MONDAY
OCTOBER 03, 2011
The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall.
PRESENT: Jeff Taylor Mayor
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers ‘Acting’ Police Chief
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Dir. of Electric Utilities
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 with the exception of Commissioner Hlavachick.
The Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.
MINUTES:
A motion by Commissioner Graf to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2011 regular Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 1:
No one wished to address the Commission.
BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF LETTER TO CORP OF ENGINEERS CONCERNING THE EXTENSION OF THE CITY’S WATER MAIN TO THE AIRPORT:
City Manager Dave Howard explained to the Commission that there had been a threat of litigation from Mr. Jesse Moore to the Corps of Engineers or the Department of Defense if something was not done about the water contamination at the airport. Mr. Howard commented that the Corps backed off before that law suit happened. Airport Manager Reid Bell stated that he had written a separate letter to Senator Moran to tell him how the City of Pratt would pursue getting the water main to the airport through the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Bell added that he was advised by their sister airport in Salina, who would be finalizing their situation with the Corps this week. Mr. Bell explained that they had had to sue the Justice Department to get this done and this was just a formality.
Mr. Bell stated that the Corps denies responsibility for the carbon pollution, but they were the only source that had been identified by any party including KDHE. Mr. Bell stated that Salina has a big plume that affects several water sources and it was going to cost millions to take care of. Mr. Howard explained that the agreement we had earlier was that we would pay to go across the highway at a cost of $60,000 and the project would total about $850,000. Mr. Howard added that we had agreed with the Corps to take it across the road to the east side of the airport and replace the well. Mr. Bell stated that, at that time, the Corps was agreeable and the money was in place. Mr. Bell added that Salina said that that was just pennies to the Corps with all the other issues they have to deal with.
Mr. Bell stated that Mr. Tim Rogers in Kansas City had given him some pointers as how to proceed and one was to draft the letter and have it approved and signed by the Commissioners. Mr. Bell commented that the letter would be sent to the Commanding Officer in Kansas City with copies going to Senator Moran, Senator Roberts and Representative Huelskamp. Mr. Bell stated that the thought was that Colonel Hoffman would get back to us with a favorable resolution to avoid further involvement from Washington. Mr. Bell explained that a letter would be directly to the Senators and Representative if Colonel Hoffman responds negatively. Mr. Bell stated that this was the beginning step.
Mr. Bell pointed out the timeline he had given the Commission in their packets that showed that the current carbon tetrachloride in our water source that started in 2004. Mr. Bell stated that if this would become a problem, they would not have any water out there at all. Mr. Howard commented that he had told the Corps representative that, if the second well was contaminated, we intend to take legal action and that was one of the reasons he agreed to do it. Mr. Bell added that they were committed to correcting this problem, but now we were on the back burner. Mayor Taylor questioned if KDHE would offer any help. Mr. Bell commented that he did not know.
Mr. Bell explained that the Corps had hired a consultant from Colorado and there was a meeting at the Municipal Building some time back and he (Mr. Bell) had gone on record that the only issue was not unexploded ordinates, but water contamination caused by the Department of Defense. Commissioner Skaggs questioned why they were not paying to go under the highway and connecting to the water source if they were the ones at fault. Mr. Howard explained that they had agreed to go all the way to the airport with the water main and we were going to take it to our system. Mr. Howard commented that they would not be doing this for the City, but for the homeowners. Mr. Howard stated that the $60,000 contribution from the City was not a bad deal, but we could have probably forced them to pay for the whole thing. Mr. Howard explained that our well was not contaminated at this time, but there was one well that was and had been shut down. Mr. Bell added that we had retained the water rights for firefighting only. Public Works Director Russell Rambat stated that it would be futile to use at any point, even during a fire, because you could expose the system to something you do not want in there.
Mr. Howard stated that the Corps had not said that they were not going to do this, but we were not on the front burner and they would put it off as long as they have to. City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that they were also having budgeting problems. Mr. Rambat commented that something had changed. Mr. Bell stated that the money was in place. Mr. Howard added that, if we do not keep this an issue, they were not going to. Commissioner Skaggs questioned why the Corps was more concerned about the two houses than they were about the water at the airport. Mr. Bell explained that they were on a different water source and they have their own wells. Mr. Bell commented that the Corps had been filtering their water for decades, which was almost a statement of admission. Mr. Howard stated that they did contaminate the water with carbon tetrachloride. Mr. Bell explained that Well #2 was closed because it was contaminated beyond minimal human exposure and should not even be touched. Mayor Taylor questioned if you would want to use for a fire. Mr. Bell commented that the carbon tetrachloride was what they had used to put out their airplanes. Mr. Rambat explained that you would not want to put in the system, but you may be able to put it in a truck. Mr. Bell added that KDHE had no issues using it for fires. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if we would use the new waterline for firefighting. Mr. Bell explained that the whole airport would be supplied with City water. Mr. Howard added that there would be a pump station associated with it. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would shut down Well #1. Mr. Howard stated that that well does have problems with nitrates, so we would disconnect it, but may not pull the pumps.
After little more discussion, Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to approve the letter to the Corps of Engineers. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
PRESENTATION IN REGARDS TO COP TRAX VIDEO SYSTEM FOR IN-CAR VIDEOS:
‘Acting’ Police Chief Gary Myers stated that he had been studying in-car videos and this system was more than a conventional system and was impressive. ‘Acting’ Chief Myers introduced Mr. Bill Switzer from Video Labs, LLC.
Mr. Switzer explained that he had goggled the town newspaper and had read that the City had narrowed their search for a video system down to two and so he decided to contact ‘Acting’ Chief Myers about Cop Trax. Mr. Switzer explained that Cop Trax started two years ago and their first customer was the Navy. Mr. Switzer stated that they needed to be able to stream live video from a Navy Seal officer without having to spend a lot of money. Mr. Switzer explained that his company had come up with a software platform that you could port to a smart phone. Mr. Switzer added that Navy Seals could be deployed anywhere in the world and someone could sit back live at headquarters and see what was happening in real time through their camera on their smart phone. Mr. Switzer stated that technology led them to Atlanta Beach, North Carolina where Chief Smith questioned if this could be used in his department and be ported to a laptop. Mr. Switzer commented that that was how Cop Trax got started.
Mr. Switzer explained that there would be a laptop in the car that was touch screen, had a back lit keyboard, was water proof and would be mounted in the car. Mr. Switzer stated that there would be a camera in the front seat and another one for the back seat and a blue tooth device that would pick-up the audio. Mr. Switzer had received permission from Summerdale, Alabama to show their system to the Commission for the demonstration. Mr. Switzer commented that ninety-percent of the product was made by Microsoft and data would not be stored on site. Mr. Switzer explained that this system has the capability to text a business owner to let them know the officers were there if they had a request for extra patrol and it also has a tracking application that shows where a police car has gone. Mr. Switzer explained the geocasts that shows who was in the vehicle and GPS tracking along with live streaming video. Mr. Switzer added that a copy of all videos were stored off site and would list the stops a car makes.
City Attorney Van Blaricum questioned what type of data was included. Mr. Switzer stated that it shows latitude and longitude, what method triggered the recording and a water mark, if it goes to court, that shows if it had been tampered with. Mr. Switzer commented that the officers were hands free and would do their duties as they are now. Mr. Switzer explained that the off-loading video could be stored in the Microsoft cloud, but could be viewed when necessary. Mr. Switzer added that the application could also be loaded free to a smart phone and you would know exactly where that person and his car were.
Mr. Switzer stated that the biggest proponent was that this tells the story and the main reason was to insure an officer’s safety. Mr. Switzer added that this system was software based and was half the price of others. Mayor Taylor questioned if our current laptops would work with this system. ‘Acting’ Chief Myers stated that there were not any laptops in the cars right now, but this system would work with the MDT system. City Manager Howard commented that this system could also work for security in our buildings and the power plant. Mr. Switzer explained a new Drom system that could be plugged into a camera and that goes out four times a day for photos and brings it back to your desk. Mr. Switzer added that you could retrieve video without having to go out and get it. Mr. Switzer added that they would not be in stores until December or January. ‘Acting’ Chief Myers stated that they have utilized wildlife cameras, but they have to go out and retrieve media every day. Mr. Switzer stated that videos could be emailed twittered or facebooked.
Mr. Howard questioned the problems with losing connections. Mr. Switzer stated that the system broadcasts two ways and one was a light bar that records thirty frames a second to the hard drive and the other was streaming video. Mr. Switzer explained that he was going to Redman, Washington next week for a meeting with Microsoft concerning the in car video that could be stored in the Microsoft cloud. Mr. Switzer explained that a lot of people can store video, but very few can store live streaming video and store it in the cloud.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned the cost of upgrades. Mr. Switzer stated that upgrades were mainly software. Mayor Taylor questioned annual fees. Mr. Switzer stated that the first year was included and $125 per vehicle per year after the first year. Mayor Taylor asked if that included all software and upgrades. Mr. Switzer stated that it did, but there was also a cloud fee of $250 per month that holds a thousand hours of video. Mayor Taylor questioned how you update what had been stored. Mr. Switzer stated that you can go into any incidents and purge them in ninety days or you can keep them forever. Officer Ed Gimpel suggested that it be downloaded to record management. Mr. Switzer stated that one of the unique things was that this was made to be user friendly and you can go in and export to whomever by email. Mr. Switzer explained that the cloud was six giant data centers that Microsoft had and they had generators in case of power outages. Mr. Switzer added that every video was copied three times.
City Manager Howard questioned how long a City our size would get to the thousand hours. Mr. Switzer stated that it would probably take a year and that does require some management. Mr. Switzer commented that that would be about 1 ½ hours per day per officer, so a thousand should be enough.
After little more discussion, Mr. Switzer thanked the Commission for taking time to review his system.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF REQUESTS FOR ‘OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS’ ON NOVEMBER 19TH:
Chamber Director Jan Scarbrough explained that ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ would be on November 19th and would, again, be promoted by Travel and Tourism. Ms. Scarbrough stated that the Travel and Tourism Board would like to do the event on Main Street this year by putting entertainment in the park south of the Barron Theatre. Ms. Scarbrough explained that they would like to close the west side of Main Street off of Fourth Street and Jackson Street from Third Street to Fourth Street. Ms. Scarbrough stated that she would work with the City on the location of the port-a-potties and electricity for the vendors.
After little discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the request for street closures for ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ‘MOONLIGHT MADNESS ON MAIN STREET’ EVENT ON OCTOBER 20TH:
Ms. Jan Scarbrough commented that the Chamber would like to celebrate the opening of Main Street with a ribbon cutting and promote the same great stores that struggled through the summer. Ms. Scarbrough suggested that the ribbon cutting ceremony be around 8:00 p.m. in the 300 block of Main Street, so traffic would have to be stopped for a short time and a drawing to follow. City Manager Howard stated that they would do the traffic like they do for the homecoming parades. Mayor Taylor questioned if there would be any streets closed for this event. Ms. Scarbrough stated that there would not be, because they want everyone to focus on the stores.
Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to allow the Chamber to close briefly the 300 block of Main Street for a ribbon cutting for ‘Moonlight Madness’ on October 20th. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
Ms. Scarbrough reminded the Commission about the Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting on October 13that 1:30 p.m.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH RICE/NESHAP COMPLIANCE UPGRADE TO CITY’S DUAL FUEL ENGINE/GENERATORS:
Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill stated that this upgrade was necessary to be in compliance with EPA regulations. Mr. Hemphill explained that the RICE/NESHAP stands for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines/National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Mr. Hemphill explained that this would involve putting catalytic convertors on the engines and that would involve changing out the pumping structure and possibly the stack height and alter the enclosure around the exhaust intake filters. Mr. Hemphill commented that these things were not going to be predictable until they had seen the manufacturing design that holds the convertors. Mr. Hemphill stated that Mr. Fairchild and Mr. Hilger were trying to find the best way to make sure the mufflers fit and were trying to get the manufacturer to come on site. Mr. Hemphill added that the drawings would help them determine what type of support bases were needed, if the concrete foundation had to be expanded and changes in the length of the tail pipe section.
Mr. Hemphill stated that he had sent out three bids for the inline catalytic convertor and muffler and got one back. Mr. Hemphill commented that the EPA regulations were involved and some of the requirements had already been done. Mayor Taylor questioned if we were guaranteed that this would reduce 70% of the CO emissions. Mr. Hemphill stated that they said that it would and possibly more. Mr. Hemphill explained that the convertors could run for quite awhile and then had to be cleaned and they start out at above 70% and then go down a bit. Mr. Hemphill added that the mandated monitoring system warns them when that was about to happen and then you turn them over to let the air run back through. Mr. Hemphill stated that they design the mufflers so that the convertors are accessible to personnel.
City Manager Howard commented that the City belonged to several different associations, such as the EMP, KMU, KMEA and we are associated with KPP but not a member. Mr. Howard stated that they all had gotten together and decided to go out for bids as a group to get a better price. Mr. Howard added that they had gone out for the bids since they would be the ones that specify what we need to put in there. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the funds were in reserves. Mr. Howard stated that they always budget money anticipating changes in air quality regulations. Mr. Howard stated that this was to be installed by the end of 2013. Mr. Howard added that there was a lot of politics involved and we intend to comply but not rush.
Mr. Howard commented that we could go out for bid on our own, but this was a far better way since we do not have any one on staff that had the training or education. Mayor Taylor questioned if we were allowed to say we did not want to do it since it was an unfunded mandate. Mr. Howard explained that we were the cheapest generation and it was better for us to do it. Mr. Howard added that we get our money back by generating and we only run if Sunflower is down. Mayor Taylor asked if there was a limited amount of time you can run them. Energy Agent Kenny Kreutzer stated that, in an emergency, you could run them any amount of time possible, but other times it had to be less than fifteen hours and we would lose our capacity money. Mayor Taylor questioned if that would be cost effective. Mr. Howard answered that we try to avoid that expense. Mr. Kreutzer stated that, with $24,000 a year in capacity payments and run payment, you were talking a six year payback. Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith stated that, to go into the emergency start situation, you cannot tie up with the grid unless you were completely black.
Mr. Howard stated that this was the option that they were recommending. Mayor Taylor questioned if our name was secured on the list if the purchases were not made until later. Mr. Hemphill stated that this was long term and the onset would be the engineering fees, so there would not be a lot of money spent at first. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the costs associated with the RICE/NESHAP compliance upgrade to the City’s dual fuel engine to keep the electric facility in requirement and to approve the purchase for $443,575.20. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
• County Zoning/Wind Generation:
City Manager Howard commented that he had attended a County Commission meeting on zoning and the moratorium on wind generation and it was also attended by Foster and Associates. Mr. Howard stated that he voiced his concern about the three mile jurisdiction that we have and when zonings would overlap, but they decided that would be something that we would work out together. Mr. Howard added that the talk was about defining that area where it does not change, even if we annexed property. Mayor Taylor questioned if this was three miles beyond the airport or college. Mr. Howard stated that he did not believe it was, but the college was contiguous because of Maple Street, so it would be from the college and business park.
Mr. Howard stated that he had told them that we would not process any wind applications outside the corporate City limits. Mayor Taylor asked if the one proposed at the airport was included. Mr. Howard commented that it would be, but with the size of the generators and issues that could come out of this, it would be best for us to honor the moratorium.
• Rodeo:
Mr. Howard commented that the college rodeo went off very well and City staff had done their job. Mr. Howard mentioned that Mr. Jim Stratford from the college had them very organized and had cleaned up by this morning. Mr. Howard stated that no businesses had any issues and there had been over five hundred contestants, but that was not as many as years before.
Electric Department:
• Engine #7 back-up:
Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that engine #7 was back up and running. Mr. Hemphill added that they would be looking into the cost of replacement parts and bring that back before the Commission.
Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that they ran engine #7 for thirty hours on diesel fuel and had varied the loads, but they would be running the engine tomorrow on natural gas to finish up. Mr. Smith added that they would then be operational.
Finance Department:
• Sales Tax:
Finance Director Garten stated that sales tax in September was up $16,250 over last year and $86,000 over all. Ms. Garten added that this was based on July sales.
Mayor:
• Firemen recognition:
Mayor Taylor recognized several firemen who had attended the 2011 Wichita Hot School hands-on training.
• Thanks to water department:
Mayor Taylor commented on a letter received by Cross Manufacturing commending the water department for their quality of work during a recent repair at their plant. Mayor Taylor noted that Mr. Bob Besser stated that the crew left the work area in better condition than before they started.
Public Works:
• Water Main project on Maple Street:
Public Works Director Rambat informed the Commission that the water main project on Maple Street was put into service and passed all the tests. Mr. Rambat added that the street department would cover it up and remove the barricades this week.
Mayor cont.’:
• Stop lights:
Mayor Taylor commented that a lot of people try to race through the green or yellow lights on First Street and Main Street. Mayor Taylor added that he had watched traffic one evening when the lights were flashing and the trucks had to stop. Mayor Taylor stated that it was not just the trucks, but questioned if it would not be a good idea to do this every evening around 10:30 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. Mayor Taylor suggested doing all three lights on First Street. Mr. Howard stated that they would have to stop three times and that should cure it or they would get a ticket. Mr. Howard added that 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. would be a suggestion. Police Officer Gimpel stated that the lights on Ninnescah Street and Jackson Street were from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Mayor Taylor was in agreement with those times.
Officer Gimpel questioned if the alleys on Main Street were one way north bound and one way south bound. Officer Gimpel added that the alleys were not marked. Public Works Director Rambat stated that the signs had deteriorated over the years. Mr. Rambat explained that they did not want to have conflicting arrows going every which direction during the construction.
Commission:
• Family visiting:
Commissioner Skaggs commented that he had an opportunity to go to Washington and family told him that that was the place to live. Commissioner Skaggs added that his family was in the audience tonight and the chances were that they would want to come here to live.
• Thank you’s:
Commissioner Detwiler thanked Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall for having a ribbon around the Humane Society during the rodeo and City Hall for having sanitation put out a dumpster for their sale.
ADJOURN:
Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to adjourn that was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler. The motion and second passed unanimously.
__________________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
_________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
10/17/11-City Commission Meeting Agenda
MONDAY
OCTOBER 17, 2011
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. MINUTES – October 03, 2011 Regular City Commission meeting
4. OPEN AGENDA – 1 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
5. BUSINESS:
5.1 Consideration and Approval of a Renovation Project Associated with ‘Sport Court’ at Walter Blake Tennis Facility – Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director
5.2 Discussion on Leash Law in Pratt – Mayor, Commission and City Staff
5.3 Consideration and Approval of Quote for Parts for Engine #7 – Ernie Smith, Power Plant Superintendent
5.4 Consideration and Approval of Replat at Prairie Parkway Business Park – Dave Howard, City Manager
5.5 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1108 Concerning Plat and Lot Splits – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
6. OPEN AGENDA – 2 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
7. REPORTS
7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Heads
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission
8. ADJOURN
OCTOBER 17, 2011
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. MINUTES – October 03, 2011 Regular City Commission meeting
4. OPEN AGENDA – 1 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
5. BUSINESS:
5.1 Consideration and Approval of a Renovation Project Associated with ‘Sport Court’ at Walter Blake Tennis Facility – Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director
5.2 Discussion on Leash Law in Pratt – Mayor, Commission and City Staff
5.3 Consideration and Approval of Quote for Parts for Engine #7 – Ernie Smith, Power Plant Superintendent
5.4 Consideration and Approval of Replat at Prairie Parkway Business Park – Dave Howard, City Manager
5.5 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1108 Concerning Plat and Lot Splits – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
6. OPEN AGENDA – 2 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
7. REPORTS
7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Heads
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission
8. ADJOURN
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
09/19/11-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes
MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
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
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers ‘Acting’ Police Chief
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Dir. of Electric Utilities
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 with the exception of Commissioner Hlavachick who would be late.
The Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.
MINUTES:
A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to approve the minutes of the September 06, 2011 regular Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 1:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
BUSINESS:
PROCLAMATION FOR SEPTEMBER BEING ‘HUNGER ACTION MONTH’:
Mayor Taylor read the proclamation stating that September was ‘Hunger Action Month’. Mayor Taylor questioned Ms. Diana Harris about how many boxes they had done so far this year. Ms. Harris stated that they had done an average of sixty-five boxes a month this time last year and this year it was up to eighty-nine. Ms. Harris added that the total boxes in 2010 at this time were five hundred twenty-two and this year it was at seven hundred thirteen, so the need was up. Mayor Taylor asked how their money was doing. Ms. Harris stated that they were holding their own.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT TIE POINT VOLTAGE REGULATOR:
Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill commented that this bid was a result of existing problems with the transformer and tap changer. Mr. Hemphill explained that this sits at the tie point of our power feed from Southern Pioneer and all the energy that the City consumes goes through that transformer. Mr. Hemphill commented that a tap changer has to be operated to regulate the voltage power that is delivered to the City and that receives about 7,000 taps per year. Mr. Hemphill stated that the transformer and the substations 115,000 volt tie line were installed in 1982.
Mr. Hemphill stated that they had been working on the tap changer every year or year and a half since it was installed. Mayor Taylor questioned that we had been having problems since the installation in 1982. Mr. Hemphill answered that they started noticing problems in 1985 and it was not horribly expensive to work on it in those days because we were always running the steam engines. Mr. Hemphill stated that, from 2006 to today, natural gas had gotten more expensive, so working on it cost about $50,000 every time. Mr. Hemphill added that that could increase with the price of natural gas and materials, but, if it were replaced with a good tap changer, it could last fifty years. Mr. Hemphill commented that that would depend on our protecting our tap changer from overloads, lightning strikes and leaks.
(Commissioner Hlavachick arrived at 5:08 p.m.)
City Manager Dave Howard then introduced Mr. Roy Criswell from Criswell Engineering. Mr. Criswell questioned Mr. Hemphill on whether the $50,000 cost was just for generation. Mr. Hemphill stated that that was for materials and generation, but not City staff’s labor. Mr. Criswell explained to the Commission that, with this type of tap changer, it was common knowledge that it needs more servicing. Mr. Criswell added that it is a ten year period before you need to do an internal inspection on the tap changer and that was from mechanical wear and not electrical erosion. Mr. Criswell commented that, every time it changes the voltage, it has to make a tap change and you have moving contact that creates an arch each time. Mayor Taylor questioned if the new one would do this a million times before it needs servicing. Mr. Criswell stated that it should be twelve and a half years before the first inspection based on 8,000 operations per year. Mr. Criswell stated that he was speaking on behalf of the Reinhausen Manufacturing, because the four bidders had quoted the Reinhausen tap changer. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we had purchased too small a unit to begin with. Mr. Criswell stated that we had not and explained that tap changers were sized due to the size of the transformer. Mr. Criswell explained that, when McGraw-Edison designed the tap changer that was in service now, they experienced problems with mechanical wear and accelerated wear on contacts.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this had been budgeted. Mr. Hemphill stated that it had been budgeted in capital improvement reserves. Mr. Howard stated that the staff had been analyzing this for years. Mr. Howard explained that we have to go offline and use the steam plant and it costs $50,000 a week to run the steam plant and repairs were on top of that. Mr. Howard commented that another concern would be that we would be disconnected from the grid until we bring our generation up if something serious would go wrong. Mr. Howard stated that this was too volatile to not do anything. Mayor Taylor questioned if it operates when we were producing. Mr. Criswell explained that you block it on step, because the load side of the transformer was what the load side of the transformer voltage relay senses and, as the load increases, the voltage sags and it raises the voltage. Mr. Criswell added that, as the load goes down, it needs to be brought down. Mr. Criswell commented that, when generating, you generate on the load side of the transformer and it could change from one extreme to another and never change the load voltage and you use the tap changer manually and zero out the bar code. Mr. Criswell added that you raise or lower the low tap changer steps so that the operator gets the number that he wants to look at and it never operates automatically. Mr. Criswell explained that the tap changer could be used to regulate the voltage if generation was below the City’s demand.
Mr. Howard commented that, after three or four of these repairs we were doing every year or year and a half, we would pay for this in four to six years. Mr. Howard explained that Mr. Criswell had mentioned having an inspection before the five year warranty was up to insure that things were working the way they should. Commissioner Skaggs questioned how long it would be before this would be installed and operational. Mr. Hemphill stated that their target date was April 1st, but that would be negotiated with the vendor. Mr. Howard added that it would be a ten to fourteen day project and we would be generating ourselves during that time. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would be able to last until April. Mr. Hemphill stated that we should be able to last that long and Southern Pioneer thought that they would be able to coordinate some of their work on transmission lines with our outage. Mr. Howard commented that we try to do other things that require us to be offline when we bring up the steam plant. Mayor Taylor questioned if we could get along with only the steam plant that time of year. Mr. Hemphill stated that that should be true.
Commissioner Detwiler clarified that the funds were in capital equipment reserves. Mr. Howard stated that was correct and it was also the generation costs for the ten to fourteen days. Mr. Howard explained that they would lock in the gas prices pretty soon so that it could be budgeted, but they were talking about $50,000 for a seven day period.
Mr. Howard stated that we would be dealing with one company since the low bidder would also do the installation. Mr. Howard added that the bottom three bids were fairly tight so that was a good indication that we were in the proper range and nobody had missed anything. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if the bids were apples to apples. Mr. Hemphill stated that Mr. Criswell had helped with that and, with Reinhausen being the manufacturer and doing the installation of the equipment, it was the best choice. Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to accept the bid of $204,963 from Reinhausen Manfacturing to replace the tie point voltage regulator. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1106 CONCERNING GENERAL CONTRACTORS:
City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that this ordinance was a product of a year of research from the staff and Building Board to establish general contractors as a class that would be licensed and reassure people of the City that they were in good hands. Mr. Van Blaricum read the definitions of a general contractor as they were listed in the ordinance. Mr. Van Blaricum continued to the items listed for the license that would be required for a general contractor. Building Inspector Brad Blankenship commented that the cost of the license would be $60 the first time and renewals would be $30. Mr. Van Blaricum then reviewed the qualifications for the Commission. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that, after some discussion, the Building Board had decided that the date to grandfather any contractors doing business would be February 28, 2011 and they would be exempt from testing.
Commissioner Skaggs asked how they get their license. Mr. Blankenship stated that they would come to the City office for that. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this was the product of the contractors working with Mr. Blankenship. Mayor Taylor questioned if this includes Kingman or Sawyer. Mr. Blankenship stated that it did. Mr. Blankenship explained that the board consisted of five members and most of them had been here more than fifteen years. Mr. Blankenship added that they tried to make this homeowner friendly and they had received positive feedback from more than twenty-five contractors who had attended some of the monthly meetings. Mr. Blankenship stated that we now have an ordinance that would weed out some contractors. Mayor Taylor questioned if a person could call to see if a contractor was licensed. Mr. Blankenship stated that was correct.
Mr. Van Blaricum continued with the qualifications for a license, which were that they have to obtain workmen’s compensation insurance and general liability insurance for $500,000 per occurrence and $1 million in the aggregate. Mr. Van Blaricum added that those certificates would be filed with the City Clerk and those certificates had to be a one year policy. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if they had to have Kansas insurance if they were working here. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they have to prove that they have insurance and that they are authorized to do business in Kansas. Mr. Van Blaricum added that the license would be issued by the City Clerk and penalties were the general penalties per the general code.
The following Ordinance 1106 was then presented to the Commissioner for their approval: AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING GENERAL CONTRACTORS IN THE CITY; DEFINITION, REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS, APPLICATION, LICENSING AND PENALTIES. Commissioner Graf made a motion to accept Ordinance 1106. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1107 CONCERNING LIMITED CONTRACTORS:
City Attorney Van Blaricum explained the definitions of a limited contractor and that the City needed something between a general contractor and a more specific contractor. Mr. Blankenship stated that the cost for the license was the same as the general contractor license. Mr. Van Blaricum added that there was no test for a limited contractor, but they had to satisfy the building inspector. Mr. Blankenship explained that not anyone could get a roofing permit, so it is confined to them knowing what they are doing.
Commissioner Skaggs asked if they could give an example of Section B(c). Mr. Van Blaricum stated that that would be a situation where someone who had no specific credentials wants to work, so they find a licensed limited contractor in town, obtain the permit and do the work. Mr. Blankenship clarified that that would be handyman work such as putting in a piece of drywall or repairing a baseboard. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the insurance requirements were the same for the limited contractor as they were for the general contractor.
The following Ordinance 1107 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING LIMITED CONTRACTORS IN THE CITY; DEFINITION, REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS, APPLICATION, LICENSING AND PENALTIES. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve Ordinance 1107 for limited contractors in the City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON LEC’S HVAC:
Pratt County Sheriff Vernon Chinn explained to the Commission that the LEC Committee had been discussing the issues with the HVAC unit at the Law Enforcement Center and there were now serious heating and air issues. Sheriff Chinn commented that the building was more miserable on the north end and they had to add more water to keep up with the cooling. Sheriff Chinn stated that they had hired an engineer about a year and a half ago and he was making recommendations.
Sheriff Chinn explained to the Commission that the cooling tower had been put in in 2001 but, with the moisture in the room going up the main shaft on the north end, it could cause issues with mold. Sheriff Chinn commented that the cooling tower would be replaced and moved outside the building, which was a minimal security risk. Sheriff Chinn stated that the plan was to add another unit for the north end and for dispatch.
Sheriff Chinn stated that the committee went with the base bid and option one, two and four and with a galvanized steel core in the cooling tower. Sheriff Chinn explained that Waldinger Corporation had bid $242,989 plus $1,650 for the bond and $6,000 for the stainless steel for a total of $251,039 and Integreen Services had bid $243,936 with the bond included and $6,820 for galvanized steel for a total of $250,756. City Manager Howard reminded the Commission that the City would be responsible for half of that cost and there was about $90,000 in that fund, so there was a bit of a shortfall. Finance Director Diana Garten stated that there was $90,000 in there at the end of 2011 and $15,000 would be added in 2012, so the rest would be made up in 2013. Sheriff Chinn stated that the County had taken action and approved the bid from Integreen Services.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve the cost of $135,378 for ½ of the heating and cooling unit from Integreen Services for the Law Enforcement Center. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON UTILITY REBATE FOR MAIN STREET BUSINESSES:
City Manager Howard commented that City staff had set down and talked about different issues on the utility rebate. Mr. Howard stated that you would have to clarify who would get a rebate when some were hurt and others were not hurt as much and whether to look outside the construction zone since some were claiming that they were hurt due to the detour caused by the project. Mr. Howard explained that it may be better to wait until October when we have the sales tax figures for summer.
Mr. Howard stated that it had been brought up that they should have to go through an application process, but you still have to consider whether you cut their electric bill by a certain percentage or reimburse all of them the same. Mayor Taylor stated that the application process was important and, his business not being affected as much, would not apply for it. Mayor Taylor added that other businesses, such as the coop and restaurant down south, could have been affected. Mr. Howard agreed that they may claim that the lack of truck traffic affected them and we need to have financial responsibility to have a paper trail, so we have a process in place in case questioned by the auditors. Commissioner Hlavachick agreed and stated that he was all in favor of helping, but we were dealing with tax payer’s money. City Manager Howard questioned if the banks got hurt. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she could not imagine that they had. Mr. Howard questioned if they would qualify for a rebate. Commissioner Skaggs commented that some businesses had tried to make their business more accessible.
Mayor Taylor commented that residential customers paid higher electric bills due to the weather, so maybe we should take into consideration the residential bills for that period and compare them to last year to see how much more electricity was burnt. Mr. Howard stated that you could do an average. Mr. Howard reminded the Commission that the downtown meetings were not for the benefit of the City, but for the businesses downtown to be ready and prepared. Commissioner Graf stated that, if people set precedence, then everybody was going to want something. Commissioner Graf added that they could claim that a water main break hurt their business too. Commissioner Skaggs commented that we could look at it more seriously if a business was going out of business, but he thought it was better not to open this can. Commissioner Graf questioned if this was what happened to JC Foodliner. Mr. Howard stated that he had left us with a hefty bill. Commissioner Graf commented that this was a bad deal to open up and it would always haunt us. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she was concerned for the merchants on the 300 block, but it obviously runs all the way down Main Street. Mayor Taylor stated that, if we do it, we do it for the whole construction area. Commissioner Graf mentioned the impact on the coop and the trucks that went around during the construction. Commissioner Skaggs suggested leaving it and then those that thought that they were impacted greatly could bring in substantiating information that we would look at on a case by case basis. Commissioner Detwiler suggested Economic Development help existing businesses like they do a new business.
Mr. Howard stated that it would be a good idea to wait until the first of November and we should get a quick feeling of who was impacted. Commissioner Detwiler offered a motion to table this issue until the sales tax data was available. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BUDGETED VEHICLE FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT:
Public Works Director Russell Rambat informed the Commission that the water department was in need of a new utility pick-up and it would replace the 2001 Dodge with 120,000 miles on it. Mr. Rambat stated that the pick-up was used up and had been a large maintenance issue the last few years.
Mr. Rambat explained that the water department had been budgeting for this vehicle for four years and they had sent out and received two bids. Mr. Rambat stated that Lanterman Motors had bid $42,746 and Doug Reh Chevrolet bid $36,946. Mr. Rambat commented that they were both for a utility bed, power wrench and a tommy lift. Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that they had not asked for a trade-in value and it would probably be put in the next City auction.
Mr. Rambat stated that he would like to recommend the vehicle be purchased from Doug Reh Chevrolet for $36,946. Mr. Rambat added that the water department had done a good job setting money aside. A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve the purchase of a replacement vehicle from Doug Reh Chevrolet for $36,946 plus sales tax was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENTS OF FRED BADDERS AND DOUG MEYER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Building Inspector Brad Blankenship informed the Commission that Mr. Fred Badders and Mr. Doug Meyer had agreed to serve another term on the Planning Commission. Mr. Blankenship stated that the board would like to recommend the re-appointments of Mr. Badders and Mr. Meyer to another term. Commissioner Hlavachick offered a motion to re-appoint Mr. Fred Badders and Mr. Doug Meyers to another term on the Planning Commission. That motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF CHAD WESTHOFF TO THE BUILDING BOARD:
Mr. Blankenship commented that Mr. Chad Westhoff had been an excellent board member on the Building Board and had provided insight on the plumbing side. Mr. Blankenship recommended to the Commission the re-appointment of Mr. Westhoff to an additional three year term. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the re-appointment of Mr. Chad Westhoff to the Building Board for a three year term. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 2:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
• Pratt Feedlot:
City Manager Howard informed the Commission that he had been working with Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill and Energy Agent Kenny Kreutzer on the 150 KW wind generator for the Pratt Feedlot. Mr. Howard added that KMEA was also involved. Mayor Taylor questioned if this violated any FAA regulations. Mr. Howard stated that the airport had submitted an application to the FAA and this was a low enough tower that the FAA had approved it.
Public Works:
• Mosquitoes:
Public Works Director Rambat stated that they had sprayed for mosquitoes last Friday and Saturday.
• Certified Tree Service:
Mr. Rambat stated that Certified Tree Service had started cleaning the sewer easement Wednesday.
• Sealing project:
Mr. Rambat stated that the street sealing project should start tomorrow in the southeast corner of town.
• New waterline:
Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the new 12” water main on Maple Street between Sunrise Avenue and Welton Street was underway and would reestablish continuity on both water towers.
Inspections:
• 5th & Jackson:
Building Inspector Brad Blankenship commented that the house at Fifth Street and Jackson Street would be torn down. Mr. Blankenship added that it was owned by the Filley Foundation and the group had voted to have it removed.
Electric Department:
• 30 hour run:
Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill commented that the power plant engine was back together and they were beginning their thirty hour run. Plant Operator Brian Evans commented that the thirty hour run had started at 8:00 a.m., but an electrical problem had shut it down so they would be starting the thirty hours again tomorrow morning. Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith explained that the engine has to run continuous for thirty hours and, when you have to shut it down, you start over.
• Sirens:
Mr. Hemphill stated that line distribution staff had installed the two new sirens and they were in operation during the test today. Mr. Hemphill added that they had been tested twice due to a radio malfunction.
Parks & Recreation:
• Board Meeting:
Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall stated that the Leadership class would be coming to the next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting to discuss the park project on Main Street. Mr. Pinkall commented that he may have more information at the next meeting.
• Texas company:
Mr. Pinkall commented that there was a company out of Texas that was considering having their regional office in Pratt. Mr. Pinkall stated that they would be assisting them in facility issues and improving some park areas.
Commission:
• Dog Park:
Commissioner Hlavachick questioned where we were on a dog park, because there were people who want to see that happen. Commissioner Hlavachick asked that there be some movement from the Advisory Board.
Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if there could be a watering fountain for dogs attached to one of the water fountains in Lemon’s Park. Mr. Rambat stated that he would look into that. Commissioner Detwiler stated that it would be nice to have one on the walkway and informed the staff that there was one by the shelter house.
• Dangerous hole:
Commissioner Hlavachick mentioned that there was a hole that had washed away and looked dangerous by the house at Fifth Street and Jackson Street. After little more discussion, City Manager Howard stated that he would look into it.
• Sixth Street speed limit:
Commissioner Detwiler questioned if there was a speed limit on Sixth Street and explained that there were cars that were coming off of Watson Street and not stopping at the stop sign. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she saw another bus incident in front of her house where the bus was stopped and two pick-ups went around it.
• Pilot Club Express:
Commissioner Detwiler informed Mr. Rambat that the Pilot Club Express was closed for the season so they would not need any more fuel until the Spook Express.
ADJOURN:
Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn and the second by Commissioner Detwiler followed. The motion passed unanimously.
_______________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
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
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers ‘Acting’ Police Chief
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Dir. of Electric Utilities
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 with the exception of Commissioner Hlavachick who would be late.
The Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.
MINUTES:
A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to approve the minutes of the September 06, 2011 regular Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 1:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
BUSINESS:
PROCLAMATION FOR SEPTEMBER BEING ‘HUNGER ACTION MONTH’:
Mayor Taylor read the proclamation stating that September was ‘Hunger Action Month’. Mayor Taylor questioned Ms. Diana Harris about how many boxes they had done so far this year. Ms. Harris stated that they had done an average of sixty-five boxes a month this time last year and this year it was up to eighty-nine. Ms. Harris added that the total boxes in 2010 at this time were five hundred twenty-two and this year it was at seven hundred thirteen, so the need was up. Mayor Taylor asked how their money was doing. Ms. Harris stated that they were holding their own.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT TIE POINT VOLTAGE REGULATOR:
Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill commented that this bid was a result of existing problems with the transformer and tap changer. Mr. Hemphill explained that this sits at the tie point of our power feed from Southern Pioneer and all the energy that the City consumes goes through that transformer. Mr. Hemphill commented that a tap changer has to be operated to regulate the voltage power that is delivered to the City and that receives about 7,000 taps per year. Mr. Hemphill stated that the transformer and the substations 115,000 volt tie line were installed in 1982.
Mr. Hemphill stated that they had been working on the tap changer every year or year and a half since it was installed. Mayor Taylor questioned that we had been having problems since the installation in 1982. Mr. Hemphill answered that they started noticing problems in 1985 and it was not horribly expensive to work on it in those days because we were always running the steam engines. Mr. Hemphill stated that, from 2006 to today, natural gas had gotten more expensive, so working on it cost about $50,000 every time. Mr. Hemphill added that that could increase with the price of natural gas and materials, but, if it were replaced with a good tap changer, it could last fifty years. Mr. Hemphill commented that that would depend on our protecting our tap changer from overloads, lightning strikes and leaks.
(Commissioner Hlavachick arrived at 5:08 p.m.)
City Manager Dave Howard then introduced Mr. Roy Criswell from Criswell Engineering. Mr. Criswell questioned Mr. Hemphill on whether the $50,000 cost was just for generation. Mr. Hemphill stated that that was for materials and generation, but not City staff’s labor. Mr. Criswell explained to the Commission that, with this type of tap changer, it was common knowledge that it needs more servicing. Mr. Criswell added that it is a ten year period before you need to do an internal inspection on the tap changer and that was from mechanical wear and not electrical erosion. Mr. Criswell commented that, every time it changes the voltage, it has to make a tap change and you have moving contact that creates an arch each time. Mayor Taylor questioned if the new one would do this a million times before it needs servicing. Mr. Criswell stated that it should be twelve and a half years before the first inspection based on 8,000 operations per year. Mr. Criswell stated that he was speaking on behalf of the Reinhausen Manufacturing, because the four bidders had quoted the Reinhausen tap changer. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we had purchased too small a unit to begin with. Mr. Criswell stated that we had not and explained that tap changers were sized due to the size of the transformer. Mr. Criswell explained that, when McGraw-Edison designed the tap changer that was in service now, they experienced problems with mechanical wear and accelerated wear on contacts.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this had been budgeted. Mr. Hemphill stated that it had been budgeted in capital improvement reserves. Mr. Howard stated that the staff had been analyzing this for years. Mr. Howard explained that we have to go offline and use the steam plant and it costs $50,000 a week to run the steam plant and repairs were on top of that. Mr. Howard commented that another concern would be that we would be disconnected from the grid until we bring our generation up if something serious would go wrong. Mr. Howard stated that this was too volatile to not do anything. Mayor Taylor questioned if it operates when we were producing. Mr. Criswell explained that you block it on step, because the load side of the transformer was what the load side of the transformer voltage relay senses and, as the load increases, the voltage sags and it raises the voltage. Mr. Criswell added that, as the load goes down, it needs to be brought down. Mr. Criswell commented that, when generating, you generate on the load side of the transformer and it could change from one extreme to another and never change the load voltage and you use the tap changer manually and zero out the bar code. Mr. Criswell added that you raise or lower the low tap changer steps so that the operator gets the number that he wants to look at and it never operates automatically. Mr. Criswell explained that the tap changer could be used to regulate the voltage if generation was below the City’s demand.
Mr. Howard commented that, after three or four of these repairs we were doing every year or year and a half, we would pay for this in four to six years. Mr. Howard explained that Mr. Criswell had mentioned having an inspection before the five year warranty was up to insure that things were working the way they should. Commissioner Skaggs questioned how long it would be before this would be installed and operational. Mr. Hemphill stated that their target date was April 1st, but that would be negotiated with the vendor. Mr. Howard added that it would be a ten to fourteen day project and we would be generating ourselves during that time. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would be able to last until April. Mr. Hemphill stated that we should be able to last that long and Southern Pioneer thought that they would be able to coordinate some of their work on transmission lines with our outage. Mr. Howard commented that we try to do other things that require us to be offline when we bring up the steam plant. Mayor Taylor questioned if we could get along with only the steam plant that time of year. Mr. Hemphill stated that that should be true.
Commissioner Detwiler clarified that the funds were in capital equipment reserves. Mr. Howard stated that was correct and it was also the generation costs for the ten to fourteen days. Mr. Howard explained that they would lock in the gas prices pretty soon so that it could be budgeted, but they were talking about $50,000 for a seven day period.
Mr. Howard stated that we would be dealing with one company since the low bidder would also do the installation. Mr. Howard added that the bottom three bids were fairly tight so that was a good indication that we were in the proper range and nobody had missed anything. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if the bids were apples to apples. Mr. Hemphill stated that Mr. Criswell had helped with that and, with Reinhausen being the manufacturer and doing the installation of the equipment, it was the best choice. Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to accept the bid of $204,963 from Reinhausen Manfacturing to replace the tie point voltage regulator. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1106 CONCERNING GENERAL CONTRACTORS:
City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that this ordinance was a product of a year of research from the staff and Building Board to establish general contractors as a class that would be licensed and reassure people of the City that they were in good hands. Mr. Van Blaricum read the definitions of a general contractor as they were listed in the ordinance. Mr. Van Blaricum continued to the items listed for the license that would be required for a general contractor. Building Inspector Brad Blankenship commented that the cost of the license would be $60 the first time and renewals would be $30. Mr. Van Blaricum then reviewed the qualifications for the Commission. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that, after some discussion, the Building Board had decided that the date to grandfather any contractors doing business would be February 28, 2011 and they would be exempt from testing.
Commissioner Skaggs asked how they get their license. Mr. Blankenship stated that they would come to the City office for that. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this was the product of the contractors working with Mr. Blankenship. Mayor Taylor questioned if this includes Kingman or Sawyer. Mr. Blankenship stated that it did. Mr. Blankenship explained that the board consisted of five members and most of them had been here more than fifteen years. Mr. Blankenship added that they tried to make this homeowner friendly and they had received positive feedback from more than twenty-five contractors who had attended some of the monthly meetings. Mr. Blankenship stated that we now have an ordinance that would weed out some contractors. Mayor Taylor questioned if a person could call to see if a contractor was licensed. Mr. Blankenship stated that was correct.
Mr. Van Blaricum continued with the qualifications for a license, which were that they have to obtain workmen’s compensation insurance and general liability insurance for $500,000 per occurrence and $1 million in the aggregate. Mr. Van Blaricum added that those certificates would be filed with the City Clerk and those certificates had to be a one year policy. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if they had to have Kansas insurance if they were working here. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they have to prove that they have insurance and that they are authorized to do business in Kansas. Mr. Van Blaricum added that the license would be issued by the City Clerk and penalties were the general penalties per the general code.
The following Ordinance 1106 was then presented to the Commissioner for their approval: AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING GENERAL CONTRACTORS IN THE CITY; DEFINITION, REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS, APPLICATION, LICENSING AND PENALTIES. Commissioner Graf made a motion to accept Ordinance 1106. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1107 CONCERNING LIMITED CONTRACTORS:
City Attorney Van Blaricum explained the definitions of a limited contractor and that the City needed something between a general contractor and a more specific contractor. Mr. Blankenship stated that the cost for the license was the same as the general contractor license. Mr. Van Blaricum added that there was no test for a limited contractor, but they had to satisfy the building inspector. Mr. Blankenship explained that not anyone could get a roofing permit, so it is confined to them knowing what they are doing.
Commissioner Skaggs asked if they could give an example of Section B(c). Mr. Van Blaricum stated that that would be a situation where someone who had no specific credentials wants to work, so they find a licensed limited contractor in town, obtain the permit and do the work. Mr. Blankenship clarified that that would be handyman work such as putting in a piece of drywall or repairing a baseboard. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the insurance requirements were the same for the limited contractor as they were for the general contractor.
The following Ordinance 1107 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING LIMITED CONTRACTORS IN THE CITY; DEFINITION, REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS, APPLICATION, LICENSING AND PENALTIES. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve Ordinance 1107 for limited contractors in the City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON LEC’S HVAC:
Pratt County Sheriff Vernon Chinn explained to the Commission that the LEC Committee had been discussing the issues with the HVAC unit at the Law Enforcement Center and there were now serious heating and air issues. Sheriff Chinn commented that the building was more miserable on the north end and they had to add more water to keep up with the cooling. Sheriff Chinn stated that they had hired an engineer about a year and a half ago and he was making recommendations.
Sheriff Chinn explained to the Commission that the cooling tower had been put in in 2001 but, with the moisture in the room going up the main shaft on the north end, it could cause issues with mold. Sheriff Chinn commented that the cooling tower would be replaced and moved outside the building, which was a minimal security risk. Sheriff Chinn stated that the plan was to add another unit for the north end and for dispatch.
Sheriff Chinn stated that the committee went with the base bid and option one, two and four and with a galvanized steel core in the cooling tower. Sheriff Chinn explained that Waldinger Corporation had bid $242,989 plus $1,650 for the bond and $6,000 for the stainless steel for a total of $251,039 and Integreen Services had bid $243,936 with the bond included and $6,820 for galvanized steel for a total of $250,756. City Manager Howard reminded the Commission that the City would be responsible for half of that cost and there was about $90,000 in that fund, so there was a bit of a shortfall. Finance Director Diana Garten stated that there was $90,000 in there at the end of 2011 and $15,000 would be added in 2012, so the rest would be made up in 2013. Sheriff Chinn stated that the County had taken action and approved the bid from Integreen Services.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve the cost of $135,378 for ½ of the heating and cooling unit from Integreen Services for the Law Enforcement Center. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON UTILITY REBATE FOR MAIN STREET BUSINESSES:
City Manager Howard commented that City staff had set down and talked about different issues on the utility rebate. Mr. Howard stated that you would have to clarify who would get a rebate when some were hurt and others were not hurt as much and whether to look outside the construction zone since some were claiming that they were hurt due to the detour caused by the project. Mr. Howard explained that it may be better to wait until October when we have the sales tax figures for summer.
Mr. Howard stated that it had been brought up that they should have to go through an application process, but you still have to consider whether you cut their electric bill by a certain percentage or reimburse all of them the same. Mayor Taylor stated that the application process was important and, his business not being affected as much, would not apply for it. Mayor Taylor added that other businesses, such as the coop and restaurant down south, could have been affected. Mr. Howard agreed that they may claim that the lack of truck traffic affected them and we need to have financial responsibility to have a paper trail, so we have a process in place in case questioned by the auditors. Commissioner Hlavachick agreed and stated that he was all in favor of helping, but we were dealing with tax payer’s money. City Manager Howard questioned if the banks got hurt. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she could not imagine that they had. Mr. Howard questioned if they would qualify for a rebate. Commissioner Skaggs commented that some businesses had tried to make their business more accessible.
Mayor Taylor commented that residential customers paid higher electric bills due to the weather, so maybe we should take into consideration the residential bills for that period and compare them to last year to see how much more electricity was burnt. Mr. Howard stated that you could do an average. Mr. Howard reminded the Commission that the downtown meetings were not for the benefit of the City, but for the businesses downtown to be ready and prepared. Commissioner Graf stated that, if people set precedence, then everybody was going to want something. Commissioner Graf added that they could claim that a water main break hurt their business too. Commissioner Skaggs commented that we could look at it more seriously if a business was going out of business, but he thought it was better not to open this can. Commissioner Graf questioned if this was what happened to JC Foodliner. Mr. Howard stated that he had left us with a hefty bill. Commissioner Graf commented that this was a bad deal to open up and it would always haunt us. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she was concerned for the merchants on the 300 block, but it obviously runs all the way down Main Street. Mayor Taylor stated that, if we do it, we do it for the whole construction area. Commissioner Graf mentioned the impact on the coop and the trucks that went around during the construction. Commissioner Skaggs suggested leaving it and then those that thought that they were impacted greatly could bring in substantiating information that we would look at on a case by case basis. Commissioner Detwiler suggested Economic Development help existing businesses like they do a new business.
Mr. Howard stated that it would be a good idea to wait until the first of November and we should get a quick feeling of who was impacted. Commissioner Detwiler offered a motion to table this issue until the sales tax data was available. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BUDGETED VEHICLE FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT:
Public Works Director Russell Rambat informed the Commission that the water department was in need of a new utility pick-up and it would replace the 2001 Dodge with 120,000 miles on it. Mr. Rambat stated that the pick-up was used up and had been a large maintenance issue the last few years.
Mr. Rambat explained that the water department had been budgeting for this vehicle for four years and they had sent out and received two bids. Mr. Rambat stated that Lanterman Motors had bid $42,746 and Doug Reh Chevrolet bid $36,946. Mr. Rambat commented that they were both for a utility bed, power wrench and a tommy lift. Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that they had not asked for a trade-in value and it would probably be put in the next City auction.
Mr. Rambat stated that he would like to recommend the vehicle be purchased from Doug Reh Chevrolet for $36,946. Mr. Rambat added that the water department had done a good job setting money aside. A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve the purchase of a replacement vehicle from Doug Reh Chevrolet for $36,946 plus sales tax was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENTS OF FRED BADDERS AND DOUG MEYER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Building Inspector Brad Blankenship informed the Commission that Mr. Fred Badders and Mr. Doug Meyer had agreed to serve another term on the Planning Commission. Mr. Blankenship stated that the board would like to recommend the re-appointments of Mr. Badders and Mr. Meyer to another term. Commissioner Hlavachick offered a motion to re-appoint Mr. Fred Badders and Mr. Doug Meyers to another term on the Planning Commission. That motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF CHAD WESTHOFF TO THE BUILDING BOARD:
Mr. Blankenship commented that Mr. Chad Westhoff had been an excellent board member on the Building Board and had provided insight on the plumbing side. Mr. Blankenship recommended to the Commission the re-appointment of Mr. Westhoff to an additional three year term. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the re-appointment of Mr. Chad Westhoff to the Building Board for a three year term. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 2:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
• Pratt Feedlot:
City Manager Howard informed the Commission that he had been working with Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill and Energy Agent Kenny Kreutzer on the 150 KW wind generator for the Pratt Feedlot. Mr. Howard added that KMEA was also involved. Mayor Taylor questioned if this violated any FAA regulations. Mr. Howard stated that the airport had submitted an application to the FAA and this was a low enough tower that the FAA had approved it.
Public Works:
• Mosquitoes:
Public Works Director Rambat stated that they had sprayed for mosquitoes last Friday and Saturday.
• Certified Tree Service:
Mr. Rambat stated that Certified Tree Service had started cleaning the sewer easement Wednesday.
• Sealing project:
Mr. Rambat stated that the street sealing project should start tomorrow in the southeast corner of town.
• New waterline:
Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the new 12” water main on Maple Street between Sunrise Avenue and Welton Street was underway and would reestablish continuity on both water towers.
Inspections:
• 5th & Jackson:
Building Inspector Brad Blankenship commented that the house at Fifth Street and Jackson Street would be torn down. Mr. Blankenship added that it was owned by the Filley Foundation and the group had voted to have it removed.
Electric Department:
• 30 hour run:
Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill commented that the power plant engine was back together and they were beginning their thirty hour run. Plant Operator Brian Evans commented that the thirty hour run had started at 8:00 a.m., but an electrical problem had shut it down so they would be starting the thirty hours again tomorrow morning. Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith explained that the engine has to run continuous for thirty hours and, when you have to shut it down, you start over.
• Sirens:
Mr. Hemphill stated that line distribution staff had installed the two new sirens and they were in operation during the test today. Mr. Hemphill added that they had been tested twice due to a radio malfunction.
Parks & Recreation:
• Board Meeting:
Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall stated that the Leadership class would be coming to the next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting to discuss the park project on Main Street. Mr. Pinkall commented that he may have more information at the next meeting.
• Texas company:
Mr. Pinkall commented that there was a company out of Texas that was considering having their regional office in Pratt. Mr. Pinkall stated that they would be assisting them in facility issues and improving some park areas.
Commission:
• Dog Park:
Commissioner Hlavachick questioned where we were on a dog park, because there were people who want to see that happen. Commissioner Hlavachick asked that there be some movement from the Advisory Board.
Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if there could be a watering fountain for dogs attached to one of the water fountains in Lemon’s Park. Mr. Rambat stated that he would look into that. Commissioner Detwiler stated that it would be nice to have one on the walkway and informed the staff that there was one by the shelter house.
• Dangerous hole:
Commissioner Hlavachick mentioned that there was a hole that had washed away and looked dangerous by the house at Fifth Street and Jackson Street. After little more discussion, City Manager Howard stated that he would look into it.
• Sixth Street speed limit:
Commissioner Detwiler questioned if there was a speed limit on Sixth Street and explained that there were cars that were coming off of Watson Street and not stopping at the stop sign. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she saw another bus incident in front of her house where the bus was stopped and two pick-ups went around it.
• Pilot Club Express:
Commissioner Detwiler informed Mr. Rambat that the Pilot Club Express was closed for the season so they would not need any more fuel until the Spook Express.
ADJOURN:
Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn and the second by Commissioner Detwiler followed. The motion passed unanimously.
_______________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
Friday, September 30, 2011
10/03/2011-City Commission Meeting Agenda
MONDAY
OCTOBER 03, 2011
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. MINUTES – September 19, 2011 Regular City Commission meeting
4. OPEN AGENDA – 1 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
5. BUSINESS:
5.1 Discussion and Approval of Letter to Corp of Engineers Concerning the Extension of the City’s Water Main to the Airport – Reid Bell, Airport Manager; Dave Howard, City Manager
5.2 Presentation in Regards to Cop Trax Video System for In-Car Videos – ‘Acting’ Police Chief Gary Myers; Bill Switzer, Video Labs, LLC
5.3 Consideration and Approval of Requests for ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ Event on November 19th – Jan Scarbrough, Chamber Director
5.4 Consideration and Approval of ‘Moonlight Madness on Main Street’ Event on October 20th – Jan Scarbrough, Chamber Director
5.5 Consideration and Approval of Costs Associated with RICE/NESHAP Compliance Upgrade to City’s Dual Fuel Engine/Generators – Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager
6. OPEN AGENDA – 2 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
7. REPORTS
7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Heads
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission
8. ADJOURN
OCTOBER 03, 2011
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. MINUTES – September 19, 2011 Regular City Commission meeting
4. OPEN AGENDA – 1 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
5. BUSINESS:
5.1 Discussion and Approval of Letter to Corp of Engineers Concerning the Extension of the City’s Water Main to the Airport – Reid Bell, Airport Manager; Dave Howard, City Manager
5.2 Presentation in Regards to Cop Trax Video System for In-Car Videos – ‘Acting’ Police Chief Gary Myers; Bill Switzer, Video Labs, LLC
5.3 Consideration and Approval of Requests for ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ Event on November 19th – Jan Scarbrough, Chamber Director
5.4 Consideration and Approval of ‘Moonlight Madness on Main Street’ Event on October 20th – Jan Scarbrough, Chamber Director
5.5 Consideration and Approval of Costs Associated with RICE/NESHAP Compliance Upgrade to City’s Dual Fuel Engine/Generators – Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager
6. OPEN AGENDA – 2 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
7. REPORTS
7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Heads
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission
8. ADJOURN
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
09/06/11-Approved City Commission Minutes
TUESDAY
SEPTEMBER 06, 2011
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
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers ‘Acting’ Police Chief
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Dir. of Electric Utilities
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.
The Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.
MINUTES:
A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2011 joint City/County meeting, the August 15, 2011 regular Commission meeting, the August 18, 2011 recessed Commission meeting and the August 29, 2011 special call meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 1:
• Justice dysfunctional:
Mr. Luca Matei informed the Commission that he had requested the salary of the City Commission and the City Manager. Mr. Matei explained the salaries of those offices in Wichita. Mayor Taylor commented that the Mayor of Wichita was an elected position and he was part time. Mr. Matei continued speaking about justice being dysfunctional. Mayor Taylor questioned how this pertained to City business. Mr. Matei stated that if City people were abused, then it was City business. Mr. Matei commented that he was not the only one that had been abused by the judge, attorney and police.
• Utility refund for Main Street Businesses:
The owner of Sunflower Consignment, Ms. Sandy Decker, commented that Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall had done an awesome job getting people downtown during the construction project, but the construction had caused a big drop in her sales. Ms. Decker explained that she had had to cut back on employee’s hours and one had quit. Ms. Decker stated that the project affected the whole community and she had not paid in as much in sales tax due to low sales. Ms. Decker stated that the 300 block of South Main Street had been closed for the entire project. Ms. Decker added that local people thought they had closed and she had lost a lot of tourist trade.
Ms. Decker commented that she knew that the City gave new businesses incentives and she questioned if the Commission would consider paying or crediting 50% of the last three months City bills for the South Main Street businesses. Mayor Taylor stated that the project had probably affected her more than it had him, because he does not get walk-in traffic very often. Mayor Taylor questioned Finance Director Diana Garten if we had the most current sales tax figures. Ms. Garten stated that sales tax was up $70,000 from last year and August sales tax figures, which were for June sales, had broke even.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that this was what we had all been worried about before the project started and he sympathized with her. Commissioner Skaggs added that he would like to see the City do something. Mayor Taylor questioned if it would be in the form of a rebate for June, July and August utility bills. Commissioner Skaggs stated that the 300 block did take the brunt end of the construction. Mayor Taylor commented that you could not single out that block. Commissioner Hlavachick commented that it was a hard call and he could not see singling out one block.
Mayor Taylor suggested having City staff look at the expenses at both twenty-five and fifty percent rebate to see if it would be feasible to help downtown. City Manager Dave Howard stated that they would do that, but the excessive heat meant higher electric bills and we did not have anything to do with that. Commissioner Detwiler commented that, with their block closed and the high bills, they got hit from both directions. Mr. Howard stated that we would look at it store by store. Mayor Taylor related to Ms. Decker that he was not promising anything, but it would be discussed again at the next meeting.
BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR USE OF THE SCOUT CABIN AND CLOSURE OF THE 200 BLOCK OF ROCHESTER STREET BY PHS ON OCTOBER 14TH & 15TH:
Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall stated that he had received a memo from Mr. Curtis Nightingale concerning the use of the Scout Cabin and the closing of Rochester Street for the State Tennis Tournament on October 14th and 15th. Mr. Pinkall commented that the street department leaves the barricades at the corner and the school puts them up and takes them back down. Commissioner Skaggs questioned what they use the Scout Cabin for. Mr. Pinkall stated that they use it for meetings. Commissioner Detwiler corrected the memo in that it was the 300 block of Rochester Street and not the 200 block. Mr. Pinkall stated that was correct. A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve the request from Pratt High School to close the 300 block of Rochester Street on October 14th and 15th and to use the Scout Cabin. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID FOR THE ROLLING HILL TREE CLEARING/TRIMMING PROJECT:
Public Works Director Russell Rambat stated that the bids were for a tree clearing project in the sewer easement in the Rolling Hills Division. Mr. Rambat explained that it was difficult to get back in there to do maintenance and it was the only utility in this easement. Mr. Rambat explained that the tree trimmers had met at the site and reviewed what needed to be achieved before they submitted their bids.
Mr. Rambat recommended the low bid from Certified Tree Service in the amount of $2,000 plus $300 to apply stump control to cut stumps. Mr. Rambat added that we were going to stay on top of this so we do not have to do this again. Commissioner Hlavachick commented that there was a big difference in the bids. Mr. Rambat stated that Certified Tree Service had been doing that lately and they had done work for us before and did a good job. Mr. Rambat stated that that was the beauty of the bidding process.
A motion by Commissioner Detwiler to accept the bid from Certified Tree Service with the option for stump removal for $2,300. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
PRESENTATION BY PRATT CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND OPTIONS FOR TRUCK SITUATION:
Pratt Fire Chief David Kramer stated that the department had put together an informational packet that would give the Commission an idea of who they were, why they were at this meeting and why this purchase was important to the department and the community. Captain Todd Hoffman presented the Commission with a short power point presentation that showed training meetings, the department’s mission statement and various other activities that the fire department takes part in. Captain Hoffman stated that that was a short presentation on what the fire department does for the community and he added that they take great pride in doing it.
Captain Hoffman explained to the Commission that there was never a good time to do something about the apparatus, but Engine #6 was having tank and valve issues. Captain Hoffman explained that it was not how tall buildings were but what it takes to meet ISO Standards when a department was in need of a new truck. Captain Hoffman stated that Engine #5 was not compliant and it was not cost effective to fix Engine #6. Captain Hoffman explained that the department was offered a $10,000 incentive for a trade in on a new truck for Engine #6, but the cost of repairs would be $20,000 plus. Captain Hoffman suggested that Engine #5 be retired, Engine #6 be replaced with Engine #1 and the possibility of purchasing an aerial from Lenexa for $150,000. Captain Hoffman added that a lease/purchase payment for a $150,000 truck from Lenexa would not have a payment due until a year after the date of delivery.
Mayor Taylor questioned what the 2011 pump and ladder certification meant on the Lenexa truck that was in the presentation. Chief Kramer stated that that meant it had tested to the current standards. Mayor Taylor questioned if those standards change. Chief Kramer explained that they have to test out at what they were purchased at.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that he would have liked to have hard copies of the costs that were in the presentation. Chief Kramer apologized for that and explained that they did not have that information until later. Chief Kramer commented that Lenexa had to wait for budget time to see what they were able to do on the aerial truck. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if it would not be cost effective to replace the tank on Engine #6 over a new one at $350,000. Chief Kramer explained that it was their intent to keep the front line truck in its best condition, but Engine #1 was being over used and they had hoped it would last twenty years or more. Chief Kramer added that the companies that do the tank replacement cannot believe that we were considering repairing the truck. Mayor Taylor stated that they must have deeper pockets than we do and, if the engine was good, it seems better to put $20,000 into a $10,000 truck rather than $350,000. Mayor Taylor added that you could get ten more years out of that truck and not lower the ISO rating. Chief Kramer commented that ten more years would make the truck forty-three years old. Mayor Taylor commented that he has gotten that out of a lot of equipment and $350,000 vs. $20,000 was a no brainer. Commissioner Skaggs commented that we should repair what we have and budget for the future. Commissioner Skaggs added that there were no idle funds for a major purchase like that and he realized that the Lenexa aerial would probably not be available then.
Commissioner Graf questioned if Township 12 had an aerial truck. Chief Kramer stated that they do, but he had been told that that truck had a lot of problems. Commissioner Graf questioned if it had passed tests. Chief Kramer answered that it had not been tested and explained that rural insurance ratings were not as affected by ISO ratings. Commissioner Detwiler questioned what makes it not a good truck. Chief Kramer explained that the service person told them that they would not get on that truck and that it had hydraulic oil issues.
Chief Kramer stated that they were not asking to do anything until Engine #1 was paid for, but he was concerned about safety and doing their job and tactics in a better and safer manner. Commissioner Skaggs commented that the fire department has a nice facility and the Commission was proud of their accomplishments, but the tax payers do not want to make big expenditures. Chief Kramer stated that the Lenexa truck was time based and they were not expecting it to happen tomorrow. Chief Kramer explained that the truck in Iuka was out of service and it was also included in our ISO rating to get to 300,000 gallons a minute that was required to get to the five rating.
Chief Kramer added that they had not planned on the problems with #6, but they hoped to purchase the Lenexa truck to replace it on a lease agreement since Engine #1 would be paid for this year. Mayor Taylor commented that they had not informed the Commission of that plan and some money should have been set aside. Mayor Taylor questioned if they were getting one mill now. Finance Director Diana Garten stated that was correct and the rest goes into the fire department equipment reserves. Mayor Taylor stated that we should not do away with that and then there would not be as much in interest. Chief Kramer commented that they had saved a lot of money on the lease purchase and interest rates now were barely over 3%. Ms. Garten stated that they had paid 4.5% interest on the current truck and that amounted to about $44,000 over nine years. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if a lease/purchase was available for a used truck. Chief Kramer stated that it was, but for a shorter time span.
Chief Kramer apologized if they had left the Commission out of the loop, but they do try to keep their equipment up to date. Chief Kramer added that the maintenance on the Lenexa truck was appealing and, at $150,000, they were trying to help us. Mayor Taylor questioned if we would not be back where we were if we repaired #6. Chief Kramer stated that we would be, but you do not know how long that was going to last. Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if Lenexa would consider a lease/purchase. Chief Kramer stated that that would have to be done here. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the new station could accommodate the aerial. Chief Kramer stated that it would. Commissioner Detwiler commented that $44,000 in interest was a lot of money and more than was needed to fix the truck.
Firefighter Chad VanSlyke commented that there were other issues with #6 that had not been brought up, such as the safety of the driver operator. Firefighter VanSlyke stated that there were less safety features on the 1978 than the 1991 and one was that, if the 1978 was ever in an accident, the driver would go through the windshield. Mayor Taylor questioned adding restraints or seat belts. Chief Kramer stated that it has a single restraint. Lieutenant Dan Decker commented that it was also illegal to ride on the back of the truck, so you cannot chose to ride on the truck to a fire rather than taking your personal vehicle. Lt. Decker added that, with a truck like Lenexa’s, you could take half a dozen guys and still have the others respond P.O.V.. Chief Kramer commented that there had also been a problem with the master cylinder and it was very difficult to drive. Chief Kramer added that there were also clutch problems where it jumps out the door and the brakes were also a problem. Chief Kramer stated that they also had never replaced any tires on Engine #6.
Commissioner Skaggs stated that he would like to see something in black and white and not on how to be a firefighter. Commissioner Skaggs stated that he wanted figures they could study. Chief Kramer commented that the members of the department wanted to present that to the Commission. Commissioner Skaggs stated that it was well put together. Mayor Taylor stated that the safety of the community and the firefighters was important, but this truck had suited us for many years, so he was looking at the repairs at $10,000 to $20,000. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he agreed with Mayor Taylor and Commissioner Skaggs, but he had thought for a long time that the City needed a ladder truck and the Lenexa deal may be a one-time shot. Commissioner Hlavachick suggested that we look into what it would take to buy it on a lease/purchase, but he would not consider a $350,000 truck. Chief Kramer stated that it could be done like it had before and 60 to 65% were done through a municipal lease, which gives the lending institute tax advantages. Commissioner Detwiler commented that, if she wants something, she saves up for it and, although this may be a good deal and interest rates were low, they should save for it and purchase later. Chief Kramer explained that, with the restraints that the City has asked for in the budget, it takes all of the $193,000 he has to run his department, so there was no money to set aside. Chief Kramer added that what they do not use goes to reserves and they were trying to maintain what they have. Commissioner Detwiler asked if there was a use it or lose it policy in the City budget. City Manager Dave Howard stated that they do spend a better part of their budget. Ms. Garten added that the truck payment had been set aside. Chief Kramer stated that they have about $3,000 to $5,000 in reserves now. Commissioner Detwiler stated that, with the truck payment and the $3,000 or $5,000, that was $29,000. Chief Kramer commented that their equipment was very expensive. Chief Kramer added that they would like to do that, but they were concerned about a complete failure and he has to try to explain to the guys why we spent $150,000 on a fitness center. Mayor Taylor stated that the Commission had spent $400,000 on a new facility for the fire department, so they were not to point fingers on where we spent money. Mayor Taylor added that they were a volunteer department and had the best equipment they possibly can and we were not a City that could afford this purchase. Mayor Taylor explained that we should take a stop gap measure and spend $20,000 to try to get the truck to last a few more years. Chief Kramer stated that there was not a market for that truck and that that amount was an incentive amount the company would offer on a trade-in on a different vehicle. Mayor Taylor questioned grants that would be available. Chief Kramer explained that they had tried the last three years to get a new truck, but we never qualify. Mayor Taylor stated that we were too wealthy of a community. Chief Kramer stated that they say that that does not have an effect, but you get awarded the grant if you meet the criteria.
Chief Kramer stated that they appreciate all the support of the Commission, but the fire station does not put out fires. Commissioner Detwiler commented that the new station needs a new roof, so you need to protect your investments and they had gone about it backwards. Commissioner Detwiler stated that, if there was a F5 tornado, they better get that equipment out of that concrete building. Mayor Taylor commented that that was a different subject, but he would like for them to put some information together. Commissioner Skaggs questioned why we maintain a truck in Iuka. Chief Kramer explained that they could not keep that truck in the old station and Iuka also responds to the airport with us. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they have their own department. Chief Kramer stated that they were a separate department. Commissioner Skaggs questioned how they dealt with that engine failing. Chief Kramer stated that they purchased a new truck to fill the gap and that lowered their ISO rating. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we help each other. Chief Kramer stated that they all do that.
CONSIDERTION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1104 PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF THE “STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE FOR KANSAS CITIES-EDITION 2011”:
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1105 PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF THE “UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES – EDITION 2011”:
City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that Municipal Court enforces City ordinances, but State traffic laws were incorporated into a Municipal Code. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that that was done by means of a booklet published by the League of Kansas Municipalities called ‘Standard Traffic Ordinances for Kansas Cities’. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we adopt that as part of an ordinance so that we are on the same page as the Municipal Judge. Mr. Van Blaricum added that there were new books every year, but we adopt them every couple of years.
Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the 2011 edition was similar to the 2009 with a few minor adjustments by the legislature. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that a copy of the ordinance would be included in the book and he had visited with ‘Acting’ Police Chief Gary Myers.
Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the next ordinance was the same thing dealing with the Uniform Public Offense Code, so they would get the same speech. Commissioner Skaggs questioned Section 6 (a) that states ‘No person shall stand upon or along a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting a ride’. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he had not paid much attention to that, but it probably existed due to prior history. Commissioner Skaggs questioned why some things were omitted and deleted in Ordinance 1105. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that, at some point and time, these offenses were better if prosecuted by the County Attorney rather than the City Attorney.
The following Ordinances 1104 and 1105 were presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF TRAFFIC WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE “STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE FOR KANSAS CITIES,” EDITION OF 2011, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS, CHANGES, AND ADDITIONS; PRESCRIBING ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS; PROVIDING CERTAIN PENALTIES; AND REPEALING ORDINANCES NUMBERED 10.04.010, 10.04.020, 10.04.030, 10.04.040 10.04.050, 10.04.060 and 10.04.070; and AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS; PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE "UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES," EDITION OF 2011, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS. A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to approve Ordinance 1104 and Ordinance 1105 as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON VOTING DELEGATES AT THE LEAGUE’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER:
After little discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to designate Commissioner Hlavachick and Finance Director Garten as delegates one and two and Commissioner Detwiler as the alternate delegate for the League’s Annual Conference. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON AQUATIC ENGINEERING BIDS:
Public Works Director Russell Rambat explained to the Commission that, after speaking with the pool staff last year, they needed to budget for an aquatic engineer to look at the public pool. Mr. Rambat stated that there was quite a bit of upkeep on the pool, but they wanted to know what direction to take. Mr. Rambat commented that they had budgeted $5,000 for the study and they had received three bids back that met the deadline. Mr. Rambat explained that the bids were as follows: Aquatic Design Consultants bid $3,500; Burbach Aquatics bid $2,250 and JEO Consulting did not bid. Mr. Rambat commented that they had explained the scope of their services on what they would look at and what we needed to do.
City Manager Howard commented that the fiberglass liner was nine years old and had cost $250,000 and it had a life of about ten years. Mr. Howard stated that he was not sure we would want to spend that kind of money again, but we would find out what it costs to modernize. Mr. Rambat stated that the liner was only as good as what was underneath it and this had been one of our better years, but he was not sure if that had anything to do with the warm water stabilizing it.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned how many swimmers we have each year. Mr. Rambat stated that he did not have that information, but he could get it. Mr. Rambat added that the pool was not a money maker. Mr. Howard commented that there would be major expense on the pool in the next two or three years. Mr. Howard added that it could get up to $500,000 or $1,000,000.
After little more discussion, there was a motion by Commission Detwiler to accept Phase 1 from Burbach Aquatics for $2,250. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 2:
• Good job on street project:
Mr. Steve Parson, Parsons Jewelry, stated that a good job had been done on the street project. Mr. Parson thanked past and present Commissioners, Dave Howard and Russell Rambat for getting the project done.
• Comments on fire truck:
One audience member stated that she did not know if there was a cost comparison done on the maintenance to keep the older truck running or less maintenance on a new one, but that could go a long way to looking at it as a safety measure for the whole town. Mayor Taylor commented that they do take all of that into consideration.
Another audience member stated that she had come to the meeting to meet the requirements for a class she was taking and she was in part glad she had come and part was glad she did not have to come back. The audience member stated that she does work in the City and spoke about the equipment that had failed the New York fire department when the subway had exploded and now we were approaching the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in which their equipment had failed miserably. The audience member commented that there were buildings here that the fire department was not capable of rescuing us out of and she asked that the Commission take into consideration that we do not want to look at 3,000 lost lives, which you would not in Pratt, Kansas, but how much do they want to lose.
• Difficult tenant situations:
Mr. Luca Matei stated that he has tenants that have difficult financial situations and he has had to evict them and repair so much damage. Mr. Matei stated that he had talked to the Judges and police and the City has no solution for this type of people. Mr. Matei asked how the City deals with people who have mental problems and then they have kids who were ‘losers from the beginning’. Mr. Matei commented that somebody has to see if there is an approach.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
• Landfill Board:
City Manager Howard commented that the County landfill was getting a board of the users and Public Works Director Rambat and he were on that board. Mr. Howard stated that we needed one more member and questioned if one of the Commission would be willing to serve on the board. Commissioner Skaggs stated that he would be on the board.
• Ethanol Plant update:
Mr. Howard stated that he had met with Mr. Jeff Wilkins who manages the grain handling at the Ethanol Plant. Mr. Howard explained that they were moving forward and were not sure if they were going to sell it or go forward.
• Pratt Interiors sold:
Mr. Howard stated that Pratt Interiors was under contract and Strong’s Lease to Own hoped to get started by November 1st.
• Coyote Country:
Mr. Howard commented that Coyote Country was trying to find a place in Pratt.
• Deed to lot:
Mr. Howard stated that we did have the deed to the parking lot downtown, but it had not been filed at the Court House yet. Mr. Howard explained that the Leadership class had met with EBH, but it was not going as fast as expected. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the deed was being transferred with no strings. Mr. Howard stated that it had to operate as a park. Commissioner Skaggs clarified that it would go back to them if it was not going to be a park. Mr. Howard stated that was correct and that was how Lemon’s Park was.
• Key Construction:
Mr. Howard stated that Key Construction was working with a local business that wants to expand on the property by Wal-Mart, as well as a new business that they want to bring into town. Mr. Howard stated that they were also working with the ED Board. Mr. Howard explained that that they were putting prices together to access that area since it would be an expensive area to develop. Mayor Taylor questioned where our utilities were. Mr. Howard stated that they were pretty close. Mr. Howard commented that they would be talking to KDOT about a traffic light, which drives the cost up. Commissioner Skaggs questioned who pays for that. Mr. Howard stated that it would be negotiated.
• PCC Rodeo:
Mr. Howard stated that the college rodeo was coming up and they were meeting to try and get things organized. Mr. Howard commented that they would demand that they have someone to direct people where to go.
• Industrial Park:
Mr. Howard informed the Commission that there were two businesses in the last two weeks that were looking at a large tract of land at the Industrial Park. Mr. Howard commented that he had been in contact with EBH.
City Attorney:
• Memorandum of Understanding:
City Attorney Van Blaricum commented that the Memorandum of Understanding for the SRS had been approved and they were prepared to go forward with a contract. Mr. Van Blaricum added that he should have something for them in a couple of weeks.
• Main Street:
Public Works Director Rambat stated that the Main Street project was almost finished and they would be marking off the striping later this week. Mr. Rambat commented that they would be working on handicap stalls and new spacing on the angle parking. Mr. Rambat stated that they should open up the north end Wednesday or early Thursday and the other end by the weekend.
• Project updates:
Mr. Rambat stated that the curb and sidewalk project was complete and the street sealing project should begin next week.
Inspection Department:
• Building Board meeting:
Building Inspector Brad Blankenship informed the Commission that there was a Building Board meeting next Tuesday and this would be the last one before they brought the general contractor’s licensing to the Commission. Mr. Blankenship stated that it had been sixteen months of studies and meetings and they had received real positive input.
Electric Department:
• Fire Sirens/Maintenance:
Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill stated that the fire sirens had been purchased and had been tested last week.
Mr. Hemphill commented that the power plant continued doing maintenance on unit #7.
• Base load energy:
Mr. Hemphill commented that, with the new EPA laws and the expenditures for Pratt, the long range cost of base load energy would have a big effect on future energy costs. Mr. Hemphill clarified that it would be better for us.
Recreation Department:
• Main Street celebration:
Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall stated that there was a flyer in the packets that talked about the celebration for the street project, but the date had not been added to the flyer. Mr. Pinkall added that the date was this Wednesday. Mr. Pinkall commented that the businesses deserve equal appreciation for the project’s success and he appreciated their positive attitude in knowing that this was for the betterment of the community.
Power Plant:
• Unit #7:
Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith commented that they had received the parts to repair unit #7 and they would be assembling it and checking it for squareness and other things.
Police Department:
• Traffic at Southwest:
‘Acting’ Police Chief Myers commented that he had been monitoring the traffic at Southwest School and, even with more students, things were going well. ‘Acting’ Chief Myers stated that there were people who wanted to park in the no parking zones and there was some congestion where the busses exit on the east side, but they would get accustomed to it after awhile.
City Clerk:
• Introduction of firemen:
City Clerk Kramer asked that the firemen that were at the meeting introduce themselves. Ms. Kramer stated that there were a few new firemen that the Commission had not met. The firemen introduced themselves and told how long they had been on the department.
Mayor:
• Appreciation:
Mayor Taylor commented that the things that the firemen do does not go unnoticed and they do appreciate it. Mayor Taylor stated that the safety of the firemen was of utmost importance to all the Commission. Mayor Taylor added that, even though he had gotten upset with Chief Kramer over economic development, it may have seemed that they were not concerned, but they were. Mayor Taylor commented that this was a difficult situation to try and take care of and be good stewards of the City’s money.
Mayor Taylor stated that no one said that we do not need to do something. Mayor Taylor explained that, being a volunteer, the pay was not what they put into it and the citizens appreciate it. Mayor Taylor added that that goes for the police department too. Mayor Taylor stated that, just because they had had words, did not mean that he was not interested in their safety. Mayor Taylor commented that they would look at it and try to make recommendations, even though it may not be what they want.
Commissioners:
• Thanks for what they do:
Commissioner Graf, Commissioner Skaggs, Commissioner Hlavachick and Commissioner Detwiler thanked the firemen for what they do and added that they do appreciate them. Commissioner Detwiler added that they do what they do because they love it.
• Incident with school bus:
Commissioner Detwiler commented that she had witnessed an incident this afternoon when a school bus had stopped to let a child out and a car neglected to stop in the other direction. Commissioner Detwiler asked that a spare officer be out on Sixth Street. ‘Acting’ Chief Myers commented that the bus drivers can call in a vehicle description in that situation, but he would have someone watching that area.
ADJOURN:
A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and passed unanimously.
_____________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
__________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
SEPTEMBER 06, 2011
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
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers ‘Acting’ Police Chief
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Dir. of Electric Utilities
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.
The Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.
MINUTES:
A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2011 joint City/County meeting, the August 15, 2011 regular Commission meeting, the August 18, 2011 recessed Commission meeting and the August 29, 2011 special call meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 1:
• Justice dysfunctional:
Mr. Luca Matei informed the Commission that he had requested the salary of the City Commission and the City Manager. Mr. Matei explained the salaries of those offices in Wichita. Mayor Taylor commented that the Mayor of Wichita was an elected position and he was part time. Mr. Matei continued speaking about justice being dysfunctional. Mayor Taylor questioned how this pertained to City business. Mr. Matei stated that if City people were abused, then it was City business. Mr. Matei commented that he was not the only one that had been abused by the judge, attorney and police.
• Utility refund for Main Street Businesses:
The owner of Sunflower Consignment, Ms. Sandy Decker, commented that Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall had done an awesome job getting people downtown during the construction project, but the construction had caused a big drop in her sales. Ms. Decker explained that she had had to cut back on employee’s hours and one had quit. Ms. Decker stated that the project affected the whole community and she had not paid in as much in sales tax due to low sales. Ms. Decker stated that the 300 block of South Main Street had been closed for the entire project. Ms. Decker added that local people thought they had closed and she had lost a lot of tourist trade.
Ms. Decker commented that she knew that the City gave new businesses incentives and she questioned if the Commission would consider paying or crediting 50% of the last three months City bills for the South Main Street businesses. Mayor Taylor stated that the project had probably affected her more than it had him, because he does not get walk-in traffic very often. Mayor Taylor questioned Finance Director Diana Garten if we had the most current sales tax figures. Ms. Garten stated that sales tax was up $70,000 from last year and August sales tax figures, which were for June sales, had broke even.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that this was what we had all been worried about before the project started and he sympathized with her. Commissioner Skaggs added that he would like to see the City do something. Mayor Taylor questioned if it would be in the form of a rebate for June, July and August utility bills. Commissioner Skaggs stated that the 300 block did take the brunt end of the construction. Mayor Taylor commented that you could not single out that block. Commissioner Hlavachick commented that it was a hard call and he could not see singling out one block.
Mayor Taylor suggested having City staff look at the expenses at both twenty-five and fifty percent rebate to see if it would be feasible to help downtown. City Manager Dave Howard stated that they would do that, but the excessive heat meant higher electric bills and we did not have anything to do with that. Commissioner Detwiler commented that, with their block closed and the high bills, they got hit from both directions. Mr. Howard stated that we would look at it store by store. Mayor Taylor related to Ms. Decker that he was not promising anything, but it would be discussed again at the next meeting.
BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR USE OF THE SCOUT CABIN AND CLOSURE OF THE 200 BLOCK OF ROCHESTER STREET BY PHS ON OCTOBER 14TH & 15TH:
Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall stated that he had received a memo from Mr. Curtis Nightingale concerning the use of the Scout Cabin and the closing of Rochester Street for the State Tennis Tournament on October 14th and 15th. Mr. Pinkall commented that the street department leaves the barricades at the corner and the school puts them up and takes them back down. Commissioner Skaggs questioned what they use the Scout Cabin for. Mr. Pinkall stated that they use it for meetings. Commissioner Detwiler corrected the memo in that it was the 300 block of Rochester Street and not the 200 block. Mr. Pinkall stated that was correct. A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to approve the request from Pratt High School to close the 300 block of Rochester Street on October 14th and 15th and to use the Scout Cabin. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID FOR THE ROLLING HILL TREE CLEARING/TRIMMING PROJECT:
Public Works Director Russell Rambat stated that the bids were for a tree clearing project in the sewer easement in the Rolling Hills Division. Mr. Rambat explained that it was difficult to get back in there to do maintenance and it was the only utility in this easement. Mr. Rambat explained that the tree trimmers had met at the site and reviewed what needed to be achieved before they submitted their bids.
Mr. Rambat recommended the low bid from Certified Tree Service in the amount of $2,000 plus $300 to apply stump control to cut stumps. Mr. Rambat added that we were going to stay on top of this so we do not have to do this again. Commissioner Hlavachick commented that there was a big difference in the bids. Mr. Rambat stated that Certified Tree Service had been doing that lately and they had done work for us before and did a good job. Mr. Rambat stated that that was the beauty of the bidding process.
A motion by Commissioner Detwiler to accept the bid from Certified Tree Service with the option for stump removal for $2,300. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
PRESENTATION BY PRATT CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND OPTIONS FOR TRUCK SITUATION:
Pratt Fire Chief David Kramer stated that the department had put together an informational packet that would give the Commission an idea of who they were, why they were at this meeting and why this purchase was important to the department and the community. Captain Todd Hoffman presented the Commission with a short power point presentation that showed training meetings, the department’s mission statement and various other activities that the fire department takes part in. Captain Hoffman stated that that was a short presentation on what the fire department does for the community and he added that they take great pride in doing it.
Captain Hoffman explained to the Commission that there was never a good time to do something about the apparatus, but Engine #6 was having tank and valve issues. Captain Hoffman explained that it was not how tall buildings were but what it takes to meet ISO Standards when a department was in need of a new truck. Captain Hoffman stated that Engine #5 was not compliant and it was not cost effective to fix Engine #6. Captain Hoffman explained that the department was offered a $10,000 incentive for a trade in on a new truck for Engine #6, but the cost of repairs would be $20,000 plus. Captain Hoffman suggested that Engine #5 be retired, Engine #6 be replaced with Engine #1 and the possibility of purchasing an aerial from Lenexa for $150,000. Captain Hoffman added that a lease/purchase payment for a $150,000 truck from Lenexa would not have a payment due until a year after the date of delivery.
Mayor Taylor questioned what the 2011 pump and ladder certification meant on the Lenexa truck that was in the presentation. Chief Kramer stated that that meant it had tested to the current standards. Mayor Taylor questioned if those standards change. Chief Kramer explained that they have to test out at what they were purchased at.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that he would have liked to have hard copies of the costs that were in the presentation. Chief Kramer apologized for that and explained that they did not have that information until later. Chief Kramer commented that Lenexa had to wait for budget time to see what they were able to do on the aerial truck. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if it would not be cost effective to replace the tank on Engine #6 over a new one at $350,000. Chief Kramer explained that it was their intent to keep the front line truck in its best condition, but Engine #1 was being over used and they had hoped it would last twenty years or more. Chief Kramer added that the companies that do the tank replacement cannot believe that we were considering repairing the truck. Mayor Taylor stated that they must have deeper pockets than we do and, if the engine was good, it seems better to put $20,000 into a $10,000 truck rather than $350,000. Mayor Taylor added that you could get ten more years out of that truck and not lower the ISO rating. Chief Kramer commented that ten more years would make the truck forty-three years old. Mayor Taylor commented that he has gotten that out of a lot of equipment and $350,000 vs. $20,000 was a no brainer. Commissioner Skaggs commented that we should repair what we have and budget for the future. Commissioner Skaggs added that there were no idle funds for a major purchase like that and he realized that the Lenexa aerial would probably not be available then.
Commissioner Graf questioned if Township 12 had an aerial truck. Chief Kramer stated that they do, but he had been told that that truck had a lot of problems. Commissioner Graf questioned if it had passed tests. Chief Kramer answered that it had not been tested and explained that rural insurance ratings were not as affected by ISO ratings. Commissioner Detwiler questioned what makes it not a good truck. Chief Kramer explained that the service person told them that they would not get on that truck and that it had hydraulic oil issues.
Chief Kramer stated that they were not asking to do anything until Engine #1 was paid for, but he was concerned about safety and doing their job and tactics in a better and safer manner. Commissioner Skaggs commented that the fire department has a nice facility and the Commission was proud of their accomplishments, but the tax payers do not want to make big expenditures. Chief Kramer stated that the Lenexa truck was time based and they were not expecting it to happen tomorrow. Chief Kramer explained that the truck in Iuka was out of service and it was also included in our ISO rating to get to 300,000 gallons a minute that was required to get to the five rating.
Chief Kramer added that they had not planned on the problems with #6, but they hoped to purchase the Lenexa truck to replace it on a lease agreement since Engine #1 would be paid for this year. Mayor Taylor commented that they had not informed the Commission of that plan and some money should have been set aside. Mayor Taylor questioned if they were getting one mill now. Finance Director Diana Garten stated that was correct and the rest goes into the fire department equipment reserves. Mayor Taylor stated that we should not do away with that and then there would not be as much in interest. Chief Kramer commented that they had saved a lot of money on the lease purchase and interest rates now were barely over 3%. Ms. Garten stated that they had paid 4.5% interest on the current truck and that amounted to about $44,000 over nine years. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if a lease/purchase was available for a used truck. Chief Kramer stated that it was, but for a shorter time span.
Chief Kramer apologized if they had left the Commission out of the loop, but they do try to keep their equipment up to date. Chief Kramer added that the maintenance on the Lenexa truck was appealing and, at $150,000, they were trying to help us. Mayor Taylor questioned if we would not be back where we were if we repaired #6. Chief Kramer stated that we would be, but you do not know how long that was going to last. Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if Lenexa would consider a lease/purchase. Chief Kramer stated that that would have to be done here. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the new station could accommodate the aerial. Chief Kramer stated that it would. Commissioner Detwiler commented that $44,000 in interest was a lot of money and more than was needed to fix the truck.
Firefighter Chad VanSlyke commented that there were other issues with #6 that had not been brought up, such as the safety of the driver operator. Firefighter VanSlyke stated that there were less safety features on the 1978 than the 1991 and one was that, if the 1978 was ever in an accident, the driver would go through the windshield. Mayor Taylor questioned adding restraints or seat belts. Chief Kramer stated that it has a single restraint. Lieutenant Dan Decker commented that it was also illegal to ride on the back of the truck, so you cannot chose to ride on the truck to a fire rather than taking your personal vehicle. Lt. Decker added that, with a truck like Lenexa’s, you could take half a dozen guys and still have the others respond P.O.V.. Chief Kramer commented that there had also been a problem with the master cylinder and it was very difficult to drive. Chief Kramer added that there were also clutch problems where it jumps out the door and the brakes were also a problem. Chief Kramer stated that they also had never replaced any tires on Engine #6.
Commissioner Skaggs stated that he would like to see something in black and white and not on how to be a firefighter. Commissioner Skaggs stated that he wanted figures they could study. Chief Kramer commented that the members of the department wanted to present that to the Commission. Commissioner Skaggs stated that it was well put together. Mayor Taylor stated that the safety of the community and the firefighters was important, but this truck had suited us for many years, so he was looking at the repairs at $10,000 to $20,000. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he agreed with Mayor Taylor and Commissioner Skaggs, but he had thought for a long time that the City needed a ladder truck and the Lenexa deal may be a one-time shot. Commissioner Hlavachick suggested that we look into what it would take to buy it on a lease/purchase, but he would not consider a $350,000 truck. Chief Kramer stated that it could be done like it had before and 60 to 65% were done through a municipal lease, which gives the lending institute tax advantages. Commissioner Detwiler commented that, if she wants something, she saves up for it and, although this may be a good deal and interest rates were low, they should save for it and purchase later. Chief Kramer explained that, with the restraints that the City has asked for in the budget, it takes all of the $193,000 he has to run his department, so there was no money to set aside. Chief Kramer added that what they do not use goes to reserves and they were trying to maintain what they have. Commissioner Detwiler asked if there was a use it or lose it policy in the City budget. City Manager Dave Howard stated that they do spend a better part of their budget. Ms. Garten added that the truck payment had been set aside. Chief Kramer stated that they have about $3,000 to $5,000 in reserves now. Commissioner Detwiler stated that, with the truck payment and the $3,000 or $5,000, that was $29,000. Chief Kramer commented that their equipment was very expensive. Chief Kramer added that they would like to do that, but they were concerned about a complete failure and he has to try to explain to the guys why we spent $150,000 on a fitness center. Mayor Taylor stated that the Commission had spent $400,000 on a new facility for the fire department, so they were not to point fingers on where we spent money. Mayor Taylor added that they were a volunteer department and had the best equipment they possibly can and we were not a City that could afford this purchase. Mayor Taylor explained that we should take a stop gap measure and spend $20,000 to try to get the truck to last a few more years. Chief Kramer stated that there was not a market for that truck and that that amount was an incentive amount the company would offer on a trade-in on a different vehicle. Mayor Taylor questioned grants that would be available. Chief Kramer explained that they had tried the last three years to get a new truck, but we never qualify. Mayor Taylor stated that we were too wealthy of a community. Chief Kramer stated that they say that that does not have an effect, but you get awarded the grant if you meet the criteria.
Chief Kramer stated that they appreciate all the support of the Commission, but the fire station does not put out fires. Commissioner Detwiler commented that the new station needs a new roof, so you need to protect your investments and they had gone about it backwards. Commissioner Detwiler stated that, if there was a F5 tornado, they better get that equipment out of that concrete building. Mayor Taylor commented that that was a different subject, but he would like for them to put some information together. Commissioner Skaggs questioned why we maintain a truck in Iuka. Chief Kramer explained that they could not keep that truck in the old station and Iuka also responds to the airport with us. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they have their own department. Chief Kramer stated that they were a separate department. Commissioner Skaggs questioned how they dealt with that engine failing. Chief Kramer stated that they purchased a new truck to fill the gap and that lowered their ISO rating. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we help each other. Chief Kramer stated that they all do that.
CONSIDERTION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1104 PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF THE “STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE FOR KANSAS CITIES-EDITION 2011”:
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1105 PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF THE “UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES – EDITION 2011”:
City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that Municipal Court enforces City ordinances, but State traffic laws were incorporated into a Municipal Code. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that that was done by means of a booklet published by the League of Kansas Municipalities called ‘Standard Traffic Ordinances for Kansas Cities’. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we adopt that as part of an ordinance so that we are on the same page as the Municipal Judge. Mr. Van Blaricum added that there were new books every year, but we adopt them every couple of years.
Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the 2011 edition was similar to the 2009 with a few minor adjustments by the legislature. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that a copy of the ordinance would be included in the book and he had visited with ‘Acting’ Police Chief Gary Myers.
Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the next ordinance was the same thing dealing with the Uniform Public Offense Code, so they would get the same speech. Commissioner Skaggs questioned Section 6 (a) that states ‘No person shall stand upon or along a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting a ride’. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he had not paid much attention to that, but it probably existed due to prior history. Commissioner Skaggs questioned why some things were omitted and deleted in Ordinance 1105. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that, at some point and time, these offenses were better if prosecuted by the County Attorney rather than the City Attorney.
The following Ordinances 1104 and 1105 were presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF TRAFFIC WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE “STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE FOR KANSAS CITIES,” EDITION OF 2011, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS, CHANGES, AND ADDITIONS; PRESCRIBING ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS; PROVIDING CERTAIN PENALTIES; AND REPEALING ORDINANCES NUMBERED 10.04.010, 10.04.020, 10.04.030, 10.04.040 10.04.050, 10.04.060 and 10.04.070; and AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS; PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE "UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES," EDITION OF 2011, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS. A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to approve Ordinance 1104 and Ordinance 1105 as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON VOTING DELEGATES AT THE LEAGUE’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER:
After little discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to designate Commissioner Hlavachick and Finance Director Garten as delegates one and two and Commissioner Detwiler as the alternate delegate for the League’s Annual Conference. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON AQUATIC ENGINEERING BIDS:
Public Works Director Russell Rambat explained to the Commission that, after speaking with the pool staff last year, they needed to budget for an aquatic engineer to look at the public pool. Mr. Rambat stated that there was quite a bit of upkeep on the pool, but they wanted to know what direction to take. Mr. Rambat commented that they had budgeted $5,000 for the study and they had received three bids back that met the deadline. Mr. Rambat explained that the bids were as follows: Aquatic Design Consultants bid $3,500; Burbach Aquatics bid $2,250 and JEO Consulting did not bid. Mr. Rambat commented that they had explained the scope of their services on what they would look at and what we needed to do.
City Manager Howard commented that the fiberglass liner was nine years old and had cost $250,000 and it had a life of about ten years. Mr. Howard stated that he was not sure we would want to spend that kind of money again, but we would find out what it costs to modernize. Mr. Rambat stated that the liner was only as good as what was underneath it and this had been one of our better years, but he was not sure if that had anything to do with the warm water stabilizing it.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned how many swimmers we have each year. Mr. Rambat stated that he did not have that information, but he could get it. Mr. Rambat added that the pool was not a money maker. Mr. Howard commented that there would be major expense on the pool in the next two or three years. Mr. Howard added that it could get up to $500,000 or $1,000,000.
After little more discussion, there was a motion by Commission Detwiler to accept Phase 1 from Burbach Aquatics for $2,250. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA 2:
• Good job on street project:
Mr. Steve Parson, Parsons Jewelry, stated that a good job had been done on the street project. Mr. Parson thanked past and present Commissioners, Dave Howard and Russell Rambat for getting the project done.
• Comments on fire truck:
One audience member stated that she did not know if there was a cost comparison done on the maintenance to keep the older truck running or less maintenance on a new one, but that could go a long way to looking at it as a safety measure for the whole town. Mayor Taylor commented that they do take all of that into consideration.
Another audience member stated that she had come to the meeting to meet the requirements for a class she was taking and she was in part glad she had come and part was glad she did not have to come back. The audience member stated that she does work in the City and spoke about the equipment that had failed the New York fire department when the subway had exploded and now we were approaching the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in which their equipment had failed miserably. The audience member commented that there were buildings here that the fire department was not capable of rescuing us out of and she asked that the Commission take into consideration that we do not want to look at 3,000 lost lives, which you would not in Pratt, Kansas, but how much do they want to lose.
• Difficult tenant situations:
Mr. Luca Matei stated that he has tenants that have difficult financial situations and he has had to evict them and repair so much damage. Mr. Matei stated that he had talked to the Judges and police and the City has no solution for this type of people. Mr. Matei asked how the City deals with people who have mental problems and then they have kids who were ‘losers from the beginning’. Mr. Matei commented that somebody has to see if there is an approach.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
• Landfill Board:
City Manager Howard commented that the County landfill was getting a board of the users and Public Works Director Rambat and he were on that board. Mr. Howard stated that we needed one more member and questioned if one of the Commission would be willing to serve on the board. Commissioner Skaggs stated that he would be on the board.
• Ethanol Plant update:
Mr. Howard stated that he had met with Mr. Jeff Wilkins who manages the grain handling at the Ethanol Plant. Mr. Howard explained that they were moving forward and were not sure if they were going to sell it or go forward.
• Pratt Interiors sold:
Mr. Howard stated that Pratt Interiors was under contract and Strong’s Lease to Own hoped to get started by November 1st.
• Coyote Country:
Mr. Howard commented that Coyote Country was trying to find a place in Pratt.
• Deed to lot:
Mr. Howard stated that we did have the deed to the parking lot downtown, but it had not been filed at the Court House yet. Mr. Howard explained that the Leadership class had met with EBH, but it was not going as fast as expected. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the deed was being transferred with no strings. Mr. Howard stated that it had to operate as a park. Commissioner Skaggs clarified that it would go back to them if it was not going to be a park. Mr. Howard stated that was correct and that was how Lemon’s Park was.
• Key Construction:
Mr. Howard stated that Key Construction was working with a local business that wants to expand on the property by Wal-Mart, as well as a new business that they want to bring into town. Mr. Howard stated that they were also working with the ED Board. Mr. Howard explained that that they were putting prices together to access that area since it would be an expensive area to develop. Mayor Taylor questioned where our utilities were. Mr. Howard stated that they were pretty close. Mr. Howard commented that they would be talking to KDOT about a traffic light, which drives the cost up. Commissioner Skaggs questioned who pays for that. Mr. Howard stated that it would be negotiated.
• PCC Rodeo:
Mr. Howard stated that the college rodeo was coming up and they were meeting to try and get things organized. Mr. Howard commented that they would demand that they have someone to direct people where to go.
• Industrial Park:
Mr. Howard informed the Commission that there were two businesses in the last two weeks that were looking at a large tract of land at the Industrial Park. Mr. Howard commented that he had been in contact with EBH.
City Attorney:
• Memorandum of Understanding:
City Attorney Van Blaricum commented that the Memorandum of Understanding for the SRS had been approved and they were prepared to go forward with a contract. Mr. Van Blaricum added that he should have something for them in a couple of weeks.
• Main Street:
Public Works Director Rambat stated that the Main Street project was almost finished and they would be marking off the striping later this week. Mr. Rambat commented that they would be working on handicap stalls and new spacing on the angle parking. Mr. Rambat stated that they should open up the north end Wednesday or early Thursday and the other end by the weekend.
• Project updates:
Mr. Rambat stated that the curb and sidewalk project was complete and the street sealing project should begin next week.
Inspection Department:
• Building Board meeting:
Building Inspector Brad Blankenship informed the Commission that there was a Building Board meeting next Tuesday and this would be the last one before they brought the general contractor’s licensing to the Commission. Mr. Blankenship stated that it had been sixteen months of studies and meetings and they had received real positive input.
Electric Department:
• Fire Sirens/Maintenance:
Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill stated that the fire sirens had been purchased and had been tested last week.
Mr. Hemphill commented that the power plant continued doing maintenance on unit #7.
• Base load energy:
Mr. Hemphill commented that, with the new EPA laws and the expenditures for Pratt, the long range cost of base load energy would have a big effect on future energy costs. Mr. Hemphill clarified that it would be better for us.
Recreation Department:
• Main Street celebration:
Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall stated that there was a flyer in the packets that talked about the celebration for the street project, but the date had not been added to the flyer. Mr. Pinkall added that the date was this Wednesday. Mr. Pinkall commented that the businesses deserve equal appreciation for the project’s success and he appreciated their positive attitude in knowing that this was for the betterment of the community.
Power Plant:
• Unit #7:
Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith commented that they had received the parts to repair unit #7 and they would be assembling it and checking it for squareness and other things.
Police Department:
• Traffic at Southwest:
‘Acting’ Police Chief Myers commented that he had been monitoring the traffic at Southwest School and, even with more students, things were going well. ‘Acting’ Chief Myers stated that there were people who wanted to park in the no parking zones and there was some congestion where the busses exit on the east side, but they would get accustomed to it after awhile.
City Clerk:
• Introduction of firemen:
City Clerk Kramer asked that the firemen that were at the meeting introduce themselves. Ms. Kramer stated that there were a few new firemen that the Commission had not met. The firemen introduced themselves and told how long they had been on the department.
Mayor:
• Appreciation:
Mayor Taylor commented that the things that the firemen do does not go unnoticed and they do appreciate it. Mayor Taylor stated that the safety of the firemen was of utmost importance to all the Commission. Mayor Taylor added that, even though he had gotten upset with Chief Kramer over economic development, it may have seemed that they were not concerned, but they were. Mayor Taylor commented that this was a difficult situation to try and take care of and be good stewards of the City’s money.
Mayor Taylor stated that no one said that we do not need to do something. Mayor Taylor explained that, being a volunteer, the pay was not what they put into it and the citizens appreciate it. Mayor Taylor added that that goes for the police department too. Mayor Taylor stated that, just because they had had words, did not mean that he was not interested in their safety. Mayor Taylor commented that they would look at it and try to make recommendations, even though it may not be what they want.
Commissioners:
• Thanks for what they do:
Commissioner Graf, Commissioner Skaggs, Commissioner Hlavachick and Commissioner Detwiler thanked the firemen for what they do and added that they do appreciate them. Commissioner Detwiler added that they do what they do because they love it.
• Incident with school bus:
Commissioner Detwiler commented that she had witnessed an incident this afternoon when a school bus had stopped to let a child out and a car neglected to stop in the other direction. Commissioner Detwiler asked that a spare officer be out on Sixth Street. ‘Acting’ Chief Myers commented that the bus drivers can call in a vehicle description in that situation, but he would have someone watching that area.
ADJOURN:
A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Graf and passed unanimously.
_____________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
__________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
Friday, September 16, 2011
09/16/11-City Commission Meeting Agenda
MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
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. MINUTES – September 06, 2011 Regular City Commission meeting
4. OPEN AGENDA – 1 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
5. BUSINESS:
5.1 Proclamation for September being Hunger Action Month – Mayor Taylor
5.2 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1106 Concerning General Contractors – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
5.3 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1107 Concerning Limited Contractors – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
5.4 Discussion on LEC HVAC – Dave Howard, City Manager; Vernon Chinn, Pratt County Sheriff (No information for packet)
5.5 Discussion on Utility Rebate for Main Street Businesses – Mayor, Commission and Staff
5.6 Consideration and Approval of Budgeted Vehicle for the Water Department – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director; Kelvin Clay, Water Superintendent
5.7 Consideration and Approval of Replacement Tie Point Voltage Regulator – Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Roy Criswell, Criswell Engineering; Dave Howard, City Manager
5.8 Consideration and Approval of Re-appointments of Fred Badders and Doug Meyer to the Planning Commission – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
5.9 Consideration and Approval of Reappointment of Chad Westhoff to the Building Board – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
6. OPEN AGENDA – 2 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
7. REPORTS
7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Heads
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission
8. ADJOURN
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
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. MINUTES – September 06, 2011 Regular City Commission meeting
4. OPEN AGENDA – 1 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
5. BUSINESS:
5.1 Proclamation for September being Hunger Action Month – Mayor Taylor
5.2 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1106 Concerning General Contractors – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
5.3 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1107 Concerning Limited Contractors – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
5.4 Discussion on LEC HVAC – Dave Howard, City Manager; Vernon Chinn, Pratt County Sheriff (No information for packet)
5.5 Discussion on Utility Rebate for Main Street Businesses – Mayor, Commission and Staff
5.6 Consideration and Approval of Budgeted Vehicle for the Water Department – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director; Kelvin Clay, Water Superintendent
5.7 Consideration and Approval of Replacement Tie Point Voltage Regulator – Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Roy Criswell, Criswell Engineering; Dave Howard, City Manager
5.8 Consideration and Approval of Re-appointments of Fred Badders and Doug Meyer to the Planning Commission – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
5.9 Consideration and Approval of Reappointment of Chad Westhoff to the Building Board – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
6. OPEN AGENDA – 2 (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)
7. REPORTS
7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Heads
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission
8. ADJOURN
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
8/29/11-Approved Special Call City Commission Meeting Minutes
MONDAY
AUGUST 29, 2011
The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in a Special Call session in the County Commission Room located in the Court House.
PRESENT: Jeff Taylor Mayor
Bill Hlavachick Commissioner
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
CALL TO ORDER:
The Special Call meeting was called to order by Mayor Taylor. Mayor Taylor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.
BUSINESS:
• Continued Discussion Concerning the Closing of the SRS Office:
ED Board Secretary Kevin Hamm stated that he had visited with Garden City SRS employee Sherry Campbell and she told him that there were thirteen full time employees at the Pratt office. Mr. Hamm explained that one part time employee’s position had expired and one full time employee had already found a new job, which left eleven employees. Mr. Hamm added that, of those eleven employees, two employees had accepted the buyout. Mr. Hamm stated that, if we chose to keep the office, that left the firm number of employees at nine.
Mr. Hamm explained that they had tried to get information concerning a co-location that had been discussed by SRS Director of Governmental Affairs Gary Haulmark and SRS Secretary Robert Siedlecki. Mr. Hamm explained that a co-location would entail keeping children and family services and economic employment support, such as food stamps and welfare. Mr. Hamm commented that the co-location would be based off of supply and demand for two or three afternoons a week, which would be looked at by the business manager out of Greensburg or Great Bend.
Mr. Hamm stated that he had visited with many people about the co-location scenario, but their best case scenario would be to keep them where they were and not have to fund anything. Mr. Hamm added that that had been taken off the table, so we had to look at other options. Mr. Hamm commented that he had visited with the police department, SCK/SEC, Horizons and the hospital and they all stated that they would prefer that the office stay here, but they could work with a co-location. Mr. Hamm explained that there was space available at the Haskins building and that they were willing to offer free space to SRS for a time.
Chamber Director Jan Scarbrough commented that the biggest issue would be what public policy and precedence would be created if we fund this and asked when would it end. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if anyone had found out how many of the employees live in Pratt County. A SRS representative stated that three live outside Pratt County, but six do live here. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the landlord had agreed to reduce the rent. City Manager Dave Howard stated that Mr. Bill Keller cannot reduce the rent and we would still have to pay $60,000 to the State, but Mr. Keller had suggested a reimbursement of $15,000 to the City after he was paid by the State. Mr. Howard added that Mr. Keller would rather take a loss than lose everything since he had incurred expenses for the renovation of the office space for SRS. County Commissioner Joe Reynolds questioned if $45,000 would be the amount paid to the State. Mr. Howard stated that, no matter how you look at it, it was $60,000 because the utilities were not in SRS’s name, but in Mr. Keller’s business. Commissioner Skaggs suggested getting a firm agreement on the reimbursement.
Commissioner Reynolds questioned what would happen after two years. Mayor Taylor stated that he did not know, but it could be funded year by year. Mayor Taylor explained that, if the State had enough money in a couple of years, we would not have to fund it. Mayor Taylor commented that Kansas was at sixteen percent for online transactions and it would take a long time before we get to the ninety-four percent that Florida was at now.
Mayor Taylor commented that nine jobs were hard to find and there were additional things to look at. Mayor Taylor stated that he does not look at this as extortion since they never approached us, but we did approach them. Commissioner Reynolds questioned if we could do the same thing when there were more cuts. Mayor Taylor commented that that may happen depending on how they decide to cut spending. Mayor Taylor stated that this was bad policy, but it would be a big mistake to close them. Mayor Taylor added that the City gave a contractor back money that amounted to more than this and he had not done what he was supposed to do and we have also funded a reservoir with City funds for the last three years for economic development. Commissioner Reynolds stated that the State had taken away $600,000 from the County’s road department that they have to fund now and the County had also been hit hard by State mandates. Mayor Taylor commented that the State had been putting communities against communities for years, but they had also been hit hard by Federal mandates.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned what the purpose would be to be able to use ED funds for this purpose for a year or two. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that the purpose would be to keep the SRS office open. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if those funds would be from the City budget or ED money. Mr. Howard explained that that had not been defined yet. Mr. Hamm stated that ED had the funds, but they need the Commission’s authorization to use them for this since this project did not qualify. Commissioner Reynolds stated that he had asked some of the groups involved if they would be willing to help and they said they were not.
Commissioner Graf commented that we were not losing nine jobs since there would still be an office here that would have four or five employees. ED board member Kenton Ladenburger commented that there would be two social workers here a few times a week and one of them lives here. Commissioner Dwight Adams commented that the sixty or seventy people that would be going to Greensburg would live here. Commissioner Detwiler commented that they needed to remember that this was not the City’s money, but the citizens. Commissioner Detwiler stated that she had made a lot of calls and a majority had said that $60,000 was a lot of money to spend and not know if they would be here the third year. Commissioner Detwiler explained that SRS was good about helping over the telephone and offering to mail out any paperwork, so very few actually visit SRS in person.
Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he wanted to fund it even though there were no guarantees. Mayor Taylor stated that we could put $60,000 in a new business and sign an agreement, but if they have financial problems in six months, they shut down. Commissioner Reynolds stated that he did not have much faith in the way the State had done the County by always mandating something or taking something away. Commissioner Hlavachick agreed that this was bad policy. City Manager Howard stated that he had visited with several County administrators before attending this meeting and they felt that the State had not thought all of the plans through. Mr. Howard added that the Senate committee would be meeting in January and, hopefully, Senator Teichman and Representative Holmes could get in front of them and challenge or discuss this. Mayor Taylor commented that there was potential that they would be able to fund the SRS the second year. Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if this was not a two year deal. Mr. Hamm stated that that was what they were looking for and he was not sure if they would agree to let us out after one year. Mr. Hamm added that this could affect other State jobs. Mr. Howard stated that ‘an out’ could be part of the contract.
Commissioner Reynolds stated that the County Commissioners had already taken a vote on this earlier and they were not going to help fund keeping the SRS office. City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that he understood Secretary Siedlecki and Director Haulmark to say that this could be funded a year at a time. Commissioner Reynolds commented that it makes you wonder if they know what they want to do. Mayor Taylor stated that he would like to give it a try for one year and maybe the economy would get better so that the State could fund it the second year. Commissioner Reynolds stated that that was wishful thinking and the State had better do more than they were doing.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that he would like to try it for a year and, after the previous meeting, he was concerned about what this puts on the Sheriff’s department, schools and hospital. Commissioner Skaggs added that he does not want to cut it off not knowing the load that would fall on the other agencies. Commissioner Skaggs commented that we should know what the impact would be on those departments after a year. Commissioner Graf stated that he was not for funding this because they would be cutting back anyway after they get their online plan in gear. Commissioner Graf added that there would still be four or five jobs here and we should go with that. Commissioner Detwiler stated that Commissioner Skaggs made a good point and that the SRS office does close at 5 p.m., so there had to be somebody close to take up that slack and be available on holidays, etc. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that it had always been that way.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned how the funding would happen if the ED board could not legally do it. Mr. Hamm stated that, as it was defined, it does not fit. Commissioner Skaggs reminded Commissioner Adams that he had stated that the County would do what they could, but, since they were not going to help, the burden falls on the City. Commissioner Skaggs added that the clients were County people too. Commissioner Detwiler stated that SRS services a five County area and we would have other Counties that would benefit Pratt funding this project.
After little more discussion, Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to finance the $60,000 for the SRS office for one year, where the money comes from to be figured out internally, and reevaluate it at the end of the year. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs. A roll call vote was taken: Commissioner Hlavachick-yes; Commissioner Skaggs-yes; Mayor Taylor-yes; Commissioner Graf-no; Commissioner Detwiler-no. The motion passed with three approved votes and two opposed votes.
Commissioner Hlavachick mentioned that we need to remember to think about Wildlife and Parks when we were talking to Senators and Representatives because they were also offering buyouts to employees and they would not be replaced. Mr. Hamm stated that Director Haulmark and Secretary Siedlecki had suggested that we encourage Senator Teichman and Representative Holmes request funds for next year’s budget to see if it could pass legislation. Mr. Howard stated that that should be put in the contract that they were required to request those funds and Lawrence was going to do that also.
ADJOURN:
A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
_______________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
AUGUST 29, 2011
The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in a Special Call session in the County Commission Room located in the Court House.
PRESENT: Jeff Taylor Mayor
Bill Hlavachick Commissioner
Victor Graf Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
CALL TO ORDER:
The Special Call meeting was called to order by Mayor Taylor. Mayor Taylor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.
BUSINESS:
• Continued Discussion Concerning the Closing of the SRS Office:
ED Board Secretary Kevin Hamm stated that he had visited with Garden City SRS employee Sherry Campbell and she told him that there were thirteen full time employees at the Pratt office. Mr. Hamm explained that one part time employee’s position had expired and one full time employee had already found a new job, which left eleven employees. Mr. Hamm added that, of those eleven employees, two employees had accepted the buyout. Mr. Hamm stated that, if we chose to keep the office, that left the firm number of employees at nine.
Mr. Hamm explained that they had tried to get information concerning a co-location that had been discussed by SRS Director of Governmental Affairs Gary Haulmark and SRS Secretary Robert Siedlecki. Mr. Hamm explained that a co-location would entail keeping children and family services and economic employment support, such as food stamps and welfare. Mr. Hamm commented that the co-location would be based off of supply and demand for two or three afternoons a week, which would be looked at by the business manager out of Greensburg or Great Bend.
Mr. Hamm stated that he had visited with many people about the co-location scenario, but their best case scenario would be to keep them where they were and not have to fund anything. Mr. Hamm added that that had been taken off the table, so we had to look at other options. Mr. Hamm commented that he had visited with the police department, SCK/SEC, Horizons and the hospital and they all stated that they would prefer that the office stay here, but they could work with a co-location. Mr. Hamm explained that there was space available at the Haskins building and that they were willing to offer free space to SRS for a time.
Chamber Director Jan Scarbrough commented that the biggest issue would be what public policy and precedence would be created if we fund this and asked when would it end. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if anyone had found out how many of the employees live in Pratt County. A SRS representative stated that three live outside Pratt County, but six do live here. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the landlord had agreed to reduce the rent. City Manager Dave Howard stated that Mr. Bill Keller cannot reduce the rent and we would still have to pay $60,000 to the State, but Mr. Keller had suggested a reimbursement of $15,000 to the City after he was paid by the State. Mr. Howard added that Mr. Keller would rather take a loss than lose everything since he had incurred expenses for the renovation of the office space for SRS. County Commissioner Joe Reynolds questioned if $45,000 would be the amount paid to the State. Mr. Howard stated that, no matter how you look at it, it was $60,000 because the utilities were not in SRS’s name, but in Mr. Keller’s business. Commissioner Skaggs suggested getting a firm agreement on the reimbursement.
Commissioner Reynolds questioned what would happen after two years. Mayor Taylor stated that he did not know, but it could be funded year by year. Mayor Taylor explained that, if the State had enough money in a couple of years, we would not have to fund it. Mayor Taylor commented that Kansas was at sixteen percent for online transactions and it would take a long time before we get to the ninety-four percent that Florida was at now.
Mayor Taylor commented that nine jobs were hard to find and there were additional things to look at. Mayor Taylor stated that he does not look at this as extortion since they never approached us, but we did approach them. Commissioner Reynolds questioned if we could do the same thing when there were more cuts. Mayor Taylor commented that that may happen depending on how they decide to cut spending. Mayor Taylor stated that this was bad policy, but it would be a big mistake to close them. Mayor Taylor added that the City gave a contractor back money that amounted to more than this and he had not done what he was supposed to do and we have also funded a reservoir with City funds for the last three years for economic development. Commissioner Reynolds stated that the State had taken away $600,000 from the County’s road department that they have to fund now and the County had also been hit hard by State mandates. Mayor Taylor commented that the State had been putting communities against communities for years, but they had also been hit hard by Federal mandates.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned what the purpose would be to be able to use ED funds for this purpose for a year or two. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that the purpose would be to keep the SRS office open. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if those funds would be from the City budget or ED money. Mr. Howard explained that that had not been defined yet. Mr. Hamm stated that ED had the funds, but they need the Commission’s authorization to use them for this since this project did not qualify. Commissioner Reynolds stated that he had asked some of the groups involved if they would be willing to help and they said they were not.
Commissioner Graf commented that we were not losing nine jobs since there would still be an office here that would have four or five employees. ED board member Kenton Ladenburger commented that there would be two social workers here a few times a week and one of them lives here. Commissioner Dwight Adams commented that the sixty or seventy people that would be going to Greensburg would live here. Commissioner Detwiler commented that they needed to remember that this was not the City’s money, but the citizens. Commissioner Detwiler stated that she had made a lot of calls and a majority had said that $60,000 was a lot of money to spend and not know if they would be here the third year. Commissioner Detwiler explained that SRS was good about helping over the telephone and offering to mail out any paperwork, so very few actually visit SRS in person.
Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he wanted to fund it even though there were no guarantees. Mayor Taylor stated that we could put $60,000 in a new business and sign an agreement, but if they have financial problems in six months, they shut down. Commissioner Reynolds stated that he did not have much faith in the way the State had done the County by always mandating something or taking something away. Commissioner Hlavachick agreed that this was bad policy. City Manager Howard stated that he had visited with several County administrators before attending this meeting and they felt that the State had not thought all of the plans through. Mr. Howard added that the Senate committee would be meeting in January and, hopefully, Senator Teichman and Representative Holmes could get in front of them and challenge or discuss this. Mayor Taylor commented that there was potential that they would be able to fund the SRS the second year. Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if this was not a two year deal. Mr. Hamm stated that that was what they were looking for and he was not sure if they would agree to let us out after one year. Mr. Hamm added that this could affect other State jobs. Mr. Howard stated that ‘an out’ could be part of the contract.
Commissioner Reynolds stated that the County Commissioners had already taken a vote on this earlier and they were not going to help fund keeping the SRS office. City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that he understood Secretary Siedlecki and Director Haulmark to say that this could be funded a year at a time. Commissioner Reynolds commented that it makes you wonder if they know what they want to do. Mayor Taylor stated that he would like to give it a try for one year and maybe the economy would get better so that the State could fund it the second year. Commissioner Reynolds stated that that was wishful thinking and the State had better do more than they were doing.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that he would like to try it for a year and, after the previous meeting, he was concerned about what this puts on the Sheriff’s department, schools and hospital. Commissioner Skaggs added that he does not want to cut it off not knowing the load that would fall on the other agencies. Commissioner Skaggs commented that we should know what the impact would be on those departments after a year. Commissioner Graf stated that he was not for funding this because they would be cutting back anyway after they get their online plan in gear. Commissioner Graf added that there would still be four or five jobs here and we should go with that. Commissioner Detwiler stated that Commissioner Skaggs made a good point and that the SRS office does close at 5 p.m., so there had to be somebody close to take up that slack and be available on holidays, etc. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that it had always been that way.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned how the funding would happen if the ED board could not legally do it. Mr. Hamm stated that, as it was defined, it does not fit. Commissioner Skaggs reminded Commissioner Adams that he had stated that the County would do what they could, but, since they were not going to help, the burden falls on the City. Commissioner Skaggs added that the clients were County people too. Commissioner Detwiler stated that SRS services a five County area and we would have other Counties that would benefit Pratt funding this project.
After little more discussion, Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to finance the $60,000 for the SRS office for one year, where the money comes from to be figured out internally, and reevaluate it at the end of the year. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs. A roll call vote was taken: Commissioner Hlavachick-yes; Commissioner Skaggs-yes; Mayor Taylor-yes; Commissioner Graf-no; Commissioner Detwiler-no. The motion passed with three approved votes and two opposed votes.
Commissioner Hlavachick mentioned that we need to remember to think about Wildlife and Parks when we were talking to Senators and Representatives because they were also offering buyouts to employees and they would not be replaced. Mr. Hamm stated that Director Haulmark and Secretary Siedlecki had suggested that we encourage Senator Teichman and Representative Holmes request funds for next year’s budget to see if it could pass legislation. Mr. Howard stated that that should be put in the contract that they were required to request those funds and Lawrence was going to do that also.
ADJOURN:
A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
_______________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
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