11/02/2015-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

 

NOVEMBER 02, 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 –          October 19, 2015 (Regular Commission meeting) 

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Update on Lemon Park Project - Dave Howard, City Manager; Park Project Committee

5.2          Discussion on Traffic at ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ Event in Lemon Park – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director; Dave Howard, City Manager         (Overhead Map)

5.3          Consideration and Approval of Ordinance 1502 Amending Section 31 of the STO for Kansas Cities, ‘Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer’ – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

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.      RECESS – Until Monday, November 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. for Joint City/County Meeting

10/05/15-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

OCTOBER 05, 2015 

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall. 

PRESENT:                  

 

Lucus Kumberg            Mayor

Bill Hlavachick             Commissioner
Jeff Taylor                    Commissioner
Gary Skaggs                 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                   Chief of Police
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 Kumberg.  The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present. 

The Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded. 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

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

MINUTES: 

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 21, 2015 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.

 

BUSINESS: 

INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING LIVE BRONZE POUR DEMONSTRATION ON OCTOBER 24^th: 

Ms. Brittany Novotny, Vernon Filley Art Museum Director, informed the Commission that they were having a very exciting event two weeks from Saturday.  Ms. Novotny commented that there would be a live bronze pour, as well as revealing the donation to the Art Museum from Ms. Barbara Shinkle.  Ms. Novotny noted that the pour would be loud and hot, but the fire department would be available.  Ms. Novotny added that they would also have a 20’ X 40’ tent in case of bad weather and a three foot fence to keep people from getting too close.  Ms. Novotny added that they would also be serving hamburgers and hot dogs.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they would need a few trash containers.  Ms. Novotny stated that they would.  After little more conversation, the Commission thanked Ms. Novotny for letting them know about the event.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF LOW BID FOR ONE 2000 KVA 7200V PADMOUNT TRANSFORMER: 

Power Plant Superintendent Bryan Evans informed the Commission that they had gone out for bid for the main transformer for Unit #5.  Mr. Evans stated that this transformer would be bigger and would go outside the building.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we would have to have a separate building.  Mr. Evans explained that there would be a separate padmount.  Commissioner Taylor asked if the old one was reusable.  Mr. Evans stated that it was contaminated; therefore, it was out on the loading dock ready to be picked up and destroyed.  City Manager Howard stated that the cost of picking it up had already been approved since it was under his authority.  Commissioner Taylor made a motion to approve the purchase of one 2000 KVA 7200V padmount transformer from Stanion Wholesale Electric Company for $22,650 plus sales tax.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF GRANT OF EASEMENT AT THE PARRISH LOFTS TO KANSAS GAS SERVICE: 

City Manager Howard stated that this was a Grant of Easement for Kansas Gas Service and was located at the Parrish Lofts.  Mr. Howard explained that this was a 2” gas line that would be moved ten to twenty feet to the north.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if this was for them to actually move now or for future use.  Mr. Howard stated that they were actually moving it and they would return the pavement to the current state or better.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if the alley was asphalt now.  Public Works Director Rambat stated that it was.  Commissioner Meyer asked if this would interfere with the Parrish progress.  Mr. Howard explained that it runs under it, but they needed more for cover requirements.  Building Inspector Blankenship added that the problem was how far down they had to go since there was a lot of crushed rock under it.   

Mayor Kumberg questioned if this would be the only gas line in this easement.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it would be.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they would remove the old line.  Mr. Howard stated that they probably would not.  Mr. Blankenship explained that the line goes under the chiller now and it had never been an easement.  Mr. Blankenship added that it would have never been brought up except for the parking lot being there.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to grant Kansas Gas Service the 20’ easement on the south side of Lot 15 at the Parrish project to put in a new gas line.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE REPLAT OF LOT 2, BLOCK 1 OF THE EAST ADDITION TO PRAIRIE PARKWAY BUSINESS PARK:

Mr. Howard stated that this was the plat at the Business Park that the Commission had already seen and it had been replated several times.  Mr. Howard explained that this had been driven by the tower down in the southeast corner of the plat.  Mr. Howard commented that there was a company interested in buying the two larger lots on the left side of the drawing and there were no plans for improving the roads.   

Mr. Howard commented that, once the plat was signed by the County, we would have a contract of sale for this property.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if Prater Oil was going to use it for storing equipment.  Mr. Howard stated that they were going to build a building.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the replat of Lot 2, Block 1 in the Prairie Parkway Business Park.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously. 

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission. 

REPORTS:

City Manager: 

·        Downtown Lights: 

City Manager Howard informed the Commission that the downtown lights were out over the weekend and it was due to a grounding issue.  Mr. Howard stated that it had been corrected.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if the traffic lights would be synchronized soon.  Mr. Howard stated that they would be. 

·        Executive Session request: 

Mr. Howard requested an executive session at the end of the meeting to last thirty minutes for a confidential matter relating to a financial affair dealing with a second party and was an economic development issue.  Mayor Kumberg inquired if it would be for attorney/client privilege.  Mr. Howard stated that that was correct. 

City Attorney:

·        Bike riders and rules of the road: 

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that he had been looking at the traffic ordinances and how it effects bike riders and the rules of the road.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that there needed to be some improvements so that a person riding a bike in Pratt follows the same laws as a vehicle.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that, if a bike runs a red light and tries to get away from an officer, it would not be a misdemeanor to allude that officer since they were on a bike and not in a vehicle.  Commissioner Meyer asked if we could modify the ordinance.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that we could amend the standard ordinance that approves using the League of Kansas Municipalities Standard Traffic Ordinances book and the amendment would include bike riders being arrested if they are stopped and then flee.  

Commissioner Taylor questioned if the officer could ask for identification if they were stopped for running a red light.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they could.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that, if a vehicle is stopped for running a red light and there was a strong odor of alcohol, which could go from an infraction to a felony.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if they could not search a back pack when they stop a drug runner.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the officers could not arrest them or search them if they could not see the crime being committed.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if Mr. Van Blaricum had any proposals yet.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he did not and he was not sure if it would be in the form of a regular ordinance or if it had to be a charter ordinance.   

·        City Attorney’s meeting:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he would be at a City Attorney’s meeting on Friday and he would be checking into term limits and elections.  Mayor Kumberg commented that there was an email from Mr. Michael Koss from the League in our packets concerning April elections.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that he hoped to tie it down after this weekend.

Public Works:

·        Highway 54 project:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that APAC had finished the mill and overlay on West Highway 54 and they would be striping it tomorrow.

·        Avenue of Flags: 

Mr. Rambat commented that Arensdorf Construction had dropped off their backhoe at the Avenue of Flags, so he expected them to get started on that project in a week or so.

·        North Main Project: 

Mr. Rambat stated that Bryant and Bryant Construction was beginning to set up traffic control for the North Main Street project and they would begin that project when they finished out the downtown project.  Mr. Howard added that they had about twelve to fourteen days left on South Main Street.  Mr. Rambat stated that they were getting the truck bypass set up and we would see more in the middle of town as time gets closer.  Mr. Howard added that today was the actual start date, but it might be a week before they really get started.  Recreation Director Pinkall stated that there was signage coming around Highway 61. 

Mr. Rambat stated that there were five or six ADA ramps that would be taken out and removed or relocated and locates had already been called in for those.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned whether the residential water lines on the west side of North Main Street would be replaced.  Mr. Howard stated that we bore residential lines when we do them and that waterline was about ninety years old.  Mr. Rambat commented that we had very little trouble with that main, but there would be plenty of room to dig it up.  Commissioner Skaggs asked where the east main line crossed.  Mr. Rambat stated that it used to tie into the Hot and Cold Towers, but it was cut down the north side of Maple Street and down to the Champa Street tower.  Mr. Howard explained that all of that had been straightened out during the Ethanol Plant project.

·        Country Club Railroad Tracks:

Mayor Kumberg stated that he had been asked if we could do anything about the railroad tracks on Country Club Road.  Mr. Rambat stated that he had met a railroad representative down there and it was of their opinion that it was not bad enough to work on.  Mr. Rambat commented that he would be happy to try again.  Mr. Rambat reminded the Commission that they had put the pedestrian crossing in down there a few months ago that tied into our sidewalk project. 

Inspection Department:

·        Parrish tour:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the Commission would be able to get another tour of the Parrish Lofts before people move in.  Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he would see what he could do.  Commissioner Taylor asked if they would be having an open house.  Mr. Howard stated that there was nothing official planned, but they would check on it.  Mayor Kumberg stated that there was a lot of public interest and it would be a good idea.  Mr. Blankenship commented that the first and second floor were about the same as the rest.  Commissioner Taylor suggested the City furnish the refreshments if they would consider doing an open house.  Mr. Blankenship stated that that would be through the owner and not the contractor.

Recreation Department:

·        South Main project:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that the contractor had completed all the concrete pours on South Main Street and they were doing crack sealant and other little things to finish up the project.  Mr. Pinkall added that the other lights had been installed.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned when the landscaping and trees would be added.  Mr. Pinkall stated that it would be this fall and probably closer to the end of October.  Mr. Pinkall commented that they had the dirt and peat moss in the boxes, but they still needed to do training with the City employees on the irrigation system. 

·        North Main project:

Mr. Pinkall stated that letters had been mailed out to all owners and persons residing on North Main Street as well as on Jackson Street and Ninnescah Street concerning the potential traffic situations.  Mr. Pinkall added that he had also visited with the Senior Center, postal service and USD 382 so that they could navigate their routes.   

Mr. Howard added that the bricks from this project would be stored at the Industrial Park so that it would be easier for people to get to them.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that that was a good idea, because there were people with half built patios that needed more brick.  Mr. Howard stated that the gate would be left open once hauling was done, but no commercial businesses would be allowed to take the bricks.  

·        Sound system at Municipal Building:

 

Commissioner Taylor questioned if we could do something about a nicer sound system at the Municipal Building.  Commissioner Taylor added that someone at the 75er’s dinner had told him that they could not hear what was going on.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he thought they had fixed that by adding speakers on the stage so that the sound comes from head height and not just from above. 

Police Department:

·        Bike riders and back pack issue: 

Police Chief Myers commented that he had called around to other jurisdictions concerning the bike riders and backpacks and this was not just a problem in Pratt.  Chief Myers stated that more and more people were carrying backpacks and that creates a law enforcement issue.  Chief Myers explained that officers could pat someone down for their safety, but there was a difference in a pat down and a search.  Chief Myers stated that there had to be beyond reasonable suspicion before searching a suspect or probable cause.  Chief Myers added that people were getting smart and carrying backpacks.  Chief Myers commented that the officer had no right to look in the bag since it was separate from the person.  Chief Myers stated that we needed to work on how to combat this, because it was a community concern.  

Commissioner Taylor commented that we should be contacting our legislature since this was a problem in the community.  Commissioner Taylor added that they could write a law that a pat down and search of a backpack was legal.  Commissioner Taylor stated that the person carrying the backpack sees the search as an invasion of rights and he did not see it that way.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the bag could be searched if it was on the person.  Chief Myers stated that it would be a closed container and they could claim that it was an unreasonable search. 

Finance Department:

·        Sales tax:

 

Finance Director Garten stated that sales tax was down again for September, but not as much.  Ms. Garten commented that we were down $81,000 for the year.  Mayor Kumberg commented that that coincides with the drop nationwide.  

Mayor and Commission:

·        Downtown Park update: 

Mayor Kumberg questioned where we were at on the downtown park project now that the Parrish Lofts and the downtown project were near completion.  EBH Engineer Mike Youngers stated that he had been working with Ms. Carol Stull and they were working on getting bids from local contractors to see what they were willing to put into the project. 

·        Postal Drop Boxes:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned what the additional drop box was for at the Dillon’s postal drop area.  Mr. Howard stated that he did not know, but there had not been any complaints about that intersection.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he would check on it.

·        Day at the LEC:

 

Commissioner Meyer stated that he had had the opportunity to spend part of a day with law enforcement.  Commissioner Meyer thanked Chief Myers and added that the staff had been very accommodating and he had learned a lot.  Commissioner Meyer stated that he had one hundred percent confidence in our highly trained police department.  Commissioner Meyer added that Chief Myers had hired good folks that love their job and they had all made reference to being able to attend the academy.  Commissioner Meyer explained that our officers were polite and respectful and most citizens were law abiding people.  Commissioner Meyer commented that there were others that did not want to comply with our laws and the police knew who they were and where they were.  Commissioner Meyer added that they did not hesitate to arrest a person and put them in jail.  Commissioner Meyer encouraged anyone to go visit the LEC and he felt that the public should be involved in law enforcement.  Commissioner Meyer also commented that he would like to see someone take on getting the Crime Stoppers program back and a Neighborhood Watch program.  Commissioner Meyer added that he was very encouraged with what he saw.

·        LEC Meeting:

Mayor Kumberg stated that it was determined that all the issues at the last joint LEC meeting two years ago had been taken care of, such as the dispatch area and the phone system.  Mayor Kumberg added that it was a good meeting.

·        Executive Session:

Mayor Kumberg made a motion to go into executive session for attorney/client privilege to last thirty minutes with nothing to report.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

Upon return, proper motion and second were made to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion and second passed unanimously.

 

ADJOURN:

The meeting was adjourned upon proper motion, 

______________________________

LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST:

_______________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

10/19/15-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

 

OCTOBER 19, 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 –          October 05, 2015 (Regular Commission meeting)      

 

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Consideration and Approval of Agreement between Prater Oil and Gas and the City – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Dave Howard, City Manager

5.2          Consideration and Approval of Quitclaim Deed  to Prater Oil and Gas for 7.81 Acres in the East Addition to Prairie Parkway Business Park – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney; Dave Howard, City Manager

5.3          Consideration and Approval of Low Bid on a Replacement Pick-up for the Park Department – Russell Rambat, Public Works Director 

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

09/21/2015-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

 

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

 

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular session in the Commission Room located in City Hall.

 

PRESENT:                  

 

Lucus Kumberg            Mayor

Bill Hlavachick             Commissioner
Jeff Taylor                    Commissioner
Gary Skaggs                 Commissioner
Doug Meyer                 Commissioner
   
ALSO PRESENT:        

 

Dave Howard                City Manager

Ken Van Blaricum        City Attorney  
Diana Garten                 Finance Director
Gary Myers                   Chief of Police
Russell Rambat             Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship          Building Inspector       
Jamie Huber                  Director of Electric Utilities           

Bruce Pinkall                Recreation Director

                                                           

CALL TO ORDER:

The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Kumberg.  The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present.

The Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

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

 

MINUTES:

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 08, 2015 recessed joint City/County meeting and the September 08, 2015 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.  

BUSINESS:

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR REQUEST:

In the absence of Mr. Stan Hendershot from Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Mayor Kumberg referred to an e-mail from Mr. Hendershot requesting rental fees for the Municipal Building be waived for the Community Resource Fair on September 30, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if we had waived the fees for them in the past.  Recreation Director Pinkall stated that we had waived those fees for the last couple of years.  Commissioner Taylor made a motion to waive the fee for the Municipal Building on September 30, 2015 for the Community Resource Fair.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

LOCAL HERO’S APPRECIATION DINNER ON OCTOBER 17, 2015:

Ms. Donna Rawlings, Pass It Forward representative, stated that organizations had come together and wanted to hold a local hero’s dinner and celebration on October 17^th.  Ms. Rawlings asked that the Commission consider blocking off the parking spaces on Main Street in front of The Bread of Life building to the corner of Fourth Street and close Forth Street from Main Street to Jackson Street from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Ms. Rawlings explained that the plan was to have a fire tug of war and barrel competition on Fourth Street.  Ms. Rawlings added that they would like to hook up to the water hydrants for dueling and also have a music band and the American Legion Riders present.  

Ms. Rawlings stated that the event was to recognize firemen, police, and EMT’s along with other first responders or heroes.  Ms. Rawlings commented that they also wanted to put up a banner across Main Street to advertise and welcome people.  Mayor Kumberg suggested they use the brackets on the new light poles on Main Street.  Ms. Rawlings stated that the radio station was making the banners for them so they could probably do that as opposed to across Main Street.  Ms. Rawlings added that they would like to use the Municipal Building as a backup plan.   Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to allow Pass It Forward to block the parking stalls on Main Street and close Fourth Street from Main Street to Jackson Street on October 17^th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the local hero recognition event.  Commissioner Taylor suggested adding the stipulation for them to coordinate with the Parrish Hotel contractor.  Ms. Rawlings stated that they could just close Fourth Street halfway if there was a conflict with the work being done on the Parrish.   Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion to include the stipulation to coordinate with the Parrish contractor and the motion and second passed unanimously. 

CONFIRM COUNTY AUTHORITY REGARDING WATER & SEWER:

City Manager Howard explained that County Counselor Schmisseur was concerned about having a formal approval for the County to handle sewer and water on property outside the City, but still within the three mile radius.  Mr. Howard stated that we had always allowed the County to handle those approvals in the past, but Mr. Schmisseur wanted an official approval of the practice.  Commissioner Meyer asked who would approve drilling a well or septic in the City.  Mr. Howard stated that it probably would be according to State regulations.  Commissioner Taylor made a motion to approve the suggested motion by County Counselor Schmisseur per his e-mail as follows:   Until rescinded by majority vote, the Commission of the City of Pratt, Kansas, cedes authority to enforce state and local/county sanitation codes regarding water wells and sewage/septic disposal systems in the unincorporated area within the City of Pratt zoning regulation to Pratt County, Kansas.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

LEMON PARK PROJECT UPDATE:

City Manager Howard reported that the appointed committee for the Lemon Park project had met three or four times and they were moving forward with the Phase 1 proposal.  Mr. Howard commented that they still intended to have a public meeting to inform the community of the proposal and get their feedback. Mr. Howard explained that the focus was on the parking lots and entrance to the park.  Mr. Howard commented that he wanted to report that the committee had been working on the plans for the project.  Mayor Kumberg stated that they had come up with a more palatable plan.  Commissioner Hlavachick added that the parking lots and entry way work would be more affordable and a nice improvement to Lemon Park.  Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he would like to see dirt work begin this fall.  Mr. Howard stated that nothing would be done without final approval from the Commission.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if we were still working with the same architect.  Mr. Howard stated that we were and Mr. Blake Himmelwright handled the communication with him.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION:

Mayor Kumberg stated that he had asked for this topic to be put on the agenda in light of Mr. Jack Ewing’s passing.  Mayor Kumberg commented that Mr. Ewing was as much a part of Pratt as the Hot/Cold water towers and he had been a part of every City event as well as our unofficial ‘cheerleader’.  Mayor Kumberg added that we should find a way to commemorate him, but we did not have to decide on anything tonight.  Mayor Kumberg stated that we should do something to honor Mr. Ewing and asked the Commission and staff to think of ideas.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if the City had any process in place commemorating someone or if there had ever been any established criteria.  City Manager Howard stated that we did various things, such as proclamations and days dedicated in honor of, but we could do anything that the Commission would want to do.  Commissioner Hlavachick reminded them of the plaque in the park listing volunteers and he also would like to honor Mr. Ewing with a proclamation.  Commissioner Skaggs agreed that Mr. Ewing should be honored; however, he was concerned that in other cases, things might be done on the emotion of the moment without any written directive. Commissioner Skaggs suggested that we should have something in writing with certain criteria to allow honoring someone. 

City Manager Howard stated that it could be anything the Commission wanted to do or put into place, but each situation would have varying needs depending on the person.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that they could do guidelines although this only happens periodically and not frequently.  Commissioner Taylor stated that we needed to honor Mr. Ewing somehow, but suggested giving it some thought.  Commissioner Taylor stated that Mr. Ewing mc’d a lot of community events without accepting any compensation and contributed more to our community than most and was deserving of being honored.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that Mr. Ewing had raised the bar, because few people would live up to his level of service.    Commissioner Skaggs added that, if we wanted to name an award to be given or whatever, we needed guidelines whether they were deceased or living.  Commissioner Skaggs added that it should be something concrete that would show future recipients were deserving of a Jack Ewing award.  Mayor Kumberg stated that this community did not come across servant leaders very often that were of the caliber that Mr. Ewing was. After little more discussion, the Commission decided to give it some thought and discuss it again at a later meeting.

OPEN AGENDA:

·        Items concerning Citizens: 

Mr. Jeff McCaskey stated that he had thoughts for commemorating Mr. Jack Ewing and other individuals that go over and above what normal levels might be.  Mr. McCaskey explained that a scholarship to a leadership type or secondary institute would be one suggestion.  

Mr. McCaskey stated that he had numerous items concerning the City, but they would take more than three minutes and he was trying to come up with the best way to convey the material to the Commission.  Mr. Howard suggested that he get on an agenda.  Mr. McCaskey commented that he had approximately one hundred topics and thirty pages of information.  Mr. McCaskey stated that the information encompassed many different departments of the City, including community involvement and enforcement, and he felt that the City had a lot of work to do.  Mr. McCaskey stated that the City could do better.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that they would like to have a copy prior to being put on the agenda so that it could be reviewed.  Mr. McCaskey stated that he could provide a copy to the Clerk and asked that she scan it and send it out to the Commissioners and department superintendents.  Commissioner Taylor commented that he would like to see these items reviewed and directed to the proper departments to be reviewed before being put on the agenda.   Mr. McCaskey stated that he was a voice for others who did not want to step up to the microphone.  Mr. McCaskey added that this was not a complete overhaul of the City, but things would be better if adjustments were made.  

REPORTS:

Public Works:

·        Mill and Overlay project:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the mill and overlay project on West Highway 54 was about ready to begin and they would be setting up traffic control.

·        Chip Seal project:

Mr. Rambat commented that the Chip seal project in the southwest corner of the City was complete.  Mr. Rambat explained that they had used a larger aggregate that resulted in no dust and compacted well.  Mr. Rambat added that the plan would be to use similar material in the future.  City Manager Howard commented that he had had a lot of compliments on the material used.

·        Sewer Cleaning:

Commissioner Gary Skaggs asked about sewer cleaning procedures.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that his neighbor received a sticky note on her door that informed her of her sewer being cleaned and he had not found a note so was concerned about the use of sticky notes and the Kansas wind.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that his neighbor had allowed him to read her note so he could be prepared.  Mr. Rambat stated that he would check into that.

Building Inspections:

·        Parrish Lofts:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that the gas company had notified him about moving a moderate pressure gas line that was north of the Parrish Lofts.  Mr. Blankenship explained that the line was below the portion that the City deeded to the Parrish for parking and they would be coming to the Commission to request an easement to move that line.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they would not allow the Parrish to put a parking lot over the line so it would be necessary to move it.  Mr. Howard stated that we were informing the Commission that the request would be forthcoming, because he told them to go ahead with their plans to move the line so that it would not delay the renovation.  Mr. Howard added that there were no reasons to deny them the easement, but wanted the Commission to be informed of the situation.

Electric Department:

·        Testing overhaul on Unit 5: 

Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that there were some concerns on the testing of the overhaul of Unit 5; however, the consultants had re-tested the unit while it was running and those issues had been addressed.  Mr. Huber commented that it was operating well and they would be running it again in November when we disconnect from Sunflower for a few days.  Mr. Huber explained that it had been a good experience for training new people at the plant.   

·        Main Street underground lines:

Mr. Huber stated that the linemen had been putting the Main Street intersection lines underground and he added that they were looking into ways to convert the stop light poles to black.  Mr. Huber commented that painting them was not an option, but he was checking on the price of replacing them with a powder coated pole.  Mr. Huber added that this might have to be budgeted to do an intersection annually.  Commissioner Taylor asked Mr. Huber to check on the stop light pole at Liberty since it gets lost in the trees since painting it black.  

 

Mayor and Commission:

 

Mayor Kumberg requested an executive session at the end of the meeting.  

·        Executive Session:

Commissioner Taylor made a motion to go into executive session for attorney/client privilege to last fifteen minutes with nothing to report.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and the motion and second carried unanimously.

Upon return, proper motion and second were made to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion and second passed unanimously. 

ADJOURN: 

Upon proper motion, the meeting was adjourned.  

________________________________

LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk