09/02/14-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 02, 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
Gary Myers                  Police Chief    
Brad Blankenship        Building Inspector
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 August 15, 2014 recessed Lemon Park Work Session and the August 18, 2014 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BIDS TO PAINT THE AIRPORT WATER TOWER:

Water Superintendent Kelvin Clay stated that the 93,000 gallonwater tank at the airport had been drained in 2009 for inspection and evaluation; however, the interior was last painted in 1995 and the exterior was done in 2004.  Mr. Clay commented that there was money set aside to paint the interior and exterior, so bids had been sent to six vendors.  Mr. Clay explained that there were two legitimate bids returned.  Mr. Clay stated that Maguire Iron out of Sioux Falls, SD bid $103,840 and Utility Service Company out of Atlanta, GA bid $84,900 tax included. 

Mr. Clay explained that Utility Service Company had bought Midwest Tank Painting out of Pittsburg, which had been one of the better water tower painting companies.  Mr. Clay added that he had called several references and they were a good company.  Mr. Clay stated that he had contacted Utility Service Company and they thought that it would be about four weeks before they would get to this job if they got the bid.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned how old this tower was.  Mr. Clay stated that it was put up in 1986.  Commissioner Skaggs asked what the life span was for a water tower.  Mr. Clay answered that it was eighty to one hundred years if they were maintained correctly.  Commissioner Skaggs asked about City water being supplied out there.  City Manager Howard stated that they would keep the tank for storage or recommend a bigger one.  Mr. Clay added that he did not see doing away with it if we did get City water up there due to the need for fire service.

After little more discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to accept the bid from Utility Service Company out of Atlanta, GA in the amount of $84,900 with tax included.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION ON DONATION FROM BOEING TO CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Fire Chief David Kramer stated that his Assistant Chief had not shown up yet and Mayor Taylor suggested that we table this agenda item so that Assistant Chief Stevens could get here.

PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING THE LEMON PARK PROJECT CONCEPT:

Mayor Taylor stated that the Commission welcomed input from the community on the proposed Lemon Park concept.  Recreation Director Pinkall stated that there had been a big diagram in the lobby and there were some notes on the bottom with comments from the public.  Mr. Blake Himmelwright commented that an architect had come up with this concept and it included a round-about, a pavilion, a bypass for bikes, an amphitheater, a new splash pad and a new parking lot.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that the pavilion would serve multi-purposes and be a rentable venue for weddings, meetings and concerts in the park.  Mr. Himmelwright explained that this concept would enlarge the park. 

Ms. Karen Detwiler expressed her concern for busses being able to get in and out of the park with the round-about there.  Ms. Detwiler commented that she had seen traffic backed up on Pine Street and Santa Fe Road for Christmas lights and that causes a bottle neck for the flow of traffic to come in and out of the park.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that they had not discussed those type of details.  Ms. Detwiler questioned if they would still continue to lock the park at night.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that that still needs to happen and he would not change that policy.  Ms. Detwiler stated that she had seen the park flood six times and in 1991 it had taken the blacktop off of the road.  Ms. Detwiler commented that she did not want the flooding issue to be forgotten.  Ms. Detwiler stated that she would like to see this happen and to incorporate Sixth Street Park since we had done that with the Christmas lights.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that the pavilion would be moved above the flood plain.  Ms. Rachel Himmelwright stated that she liked the entrance into the park and that should reduce traffic on Pine Street.  Ms. Himmelwright commented that she was in favor of moving the road and that would also make it safer for the children playing on the playground equipment. 

Mr. Himmelwright commented that a bathroom was in the plans and would be incorporated in the pavilion.  Fire Chief Kramer questioned if there was a possibility of another bathroom located in another part of the park.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that that was a lot of distance and that was not a bad idea.  Mr. Himmelwright commented that we could not do everything, but could do a lot.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that the pavilion would have large trees around it and would be a rentable venue for weddings, indoor and outdoor movies and picnics.  City Attorney Van Blaricum questioned if there would be room for a dog park.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that he did not know why not and there were a lot of people that would like to see that happen.  Ms. Detwiler questioned if the area east of the parking could be considered.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that it would be a pretty good place.

Mr. Himmelwright explained that there would be landscape lighting, a dog park, bike racks, water station, one way walking paths, an expanded playground and the electrical lines would be underground.  Mr. Howard commented that some of that had already been done.  Ms. Detwiler stated that she would like to see the speed controlled through the park with speed bumps.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that that was not a bad idea.  Ms. Detwiler questioned how they were going to make sure people stay off the grass and in the parking areas.  Mayor Taylor commented that, outside of what keeps them from doing it now, you could put up a fence.  Mayor Taylor stated that the park was used by many and abused by a few and you could not close off it to the majority of the people. 

A member of the audience asked what the cost was for this project.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that it was a little over $2 million, but added that we would not be doing it all at once.  Mr. Himmelwright explained that we would start with the pavilion and improving the parking lot.  Mr. Himmelwright added that it would be partially funded with bed tax and a capital campaign.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that Lemon Park had always been an asset to the community and it would benefit to have a pavilion.  Ms. Detwiler stated that it was a beautiful idea and she was anxious to see what happens.  Mayor Taylor stated that there would be a follow-up meeting at the next Commission meeting on September 15^th.

DISCUSSION ON DONATION FROM BOEING TO CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT (cont.):

Chief Kramer explained that Boeing in Wichita had offered to donate some fire apparatus to the City Fire Department since they were closing out their Wichita branch.  Chief Kramer stated that there was a small pick-up squad and an ambulance and both were titled equipment.  Asst. Chief Stevens explained that he was the president of the B-29 group and had gone over to see Doc.  Asst. Chief Stevens stated that Mr. Dean Williams, former Pratt resident, had heard that he was coming over and had visited with him about donating the equipment to Pratt. 

Asst. Chief Stevens commented that the equipment had new rubber and around 16,000 to 17,000 miles.  Asst. Chief Stevens stated that they had a full time mechanic at Boeing and regular firemen that operated this equipment.  Asst. Chief Stevens informed the Commission that they wanted to give the equipment to a group like us with no strings attached and Chief Kramer had sent their corporate office a letter stating that we were interested, but we had not heard back yet. 

Mayor Taylor questioned that there was a tank and pumper truck.  Chief Kramer explained that it was not a big structure fire vehicle, but a quick attack vehicle.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they had room to store them inside.  Chief Kramer stated that they did.  Chief Kramer stated that his officers and he had discussed it and, if it was going to take a lot to fix them up, they were going to decline the offer.  Mr. Howard commented that it was also four-wheel drive.  Commissioner Meyer asked if they would want it repainted.  Chief Kramer stated that he did not know how they were going to deal with that yet.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the City Manager saw any down side to this.  Mr. Howard stated that he did not.  Mayor Taylor asked if there was anything we had to do that involved funds.  Asst. Chief Stevens stated that there was not, but they would have to get a title for one of them, but that was not a problem.  Mr. Howard added that there had been a couple of snow storms that made it hard for the fire equipment to get around, so this would work for them in those situations.  Chief Kramer stated that they had not heard back from Washington, but they did not know why it would not go through.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that this would be a positive for the ISO report also.  Chief Kramer stated that it would be and we were fortunate that we had someone who was in the right spot at the right time.

Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to accept the equipment offered for donation by Boeing to the City of Pratt Fire Department.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

·         ISO report:

Chief Kramer quickly brought the ISO report to the Commissioner’s attention.  Chief Kramer stated that their last ISO inspection had been in 2001 and they had just been here a couple of months ago.  Chief Kramer commented that he had not had time to analyze the report, but the bottom line was that we went to a better grade.  Chief Kramer explained that the report points out weaknesses, but they already knew about the pumper situation and the gallons per minute.  Chief Kramer stated that Water Superintendent Clay had worked hard for them also.  Chief Kramer added that they do point out some things that we could do to improve it.

Commissioner Kumberg stated that people pay a lot of money for assessments and we got it for free plus they also gave us an action plan.  Chief Kramer agreed.  Commissioner Meyer stated that the department had done a good job.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he was amazed that the City had 401 hydrants and questioned if we test those.  Chief Kramer stated that they go through the whole system once a year.  Mayor Taylor questioned if they were expensive to replace.  Mr. Howard stated that they were about $2,000 apiece.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1410 REZONING 107 STARR STREET FROM MP MOBILE HOME DISTRICT TO C-S HIGHWAY SERVICE DISTRICT:

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum stated that the rezoning of 107 Starr Street had been approved by the Planning Commission back in March.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the ordinance makes the zoning change for the VFW building from residential to C-S Highway District.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he could see having highway frontage on the front, but questioned what happens if they build to the south.  Building Inspector Blankenship stated that they had sent out notices for a public hearing twice.  Commissioner Meyer stated that that had been his last meeting on the Planning Commission and they had had one person ask about property tax.  Mr. Howard added that they had to resend the notice because they had forgotten some.  Mr. Blankenship explained that there were some on the south side of Highway 54 and bordering Second Street and they wanted to know why they had been notified.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they had taken a look at the issue with highway service, but there were a lot in that area with highway services.

The following Ordinance 1410 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF LOTS ONE THROUGH FIVE (1-5) IN BLOCK TWENTY SIX (26) IN BUENA VISTA HEIGHTS ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN THE ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS AS INCORPORATED INTO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve Ordinance 1410 rezoning Lots one through five in Block Twenty-six in the Buena Vista Heights Addition to C-S Highway District.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and it passed unanimously.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they do spot zoning.  Mr. Howard stated that they probably have had it brought up, but you would have to take out right-of-ways, trailer sales, storage units and liquor stores.  Mr. Howard added that that was what the public hearings were for.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1411 REZONING LOTS 1 – 7 AND LOTS 39 – 47, BLOCK 4 OF THE SANDY CREEK ADDITION FROM R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING DISTRICT TO R-1A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this ordinance rezoned part of the Sandy Creek Addition and had been approved by the Planning Commission recently.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that they were coming back with rezoning lots with the new zoning of R-1A Single Family Dwelling District.  Mayor Taylor questioned why we were making the change.  Mr. Howard stated that R-1A was tougher and had stiffer regulations.  Mr. Howard added that regulations would be done through zoning and not through covenants, such as lot splits, fencing, etc.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were more restrictive, but did not go overboard.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this would apply to all of Sandy Creek Addition.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it would be for phase one and they would zone phase two when they start on it.

The following Ordinance 1411 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF LOTS ONE THROUGH SEVEN (1-7) AND LOTS THIRTY-NINE THROUGH FORTY-SEVEN (39-47), ALL IN BLOCK FOUR (4) IN SANDY CREEK ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN THE ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS AS INCORPORATED INTO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve Ordinance 1411.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

·         Luca:

Mr. Luca Matei stated that he had been to the Commission to issue a public complaint concerning false accusations and that he got no information from attorneys.  Mr. Matei commented that he had come to the Commission to complain and he had written the FBI and Senators and they were not credible.  Mr. Matei added that he did not know what action the City was taking or not taking, but this was a violation of his constitutional right.

·         Lost people:

Mr. Matei questioned if there was someone to help the homeless and poor lost people.  Mr. Matei stated that he would like to have a phone number to give them for help.  Mayor Taylor stated that there was the Hope Center where they could get food and clothing.  Mr. Matei commented that he had let one stay in an empty apartment because he needed shelter for the night.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·         Drilling on wells:

Mr. Howard stated that the contractor through KDHE had started work on the contaminated wells.  Mr. Howard reminded the Commission that we had paid into that fund and KDHE was paying the rest.

·         Hampton Inn:

Mr. Howard stated that the dirt contractor for the Hampton Inn should start Thursday.  Mr. Blankenship added that he had sent changes to the architect, but the plans were okay.  Mr. Howard commented that there was no permit needed to do the dirt work.

·         Chip Seal project:

Mr. Howard stated that the chip seal project was almost complete.

City Attorney:

·         Deda contract:

City Attorney Van Blaricum informed the Commission that the contract with Mr. Addam Deda was ready for closing on Friday at 10:00 a.m.

Building Inspections:

·         Tractor Supply:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that Tractor Supply was moving some things in and he would be doing an inspection tomorrow.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they would be moving their belongings in and the main shell was close.  Mr. Blankenship explained that they were done with the concrete, drywall and fencing, but were also close on the painting.  Mr. Blankenship added that they had set a September 15^th deadline and they had been working seven days a week.  Mr. Blankenship stated that the sign company would be in at the end of this week.  Mayor Taylor questioned if the fee for a sign was $25.00.  Mr. Blankenship explained that you had to have a permit and the permit fee was $25.00.

Commissioner Skaggs questioned how much ED money had gone into Tractor Supply.  Mr. Howard stated that it was around $125,000, which was for concrete and fencing.  Mr. Howard added that all of it had been outside work.

Power Plant:

·         Turbine overhaul:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith commented that they were getting ready for the turbine overhaul and there would be a crew coming to remove the asbestos.

Police Dept.:

·         Temporary Dispatch Center:

Police Chief Myers informed the Commission that they would start the move to the temporary dispatch center this week.  Chief Myers commented that they would start with the phones and radios.  Chief Myers stated that they were looking at three to six months for the construction process.

Fire Dept.:

·         MDA Boot Block:

Fire Chief Kramer commented that City Fire had decided to do their boot block for MDA a couple of weeks early this year and it had paid off.  Chief Kramer stated that they had collected $4,200 and that was $1,000 more than last year.

ADJOURN:

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

__________________________________

JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

ATTEST:

_____________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09/15/14-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 15, 2014
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 –      September 02, 2014 Regular Commission Meeting

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Consideration and Approval to have ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ in Lemon Park and Change the Name to ‘Christmas in the Park’ and to Close the Park to thru Traffic for the event – Kim DeClue, Chamber Director

5.2          Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1412 Amending the Zoning of Unplatted Property in the 1400 Block of West 5^th Street – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector

5.3          Public Meeting Concerning the Lemon Park Project Concept – Mayor, Commission, Staff, Blake Himmelwright & Audience

5.4          Consideration and Approval of Resolution 091514 Providing for Abatement of Conditions at 406 N. Oak – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector

5.5          Discussion and Approval on KDHE Preforming Groundwater Investigations on City Right-of-Ways and the Pool Parking Lot – Dave Howard, City Manager and City Staff

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

08/18/14-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
AUGUST 18, 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

Gary Myers                 Police Chief    

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 August 04, 2014 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

Mayor Taylor stated that they would go to the open agenda before the business item since the only item was a discussion for the Commission and staff.

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

BUSINESS:

TOPICS OR PROJECTS TO DISCUSS WITH SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION MIKE KING ON AUGUST 25^TH:

City Manager Howard explained that Secretary of Transportation King would be at City Hall on August 25^th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and he was open to talk about any topics we might have.  Mayor Taylor questioned if he would talk about the bypass.  Mr. Howard stated that he probably would.  Mayor Taylor asked if they had passed a new highway plan.  Mr. Howard commented that they had, but the bypass was separate.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if his visit had to do with the First Street and Main Street project.  Mr. Howard stated that he did not think so.

Mayor Taylor suggested they visit about a bypass for Highway 281.  Mr. Howard commented that we were open to talk about anything.  Commissioner Hlavachick agreed that a truck bypass would be nice.  Mayor Taylor added that they could use Highway 64.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that the State Department of Transportation office looks out ten to twenty years, so it might be in the future.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that Highway 64 serves that purpose anyway.

Commissioner Hlavachick questioned when they would be starting on Fincham Road.  Mr. Howard stated that we were awarded the grant and the engineers and State officials would be in contact with us, but we had not heard anything yet.  Mr. Howard explained that they had two years to do the project once the contract was signed.  Mr. Howard added that he would like to see it done the same time as the Home Lumber project.

Mayor Taylor questioned what they were doing on Highway 42.  Public Works Director Rambat stated that they were working on the bridge, but he was not sure if they were repairing it or replacing it.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that it looked like they were replacing it.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·         Appreciation Breakfast:

City Manager Howard stated that Comfort Suites would be having an appreciation breakfast Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for all the town had done for them on.

·         Development behind Wal-Mart:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned where we were at with the development behind Wal-Mart.  Mr. Howard stated that he had purchased the property and he was just waiting for the next step.

·         Public meeting:

Mr. Howard commented that the City would be having a public meeting concerning the Lemon Park project at the regular Commission meeting on September 2^nd and asked that something be put in the paper to inform the citizens.  Mr. Howard stated that citizens were being encouraged to come and see the drawing of the proposed changes and ask questions or make comments.

City Attorney:

·         Property dispute:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that the parties involved in the Mazzanti vs. Sharp property dispute were not willing to compromise and would go to trial October 30^th. 

Public Works:

·         Chip Seal project:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that Hi-Plains Sand would start the chip seal project on August 25^th as long as the weather permits.

·         Pool:

Mr. Rambat stated that it was a good year mechanically for the pool.  Mayor Taylor asked if the pool was still open.  Mr. Rambat explained that, due to the lack of lifeguards, they were only open on weekends until Labor Day.

·         Farmers Market:

Commissioner Skaggs stated that he had been to the Farmers Market and Mr. Dennis Bowe was gracious enough to let them use his lot on North Main Street.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the City would be willing to paint parking stripes for them.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that Mr. Bowe was receptive to the idea.  Mr. Howard stated that that lot was out in the County.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we could do it with the County’s permission.  Mayor Taylor stated that that was private property and we did not need their permission.  Mr. Howard commented that it would be better if the County did it.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that he would visit with a County Commissioner.

Inspection Dept.:

·         Train:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that the train ran this weekend and he did not get any calls that they had problems.  Mr. Blankenship explained that he had replaced the wheels and bearings with the help of Mr. Rambat.  Mr. Blankenship commented that you could tell how bad the wheels were when you saw the new ones.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they replaced the wheels on everything.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they had not changed anything on the locomotive and just did one of the coaches.  Mr. Howard added that we had also beefed up the gravel.

·         Tractor Supply:

Mr. Blankenship stated that Tractor Supply had painted the west half of the building and he would be doing dry wall and plumbing inspections this week.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they had not had a lot of sewer problems there.  Mr. Howard commented that he did not think it was the old Wal-Mart that had issues, but the new had had some.

·         Weed letters:

Mr. Blankenship stated that he was usually done sending out weed letters this time of year, but he continues to send them out.  Mr. Blankenship added that the weather was usually too hot by now and you do not need to worry about it.

·         New Motel:

Mr. Blankenship stated that the owner and general contractor for the Hilton Hampton Inn had been in to get information on licensing and permitting.  Mr. Blankenship commented that the general contractor was from Texas and they wanted to be open by May 1, 2015.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they had the landscape ordinance yet.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it had gone to the Planning and Zoning Board, but they had not given him the final draft yet.  Mr. Howard stated that the Board had had other items on their agenda due to a busy summer, but they had not dropped it.

Recreation Dept.:

·         State Softball:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that they got the exciting news that KSHAA had offered Pratt the 2015 State Softball Tournaments that would be held at the end of May.  Mr. Pinkall explained that Great Bend would host baseball and Pratt would have softball.

Power Plant:

·         Electricity use:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that there had been a lot of electricity being used and their high load had been 24½ mgs.  Mayor Taylor commented that the ten day forecast showed upper 90’s so we were not going to get any relief. 

Police Dept.:

·         Communication Center Trailer:

Police Chief Myers stated that the trailer out front of the Law Enforcement Center would be the communication center during construction.  Chief Myers commented that there had been eleven different contractors there at one time and it had already been quite a project.  Chief Myers explained that they had tied down the trailer and were skirting it today, the electricians and plumbers were also there along with the data match phone company that would switch that over.  Chief Myers stated that they were waiting for Motorola out of Great Bend and a tech from AT&T and one from AT&T 911.

Chief Myers stated that the job site trailer had some security issues and was not like what they had now.  Chief Myers explained that the dispatchers receive money for disconnects that did not get to the City to pay before closing time and they call the power plant to get them turned back on, but he was not comfortable with them doing that in the unsecure trailer.  Chief Myers requested that the Commission consider suspending after hour turn-ons until construction was complete.  Mr. Howard added that we did not want dispatchers to have money in there.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if most people could have done something about that earlier in the day.  City Clerk Kramer stated that they could have and explained that they get three to four notifications of when their utilities will be shut off.  After little more discussion, the Commissioners were all in agreement to suspend after hour turn-ons until there was no longer a safety issue for the dispatchers.

Mayor and Commission:

·         Bed tax:

Mayor Taylor asked if we had increased the bed tax during budget.  Finance Director Garten stated that it was talked about, but nothing had been decided.  Mayor Taylor requested that that be put on the next agenda and asked if we could get other City’s rates also.

·         Executive Session:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to enter into executive session for fifteen minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

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

ADJOURN:

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

____________________________________
JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

 

ATTEST:
____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk