MONDAY
NOVEMBER 02, 2015
The
Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular session in the Commission
Room located in City Hall.
Lucus Kumberg Mayor
Bill
Hlavachick CommissionerJeff Taylor Commissioner
Gary Skaggs Commissioner
Doug Meyer Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT:
Dave Howard City Manager
LuAnn
Kramer City ClerkKen Van Blaricum City Attorney
Dana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers Chief of Police
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 Kumberg. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that
all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Skaggs.
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
Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 19, 2015 regular
Commission meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
BUSINESS:
UPDATE ON LEMON PARK PROJECT:
Mr.
Blake Himmelwright informed the Commission that there had been several
committee meetings over the Lemon Park project and he felt that they had
established a first phase of the project.
Mr. Himmelwright stated that the first phase included a new entrance to
the park and a parking lot in the llama area.
Mr. Himmelwright added that there would be a trial run to see what type
of space would be needed for parking. Mr.
Himmelwright pointed out that the old entrance to the park would be landscaping
and he also pointed out where a dog park would be located. Mr. Himmelwright stated that Santa Fe Road
would still be there and, with defining islands, he estimated a cost of around
$130,000 without the dog park. Mr.
Himmelwright commented that there would also be a bathroom, so $200,000 would
be a high estimate. Commissioner
Hlavachick reminded the Commission that the City would be doing a lot of the
ground work. City Manager Howard stated
that the first phase would not include the new road.
Commissioner
Skaggs commented that the dog park had been a pet project of Commissioner
Hlavachick’s, but questioned if we really needed three runs in the dog
park. Commissioner Hlavachick commented
that this was the architect’s design and concept; however he felt that we could
get along with one or two. Mr. Howard
commented that he had been to two dog parks and they had one run for larger
dogs and one for the smaller ones. Mr.
Howard added that one had had a sidewalk around it. Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the
bathroom would involve the lift station.
Mr. Howard stated that we would do that when there was another bathroom
deeper into the interior. Mr. Howard
added that they would have to work with FEMA concerning the flood plain.
Commissioner
Skaggs questioned what they were proposing for the Christmas event. Mr. Howard stated that they would be
barricading part of the grassy area for the band and Santa. Mr. Howard added that that event was the
weekend before Thanksgiving and the Chamber would be having someone organize
the parking. Mr. Himmelwright stated
that he told the architect not to get too specific yet. Mr. Himmelwright added that the dog park was
terribly important and a new entrance with a sign would look great, but we need
appropriation of funds for that. Mayor
Kumberg questioned if a public viewing for this project was still on the
table. Commissioner Hlavachick stated
that it was. Mayor Kumberg suggested
that now would be a good time to do that.
Commissioner Skaggs commented that we should wait to see how the parking
situation develops before we commit any money.
Mr.
Himmelwright stated that he was tired of waiting and the Commission had
appointed the committee and this was what we saw as a priority. Mr. Himmelwright commented that it was not a
problem to have another public meeting, but it would be appropriate to spend
some money. Commissioner Meyer
questioned how much Mr. Himmelwright was talking about. Mr. Himmelwright stated that it would be
around $200,000 plus. Commissioner Meyer
asked if this would include concrete for the parking lot. Mr. Himmelwright commented that it was and a bathroom,
which was expensive. Mr. Himmelwright
stated that he could defray some of the costs with a capital campaign to raise
funds. Commissioner Taylor stated that
he would like to see estimates for these costs so that there were no
surprises. Mr. Howard explained that
they had worked with some contractors, but they did not want a cost out there
so we could still do competitive bidding.
Commissioner Hlavachick stated that this was a combination of several
meetings and the project had been downsized.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there were two portions. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that there
was. Commissioner Skaggs commented that
he would like to see more definitive architecture if we were talking a bathroom
and a parking lot. Mr. Himmelwright
questioned how specific the preparation plan had to be. Mr. Himmelwright commented that we could go
out for bid, but that was getting the cart before the horse. Commissioner Skaggs stated that that was not
what he was worried about, because we were in favor of what had been talked
about. Commissioner Hlavachick commented
that the water line was already there.
Commissioner Meyer stated that those things could be worked out.
Commissioner
Meyer questioned where the money was coming from. Finance Director Garten stated that there had
been some money set aside in Travel and Tourism, but not that much and we would
have to work out all the details. Ms.
Garten added that we would need about $100,000 for this and revenues were
down. Commissioner Meyer asked if the
special park and improvement funds were touchable. Ms. Garten stated that they were. Commissioner Taylor suggested putting
something together and discuss it with the City Manager and go from there. Commissioner Taylor commented that we would
see if we need a fund raising event. Mr.
Himmelwright stated that he would not campaign for a fund raiser if something had
not been committed to by the City.
Commissioner Taylor questioned if Mr. Himmelwright had people who would
commit $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000 if we fall short. Commissioner Taylor stated that this was a
project that the Commission had funds dedicated to, but we needed to see how
much of the funds had already been committed.
Mr. Himmelwright stated that he could round up funds contingent of
appropriation of funds by the City.
Commissioner Skaggs questioned if he could match $100,000 if the City
committed to that amount. Ms. Garten
explained that some of that money had been committed to other projects and to
assist with recreation and the Sports Complex.
Ms. Garten commented that that fund was not as plentiful and she was not
sure when it would be replenished.
City
Attorney Van Blaricum stated that we should talk about more specific
numbers. Mr. Howard stated that we could
get more specific numbers, but we did not want to hurt any of the local
contractors. Mr. Howard suggested
scheduling another public meeting and let the public know where we were
at. Mayor Kumberg stated that the main
purpose of the public meeting was to draw attention to the project and another
meeting would give us enough time to see where and what type of funding we
could commit to. Mr. Howard stated that
the utilities were there and some of that we would do. Mr. Himmelwright questioned if nothing was
going to happen if he did not raise funds.
Commissioner Taylor stated that we could go further if he raised
funds. Commissioner Taylor explained
that, if we spend $150,000 and no other funds were available, we were going to
be finished until more comes available. Commissioner
Taylor added that it was not a stop to the project, but whether we could go
further.
Mr.
Howard stated that there would be a playground towards the entrance and we
could kick the dog park further south. Recreation
Director Pinkall commented that playground equipment could cost as little as
$50,000 or you could spend what you want and they do them for different age
groups. Commissioner Skaggs stated that
we could get funding started and the money would come, just as it had with the
walking path. Mr. Himmelwright stated
that parking lots and bathrooms were not good selling points. Commissioner Skaggs stated that the City
would pay for the parking lot. Mr.
Himmelwright stated that he could start a campaign to top that off. Commissioner Meyer stated that we did not
want to violate the integrity of the park; however, the recommendation would be
to see where we could get $200,000 and go from there. Commissioner Meyer added that the City did
not know how many dollars we could commit.
Mr.
Himmelwright stated that we had the estimates for the parking lot and we could
take out the entrance parking lot. Mr.
Himmelwright added that that would be an easy start and we could see if there
was any money left over for the bathroom.
Mr. Himmelwright commented that the dog park could be done by donated
funds, as well as the entrance. Mr.
Himmelwright stated that that was a worthwhile project and should be fairly
non-controversial. Mr. Himmelwright
added that that should cost around $70,000 to $80,000. Mr. Howard suggested that we may be able to
dedicate $100,000 if we were to dedicate any money for a parking lot and new
entry way. Commissioner Taylor commented
that we need to see what funds are available.
Commissioner Meyer questioned if there were any grants from Wildlife and
Parks. Mr. Howard stated that we would
have to get started on that relatively soon, but we would probably get it if
there was money there. Mr. Howard added
that timing could be the restraint.
Mayor
Kumberg stated that the committee had done enough to phase that project
out. Commissioner Skaggs commented that
people would be more willing to donate if the City were to put in the parking
lot. Mr. Howard stated that he had
already visited with one lady that was interested in helping with the dog
park. Mr. Howard commented that, if
estimates came back at $150,000 for the parking lot, curb and guttering and the
sign, we were well within the estimates we had.
DISCUSSION ON TRAFFIC AT ‘OLD
FASHIONED CHRISTMAS’ EVENT IN LEMON PARK:
Public
Works Director Rambat showed a map to the Commissioners concerning traffic and
parking during the Old Fashioned Christmas event. Mr. Rambat stated that they were looking at
designating South Main Street and Santa Fe Road as the official entrance to the
event. Mr. Rambat added that Santa Fe
Road would be made a one way road so that there was easy access to the llama
pen for parking. Mr. Rambat explained
that, if the area was not wet, we could get 80% of the parking in there and
there could be some parking on the north side of Santa Fe if it was
needed. Mr. Rambat commented that there
would be a group of people to help with the parking. Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that there
would be an area barricaded off for the band and vendors. Mr. Rambat added that people could also park
in Sixth Street Park if they did not mind walking. Mr. Howard stated that we would be marking
the streets accordingly.
Mr.
Howard stated that there would be some emergency services at the event, so they
would have to be able to get in and out.
Mr. Himmelwright questioned where the vendors would park. Mr. Rambat stated that there would be a
staging area in the old Konkel property.
Mr. Howard stated that two way traffic on Pine Street and Shaffer Drive
were the biggest problem. Commissioner
Meyer questioned using the parking lot between the diamonds. Mr. Howard explained that they did not want
any traffic going through the park.
Commissioner Skaggs asked what plan B was if it were wet. Mr. Howard stated that we would go to the
Municipal Building for an indoor event.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
ORDINANCE 1501 AMENDING SECTION 31 OF THE STO FOR KANSAS CITIES, ‘FLEEING OR
ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE A POLICE OFFICER’:
City
Attorney Van Blaricum stated that, every couple of years, the City adopts by
Ordinance the Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities that is put out by
the League. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that
the ordinance modifies the standard codes in the book so that it better fits
our needs. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that
one section addresses fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. Mr. Van Blaricum explained the difference in
a misdemeanor violation and when it becomes a crime. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the problem with
the ordinance was that it was for motor vehicles and not anyone on a
bicycle. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we
needed to fix that for the City of Pratt so that officers could stop a bicycle
for fleeing or eluding.
Mr.
Van Blaricum explained that he had modified the existing ordinance so that it
includes any driver of a vehicle or bicycle or any other means of
transportation. Commissioner Taylor
questioned if that included anyone on foot.
Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it did not, but that was covered under
another ordinance. Mr. Van Blaricum
clarified that this ordinance covers people that try to get away.
The
following Ordinance 1501 was then presented to the Commission for their
approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 31 OF THE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE FOR
KANSAS CITIES, “FLEEING OR ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE A POLICE OFFICER”. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to
approve Ordinance 1501 amending Section 310 of the STO for Kansas Cities,
‘Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer’. Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and
it passed unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA:
·
Jeff McCaskey:
Mr.
Jeff McCaskey stated that he was curious about the response to his
material. Mayor Kumberg stated that he
had had a family issue and would have something in the mail by Friday. Mr. McCaskey commented that he felt that a
capital campaign was a good idea for the Lemon Park project and that a public
meeting was appropriate. Mr. McCaskey
questioned why the City does not go out for bids and keep them sealed until
they get a more targeted amount. Mr.
Howard stated that we open bids at a specific time and we know what we are
doing concerning our bid policy. Mayor
Kumberg stated that these procedures were described in great detail by State
statute. Mr. McCaskey suggested taking
the median areas out and that would save money and take less upkeep. Mayor Kumberg commented that the difference
in putting medians in or taking them out was very small and did not matter
either way. Mr. Howard stated that it
was better to pave since you could not plow in the winter.
Commissioner
Meyer questioned if we had ever approved a new landscape ordinance and whether
it would apply to us. Mr. Van Blaricum
stated that we had not approved a new ordinance, but he did not think this
would apply to us. Mr. Howard stated
that there were trees in the drawing, so it would meet the requirements.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
·
Fincham Street project:
City
Manager Howard stated that he had met with Smoky Hill and KDOT concerning North
Fincham Street and they should get started on that project next Monday. Mr. Howard explained that they would not
start on South Fincham Street for about thirty days, but they did have a
temporary parking plan to access Wal-Mart.
·
Railroad construction:
Mr.
Howard stated that he had also met with the railroad and they would be working
on the crossings on Mound Street, New Street and Starr Street in the near
future. Mr. Howard added that they were
giving us notice so that we could let the residents know.
City Attorney:
·
Mr. Matei’s petition:
City
Attorney Van Blaricum stated that Mr. Luca Matei had presented another petition
and he wanted the Commission to know that he takes Mr. Matei’s complaints
seriously. Mr. Van Blaricum explained
that this situation had involved some hitting and the same sort of thing that
had been going on for some time. Mayor
Kumberg commented that it was a coincidence that Commissioner Meyer was on the
ride along for that event and the petition was not exactly accurate. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that Mr. Matei has
it in his mind how it happened. Mr. Van
Blaricum stated that the City did not need to take any action on the petition.
·
Land Banks:
Mr.
Van Blaricum stated that there had been discussions about Land Banks at the
City Attorney’s meeting a few weeks ago.
Mr. Van Blaricum commented that there was Land Bank legislation due to a
problem in Junction City. Mr. Van
Blaricum explained that the City of Junction City geared up for a large
increase for housing by building roads, sewer lines and special assessments;
however, the demand slighted and they ended up with a thousand City lots that
went unsold. Mr. Van Blaricum added that
there were still about 750 of those lots unsold and that created a mess of
taxes and specials assessed on those properties with no one to pay them.
Mr.
Van Blaricum stated that the purpose of City Land Banks was to acquire, hold
and convey property that had been abandoned.
Mr. Van Blaricum commented that one of the ways that a Land Bank would
come into play would be to acquire County tax foreclosures. Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the County
sells a property at an auction and takes title, but does not want it and it
could be suggested that they deed it over to the Land Bank. Mr. Van Blaricum commented that all taxes and
specials would stop when it went to the Land Bank, taxes would be abated and
specials would be advertised if sold.
Mr. Van Blaricum added that the Land Bank would have the power to sell
without an appraisal or other authority and was not subject for oversight by
any entity.
Mr.
Van Blaricum commented that this was a management tool to look over lots and
would be an expense. Mr. Howard stated
that we had had people give us property due to excess mowing bills and we have
made deals to sell to the neighbor or neighbors. Mr. Howard added that it was not usually a
property that anyone would want to build on.
Mr. Van Blaricum commented that we act as our own Land Bank, but he
would be glad to look into it further.
Mr. Howard commented that it worked best when you could get a whole area
or a block was available. Mayor Kumberg
commented that the thought behind that was whether the back taxes or liens
would be forgiven if it was put into a Land Bank and the pay off point would be
when it sold.
·
Nuisance properties:
Mr.
Van Blaricum stated that he had been working with Building Inspector
Blankenship on nuisance properties. Mr.
Van Blaricum commented that 322 West Blaine Street had indescribable activity
going on and it had been filed in Municipal Court and there would be others to
come. Commissioner Skaggs questioned
what the next phase was after filing it in court. Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they show up and
answer to the charges of a nuisance. Mr.
Van Blaricum added that they could be fined or sentenced to six months in the
County jail and we get an order to clean it up.
Public Works:
·
Parrish alley:
Public
Works Director Rambat stated that the alley was back open by the Parrish Lofts.
·
Broken water valves:
Mr.
Rambat stated that the water department had been hard at it working to fix
broken water valves and doing annual maintenance.
·
Complaints about gas company:
Commissioner
Meyer stated that he had gotten several complaints about the gas company and taking
so long on a project. Mr. Rambat stated
that they had a contractor doing some work boring the gas mains and they had
had a mishap crossing one of our utilities.
Mr. Rambat added that we had to go out and direct them, which ended up with
having to tear out more street than expected.
Commissioner Meyers questioned if they pay us for that. Mr. Rambat stated that they do.
Mr.
Rambat explained that he had tried to stay in contact with the concrete
contractor to pour the alley entrance in there.
Mr. Rambat stated that he had been seeing locates coming through
regularly. Mr. Rambat commented that we
charge them if we had to go back, but they will correct it anywhere from six
months to a year after. Mr. Rambat added
that it sometimes takes years for those things to show up.
·
Parrish gas line:
Commissioner
Skaggs questioned when they would be working on the gas line by the
Parrish. Building Inspector Blankenship
stated that they were not going to do it anymore. City Manager Howard added that they had
decided to not relocate the line. Mr.
Howard stated that the City had not filed the easement with the County. Commissioner Meyer questioned if we should
undo that easement by motion. After
little discussion, Commissioner Meyer made a motion to rescind the easement
granted to Kansas Gas Service. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion and it
passed unanimously.
Building Inspection:
·
Property by Woody’s:
Commissioner
Meyer asked if anything was being done to the property next to Woody’s. Building Inspector Blankenship stated that it
had been cleaned up. Commissioner Skaggs
commented that it would look better if they would board up the front. Mr. Blankenship stated that he would see what
he could do.
Electric Department:
·
Running steam units:
Director
of Electric Utilities Huber informed the Commission that we would be running
the steam units next week. Mr. Huber
commented that Sunflower would be doing work on their substation and may take
about two or three days. Commissioner
Skaggs stated that he had heard on the news how vulnerable the grid was to
sabotage. Mr. Howard commented that we
would probably be knocked out if the grid was and it would take a while to get
the generators up. Commissioner Skaggs
commented that we had a cushion over big Cities. Mr. Howard stated that there were several
times that we could have gone an extended period without electricity if we had
not had our own grid, but we can stand alone.
Commissioner Meyer questioned if we pass any of that along. Mr. Howard stated that we do not adjust our
rates. Commissioner Skaggs asked when we
would have to. Mr. Howard stated that we
would have to be on our own for six months, but we would not readjust short
term. Commissioner Meyer commented that
we would have other issues if that happened.
Recreation
Department:
·
Fly ash on Main Street:
Recreation
Director Pinkall informed the Commission that the contractors would be starting
the fly ash process on North Main Street and it would be dusty. Mr. Pinkall suggested that residents keep
their windows and doors closed.
Commissioner Taylor questioned when they would be pouring. Mr. Rambat stated that it could be as early
as the next week. Mr. Howard added that
they had fifty working days.
Commissioner Taylor asked if it had to cure for a week. Mr. Rambat stated that it did.
Mayor and Commission:
·
School threat:
Mayor
Kumberg thanked the officers for their work with the school on their
threat.
·
Noise complaint:
Commissioner
Taylor questioned if there were fines for a ‘certain’ neighbor that creates a
noise problem. Commissioner Taylor
commented that the police could not even reach them due to the noise
level. Police Chief Myers stated that he
would look into that. Commissioner
Taylor questioned why you would call the police if they were not going to be
fined. Commissioner Skaggs commented
that they probably had a scanner.
Commissioner Taylor stated that the music was still up when the police
come and they leave because they could not reach anyone.
·
LEC meeting:
Mayor
Kumberg commented that they had a LEC meeting last week and went through the
current contract and there had not been any substantial changes. Mayor Kumberg added that the contract would
come before the City Commission at some point.
RECESS:
Commissioner
Meyer made a motion to recess until Monday, November 16th at 11:00
a.m. for the City/County joint meeting at City Hall. Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion
and it carried unanimously.
_____________________________________LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________________
LUANN
KRAMER, City Clerk