03/19/2018-Approved City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

MONDAY 

MARCH 19 2018 

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

PRESENT:  

 

Doug Meyer  Mayor
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner
Gary Schmidt  Commissioner

 

ALSO PRESENT: 

 

Roy Eckert  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Regina Goff  City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Gary Myers  Chief of Police
Russell Rambat  Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Bruce Pinkall  Recreation Director 

                                

CALL TO ORDER:

The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Meyer.  The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Peters and Commissioner Leslie. 

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

 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

Commissioner Schmidt led the staff and audience in the invocation and Mayor Meyer led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

CONSENT AGENDA: 

·        Minutes:        February 20, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting

February 26, 2018 Special Call Commission Meeting 

The Consent Agenda was tabled until the next regular meeting due to lack of a quorum for an approval vote. 

BUSINESS: 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ZONING CHANGE FOR THE PROPERTY OWNED BY ROGER SEWELL: 

Building Inspector Blankenship informed the Commission that the Planning and Zoning Board met last Thursday concerning the rezoning of property owned by Mr. Roger Sewell.  Mr. Blankenship explained that the property was currently zoned agriculture; however, it needed to be changed to office and institutional so that Americare could put their facility on it.  Mr. Blankenship commented that office and institutional meets eleven of the twenty uses in nursing care and/or retirement centers.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they did not like to spot zone; therefore, office and institutional works in that area since the College land is also office and institutional.  Mr. Blankenship stated that agent Rich Sanders represented Mr. Sewell and an Americare representative had a brief discussion with the Zoning Board on their plan.  Mr. Blankenship stated that the five board members present unanimously voted in favor of the change in zoning.   

Mayor Meyer questioned if there was any opposition.  Mr. Blankenship stated that there were only four property owners and they were Mr. Sewell, Mr. Farmer who came to the meeting for information only, the college, who wanted to know about this change, and one that had not contacted the City.  With no more discussion, Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the zoning change for the Sewell property from agriculture to office and institutional.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 031918 REQUESTING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PRATT COUNTY TO MAKE CERTAIN FINDINGS REGARDING THE ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY: 

City Attorney Goff stated that this resolution pertains to the property owned by Mr. Sewell.  Ms. Goff commented that, pending the sale of the property to the nursing home, they wanted it to be in the City limits.  Ms. Goff explained that the annexation would not prevent growth and this resolution requested that the County Commissioners approve the annexation by two-thirds vote.  Ms. Goff added that Mr. Sewell had previously signed a petition for annexation. 

With no discussion, the following Resolution 031918 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PRATT COUNTY, KANSAS TO MAKE CERTAIN FINDINGS REGARDING THE ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY.  Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to approve Resolution 031918 requesting the Pratt County Commissioners to make certain findings regarding the annexation of property.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID TO PURCHASE A 500 KVA PAD MOUNT TRANSFORMER FOR MCDONALD’S:

City Manager Eckert explained to the Commission that Director of Electric Utilities Huber had gone out for bids for a transformer for the new McDonald’s.  Mr. Eckert commented that two bids were returned and Stanion Wholesale Electric bid $10,992.66 and Kriz Davis bid $10,998.10.  Mr. Eckert stated that this was the closest bid he had ever witnessed; however, Mr. Huber recommended that the Commission approve the bid from Stanion Wholesale Electric in the amount of $10,992.66.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the bid for the 500 KVA pad mount transformer for McDonald’s from Stanion Wholesale Electric in the amount of $10,992.66.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID TO PURCHASE TWO POLICE PATROL VEHICLES: 

Police Chief Myers informed the Commission that he had gone out for bids for two police vehicles.  Chief Myers commented that the Ford and Chevy vehicles both met the needs of the police department.  Chief Myers stated that Lanterman Motors bid $61,678 for two 2018 Ford Explorer Utility Police Interceptor All Wheel Drive vehicles and Doug Reh Chevrolet bid $73,299 for two 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit 4WD 1500 vehicles.  Chief Myers added that both bids include a Chevy Impala trade-in.  

Chief Myers recommended the bid from Lanterman Motors in the amount of $61,678 for two 2018 Ford Explorers.  Chief Myers commented that this was budgeted funds.  Commissioner Schmidt asked if that included insurance also.  Chief Myers stated that it did; however, it did not include the cost of equipment for inside the vehicle.  With little more discussion, Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to approve the purchase of two 2018 Ford Explorers from Lanterman Motors in the amount of $61,678.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. 

OPEN AGENDA:

No one wished to address the Commission. 

REPORTS: 

City Manager: 

·        KMEA Meeting: 

City Manager Eckert informed the Commission that he would be attending the KMEA meeting in Hoisington on Thursday with Director of Electric Utilities Huber. 

·        Carbon tet: 

Mr. Eckert stated that he had called the State concerning where we were on the carbon tet issue.  Mr. Eckert commented that we were ready to get on with the negotiations and waiting on the deadline at the end of the month.  Mr. Eckert explained that the City had been given the airport in 1947 and carbon tet was used to clean; therefore, they started seeing details of it in the water.  Mr. Eckert stated that we were hoping the military would come to the table, which was what Salina had done.  Commissioner Schmidt questioned if the carbon tet was moving.  Public Works Director Rambat stated that they were doing research now, but they did not think that it was expanding at a huge rate.  Mr. Rambat added that there was no reason to think we were in trouble.   

Public Works:

·        Champa Street: 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that we were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on Champa Street. 

·        Clean-up week: 

Mr. Rambat stated that clean-up week was going to be May 7^th to the 12^th.  Mr. Rambat commented that he was working with Mr. Jason Winkel at the County landfill and this project was successful last year, so things would work the same this year.

Building Inspections: 

·        McDonald’s: 

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he had been in contact with McDonald’s and they were anxious to get started.

Police Department: 

·        February stats:

Chief Myers presented the February stats to the Commission and they are attached.

Finance Department: 

·        Audit: 

Finance Director Garten stated that the auditors would be here the first week in April and the departments would get the worksheet soon. 

·        Travel Board: 

Ms. Garten stated that the Travel and Tourism Board would be scheduling a work session to look at the ordinance establishing Tourism. 

·        Chamber: 

Ms. Garten stated that the Chamber had updated their bylaws.  Ms. Garten stated that there were new board members and they were getting everybody up to speed. 

Mayor and Commission: 

·        Paula Downs: 

Mayor Meyer stated that Ms. Paula Downs from WSU would be here again to talk to the new Commissioners and do a review for everyone else.  Mayor Meyer commented that it would be a two hour work session with lunch being served.  City Manager Eckert stated that we needed to do this sooner than later.  Mayor Meyer asked that the Commissioners look at April 23^rd from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

·        Compost: 

Commissioner Kumberg questioned when the City would begin picking up compost.  City Clerk Kramer stated that it was the first week in April.   

·        Executive Session: 

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

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

·        Sale of Property at Sandy Creek: 

Mayor Meyer stated that the Commission and staff needed to talk about the sale of the lots at Sandy Creek.  Mayor Meyer commented that the City would be willing to reduce the price for them and hopefully stimulate construction.  Mayor Meyer added that we should do a memo to the realtors that we were trying to sell and the City Manager would be able to negotiate prices. Mayor Meyer asked that City Attorney Goff help with that motion’s wording.  Ms. Goff stated that the motion should state that the Commission allow the City Manager the authority to negotiate sale prices on City lots at Sandy Creek based on specific features of each lot with a minimum sale price.  Mayor Meyer asked what that minimum sale price would be and added that everyone would want a lot.  Ms. Goff stated that we could put a condition on that price that they had to begin residential construction within a year.  Commissioner Schmidt stated that he would not list any price.  Commissioner Schmidt added that the market would change and we did not want to go through this process every time it did.  

Commissioner Schmidt commented that it was a consensus that the Commissioners wanted to do something to stimulate construction at Sandy Creek.  City Manager Eckert stated that past Commissioners made references to the former City Manager and the management of prices; therefore, now we could also negotiate those prices how we see fit at this time.  Ms. Goff asked if there were going to be guidelines or parameters on the price.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that we could look at what it appraises for or the market value.  Mayor Meyer agreed and stated that that would not show preferential treatment.  Ms. Goff agreed.  Commissioner Schmidt stated that it could happen like Rolling Hills, in that, as the lots were less available, they became more pricey; however, we did not want to limit ourselves on how low or high we sell for.  Ms. Goff stated that this could be revisited again in six months and parameters could be changed since they were not in an ordinance or a resolution.  Mr. Eckert stated that there were a few people who want to make issues with this.  Mayor Meyer stated that times change.   Ms. Goff commented that this could be a good springboard and we could look at appraisal value, lot features and/or changes with the market.  Commissioner Kumberg reminded the Commissioners that the City had spent a lot of money on resources.  Mayor Meyer commented that there was no down side to this.  Mayor Meyer questioned, if Mr. Eckert negotiated the price of lots, it could still come before the Commission to approve the sale in open session.  Ms. Goff stated that the sale of public property had to be in open session and not in executive session.  Ms. Goff clarified that the City Manager could negotiate; however, the Commission could sell.  

With a little more discussion about the correct wording on the motion, Commissioner Schmidt was confident in making a motion to give the City Manager the ability to negotiate the sale price on the Sandy Creek Addition for the lots that were already developed, with the condition that construction would be commenced within twelve (12) months and that all sales of City property had to be approved by the City Commission.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. 

____________________________________

DOUG MEYER, Mayor
 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

 

03/05/2018-Approved City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

MARCH 05, 2018

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

 

PRESENT: 

Doug Meyer  Mayor
Gary Schmidt  Commissioner
Jason Leslie  Commissioner
.
ALSO PRESENT:

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

                                                                                                                                                         

CALL TO ORDER:

The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Meyer.  The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Peters and Commissioner Kumberg.

 

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

Commissioner Schmidt led the staff and audience in the invocation and Mayor Meyer led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

CONSENT AGENDA: 

·        Minutes:          February 20, 2018 Regular Commission meeting

February 26, 2018 Special Call Commission meeting

 

Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to approve the consent agenda.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A 5K RACE FOR HOPE: 

Ms. Desiree Miller and Ms. Jo Walker asked for the approval of a 5K Race for Hope that would be held on Saturday, May 5^th.  Ms. Miller stated that there were two options for the route that would be taken and she added that option 1 was favored since there would be less traffic.  Ms. Miller commented that option 2 was a straight shot; however, either route option would end at the high school track.  Ms. Walker stated that they would have volunteers at the intersections.  Public Works Director Rambat commented that he would get them some cones also.  Ms. Walker also asked if it would be okay to use a golf cart to follow the last person.  Police Detective Ward stated that he did not see a problem with that or using either route.  Mr. Rambat added that they should use water based locate paint if they were thinking of marking the route.  With no more discussion, Commissioner Leslie made a motion to approve option 1 for the 5K Walk for Hope on May 5^th.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

PRESENTATION ON THE ECONOMIC IMPACT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT FOR 2016/2017: 

Vice-President of Finance and Operations Kent Adams addressed the Commission concerning the contribution of the college to Pratt County in 2016 and 2017.  Mr. Adams stated that they served about 1,600 students and they accumulate approximately 27,000 credit hours.  Mr. Adams commented that they partner with five colleges to work with online degrees and had also received $1.9 million in State and Federal grants through the college.  Mr. Adams pointed out that they had 8,454 hours of volunteer services through the Beaver’s in Action program.  Mr. Adams stated that there was an annual payroll of $5.6 million and also explained that purchases were in excess of $2.5 million, with 34% of those from local vendors.  Mr. Adams commented that they had changed their bid policy about six months ago to allow a local vendor to be within 7% of the lowest bid and still be awarded the bid.  Mr. Adams estimated that $1.3 million was spent locally by students and visitor purchases.  Mr. Adams stated that, for every dollar spent by a student, the return on investment was about $7.20; however, that did not include scholarship funds.  Mr. Adams added that the return on investment of a $1 was about $3.18 for the State and about $5.98 for the County.   

Mr. Adams stated that the college had been recognized for their impact and this was not something that they had to apply for.  Mr. Adams added that Smart Assets and the Aspen Institute ranked PCC as one of the top 150 community colleges.  Mr. Adams commented that a student graduating in 2014 with an Associate Degree could earn a salary of $45,000 in 2015.  Mr. Adams stated that the college offers programs such as nursing and automotive.  Mayor Meyer stated that he looked forward to the annual report and that Pratt was fortunate to have PCC.  Mayor Meyer asked where they were on the soccer field.  Mr. Adams stated that the track and field area would cost about $3.5 million and they were making some headway.  Mr. Adams commented that they were looking at lease/purchase financing and the bond council was hoping that the City would be willing to do a $1 lease on the land while they were paying off the bond issue. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID TO FINANCE THE 2018 F-550 AERIAL TRUCK:

 

Finance Director Garten stated that this was similar to the bid done at the last meeting for the sanitation truck.  Ms. Garten commented that she had gotten bids back from all three banks and they were all close and good bids.  Ms. Garten added that we currently had two loans with First National and one with Peoples Bank.  With no further discussion, Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to accept the bid from First State Bank for five annual payments of $32,486.68.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID TO RESTORE THE SLIDE AT THE POOL: 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that these types of vendors were hard to come by and he had only received two initial bids.  Mr. Rambat explained that the bid had been awarded to The Slide Experts for $8,350, which was below the $10,000 threshold approval of the City Manager.  Mr. Rambat commented that they had since declined the project; therefore, the only other bid was from Safe Slide Restoration in the amount of $14,800.  Mr. Rambat stated that they had guaranteed to be done before opening day.  Mayor Meyer asked if they would come here to do this.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would and it would take about a week. 

Mr. Rambat explained that they would strip the interior and reapply a gel coat.  Mr. Rambat added that they would go with white on the interior which would make it more resistant to UV rays.  Mr. Rambat explained that the off season takes a toll on the slide and the pool.  Mr. Rambat stated that the slide had no leaking seams; however, we needed to do what we had to do for the next five to ten years.  Commissioner Schmidt asked how much slides were new.  Mr. Rambat stated that they could cost as much as $80,000 to $100,000 and we had purchased this one for around $18,000 used from Wellington.  Commissioner Leslie made a motion to approve the restoration of the slide from Safe Slide for $14,800.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE BID TO DRAIN, CLEAN AND TOUCH-UP THE CITY WATER TOWERS: 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that he had gone out for bids on the elevated water storage towers.  Mr. Rambat commented that they would have to be taken out of service; therefore, Water Superintendent Clay had visited with the low bidder about working on the scheduling and wanting to avoid complications during the peak summer usage.  Mr. Rambat explained that we could take one tower offline and go on without doing anything special since we had the two towers.  Mr. Rambat stated that they had sent out four requests for proposals and Utility Services did not respond, Tank Spec did not meet the specs, Central Tank Coating bid $39,000 and Maguire Iron bid $24,906.50.  Mr. Rambat stated that he had done some back ground checks on Maguire Iron and there were no negative comments.  

Mr. Rambat commented that there was money put back for this maintenance project.  Mr. Rambat added that KDHE and AWWA recommend that you do maintenance every six to seven years.  Mr. Rambat stated that his recommendation would be for Maguire Iron to do the water tower maintenance for $24,906.50.  Commissioner Schmidt asked if they would do one after the other.  Mr. Rambat stated that they might, but it would depend on their schedule.  Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to approve the bid from Maguire Iron for $24,906.50 to do both water towers.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously. 

CONTINUED DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF ORD. 1802 AMENDING ORIGINAL ANIMAL ORDINANCE: 

Mayor Meyer stated that this item would be tabled due to two Commissioners being absent. 

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS: 

City Manager:

                       

·        Water Board Meeting:

City Manager Eckert stated that the State Water Board meeting would be at the fire station on Monday, March 12^th.  Mr. Eckert commented that they would be talking about water issues in our region.  Mr. Eckert added that they meet quarterly and this would be the first time they had met in Pratt. 

·        State wide tornado drill:

Mr. Eckert stated that the State wide tornado drill would be tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. 

·        Solar Farm: 

Mr. Eckert stated that things with the solar farm were continuing. 

Inspection Department: 

·        McDonald’s:  

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he had okayed the plans for McDonald’s.  Mr. Blankenship added that they were anxious to get started. 

·        Wal-Mart: 

Mr. Blankenship stated that Wal-Mart was about done with their remodel.  Mr. Blankenship explained that they would be taking call in orders and then bring you your groceries that were already paid for.   

·        Dentist: 

Mr. Blankenship stated that the dentist office was getting ready for insulation along with the electrical and plumbing.

 

Mayor and Commission: 

·        County burn ban:

 

Mayor Meyer stated that the County had implemented a County wide burn ban.

 

·        Solar Farm: 

Mayor Meyer commented that the solar farm was in negotiations and we were moving forward. 

ADJOURN: 

Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously.

 

________________________________

DOUG MEYER, Mayor

            

ATTEST:                  

 ________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

03/05/2018-Approved City/County Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY 

MARCH 05, 2018 

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

PRESENT: 

Doug Meyer  Mayor
Gary Schmidt  Commissione
Don Peters  Commissioner
Jason Leslie  Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT: 

Roy Eckert  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Regina Goff  City Attorney
Glenna Borho  County Commissioner
Joe Reynolds  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 Meyer.  The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Kumberg. 

BUSINESS: 

DISCUSSION ON CLEAN-UP WEEK:

County Landfill Supervisor Jason Winkel stated that clean-up week would work the same way as it did last year.  Mr. Winkel suggested the dates of May 7^th to the 12^th.  Mr. Winkel commented that he would get Simpson to bring out the big dumpsters again.  Mayor Meyer asked if there was a place to put them.  Mr. Winkel explained that he had made a pad on the east side of the landfill.  Mr. Winkel stated that he would get with Public Works Director Rambat to get a map that would go out in the utility bills.  Commissioner Borho questioned if there were civic groups that helped out last year.  City Clerk Kramer stated that Mr. Rambat and Recreation Director Pinkall were working on that.  Mayor Meyer stated that this project was cleaning up the town a little bit at a time.   

THEATRE UPDATE: 

Commissioner Borho updated the Commissioners on the progress of the new theatre.  Commissioner Borho stated that they were waiting for the final numbers and they had stretched the building east and west to allow for extra setting to be added to each theatre room.  Commissioner Borho commented that she had met with KDOT Secretary Richard Carlson and they had discussed Cooper Street.  Mayor Meyer asked if there was a timeline. Commissioner Borho stated that the board would like the money first.  Commissioner Peters asked if they had a final price tag.  Commissioner Borho stated that they were still waiting on that. 

DISCUSSION WITH FIRST RESPONDERS CONCERNING THE ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE AT THE COLLEGE: 

Emergency Preparedness Manager Tim Branscom informed the Commission that the active shooter drill was six to seven months in the making and the final action report would be done by Friday.  Mr.  Branscom explained the scenario used for the exercise at the college.  Mr. Branscom stated that there were 250 participants that included police, dispatch, fire, Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Office and PCC participants.  Mr. Branscom commented that they had to readjust their drill due to a college facility member taking out the active shooter.  Mr. Branscom added that they needed to do better on their briefings.  Police Detective Ward stated that the dispatchers could not differentiate calls dealing with the drill and live calls.  Mr. Branscom added that the dispatchers knew what they were supposed to do.  Detective Ward commented that he wanted to test their new 911 text system.  Commissioner Peters questioned if they could tell where the call was coming from.  Detective Ward stated that they could not.  Mr. Branscom commented that they had a record number of calls in that time frame.  Commissioner Borho asked if there were police officers that could come in and help.  Detective Ward stated that there were if they were not needed at the scene.  Mr. Branscom stated that the LEC got dinged pretty bad; however the participation between agencies was outstanding.  Commissioner Peters questioned if the victims went to the hospital.  Mr. Branscom stated that they went through their procedures.   

Mr. Branscom stated that there were areas for improvement, such as the communication problems.  Mr. Branscom explained that the City police department was digital and others were analog which they knew was going to be an issue.  Sheriff White stated that people scattering, as in Florida, would be normal.  Sheriff White commented that younger people staring death in the eye would not know what to do.  Detective Ward suggested that they devote more time to this if they do it again.  Mr. Branscom stated that some of the first responders commented that the drill helped when dealing with the fire on the 25^th of January.  Commissioner Peters asked if they had scheduled meetings to continue to address these weaknesses.  Mr. Branscom stated that they would have quarterly meetings after the action report was complete.  Commissioner Peters questioned how much money it cost to have this drill.  Detective Ward stated that it cost overtime for two officers. 

DISCUSSION WITH THE PRATT PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP:

Ms. Andi Dean explained that the Pratt Prevention Partnership was a group whose mission was to prevent alcohol and drug abuse.  Ms. Dean commented that the ‘Young Lungs at Play’ was a movement that would keep the playgrounds and play areas smoke free.  Ms. Dean stated that there was a sample ordinance that would be sent to KDHE that would make the playgrounds in Pratt smoke free.  Ms. Dean stated that the signs were at no cost and it was a self-enforcing; however, this was a health issue.  Ms. Dean explained that second hand smoke did affect others. 

Detective Ward stated that it was easy to establish a playground area at Lemon Park, but Zerger Park and the ball diamonds would be harder to do.  Ms. Dean stated that there were people that smoke near the playground at the Sports Complex even though there was a non-smoking sign when you enter the complex.  Ms. Dean added that they would also like to have this ordinance include the playground at the lake.  Commissioner Reynolds questioned if this included chew.  Ms. Dean stated that it was in the ordinance.  Commissioner Meyer asked if this would allow us opportunities to get grants.  Ms. Dean commented that it shows that we have accomplished things.  After little more discussion, Ms. Dean stated that March 21^st would be Kick Butts Day and they would be picking up cigarette butts around town.

DISCUSSION WITH BOB WETMORE OF GREAT PLAINS DEVELOPMENT AND HEATHER MORGAN: 

Executive Director from Great Plains Development Bob Wetmore stated that he was here with Mr. Paul Olsen who also works for Great Plains and was a board member.  Commissioner Reynolds stated that he was also on that board.  Mr. Wetmore pointed out that they manage forty-seven loan funds and help with CDBG’s at the County level.  Mr. Wetmore added that the County had matching funds and that there were four Great Plains fund loans in Pratt County.  Mr. Wetmore stated that they get leads from banks, chambers and economic development.  Mr. Wetmore added that they work directly with the banks; however, the banks come first.  Mr. Wetmore explained that the funds were not to replace banks, but it helps the bank make a loan.  Mr. Wetmore stated that they have a lot of hotel and motel loans. 

Mr. Wetmore explained that they write community improvement grants for the State of Kansas and fund purchases such as water towers, sewer systems, and streets.  Mr. Wetmore stated that they had been working with Preston on a water tower and water lines; however, they had turned the grant back to the State due to lack of matching funds.  Mr. Wetmore commented that it was hard to make the funds needed if you were a small community.  Mr. Wetmore stated that they currently had a micro loan with Rolla Rena Skate Center and that Pratt County was a great County to work with.   

Ms. Heather Morgan updated the Commission on legislative issues such as the Airport Authority.  Ms. Morgan commented that she had asked to be put on their consent agenda for that issue.  Ms. Morgan stated that Salina and Pratt were the only two that had an Airport Authority Board.  Ms. Morgan stated that there was also a companion bill dealing with the tax lid and the four mills to the airport not being able to be transferred.  Ms. Morgan stated that the second bill to transfer authority funds was killed.    Ms. Morgan explained that there was a second bill being heard tomorrow morning that would allow any taxing entity to do a transfer.  Ms. Morgan commented that the Kansas Chamber and Realtors would come together on the consent agenda and no one would touch it.  Ms. Morgan stated that there was another bill concerning the theatre not being tax exempt.  Ms. Morgan explained that they were not automatically exempt because they were building; however, no sales tax on building materials would be a savings to the theatre of about $250,000.   Ms. Morgan commented that the Economic Development Group had updated their bylaws at their last meeting and the membership was adjusted to include the City Manager and Chamber Director.  Ms. Morgan stated that she had made the recommendation that the City not pay people up front. 

Ms. Morgan stated that there were two sight projects and we had very few buildings that qualify for the requests.  Ms. Morgan pointed out that the old Alco building was not zoned industrial and changing that would be more attractive.  Ms. Morgan commented that Pratt did not have anything sight ready.  Commissioner Borho asked if they were looking for 15,000 to 20,000 square foot buildings.  Ms. Morgan stated that they look for around a 17 X 25 square foot building.  Ms. Morgan commented that she would work with the realtors on their listings, because those were sights that Economic Development looks at.  Ms. Morgan commented that there was a bill to allow the development of a hemp facility and there was a medical market for it.  Ms. Morgan stated that it was an interesting thing, but it needs to be taken more seriously.  Ms. Morgan stated that all the commercial sights needed to be updated with the availability of property even though there were no buildings that exist. 

Ms. Morgan questioned if there had been a joint meeting between the City and the Airport Authority.  Mayor Meyer stated that there had not been.  Ms. Morgan stated that it needed to be done sooner than later, because there were federal grants that they needed to think about.  Ms. Morgan stated that the City had given the Airport Authority an additional mill to help with matching funds for federal grants.  Ms. Morgan commented that there were other funding opportunities through Wildlife and Parks that help develop local things to be better.  City Manager Eckert stated that the State had come back to the City concerning the water lines to the airport and the line out to Wildlife and Parks. 

Ms. Morgan discussed an arts grant and the twenty banners for Main Street and the pull that would have to bring people downtown.  Mayor Meyer asked where they would be stored.  Ms. Morgan stated that she was not exactly sure, but this grant would open up the Rural Development Grant that did not have to have matching funds.  Ms. Morgan stated that she would need to have two weeks to get letters of support and it would take her a week to write the grant.  Ms. Morgan added that she would have a meeting with the realtors on March 13^th and Travel and Tourism on March 14^th to update policies and procedures. 

 Ms. Morgan asked for an update on the City’s annexations.  City Attorney Goff stated that the intention was to have the information at the second meeting this month; however, we did not know how much of Mr.  Sewell’s property he would petition.  Ms. Goff explained that the property for Americare needed to be annexed into the City for fire reasons along with being continuous and harmonious.  Mayor Meyer added that there was a tiered plan for property taxes.   

City Manager Eckert gave an update on the solar farm and that it would occupy the bottom half of the eighty acres purchased by the City near Prairie Parkway Business Park.  Mayor Meyer commented that we were not building the solar plant, financing the solar plant nor floating a loan for the solar farm.  Mayor Meyer added that we were in contract negotiations.  Ms. Morgan asked if the City was leasing the ground to them.  Mayor Meyer stated that we were.   

After a very lengthy discussion about the solar farm, Commissioner Borho questioned what we should do for land for economic development.  Mayor Meyer commented that the Airport Authority could have opportunities for development.  Commissioner Borho stated that the feedlot was not an attraction to businesses that look at the airport.   Ms. Morgan added that land was not attractive if it could be taken back by the Federal Government.  Mayor Meyer asked if a dairy farm was still an option.  Ms. Morgan stated that dairies were expanding; however, she was not sure we had enough water for a dairy farm. 

Next Meeting Date:

After checking calendars, the next meeting date was set for May 21^st at 11:00 a.m. 

ADJOURN:

By phone, Commissioner Peters made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.

 

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DOUG MEYER, Mayor
 

ATTEST:                 

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk