12/01/2014-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

December 01, 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

Ken Van Blaricum      City Attorney
Diana Garten               Finance Director
Gary Myers                  Police Chief    
Russell Rambat            Public Works Director
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.

Mayor Taylor reminded the audience and staff that this meeting was being recorded and/or taped.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Taylor led the staff and audience in the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES: 

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2014 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and passed unanimously.

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE PRATT AREA CONVENTION & VISITOR’S BUREAU BOARD:

Chamber Director Kim DeClue thanked the City for the help and assistance with the Christmas in the Park.  Ms. DeClue stated that the terms for Ms. Deb Goyen, Ms. Lisa Miller and Mr. Bruce Pinkall were up on the Pratt Area Convention and Visitor’s Board and she recommended the renewal of all three members.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Ms. Deb Goyen, Ms. Lisa Miller and Mr. Bruce Pinkall for another three year term on the Pratt Area Convention and Visitor’s Board.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED 2015 AGREEMENT WITH THE PRATT AREA HUMANE SOCIETY:

City Attorney Ken Van Blaricum informed the Commission that Ms. Pam Howell, representing the Pratt Area Humane Society, had contacted him with a couple of suggestions to the contract.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that there was a change to add that animals shall be in medically stable condition at the time of delivery under ‘Terms’ on page one paragraph 4.  Commissioner Skaggs asked what the process would be if the animal was not medically stable.  Chief Meyers stated that the animal would be taken to Dr. Clinton Skaggs and, under his professional judgment, would most likely be euthanized or treated.  Chief Myers added that the City was responsible for those expenses.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned what the definition of medically stable was.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the officer picking up the animal and the person receiving it at the Humane Society would have to make that determination.  City Manager Howard stated that it would follow the protocol of vicious animals.  Chief Meyers stated that the officers did not have the ability to make a decision regarding euthanizing, but that would be the veterinarian’s professional call. 

Mr. Howard stated that Ms. Howell was the president of the Pratt Area Humane Society and she was just cleaning up the contract from their prospective.  Chief Meyers reviewed the protocol of picking up an animal that was injured or unhealthy with the Commission.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if Dr. Howell would assess the animal if she were at the Humane Society.  Mr. Howard and Chief Myers stated that they felt she would.  Mr. Van Blaricum also noted a change on page two #9 to read ‘rabies vaccination’ rather than other vaccinations.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that Ms. Howell was not aware of any other vaccinations that were required. 

After little more discussion, Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the amended Pratt Area Humane Society agreement.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS:

Police Chief Myers stated that all the listed businesses had met the requirements and background checks.  Chief Myers recommended that the Commission approve the 2015 Cereal Malt Beverage applications for the businesses listed on his memo.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the Cereal Malt Beverages licenses for 2015.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion and the motion and second carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF PUBLIC POOL FILTER REPLACEMENTS:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the filter tanks at the pool were thirty years old and they had a few holes that had to be welded a couple of times last year.  Mr. Rambat added that they had made it through the summer, but needed to be replaced before next summer.  Mr. Rambat commented that there was a quote from United Industries in the packet and the filter tanks were budgeted for 2015 for $25,000.  Mr. Rambat stated that, due to the lead time, they needed to be ordered early so that they could be built and sent prior to the opening next summer. 

Commissioner Kumberg questioned what would be done with the old tanks.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would probably be scrapped and hopefully be sold to a scrap metal dealer.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned how often the sand was changed.  Mr. Rambat stated that it was two to three times in the life of a normal filter.  Mr. Howard added that the sand was backwashed so changing it was not needed too often. 

Commissioner Skaggs asked about the uniflex material.  Mr. Rambat explained that it was the coating system on the inside. 

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to accept the pool filter tank replacement proposal from United Industries Inc. of Sterling, Kansas for $22,281.84.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 PRATT CITY ATTORNEY AGREEMENT:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this contract was just an update of the Pratt City Attorney Agreement and the only change from last year’s were dates.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to accept the 2015 City Attorney Agreement.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 PRATT MUNICIPAL JUDGE AGREEMENT:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that there were minor modifications made last year to the Municipal Judge agreement, but dates were all that had been changed this year.  Mr. Van Blaricum recommended the approval of the agreement.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the Municipal Judge agreement as stated.  Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1414 AMENDING CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was the updated salary ordinance for 2015.  The following Ordinance 1414 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1309; CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the Ordinance 1414 as provided.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

·         Case dismissed:

Mr. Luca Matei stated that he had received a letter saying that his case had been dismissed and he wanted to know why it had not been dismissed last year.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that it was up to the City Attorney and he had opted to not dismiss it then.  Mr. Matei stated that he had a family in distress and wanted to know what to do.  Mayor Taylor stated that they should go to the Hope Center or SRS.  Mr. Matei stated that they could get food, but he could not continue to give them shelter and pay for heat.  Mr. Matei commented that Mr. Eisenhauer was not a fair judge when he convicted him. 

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·         Christmas in the park:

City Manager Howard stated that Christmas in the Park was well attended, but there were some traffic and parking issues.  Mr. Howard added that he had observed and analyzed the issues with Public Works Director Rambat and they would address those issues if done again next year.

Public Works:

·         Street Department:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the street department had crack filled areas on west Highway 54 and were cutting foliage in the ditches.

·         Wastewater Plant:

Mr. Rambat stated that the new plant was working well and making sludge.

·         Water Department:

Mr. Rambat stated that the water department had been keeping on top of leaks with the weather change.  Commissioner Skaggs asked about the leak on North Main.  Mr. Rambat stated that a cement company had hit a valve box and broke some of our new lines.  Mr. Rambat added that Water Superintendent Clay was billing the company for the expense.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned calling dig safe.  Mr. Rambat explained that sometimes the valve boxes were not marked.

Power Plant:

·         Overhaul update:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that the rudder was received today for the overhaul project.  Mr. Smith added that the boiler pump basin was set and was curing, so they were starting to come back together with the engine.  Mr. Smith commented that they had December 11^th as the target date.

Mayor and Commission:

·         Leak at 8^th & Pine:

Mayor Taylor questioned the leak by the Epp’s residence at 8^th Street and Pine Street.  Mr. Rambat stated that it had been worked on this weekend.

·         Lights:

Mayor Taylor asked about lights in certain areas in Lemon Park during the Christmas in the Park event.  Mr. Howard stated that we normally wait to see if the event continues every year and, if it was, then the guys would address those issues and assess what was needed. 

·         Commend everyone:

Commissioner Kumberg stated that he wanted to commend everyone who helped make the Christmas event happen.  Commissioner Kumberg added that it was fantastic that there were so many that attended.  Commissioner Hlavachick also commented that he thought that it was a wonderful event.

·         City Clerk’s granddaughter:

Commissioner Hlavachick asked that we all keep City Clerk Kramer and her granddaughter in our thoughts.

 

ADJOURN:

Upon proper motion, the meeting was adjourned.

____________________________________

JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor
 

ATTEST:

____________________________________
LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

12/15/14-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

DECEMBER 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 –          December 01, 2014 Regular Commission Meeting

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Consideration and Approval of the Remaining 2015 Cereal Malt Beverage Applications – Gary Myers, Police Chief

5.2          Consideration and Approval of Res. 121514 Providing for Uniform System of Fiscal Procedures, Accounting and Reporting for Municipalities– Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Diana Garten, Finance Director

5.3          Consideration and Approval of Ord. 1415 Amending Electrical Rates – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

5.4          Consideration and Approval of Ord. 1416 Amending Refuse Collection Rates – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

5.5          Consideration and Approval of Appointment to Pratt Area Economic Dev. Board – Pratt Area Economic Development Board

5.6          Consideration and Approval of KDOT Agreement #629-14 for the Fincham Street Improvements – Dave Howard, City Manager

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

11/17/14-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY
 
November 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
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
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.

Mayor Taylor reminded the audience and staff that this meeting was being recorded and/or taped.

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 November 03, 2014 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and passed unanimously.

BUSINESS:

PRESENTATION OF CITY EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS:

Mayor Taylor introduced the City employees that were receiving service awards for 2014.  Mayor Taylor commented that the employees of the City make the Commission’s job easy and, if we want something done, it gets done.  Mayor Taylor stated that the long term employees were appreciated.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF 2014 CMB LICENSE FOR 703 N. MAIN:

Police Chief Myers commented that this beer license was for the remainder of 2014 and they had met all the requirements of the City ordinance.  The owner of El Trancazo introduced herself to the Commission.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned what the name of the restaurant meant.  The owner stated that it meant ‘punch you’.  Chief Myers recommended the approval of the 2014 Cereal Malt Beverage license for El Trancazo.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the 2014 Cereal Malt Beverage license for El Trancazo.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF NEW EQUIPMENT FOR THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER AT THE LEC:

Asst. Police Chief Jeff Ward commented that the remodeling of the Pratt County jail included the dispatch area.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that they had been getting by since 1974 and this was a good opportunity to turn the area into a true dispatch center.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that they had asked for quotes from two companies in our area and Xybix Systems quoted $36,331.50 and Watson quoted $41,382.  Asst. Chief Ward explained that the furniture was custom made for the space available and the layout was the same for both companies.  Asst. Chief Ward commented that Dispatch Superintendent Lyda Kasselman had checked with other dispatch centers and they all thought that Xybix Systems was the better company.  Asst. Chief Ward added that the cost included the set-up.

Asst. Chief Ward stated that the furniture would house the computers and there would be electric conduit in the furniture so that there would not be a bunch of cords all around.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if this would include training.  Asst. Chief Ward commented that there should not be much of that.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if there would be two stations.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that there would be two primary and a secondary in case they needed a back-up.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the two would be separated by a divider.  Asst. Chief Ward explained that there would be a center rotating table so that they each had access to all of the items they might need, but the two primary stations would be identical. 

Commissioner Kumberg stated that he had spent a lot of time with these folks and they needed this.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they had the money set aside for this purchase.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that they would hold back any unused budgeted money from this year and the remainder would come from forfeiture funds.  Finance Director Garten added that this had been discussed during budget.  City Manager Howard commented that they needed the capability that the dual stations provide in case we had an emergency.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if this would be wheel chair assessable.  Asst. Chief Ward stated that it was.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if this fit into the County’s design.  Asst. Chief Ward commented that they were using the Sheriff’s office plans and it was site specific.

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the purchase of the new system of communication equipment furniture for the LEC from Xybix Systems for $36,331.50.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 111714 PERTAINING TO THE FIRE EQUIPMENT LEASE WITH THE 1^ST NATIONAL BANK:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this resolution went along with the lease purchase agreement with First National Bank for the fire equipment.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that this would satisfy the Internal Revenue code and was prepared by the bank.

The Resolution 111714 was then presented to the Commission for their approval.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve Resolution 111714 pertaining to the fire equipment lease with the First National Bank.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 AGREEMENT WITH THE PRATT AREA HUMANE SOCIETY:

 

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was very much the same format as the agreement from last year.  Mr. Van Blaricum reminded the Commission that there had been some modifications to it last year and he had not heard from the Humane Society that they wanted any other changes.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the 2015 Lease Agreement with the Humane Society as written.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if everything was going okay.  Police Chief Myers stated that it was.  The motion and second passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE AMERICAN LEGION:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that the Commission had finalized this agreement with the American Legion about this time last year and they were happy with this arrangement.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this was just an update of what we did last year.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they were maintaining their insurance.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they were.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve the lease agreement for 2015 with the American Legion.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this was the same arrangement as last year and it was satisfactory with the Senior Citizens.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the lease agreement with the Senior Citizens for the year 2015.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2015 AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that this agreement for Indigent Attorney Candace Lattin had been redone this past year and she was satisfied with the new contract.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that Ms. Lattin did a good job and takes on around 2,000 cases through Municipal Court.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that Ms. Lattin meets with each and every one of the cases even if it had to be in the jail.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that Ms. Lattin then meets with him and, if the client was not agreeable, they go to trial.  Mr. Van Blaricum recommended the approval of this agreement with Ms. Lattin and he added that she  did the indigent services for the County also.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if she receives a similar salary from the County.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that she did.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the 2015 public defender services agreement with Ms. Candace Lattin.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and it carried unanimously.

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·         S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference:

City Manager Howard stated that he had attended the S.P.I.R.I.T. Conference in Dalhart, Texas and there had been a lot of good information on Highway 54.

·         Executive Sessions:

City Manager Howard requested an executive session for non-elected personnel to last ten minutes and a second executive session for attorney/client privilege to last fifteen minutes to discuss economic development.  Mr. Howard commented that these could be done at the end of the meeting.

Public Works:

·         Snow removal:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that he had gotten a few guys out Sunday morning to work the snow.  Mayor Taylor commented that it sure helped down Main Street.  Commissioner Meyer questioned how parking worked on designated snow routes.  Mr. Rambat explained that an official emergency event had to be called by the City Manager and people were to move their vehicles.  Mr. Rambat commented that he hoped that people realize how it works if they live on a snow route but added that, if there was no emergency, we clear driving paths.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that a person should get off the street before the storm if they live on a snow route. 

Recreation Dept.:

·         Christmas dinner:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that they had set up the Christmas dinner for the employees for December 17^th at the Municipal Building.

·         Sidewalk update:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that they had quite a bit of the sidewalk done on Sixth Street.  Mr. Pinkall commented that some places were not deep enough, so he would be looking into that.

·         Music in the park:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that radio station 90.5 could be tuned in to hear the music in the park during the holiday.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there would be signs with that information.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he had four signs.

Power Plant:

·         Turbine update:

Power Plant Superintendent Smith stated that they were putting the turbine back together.  Mr. Smith explained that some parts had come in this weekend, but it was very time consuming.  Mr. Smith commented that they should have the turbine back to us by December 10^th if they stay on schedule.  Mr. Smith added that we would run it for about a week for a reliability test.  Mr. Smith stated that they had received the grout for the boiler feed pump and they would be doing that.  Mr. Smith commented that they had gotten a lot done, but there was a lot yet to do.

Police Department:

·         Body worn cameras:

Police Chief Meyers reminded the Commission that he had given them a report on the body worn cameras earlier, but Sgt. Ed Gimpel was here to update them further.  Sgt. Gimpel stated that there had been a lot of discussions on body worn cameras since the Ferguson, Missouri incident.  Sgt. Gimpel commented that the company that makes tasers also makes these cameras.  Sgt. Gimpel explained that there were cameras that were a body pack that attaches to the person or there were flex cameras that could be connected to most things.  Sgt. Gimpel stated that those cameras were around $500 apiece.

Sgt. Gimpel stated that he had located two cameras and one attached to the shirt or vest and had video tape and still photo capabilities.  Sgt. Gimpel added that those held restrictions in that, a six foot officer wearing one on his shoulder, would look over the person.  Sgt. Gimpel commented that a body camera goes with the operator and could be directly downloaded to the records system or sent to the cloud.  Sgt. Gimpel stated that these were a small investment that would protect the officers and give jurors want they needed to see. 

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we should let the dust settle after several hundred companies had gone out of business in a year or two.  Sgt. Gimpel stated that this was something we needed to look at and Taser Corporation had been around for years.  City Manager Howard recommended that this be an agenda item.  Mayor Taylor commented that the Commission was not ready to make any decision.  Sgt. Gimpel commented that he would put together a proper recommendation.

Utility Billing Department:

·         Unreasonable customer:

City Clerk Kramer and Finance Director Garten informed the Commission that they had dealt with a very unreasonable customer earlier in the day, but she was more upset about other issues rather than not getting her deposit refund check back.  Ms. Garten stated that she had tried to reason with her and let her know that we had to get a few signatures on her deposit refund check before she could pick it up, but she began yelling about other issues she was having with her landlord, etc.  Ms. Kramer commented that we were about ready to call the police to come over and they pulled up outside.  Ms. Kramer explained that a citizen from up the block had heard and seen her leave the City office and had called it in.  Ms. Kramer stated that an officer had stopped her outside of City Hall when she was leaving for the second time.  Ms. Kramer and Ms. Garten stated that they were glad that the officer came when he did and he had handled the situation very well.

Executive Session #1:

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

Mayor Taylor made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion was properly seconded and passed unanimously.

Executive Session #2:

Mayor Taylor made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss attorney/client privilege dealing with economic development to last twenty minutes.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

Mayor Taylor made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion was properly seconded and passed unanimously.

ADJOURN:

Upon proper motion the meeting was adjourned.

____________________________________

JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor 

 (SEAL)   

ATTEST:

_____________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk