03/02/15-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

March 02, 2015

 

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
Jamie Huber                  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. 

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 Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 16, 2015 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and passed unanimously.

BUSINESS: 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 030215 ALLOWING THE VERNON FILLEY ART MUSEUM TO SERVE FREE ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR: 

City Attorney Van Blaricum commented that this was what had been talked about at the last meeting and reminded the Commission that State law allows a charitable organization to serve free alcohol if it was approved by the local government.  Mr. Van Blaricum pointed out that this was a continuous resolution; however, the City could change their minds and dissolve it at any time.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if they had to come to the City Commission each time they were going to have one of these events.  Mr. Van Blaricum clarified that they do not, but they had to send in a copy of this resolution and the permit application every time.   

The following Resolution 030215 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  RESOLUTION ALLOWING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT CERTAIN CHARITABLE EVENTS AT THE VERNON FILLEY ART MUSEUM.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Resolution 030215 allowing the Vernon Filley Art Museum to serve free alcoholic liquor at times.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD: 

City Manager Howard stated that there was a letter of request from the Pratt Public Library Board on the reappointments of Mr. Bob Lee and Ms. Amy Schrag.  Mr. Howard added that this would be the second four year term for both Mr. Lee and Ms. Schrag.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the reappointments of Mr. Bob Lee and Ms. Amy Schrag to a second four year term on the Library Board.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF JAMIE HUBER REPLACING KELLY HEMPHILL AS THE ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER ON THE KMU BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 

City Manager Howard stated that Mr. Jamie Huber would be replacing Mr. Kelly Hemphill on the KMU Board of Directors.  Mr. Howard added that Mr. Hemphill was the alternate member until his retirement.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Jamie Huber on the KMU Board of Directors in place of Mr. Kelly Hemphill as the alternate member.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF CITY FUNDING FOR THE MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE PROJECT: 

City Manager Howard informed the Commission that KDOT had a bid opening for the Main Street Streetscape project and Bryant and Bryant Construction Inc. had the lowest bid of $1,259,299.23.  Mr. Howard added that the City share would be $308,000.  Mr. Howard stated that the City had never set a limit on what we were shooting for and this was about $60,000 more than we had anticipated.  Mr. Howard commented that Bryant and Bryant Construction had not been awarded the contract yet because KDOT was waiting for the City to obligate the funds.  Mayor Taylor clarified that they were waiting for us to give them the money.  Mr. Howard stated that we had to confirm our obligation before they would give the go ahead.  Recreation Director Pinkall commented that the grant was an 80/20 split between KDOT and the City.

After little more discussion, Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the bid from Bryant and Bryant Construction Inc. for $1,259,299.23 with the City share being $308,000.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg. 

Mr. Howard commented that Lindsborg had been awarded the same project as this and they started construction in January.  Mr. Howard stated that he had been up there for a meeting and returned later in the week with Mr. Pinkall.  Mr. Howard explained that Lindsborg did not have a State highway going through their downtown, but the pictures provided would give us an idea of what the project would look like in the middle of the construction.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he had received some of this information from Bryant and Bryant.

Mr. Pinkall stated that things had been sent to KDOT after the last task force meeting and they had closed the discussion.  Mr. Pinkall explained that the task force had met for three and a half months and had discussed things as a task force.  Mr. Pinkall commented that he had been contacted by Ms. Cindy Keller and they had discussed their thoughts about trees and amenities they had seen.  Mr. Pinkall added that the task force was not meeting at that point and KDOT already had our plans.  Mr. Pinkall explained that there would be a merchants meeting to talk about what works for them if the City got the grant.  Mr. Pinkall stated that that meeting was set for Tuesday, March 10^th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. 

Mr. Pinkall showed the Lindsborg pictures on power point and stated that their project was about four blocks long.  Mr. Pinkall pointed out that the depth of their sidewalks was similar to ours and we would also be pro-active with signage.  Mr. Pinkall commented that they had left a 4’ sidewalk for accessibility to the businesses when they tore out the sidewalks.  Mr. Fred Sullivan questioned if we would be doing any curb and gutter work.  Public Works Director Rambat explained that we would on ADA ramps and if something gets damaged.  Mr. Sullivan asked if Park Superintendent Eckhoff would be helping with the trees.  Mr. Pinkall stated that Mr. Eckhoff was involved with our task force.  Mr. Pinkall explained that the goal was to share this with the business people and possibly make a trip to Lindsborg and visit with their City Manager.   

Mr. Pinkall explained that the bid was let on February 18^th with a start date in April.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would have the same company and same crew as Lindsborg.  Mr. Howard stated that we would not know until they were awarded the contract.  Mr. Howard added that the pre-construction meeting would lay that out. 

Mr. Blake Himmelwright questioned how many trees there were per block in the design.  Mr. Pinkall stated that there were three trees per block with two on one side of the block and one on the other and alternating blocks.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that he felt that was inadequate and that he was speaking for others that were in attendance.  Mr. Himmelwright commented that shoppers wanted more trees and, although he realized that he was a little late to the game, he asked that more trees be considered.  Mr. Pinkall stated that there was not a point of not considering it, but EBH had done what we wanted and we would have only gotten two blocks with the addition of more trees.  Mr. Pinkall explained that we had to spread what we had in two blocks to four blocks.  Mr. Howard commented that it was close to 50/50 on trees being the focal point of the issue.  

Commissioner Skaggs commented that change orders could be expensive.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he assumed they would be.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that he could get help with the trees.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would plant them if someone bought them.  EBH Engineer Alan Luttrell stated that Bryant and Bryant Construction would do what we wanted, but KDOT would fund the project within a certain range and we would pick up the difference.  Mr. Luttrell added that KDOT wants to do four blocks and we need to see that get done.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that he knew that there were rules we had to follow, but questioned if there would be a rebidding process since the engineering had been done.  Mr. Howard stated that KDOT would do the amendments and we would be responsible for the costs.

Commissioner Kumberg questioned how many trees the group was talking about.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that it would be six per side or twelve per block.  Mr. Himmelwright elaborated by stating that we had a huge problem with deferred store fronts and the trees would cover that up.  Mr. Sullivan commented that we should think about the cost of maintenance on those trees over the next fifty years.  Mr. Howard stated that we had a summer person hired that maintains the planters and trees and we had anticipated continuing that.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that the buildings change occupants and they may not want to take care of the trees so this was not a black and white decision.  Commissioner Skaggs continued stating that this was a compromise that had already been reached.  Mr. Howard stated that he knew what was in the plans and retail merchants did not want trees blocking their store fronts.  Mr. Howard explained that we were not only dealing with businesses but store owners.   

Mr. Sullivan questioned where the cactus in front of Simply Southwest fits into the plan or drilling holes for flags.    Mr. Howard stated that we were not dealing with the State on the sidewalks, but there was an ordinance dealing with someone interfering with people using the sidewalk.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that the cactus came about because the tree died.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that the point was the image of this town and the lack of trees such as nothing by the high school and zero scaping by Blythe Fitness Center.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he would like to see more trees, but not twelve.  Building Inspector Blankenship commented that there were going to be planters in between along with benches and trash receptacles.   

Mr. Howard stated that they should come to the meeting and talk to the task force.  Mr. Pinkall agreed and stated that they were the ones that came up with that number.  Mr. Howard commented that the position the City had was whether they were the right kind of trees.  Mr. Himmelwright stated that there were great trees that could be manageable.  Mr. Howard commented that the other thought had been to place them between the buildings and not in front.  Mr. Howard added that 70% of the discussion had been about trees.

Mr. Sullivan asked if the State owns the sidewalk by the Art Museum.  Mr. Howard clarified that KDOT had to be the one to approve that so that it would not interfere with traffic.  Mr. Howard stated that Highway 281 was not the City’s, but the side streets were.  Mayor Taylor stated that the project was set and he personally did not care for the trees.  Mayor Taylor commented that, in his opinion, trees should be in the park and not downtown.  Mr. Howard stated that the City wanted to do what everybody else wants to do.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if the artist’s rendering would be at the meeting on the 10^th.  Mr. Howard stated that they would do a review of the whole project. 

Mr. Pinkall pointed out that the approximate cost to get a tree in the ground with the root barrier would be around $2,700 per tree.  Mr. Sullivan calculated that it would cost about an additional $108,000 for thirty-six more trees.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if we had budgeted for that.  Finance Director Garten explained that we had budgeted 20% of $1.2 million and had talked about using Travel and Tourism funds.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that this could be discussed more on the 10^th, but he thought that more trees were beneficial for shoppers. 

With no further discussion, the motion and second to approve the bid from Bryant and Bryant Construction Inc. for $1,259,299.23 with the City share being $308,000 passed unanimously. 

OPEN AGENDA: 

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission. 

REPORTS: 

City Manager:

 

·        Tornado sirens:

City Manager Howard stated that we had rearranged the tornado sirens and there would be a weekly practice until October; however, there would be a State wide test tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.  Mayor Taylor questioned if it was still the policy to forego testing them if the weather was stormy.  Mr. Howard stated that it was.

·        Well Monitoring:

Mr. Howard explained that there was a letter from CGP concerning the well monitoring that had been requested by KDHE.  Mr. Howard stated that KDHE recommended that we utilize that well as little as possible.  Mr. Howard added that we operate it to keep the pump running, but it would be going to the bottom of the list.  Commissioner Kumberg asked if the contamination was where the station used to be.  Mr. Howard commented that it was from that area.

Mr. Howard stated that they had put strippers in the ground water and that should help get rid of the contamination, but it was a five year project.  Mr. Howard commented that we were not hurting for well capacity and it would not affect our system.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if we would have to abandon the well at some point.  Mr. Howard stated that that might happen if this did not solve the problem.  Commissioner Kumberg asked if this would cost us money.  Mr. Howard stated that it was a State project, so they would pay for it.

Public Works: 

·        Open up 4^th Street: 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the water department had the 8” line installed to the alley on Fourth Street.  Mr. Rambat explained that they were letting the patch cure in and then would put the bricks back, so they should finish up in the next couple of days and would be able to open up Fourth Street.

·        First Southern Baptist Church: 

Mr. Rambat commented that they were making a tap for a bigger fire line at the First Southern Baptist Church on Highway 61 and Maple Street. 

·        Weekend snow:

Mr. Rambat stated that the street guys had spread sand this weekend since the snow was not enough to pull the plows out. 

Electric Departments: 

·        Vibration unit:

Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that the power plant had been finishing up loose ends on the vibration unit.

·        Line Maintenance: 

Mr. Huber stated that the line distribution guys had been doing line maintenance and replacing a rash of light poles that had been hit.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if we charge for that.  Mr. Huber stated that we do. 

Recreation Department: 

·        Mailbox at Dillon’s:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that he had met with the post office again concerning the mailbox at Dillon’s.  Mr. Pinkall commented that they had done a thirty day survey on the Dillon’s mailbox and sent it to the regional headquarters.  Mr. Pinkall explained that the current location of the mailbox would probably stay where it was, but they would decide on whether we needed another location for another one.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that that would not keep cars from backing up onto Howard Street and questioned if Dillon’s had responded to us yet.  Mr. Howard stated that it should help to take out the post office traffic and that there had never been any complaints until the mailbox was put in.

Mayor and Commission: 

·        Fire Truck dedication:

Commissioner Meyer stated that he had attended the new fire truck dedication on Sunday along with Commissioner Kumberg.  Commissioner Meyer commented that it was a really nice event.  Commissioner Meyer questioned where we were at on the roof of that building.  Mr. Blankenship stated that Asst. Fire Chief Stevens had fixed the leak and they had not noticed any others. 

·        Trash tonnage adjustment: 

Commissioner Meyer questioned where we were at on the tonnage after we got the refund from the County and were going to make adjustments.  Mr. Howard stated that we had made the adjustments to our tonnage and they had also formed a board that he and Mr. Rambat would be on.  Mr. Howard added that he did not know what the County was doing, but that could be discussed at the next joint meeting.

·        Ladder truck:

 

Commissioner Meyer commented that we did not want to drop the mutual aid agreement concerning the ladder truck the County has. 

·        Farmer’s Market: 

Commissioner Meyer asked about striping the Farmer’s Market and if we were going to do that.  Mr. Howard stated that that was private property.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he had thought that that was our property when he brought that up and Mr. Bowe was donating the property. 

·        Parking at Blades:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the parking situation at Blades had been resolved.  Mr. Rambat stated that he had installed the signs and they were delighted.

·        Municipal Building architect:

Commissioner Skaggs asked where we were with an architect for the Municipal Building.  Mr. Howard stated that he had talked to one but had not talked to any others.

Open Agenda cont.:

·        Dumpster divers:

 

Mr. Fred Sullivan commented that he owns a couple of businesses on Main Street and there were people creeping around the buildings going through dumpsters.  Mr. Sullivan questioned if trash became the property of the City if it was in their dumpsters.  Mr. Howard stated that there was a 1973 Supreme Court case that stated that it was public if it was in a receptacle.  Mr. Howard added that it was a common occurrence around here.  Mr. Sullivan commented that it could be midnight when people were creeping around and crawling out of dumpsters.  Mayor Taylor stated that he has had people throw tires in someone else’s dumpster and drive off when he tried to stop them.  Mayor Taylor asked what we should do then, because sanitation takes them out and sets them up against his building.  Mr. Howard stated that there was an ordinance against that if they get caught.

ADJOURN:

A motion by Commissioner Skaggs to adjourn was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg.  The motion and second passed unanimously.

___________________________

JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

ATTEST:
___________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

03/16/2015-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

MARCH 16, 2015 

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 –          March 02, 2015 Regular Commission Meeting

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Consideration and Approval of the Appointment of Tim Barker to the Airport Authority Board – Dave Howard, City Manager    (3 year term)

5.2          Consideration and Approval of the Re-appointments to the Building Board – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector               (3 year term)

5.3          Consideration and Approval of Site Location for a Communication Tower for Horvath Towers – 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

 

02/16/2015-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

February 16, 2015 

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
Jamie Huber                 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. 

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 February 02, 2015 recessed Commission meeting and the February 02, 2015 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and passed unanimously. 

BUSINESS: 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL FOR THE VERNON FILLEY ART MUSEUM TO SERVE FREE ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR: 

Mr. Stan Reimer stated that he wanted to thank the Commission for their past support for the arts and their future support.  Mr. Reimer commented that the arts, wine and cheese all go together and most of their events do not require a permit; however, there was one part that needed the Commission’s approval.  Mr. Reimer explained that a non-licensed non-profit organization could serve alcoholic beverages if it were approved by the local government.  Mr. Reimer stated that they would be having events where they would be giving away alcoholic drinks from time to time.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they do this at each event.  Mr. Reimer stated that they do not do it at all their events.   

Mayor Taylor commented that the college had these types of events and they had them at the Fair Grounds.  Mr. Reimer stated that he had talked to ABC and there were several categories on this, so he would be checking with them each time.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this approval would be good for a year at a time.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that an approval of the general concept would meet the requirements and give continuous agreement.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that they would need to send in the request ten days prior to an event.  Mayor Taylor clarified that Mr. Reimer would not have to come back here.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that that was correct and the State’s concern was whether they would turn into an open saloon or just a quarterly event for the arts.   

Commissioner Meyer voiced his concern that the form states that the local Governing Body must approve the event by ordinance or resolution and that being attached to their form.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the State had more important fish to fry and their continuing attitude would be that they were good to have these events.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the concept of the Vernon Filley Art Museum to serve free alcohol during events they sponsor at their site.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick.  Commissioner Skaggs clarified that this was on-going and not done each time.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the Clerk could send them an excerpt of minutes and they could use that.  City Manager Howard commented that it would not be on the form that the Commission approved an ordinance or resolution approving the concept if that was not what they wanted.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he could do a resolution and have it on the next agenda.   

After little discussion, Commissioner Meyer and Commissioner Hlavachick withdrew their motions until the City Attorney had a resolution or ordinance to approve at the next meeting.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH CENTRAL WIRELESS INC.: 

City Manager Howard explained that this lease was basically the same lease that had been approved in 1999.  Mr. Howard stated that South Central Wireless had already built the tower and the rate had gone up to $7,800 a year.  Mr. Howard added that this lease had expired last May.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would maintain a road to get to it.  Mr. Howard commented that we would give them the access to the drive that was already back there.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if a $500,000 insurance policy was adequate.  Mr. Howard stated that he had sent the new contract to them to review, so he assumed that they were okay with it, but he had not asked about that.  

 

Commissioner Meyer questioned if this was the going rate.  Mr. Howard stated that he had used the amount used for the tower by the fire department.  Mr. Howard added that he was trying to be fair with the amount of land that South Central Telecom was leasing and this price was fair.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the lease agreement with South Central Wireless Inc.  Commissioner Kumberg seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. 

DISCUSSION ON LEGISLATURES MOVING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS TO THE FALL OF EVEN NUMBERED YEARS: 

Recognizing school representatives in the audience, Commissioner Skaggs commented that local school boards were to be non-political and hold elections the fall of a general election.  Skyline School Superintendent Mike Sanders stated that they had passed a similar resolution not supporting moving elections and added that USD 382 had done the same.   Mr. Sanders added that there had been over one hundred districts that had already approved this resolution.  Mr. Sanders commented that local elections get lost in all the politics and added that it would be a little awkward if new board members came on in January. 

Mayor Taylor stated that the partisanship did not bother him and he was listed to give testimony in favor of this.  Mayor Taylor commented that moving elections to the fall could save the County and City money and that money could be better spent somewhere else.  Mayor Taylor added that ten percent of voters come out for a Commission election and those that are opposed to an issue come out in force and those in favor do not come out unless a City election has a hot item on it.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if their term length would have to be changed to four years.  Mayor Taylor stated that Cities had the ability to make theirs every year. 

Pratt School Superintendent Suzan Patton stated that partisanship would require looking at money required to run a campaign, money from outside groups and adding political parties to the mix.  Ms. Patton commented that we were talking about servant leaders of the community and school board members that may start out on PTO or other groups that have helped them have confidence moving on to the school board.  Ms. Patton added that there was a different philosophy when you added that ‘R’ or ‘D’ on the ballot.  Ms. Patton stated that they did not want that partisanship.  Ms. Patton explained that their year runs from July 1 to June 30 and a newly elected board member would have to wait until January 1, which was their budget time.  

Ms. Patton stated that it does cost more money, but voting was a very important thing and school boards and City Commission get lost.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that that could happen with a multi-page ballot.  Commissioner Kumberg added that he agreed on the partisan issue and the issues with a new member coming on in the middle of a school term.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that finding someone to run in a town our size was complicated at times, but adding partisanship would make it more difficult.  Commissioner Meyer commented that he did not like it being tainted with party lines and this was like being a non-party form of government.  Commissioner Meyer added that $4,000 to conduct an election was very minor to the benefit of not having a party affiliation.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he felt the same way.  Commissioner Hlavachick added that, if we had partisanship, we would probably never have a democrat on the board, if you could find one to run.  

The following Resolution 021615 was then presented to the Commission for their approval: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, OPPOSING THE KANSAS STATE LEGISLATURE’S CONSIDERATION OF MAKING MUNCIPAL ELECTIONS PARTISAN AND MOVING TO THE FALL OF EVEN NUMBERED YEARS.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Resolution 021615 as presented.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion.  An audience member asked that the Resolution be read aloud.  Mayor Taylor read the Resolution.  After no more discussion, the motion and second to approve Resolution 021615 passed with four approved votes and one no vote from Mayor Taylor. 

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS:

City Manager: 

·        Movie Theatre: 

City Manager Howard stated that ED Board Member Curtis Nightingale had shown a gentleman around Pratt who could be interested in helping us get a movie theatre.  Mr. Howard commented that he had not gotten a report yet, but Mr. Nightingale thought it went as well as it could. 

·        County landfill:

Mr. Howard stated that Public Works Director Rambat and he had met with the County over the landfill.  Mr. Howard explained that the City and County true-up to the landfill at the end of every year and that was figured by tonnage.  Mr. Howard added that it was favorable to us for about $60,000; therefore, the tonnage was lowered to see if it would balance out this year.

City Attorney:

·        Landscape Ordinance: 

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that he would be working on the landscape ordinance with the Planning and Zoning Commission this Thursday at their regular meeting. 

Public Works:

 

·        New Tapping Sleeve: 

Public Works Director Rambat explained that they had broken out a square at Fourth Street and Main Street to install a new 8” tapping sleeve.  Mr. Rambat stated that this would go over to the new line on Jackson Street and would help meet the needs of the new Parrish Lofts.  Mr. Rambat commented that the boaring company would be in town Wednesday and then the street guys would put the street back together.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this would service the Parrish only.  Mr. Rambat stated that the plan was to valve the old line in the center going east and west, which would greatly improve fire service to the Parrish and also help that area of town.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they would have to pump water to the eighth floor.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would for their potable water.

Building Inspections:

·        Parrish Lofts: 

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he had done inspections through the fourth floor at the Parrish.  Mr. Blankenship explained that there were sixty square holes in there where old pipes had corroded, but they were about ready for the pour.  Mr. Blankenship commented that there had to be a 72 hour consistent temperature before that could be done.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were about 99% done with the dust making materials going into the bins and added that the third through the eighth floors were completely clean and the second floor was about done. 

Mr. Blankenship commented that there were a couple of structural issues that would have to go back to the engineer and, since we do not have an engineer, this was a guarantee from a third party.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were already framing on the eighth floor and moving pretty good.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they were going to take the Parrish signs down.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were going to put them back up, but now had second thoughts.  Commissioner Skaggs asked about the antennas being mounted on the east one for the portable ones.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they had abandoned that.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they would be moving the red bins once the demo was done. 

Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if they were going to change the Parrish name back to the original name of Roberts.  Mr. Howard stated that that would be the Historical Society’s decision.  Mayor Taylor added that everybody knows it as the Parrish.

 

·        Baptist Church: 

Mr. Blankenship stated that the Baptist Church was putting up the walls. 

Power Plant: 

·        Vibration System: 

Mr. Bryan Evans, Power Plant Operator, stated that they were working on getting the vibration system installed.  Mr. Evans added that they were catching on to the new technology. 

Police Department: 

·        Dispatch Center: 

Police Chief Myers stated that they had the dispatch center up and running and the trailer was gone.  Chief Myers commented that they were at full operations and working out well and had not had any major issues.  Chief Myers invited the Commission to come over for a tour.  Chief Myers stated that the jail was on its final leg and went together really well and the construction workers had gotten along well with everyone.  Chief Myers added that they would have an open house at a later date. 

Mayor and Commission: 

·        Executive Session: 

Mayor Taylor requested an executive session for thirty minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. 

·        Food Vendors: 

Commissioner Skaggs stated that he had been approached by a merchant concerning temporary food vendors and whether we had an ordinance to control them.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we check on the validity of the required State licenses.  Commissioner Skaggs also questioned if the property owners where they were working from had the proper liability insurance in the case of food poisoning.   

Mr. Howard stated that we do not license them, but the State does.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if there was a State food inspector.  Mayor Taylor commented that these places had to have an inspection yearly.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the snow cone shop had the required State license and should the City be asking for proof of the license.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that the property owner has made an agreement with the vendor and should be fully aware of the liability if someone sues.  Commissioner Kumberg added that they are not on City property.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that they could not park in someone’s personal driveway under the zoning regulations.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that a contractor working on a building had to show their permit and questioned why a food vendor does not have to post a State license.  Mr. Howard stated that they could, but we do not permit it.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the State grants restaurants their permits and a local permit would include the State license.

Mayor Taylor commented that he would be more concerned about the sales tax collected.  Finance Director Garten commented that we do have a sales tax representative call to see if we are aware of any vendors setting up.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we should have an ordinance requiring a State license for private property owners to sell on their property and the police could go by and ask to see it.  Commissioner Skaggs added that, if they could not produce it, they go to the property owner and tell them they are in violation of the State.  Mayor Taylor questioned how we would handle the Farmers Market vendors or cinnamon rolls being sold at a craft fair.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that they would have to show us their sales tax.  Mayor Taylor commented that some are non-profit groups or churches.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if it would apply to churches doing funeral dinners.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he was not sure if truck vendors coming into town selling specialty items were regulated by the State.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that the purpose of this discussion was to get us thinking about it and it could be put on another agenda. 

·        Compost charges: 

Commissioner Meyer commented that he had been questioned about the compost dumpster fee and why we charge for months that they were not used.  City Clerk Kramer stated that we only charge for compost from April to November. 

Executive Session:

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

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

ADJOURN:

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

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JEFF A. TAYLOR, Mayor

 ATTEST:

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk