3/03/2014-City Commissison Meeting Agenda

MONDAY
MARCH 03, 2014
PRATT CITY COMMISSION – REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
COMMISSION ROOM – 5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER (Remind audience that meeting is being recorded and/or taped.)

2. ROLL CALL 

3. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. MINUTES – February 17, 2014 Regular City Commission Meeting
   
5. BUSINESS:
   
  5.1  Update on Pratt Regional Medical Center Building Project – Susan Page, PRMC President and CEO
   
6. OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)

7. REPORTS

 7.1 City Manager
 7.2 City Attorney
 7.3 Department Superintendents
 7.4 Mayor
 7.5 City Commission

8. ADJOURN

02/03/2014-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
FEBRUARY 03, 2014

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

 

 PRESENT:  

 

Jeff Taylor  Mayor
Bill Hlavachick  Commissioner
Gary Skaggs  Commissioner
Karen Detwiler  Commissioner
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner

 

ALSO PRESENT: 

 

Dave Howard  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Gary Myers  Chief of Police
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.

 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

 

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

 

MINUTES:

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2014 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.

 

BUSINESS:

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 020314 IN SUPPORT FOR AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BY MRE CAPITAL, LLC:

 

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum commented that this resolution goes with the contract that was signed at the last meeting between the City and MRE Capital, LLC.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that they needed the resolution of support for their paper work on tax credits.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this says that we are in favor of their project.

 

The following Resolution 020314 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BY MRE CAPITAL, LLC.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Resolution 020314 in support for an affordable housing development by MRE Capital, LLC.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION ON RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION FACILITY DOCUMENTS:

 

Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill commented that this was a joint effort with City staff and had taken a lot of time, but was going to be workable with the City of Pratt and the users.  Mr. Hemphill added that it was written so that it provides fairness to all of our customers and ensures that anyone with a renewable energy source was not shedding costs to others. 

 

Mr. Hemphill explained that there was an interconnect policy in effect and it had served its purpose, but net metering was not very well laid out and relied on ordinances to govern it and set guidelines.  Mr. Hemphill stated that three commercial accounts currently had renewable energy and they were Wal-Mart, Stanion Wholesale Electric and Pratt Community College.  Mr. Hemphill commented that they were not exceeding what they were consuming so net metering was not needed.  Mr. Hemphill stated that the ordinance that would be on the next agenda would fully cover all that was needed and this would be what salesmen would look at if they wanted to see our policies.

 

City Manager Dave Howard stated that we were still exempt and this was an issue that legislatures had a few years ago.  Mr. Howard added that there was an understanding that we would develop our own net metering policy and it had been a work in progress for about three years.  Mr. Howard commented that we had had help from a consultant and it should fulfill what we told the legislatures we would do, as well as be a lead for others needing to do the same thing.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we expect a rush of people to come in.  Mr. Howard stated that we do not. 

 

Commissioner Skaggs asked if the customer would bear the expense of going through the analysis.  Mr. Howard stated that, if it was complicated, they would need to hire an engineer and that would be a cost to them.  Commissioner Detwiler questioned what it would cost if we did it.  Mr. Howard stated that it would depend on what they would want done.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that they would think about it a little more if they were investing $1,000 and the customer should know about that in advance.

 

Mr. Hemphill explained that we should know if there were going to be any issues if a customer passes through our process and the application would help us know what the cost would be.  Mayor Taylor asked if we could help them with the application process if they got in trouble.  Mr. Hemphill stated we could help a little, but they also needed to go to their vendors.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the vendors would come to us to discuss the customer base first.  Mr. Hemphill stated that they would come to see what our policies were.  Mr. Howard explained that we were not after a sales pitch from a salesman; therefore, the homeowner should take it to the vendor to become educated.

 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would require liability insurance in case of any damage to our facilities.  Mr. Hemphill stated that there was protection on these things so that they shut down and disconnect before any damage was done.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they could do damage to a neighbor.  Mr. Hemphill stated that that should not happen.  Mr. Howard commented that net metering was about metering and we were going to be able to regulate that.  Mr. Howard added that we should be okay as long as they do what we say.  Energy Agent Kenny Kreutzer commented that there were a lot of built in checks and balances.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would have to have an ordinance where you could put a tower in your back yard if everyone wants to do this.  Mr. Howard stated that there were height restrictions so we would not.  Mr. Howard added that we were protected by our territorial rights.  After little more discussion, the Commission agreed to go forward with the ordinance for the next meeting.

 

OPEN AGENDA:

 

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

 

REPORTS:

 

City Manager:

 

• 613 S. Main:

 

City Manager Howard commented that we had taken possession of the property next door and had cut the utilities.  Mr. Howard stated that he had visited with Ms. Cindy Snell and she was making arrangements to have the heating and air conditioning unit taken out per our agreement.  Mr. Howard added that we would be talking to Simpson’s about removing the structure once the heating and air conditioning unit had been removed.

 

• Hope Center meeting:

 

Mr. Howard stated that the meeting at the Hope Center had been canceled due to the weather and was rescheduled for the 11th.

 

• Natural Gas Prices:

 

Mr. Howard commented that natural gas prices were around $5.50 today and had hit six mcf in the cold period, but it had been in the $3.00 range.  Mr. Howard stated that it was climbing and that was not good for electrical purposes.  Mr. Howard added that we would make adjustments if we needed to.

 

• Garden City issue:

 

Mr. Howard stated that the legal court action involving the Garden City issue had been settled out of court and we no longer had to make capacity to Sunflower.  Mr. Howard added that we could have made more if we could have sold the energy.

 

Inspection Department:

 

• West Wash:

 

Building Inspector Brad Blankenship stated that the walls were going up on the West Wash project and they were the same walls used in the hospital project.  Mr. Blankenship added that they should hold up to F1 conditions.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they were close to brick walls.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were 150% better.

 

• 618 S. High:

 

Mr. Blankenship stated that the asbestos company had been to 618 South High today and the owner said that it should be down by next Tuesday.  Mr. Blankenship commented that the City usually gets stuck with burnt out structures, but these owners wanted to rebuild.

 

• Motels:

 

Mr. Blankenship informed the Commission that the painting stakes were up at the Hampton Inn and the Best Western Plus had the first two floors dry walled and were moving along on the east side.

 

Electric Department:

 

• Vibration issue:

 

Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill stated that they had been working on the vibration issue with the manufacturer of the mufflers.

 

• Hospital project:

 

Mr. Hemphill stated that the line crew were continuing their work at the hospital.

 

• RICE/NESHAP Compliance Project:

 

Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith commented that Kessler Construction would be putting a wall between the two engines to control the air and that was part of the RICE/NESHAP Compliance project.

 

Mayor and Commission:

 

• Honeysuckle in Lemon Park:

 

Commissioner Hlavachick commented that the machine that chews up the honeysuckle was in Lemon Park and had taken a lot of it down to the ground.  Commissioner Skaggs asked where it goes.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that it was chips and we would have to go back in the spring and spray.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the contractor was done.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he had about another week, but he had blown out his hydraulic line.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if he was paid by the hour.  Commissioner Hlavachick commented that he was $125 an hour.  Mr. Howard explained that we were going to spend $5,000 of donated money and Mr. Blake Himmelwright was going to pitch in another $5,000.  Mr. Howard added that this could be a $15,000 effort.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this would do all of it.  Mr. Howard stated that it would and the contractor had an hour meter on his machine and that was how he was charging us.

• Condemned property:

 

Commissioner Skaggs commented that we were condemning a lot of houses, but there were others in the same condition with no one living in them.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that there would be dozens like this in five or ten years and questioned how we were going to take care of it.  Mr. Blankenship stated that a lot of those houses had out-of-town owners and he was just getting started.  Mr. Blankenship commented that he only had so much budget a year for this, but he was going to keep going.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he knew this was a major expense and maybe we needed to look at increasing the budget.  Commissioner Skaggs added that $2,500 a pop would mount up quick and this was going to be a major budget item.

 

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that the legality procedure on some of the structures could take two or three years to get done.  Mr. Blankenship commented that some of these were from years ago.  Mayor Taylor commented that there was still some life in some of them so they could be fixed up for rentals or flipped.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that there were two different processes and one was what Mr. Blankenship goes through with the owners and the second part was the legal part.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we had been using the legal process that was available and that could take up to four months, but that had put people on notice.  Mr. Blankenship explained that, if a structure was abandoned, a judge may not side with us if the roof was fine and the walls were all there. 

 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if an owner could turn a structure over to us if they were not going to do anything.  Mr. Howard stated that they could, but we then own the property and have mowing costs and other complications.  Mr. Howard commented that the owners on either side of an unsafe structure sometimes buy that property. 

 

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that County Counselor Bob Schmisseur was aggressively working on tax sales and he had a list of properties that had not had taxes paid on them in years.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that they would start foreclosure if not paid and that should make some difference.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that, with our process and Mr. Schmisseur’s, we should chip away at the problem.

 

Executive Session:

 

Commissioner Kumberg requested an executive session to discuss attorney/client privilege to last 15 minutes to discuss the law enforcement committee and related issues 

 

Mayor Taylor made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss attorney/client privilege to last 15 minutes at the request of Commissioner Kumberg.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

 

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

 

ADJOURN:

 

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

_______________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

(SEAL)

 

ATTEST:

_______________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

02/17/14-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

February 17, 2014

PRATT CITY COMMISSION – REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

COMMISSION ROOM – 5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER (Remind audience that meeting is being recorded and/or taped.)

2. ROLL CALL 

3. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. MINUTES – February 03, 2014 Regular City Commission Meeting
   
5. BUSINESS:
   
  5.1 Consideration and Approval of Appointments to Tourism Board – Kim Cline, Chamber Director

  5.2 Consideration and Approval of Resolution 021714 for Hearing on Unsafe, Dangerous, and Unfit Structure at 315 Illinois Ave. – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

  5.3 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1402 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” – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

  5.4 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1403 Providing for the Regulation of Public Offenses Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Pratt; Incorporating by Reference the “Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities” – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

  5.5 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1404 Concerning Interconnection Standards for Installation and Parallel Operation of Customer-Owned Residential and Commercial Renewable Energy Generation Facilities – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager

  5.6 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1405 Amending the City of Pratt Renewable Energy Interconnections and Operations Manual; Net Metering – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager
 
 6. OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)

7. REPORTS

 7.1 City Manager
 7.2 City Attorney
 7.3 Department Superintendents
 7.4 Mayor
 7.5 City Commission

8. ADJOURN

01/20/2014-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
JANUARY 20, 2014

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

PRESENT:

Jeff Taylor  Mayor
Bill Hlavachick  Commissioner
Gary Skaggs  Commissioner
Karen Detwiler  Commissioner
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT:

Dave Howard  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Gary Myers  Chief of Police
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.

 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

 

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

 

MINUTES:

 

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 06, 2014 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.

 

BUSINESS:

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE USE OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING BY THE BREAD OF LIFE COMMUNITY KITCHEN, INC. AT NO CHARGE ON FEBRUARY 15, 2014:

 

Ms. Barbara Jones, representative for The Bread of Life Community Kitchen, addressed the Commission concerning a dinner/dance to raise funds for The Bread of Life.  Ms. Jones explained that The Bread of Life Community Kitchen would be starting to serve one meal a week to the less fortunate at the Genesis Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Ms. Jones added that they would be serving on Tuesday evenings and their goal was to eventually have their own building.  Mayor Taylor questioned if the Christian Church did that once a week also.  Ms. Jones stated that there was someone that does it on Mondays, The Bread of Life will serve on Tuesdays and others do it on Wednesdays.  After little more discussion, Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the use of the Municipal Building on February 15, 2014 by The Bread of Life Community Kitchen at no charge.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT OF SALE FOR PROPERTY IN THE COMPTON ADDITION BETWEEN THE CITY AND INTERSTATE HOLDINGS, LLC:

 

City Manager Howard stated that this property was the property behind Wal-Mart and what Mr. Mooney wanted to purchase last year.  Mr. Howard explained that the property was not platted or zoned this time last year, but it was now and involved up to ten acres.  Mr. Jacob Mooney, manager of Interstate Holdings, stated that they had just missed out on the tax credits for the point system last year, but they were going to involve the Parish Hotel this time and it should get them the points needed.  Mr. Mooney explained that it took a while to get with the bank concerning the Parish Hotel and they could not get them on board last year.  Mr. Mooney stated that the duplex will get the volume up with eight units and twenty-five in the hotel for a total of thirty-three.  Mr. Howard added that the contract of sale was contingent with the Parish Hotel deal going through.

 

Mr. Mooney commented that they would leave the space in between the duplexes and the commercial property that was spoken for so that it could be used for higher density in the future.  Mr. Mooney added that they were not going to buy it now, but may in the future.  Mr. Howard explained that the individual buying the three acres along Fincham Street would be cutting down that property so that the two would be tied together. 

 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned whether they would work on the new construction first or the renovation.  Mr. Mooney started that they would be doing both at the same time.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned what the price range was for the duplexes.  Mr. Mooney explained that this was not a Section 8; therefore, the tenant would pay approximately $500 in rent and the government would pay the rest.  Mr. Mooney added that it was more of a hand-up than a hand-out.  Mr. Mooney commented that a tenant could increase their income by 40% and still qualify for the program.

Commissioner Kumberg questioned when they would hear about the tax credits.  Mr. Mooney stated that the actual meeting was in May.  Commissioner Skaggs asked how many units they would have at the hotel and if there would be off street parking.  Mr. Mooney answered that there would be twenty-five units and room for forty-seven or forty-eight stalls and five of those would be on street parking.  Mr. Mooney added that they would be working with the neighbor to get the five stalls off the street.  Mr. Howard commented that they had talked about parking several times and it could be tight if there was an event at the Municipal Building or school.  Mayor Taylor questioned how many units there would be on the Sixth Street project.  Mr. Mooney stated that there would be eight.  Mayor Taylor questioned why they wanted ten acres for eight units.  Mr. Mooney commented that it was up to ten acres, but they would not buy more than they needed.

 

Mr. Howard stated that the intriguing part was the involvement of the Parish Hotel project.  Mr. Mooney stated that they had tossed around the idea of it having a fitness room, library, theatre room or a restaurant/coffee shop, but they had not gotten into the financial aspect of that project yet.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if we could make the assumption that this was a done deal since this was contingent upon the sale of the Parish Hotel.  Mr. Mooney stated that it was under contract, but not a contingency to buy and the contingencies were the creditors.

 

Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the Contract of Sale in the Compton Addition between the City and Interstate Holdings, LLC.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler.  Mayor Taylor commented that this was a lot different than before and he was not sure about guaranteeing ten acres with only so much being used.  Mr. Howard stated that the draw was the Parish Hotel project.  Mayor Taylor stated that that was a great idea and we did not get anything out of the last contract.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned the initial contingency being that they put $5,000 down and we refund that if it falls through, but if they need more time they give another $5,000 to get another six months and we keep that if it falls through.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that it was correct that we do not keep the first $5,000 and that was only fair to the buyer.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that, if they drag their feet after they get the tax credits, it would cost them $5,000 a month after that six months. 

 

After little more discussion, the motion and second passed unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF DENIS RASMUSSEN TO THE CEMETERY BOARD:

 

Public Works Director Russell Rambat stated that the three year term of Mr. Denis Rasmussen on the cemetery board was about to expire and he would like to be considered for re-appointment.  Mr. Rambat commented that Mr. Rasmussen was very passionate and good to have on the Board.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the re-appointment of Mr. Denis Rasmussen to an additional three year term on the Cemetery Board.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and passed unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR OVERHAUL AND OTHER RELATED WORK ON UNIT #5 STEAM TURBINE:

 

Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill commented that City staff had worked long and hard to get these bids sent out and reviewed and City Manager Howard also helped throughout the process.  Mr. Hemphill added that he had made CD’s of the bid information due to the massive volume and they were available in the City Clerk’s office.  Mr. Hemphill added that this was part of the capital equipment reserve budget and had been accumulating over many years.

 

Mr. Hemphill reviewed the many bids and options with the Commission, which were as follows:

1. Five bids sent out, five returned for the installation of the boiler feed pump optionally preformed during the overhaul or separately.

• Reliable Turbine Services –
Steam Turbine:      $768,700 w/o tax, no warranty listed
BF Pump Install:    $  79,895 w/o tax, no warranty listed
Total w/o Tax -   $848,595

• Wood Group GTS - 
Steam Turbine:      $348,500 w/o tax, no warranty listed
BF Pump Install:    $  74,500, w/o tax, no warranty listed
Total w/o Tax -      $423,000

• S.T. Cotter Turbine Services –
Steam Turbine:      $219,908.65 w/o tax, 12 month warranty
BF Pump Install:    $  49,228.30 w/o tax, 12 month warranty
Deaerator Inspections:   $  40,667.00 w/o tax
Optional:  ELCid Stator testing:  $6,571.12 w/o tax
Optional:  Warranty extension for 12 months:  $14,775.50 w/o tax
Total w/o tax -   $309,803.95, no options.

• BHI Energy Power Services -
Steam Turbine:  $268,523 w/o tax, no warranty listed
BF Pump Install:  $  23,650 w/o tax, no warranty listed
Total w/o tax:  $292,173

• Power Generation Services  -
Steam Turbine:  $270,875 w/o tax, 12 month warranty
BF Pump Install:  Not Included
Total w/o tax:  $270,875 w/o tax

2. Two bids were sent out and two were returned for new or rebuilt to new condition boiler feed pump complete with frame and driver motor and with options for suction strainer, set of spare mechanical seals.

• Sulzer –
BF Pump:   $162,570 w/o tax, 12 month warranty
    $       745 w/o tax (Optional: Suction Strainer)
$  12,852 w/o tax (Optional: Set/Spare Mechanical Seals)
Total w/o tax:  $176,167 with options (8 week delivery)

• Best Pump Works Company –
BF Pump Install:  $151,646 w/o tax, 12 month warranty
 $           0  (Optional:  Suction Strainer)
 $  11,050  w/o tax (Optional: Set/Spare Mechanical Seals)
Total w/o tax: $162,466 with options (14 week delivery)

3. Two bids were sent out and two were returned for a turbine/generator vibration monitoring system with City staff install of vibration and axial displacement monitoring system.

• Bently Nevada Inc –
Vibration & Axial Displacement Monitoring System:
 $139,913 w/o tax, 12 month warranty
 $  12,257 w/o tax (Optional: Dual thrust-2 transducers)
Total w/o tax: $152,170 with option (8 week delivery)

• Experitec –
Vibration & Axial Displacement Monitoring System:
 $  51,775 w/o tax, 12 month warranty
 $   13,152 w/o tax (Optional: Spare parts)
 $          ??  w/o tax (Optional: Vibration sensors-2 transducers)
Total w/o tax: $  64,927 with option (8 week delivery)

4. Two bids were sent out for one Schweiter SEL-300G relay and associated materials and two were returned.

• Criswell Engineering –
Relays and Materials: $   7,930.72 w/o tax (20-25 working day delivery)
                                                                     (10 year warranty)

• Tri Star Power Sales –
Relays and Materials: $   7,861.60 w/o tax (20-25 working day delivery)
   
5. One bid was sent out for an estimate for labor involved in the installation of the relay and associated materials.

• FLATLAND MAINTENANCE AND TESTING-
Estimated Labor: $    7,540.00 w/o tax
Technical Lead:  $     7,320.00 w/o tax
Technical Asst.-Disconnect: $        260.00 w/o tax
Electrical testing-Generator:$     2,600.00 w/o tax

Total w/o tax:   $  17,720.00 w/o tax

6. Two bids were sent for removal of insulation from existing BFP and one was returned.

• Remediation Contractors –
Insulation Removal: $        990.00 w/o tax

• Asbestos Removal and Maintenance Inc. –
Insulation Removal: No Bid Returned

Mr. Hemphill stated that, after his recommendations, the cost summary was $577,538.67 plus sales tax of $49,957.09 for a total of $627,495.76.  Mr. Howard commented that Power Plant Superintendent Smith and his staff would start working on this to make sure that the time frame works.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if this was the same as the last overhaul.  Mr. Hemphill stated that it was not, but these contractors were used by Coffeyville and they got good results.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if we do this every fifteen years.  Mr. Hemphill stated that it was supposed to be every five years, but we had been able to extend it to ten years.  Commissioner Skaggs asked how old Unit #5 was.  Mr. Hemphill stated that it was installed in 1964.  Mr. Howard stated that it was a very stable unit and it was the insurance company that said we had to do the overhaul.  Mr. Howard added that this would be the unit we would use if we were disconnected for a long time.  Mr. Smith commented that the unit was run several times a year so that we can say that it still runs.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned future worries with these guys retiring before the next overhaul.  Mr. Howard stated that we have a core group that were developing their knowledge. 

 

Commissioner Kumberg clarified that the funds to pay for this were in capital equipment reserves and we were not going to have to raise rates or do a bond issue.  Mr. Howard stated that that was correct and we had been saving for about ten years.  Mayor Taylor questioned what happens if it gets dismantled and we find something else that needs replaced.  Mr. Hemphill stated that that would be an additional cost.  Mr. Smith explained that there were parts on hand that we know are going to need replaced.  Commissioner Kumberg asked if we had contingencies for that type of stuff.  Mr. Hemphill commented that he thought that there was about $900,000 available, but some of that had been earmarked for the cooling tower.  Mr. Hemphill explained that it had not been economical to run unit #4 nor was it worth repairing, so they had informed the Commission that it was going to be moth balled, but not done away with.  Mayor Taylor questioned if it was counted towards our peak or not.  Mr. Hemphill stated that it was not applicable.

 

After no more discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the bids received for the overhaul in the amount of $627,495.76 including tax.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

 

OPEN AGENDA:

 

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

 

REPORTS:

 

City Manager:

 

• First Street Turn Lanes:

 

City Manager Howard stated that they had had their meeting with KDOT on the turn lanes and, after reviewing the preliminary drawings, there were some issues.  Mr. Howard commented that they requested that they look at the phase of the lights rather than turn lanes. 

 

• County meeting:

 

Mr. Howard commented that he had attended the County meeting last week with Commissioner Hlavachick and the Ethanol Plant had applied for economic rebates.  Mr. Howard stated that there would be a public hearing on February 10th at 5:00 p.m. 

 

• Meeting with Blake:

 

Mr. Howard stated that there had been a meeting with Mr. Blake Himmelwright, Park Superintendent Mark Eckoff, Public Works Director Rambat, Recreation Director Pinkall and Commissioner Hlavachick so that they could get things prioritized.  Mr. Howard commented that the key thing was going after the bush honeysuckle.

 

• 45 years of service:

 

Mr. Howard informed the Commission that Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith would be with the City for 45 years January 17th. 

 

Public Works:

 

• Bike route signs:

 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that they had all but two of the bike route signs installed.

 

• Crack Seal:

 

Mr. Rambat stated that they would be doing the northwest part of town when the crack seal supplies arrived.  Mr. Rambat added that he would be looking at the summer chip seal project soon.

 

Inspection Department:

 

• 618 S. High:

 

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he had put a memo in the packet concerning 618 South High.  Mr. Blankenship commented that he had met with the owners and they had wanted to rebuild, but the integrity of the house was too far gone after the fire.  Mr. Blankenship explained that we had donated a dumpster there and they had signed an agreement to separate materials that could not go into the City’s dumpster.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they could legally rebuild there, but it was 51% burnt and had to come down.  Mr. Blankenship added that the monetary resources were not there for them, but they had a lot of family to help get it down.

 

• Hampton Inn:

 

Mr. Blankenship stated that he had received a phone call from the Hampton Inn and they finally had a sign up so the owner and contractor were putting things together.

 

Electric Departments:

 

• Southern Pioneer:

 

Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that he had received a call from Southern Pioneer and they informed him that the load from Kingman would be radio read from Great Bend and the feeder from the south would be disconnected.  Mr. Hemphill explained that they were doing repairs from Great Bend from January 20th to June 20th.  Mr. Howard stated that they would be doing from Pratt to Sawyer in the next phase.

 

• Power Plant/Line Gang:

 

Mr. Hemphill commented that the line gang had installed conduit and pads for the switch gear at the hospital.  Mr. Hemphill added that they were putting the wires in now to put it into operation.

Mr. Hemphill stated that the power plant staff had been working on the vibration and Fairchild had brought down their folks and we ran for a couple of hours.  Mr. Hemphill explained that they could have passed an EPA test, but with some muffler vibration.

 

Recreation Department:

 

• Summer lunch program:

 

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that USD 382 had been recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education for their participation last summer in the youth lunch program and Superintendent Patton had thanked the City for their cooperation and participation as well.  Mr. Pinkall commented that we had become involved by taking the kids to lunch after the morning recreation activities and then took them home.  Mr. Pinkall added that it looked as though it might increase next year since the library would be getting involved with afternoon movies.

 

Finance Department:

 

• Sign donation money:

 

Finance Director Garten stated that Mr. Dwayne Bryan had brought in a donation that covered the cost of the bike route signs. 

 

Mayor and Commission:

 

• Streetscape report:

 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned Mr. Alan Luttrell, EBH Engineering, about a report on the Streetscape project.  Mr. Luttrell stated that things were moving along and on schedule.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned the narrowing of sidewalks on First Street and Main Street.  Mr. Luttrell commented that he would talk to Mr. Howard about that.

 

• Bush Honeysuckle machine:

 

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he had received a call from Mr. Russell Graves who owns a machine that can take care of the bush honeysuckle in Lemon Park.  Commissioner Hlavachick explained that Mr. Himmelwright had hired this guy after their meeting last week and he was prepared to work instead of just doing a demonstration.  Commissioner Hlavachick commented that Mr. Graves had walked the area with Park Superintendent Eckoff and they had found a good area for him to work.  Commissioner Detwiler questioned what the shredder did.  Mr. Rambat stated that it had a high speed rotating drum and chews it up.  Commissioner Detwiler commented that it had to get the root too or it would come back.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that we would do it again if it came back in the spring, but they would spray the stumps with stump killer.

 

ADJOURN:

 

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

__________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

ATTEST:
___________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

02/03/2014-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY
February 03, 2014
PRATT CITY COMMISSION – REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
COMMISSION ROOM – 5:00 P.M.

1.  CALL TO ORDER (Remind audience that meeting is being recorded and/or taped.)

2.  ROLL CALL 

3.  INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4.  MINUTES – January 20, 2014 Regular City Commission Meeting
   
5.  BUSINESS:
   
 5.1  Consideration and Approval of Resolution 020314 in Support for an Affordable Housing Development by MRE Capital LLC – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Dave Howard, City Manager

 5.2  Discussion on Renewable Energy Generation Facility Documents – Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager & Staff
 
6.  OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)

7.  REPORTS

    7.1 City Manager
    7.2 City Attorney
    7.3 Department Superintendents
    7.4 Mayor
    7.5 City Commission

8.  ADJOURN

01/06/14-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

JANUARY 06, 2014

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

PRESENT:

Jeff Taylor  Mayor
Bill Hlavachick  Commissioner
Gary Skaggs  Commissioner
Karen Detwiler  Commissioner
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT:

Dave Howard  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Gary Myers  Chief of Police
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.

 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

 

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

 

MINUTES:

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2013 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously with changes noted.

 

BUSINESS:

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT TO FORENSICALLY EXAMINE AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE:

 

Assistant Police Chief/Detective Jeff Ward stated that cell phones, tablets, IPads and a gamut of electronic devices had to be sent to Kansas City, Wichita or Topeka if they were part of an investigation.  Asst. Chief Ward commented that the problem was growing and it was hard to keep up, but he had found a company that does provide that type of equipment to most of the Kansas agencies.  Asst. Chief Ward added that Cellebrite was a national company and provided support and follow-up connections for new technology along with improvement and updates to the equipment.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if other agencies had this.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that the KBI had five units.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if ours would be used by other agencies.  Asst. Chief Ward commented that it would be made available.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if it was portable.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that it was about the size of a brief case and was designed to be a stand-alone unit. 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they would be using drug money for this.  Asst. Chief Ward commented that there was $10,000 in last year’s budget and any other surveillance equipment would be earmarked in capital reserves.  City Manager Howard questioned how long it takes to get the information.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that it takes about thirty minutes.  Mayor Taylor asked if it could be used in court. Asst. Chief Ward answered that it could be and it would save hours spent taking pictures of screens.  Chief Myers stated that the software program also allows them to retrieve deleted information.  Asst. Chief Ward added that it would provide them with information within a couple of hours instead of six months. 

 

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the purchase of the equipment to forensically examine an electronic device from Cellebrite for $10,584.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1401 AMENDING EMERGENCY SNOW ROUTES IN CITY OF PRATT:

 

Public Works Director Rambat commented that the last snow route ordinance was last updated in 2001 and, with the reoccurring snow events, there were a few streets that needed omitted or added.  Mr. Rambat stated that he had looked over the map and the new ordinance would give residents a reasonable block or two to get to a snow route.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if notification would be sent to people that live on these streets.  Mr. Rambat explained that they would be posting this on those streets and the City Manager was the only one that could declare a snow emergency that would prevent people from parking on the street.

 

Mr. Rambat commented that they usually clear a one plow width on each side of the street in a common event.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if having two road graders would affect this.  Mr. Howard stated that it would speed it up sometimes.  Mr. Howard added that this would be in affect if it were a true emergency, but we could not stop and open everyone’s driveways.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they clear alleys for sanitation.  Mr. Howard stated that they manage as best as they can, but the alleys were the focus once the streets were open.  Mr. Rambat explained that it was hard to clear alleys due to gas meter placements.

 

The following Ordinance 1401 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.20.040 OF THE PRATT MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS: EMERGENCY SNOW ROUTES ESTABLISHED.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Ordinance 1401 amending the emergency snow routes.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR DICKERSON DIAMOND IN LEMON PARK:

 

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that he had gone through the bidding process for the sprinkler system for Dickerson Diamond and had had a couple of meetings with the contractors.  Mr. Pinkall commented that the money would come out of the recreation trust fund that had been built up over fifteen years with donation money.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he would recommend the low bid from Younie Landscapes.

 

Commissioner Detwiler questioned if they had calculated sprinkler head maintenance and fertilizer.  Mr. Pinkall stated that it was not in the budget, but there would be a small percentage of an increase.  Mr. Pinkall added that they had talked about maintenance and weed killer.  Commissioner Detwiler commented that insects were encouraged with water.  Mr. Pinkall stated that they had a pretty intensive program, but armadillos still liked the area at times.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this would increase demand for the use of the field.  Mr. Pinkall stated that it would increase use for practices and use during tournaments. 

 

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the request for an irrigation sprinkler system for Dickerson Diamond in Lemon Park from Younie Landscapes for $12,300.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick.  Commissioner Hlavachick clarified that the Lemon donation was made for watering trees and tree replacement and not for this type of thing.  Finance Director Garten stated that there were two trust funds with one being for recreation and the other a park trust fund.  The motion and second passed unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 010614 PROVIDING FOR A HEARING ON THE UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 315 ILLINOIS AVENUE:

 

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum stated that this was part of the informal project to bring an unsafe structure to the Commission’s attention.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that this structure was at 315 Illinois and had not been used for a long time.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that this procedure would allow for a hearing on February 17th to allow time for the owner to clean it up.  Mayor Taylor questioned if the owner was a non-resident.  Building Inspector Blankenship stated that that was correct and he had found papers in his office from 1971 where they had sent letters about this house, so it was not ever going to get fixed up.

 

The following Resolution 010614 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR HEARING ON UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS STRUCTURE PURSUANT TO K.S.A. 12-1750, et seq. AND PRATT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.08.010 et seq.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Resolution 010614 providing for a hearing for 315 Illinois.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE 2013 ENERGY CONTRACT BETWEEN KMEA AND THE CITY OF PRATT:

 

Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that this was an amendment to the agreement signed on June 03, 2013.  Mr. Hemphill explained that there were no major changes, but it did change the amount of energy to a set 600 KW year around and the date of the agreement from 2014 to 2015.  Mr. Hemphill added that there was no cost to the City.  Mayor Taylor questioned if this included transportation.  Mr. Hemphill stated that this was for energy only.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the amendment to the energy contract between KMEA and the City of Pratt.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

 

OPEN AGENDA:

 

• Mr. Matei:

 

Mr. Luca Matei again addressed the Commission stating that he was pretty informed of the status of the Government.  Mr. Matei stated that Jefferson had a big idea to give property to be free, but freedom without property does not exist.  Mr. Matei commented that people were losing property.  Mayor Taylor questioned if this was something that they could address as a City Commission.  Mr. Matei stated that they serve the people and the police do too.  Mr. Matei commented that he and others had been convicted for nothing and we need to remember what was in the Constitution.  Mr. Matei added that the first obligation was to serve everybody and not a few.  Mr. Matei stated that the police become a mercenary to destroy the people.

 

REPORTS:

 

City Manager:

 

• Sale of energy to Meade & Garden City:

 

City Manager Howard stated that the sale of energy to Meade and Garden City had turned into a big filing with FERC.  Mr. Howard commented that there would be a meeting sometime this month and he felt that we would not be able to sell to Garden City, so they would talk about how to adjust.

 

• Meeting with Coder Engineering:

 

Mr. Howard stated that there would be a meeting with Coder Engineering about the Main Street intersection and KDOT would have the preliminary plan.  Mr. Howard added that they were open to ideas and we had the option to move forward or not.

Public Works:

• Traffic counter:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that he had purchased a traffic counter and had set it up in Lemon Park from December 3rd to December 31st.  Mr. Rambat explained that the traffic count for the twenty-eight days was 10,269.  Mr. Rambat added that that was more than he had expected and that he would be putting it on various streets to get other traffic counts.  Commissioner Detwiler commented that some people take a second trip around, so a few of those were duplicates.

Inspections:

• Unsafe Structures:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that the abandoned trailer house at 904 Garfield came down last Monday and was cleaned up.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they had given this property plenty of time to be cleaned up and, now that it was, someone was interested in buying the land.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned what it had cost to demolish it.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it was around $2,300 and the guys were pretty efficient in separating trees, aluminum and metal.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they get to keep the money from the salvage since they did the demolition.  Mr. Blankenship stated that that was in the contract. 

Mr. Blankenship stated that 207 North Taylor was the next unsafe structure on the list and there was a letter in the packet from the gentleman who owned it.  Mr. Blankenship commented that this gave the Commission an idea of the type of letters that we get sometimes. 

 

Mr. Blankenship stated that 315 Illinois was being taken care of, as well as the property next to Woody’s.  Mr. Blankenship commented that he had visited with the gentleman who bought 412 South Main Street and they would be doing more cleaning when the weather clears up.

Electric Departments:

• Christmas lights:

Dir. of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that the line gang had been busy taking down the Christmas lights.

 

• Generator testing:

 

Mr. Hemphill stated that the power plant had been testing the generator on Engines 6 & 7 and had not had any problems.  Mr. Hemphill added that they would have the EPA test in February.  Mayor Taylor commented that those tests were pretty detailed.  Mr. Hemphill agreed and added that they would have passed if this had been the actual EPA test today.  Power Plant Superintendent Smith added that they require them to have an 80% to 83% reduction in admission.  Mr. Howard asked how often they clean the filters.  Mr. Smith commented that it was every five years.

 

Police Department:

• Snow Removal:

Police Chief Myers thanked Mr. Rambat and his crew for moving the snow so quickly.  Chief Myers stated that they had had very few accidents and they had cleared the business areas very quickly.

 

Finance Department:

• Sales tax for 2013:

Finance Director Garten stated that sales tax for 2013 was $2,215,609 after the final distribution from State revenue.  Ms. Garten added that this was the most sales tax the City had ever had.

Mayor and Commission:

• Note to fire department:

Mayor Taylor commented that there was a note in the packet from Ms. Jean Tharpe to the fire department after the difficult situation with the Ibarra family.  Mayor Taylor added that that should go over to the police department also.  Mayor Taylor stated that these were part of the City’s staff that make the Commissioner’s job easy.

• Job loss at KDWPT:

Commissioner Hlavachick commented that he had a letter prepared about the job loss at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, but he wanted to verify the numbers before getting signatures from the County, Chamber and ED Board.

ADJOURN:

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

___________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
       

ATTEST:
___________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

01/20/2014-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

January 20, 2014

PRATT CITY COMMISSION – REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

COMMISSION ROOM – 5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER (Remind audience that meeting is being recorded and/or taped.)

2. ROLL CALL 

3. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. MINUTES – January 06, 2014 Regular City Commission Meeting
   
5. BUSINESS:
   
5.1 Consideration and Approval of the Use of the Municipal Building by The Bread of Life Community Kitchen, Inc. at No Charge on February 15, 2014 – Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Contract of Sale for Property in the Compton Addition Between the City and Interstate Holdings, LLC – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Dave Howard, City Manager

5.3 Consideration and Approval of the Re-Appointment of Dennis Rasmussen to the Cemetery Board – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director  (3 year term)

5.4 Consideration and Approval of Bids for Overhaul and Other Related Work on Unit #5 Steam Turbine - Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities; Dave Howard, City Manager; Power Plant Staff

6. OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only) (3 Minute Time Limit)

7. REPORTS

 7.1 City Manager
 7.2 City Attorney
 7.3 Department Superintendents
 7.4 Mayor
 7.5 City Commission

8. ADJOURN