12/02/13 - Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
DECEMBER 02, 2013

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 Kumberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 04, 2013 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF 2014 CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS:

Police Chief Gary Myers informed the Commission that businesses had filed their 2014 Cereal Malt Beverage applications and all had met the requirements of the code of the City of Pratt.  Chief Myers stated that Wal-Mart and Alco had not turned in their applications and fees by the deadline, but could be on the next agenda if they return them in the next two weeks.  After little more discussion, Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the 2014 Cereal Malt Beverage applications.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion and the motion and second passed unanimously.

·         American Legion Special Permit:

Chief Myers stated that the American Legion had dropped off an application for a special alcohol permit for the upstairs bar area with the State for one evening on December 31, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.  Chief Myers commented that, prior to the State giving them a permit, they had to get with the City to sign off on it.  Mayor Taylor questioned if they could only sell alcohol in the basement.  Chief Myers stated that that was correct and explained that they had had trouble in the past, so they definitely want to follow the rules.  Chief Myers informed the Commission that they had to get this approved twenty days before the event, so it could not wait for the next agenda. 

City Attorney Van Blaricum commented that they do have to have the City’s approval before it could go to the State.  Mayor Taylor asked what we needed to do by law.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that, without a representative here to answer questions, we could do what we want and that could be to waive the twenty day waiting period.  Mr. Howard commented that we could use the State’s permit application as ours and accept it tonight.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if we had to do anything procedurally.  Mr. Howard commented that it does not say anything in the code about coming before the Commission.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that we just need to tell the State that the American Legion had satisfied our needs.  Mayor Taylor questioned if anyone was opposed to the American Legion requesting a special alcohol permit for December 31^st from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.  The Commission agreed to allow City staff to issue the special permit once the American Legion had met the City’s fees, etc.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF KDOT AGREEMENT FOR THE MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE PROJECT:

EBH Engineer Alan Luttrell informed the Commission that the new program for the transportation enhancement program was similar to a GEO project.  Mr. Luttrell explained that, under the new guidelines, the State would let the project out.  Mr. Luttrell added that the costs were all the same with the City paying 100% of the design costs, utility rights-of-way and the sound system, but the 80/20 split between the State and the City would remain as it had been in the past.  Mr. Luttrell stated that he would have to add language to the engineering contract so he complies with all their requirements and he would be bringing an amendment to the contract back to the Commission for their approval. 

Mr. Luttrell stated that he would recommend the approval of the KDOT agreement for the Main Street Streetscape Project.  Mr. Luttrell added that the State would require the City’s share of the money up front so many days after the bid letting.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if EBH was the only third party contractor for the City.  Mr. Luttrell stated that that was correct.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there would be any coordination with the Highway 281/Highway 54 project.  Mr. Howard stated that they would be discussing that later due to a change in that project.  Mr. Luttrell added that he would be working on that with Mr. Howard.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the contract agreement between Michael S. King, Secretary of Transportation, KDOT and the City of Pratt for the Main Street Streetscape project.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

OPEN AGENDA:

·         Luca’s comments:

Mr. Luca Matei again addressed the Commission on nothing happening after he had come to them in September and had been promised that something would get done.  Mr. Matei stated that police and justice do not do their jobs.  Mayor Taylor firmly stated that they do their jobs quite well.  Mr. Matei stated that they do not.  Mayor Taylor commented that they had had some things stolen and they were never recovered, so sometimes the criminals get caught and sometimes they do not.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·         Library Resolution:

Mr. Howard stated that he had given the Commission a copy of a Resolution that had been passed by the Library.  Mr. Howard explained that the Library did not need the City’s permission to develop a capital improvement fund, but they did have to notify us that the fund was being developed.

·         KDOT memo:

Mr. Howard stated that there was a memo from KDOT informing the City that the bid letting for the Highway 54 turn lane project would be October 22, 2014 instead of July 2014.  Mr. Howard added that there would be no way the project would start until 2015 and he was not sure if it would be going on around the same time as the downtown enhancement project. 

Mr. Howard stated that they would be getting with downtown business owners so they would know what was going on.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this would make the projects last longer if they were waiting on each other.  Mr. Howard stated that some projects go relatively quick and the 54 project may be done before we start ours; however, we want ours to be done by the holidays.  Mayor Taylor asked if Jackson Street would be in the project.  Mr. Howard explained that Jackson Street had been looked at, but it would have complicated the project.

City Attorney:

·         Year-end contracts:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he would have the year-end contracts at the next meeting.

 Public Works:

·         Drainage Box:

Mr. Rambat stated that the drainage box had been completed and was open before the holiday

·         Round Top Disassembling:

Mr. Rambat commented that the park department continued to disassemble the round top, but they may not get it completed with the weather that could be coming in next week.

·         Water Department:

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the water department continued to replace valves.

·         Wastewater project:

Mr. Rambat stated that the wastewater treatment plant project was going okay.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that there was a lot going on at the project and questioned if the number of overhead doors were used on a daily basis.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would be hauling and storing machinery.  Mr. Howard stated that the men were operating the plant with the digesters being out of commission; however we were still following permits.  Mr. Rambat added that there was a lot of manual labor needed to keep the plant running and the men were doing a good job.

Inspections:

·         Sandy Creek:

Mr. Blankenship stated that there were about thirty trees in now out of the seventy expected in Sandy Creek.  Mr. Blankenship added that we were getting bigger ones so there would be less we had to put in and there were twelve or thirteen at that base.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we had a timeline.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were being put in as quickly as he could go and we were keeping up with him getting water to them. 

·         Hampton Inn:

Mr. Blankenship commented that the Hampton Inn’s loan was approved and he should be receiving the plans soon. 

·         Hospital project:

 

Mr. Blankenship informed the Commission that the bottom part of the hospital was done and they would be moving up now.

·         Building by Woody’s:

Mr. Blankenship stated that the person who owns the building by Woody’s had stopped by and he was working on getting it cleaned up.  Commissioner Skaggs suggested that they board up the front so that it would not leave any ugly facing. 

Electric Departments:

·         New smoke stack:

Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that the power plant had new smoke stacks and all that was needed was a roof and a wall between the two engine intakes.

·         Hospital project:

Mr. Hemphill commented that they would be working on bringing the secondary conduit out at the hospital and he added that this had taken longer than anticipated.

Recreation:

·         Thanksgiving dinner:

Recreation Director Pinkall informed the Commission that the Thanksgiving dinner went well.

·         Old Fashioned Christmas:

Mr. Pinkall stated that Old Fashioned Christmas had been moved inside on Saturday and that had been a positive move.

 Power Plant:

                ·         School tour:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that there would be a school tour at the power plant on Thursday and Friday with about seventy kids participating.  Mr. Smith added that they would be fourteen and fifteen year olds.

Mayor and Commission:

·         Lot pricing at Sandy Creek:

Commissioner Kumberg questioned if we were closer to knowing the lot price at Sandy Creek.  Mr. Howard stated that they were putting together options and it should be ready for the Commission to review at a January meeting.

·         Meeting with Robin Jennison:

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that the ED Board, Mr. Howard and he had met with Secretary of Wildlife and Parks Robin Jennison about the migration of jobs to Topeka.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that they were told that some jobs would be moving, but his numbers and Mr. Jennison’s did not jive.  Commissioner Hlavachick commented that Mr. Jennison had told them that we needed to lobby more so that was what we were going to do.  Commissioner Hlavachick explained that he would be going up to Topeka when they were in session to raise awareness.

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that fifteen percent of Governor Brownback’s personnel had taken a cut and some accepted a buyout and some positions were just not going to be filled.  Commissioner Hlavachick added that that was still a job loss.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned what the peak employment number was here.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that it was around eighty-five.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he did not see them closing it, but we could lose more jobs.  Mayor Taylor commented that Secretary Jennison had said that they did not want to move too many people out of Pratt because rent was cheaper here than in Topeka.  Mayor Taylor added that Pratt was in the Rural Opportunity Zone and he wanted them to think about that.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that we should have been lobbying all the time.

·         Shrub cutter:

Commissioner Hlavachick informed Public Works Director Rambat that Mr. Russell Graves would be getting ahold of him to set up a time to demonstrate the shrub cutter.

·         Speed monitor signs:

Commissioner Detwiler commented that she had been talking to law enforcement in another City and State and Kansas restricts the number of fines that go towards revenue.  Commissioner Detwiler stated that there was a company that puts up speed monitor signs with cameras and then they issue tickets.  Commissioner Detwiler added that they keep a portion of the money and we would get the rest.  Commissioner Detwiler suggested that we look into this company since we were short staffed.

                  ·         Loud Christmas music:

Commissioner Detwiler stated that the music at Lemon Park could be heard eight blocks away.  Mayor Taylor commented that some people had trouble hearing the music when they were driving through the park.  Mayor Taylor suggested that we move the speakers.  Mr. Howard stated that they had turned it down, but the problem could be the speakers so he would look at that.

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

_____________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
        
ATTEST:
_____________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

 

 

12/16/13-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY
December 16, 2013
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 – December 02, 2013 Regular City Commission Meeting
   
5. BUSINESS:
   
 5.1 Consideration and Approval of Re-Appointment of Kenton Landenburger to the ED Board – Jan Scarbrough, Chamber Director

 5.2 Consideration and Approval of Addendum to the Engineering Contract for the Main Street Streetscape Project – Alan Luttrell, EBH Engineering

 5.3 Consideration and Approval of 2014 Cereal Malt Beverage Applications– Gary Myers, Police Chief

 5.4 Consideration and Approval of Lease Agreement with the Senior Citizens Organization for 2014 – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.5 Consideration and Approval of Pratt City Attorney Agreement for 2014 – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.6 Consideration and Approval of Pratt Municipal Judge Agreement for 2014 – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.7 Consideration and Approval of Public Defender Services Agreement with Candace Lattin for 2014 – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.8 Consideration and Approval of Resolution 121613 Providing for Uniform System of Fiscal Procedures, Accounting, and Reporting for Municipalities – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.9 Consideration and Approval of Resolution 121613A Declaring the Hearing to Order the Repair or Removal of 207 North Taylor - Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.10 Consideration and Approval of Resolution 121613B Adopting a Safety Plan for Certain Public Buildings - Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.11 Consideration and Approval of Resolution 121613C Defining the Boundaries of the City of Pratt, Kansas - Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.12 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1310 Amending Sections 13.04.100 of the City Code Concerning Water Rates for 2014 – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.13 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1311 Amending Sections 13.16.090 of the City Code Concerning Sewer Rates for 2014 – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

 5.14 Consideration and Approval of Compton Addition Final Plat – Dave Howard, City Manager

 5.15 Consideration and Approval of Zoning Change for the Compton Addition – Dave Howard, City Manager; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector

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

 

 

11/18/13-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
NOVEMBER 18, 2013

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
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 Detwiler made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 04, 2013 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

BUSINESS:

PRESENTATION OF CITY OF PRATT SERVICE AWARDS:

Mayor Taylor and the Commission presented service awards to the City employees who had served ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five and thirty years.  Mayor Taylor commented that this was always a fun time and the experience of these employees was invaluable.  Commissioner Hlavachick commented that he appreciated how hard the employees work and that we have a good system going.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that good employees were a sign of a good employer as well.  Commissioner Kumberg thanked the employees for their hard work and dedication.  Commissioner Detwiler also stated that she appreciated all that the employees do and she added that the community appreciates it too.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1309 AMENDING CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PRATT:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was similar to the previous ordinance with the exception of a change in the Municipal Judge salary.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the Municipal Judge had been given an amount for reimbursement of office expenses and the IRS did not want us to do it that way, so that amount was now included in the salary.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that that was a better way of doing it.

The following Ordinance 1309 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1210, CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Ordinance 1309.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded that motion.  Commissioner Detwiler questioned if the Ordinance was figured with a 3% increase or bonus.  City Manager Howard stated that it was on the 3% increase, because it had to be one way or another.  Mayor Taylor commented that they would look at the bonus subject again in the future.  With no more discussion, the motion and second passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A ROAD GRADER FROM PRATT COUNTY:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the City had the opportunity to purchase a 1997 Cat 160H road grader from the County.  Mr. Rambat commented that the County was involved in an exchange program when equipment had so many hours on it and they were ready to trade them in.  Mr. Rambat explained that the road grader was used almost daily and had 25,000 hours on it.  Mr. Rambat added that it did have a lot of hours in their world, but not in ours.  Mr. Rambat stated that the trade-in value for this equipment was $61,400 and was the cadillac version of this road grader and had had the transmission rebuilt last year.

Mr. Rambat stated that the City would like to keep ownership of both graders, because there were several advantages to the City owning both.  Mr. Rambat explained that one big storm could be expensive if you could not keep the downtown opened up for emergency services.  Mr. Rambat commented that Street Foreman Roy Sinclair had taken the road grader out and felt that it was in good shape and the County operator had said that it was in excellent condition and a work horse.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we had some where to house it.  Mr. Rambat stated that we did not, but it had a block heater.  City Manager Howard commented that the County usually leaves theirs out.  Mr. Rambat added that the operator stated that it starts right up at 20°, but they would plug it in if it was going to be below freezing.

Commissioner Kumberg questioned if the money for this had been saved.  Finance Director Garten stated that there was money in capital equipment reserves.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the purchase of the 1997 Cat 160H road grader from Pratt County for $61,400.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion.  The motion and second passed unanimously.

CONSIDEERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 111813 PROVIDING FOR A HEARING ON THE UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 412 SOUTH MAIN:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this had been talked about before and it was brought before the Commission on October 7^th to be determined whether to proceed with the unsafe structure hearing.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the owner would have the opportunity to show up and state their intentions.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that, when the proceedings started, the owner was Mr. Arndt and it now belonged to Mr. Dawson from Medicine Lodge who said that he was going to clean it up.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the Commission needed to continue with the action to make sure that it gets cleared up.

The following Resolution 111813 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PRATT DECLARING STRUTURE UNSAFE, DANGEROUS AND UNFIT.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Resolution 111813 declaring 412 South Main unsafe and dangerous.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PRATT AREA HUMANE SOCIETY AGREEMENT FOR 2014:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that there were no changes to the PAHS Agreement, except for the page footnotes.  Commissioner Detwiler introduced several board members that were present.  Mr. Jim Nixon, board member, stated that he lived in the Sawyer community and he thanked the Commission for their monthly donation.  Mr. Nixon commented that they were able to meet their monthly expenses due to the committed donators.  Mr. Nixon stated the $2,500 monthly donation and the $6,000 yearly utility allowance allowed them to set aside donations for improvements to the Humane Society.  Mr. Nixon explained that they should be able to meet all the State requirements in the next few years.

Mr. Nixon commented that they had been deeply in debt during earlier contract negotiations and they would be coming before the Commission in the upcoming year with updates on the 2015 contract.  After further discussion, Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the contract between the City and the Pratt Area Humane Society for the year 2014.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE AMERICAN LEGION LEASE AGREEMENT FOR 2014:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they had worked on this agreement over the past several years and it was satisfactory for both the City and the American Legion.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this agreement had date changes, but was much the same.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they were maintaining insurance.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they were.  Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to approve the lease agreement between the City and the American Legion.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSALS FOR EMERGENCY REPAIR OF WEST 1^ST STREET DRAINAGE BOX:

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that they had had to jump on the failure of the drainage box on Highway 54 and get a couple of quotes without following the City’s bid process.  Mr. Rambat stated that he had inspected the underneath of the box and had concrete falling on his head when trucks went over it.  Mr. Rambat commented that they had gotten two quotes and had accepted the low bid from Bryant and Bryant for $37,424.  Mr. Rambat explained that Bryant and Bryant had built the North Main Street KLINK project and had always done acceptable work for the City. 

Mr. Rambat stated that they would be coming in tomorrow to move traffic onto the south side and cut it and remove the other side on Wednesday and pour that evening.  Mr. Rambat explained that this should not be an issue again for many years.  Mr. Howard added that they had tried some temporary things, but they had not worked.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if KDOT would share expenses.  Mr. Howard stated that they would not because it was a drainage ditch.  Mr. Rambat commented that they had helped with signs and had brought in steel plates from Hutchinson.   

Mr. Rambat stated that Bryant and Bryant had had the steel on hand and was already half way through the project.  Mr. Howard commented that time was as important as money sometimes.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to accept the bid from Bryant and Bryant Construction on the repair of the drainage box for $37,424.  Commissioner Detwiler seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·         S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference:

City Manager Howard commented that it was a good S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference and he had heard a lot of compliments.

·         Downtown Park:

Mr. Howard stated that the City had helped haul off debris in the downtown park area and we were also hauling clean fill in.

·         Executive Session:

Mr. Howard requested an executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss attorney/client privilege to last ten minutes.

City Attorney:

·         Conceal Carry:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that there was a new State law that allows concealed carry in buildings and we were exempted from that through December 31, 2013.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that you could apply for a four year exemption by submitting a plan on how you would protect your people without conceal carry to the Attorney General’s office.  Mr. Van Blaricum questioned if the Commission wanted to proceed with that application.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if it required them to take action.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we had to come up with a plan and we should get the extension.  Mayor Taylor questioned if you had to do something after the four years.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the content was not as critical as you would think and Chief Myers was working on it and a cover letter. 

Mayor Taylor questioned if it could be as simple as having the Chief of Police here.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it was to have an officer on duty and metal detectors, but now it was a plan that would have an available officer a few minutes away.  After little more discussion, the Commissioners were all in agreement to go ahead with the application. 

Public Works:

·         WWTP:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that they were making strides at the wastewater treatment plant and the round digesters were sand blasted and lined with a thin layer of paint.  Mr. Rambat commented that they were moving along and installing equipment for the new digesters.  Mr. Rambat added that he thought they were about 70% complete with the project, but some of the remaining work was tedious.

·         Sandy Creek trees:

Mr. Rambat reported that they had about fourteen or fifteen trees transplanted at Sandy Creek and the water was close to being ready.  Mr. Rambat explained that they were bringing in four or five trees a day.

Electric Departments:

·         Catalytic convertors working:

Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill commented that engines #6 and #7 were able to run for City outage purposes and the catalytic convertors were working fine.  Mr. Hemphill stated that they were not ready for EPA testing, but were compliant until January 15^th.

·         Steam generator bids:

Mr. Hemphill informed the Commission that he had moved the bid opening date for the steam generator back to December 19^th and hoped to have it ready for the January 6^th meeting.

Recreation:

·         Employee Christmas dinner:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that the employee Christmas dinner was on December 18^th starting at 11:30 a.m.

·         S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference:

Mr. Pinkall stated that the S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference went well with the help of many people.  Mr. Pinkall added that the New Mexico representatives were impressed with Pratt and he thanked Mayor Taylor for giving the welcome.

·         Carpet project:

Mr. Pinkall informed the Commission that the carpet project was about done at the Community Center and should move to the Municipal Building Wednesday or Thursday.

·         Dickerson Field:

Mr. Pinkall commented that the back stop at Dickerson Field had been moved and the press box had been painted.  Mr. Pinkall added that he had met with the contractors concerning the sprinkler system and he should have something back the first of December.

Power Plant:

·         #6 Cooling Tower:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that the new cooling tower for engine #6 had been installed and they were waiting on the epoxy to seal over the weekend. 

Police Department:

·         Tornado sirens:

Chief Myers stated that there were no tornado sirens tested today and that would start up again in March.  Mr. Howard added that they would be tested if we get a weather event.

Finance Department:

·         Thank you from S.P.I.R.I.T.:

Finance Director Garten stated that Mr. Jack Taylor, S.P.I.R.I.T. Executive Director, stopped in and wanted to thank everyone for a successful conference.

·         Old Fashioned Christmas:

Ms. Garten reminded the Commission that Old Fashioned Christmas was this Saturday.

 

Mayor and Commission:

·         S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference:

Mayor Taylor stated that he had a great time at the S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference and the reception on the 7^th included good entertainment and food.  Mayor Taylor commented that this was the best meeting that he had attended.  Mr. Howard commented that Mr. Dennis McKinney had done a good job.  Mayor Taylor agreed and stated that we should send him a big thank you.

·         Veteran’s Day:

 

Mayor Taylor commented that he was given the opportunity to give the welcome at the Veteran’s Day event and it had turned cold quickly.  Mayor Taylor encouraged the citizens to go out to those events to remember and give tribute to veterans.  Mayor Taylor added that he was honored to be asked to speak.

·         Bricks by Woody’s:

Commissioner Detwiler stated that there were rows of bricks by Woody’s that were not being held up by anything and she wanted to know if we should hire an engineer to look at it.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that it was the owner’s responsibility and they should be notified.  Mr. Howard stated that they had been notified.  Commissioner Detwiler commented that they could fall if we have a snow storm.  Mr. Howard stated that Building Inspector Blankenship would be back tomorrow and he would go look at it.  Commissioner Skaggs suggested putting up barricades if we needed to protect citizens.

·         Nagel building:

Commissioner Detwiler commented that she was told that the people at the second hand store by City Hall had done their own electrical work and she did not think that commercial work could be done like that.  Commissioner Detwiler added that she thought that they had to have a licensed electrician and she added that they also have a water leak.  Mayor Taylor commented that you could if you were the owner, but you had to have the City Inspector do the inspections.  Mr. Howard stated that you also have to have a permit.  Mayor Taylor added that you have to have an electrician if you attach to a meter.

·         Digital signs:

Commissioner Detwiler questioned where we were with digital signs.  Chief Myers stated that there was a new rep for the company he had been talking to and he had not been in contact with them again.

·         Meeting with KDWPT Secretary:

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that there would be a meeting with the Secretary of KDWPT on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the Commission Room.  Commissioner Hlavachick commented that there was a concern about all the vacancies at the Pratt office and several were being shifted to Topeka.  Commissioner Hlavachick added that the City, County, ED Board and anyone else could attend and we would see what their intentions were.

·         KMEA Conference:

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that there was a lot of information at the KMEA Conference and they had discussed retail wheeling.  Commissioner Hlavachick commented that he thought that was a dead issue, but it was brought to the forefront in Topeka.  Commissioner Hlavachick explained that this would allow customers to get power where ever they wanted.

·         50^th Anniversary of Kennedy’s Assassination:

Commissioner Hlavachick reminded the Commission that this weekend was the 50^th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination.

·         Municipal Building Renovation:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned where we were at on getting an engineer to look at the Municipal Building.  Mr. Howard stated that he was there last week to evaluate it and to help put proposals together.

Executive session:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to enter into executive session for ten minutes to discuss attorney/client privilege.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

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

ADJOURN:

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

 

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JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

 

 (SEAL)

ATTEST:

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk