MONDAY
MAY 05, 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
Lucus
Kumberg Commissioner
Doug
Meyer Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT:
Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn
Kramer City Clerk
Ken
Van Blaricum City Attorney
Diana
Garten Finance Director
Jeff
Ward Police Detective
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
Skaggs made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2014 regular
Commission meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.
BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION OF DIVIDEND CHECK:
Mr.
Rich Sanders, Sanders Agency, presented the City with their dividend
check. Mr. Sanders explained that this
program was sponsored by KMU, but written by EMC Insurance. Mr. Sanders added that there were around four
hundred Cities that participate. Mr.
Sanders added that the program was experienced as a group, so the dividend was
based on the group’s experience. Mr.
Sanders handed the Commission the check for $49,892.28 for this year.
Commissioner
Meyer asked what all was insured by EMC.
Mr. Sanders commented that it insured automobiles, work compensation,
property, but it did not cover machinery such as the engines at the power
plant. Mr. Sanders stated that Chubb
Insurance handles the claims that involve the engines. Commissioner Skaggs asked what our annual
premium was. Mr. Sanders stated that it
was around $400,000. The Commission
thanked Mr. Sanders for the check and explaining the program.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURES
FOR THE SIDEWALK SALE:
Chamber
Director Kim Cline requested the closing of Second Street between Main Street
and Jackson Street and Main Street and Ninnescah Street and also Third Street
from Main Street to the alley on the first block on the west side and from Main
Street to Ninnescah Street. Ms. Cline
explained that they did not want to interfere with the bank business, so they
would put the barricades up at the alley.
Ms. Cline added that the sidewalk sale was on July 12th from
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Commissioner
Hlavachick made a motion to approve the street closings as presented by the
Chamber Director. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO CHANGE THE NAME
OF CONVENTION AND TOURISM TO PRATT AREA CONVENTION AND VISITOR’S BUREAU:
Mayor
Taylor questioned Chamber Director Cline as to why they wanted to change the
name of Convention and Tourism. Ms.
Cline stated that it would be keeping in step with others in the State. Ms. Cline commented that the Convention and
Visitors Bureau gave them a more professional standing. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to
approve the name change of Convention and Tourism to Pratt Area Convention and
Visitors Bureau. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.
PRATT HEALTH COALITION UPDATE:
Pratt
Health Coalition Executive Director DeWayne Bryan reminded the Commission that
he had visited with them earlier about matching grant opportunities, but he
informed them that they had been denied the grant. Mr. Bryan stated that they would try again.
Mr.
Bryan stated that they would be having a Pratt Adventure Activity Run/Walk on
May 17th and requested permission to put up temporary markings for
the route. Commissioner Kumberg
questioned if he knew what they would be using for those markings. Mayor Taylor informed Mr. Bryan that another
organization had used permanent paint and some of it was still there after
about a year. Mr. Bryan asked if there
were any recommendations on what to use.
Public Works Director Rambat stated that there was locate paint that was
water based, but it still takes a few months to go away. Mr. Bryan commented that they would make it
as simple as possible and he should have the map of the route to the City
within the week. Recreation Director
Pinkall commented that the last 5K group used streamers on signs and then took
them off when they were finished.
Mr.
Bryan questioned if the City was going to apply for the grant ‘Safe Route for
Schools’. Mr. Howard stated that we were
working on a bigger sidewalk project now but, if the funds were available, we
would apply for it. Commissioner Skaggs
asked if there was a time frame when the application was due. Mr. Bryan stated that it was due
mid-July. Finance Director Garten
questioned if the City applies for that or the school. Mr. Bryan commented that he thought that the
City could apply for it. Mr. Howard added
that the school had applied for it the last time.
Mr.
Bryan also informed the Commission that they were trying to encourage
businesses to have employees live healthier lifestyles. Mr. Bryan stated that the Kansas Health
Foundation would be providing a seminar July 24th from 9:00 a.m. to
5 p.m. in the Jud Stanion meeting room.
Mr. Bryan added that they were recruiting seven businesses with a $1,000
stipend. Mayor Taylor questioned what
some of the topics would be. Mr. Bryan
commented that there would be a series on leadership and the best practices in
the community to promote healthy lifestyles.
DISCUSS ISSUES WITH CITY COMMISSION:
Mayor
Taylor stated that Mr. Luca Matei had requested to be on the agenda, but was
not present at this time so the Commission would table this item to give Mr.
Matei time to get here.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT BOARD
MEMBER ON THE LIBRARY BOARD:
Mayor
Taylor commented that the Library Board had requested Ms. Becky Sweet replace
Ms. Robin Waddle on the Library Board.
Mayor Taylor stated that Ms. Sweet would finish out the remaining three
years of Ms. Waddle’s four year term.
Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the recommendation of Ms.
Becky Sweet to serve the last three years of Ms. Waddle’s four year term on the
Library Board. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF
FRED BADDERS ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Building
Inspector Brad Blankenship stated that the Planning Commission recommended the
re-appointment of Mr. Fred Badders for another three year term. Mr. Blankenship added that Mr. Badders had
been a good Commissioner. Commissioner
Hlavachick stated that Mr. Badders had an active interest in the board; therefore,
he made a motion to re-appoint Mr. Fred Badders for another three year
term. Commissioner Skaggs seconded the
motion and it carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF
CHAD WESTHOFF ON THE BUILDING BOARD:
Mr.
Blankenship commented that Mr. Chad Westhoff was one of the four contractors
that helped him get licenses straightened out as well as other issues. Mr. Blankenship stated that Mr. Westhoff was
helpful on the plumbing side of things.
Commissioner Kumberg made a motion the re-appoint Mr. Chad Westhoff to
the Building Board for another three year term.
Commissioner Meyer seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Mayor Taylor added that the people serving on
these committees due it without compensation and we appreciate them doing
it.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSED FEES FOR
THE MASTER PLAN AT THE MUNICIPAL POOL:
Public
Works Director Rambat stated that we had received a master plan proposal from
Larkin Aquatics for design services for the pool. Mr. Rambat commented that the infrastructure
at the pool was aging and the bath houses needed attention along with looking
at the possibility of a splash park. Mr.
Rambat explained that it was important to look at a plan with someone that
would work with City staff to see what was most important and needed addressed
first. Mr. Rambat commented that Mr.
Kyle McCawley would bring his expertise and was not forceful. Mayor Taylor questioned if this would be done
in phases. Mr. Howard stated that it
would take about five years.
Commissioner
Kumberg commented that there were good, down to earth suggestions in the plan
and he would endorse it. Mr. Rambat
stated that this was the first step that would allow us to look ahead. Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the
proposal for the master plan was $11,325 plus travel expenses. Mr. Rambat commented that Mr. McCawley had
listed other services they could add in if things came together quickly. Mr. Rambat added that they also help raise
funds within the community. Commissioner
Skaggs made a motion to approve the proposal from Larkin Aquatics for a master
plan for the pool in the amount of $11,325 plus travel expenses. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Kumberg and passed unanimously. Mayor
Taylor commented that the pool does not make any money, but it serves a great
purpose.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 KDOT
KLINK AGREEMENT:
Public
Works Director Rambat stated that the 2015 KLINK project was for a mill and
overlay on Highway 54 from Jackson Street to Mound Street. Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that this
was a $337,000 project and our portion would be about $137,000. Mr. Rambat added that we would know more
about cost after we go out for bids. Mr.
Rambat commented that he would follow up with EBH to do an engineering
agreement if the Commission approves this agreement.
Mr.
Rambat explained that, after talking to the Bureau of Local Projects, they had
lowered the cost because we had already built up the bridge box. Mayor Taylor asked if we pay for the
engineering. Mr. Rambat stated that we
do pay for the preliminary engineering.
Mayor Taylor questioned when this stretch of highway had been done
last. Mr. Rambat commented that it had
been about ten years ago. Commissioner
Meyer asked what was done about traffic control. City Manager Howard stated that we follow
KDOT requirements. Mr. Rambat commented
that that was usually subbed out and there were costs associated with each and
every sign throughout the project.
Commissioner
Skaggs questioned why we were not going with concrete because the concrete and
asphalt bids were about the same on Maple Street. Mr. Howard stated that we would have to take
this down to the road surface. Mr.
Rambat explained that that would be fairly extensive. After little more discussion, Commissioner
Kumberg made a motion to approve the 2015 KLINK agreement between the City of
Pratt and KDOT. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON THE SANDY CREEK HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT:
City
Manager Howard commented that he had been working with City staff on trying to
figure out what to apply to the first sixteen lots vs. all the lots. Mr. Howard explained that there was lighting
along Maple Street and tree drainage that would benefit all the lots and
utility costs that could be used as specials or not. Mr. Howard stated that the cost per square
foot was estimated at around $2.
Finance
Director Garten discussed how the total expenditures of $674,283 was allocated
to the sixteen lots that were ready to sell.
Ms. Garten stated that half of the gas line extension costs would go to
these sixteen lots, as well as a third of the cost of the mass grading project
and the cost of the waterline and electric utilities. Ms. Garten added that some of the utilities
went along Maple Street so that had been split out and, the trees used as a
sight barrier, would not be part of the cost for these lots. Ms. Garten commented that there would also be
half of the engineering costs, a third of the land acquisition and a third of
the sewer line costs once it was completed.
Ms. Garten stated that the total cost to develop the lots was $425,916
and there were 211,846 square feet, which came to about $2 per square
foot. Ms. Garten added that a lot would
cost anywhere from $22,000 to $40,000, but reminded the Commission that City staff
had done a lot of the work which saved money.
Mr.
Howard stated that they were looking at a new residential district so it would
have its own zoning, but that was on the next Planning and Zoning meeting and
should be to the Commission in June. Mr.
Howard commented that the new motel would pick up a third of the sewer line
costs. Commissioner Meyer asked about
the location of the sewer line and Mr. Howard pointed it out on the power point
map. Mr. Howard added that all the
utilities were in there except mobile.
Commissioner Meyer questioned if there would be a common fence. Mr. Howard stated that that was not in the
proposal but was still being talked about.
Commissioner Kumberg questioned if it was typical to separate specials
for so many years. Ms. Garten explained
that you do them in general on bond issues, but we have the option to do what
we want on individual lots since we were doing it as a City.
When
asked his opinion, Mr. Rich Sanders stated that these were historical levels
and they were costs that people were not used to paying. Mr. Sanders added that people had paid $5,000
to $15,000 for a lot in Pratt, but those days were gone. Mr. Sanders suggested that $1 per square foot
be done on specials to help marketability.
Commissioner Skaggs asked Mr. Sanders what we were competing
against. Mr. Sanders stated that there
were only two or three lots left south of the lake, but there were no houses being
built. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if
there was a demand for lots and if people were waiting for us to open this
up. Mr. Sanders commented that there
were no lots out there and what had been built was in rural subdivisions. Mr. Howard stated that we were hoping to get
contractors to do a couple of spec houses to get things started.
Recreation
Director Pinkall informed the Commission that the two sided signs would be
going up very soon with one being installed on Peltier Way and another one on Highway
61. Mr. Howard stated that the signs
would have a phone number on them that was dedicated to the development. Mr. Pinkall commented that ED was also going
to put this on their website, there was an audio commercial and KWCH Channel 12
would be doing some production next week.
Commissioner Kumberg questioned if there was information for the
realtors. Mr. Howard stated that there
would be and we would pay them the commission they charge if they bring us
someone who wants to buy. Mr. Howard
added that the best thing would be to get one or two lots sold and houses going
up.
OPEN AGENDA:
·
Pool Hours:
Pratt
resident Mica Nelson addressed the Commission with her concerns about the new
pool hours and asked them to intervene.
Ms. Nelson stated that she was disappointed in the new hours that would
not leave much time to go to the pool with children. Ms. Nelson informed the Commission of the new
hours as being 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on
Sundays, adult swims from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 p.m. to
7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Ms.
Nelson stated that there were other parents that were concerned and they would
like to see the hours extended to 7 p.m. two or three days a week to make it
friendlier to working parents. Ms.
Nelson added that she was the third generation to use the pool and it was a
great asset to the community. Mayor
Taylor questioned how often she went to the pool. Ms. Nelson commented that they go maybe once
a week during ball season in June, but two or three times a week in July.
Mr.
Howard stated that this started with Larkin Aquatics suggesting raising our
prices to help fund the pool. Mr. Howard
commented that he had asked Pool Manager Dee Hill to try to make it more
efficient by identifying hours when the pool was not being used. Mr. Howard stated that those hours were not
set in stone. Commissioner Meyer stated
that he was glad she had come to the meeting, because he had had two phone
calls and nurses approaching him.
Commissioner Meyer added that he did not know what the solution would be
except to put kids on one end and adults on the other. Ms. Nelson stated that sectioning it off had
been tried, but it would be easier if it was opened up until 7 p.m.
Ms.
Garten commented that there were a couple of other issues, such as lifeguards
and having to have so many life guards on duty due to the size of the pool and
not by the number of people in attendance.
Ms. Garten added that this would also make earlier evening times and Ms.
Hill was going to try to offer the pool for more parties. Ms. Nelson stated that she understood that
pool parties ran from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., but she did not want to lose that
time. Mr. Howard stated that there would
be another meeting before the pool opens and he appreciated the feedback. Mr. Howard added that that tells us that
people care and we may have to go back to what we were doing.
·
10th Street speed control:
Mr. Rich
Sanders stated that he was speaking for his daughter that lives on 10th
Street and she was concerned about the speed that people travel on that
street. Mr. Sanders asked if there was a
way that the police could put some of their attention on speed control in that
area. Mr. Howard stated that that was
actually being monitored and people were going the speed limit. Mr. Howard commented that it may seem fast,
but there were a lot of different kinds of traffic that creates a different
environment.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
·
H2O Meeting:
City
Manager Howard commented that he had attended a H2O meeting last Thursday. Mr. Howard briefly explained that the H2O
Committee consisted of towns in central Kansas looking at water issues, which
it has turned out that there are not any.
Mr. Howard commented that their goal was to find alternative resources,
but cost was an issue. Mr. Howard stated
that the committee was trying to figure out if they were going to continue or
not. Commissioner Kumberg questioned if
they had come and asked for money. Mr.
Howard stated that the Commission had originally agreed to pay $60,000 over
three years but, even though the funds were earmarked for this project, he had
only sent the first $20,000 payment. Mr.
Howard added that he was not going to release the other $40,000.
Commissioner
Skaggs questioned if we had taken into consideration rationing water if the
drought continues. Mr. Howard stated
that we had gotten adequate moisture in the spring and would try to keep up
with the demand.
·
KMU Conference:
Mr.
Howard commented that he would be attending the annual KMU Conference along
with other City staff this week from Wednesday through Friday. Mr. Howard added that there would also be a
KMEA Directors meeting included in the conference time.
City Attorney:
·
Makes us think:
City
Attorney Van Blaricum commented that people like Mr. Matei make us think about
what we are doing in court and to see that there is due process even though we
are not always on the same page. Mr. Van
Blaricum added that the police do a fine job in responding to his concerns.
Public Works:
·
Pool:
Public
Works Director Rambat informed the Commission that he would be spending a lot
of time at the pool the next couple of weeks getting it ready for summer.
Inspections:
·
Unsafe Structures:
Building
Inspector Blankenship informed the Commission that 315 Illinois had been torn
down last week. Mr. Blankenship
commented that that structure had been on our list for a long time. Commissioner Skaggs questioned the ownership. Mr. Blankenship explained that they keep it
and we put a lien on the taxes for the cost of tearing it down. Mr. Blankenship commented that Mr. Gerald
Dick wants to buy it, but they will not return his calls.
Mr.
Blankenship stated that 605 Starr was being torn down today. Mr. Blankenship reminded the Commission that
there was a fire there and was owned by J.D. Hays.
·
Construction updates:
Best Western:
Mr.
Blankenship stated that he had been out at the Best Western everyday doing
inspections. Mr. Blankenship commented
that all the owners were here until construction was complete and they wanted
it done by May 16. Mr. Blankenship added
that they have a lot to do.
Art Museum:
Mr.
Blankenship stated that the Filley Art Museum had been pouring sidewalks.
Kwik Shop:
Mr. Blankenship
stated that Kwik Shop had started their remodel last week. Mr. Blankenship explained that Dillon’s was
also doing some remodeling. Commissioner
Skaggs suggested asking them to change the mailbox location so that they could
prevent some of the traffic backing up waiting to use the pharmacy drive
thru. Commissioner Skaggs added that
this would be a good time to visit with them since they were in the beginning
stages of the remodel.
West Car Wash:
Mr.
Blankenship commented that the West Car Wash was pouring concrete and would be
tearing down the old section once the new construction was up and running.
PRMC:
Mr.
Blankenship informed the Commission that he did a framing inspection at the
hospital. Mr. Blankenship commented that
it was interesting to see all that they were doing.
Electric Department:
·
Compliance testing:
Director
of Electric Utilities Hemphill stated that the diesel engines had passed the
compliance testing and were clear to run again.
Mr. Hemphill added that the density of smoke passed as well.
·
Generating:
Mr.
Hemphill stated we would be generating for Sunflower for about twelve hours on
May 14th.
Mayor and Commission:
·
Response time:
Commissioner
Kumberg commented that a truck had driven through the garage behind him and he
was amazed that it only took about two minutes for the police to arrive. Commissioner Kumberg commended the police for
doing an amazing job.
·
Spring clean-up:
Commissioner
Hlavachick commented that it had been several years since the City had done a
spring clean-up, but he would like it discussed during budget. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that
Hutchinson puts out large collection points and you can take anything and
everything. Mr. Howard stated that we
had not done a clean-up in eleven years and it usually lasted a lot longer than
a week due to people taking advantage of the situation. Commissioner Skaggs commented that you always
have some that abuse it, but there were a lot of people that cannot physically
handle that type of stuff. Mr. Howard
informed the Commission that we do have special pick-ups for a fee if you call
City Hall to get it scheduled.
After a
lengthy discussion, it was decided that there would be a message on the utility
bills about the special pick-up and the fee.
ADJOURN:
Commissioner
Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn that was seconded by Commissioner
Kumberg. The motion and second passed
unanimously.
___________________________________
JEFF
A. TAYLOR, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
LUANN
KRAMER, City Clerk