MONDAY
FEBRUARY 17, 2014
The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall.
PRESENT:
Jeff Taylor Mayor
Bill Hlavachick Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Karen Detwiler Commissioner
Lucus Kumberg Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT:
Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers Chief of Police
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Kelly Hemphill Dir. of Electric Utilities
Bruce Pinkall Recreation Director
CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Taylor. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Taylor led the staff and audience in the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES:
Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 03, 2014 regular Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS TO TOURISM BOARD:
Chamber Director Kim Cline informed the Commission that Mr. Kevin Evans and Ms. Becky Eastes were willing to serve an additional three year term on the Tourism Board and Ms. Shelley Shaw was recommended to replace Ms. Grace Parmar. After little discussion, Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the reappointments of Mr. Kevin Evans and Ms. Becky Eastes and the new appointment of Ms. Shelley Shaw to three year terms on the Tourism Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 021714 FOR HEARING ON UNSAFE, DANGEROUS, AND UNFIT STRUCTURE AT 315 ILLINOIS AVENUE:
City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum stated that this was another in the series of unsafe structure matters that had been discussed earlier. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the property at 315 Illinois had been talked about earlier and the owner had been given notice by certified letters and publications in the paper. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the hearing on the property was tonight and the owners had the opportunity to be here. Mr. Van Blaricum added that the hearing would set the parameters for the removal or renovation of the structure to begin March 1st and end April 1st. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the City would take over after April 1st if nothing was accomplished on this property.
Building Inspector Brad Blankenship stated that the last snow had taken the roof down another notch or two. Commissioner Skaggs commented that the property owners on either side do maintain their property. Mr. Gerald Dick, 307 Illinois, spoke up and informed the Commission that there were cats and other animals living in the house and he would be interested in the property. Mr. Dick commented that he had talked to the current owners, but they were not interested in selling. Mayor Taylor stated that the Commission should take action to keep the animals and kids out. Commissioner Skaggs commented that the property was definitely unsafe and unsightly.
The following Resolution 021714 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PRATT DECLARING STRUCTURE UNSAFE, DANGEROUS, AND UNFIT PURSUANT TO K.S.A. 12-1750, et seq. AND PRATT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.08.010 et seq. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to adopt Resolution 021714 to take care of the unsightly and unsafe structure at 315 Illinois. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. Mr. Van Blaricum clarified that all the City could do was clean it up, but we would not own it.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1402 PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF TRAFFIC WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE “STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE FOR KANSAS CITIES”:
City Attorney Van Blaricum commented that the League of Kansas Municipalities publishes a booklet every year that includes all the traffic ordinance that Cities use. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that most Cities adopt this booklet, but were free to add or subtract from it to fit their needs. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this ordinance does that and we adopt the booklet every two or three years. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the current edition was for 2013 and this would be what the officers would carry in their car. Mr. Van Blaricum added that this ordinance would be attached to each book.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned whether the fine of $20 applied to 18 wheelers using Maple Street or whether the fine was more in a residential area. Police Chief Myers stated that there was a set fine for that. Mr. Van Blaricum added that there was, but every violation was subject to the $80 court cost. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she had visited several communities that had a speed less than 20 mph in their parks and questioned if we should adjust ours downward. Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if we had had a problem. Commissioner Detwiler commented that it was easier to arrest someone if they were going less than 20 mph and that 15 mph was plenty fast. Commissioner Kumberg questioned what the speed limit was now in the parks. Commissioner Detwiler stated that it was 20 mph and added that the signs were pretty high and lights did not hit them at night. Public Works Director Rambat commented that they could be lowered, but they did not want anyone walking into them. Mr. Rambat added that he did not know if the signs were reflective. Commissioner Detwiler commented that she thought that they were. City Manager Howard stated that they were high because they were getting vandalized. Mr. Rambat commented that the cross walk signs were lower and they were getting hit more than the speed limit signs. Commissioner Detwiler commented that the bike route signs were shoulder high. Mr. Howard commented that the signs could be lowered. Commissioner Detwiler added that the 20 mph signs on Santa Fe Road were also high enough that the lights did not shine on them. Chief Myers stated that signs get spray painted if they were too low, so there had to be a happy medium somewhere. Commissioner Skaggs commented that he realized that some people use the park as a race track, but a new speed limit would not slow them down. Mayor Taylor commented that 10 mph would be too slow, but 20 mph would be suitable. Chief Myers commented that he had noticed that there were not that many signs posted in Sixth Street and he suggested two signs through each way of travel. Mr. Howard stated that they could take care of the sign issues. Commissioner Detwiler questioned what the code was about blocking sidewalks and crosswalks. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he would look at that and report back, but this was for additions and deletions from the code.
The following Ordinance 1402 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF TRAFFIC WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE “STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE FOR KANSAS CITIES,” 2013 EDITION, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS, CHANGES, AND ADDITIONS; PRESCRIBING ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS; PROVIDING CERTAIN PENALTIES; AND REPEALING CHAPTER 10.4. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Ordinance 1402 referencing the “Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities,” 2013 Edition, with certain omissions, changes, and additions; prescribing additional regulations and providing certain penalties published by the League of Kansas Municipalities. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1403 PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE “UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES”:
City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was the same idea and put out by the League; however, this booklet was for crimes and our loitering ordinance had been added to the ordinance. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that these also stay in the officer’s vehicle. Commissioner Kumberg questioned if the omitted or deleted pieces were already in the code. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that that was correct and we were just adding to or deleting from. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the uniform code overrules local code. Mr. Van Blaricum clarified that the uniform code was our code.
Mr. Van Blaricum stated that a former Commission had deleted the section pertaining to barb wire and he was not sure why the worthless check section was there because Kansas law was adequate. Commissioner Skaggs stated that the better code prevails. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he gets with Chief Myers to see if this was all still appropriate.
The following Ordinance 1403 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS; PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE "UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES," EDITION OF 2013, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Ordinance 1403 providing for the regulation of public offenses within the corporate limits of the City of Pratt, Kansas; incorporating by reference the "Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas cities," Edition of 2013, published by the League of Kansas Municipalities. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1404 CONCERNING INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION AND PARALLEL OPERATION OF CUSTOMER-OWNED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION FACILITIES:
City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was what had been talked about at the last meeting and had been put in ordinance form. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there had been any public input. City Manager Howard stated that he had talked to Mr. Bob Blasi, but he had no negative comments.
The following Ordinance 1403 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: ORDINANCE CONCERNING INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION AND PARALLEL OPERATION OF CUSTOMER-OWNED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION FACILITIES. Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve Ordinance 1404 concerning interconnection standards for installation and parallel operation of customer-owned residential and commercial renewable energy generation facilities. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 1405 AMENDING THE CITY OF PRATT RENEWABLE ENERGY INTERCONNECTIONS AND OPERATIONS MANUAL; NET METERING:
Mr. Van Blaricum explained that this was on the same idea, but the previous ordinance was for interconnection and this was for net metering. Mr. Howard stated that we may not have to have net metering, but having separate ordinances was less confusing. Mr. Howard explained that net metering would not be needed if you put in a unit that made it impossible to push into the City. Mayor Taylor questioned if that would have to be done at installation. Mr. Howard stated that we could require them to do that, but we probably would not.
The following Ordinance 1405 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF PRATT RENEWABLE ENERGY INTERCONNECTIONS AND OPERATIONS MANUAL; NET METERING. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adopt Ordinance 1405 amending the City of Pratt Renewable Energy Interconnection and Operation Manual dealing with net metering. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA:
No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
• Natural gas prices:
City Manager Howard stated that our focus had been on the snow last week, but the price of natural gas and electric had maad dramatic swings. Mr. Howard commented that the storm had caused it, but it was always a concern that it could be the trend. Mr. Howard added that we had not had to buy, but we did run the diesel.
• Public Hearing on Ethanol Plant:
Mr. Howard stated that he had attended the County Commission’s public hearing on the Ethanol Plant along with Commissioner Hlavachick and Commissioner Skaggs. Mr. Howard commented that the paper had done a good job covering that discussion. Commissioner Skaggs questioned whether they had made a decision. Mr. Howard stated that they had not gotten there yet. Mayor Taylor questioned the proposals were less than the revitalization program would have been. Mr. Howard stated that the plant still had the revitalization, but Daugherty was getting the rebate. Mr. Howard added that this was a different program. Commissioner Skaggs stated that Commission Borho had researched this and they were waiting on the Ethanol Plant. Mr. Howard reported that there was some opposition at the hearing and some that were for it.
• State wide tornado drill:
Mr. Howard stated that the City would be participating in the State wide tornado drill on March 4th at 1:30 p.m.
• Miss Kansas parade:
Mr. Howard commented that there had been a meeting concerning the Miss Kansas parade and other events. Mr. Howard added that the pageant was on June 7th.
• 613 S. Main:
Mr. Howard informed the Commission that the house next door had been vacated and the a/c unit should be gone by this weekend. Mr. Howard commented that it should be torn down shortly after the a/c unit was removed.
Public Works:
• Belt filter press:
Public Works Director Rambat commented that he got a chance to see some testing done on the product that was produced by the belt filter press at the wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Rambat stated that it was impressive and the operator at the landfill saw what a benefit it would be to use as a daily cover once they get a permit. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we could produce that much. Mr. Rambat stated that they were not sure yet, but it could be mixed in with dirt, so it was like free wet dirt.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there would be some landscaping done around the finished project. Mr. Rambat commented that they would probably put in grass and such, but there would definitely be something.
• Sidewalk project:
Mr. Rambat stated that he had been working with Recreation Director Pinkall on the specifications for the sidewalk project and should be going out for bids soon.
Electric Department:
• Circuit tripped:
Director of Electric Utilities Hemphill reported that there had been one circuit tripped during the storm, but it was not off for long. Mr. Hemphill added that the line guys did not have much that they needed to do. Commissioner Skaggs commented that our proactive tree trimming program pays dividends after watching what was happening out east.
Recreation Department:
• Bids out in early spring:
Recreation Director Pinkall commented that the bid specifications that Mr. Rambat had talked about should be ready to go out in early spring and they would be bidding three projects at one time to get a better cost. Mr. Pinkall informed the Commission that Younie Landscaping had not been able to work due to the weather, but they would get back on the sprinkler system as soon as they could. Mr. Pinkall also stated that Mr. Kevin Hamm was ready to get the fence back up.
Police Department:
• Crime stats:
Police Chief Myers commented that he was finalizing the crime statistics for the police department and should have a report at the next meeting. Chief Myers stated that calls for service and criminal offenses were down in his preliminary findings, but burglary and larceny were up as well as a dramatic increase in damage to property. Commissioner Skaggs commented that the national news had reported that there were a lot of crimes that were down because criminals had found that stealing identities was easier.
Mayor and Commission:
• City efforts in the storm:
Mayor Taylor commended the entire City for all their efforts in the storm and for keeping the City running whether it was warm or cold. Mayor Taylor added that he had heard no complaints about the streets and wanted that passed on to the staff.
• City/County meeting:
Mayor Taylor asked if we had a quarterly meeting scheduled with the County Commission. Mr. Howard stated that we did not, but he could get one scheduled. Mayor Taylor commented that he had had a meeting with the new PCC president and they had talked about the joint meetings. Mayor Taylor stated that they thought it would be a good idea if PCC was involved in those meetings.
• Crosswalk needed:
Commissioner Detwiler commented that she wanted to again request that there be a crosswalk on Sixth Street when people are walking from the tennis courts to the park. Mr. Howard stated that he did not recall being asked about that, but he would look into it. Commissioner Detwiler stated that she thought that would help alert traffic that there were walkers. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if she wanted signs and/or pavement markings. Commissioner Detwiler answered that she would like to see both.
• Zerger Park:
Commissioner Detwiler stated that a resident had commented that the south side of Zerger Park on Second Street was in bad shape and asked that someone look into that.
• Park closed at dusk:
Commissioner Detwiler commented that she would like to see Lemon Park closed at dusk now that the Christmas decorations were gone and there were no ballgames. Commissioner Detwiler added that that would eliminate young kids racing in there. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that there were a lot of ball teams that practice inside the park. Commissioner Skaggs commented that they could not be drag racing because there was only one lane and he questioned what type of racing they were doing. Commissioner Detwiler stated that one goes really fast and one hits their brakes and the other one stops and another one takes off after them. Commissioner Detwiler added that they do not pay attention to someone using the crosswalk. Mayor Taylor stated that that was two people out of seventy or eighty and he would hate to stop it because of a few. Mayor Taylor added that he did not want to stop someone from walking if they wanted to start inside the park. Commissioner Detwiler questioned why they would not want to start at the outside of the park. Mayor Taylor answered that he did not like to start there. Commissioner Detwiler commented that we would be doing it for his convenience. Mayor Taylor commented that we would be shutting it for her convenience. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there was plenty of light for people walking after dark. Commissioner Detwiler stated that there was plenty of light. Commissioner Skaggs stated that there was no easy solution and Commissioner Hlavachick added that he was not in favor of closing any public park.
• Scout Cabin:
Commissioner Hlavachick questioned who takes care of the Scout Cabin in general. Mr. Howard stated that Park Superintendent Eckhoff and Recreation Director Pinkall do it for the most part. Commissioner Hlavachick pointed out that the floors in the Girl and Boy Scout areas were in bad shape and needed to be replaced. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he had visited with Ms. Linda Loomis and she had mentioned that the floors were in bad shape and space was also another issue. Commissioner Hlavachick commented that Ms. Loomis was going to make a list of improvements that would make it better and she might come to a Commission meeting for a presentation. Mr. Howard stated that we could get costs around if we had a list.
Mr. Pinkall commented that the maintenance part had been done by the Park Department and they also do minor repairs, but there was not a program to maintain or update it. Mr. Howard stated that he was always told that the scouts were to keep it up, but there was no document that said who was responsible. Commissioner Skaggs commented that he thought the main floor looked okay when he was in there the last time. Building Inspector Blankenship commented that there was moisture getting in there that had caused some warping, so it would check it out.
ADJOURN:
Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn that was seconded by Commissioner Detwiler. The motion and second passed unanimously.
_______________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
___________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk