MONDAY
OCTOBER 06, 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
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
Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2014 regular
Commission meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR AN
EASEMENT ON THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOT FOR ADDITIONAL PARRISH HOTEL PARKING:
Mr.
Michael Youngers, EBH Engineer, informed the Commission that the developers of
the Parrish Hotel project had hired EBH to do the site design. Mr. Youngers commented that the parking lot
on the north side of the building was not enough area to allow two isles, so
they needed a 12’ X 74’ portion of the property that belonged to the City. Mayor Taylor questioned if there was enough
room for two isles on the east side. Mr.
Youngers stated that there was.
City
Manager Howard asked if they would replace the fence or just leave it
open. Mr. Youngers explained that it
would be replaced and would be put where it would protect the heating
unit. Mr. Youngers added that they would
also be putting in a curb. Commissioner
Skaggs questioned how much space there was on the north of the Municipal Building. Mr. Youngers stated that it was about
15’. Mayor Taylor questioned if that
would leave enough space for service vehicles to get through. Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall stated that
they mostly use the alley, so it should be okay. Commissioner Kumberg questioned if there
would still be enough room if we ever had to replace the heating unit. Mr. Pinkall stated that it would still be
okay.
Mr.
Youngers explained that they would like to have a stall for every bed, which
was around thirty-five. Mr. Youngers
added that they should be okay with the piece from the City and some from the
Farmers Market. Mayor Taylor asked if
this was just an easement. Mr. Howard
stated that it was. Commissioner Skaggs
questioned if this property would still be ours, but they could use it
forever. Mr. Howard stated that it was
unless it was written in the easement agreement. Commissioner Skaggs asked if we ever used
that property for anything. Mr. Pinkall
commented that they park a vehicle there from time to time, but not long
term.
After
little more discussion, Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the use
of the City easement north of the Municipal Building for the additional parking
for Parrish parking. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF BRICK PLANTERS IN
THE SIDEWALK SOUTH OF THE PARRISH HOTEL BUILDING:
Mr.
Youngers stated that the developers wanted to do some landscaping and wanted to
place planters on the south side of the building that would match those
downtown. Mr. Youngers explained that
the sidewalks were shorter, so they would have to shrink the planters to 4’ X
8’ and that would make them 6’ from the building and 2’ from the curb. Mr. Youngers added that they would provide irrigation
from their own domestic water source, so the water use would be on them.
Commissioner
Kumberg questioned if there were any utilities there. Mr. Youngers stated that there was a water
line. Mr. Howard added that there was a
fire line coming from the south, but we had talked about replacing the whole
section of that line on that block. Mr.
Howard commented that it would make sense to tear up the sidewalk to get the
ninety year old line out. Commissioner
Meyer made a motion to approve the brick planters on the south sidewalk of the
Parrish Hotel as presented by EBH. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION ON ZONING APPEAL ON WEST 5TH
STREET:
Mr.
Glenn Davis stated that he had taken a request to the Zoning Board to rezone
the property at 722 West Fifth Street as commercial so that they could divide
the property, but the Planning Commission chose to not take any action. Mr. Davis commented that the property had
been zoned commercial since its existence, but any changes to residential would
not allow a purchaser of the property to make any changes or improvements nor
could they rebuild if it was destroyed.
Mr. Davis explained that the party would not be interested in purchasing
the property if the council did not zone it commercial.
City
Manager Howard stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission did not make a
motion, so it died for a lack of a motion and that translates into a unanimous ‘no’
vote. Mr. Howard explained that the
properties around 722 West Fifth Street were zoned residential and to change to
downtown zoning would be spot zoning.
Mr. Howard recommended that the Commission agree with the Planning and
Zoning Commission and not agree to do this.
Mr. Howard added that there had been a fair hearing, which follows the
proper procedure. Mayor Taylor
questioned if the denial was due to the structure not being habitable. Mr. Howard stated that you cannot have a
secondary building and that there were other issues with this property.
City
Attorney Van Blaricum stated that the application was to change the zoning to
seek a commercial zoning designation, but there were comments that, if it
changed to a C-2 zoning, it could be a private club. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the Davis’
had been to an attorney and they drew up restrictive covenants so that that
would not happen. Mr. Van Blaricum
explained that the Commission could reject the appeal or send it back to the
Planning and Zoning Commission with what their attorney suggested. Mr. Howard stated that he had no objection to
that, but there was nothing in our zoning regulations that was not
covered. Mr. Howard added that we do not
do something if it was not covered or if we have to change the zoning
regulations. Commissioner Skaggs
questioned if the Davis’ were interested in putting plumbing in the garage. Mr. Howard explained that it was a
non-complying use and if it were to get damaged over 51%, it could not be built
back. Mr. Howard commented that this
property was grandfathered in when the zoning changed for the individual that
was there at the time. Mr. Howard added
that that goes away when that person is no longer there.
Mr.
Howard stated that Planning and Zoning Commissioner Laubhan had discussed
conditional uses during their meeting.
Commissioner Meyer commented that this had been looked at thoroughly by
the Planning and Zoning Commission and we do not do spot zoning. Commissioner Meyer added that they could
continue with the accounting business, but they could not change that or add
on. Mr. Howard explained that they speak
of conditional use in the deed, but they could look at it and ask why it was
zoned commercial and there be a car lot put in.
Mr. Howard explained that there were others in town that we did not know
what happened, such as the upholstery shop on Stout Street. Planning Commissioner Eric Nystrom stated
that things change and are forgotten.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the Davis’ could sell the business but
not the building and the new owners stay this way. Mr. Howard stated that they wanted to split
the property and sell the business.
Commissioner Skaggs asked if they could rent the building. Mr. Howard stated that there were no
restrictions to rent the building, but we could not split the lot. Commissioner Skaggs questioned what happened
if the accounting business leaves and leases to anyone or another accounting
firm. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the zoning
stays the same if it was sold, but we cannot split the property.
Mayor
Taylor questioned what they need to do if the Commission wanted to take no
action and accept the ruling from the Planning and Zoning Committee. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it could just be
by consensus. Commissioner Meyer
questioned if the true appeal was to consider splitting the lot. Mr. Howard commented that it was to have the
zoning changed. Mayor Taylor stated that
we would have to take that action tonight.
Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he did not want to get into spot
zoning. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the
buyers of the accounting business and the Davis’ could arrange something
satisfactory by contract. Mr. Howard
clarified that this had nothing to do with the business and it was the zoning
and the avenue of trying to help. Mr.
Howard added that the Planning Commission made the right decision because it
did not go with the zoning principles.
Commissioner Kumberg stated that this was a bad situation, but he agreed
with the Planning Commission’s decision and questioned who we were to impose on
the neighbors down the road.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that he could relate to the Davis’ and
feels sorry for this dilemma, but he made a motion to deny their appeal. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO ACCEPT THE LOW
BID FOR ONE 750 KVA PADMOUNT TRANSFORMER:
Mr.
Howard stated that this transformer would be for the motel being built and we
had done the same with this one as we had the other, which was that we would
provide the service to the transformer.
Mr. Howard added that all the hotels had required the same
transformer. Mr. Howard stated that we
had sent out three bids and received three back. Mr. Howard explained that Stanion Wholesale
Electric was the low bid at $12,800 plus sales tax.
Mr.
Howard stated that the recommendation was to accept the low bid from Stanion
Wholesale Electric for $12,800 plus sales tax and a ten to twelve week lead
time. Commissioner Meyer made a motion
to accept the low bid from Stanion Wholesale Electric for one 750 KVA Padmount
transformer for $12,800 plus tax. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH
ERIC & VIRGINIA NYSTROM ON THE PURCHASE OF LOTS TWO & FIVE IN THE SANDY
CREEK ADDITION:
City
Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this contract provided for a cash deal with
the Nystrom’s to buy Lot 2 and Lot 5 in the Sandy Creek Addition. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it provided the
purchase price of each lot and all specials; therefore, there would be no
future assessment of this property. Mr.
Van Blaricum commented that, if approved, the contract would need to be signed
as would the deed by the Mayor and we were done. Mayor Taylor questioned if construction could
start. Mr. Nystrom stated that it
could.
Mr.
Nystrom stated that any contractor could walk in here and do this with the same
amount of money. Mr. Howard commented
that outright purchases included the specials.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would raise the price of a lot due
to demand. Mr. Howard stated that that
was not his thought, but it could be a possibility. Mayor Taylor stated that this was like
Prairie Parkway Business Park where we set the value of the land at a going
rate for the cost per acre to buy the land.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that he had known of private developments
that raise prices as the numbers decrease.
Mr. Howard explained that we could do that, but it was not how we
approached the cost of the lots. Mayor
Taylor stated that he chose to keep it that way since we would benefit over
time as we sell off the lots due to utilities and taxes. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that we should
leave the prices the same for this block and raise prices for another block if
the demand picks up. Mayor Taylor
commented that lots could be more expensive in phase two and the specials could
be more expensive.
Commissioner
Hlavachick made a motion to approve the agreement with the Nystrom’s as
conveyed to the Commission in this agreement.
Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A QUITCLAIM DEED
TO ERIC & VIRGINIA NYSTROM FOR LOTS TWO & FIVE IN THE SANDY CREEK
ADDITION:
Mr. Van
Blaricum stated that this was the deed that went along with the agreement for
the Nystrom’s. Commissioner Hlavachick
made a motion to approve the deed to Eric and Virginia Nystrom for Lots 2 and 5
in the Sandy Creek Addition. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2014 E-ONE
‘DEMONSTRATOR’ ENGINE:
Fire
Chief David Kramer commented to the Commission that he had made them aware of
the situation with the fire trucks and wanting to cycle out the 1978 Seagrave
Pumper. Chief Kramer stated that they
were having issues with the air system and it not being able to build enough
pressure to get it out the door, along with the engine not running at a high
enough rpm to pass the pump test as well as the water tank continuing to
degrade.
Chief
Kramer stated that he had been made aware of a demonstrator truck by Wies Fire
and Safety. Chief Kramer explained that
demos were built as a stock truck designed to go out in the country to let
departments see what was available.
Chief Kramer stated that this one was new with very few miles on it and
was currently being shown at a show in New Mexico. Chief Kramer stated that a truck like this
one was about $396,000 off the line, but the demonstrator was priced at $362,500. Chief Kramer added that a truck similar to
this one, built to our specifications, would be about $415,000. Chief Kramer stated that there would be a few
things that they would need to add to get the truck to NFPA standards, such as
ladders, nozzles, scene lights and a foam and chain system. Chief Kramer estimated that that would cost
about $36,799 and the total cost for both the truck and equipment would be
under $400,000.
Chief
Kramer explained that these trucks were out there and anybody could buy them
and they could be held by agreement or purchase order. Chief Kramer added that this was a good
opportunity since the E-One Company would be doing a 4% increase in the cost of
a truck in November. Chief Kramer
commented that this was good savings for the City and a good opportunity to
expedite their needs to cycle out Engine 6.
Chief Kramer explained that they were also having some issues with
Engine 1 that would require it to be sent to the shop, but they have no back-up
so the repairs could not be done. Chief
Kramer added that they had also had a fire in the pump compartment on Engine 1
when they were at the spill on First Street a few weeks ago, but they had that
isolated and had ideas for the repairs.
Chief Kramer stated that he was seeking their thoughts and possible
approval to move forward.
Commissioner
Kumberg questioned how much had been budgeted for this. Finance Director Garten stated that they were
setting aside the one mill until the time to purchase and that was at the
$40,000 mark. Ms. Garten commented that
they had saved up about $140,000 over the last couple of years as a down
payment. Commissioner Kumberg asked if
they had checked at the local banks about financing. Ms. Garten stated that she had talked to them
about a lease/purchase and it was at about 2 ½% to 3%, which would take up most
of the one mill. Ms. Garten stated that
her suggestion would be to go out for bid to all three local banks.
Commissioner
Kumberg questioned if this truck and the additions would last the fire department
ten years. Chief Kramer stated that it
would and they had had a lot of conversation about that. Chief Kramer added that they did not feel
like they were ‘settling’. Chief Kramer
explained that they figure on a truck lasting twenty to twenty-five years. Commissioner Kumberg stated that we needed to
be good stewards with this amount of money and he wanted to make sure that this
was exactly what they needed to make it last.
Mayor Taylor commented that it was mentioned in the memo about
purchasing a ladder truck also but, if we purchase this one, it would be ten to
twelve years before we purchase another one.
Mayor Taylor stated that he did not think that we could do two and
questioned if we should look at a ladder truck that would fit both needs and
not put off that purchase for ten or twelve years. Chief Kramer stated that the engine had to be
their first priority because it did the daily stuff and a new ladder truck was
around $1 million. Mayor Taylor stated
that it was the firemen’s choice.
Commissioner
Skaggs questioned if they were not jointly using the County ladder truck. Mayor Taylor asked if they were comfortable
with that. Mayor Taylor added that a
ladder truck could be utilized at other fires and truck purchases come about
every ten years. Commissioner Hlavachick
questioned if it had to be either/or since both would be about $600,000. Commissioner Kumberg stated that that would
double the mill levy. Chief Kramer
stated that that option was thrown in because of this opportunity to save
money. Chief Kramer explained that the
County and City had different tactical approaches, but there were tactical
advantages with a ladder truck. Chief
Kramer commented that he had visited with one finance person for fire trucks
and they do handle these types of purchases.
Chief Kramer explained that they put them under one umbrella and have
the cheaper one get paid off first.
Chief Kramer stated that he did not know what the possibilities would be
with a local bank. Chief Kramer
explained that they would explore more if that was what needed to be done, but
this was a time crunch deal.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned another demonstrator coming
available. Chief Kramer stated that you
were at the mercy of what they had available and the stocked demo units had
been reduced due to trucks not selling in the past. Chief Kramer explained that there was a 270
to 285 day waiting period to have one built to your specifications.
Commissioner
Kumberg stated that he agreed with Mayor Taylor and questioned if we could get
a ladder truck for under $400,000 and which one would service us better. Commissioner Meyer commented that he was
uncomfortable buying it sight unseen.
Chief Kramer stated that we would have the option to look at it, but it
does cost the dealer to bring it here. Commissioner
Meyer stated that there was a ladder truck sitting not that far away and
questioned if they could share services with that vehicle. Commissioner Meyer commented that he realized
that there were issues with two departments doing different things, but this
could be an opportunity to develop shared services. Commissioner Meyer added that he agreed that
we need one that is reliable to do the day to day operations. Chief Kramer commented that this was not a
top of the line truck and there were day to day needs. Commissioner Meyer questioned if they would
hold back funds in reserve for equipment or borrow all of it. Ms. Garten stated that $400,000 included the
equipment at $40,000. Ms. Garten
explained that they could borrow $300,000 over ten years at $30,000 to $40,000
payments. Commissioner Kumberg
questioned the option of increasing the mill to cover that if we deplete those
funds and something happened.
Commissioner Kumberg stated that it was far more important to get equipment
that was functional. Commissioner
Hlavachick stated that we should get a ladder truck for $400,000 if we were
looking at the opportunity. Mr. Howard
stated that the County wanted to get together for a joint meeting and we could
discuss this.
Commissioner
Skaggs questioned why some of the equipment off of Engine 6 could not be used
on the new engine instead of spending $40,000.
Chief Kramer explained that a lot of that equipment was not new and the
5” hose was fourteen years old and they have a service life. Chief Kramer commented that he could arrange
with the County to get their ladder truck there quicker, but he had been told
that their insurance would not allow us to get on it. Mayor Taylor questioned if they would call
them if there was a fire call in the City.
Chief Kramer stated that they would be forced to do that, but you had to
remember that they approach things different, such as time and distance.
Commissioner
Skaggs stated that that could be discussed at the City/County meeting and we
were discussing a new pumper and he felt that we could not afford two
vehicles. Chief Kramer stated that the
priority had to be an engine even though structures like the Parrish would
cause tactical difficulties. Chief
Kramer added that they had things arranged for training and they would deal
with it. Commissioner Kumberg commented
that the priority was the pumper and an equitable agreement with the City and
County would be the best of both worlds.
Commissioner
Kumberg questioned if there would be a decision on the purchase before we had
financing available. Ms. Garten stated
that it could be contingent on getting the financing. Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to
purchase a 2014 E-One engine for $363,000 contingent on financing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Meyer. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if
the City Manager was okay with this. Mr.
Howard stated that he was and added that their newest truck was 13 years
old. Mr. Howard explained that the City
was changing and growing and the Commission had financed other departments in
the past. Mr. Howard commented that he
hoped that the purchase was what they needed, because it would be sometime
before there was another purchase.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the company would hold the truck while
the Commission made a decision or if it could be sold. Chief Kramer stated that he had talked to
them on Friday and it was not sold yet and the representative was going to call
him if something came up. Commissioner
Kumberg commended the fire department for doing what they did to increase their
capital budget fund and that was what the Commission had asked of them. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he wanted
it on record that he would vote yes on this motion, but he thought they were
making a mistake not looking at a ladder truck.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that they had to be able to pump the water
and get to the fire. A vote on the
motion and second passed unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA:
No one
in the audience wished to address the Commission.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
·
Joint Meeting:
City
Manager Howard stated that the County had requested a joint meeting on the 20th
of October at 11:00 a.m.; therefore, the meeting tonight should be recessed
until then and not adjourned.
·
Car wash:
Mr.
Howard informed the Commission that Bob Blasi had torn down the old car wash
and would be starting the new addition.
·
Motel sewer line:
Mr.
Howard stated that Water Superintendent Kelvin Clay had been working on the
sewer line to the motel and it was a pretty aggressive schedule. Mr. Howard commented that he was going to do
the first two manholes to get away from the hotel. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we were
going to do that work all in-house. Mr.
Howard stated that we were and it should be done by Thanksgiving. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they went
with an 8” line. Mr. Howard commented
that he thought it was a 10” line but he was not sure. Commissioner Meyer questioned if a restaurant
or business would have to build up the elevation. Mr. Howard stated that they would and it
would be in the southeast corner. Mr.
Howard explained that they had taken the sewer line farther east and they would
drain that corner where the water stands after the sewer line was put in.
·
Morgan Diesel:
Mr.
Howard informed the Commission that Morgan Diesel would be expanding their
business.
Public Works:
·
Airport Water Tower:
Public
Works Director Rambat stated that the contractors had started working on
painting the water tower at the airport.
Mr. Rambat explained that Water Superintendent Clay had the well set to
run all the time to keep the pressure up.
Mr. Rambat added that the interior was almost all sandblasted and the
cure time on the paint was around a week and a half.
·
Train wheels:
Mr.
Rambat stated that he had been to Wichita to purchase two wheels for the Pilot
Club train so that they could get the second car put together before Halloween.
·
More curb work:
Mr.
Rambat commented that he had some money left over from his ¼ cent sales tax and
he was doing more curbs and ADA ramps in residential areas.
·
Theft at Lemon Park:
City
Attorney Van Blaricum reminded the Commission that there had been a theft of
cables and extension cords for the Christmas lights at Lemon Park several
months ago. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that
one person had been convicted and sentenced to a prison term and would be serving
100 hours of community service to rebuild cables for Lemon Park. Mr. Van Blaricum added that it would not be
full restitution. Commissioner Skaggs
asked if he had been an adult. Mr. Van
Blaricum stated that he was and he was not telling who the others were that
took those things. Mr. Van Blaricum
commented that it was assumed that they sold the copper for scrap.
Recreation:
·
College rodeo:
Recreation
Director Pinkall stated that there was a very strong turnout at the college
rodeo this last weekend. Mr. Pinkall
commented that a lot of City departments were involved and the motels were full
and the restaurants and convenience stores were busy.
·
Municipal Building kitchen:
Mr.
Pinkall informed the Commission that they were finished painting the kitchen,
but were still working on some things.
Mayor Taylor stated that Youth for Christ had used it and it worked out
well. Mayor Taylor added that the ladies
might have some suggestions, but they were all excited about the new look and
openness. Mayor Taylor stated that he
did hear that they would like a hand washing sink. Mr. Pinkall stated that it was ordered, but
the cabinet had not come in yet.
·
Youth activities:
Mr.
Pinkall stated that they were busy with youth activities and they had moved to
the Sports Complex. Mr. Pinkall added
that that had worked out well and was more enjoyable. Commissioner Meyer commented that he had been
there on Saturday and they were very appreciative of having the events at the
Sports Complex. Mr. Pinkall stated that
they would keep using the Complex more and more, but the one drawback was that the
Carl Carlson soccer field was at the other park. Mr. Pinkall commented that they may call it
the Carl Carlson Soccer League to keep him in our thoughts and keep that
history.
·
Tennis Tournament:
Mr.
Pinkall informed the Commission that the high school regional tennis tournament
would be Friday and Saturday and they had requested to use the Scout Cabin, but
would not be closing any street.
Power Plant:
·
Turbine overhaul:
Power
Plant Superintendent Smith stated that they had started the turbine overhaul
and the equipment had started to arrive last week. Mr. Smith commented that the new boiler feed
pump had been installed. Mr. Smith
pointed out that the company with the lowest bid was run by all women. Mr. Smith stated that they were nice people
and they had three working on the piping equipment and two working on the
turbine. Mr. Smith added that they were
doing primary readings and measurements today and, although they had forty-five
days, they thought they could be done in thirty.
·
LKM recognition:
Mr.
Smith stated that he would be attending a LKM dinner next Monday and they would
be recognizing him for his forty-five years of service with the City. The Commission commended him on that honor.
Police Dept.:
·
Body worn camera:
Police
Chief Myers commented that law enforcement were under scrutiny since the
Ferguson, Missouri incident. Chief Myers
stated that some states were making body worn cameras mandatory and the City of
Wichita would be buying 250 cameras for their officers. Chief Myers informed the Commission that the
US Justice Department was looking into this and he felt that it was only a
matter of time before it would be a mandate.
Chief
Myers commented that he was looking at what expense the cameras would be for
Pratt and his evaluation would be to make a recommendation to purchase the
cameras with forfeiture funds at around $5,000.
Chief Myers explained that the cameras run from $400 to $1,000 and the
ones that were around $900 were very effective.
Mayor Taylor questioned if they were switchable between officers. Chief Myers stated that they would have three
for the officers on duty and would have a couple of others on hand. City Manager Howard stated that he would not
recommend jumping the gun on this and wait to see what was decided.
·
Seba trial:
Chief
Myers stated that the Seba murder trial had been last week and the Assistant
Attorney General Vic Braden had told him that each and every officer involved
in the case, and had given testimony, did an excellent job. Chief Myers added that he had to have good
people to get a comment like that from the Assistant Attorney General.
·
Sales tax:
Finance
Director Garten stated that sales tax was up $70,000 from last year.
·
Tent revival:
City
Clerk Kramer reminded the Commission that the Big Tent Revival was next week in
Centennial Park and they would begin setting up on Wednesday and then take it
down on Sunday.
Mayor and Commission:
·
Gate at Lemon Park:
Mayor
Taylor stated that Mr. Ron Miller had asked him to see if we could change the
gate from where it was or take it down so that it would not be locked. Mr. Rambat commented that they could take it
down and put it to the side and it should not be an issue.
·
State budget outlook:
Commissioner
Kumberg stated that he had attended the event at the college where Mr. Duane Goossen presented a look at
the State budget. Commissioner Kumberg
commented that he had a fantastic point of view.
·
Visit to Skyline:
Commissioner
Kumberg commented that Mayor Taylor and he had gone to Skyline School to talk
about City government to the third graders.
Mayor Taylor added that County Commissioner Borho and County Counselor
Schmisseur had also been there. Mayor
Taylor stated that there had been a gentleman traveling across the State trying
to get young kids to volunteer more.
·
406 N. Oak:
Commissioner
Skaggs asked if we had gotten a response from 406 North Oak. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we had not. Mr. Howard commented that he thought they had
started cleaning it up. Commissioner
Skaggs stated that the front porch looked the same.
·
Tractor Supply:
Commissioner
Meyer questioned if Tractor Supply was open yet. Mr. Howard stated that it was opening on the
10th for invited guests and 11th for the public.
·
6th Street diamond:
Commissioner
Meyer stated that the improvements to the Sixth Street diamond were great and
it looked like it had new life.
Commissioner Meyer added that he appreciated the use of Green Sports
Complex for the youth and that the sidewalk was nice. Mr. Pinkall stated that the sidewalk project
should finish up next week.
RECESS:
Upon proper
motion, the meeting recessed until Monday, October 20th at 11:00
a.m. at City Hall for the City/County joint meeting.
_________________________________
JEFF
A. TAYLOR, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk