07/02/12-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

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’

07/16/2012 City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

JULY 16, 2012

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 – July 02, 2012 Regular City Commission meeting

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Consideration and Approval of Request from Epsilon Pi Chapter for Waiver of Rental Fee on Municipal Building on July 13th & 14th – Verneene Forssberg, Epsilon Phi Event Chairman

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Bid for Street Closure for Teen Center Fund Raiser on July 27th – Kim Everett, Teen Center Manager

5.3 Continued Discussion on Rural Opportunity Zone Program as Requested During Budget Work Session – Jan Scarbrough, Chamber Director

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

7. REPORTS

7.1 City Manager
7.2 City Attorney
7.3 Department Directors and/or Superintendents
7.4 Mayor
7.5 City Commission

8. ADJOURN

06/18/12 Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

JUNE 18, 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
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 Police Chief
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 Hlavachick. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.

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 04, 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 2011 CITY OF PRATT AUDIT:
Ms. Vicki Dreiling of Adams Brown Beran and Ball Chtd. addressed the Commission concerning the 2011 City of Pratt audit. Ms. Dreiling commented that they issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and those statements presented fairly the financial condition of the City. Ms. Dreiling added that financial statements were presented on the cash basis of accounting.

Ms. Dreiling stated that the City ended the year with a $14,261,865 unencumbered cash balance and the mil levy stayed about the same. Ms. Dreiling added that the City had used existing cash to keep the mil levy the same. Ms. Dreiling reviewed the budgetary and the individual funds with the Commission. Ms. Dreiling commented that the sanitation fund was showing that they had spent more than they took in. Ms. Dreiling pointed out that all of the reserve funds were increasing and that was good because it shows that the City was setting aside for future projects. Commissioner Taylor questioned if we had raised landfill rates when we received the increase. City Manager Dave Howard stated that we had not.

Ms. Dreiling stated that page 40 contained the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and this had additional information to the actual practices of the City. Ms. Dreiling also pointed out that there was one Statute violation and that was that payroll had outstanding checks that were more than one year old which were supposed to be turned over to the State. Ms. Dreiling added that the City was going to reissue those checks, but she had to note the violation. Ms. Dreiling commented that the long term debt showed a balance at the end of 2011 of $11,182,659, which included $119,000 for compensated absences and $452,748 in interest that had been paid out. Ms. Dreiling pointed out that the next page showed the long term debt and interest for the next five years in five year increments.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned how we look compared to other Cities our size. Ms. Dreiling stated that the City was doing a great job with reserves such as capital equipment reserves and capital improvements. Mayor Hlavachick stated that the staff deserved a round of applause for doing a good job.

Ms. Dreiling explained that the management letter recommends that the sanitation shop building be locked when there was no one there, payroll checks over one year old should be reissued or turned over to the State, increase operational controls by having someone other than the accounts payable clerk stuff payable checks, reconcile the accounting records and mail the payments and, the last recommendation was to keep the rate steady in the electric fund. Ms. Dreiling explained that the electric fund was decreasing and the debt coverage ratio was at .5794 at year end and the bond requires the debt coverage ratio to not be less than 1.25.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if any other people in her firm look at the audit. Ms. Dreiling stated that they do a cold review and that person looks over the report, but was not involved in the audit. Ms. Dreiling stated that she appreciated the help they get from the City staff.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NIGHT TIME MOVIE IN LEMON’S PARK ON SATURDAY, JULY 14TH:
Ms. Tracy Beverlin addressed the Commission concerning the Pratt’s Young Professionals having a night time movie in Lemon’s Park on July 14th. Ms. Beverlin stated that this would coincide with the sidewalk sale, craft show and baseball tournament. Ms. Beverlin explained that the company doing the movie would be setting it up and taking it down. Ms. Beverlin added that the PYP members would be in charge of organizing the event and cleaning up afterwards.

Commissioner Taylor questioned if the Barron Theatre had been contacted about helping with the event. Ms. Beverlin stated that someone was going to contact them, because they did not want to take away revenue from them. Mr. John Beverlin commented that he had contacted Mr. Tim Barker and the Barron Theatre did 34mm, but the company PYP had hired uses DVD’s. Mr. Beverlin stated that they do not have the type of equipment that could be brought to the park and they did not want to be responsible for weather related issues.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if PYP and Leadership were the same thing. Ms. Beverlin stated that Leadership was their own group and they have a Board of Directors. Chamber Director Jan Scarbrough explained that Leadership was under the Chamber, but this group was also formed under the Chamber and were their own entity. Ms. Scarbrough added that PYP should have their own board in July.

After little more discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the request from Pratt’s Young Professionals to have a movie night on July 14th in Lemon’s Park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried with four approved votes and one abstained vote from Commissioner Kumberg, who is a member of PYP.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE SALE OF THREE ACRES OF THE SANDY CREEK ADDITION FOR NEW MOTEL:
Mayor Hlavachick commented that this agenda item would be tabled until a later meeting as the Patel’s were out of town and could not get back in time for this meeting.

PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED NEW HOSPITAL ADDITION:
Mr. Frank Laubhan explained that he was here to discuss the hospital issue before the election on August 7th. Mr. Laubhan stated that a ¾ cent sales tax issue would be on the ballot for renovation of the PRMC building. Mr. Laubhan reminded the Commission that they had tried going to the voters for a .01 cent sales tax two years ago and it had not passed.

Mr. Laubhan commented that they had looked at the results from the professional survey, which showed that they needed to enhance the emergency department, reduce the cost and address the mechanical infrastructure. Mr. Laubhan pointed out the new addition on power point and explained that that would be for patients to keep them away from the renovation area. Mr. Laubhan stated that the emergency area was a major concern; therefore, it would double in size. Mr. Laubhan pointed out where radiology would be located along with the main entrance, gift shop and dining area. Mr. Laubhan added that the surgical area would be in the new addition and double in size and would comply with the new standards for infection control and humidity control. Mr. Laubhan commented that the basement level would not have much added to it, but some current areas would be used for storage. Mr. Laubhan pointed out that the second floor would have an addition added on to it to expand the area needed for infrastructure of the heating and cooling. Mr. Laubhan stated that they would lose some parking, but it would be relocated. Mr. Laubhan pointed out that the floor to floor height in the old area was ten feet and they need fourteen feet to have enough room for wires, call equipment and sprinklers.

Mr. Laubhan explained that the cost of the design and construction would be $24,665,000, owner’s equipment cost was $1,750,000, bond and financing was $1,550,000 and owner’s contingency was $1,200,000 for a total cost of $29,165,000. Mr. Laubhan stated that the cost in 2010 was $34,000,000; therefore, the cost had been reduced by $5,000,000. Mr. Laubhan commented that the funds would come from the hospital foundation with $1,200,000, $1,165,000 from the County/County Hospital Board and $26,800,000 from GO Bond. Mr. Laubhan added that the bonding company shows a ¾ cent sales tax for a maximum of twenty years and, if we needed to go longer than that, it would have to go to the people to vote on. Mr. Laubhan explained that the bond issue projections were assuming a 4% interest, but they would have to see what we get. Mr. Laubhan commented that, if they cannot get enough, the burden would fall back on property tax, but they were putting all protections in place that they could to keep that from happening.

Mr. Laubhan stated that they still have to make repairs no matter what happens and it makes more sense to do the renovation by sales tax, which comes from County residents as well as out of the County. City Manager Howard questioned how much the ¾ cent sales tax would generate. Mr. Laubhan stated that they project approximately $1.3 million. Mr. Howard asked when the sales tax would take effect. Mr. Laubhan stated that it would start July 2013 and that was when the State tax goes off. Mr. Laubhan added that we have to be careful to take care of what we have or we would lose what we have gained over the years. Mr. Laubhan commented that they were not only doing something that they need to do for the building, but for the community.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURES FOR SIDEWALK SALE JULY 14TH:
Chamber Director Jan Scarbrough commented that the annual sidewalk sale was July 14th and they would like to close Second and Third Streets from Main Street to Jackson Street. Ms. Scarbrough explained that they would close all of Second Street and Third Street to the alley so they would not block the bank’s drive-in. Ms. Scarbrough stated that the firemen would be doing the hamburgers and Wal-Mart, Lisa’s Western Wear and Orscheln’s would be participating at their locations and the sale would be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Commissioner Taylor made a motion to approve the proposed street closures on July 14th for the annual sidewalk sale. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF TRANSFORMER REWIND BID:
Director of Electric Utilities Kelly Hemphill stated that a transformer had burnt out and they went out for bids to replace it. Mr. Hemphill stated that they received two bids back for a transformer rewind and Southwest Electric’s bid was $73,094 with a lead time of twenty-two to twenty-four weeks and Solomon Electric bid $32,710 with a lead time of twelve to thirteen weeks. Mr. Hemphill added that Kriz-Davis had submitted a bid for a new transformer costing $35,013.60 with a lead time of twenty-eight to thirty weeks, Stanion Wholesale Electric had delivered their bid to the wrong location, Siemens Electric had bid, but it arrived one day late and Midwest Electric did not bid.

Mr. Hemphill pointed out that the bid from Solomon Electric was lower and had a shorter lead time and it was complete as speced. Mr. Hemphill commented that a gentleman from Southwest Electric was at the bid opening and asked to review the Solomon Electric bid since it was so much lower than theirs. Mr. Hemphill explained that the new designs were different and concrete and conduit would be an additional expense. Commissioner Skaggs questioned the Kris-Davis bid. Mr. Hemphill stated that Kris-Davis was going to the manufacturer and then vending it to the City. Commissioner Skaggs questioned the unit price of $32,405 and Kriz-Davis’ bid of $35,013. Mr. Hemphill stated that the deal unit price was $32,000 and they had added shipping to get it to Pratt. Mr. Hemphill added that CG Power Systems would not have sold directly to the City of Pratt. Commissioner Taylor questioned if the Solomon Electric bid included delivery. Mr. Hemphill stated that it did.

A motion by Commissioner Taylor to accept the bid from Solomon Electric in the amount of $32,710 for the transformer rewind was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA – 2:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS:
City Manager:
• GEO & KLINK grants:
City Manager Howard commented that he had met with KDOT representatives concerning the GEO and KLINK grants, which would be reviewed in early July. Mr. Howard added that this would be to do the North Main project and we had applied for a 70/30. Mr. Howard stated that they had questioned if we would go higher than 30% and he had told them that we would have to see. Commissioner Taylor questioned if the second time goes better. Mr. Howard stated that it all depends on how they break it up in the regions, but they have always been fair to Pratt.

• Big Ditch:
Mr. Howard commented that he had received a call about the big ditch overflowing its banks on Saturday, but he could not see anything downstream or where it had backed up. Mr. Howard added that he thought it was not the ditch, but the drainage pipe in the manholes.

• Senator Moran’s rep:
Mr. Howard stated that they had had a meeting with a representative of Senator Moran’s office and they had a good discussion concerning EPA regulations.

• Railroad reps:
Mr. Howard commented that he had also visited with representatives from the railroad and they were just checking to see that everything was going well. Mr. Howard stated that he told them that it was.

City Attorney:
• Covenant Housing:
City Attorney Van Blaricum reminded the Commission that the Covenant Housing issue was set in Sedgwick County on June 21st at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he did not recommend the Commission be there since it would not last that long. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if anyone from the Coffeyville facility would be there. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was just us, but they do support our position. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that they would be there to support us if it gets back to Tax Appeals.

Police Department:



• Wife of Rod Tritt passed away:
Police Chief Gary Myers informed the Commission that Animal Control Officer Rod Tritt’s wife had passed away after a long illness and the funeral would be on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Christian Church.

Mayor and Commission:
• Union Pacific coin:
Mayor Hlavachick commented that the Union Pacific Railroad presented the City with a 150 year coin and he asked that it be displayed somewhere in the City building. Mayor Hlavachick stated that that says a lot for the City and the railroad.

• Curb & Sidewalk project:

Commissioner Detwiler commented that she had looked at some of the curb and sidewalk project and it looked professional.

• Limb pick-up:
Commissioner Taylor questioned if the City would be doing any limb pick-up due to the storm this weekend. Mr. Howard stated that they were out Saturday and today to do that.

• Haskell Street ditch bid:
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the bid that went out on the Haskell Street ditch was a continuation on lining those ditches. Mr. Howard stated that the main reason was due to it washing out the road and curb. Mr. Howard explained that they were concerned that the road could possibly fall into that ditch where the curb separates from the road on Haskell Street east to the ditch. Mr. Howard stated that this would put support where it had separated.

• Sidewalk replaced:
Commissioner Kumberg commented that his mother had had her sidewalk replaced as part of the curb and sidewalk project and she was happy that they had followed up with her.

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Taylor made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Detwiler seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

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BILL D. HLAVACHICK, Mayor



(SEAL)



ATTEST:

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk