg stated that PAHS would operate under the current contract with the change in feral cats until further discussion with the County.  Mayor Kumberg thanked Ms. Nelson and Ms. Hemphill for the information.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1502 CONCERNING DISPOSITION OF ABANDONED PERSONAL PROPERTY:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was an ordinance that he had discussed with Police Chief Myers and the only thing new was Section I.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the police department had come across a lot of bikes that they did not know what to do with and this would give them a way to dispose of them.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that they could be turned over to a charitable organization to fix up and donate.  Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he was president of the Optimist Club and they do two give away’s a year.  Mr. Blankenship added that they gave away eighty-five bikes a month ago.  Mr. Blankenship explained that they collect bikes and take them to the Ellsworth prison for them to be refurbished.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were not making money but giving them to local kids and that was rewarding.  Commissioner Taylor stated that that was a nice thing to do.

The following Ordinance 1502 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING DISPOSITION OF ABANDONED PERSONAL PROPERTY; AMENDING SECTION 2.80.030 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve Ordinance 1502 concerning disposition of abandoned property.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1503 – CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this ordinance reflects minor changes for what we have in place.  Finance Director Garten added that it reflects the 3% increase budgeted for 2016 and excludes the Mayor and Commissioners from that 3%. 

The following Ordinance 1503 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1414; CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Taylor made a motion to approve Ordinance 1503 amending Ordinance 1414, classification and compensation of hourly employees and salaries of elected and appointed officers and employees of the City of Pratt.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF CHARTER ORDINANCE 20 EXEMPTING THE CITY FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K.S.A. 14-104 RELATING TO ELECTION, TERMS OF OFFICE, TRANSITION TO NOVEMBER ELECTIONS, FILLING VACANCIES AND NOMINATION PETITIONS:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that it was mandatory that we do this charter ordinance to change the election cycle.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that we were no longer in a cycle of April elections, but moving to a municipal election to be held in November of odd years; however, the City had staggered terms and has an election every year.  Mr. Van Blaricum reviewed the charter ordinance with the Mayor and Commission and informed them that the two Commissioners whose terms would be up in April 2016 would now expire in January 2017.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the charter ordinance takes effect sixty-one days after the final publication.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that the first publication should be this week, then again next week.  

Mayor Kumberg stated that a majority of municipalities had done this already, so we were not departing from the status quo and this did not change term limits.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the other way to go could be to have a special election in April and the remaining Commissioners could appoint replacements from April to January.  Mayor Kumberg stated that this was the recommendation of the League, so we were in a good place.  

The following Charter Ordinance 20 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  A CHARTER ORDINANCE EXEMPTING THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, FROM THE PROVISIONS OF KSA 14-1204, RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF COMMISSIONERS, THEIR TERMS OF OFFICE, TRANSITION TO NOVEMBER ELECTIONS, THE FILLING OF GOVERNING BODY VACANCIES, AND NOMINATION PETITIONS.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Charter Ordinance 20 relating to election of Commissioners, their terms of office, transition to November elections, the filing of Governing Body vacancies and nomination petitions.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COLLECTION SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR UTILITY ACCOUNTS:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was a pretty standard service agreement.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that it looks like they charge a lot, but they have to make money and their percentage was standard.  Mr. Howard stated that it was money that we probably would not collect anyway.  Mr. Howard stated that City Clerk Kramer had been wanting to do this for the last five years, but the opportunity to find the right agency had presented itself recently.  Mr. Howard added that putting it on the agenda brought it to the Commission’s attention and this was the right direction to go.  After little more discussion, Mr. Howard suggested that we change the agreement so that they could not initiate litigation without our approval.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he could do that and he would get in contact with the company before making any changes, but he should have it on the next agenda.

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

 

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·        Parrish Loft ribbon cutting:

City Manager Howard reminded the Commission of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Parrish Lofts tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

·        Library remodel:

Mr. Howard stated that he had visited with Ms. Rochelle Westerhaus about the library remodeling that would start January 4^th.  Mr. Howard explained that this was a three phase project that would go over next year.  Mr. Howard added that Ms. Westerhaus would come in and give the Commissioners updates.

·        Executive Session:

Mr. Howard requested an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel to last thirty minutes.  Mr. Howard added that this could be done at the end of the meeting.

Public Works:

·        North Main open:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that Christmas had come early since they got to open North Main Street and it was worth the wait.  Mr. Howard commended Mr. Rambat, Recreation Director Pinkall and the other City employees on an outstanding job communicating with the different businesses and residents during the project.  Mr. Luttrell agreed 100% with the great work from City staff.

City Attorney:

·        322 W. Blaine:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that he had filed a nuisance order against the owner of 322 West Blaine Street and they did show up for court and an attorney was appointed to them.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that their attorney contacted him to let him know that the property had been foreclosed on and had gone to a Sheriff’s sell.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that a mortgage company had bought it and it was with a bank in New York.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it gets stranger as the people living there were squatters.  After little more discussion, Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he would keep the Commission updated.

Electric Department:

 

·        Bucket Truck accident:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we knew anything about the repairs on the bucket truck.  Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that it was not good and the repairs were a little over what the truck was worth.  Mr. Huber commented that he would try to have something on the next agenda.

Mayor and Commission:

 

·        Merry Christmas:

Mayor Kumberg wished everyone a Merry Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.  Mayor Kumberg stated that a lot of fantastic things had happened during his tenure as Mayor and the hard work of the staff makes the Commissioners’ job easier.  Commissioner Taylor echoed the holiday wishes. 

·        Streetscape final: 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the streetscape was final.  Mr. Howard stated that there were some minor issues being worked out.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that the trees had lower limbs and that was part of the previous problem.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they were going to be groomed up.  Mr. Howard stated that he did not know, but there would be meetings taking place with the contractor and sub-contractors.  Mayor Kumberg stated that Manhattan had the exact same trees and they cut them off and it looked real nice.  Mr. Howard stated that we could do that on our own at some point.

·        Great year:

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he wanted to give a shout out to the City staff for another great year.

·        Banner day for Pratt:

Commissioner Meyer echoed the holiday wishes and stated that tomorrow was a banner day with the dedication of the Parrish Lofts.  Commissioner Meyer thanked Mr. Howard and Mr. Blankenship for making that happen.  Commissioner Meyer added that we took an albatross and made it into a golden jewel.

·        Executive session:

 

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

Mayor Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion was properly seconded and carried unanimously.

RECESS:

A motion was made to recess until Monday, January 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. for the joint City/County meeting.  The motion was seconded properly and carried unanimously.

 

_______________________________________
LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk