MONDAY
JULY 02, 2012
The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall.
PRESENT:
Bill Hlavachick Mayor
Jeff Taylor 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 Police Chief
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Bruce Pinkall Recreation Director
CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Hlavachick. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Skaggs.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Taylor led the staff and audience in the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES:
A motion by Commissioner Detwiler to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2012 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA – 1:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION OF AQUATIC FACILITY EVALUATION:
Mr. Kyle McCawley, representative for Larkin Aquatics, informed the Commission that Larkin Aquatics was out of Kansas City and they do studies for Municipal facilities concerning their compliance with ADA accessibility and the overall longevity of a facility. Commissioner Taylor questioned if the City pool was up-to-date as far as ADA requirements. Mr. McCawley stated that it could be challenged and explained the Virginia Graema Baker Pool and Safety Act and other codes, regulations and standards that should be followed.
Mr. McCawley commented that the pool was thirty eighty years old and had done well for its age and that the fiberglass liner had been installed about ten years ago. Mr. McCawley discussed the issues concerning the bathhouses and not being ADA accessible in the showers, toilet compartments and wheelchair clearance. Mr. McCawley commented that the women’s shower did not have the necessary transfer space or grab bars, which could be renovated to a transfer type shower or a roll in shower where they stay in their wheelchair. Commissioner Kumberg questioned if the weather had an effect on those areas since they had no roof. Mr. McCawley stated that it may bring down the life a little, but most were made of stainless steel or high density plastic. Mr. McCawley also stated that there was not room for a wheelchair to exit the bathhouse on the women’s side to go to the deck area.
Mr. McCawley explained that there should be two means of entry to meet ADA requirements and that would be stairs and lift or a ramp. Mr. McCawley commented that the shallow area of the pool was an interesting part of the pool, but was restricted and should have a slope entry and no stairs. Mr. McCawley stated that the liner was cracked in several areas and needed to be addressed in the next few years, but it had helped maintain water in the pool. Mr. McCawley added that there were two kinds of liners and they were fiberglass and plastic. City Manager Dave Howard questioned if they would have to remove the existing fiberglass liner if we went with plastic. Mr. McCawley stated that he was not sure, but felt that they would want it removed. Mr. Howard questioned what the warranty was on a plastic liner. Mr. McCawley commented that he thought it was five years.
Mr. McCawley stated that the slide was in good condition, but he recommended that the City purchase compliant suction that was available for slides and install a barrier to prevent a collision of swimmers and people on the slide. Mr. McCawley added that the mechanical equipment looked good and that a new pump had been installed this last spring and, although the media in the filter tank had no records, he was told that the City was looking at getting it repaired. Mr. McCawley explained that the pool uses chlorine gas and he stressed that the City make sure that only a certified employee manage it.
Commissioner Kumberg clarified that the liner had lasted ten years. Mr. McCawley stated that it had and the City had gotten good life out of it considering what was underneath and sitting in daylight all year around. Mayor Hlavachick questioned if there were delaminating areas. Public Works Director Rambat stated that there were areas where the fiberglass liner was coming unattached and, to repair cracks in the liner, they usually cut and reglass it. Mr. Rambat added that we were to a point that we have situations. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if Mr. McCawley would replace the current liner with vinyl or fiberglass. Mr. McCawley stated that he would go with fiberglass since vinyl had more seams.
Mr. Howard asked what the estimated cost would be to tear out and build new. Mr. McCawley stated that he would estimate the cost to be around $3 million. Commissioner Kumberg questioned if you would lose a whole season. Mr. McCawley stated that experienced contractors could build one in ten months. Mayor Hlavachick questioned if the other things would be in play if the liner was approved. Mr. Howard stated that this was a topic that would be discussed during budget, but we had to do something because it needs attention. Mayor Hlavachick questioned what the life of the pool would be if we did nothing. Mr. McCawley commented that it could last another twenty years and that would depend on how much the City wanted to spend on repairs.
Pool Manager Tracy Trimpe stated that the worst part of the liner was where the adult swimmers and ZUMBA class exercise and there were big cracks in that area. Mr. Rambat stated that keeping it going was crucial and the immediate issues needed to be addressed. Finance Director Diana Garten asked if Mr. McCawley knew what the liability would be if challenged by ADA. Mr. McCawley stated that he did not, but the Department of Justice would show some latitude if you had a plan that was moving forward. Commissioner Taylor questioned if tourism funds could be used for some of the expenses. Mr. Howard stated that we would talk about how to work out the financing during budget.
Ms. Trimpe informed the Commission that the family passes were up from fifty-nine to eighty-five this year. Commissioner Taylor asked if attendance was up. Ms. Trimpe stated that she thought so and it appeared that some people were purchasing the family pass for $90 instead of taking a vacation. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if we had a restriction on how many times a pass could be used in a season. Ms. Trimpe answered that we did not. Mayor Hlavachick commented that there were a lot of people at the two swim meets that Pratt hosted a few weeks ago. Ms. Trimpe stated that there were and added that she hoped that the size of the pool stayed similar in size, because it was full on may days during the summer.
The Commission thanked Mr. McCawley for the information.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID FOR THE INSPECTION/CLEANING OF 3 PRATT WATER TOWERS:
Public Works Director Russell Rambat stated that he had received three bids to do the inspections on the two water towers in town and the one at the airport. Mr. Rambat explained that this was a budgeted item and a KDHE mandated function.
Mr. Rambat stated that M & M Tank Coating Company out of Greeley, Colorado bid $9,200; Cunningham, Inc. out of Riverton, Kansas bid $7,215 and Water Tower Maintenance out of Grove, Oklahoma bid $17,812. Mr. Rambat commented that Cunningham, Inc. had done work for us before; therefore, he recommended the bid of $7,215 from Cunningham, Inc. Mr. Rambat added that the bids left room for epoxy that may have popped loose and they would wait until the first of fall when the water usage drops to start the project.
Commissioner Taylor made a motion to accept the bid from Cunningham, Inc. out of Riverton, Kansas for $7,215 to inspect three water towers-two in town and one at the airport. Commissioner Detwiler seconded the motion. Commissioner Taylor questioned what this all involves. Mr. Rambat stated that they drain and power wash them so they can do a visual inspection to make sure the seams all held up. Mr. Rambat added that they would spot repair any areas and also remove any sand that may have gotten in from the wells. Commissioner Taylor stated that that was a lot of work and the bids were not bad. Mr. Rambat agreed. The motion and second passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID FOR THE 2012 CHIP SEAL PROJECT:
Public Works Director Rambat stated that he was trying to put money into the streets so that we get the most out of them and he would be concentrating on the northeast corner of town this year. Mr. Rambat commented that the contractor needs the street at certain temperatures for the chip seal, so he had made November 15th the date for the project to be completed and added that a cold period last year had delayed finishing the project.
Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that Hi-Plains Sand, Inc. submitted a bid for $175,504.80 and Heft & Sons, LLC bid $189,062.50. Mr. Rambat stated that he did a background check on Hi-Plains Sand, Inc. and they had done a lot of work for the State and small Cities and there were no red flags; therefore, he made the recommendation to accept the low bid from Hi-Plains Sand, Inc. in the amount of $175,504.80. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to accept the bid from Hi-Plains Sand, Inc. for the 2012 Chip Seal Project in the amount of $175,504.80, which was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
GENERAL DISCUSSION ON CONDITION OF DICKERSON FIELD:
Mayor Hlavachick stated that he had been contacted by Coach Brian Schrag concerning the condition of Dickerson Field that does not lend itself to a good practice. Mayor Hlavachick commented that Coach Schrag could not attend this meeting, but some of his main concerns were the stickers, bases being covered with grass and needing grated and the net missing on the batting cage. Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall commented that we provide the one between the fields. Commissioner Taylor stated that what bothers him was that there was a name on that batting cage and the City had probably taken in funds for that. Commissioner Taylor commented that we should either take the plaque down or fix the batting cage and he added that that would go for the scoreboard also.
Commissioner Taylor stated that that diamond was named after Mr. L.O. Dickerson, who ran the recreation department and employed a lot of high school kids. Commissioner Taylor commented that Mr. Dickerson had them picking up trash, painting bleachers plus many other jobs. Commissioner Taylor explained that the college had put money into their field and he felt that they both needed to look good. Commissioner Taylor suggested putting a sprinkler system in and spending money so traveling teams could practice and have games down there. Commissioner Taylor stated that Green Sports Complex was our marquee complex, but we should not let Dickerson get run down. Commissioner Taylor added that Mr. Dickerson was like a grandfather to him and a lot of other people.
Mayor Hlavachick stated that the fields that we had neglected could be discussed during the budget session and maybe put money back for that. Mr. Pinkall stated that they had some things that they could do, but they had not followed through with them. Mr. Pinkall commented that they can spray the grass and stickers and come up with a plan to take care of the fields. Mr. Pinkall explained that he felt there were things they could do without talking outside the current budget and he would use memorial funds that were put in place to take care of the batting cage.
DISCUSSION ON PAST AND CURRENT NITRATE LEVELS IN CITY WELLS:
Public Works Director Rambat stated that he had given the Commission information on the nitrate levels over the past ten years and explained that nitrates were an unpredictable trend. Mr. Rambat added that KDHE says that it is the nature of the beast when you get runoff that ends up in ground water. Mr. Rambat commented that it gets their attention once the levels were above 5 mg per liter and they also want you to sample more often.
Mr. Rambat stated that City Manager Howard and he had been talking about it being in the City’s best interest to look into the trends. Mr. Rambat explained that there was one well in town that was close to the 10 ml threshold and that was it Sixth Street and Rochester Street. Commissioner Kumberg stated that he noticed the volatility in that well. Mr. Rambat stated that you could possibly go back and compare a lot of those changes to water usage and how wet your season was. Mr. Rambat added that you could have less runoff in a dry year and the nitrates could go down plus it also changes with the amount of water used. Mr. Rambat clarified that that was only an observation and not a solution.
Mr. Rambat stated that new well locations in the future or test holes could be a possible topic of discussion during the budget session. Mr. Howard stated that we should analyze the system and watch Well #11 closely and think about taking #10 out of service. Mr. Howard added that any test well would have to come back with no nitrate problems and it was getting harder to find that. Mr. Howard commented that the other option would be treatment processes to take it out of your system, but it was expensive. Commissioner Taylor questioned if you do that per well or system wide. Mr. Howard answered that we would have to do it per well, because the mechanics of it would be complicated.
Mr. Rambat commented that there were no rhymes or reasons as to why the levels go up and down, but water was a commodity that we could not be without. Mr. Rambat stated that the pressure on the west side was not the same as on the east during times of the year, so adding a well to the west to keep pressure up could be an option. Mr. Rambat stated that he began a line item to put money back so that we could start some exploration. Mr. Howard added that EBH Engineering or somebody would have to be involved for this type of planning. Commissioner Taylor questioned if other communities were feeling this too. Mr. Howard commented that Hutchinson built a water treatment plant due to their nitrates and there are problems down south as well. Mr. Howard added that the nitrates at the airport exceed the limit.
OPEN AGENDA – 2:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
• Highway 61 project:
City Manager Howard commented that several people have questioned if the project on Highway 61 had stopped, but they were waiting to free up a batch asphalt plant. Mr. Howard explained that the company had one in Kinsley, but should be moving it out here in the next week or two. Mr. Howard commented that the State was comfortable with where the project was at. Commissioner Taylor questioned if they were removing the elevated medians. Mr. Howard stated that they were and also lowering the center of the road so that there was not quite the crown.
Commissioner Detwiler questioned if there would be a turning lane by Maurice’s. Mr. Howard stated that the Topeka office was analyzing that stretch of highway from the light to north of Fincham Road.
• KDWP sewer line:
Mr. Howard commented that he had met with KDWP concerning the sewer line that would tie into the City’s and that project had been awarded, so the contractor should start in the next two or three weeks. Mr. Howard stated that he had talked to the County concerning a separate dumping station at the lake and our concern for unauthorized dumping. Mr. Howard commented that the County locks theirs up in the winter and he added that we do not want anything that would take out our plant.
Public Works:
• Tire Roller for street:
Mr. Rambat explained to the Commission that the street department had a 70’s rubber tire roller that was used to overlay streets and the engine was knocking badly and going to fail soon. Mr. Rambat stated that the roller was good enough to just replace the engine, which would cost $8,900 for a new engine and $3,000 for labor , but a used roller ran from $20,000 to $25,000.
Mr. Rambat stated that the money was in the equipment reserves and he recommended replacing the engine. Commissioner Taylor questioned if it was a diesel. Mr. Rambat stated that it was, but the hydraulics did not leak, so he thought we would get a better value by putting in a new engine. Commissioner Taylor made a motion to allow the street department to purchase the engine and labor for the 70’s tire roller from Morgan Diesel for $11,475. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
• Sidewalk project:
Mr. Rambat stated that the sidewalk contractor had taken two weeks off, but would be jumping back on them the first of next week. Mr. Rambat added that the street department had been busy overlaying a few streets.
Inspection Department:
• House on Mound:
Building Inspector Blankenship informed the Commission that the house at 305 South Mound had had a July 1st deadline to repair or remove the burned out structure and they were not able to get that done. Mr. Blankenship stated that F & H Insulation would be down to do an asbestos abatement and then Simpson Construction would come in to clean it up.
Recreation Department:
• Hap Dumont Tournament:
Recreation Director Pinkall stated that the Hap Dumont State Tournament would start on Friday the 13th and go all weekend with twenty-nine teams involved. Mr. Pinkall commented that the motels were full and some were having a hard time finding a place to stay.
Commissioner Detwiler questioned if we could paint ‘stop’ on the driveway at the Sports Complex. Mr. Pinkall stated that it was possible. Mr. Rambat stated that he would suggest a stop sign stripe first, because, if you do not have the correct template, it could get ugly. Commissioner Detwiler suggested that the height be reduced.
Power Plant:
• Transformer update:
Power Plant Superintendent Ernie Smith stated that Solomon Electric had come to get the burnt out transformer on Friday.
• Generation:
Mr. Smith commented that the City had been called on quite a bit to generate. Energy Agent Kenny Kreutzer stated that Sunflower had to meet spinning reserves and they had not been, so they want us on line to help meet capacity. Mr. Howard added that we get paid to generate and the second day market would give us insight to how they might be.
Police Department:
• Vandalism:
Police Chief Gary Myers informed the Commission that there had been some vandalism to City signs and sidewalks. Chief Myers commented that two people had been arrested and had spray painted things once they were released. Chief Myers added that they had put their names on some of it. Chief Myers stated that the officers would be filing a complaint with the County Attorney for private property damage.
Finance Department:
• Sales Tax:
Finance Director Diana Garten stated that sales tax was up $74,000 from last year.
• Budget session:
Ms. Garten reminded the Commission of the budget work session on Thursday, July 12th. Ms. Garten stated that she had received the final information needed on Friday afternoon and should have the budget ready for the Commissioners on Thursday morning. Ms. Garten commented that the valuations went down and the revitalizations went up.
Mayor and Commission:
• Executive Session:
Mayor Hlavachick made a motion to go into executive session for 10 minutes for non-elected personnel. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.
Mayor Hlavachick made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
RECESS:
Upon proper motion, the meeting was recessed until Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.
_______________________________________
BILL D. HLAVACHICK, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk
Corrections:
**Page 2, Line 1: Pool is ‘eighty’ years old, not ‘thirty’
**Page 6, Under Recreation Dept. – ‘Stop sign’ should be ‘stripe’