Thursday, March 28, 2013

04/01/2013-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

APRIL 01, 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 – March 18, 2013 Regular City Commission Meeting

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Consideration and Approval of a Disc Golf Tournament in May Dennis Park on May 11th at 10:00 a.m. – Michael Nall

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Re-appointments to the Pratt Airport Authority Board – Reid Bell, Airport Executive Director; Dave Howard, City Manager

5.3 Consideration and Approval of Re-appointments to the Building Board – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector

5.4  Consideration and Approval for the Sale of a 1966 Cessna Aircraft - Gary Myers, Chief of Police

5.5  Discussion and Update on Well at the Airport – Dave Howard, City Manager; Russell Rambat, Public Works Director

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

Monday, March 18, 2013

03/08/13-Approved City Commission Specal Call Meeting Minutes

FRIDAY
March 08, 2013

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in a Special Call 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

CALL TO ORDER:

The special call meeting was called to order by Mayor Hlavachick. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF LOW BID FOR POOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:

Public Works Director Russell Rambat informed the Commission that the bids for the pool improvements had been opened Tuesday. Mr. Rambat stated that three bids had been returned and they were KC Gunite out of Belton, Missouri with a bid of $232,927; Carrothers Construction Company out of Paola, Kansas bid $372,000 and Branco Enterprises out of Neosho, Missouri bid $296,200. Mr. Rambat stated that Mr. Kyle McCawley had been here for the bid opening and he had worked with KC Gunite before, so he knows the type of work that they do. Mr. Rambat stated that Mr. McCawley was comfortable with the low bid from KC Gunite; therefore, he would recommend their low bid of $232,927 for the pool improvement project. Mr. Rambat added that Mr. McCawley had visited with someone from KC Gunite and they agreed to complete the project by May 17th, which would leave the City ten days to get it filled and the chemicals ready.

Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to accept the recommendation from Mr. Rambat. Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion. Mr. Rambat explained to the Commission that they would have a crew in here Monday and that extra week was crucial. Commissioner Skaggs commented that there was quite a discrepancy between bids. Mr. Rambat stated that Mr. McCawley was comfortable with KC Gunite. Commissioner Skaggs stated that gunite was something you do in basements. Mr. Rambat stated that that was not what we were doing. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if Mr. McCawley or his representative would be on-site during the project. Mr. Rambat stated that he would be on-site, but not full time.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they would think that they underbid and he wanted to be sure no corners were cut. Mr. Howard stated that they were a reputable company. Mr. Rambat added that they were required to have a bid bond. Commissioner Skaggs asked if our City Inspector would be involved. Mr. Rambat stated that he would be. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she was at the bid opening and there was a warranty that goes along with this, so if there were any problems, they would be taken care of. Mr. Rambat stated that the paint company also had specs that they had to meet. Commissioner Detwiler stated that there was a pretty large price difference, but this company does this all the time and does it properly. Commissioner Detwiler added that, if you do not do this all the time, there were extra dollars on the bill. Mr. Howard commented that some contractors overbid if they have a lot of projects going.

Commissioner Taylor questioned how this was being paid for. Ms. Garten stated that Travel and Tourism had set some aside. Ms. Garten added that there was about $100,000 for pool improvements, but there would be other improvements later. Ms. Garten commented that Travel and Tourism had about $600,000 so they could fund all of this if that was what the Commission wanted. Mr. Rambat stated that they would work on the bath houses and other areas once the pool repairs were completed. Commissioner Taylor commented that he did not want the pool repair fund to run out of money. Commissioner Taylor questioned if there was a penalty clause. Mr. Howard stated that he had not seen one. Commissioner Detwiler stated that they would get in and move on. After no more discussion, the motion and second passed unanimously.

ADJOURN:

A motion by Commissioner Kumberg to adjourn was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler. The motion and second passed unanimously.
_____________________________________
BILL D. HLAVACHICK, Mayor

(SEAL)

ATTEST:
_____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk





03/04/13-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
March 04, 2013

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

ALSO PRESENT:

Dave Howard, City Manager
LuAnn Kramer, City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney
Diana Garten, Finance 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 Hlavachick. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Kumberg.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Commissioner 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 February 18, 2013 regular Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF REQUEST TO WAIVE BID PROCESS FOR TRANSFORMERS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR THE HOSPITAL PROJECT:

Kelly Hemphill, Director of Electric Utilities, explained to the Commission that he had asked the engineers for the hospital project to layout the design of the high voltage materials, but it had not been completed yet. Mr. Hemphill added that the hospital had more or less given the City a deadline to have the power on by the end of September. Mr. Hemphill stated that September was only five months out and that was not enough lead time to get the job accomplished.

Mr. Hemphill requested that the Commission move away from the bidding procedure so that he could request proposals, evaluate those proposals and pick materials for the hospital project. Mr. Hemphill stated that he would like to order materials as they were needed using the complete bid process, but forego waiting until the next Commission meeting for their approval. Mayor Hlavachick commented that it would be hard for the bidders. Mr. Hemphill explained that he would work closely with the hospital engineers and keep Stanion Wholesale Electric and Kriz-Davis informed. Commissioner Skaggs clarified that they would be ‘piece mealing’ the project materials and asking for bids on two or three items at a time. Commissioner Detwiler stated that the hospital should have to provide the materials needed if they wanted the power on and not put it in our laps. Commissioner Detwiler added that the engineers should get on the ball and they should not be our problem. City Manager Howard stated that we were trying to accommodate the hospital. Commissioner Detwiler commented that the accommodation period was done when we decided to do this.

Mr. Howard explained that we could lose six weeks in bid time if we had to come to the Commission and there was a deadline to meet. Mr. Howard added that it was up to the Commission as to whether we do this or not. Mayor Hlavachick questioned if there should be a motion. City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that there should be. Mr. Howard commented that most of the materials were beyond his spending approval. Commissioner Skaggs stated that this was a continuation of the hospital depleting our funds and, now, we have to circumvent our procedure. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if we would not go out for bids. Mr. Hemphill explained that we would still go out for bids, but it would be as materials were needed. Mr. Howard added that we would not wait for a Commission meeting to accommodate their schedule. Mr. Howard commented that this was not their request, but ours.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would be committed to materials that had been ordered and not needed. Mr. Hemphill assured the Commission that he would work very carefully with the engineer. Mr. Hemphill stated that he assumed that materials were going to arrive past the deadline. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the materials would belong to the hospital if they were not used. Mr. Hemphill commented that they would be stored until sold. Audience member, Mr. Nelson Burrell, questioned if this would cost the City more doing it this way. Mr. Hemphill stated that he did not think so. Mr. Hemphill commented that we would try to get the transformers, switches and cabling materials to come in in a timely method and the only way to get around this would be to order material as we get the specifications. Mr. Nelson commented that the City should approach the contractor or engineer about getting their act together. Mr. Howard stated that we had been meeting with the hospital and engineers about every two weeks.

Mr. Howard stated that he did not know what their hold up was, but we were looking at our side and we did not want any delays being on us. Mayor Hlavachick stated that we agreed to pay $300,000 and it should not cost us anymore. Mr. Hemphill explained that Line Distribution had been working on the power lines already. Mr. Hemphill commented that this project was not very well planned by the hospital and we were trying to deal with our responsibility. Commissioner Detwiler questioned if they would bring purchases to the Commission if there was time. Mr. Howard stated that they would bring it to the Commission even if it was after the fact so that they were kept informed. Mr. Howard added that we did not have any of this on the shelf, so it could take five to six months to get here. Commissioner Taylor questioned if the transformers take the longest to come in. Mr. Hemphill stated that that was correct and added that the switches also take time. Commissioner Taylor questioned if there was an opportunity to meet deadlines on other items. Mr. Hemphill stated that some of the materials were not commonly used. Mr. Hemphill explained that 200 or 400 amp were higher amperages than we use, so we might have to wait on a factory run.

Commissioner Detwiler stated that she understood where the City was coming from, but she was disappointed with the hospital and she was going to stand on that. Mr. Howard commented that we were going to do the best that we could do. Commissioner Skaggs commented that he understood that this was not normal, but he supported getting the project finished. City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that it was legitimate to do it this way.

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the request to waive the normal bidding process for the transformers and other equipment for the hospital project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

Well at Airport:

Mr. Howard stated that we were going to pull the pump out of the water well at the airport, but we had not abandoned the well. Mr. Howard explained that we had submitted a letter to the Department of Water Resources requesting to combine the wells. Commissioner Taylor questioned if we could transfer the water rights. Mr. Howard commented that we had submitted the proper documents, but they typically do not. Mr. Howard added that this could be different with the airport’s condition.

Commissioner Taylor questioned if the other well was contaminated. Mr. Howard stated that it was contaminated with nitrates, but not the technachloride. Commissioner Taylor questioned if we would ask to drill a new well. Mr. Howard explained that eleven acre feet would cost about half a million dollars and he would not suggest doing that. Mr. Howard commented that we would work on getting City water through the Corp of Engineers, but we would be alright if they combine the two wells.

Pool bid:

Mr. Howard reminded the Commission that the pool bid opening had been postponed due to the weather and the new opening date would be tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.

Hospital project:

Mr. Howard stated that the hospital had canceled the joint meeting, but they would do one with us later. Mr. Howard added that the hospital groundbreaking would be March 18th.

City Attorney:

Konkel property:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they were about ready to close on the Konkel property. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that there had been a glitch in the contract with Mr. Himmelwright in that there was a rectangle about 800’ by 130’ that Ms. Konkel did not own. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the Central Kansas Railroad deed had a typo in it that made it 20’ and not 25’, so not all of the property was conveyed, but it was not a real big problem. Mr. Van Blaricum suggested that the Commission amend the contract to contain the proper legal description and they would be asking the Railroad to quit claim deed that 5’ to the City.

Commissioner Detwiler made a motion to modify the legal description in the contract to what was correct as we know it. Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Covenant Housing:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that there was an article in the Pratt Tribune about the case being settled against Covenant Housing, owner of Parkwood. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that they had settled on $50,000 and the County would retain $4,000 for administrative fees. Mr. Van Blaricum added that the $46,000 remaining would be split between the County and City.

Commissioner Detwiler questioned if they got their tax exemption. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they were not done with that, but that was up to the Board of Tax Appeals. Mr. Van Blaricum added that he thought that they would. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the City would withdraw our objection once we receive the money.

Inspection Department:

Arrowhead West project:

Mr. Blankenship stated that Excel Construction had received their building permit, electrical permit and contractor’s license and would begin working on the Arrowhead West project.

Car Wash:

Mr. Blankenship stated that they were getting the roof on at the car wash. Mr. Blankenship commented that they had graded Thursday, Friday and Saturday so that the guys could get in.

• Hospital project:

Mr. Blankenship stated that he had gotten partial plans for the hospital, so they could get on the road for what they want to do.

Electric Departments:

Hospital project:

Mr. Hemphill stated that line distribution had been working on the north side of the highway to get ready for the hospital project. Mr. Howard added that there would be a planned outage relating to this job. Mr. Hemphill commented that the customers had been notified.

Lemon’s Park:

Mr. Hemphill commented that the light in Lemon’s Park had been repaired.

Maintenance:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith commented that they were doing maintenance on Engine #7 to make sure that everything would perform correctly.

Finance Department:

Sales Tax:

Ms. Garten stated that sales tax for January and February was $383,686.34, which was for the November and December time frame. Ms. Garten added that this was up over $29,000 from 2012.

City Clerk/Utility Billing:

Level pay:

Ms. Kramer informed the Commission that we had our first customer on the level pay program. Ms. Kramer explained that they would use only one customer for a couple of months so that we could make sure that everything works correctly, and then it would be opened to eligible customers.

Commission:

Snow removal:

Commissioner Taylor thanked the staff for the hard work removing snow.

Limbs by Sears:

Commissioner Detwiler questioned why there were a lot of limbs down in front of Sears. Commissioner Taylor explained that he had thrown snow off the roof onto the sidewalk and street. Commissioner Taylor added that there must have been a few tons of snow on that roof.

Lemon’s Park:

Commissioner Detwiler questioned Mr. Hemphill about whether the light they had repaired in Lemon’s Park was on the south side. Mr. Hemphill stated that that was correct and that it had just been repaired today.

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Taylor made a motion to adjourn that was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs. The motion and second carried unanimously.
______________________________________
BILL D. HLAVACHICK, Mayor

(SEAL)

ATTEST:
___________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

Friday, March 15, 2013

03/18/13-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

MARCH 18, 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 –

March 04, 2013 Regular City Commission Meeting
March 08, 2013 Special Call Commission Meeting

5. BUSINESS:

5.1 Consideration and Approval of Request by John Hamm to Use City Property Between Maple Street, Highway 61, and H2 Plains for a Consignment Auction – John Hamm or Representative

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1305 to Rezone Lots 3 and 4 in the Sandy Creek Addition – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector

5.3 Consideration and Approval of Bid for a New Police Vehicle – Gary Myers, Chief of Police

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

Thursday, March 7, 2013

03/08/2013-Special Call Commission Meeting Agenda

CALL FOR A SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE GOVERNING BODY

TO: MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY:

A Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt is hereby called to be held in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 08, 2013 the object and purpose of said meeting to be the following:

1. Consideration and Approval of Low Bid for Pool Improvement Project – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director

SIGNED:
___Signature on file________________

Commissioner

___Signature on file________________

Commissioner

___Signature on file________________

Commissioner

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

You are hereby notified that there will be a Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 08, 2013 in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street, for the purpose of:

1. Consideration and Approval of Low Bid for Pool Improvement Project – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director

WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, THIS 7TH DAY OF MARCH, 2013.

SIGNED:
___Signature on file________________
LuAnn Kramer, City Clerk

TO THE CHIEF OF POLICE, HIS DEPUTY, OR A POLICE OFFICER OR OTHER CITY EMPLOYEE:

You are hereby directed to serve the above notice at once personally to each Commissioner or to leave it at his/her place of residence or business before 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 08, 2013.

Monday, March 4, 2013

02/18/2012-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

February 18, 2013

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
Russell Rambat, Public Works Director
Gary Myers, Chief of Police
Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill, Dir. of Electric Utilities
Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director

CALL TO ORDER:

The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor 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:

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

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF 5K COLOR FUN RUN REQUESTED BY PAHS:

Ms. Jackie Hogan explained that the Pratt Area Humane Society would like to host a 5K Color Fun Run on June 1st, with the proceeds going back to the shelter. Ms. Hogan stated that they would use the same route as had been used during the Rudolph Run. Ms. Hogan explained that there would be stations that throw the colored corn starch. Commissioner Taylor questioned how many stations there would be. Ms. Hogan stated that there would be five. Ms. Hogan commented that they did not know how many would turn out, but they would like to make this a yearly event for walkers and runners. Commissioner Taylor suggested getting with City staff to discuss details and he added that he would not want to see someone driving down Sixth Street after washing their car and get colored starch on it. Ms. Hogan stated that they had strategized so that they would not get cars.

Commissioner Taylor made a motion to allow PAHS to have a 5K Color Fun Run on June 1st using the route on the map provided. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT’S USE OF LEMON’S PARK ON MAY 24TH & 25TH FOR 3RD ANNUAL CAR SHOW:

Captain Todd Hoffman, Pratt City Fire Department, stated the Fire Department would like to host the 3rd Annual Car Show on May 24th & 25th in Sixth Street Park and not Lemon’s Park. Captain Hoffman commented that the car show continued to get bigger and they hoped to get different vendors to come in. City Manager Howard commented that the electrical had been updated in that area of the park. Captain Hoffman explained that they had had forty-two cars the first year and sixty-five last year and they had come from all over the State. Captain Hoffman added that they would have a cruise night on Friday the 24th. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the use of Sixth Street Park for the 3rd Annual Car Show on May 24th & 25th hosted by the City Fire Department. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BID FOR NEW SANITATION TRUCK:

Public Works Director Rambat commented that it was a pretty extensive bid opening process to get a new sanitation truck. Mr. Rambat explained that the oldest unit was down and local businesses that had looked at it, had said that it was too old and broken to repair. Mr. Rambat stated that they had had good response from bidders that ranged from $122,958 to $151,969.

Mr. Rambat explained that the sanitation department had been going with entry level equipment, but you get what you pay for. Mr. Rambat stated that he had visited with Sanitation Superintendent Lonnie Wright and they felt that a mid-price range unit would give them the opportunity to get ten to twelve years out of the truck without spending as much on repairs. Mr. Rambat commented that the Heil PT1000 was a good choice for a packer. Mr. Rambat added that there were reps from Wichita and Kansas City at the bid opening.

Mr. Rambat stated that the bid for the Heil PT1000 was not the highest or lowest bid they had received, but they had gone through every brand within a reasonable distance. Mr. Rambat added that all the units were comparable and specs had been written that way. Mr. Howard stated that no piece of equipment in the City was used more than a sanitation truck. Mr. Rambat agreed and commented that, like other pieces of equipment, we would still have breakdowns, but a higher priced unit would make a major difference. Commissioner Kumberg questioned what a reeving cylinder was. Mr. Wright explained that it was the cylinder on top that lifts the bin. Mr. Rambat commented that this truck was taller than the ones we have now, so they would budget to modify the door in next year’s budget.

Commissioner Taylor made a motion to purchase the 2014 Heil PT1000 from Midwest Truck Equipment, option #2, in the amount of $138,353. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF KONKEL PROPERTY:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that Mr. Blake Himmelwright had a contract to purchase the Konkel property adjacent to Lemon’s Park and they would be closing on that property tomorrow. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the good news was that Mr. Himmelwright and Ms. Mary Jo McCoy were going to donate $18,000 to the City for the purchase of this property and the City would fund the additional $4,000 plus closing costs. Mayor Hlavachick stated that this was a great opportunity.

Mr. Howard explained that Ms. Konkel had sixty days to take off any property that she wants, so we would not get it right away. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the contract provides that the stone marker in her father’s memory remain there. Mayor Hlavachick commented that he saw the marker and it had a small concrete base with a large limestone piece that had ‘Dad’ on one side and ‘Grandpa’ on the other side with a tree on each side. Mayor Hlavachick suggested that a fence could be put around it. Mr. Howard stated that Park Superintendent Mark Eckhoff would figure something out.

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they needed a motion to accept the contract and the additional funds to close the contract. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to accept the contract, the purchase price and closing cost for a total of $4,000 to $5,000 on the Konkel property. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

Comments from Mr. Burrell:

Mr. Nelson Burrell stated that he wanted to discuss what he had observed at the last Commission meeting and he wanted everyone to know that he was neither for nor against the street program. Mr. Burrell commented that he felt that there had been an attack on Commissioner Detwiler by one of the other Commissioners when she pointed out what she had investigated. Mr. Burrell stated that he had done his own investigation to see how City businesses felt about this program. Mr. Burrell explained that some had asked to be kept private due to any repercussions. Mr. Burrell stated that there was a statement in the paper that the businesses had been approached by Mr. Bruce Pinkall and, out of seven that he visited with, four admitted that they had not talked to him and three had. Mr. Burrell commented that four of the seven had concerns about the program having an effect on walk-in business and that this was too close upon the last two projects on South Main Street. Mr. Burrell stated that one business had questioned if anybody had tried to shovel snow off of brick and they did not think that brick would be a great feature if the project was done. Mr. Burrell suggested that each Commissioner needed to get out there and talk to businesses and not leave it up to one person; which leaves it up to controversy.

REPORTS:
City Manager:

Arrowhead West:

Mr. Howard stated that Arrowhead West was having their ground breaking ceremony tomorrow and he encouraged as many to attend as possible.

Hospital Project:

Mr. Howard stated that the hospital was keeping us informed and they were looking at starting in March.

KDOT email:

Mr. Howard commented that he had gotten an email from KDOT and they were having their engineers look at the project at the Main Intersection that the Commission had shown interest in a few meetings ago. Mr. Howard commented that, if it happened, the bid date would be the fall of 2014.

2012 Joe Wynn Award:

Mr. Howard stated that it was time to do the 2012 Joe Wynn Volunteer Award. Mayor Hlavachick stated that, after what they had just done, he felt that the Lemon Family Trust should receive the award and he recommended Mr. Blake Himmelwright receive the 2012 Joe Wynn Volunteer Award. Mayor Hlavachick commented that they had given us a lot of money for that park; therefore, Mayor Hlavachick made that motion. Mr. Van Blaricum added that Ms. McCoy be included for her very real participation. Mayor Hlavachick amended his motion to include Ms. McCoy. Mr. Howard suggested that we contact Mr. Himmelwright on how they would like to have it worded. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and passed unanimously.

Public Works:

6th Street Ditch project:

Mr. Rambat stated that the ditch project at Sixth Street and Haskell Street was almost complete. Mr. Rambat explained that there was a piece of sidewalk that they would put back and there was some final grading and seeding that needed done.

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that Park Superintendent Eckhoff had ordered the fence material for the east wall and that was something that we could do.

WWTP Camera:

Mr. Rambat stated that the camera for the wastewater treatment plant was up and running.

South Main Park:

Mr. Rambat stated that the South Main Park project was coming along and getting a lot of attention. Mr. Rambat commented that he was getting a price quote for sidewalk south of the ditch. Mr. Rambat stated that Jackson Street was a busy street and, if sidewalks were provided, they could park on the other side of the street. Mr. Rambat added that there were funds left in that project that should cover the additional sidewalk.

Pool update:

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that Mr. Kyle McCawley had sent out a bid proposal for the pool and they were due back on February 28th at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Rambat commented that that was close on getting it on the agenda, but he would have something in the packet. Mr. Rambat stated that they need to get moving on this. Mr. Rambat added that copies of the specs and plans were in the City Clerk’s office if they wanted to see what went out.

Electric Departments:

Hospital project:

Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill commented that the line guys were working on the line north of Highway 54 near the area of the hospital project.

Maintenance:

Mr. Hemphill stated that the power plant staff had been doing maintenance on the steam boiler.

Recreation Department:

New Software:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that they had gotten their new software installed that would allow online registrations. Mr. Pinkall commented that they had received three registrations the first day and twelve total since they went online Saturday. Mr. Pinkall added that this would make it easier to contact people by email blasts so information could go out quickly.

Season beginning:

Mr. Pinkall stated that Recreation employee George Brown had been getting ready for baseball season that starts a week from today. Mr. Pinkall commented that that involves bleacher pads, fence work and dirt work at Sixth Street Park and Lemon’s Park. Mr. Pinkall added that they had purchased the fence cap for those areas and they would go up when the weather was better.

Thanks to Mr. Burrell:

Mr. Pinkall thanked Mr. Burrell for getting the word out about the Main Street project. Mr. Pinkall commented that different things were said and there were more replies, but he had not kept track of all of them in November and December. Mr. Pinkall stated that he was not there to get votes for the project, but to get the businesses to talk to others and get back to him. Mr. Pinkall added that there were fifty-one or fifty-two spots on Main Street and the process was to get them interested and involved.

Mr. Pinkall stated that the grant application went in on the 15th of February and we would have to wait until late June or July to see what the reply was. Mr. Pinkall added that there will be more on-sight visits by the task force and they hope to have the chance to get feedback from everybody. Mr. Pinkall stated that he had other letters of support that had not gotten in the grant, but they were still moving along well. Mr. Pinkall stated that there would be another big campaign if the project was successful.

Commissioners:

Pigeons:

Commissioner Kumberg commented that he noticed a lot of pigeons on his way to the gym and questioned if there was something that could be done. Mr. Rambat stated that Mr. Dennis Cox had been working on it, but had indicated that he would be getting back on it in a couple of weeks. Mr. Rambat added that there needs to be a faster solution. Mr. Howard stated that we would look for someone who could get them in larger numbers. Mayor Hlavachick stated that porcupine wire works, but was fairly expensive and only gets rid of ‘individual’ problems, but it could be put on Main Street businesses.

ADJOURN:

A motion by Commissioner Taylor to adjourn was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler. The motion and second passed unanimously.
______________________________________
BILL D. HLAVACHICK, Mayor

(SEAL)
ATTEST:
______________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk