04/04/2016 City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

 April 04, 2016 

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 21, 2016 Regular Commission meeting                          

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Consideration and Approval of Appointments to the Library Board – Mayor and Commission (4 year terms)

5.2          Consideration and Approval of Street Closures for the Sidewalk Sale on July 9^th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Kim DeClue, Chamber Director

5.3          Discussion on Chamber Replacement upon the Resignation of Curtis Nightingale on the ED Board – Lisa Coss, Chamber Board President (Curtis’ term ends 12/31/2018)

5.4          Consideration and Approval of the Appointment of Sue Peachy and Re-Appointment of Taylor Briggs to the Airport Authority Board – Reid Bell, Airport Authority Executive Director (3 year terms)  (Two separate letters from Reid)

5.5          Consideration and Approval of the Re-Appointments to the Building Board – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector (3 year terms)

5.6          Discussion and Approval on 2015 Streetscape Easement Valuations – Bruce Pinkall, Recreation Director (Detail info will be provided at the meeting)

5.7          Consideration and Approval of Ord. 1603 Continuing the Arrangement with the Department of Wildlife and Parks for Fire Services – Ken Van Blaricum, City Attorney

5.8          Consideration and Approval of the Agreement with City Manager Dave Howard – Mayor and Commission; 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

·        Legislative Updates

7.3             Department Superintendents

7.4             Mayor

7.5             City Commission

 

8.   ADJOURN

03/15/2106-Approved Special Call Meeting Minutes

TUESDAY

MARCH 15, 2016

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in a Special Call session in the Commission Room located at City Hall.

PRESENT:                  

 

Lucus Kumberg                        Mayor

Bill Hlavachick            Commissioner
Jeff Taylor                    Commissioner
Gary Skaggs                 Commissioner
Doug Meyer                 Commissioner

 ALSO PRESENT:        

 

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk

Ken Van Blaricum        City Attorney
                                                           
CALL TO ORDER:

The Special Call meeting was called to order by Mayor Kumberg.  The Mayor instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present and City Attorney Van Blaricum was present via phone. 

BUSINESS: 

EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR NON-ELECTED PERSONNEL TO LAST ONE HOUR: 

Mayor Kumberg made a motion to enter into executive session for non-elected personnel for approximately one hour.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously. 

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

ADJOURN: 

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn the Special Call meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

 

_______________________________________
LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

03/07/2016-Approved Regular Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

March 07, 2016

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:        

 

Russell Rambat            Interim City Manager

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum       City Attorney  
Diana Garten                Finance Director
Jeff Ward                      Police Detective           
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.
 

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 February 15, 2016 regular Commission meeting, the February 20, 2016 Emergency Commission meeting and the February 29, 2016 Special Call meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.   

BUSINESS:

DISCUSSION ON A MEMORIAL FOR JACK EWING: 

Mayor Kumberg stated that he had received communication from people on finding a way to memorialize Mr. Jack Ewing.  Mayor Kumberg commented that he would like to get it in the records that the most appropriate thing to do for Mr. Ewing would be to name Centennial Park the Jack Ewing Park.  Mayor Kumberg explained that he had looked to make sure that it was not named for someone special and Mr. Ewing had spent a majority of his time down there.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that he thought that that would be appropriate and added that Mr. Ewing was a class performer and this would be good to do.  Commissioner Taylor suggested that there be an annual concert event in his memory and have local talent perform.  Commissioner Meyer commented that Mr. Ewing would like that.  Commissioner Taylor stated that Mr. Ewing encouraged people to do that.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that we would need to think about the signage so that it would be available by the time we do the memorial.  After little more discussion, Mayor Kumberg asked that it be put in the paper and let the people mull it over and a decision could be made at the next meeting.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that a good way to do that would be to have a vote and a proclamation.

OPEN AGENDA:

 

·        Press Release:

Mayor Kumberg addressed the audience and stated that he wanted them to be up to speed on the incident with the City Manager.  Mayor Kumberg commented that the City Attorney had written a press release and it read as follows:  

‘The Pratt County Sherriff’s office investigated a report of a domestic incident February 19, involving E. David Howard, Pratt City Manager.  Officers arrested Howard that evening.  He was released on bond the next morning and remains free on bond. 

Howard immediately requested 30 days of administrative leave.  The Pratt City Commission met in executive session, February 20 and granted Howard’s request for leave.  Commissioners appointed Russ Rambat, Public Works Director, to carry out the duties of the City Manager.

On February 29, the City Commission held a special meeting, which adjourned to executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.  Howard was present for part of that meeting.

Special prosecutor Matt Ricke is reviewing the Sheriff’s reports.  No charges have been filed.  This case will be handled the same as any other.  Mr. Howard is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Pratt City Commission wants to assure the public that it is carefully reviewing this situation.  All further developments will be promptly reported to the public.  In the meantime, all City departments are doing business as usual.’

Mayor Kumberg stated that he realized that some people have questions, but this was being handled as a personnel matter and could not be discussed.  Mayor Kumberg added that the Commission could hear comments, but would not be able to answer any questions.

·        Disc Golf tournament:

Mr. Jason Winkel stated that the Pratt Disc Golf Club had their annual food drive and had donated over 825 non-perishable items and $800 in cash.  Mr. Winkel thanked the parks department for cleaning up the limbs and for having the extra trash carts.  Mr. Winkel stated that the donations went to Pass It Forward.  Mr. Winkel reminded the Commission that their Hot and Cold Classic was scheduled for May 21^st and would start about 8:00 a.m. and be done around 6:00 p.m.  Mr. Winkel stated that they have twenty-two preregistered and the cap was ninety-five.  Mr. Winkel commented that the First National Bank and Quints Liquor were going to sponsor the event and they also had two food vendors.  Mr. Winkel stated that the food vendors would be something unique at the tournament, as they usually did not have them at any other disc golf events.  

Mr. Winkel asked if there could be more trash receptacles at May Dennis for the event and more picnic tables as well.  Mr. Winkel also asked if they could block off Mound Street from Logan Street to Garfield Street.  Mr. Winkel explained that Logan Street was very congested and everybody meets around the play equipment and that could be dangerous if a disc would come that way.  Mr. Winkel stated that blocking the street off would get spectators off the course and maybe there could be an area for more parking.  

Mr. Winkel commented that they would be giving a starter bag to every new golfer since they were the future of the sport.  Mr. Winkel pointed out a map he had provided that showed where the parking could be and where the vendors could be.  Mr. Winkel suggested that a tent could be put up on Mound Street and Logan Street.  Mr. Winkel also showed the Commission the event impact summary.  Mayor Kumberg stated that he had done a fantastic job.  Public Works Director Rambat stated that we should be able to block off the street since it was a weekend and he offered to work on the signage for both sides.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if there would be organized parking on both sides.  Mr. Winkel stated that it would just be on one side, because they did not want to block anyone in.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the spectators follow the golfers.  Mr. Winkel explained that they did not, but there were a lot that show up to see what is going on.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if there was curbing on Mound Street.  Mr. Rambat stated that there was.

 

Mr. Rambat stated that the City had not allowed vendors at City events, but he would talk to the gentlemen that lives close by.  Mr. Winkel commented that it would be a safe area.  Mayor Kumberg stated that Mr. Winkel should continue to work with Mr. Rambat and he had no problem with them doing it.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would bring up any other issues at another meeting, if necessary.  Mr. Winkel thanked the Commission and the City for supporting them.

REPORTS:

Interim City Manager:

·        Big Equipment night:

 

Interim City Manager/Public Works Director Rambat stated that the Big Equipment event was tomorrow night at 5:00 p.m. at the old high school.  Mr. Rambat commented that the City would be taking a loader, grader, backhoe, street sweeper, police squad car and a fire truck.  

·        May Dennis improvements:

Mr. Rambat stated that they had installed a valley gutter to improve the drainage at May Dennis Park and Street Superintendent Sinclair had built a new entry road.  Mr. Rambat commented that the work should help the lot drain and they would try to get the border up.  Mr. Rambat added that they could paint it for the out of bounds area.  Mr. Rambat stated that they were working to get things done that were on the wish list that Mr. Winkel had. 

·        Fincham Street:

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the concrete should be cured on Fincham Street by Tuesday and the stripers would be there Wednesday. Mr. Rambat stated that it could be open as early as this weekend.  Mr. Rambat commented that we would have to move in and remove the temporary entrance and get the top soil in there so it could be reseeded.  Mr. Rambat added that Smoky Hill would pay for the reseeding.  Mr. Rambat explained that there was a large orange post in the isle with a ‘No Truck Parking’ sign and it went about three feet down with concrete around it.  Mr. Rambat added that they would paint the curbing around the isle yellow to help it stand out.  

·        KLINK Project – South Main:

Mr. Rambat stated that the South Main Street KLINK project was scheduled to be let in April, but he had gotten notification that they had moved it to August.  Mr. Rambat explained that he had emailed them back to see what was going on.  Mr. Rambat stated that our plans were in and he hoped that it could be moved up to June or July.  Mr. Rambat added that contractors were winding down for the year in August.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned doing the project during harvest.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would be doing one lane at a time and have flaggers.  Mr. Rambat commented that we would know more about flexibility after the project was let.

·        Business as usual:

Mr. Rambat stated that we were continuing to do business as usual and he had good people working around him and helping him out.  Mr. Rambat added that he would keep the Commission posted.

·        Compost:

Mr. Rambat stated that the City would begin picking up compost carts the week of April 4^th.

City Attorney:

 

·        Young men on bikes:

 

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that the Pratt Police Department had been on alert watching for young men on bikes with backpacks.  Mr. Van Blaricum reported that they had stopped one young man a few months ago riding in the dark without a reflector; therefore, they stopped him.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that the young man had outstanding warrants and plead guilty to marijuana possession.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that he would be shipped to Pottawatomie County and would probably go to prison.  Mr. Van Blaricum assured the Commission that the police department and he were on it and making progress.

Inspection Department:

·        Arby’s:

 

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he finished with the Arby’s plans last week and had sent emails to the engineers and architects, so things should be squared away.  Mr. Blankenship added that he did have a call into the architect stating that the plans had cleared and they could proceed.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if they were going to follow our landscaping guidelines.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they were and they actually exceeded the requirements.  Mayor Kumberg questioned when they would be getting started.  Mr. Blankenship stated that he was not sure.  Commissioner Taylor asked if the electrical would be underground.  Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that it would be.  Mr. Blankenship stated that that was part of the discussion with them.  Mr. Blankenship added that there would be an onsite transformer pad on an isle.

·        322 W. Blaine:

Mr. Blankenship informed the Commission that we had been having issues with 322 West Blaine Street and it had come to the point that it was abandoned.  Mr. Blankenship stated that the bank was not doing anything with it and drifters had been in there and they were stealing electricity.  Mr. Blankenship added that the City cut the electrical lines.  Mr. Blankenship stated that we have an ordinance that allows us to board it up and that had been done with the help of the police department and a contractor.  Mr. Blankenship commented that they had secured the inside and had put up no trespassing signs.  Mr. Blankenship stated that we were at a point that it was in limbo, but hopefully they would get it sold.  Commissioner Taylor stated that it was a shame that we had to do that, but the people in the neighborhood appreciated it.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if we could put a lien on that property for the work we put in.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that we might be able to.  Mr. Blankenship stated that this had been a long time coming.  Commissioner Skaggs asked how we had the loss of electricity.  City Clerk Kramer stated that the property had been disconnected and was no longer in the handheld route, but they had noticed that there were lights on, which started the process of cutting it at the pole.  

 

Finance Department:

·        Sales Tax: 

Finance Director Garten stated that sales tax was down 10% from last year.  Commissioner Meyer asked how the tax lid bill would affect us.  Ms. Garten stated that there was good information in the packet, but the loss of sales tax on groceries would have a big impact on us.  Ms. Garten commented that this would take any control away from us.  Ms. Garten added that we would have no way to offset it except to cut expenses.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if we had filed a response.  Ms. Garten stated that we did not.

·        LKM Course:

Ms. Garten informed the Commission that the League of Kansas Municipalities would be in Pratt this Friday putting on a finance course at the fire station from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Ms. Garten stated that Mr. Eric Smith, legal counsel for the League, would be conducting the course.  Ms. Garten added that Mr. Smith had been with the League for about two years and was very knowledgeable.  Ms. Garten invited the Commission to stop in and visit with Mr. Smith concerning the tax lid bill and other issues they were working on.

·        Legislative activity:

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that there was one other bill in legislation that was getting some traction and that was to revise Municipal Court costs.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that it would provide that half of court costs would go to the State and that was a significant thing for our courts.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that the same bill would have traffic fines going directly back to the State and 70% of any speeding ticket on a State highway in a City would go to the State.  Mayor Kumberg asked what the purpose of this was.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it was because they were broke.  Ms. Garten added that it would be revenue for the State.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that it had come down to this level and they were not going to gain that much.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that it would be more work for the Municipal Clerk because it would have to be calculated every month.  Mayor Kumberg questioned how much we would have to raise those fees to continue to operate.  Ms. Garten explained that we could not raise taxes with the tax bill; therefore, we could not get that revenue back.  Ms. Garten stated that the House bill and the Senate bill were a little different, but the League was opposing all those bills.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this would also change the law on forfeiture funds so that half would go to the State, which would diminish the number of forfeitures.  Ms. Garten commented that Mr. Eric Smith would be giving an update on Friday on what was going on from the League’s perspective.  

City Clerk:

 

·        Easter egg hunt:

City Clerk Kramer stated that she had received a call from Underground Ministries asking for permission to use Lemon Park for an Easter egg hunt on Sunday, March 27^th.  After little discussion, Commissioner Taylor stated that he would like for them to use the north side of the shelters for safety reasons, otherwise he had no problem with them using the park.  The Commissioners were all in agreement and Ms. Kramer commented that she would get hold of them and let them know.

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.

 

_______________________________________
LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor
 

ATTEST:

________________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

03/07/2016-Approved Recessed Joint Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

MARCH 07, 2016

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Recessed 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:        

 

Russell Rambat             Interim City Manager

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk
Ken Van Blaricum       City Attorney  
Glenna Borho               County Commissioner
Joe Reynolds                County Commissioner
Dave Ward                   County Commissioner
Sherry Kruse                County Clerk
Bob Schmisseur           County Counselor                                                        

CALL TO ORDER:

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

BUSINESS:

AMERICAN RED CROSS:

Ms. Nicole Bartman, executive director of the American Red Cross, stated that there had been many changes in the Red Cross and some of those were local.  Ms. Bartman informed the Commissions that the local office would go on the market on June 30^th and they were preparing for that.  Ms. Bartman commented that the Red Cross was not a building, but was the person from emergency management.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned where the current supplies would be stored.  Ms. Bartman stated that they were working to find a donated space.  Mayor Kumberg commented that Pratt may be unique where they share the building with the Chamber and he questioned if we would be safe in saying that they would be given first rights.  Ms. Bartman explained that the national office was made aware of that situation.  Ms. Bartman stated that they had been given the opportunity; however, if someone else came forth, they would also have those rights.  Ms. Bartman added that whoever buys the building would not close for sixty days and could keep them as renters.  

Commissioner Hlavachick asked when this would take effect.  Ms. Bartman stated that it was in the process for the 2017 plan and there were multiple locations being put on the market.  Ms. Bartman commented that they would start inventorying supplies in the next couple of months and the amount of supplies needed would be determined by ratio and by population.  Mayor Kumberg asked if Ms. Donna Meier-Pfeifer would be moving.  Ms. Bartman stated that Ms. Pfeifer was a regional employee so she did not know if she would move or not.  Ms. Bartman added that Ms. Pfeifer travels a lot; however, the closet location would be Wichita.  Ms. Bartman explained that Ms. Pfeifer covers Kansas, Nebraska and southwest Iowa as regional district manager.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned who the person in charge was in Pratt.  Ms. Bartman stated that someone local would cover blood drives, services to armed forces and disasters, but Ms. Pfeifer would always be available.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if there would be a list of contacts if something would happen locally.  Ms. Bartman stated that there was a 1-800 number for disasters and they would dispatch a local person to the scene.  

Ms. Bartman stated that there were seventy volunteers in seven counties, but she was not sure how many of those were active.  Ms. Bartman commented that they would be meeting with the volunteers in a couple of weeks.  Commissioner Ward asked if there was a Red Cross office in Reno County.  Ms. Bartman stated that there was not.  Commissioner Ward questioned if there were any west of Wichita.  Ms. Bartman stated that there was one in Finney County (Garden City) and one in Liberal.  The Commissioners thanked Ms. Bartman for taking the time to come and visit with them about the changes for the Red Cross organization.

EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER – TIM BRANSCOM, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DIRECTOR:

 

·        State wide tornado drill:

Emergency Preparedness Director Branscom stated that he had forgotten that the center was on the agenda, but the location at the library was not going to serve what he wanted.  However, Mr. Branscom informed the Commissioners that there would be an annual State wide tornado drill Tuesday, March 15^th at 6:30 p.m.  Mayor Kumberg asked if we usually participate.  Interim City Manager Rambat stated that we do and there should be something in the paper.  Mr. Branscom stated that they would postpone the drill until next Thursday if the weather was not clear.  Commissioner Taylor asked if it would be postponed if there were just clouds.  Mr. Branscom stated that it would be.  Mr. Branscom added that he would keep in touch with Director of Electric Utilities Huber concerning the sirens.

·        Pre-disaster mitigation plan:

Mr. Branscom stated that there were grants available for projects involving safe rooms and generators.  Mr. Branscom reminded the Commission that the City of Pratt had put safe rooms within the City in their mitigation plan and these grants were a 75/25 split.  Mr. Branscom commented that he had the information and the deadline to send a letter of intent was April 1^st.  Commissioner Taylor stated that that had been talked about before around the trailer park and areas of town with no basements.  Mr. Rambat stated that it had been awhile since we did that.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if there was a cap on the amount.  Mr. Branscom stated that there was no cap and each City was limited to two grants with the State prioritizing the requests for funds.  

Mayor Kumberg commented that April 1^st was a pretty short deadline and he asked where the money would come from with what was happening in Topeka.  Mr. Branscom stated that he thought it was something to think about and to let him know if we were interested.  Mr. Branscom added that it comes down to the State from the Federal and then down to the Counties.  Commissioner Meyer stated that he was interested.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned what the specifications were.  Mr. Branscom stated that it was up to each jurisdiction, but a lot of communities do a multi-use facility.  Commissioner Taylor asked if it was just for shelters or if it included sirens.  Mr. Branscom commented that it was shelters and generators this time.  Commissioner Skaggs asked about a source of guidance.  Mr. Branscom stated that FEMA had guidelines that included the size according to the jurisdiction.

Mr. Branscom stated that he wanted to make sure that the City knew of the grant opportunities.  Commissioner Meyer asked if the County was applying.  Mr. Branscom stated that they were not at this time.

FEMA and FLOODPLAIN MAPS:

County Counselor Schmisseur stated that floodplain issues had come up and there had been questions concerning structures that had been built inside the City three mile jurisdiction.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that it was asked how that happened and how we make sure that it does not happen again.  Mr. Schmisseur added that FEMA had designated floodplains for municipalities and around municipalities and he did not know if they were going to go any further.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that he did not know if there was anything that we needed to do, but FEMA did not want people building in the floodplain because they would have to be rescued.  Mr. Schmisseur explained that they did not have any rules limiting a person from building back in the same place that they were flooded out of, but the City may have rules to prevent that.  

 

Mr. Schmisseur commented that, if someone was going to build in the three mile area, they had to comply with the building codes.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that he could not say that he was worried about it since this situation involved a shed to store equipment and not a residence.  Commissioner Taylor asked if it had been built along the Ninnescah River.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that it was east on West River Road.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if they were familiar with planning and zoning inside the City limits.  Mr. Schmisseur explained that State legislature states that, if it was zoned within the three mile area, it was the City’s jurisdiction.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that FEMA had conducted an audit and took another look at Pratt and there was no question that this structure was in the floodplain.  Commissioner Meyer asked if they had a building permit.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that they did not; however, the County would have exempted them because it was agriculture.  City Attorney Van Blaricum explained that this person lives on West River Road and his house is in the City and the shed/garage is in the County.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that the house was not in the floodplain.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that FEMA had been bothering the City on why we let this happen and there was not much the City could or should do about it.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the owner needs vents to make it flood proof, but it would cost $5,000 to $6,000.  Commissioner Borho questioned if they could claim anything on that from an insurance standpoint or from FEMA.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they could not.

 

Mr. Schmisseur stated that he was not sure that anything needed to be done if the City and the County say that they are not going to come up with a new plan to deal with these things.  Mr. Schmisseur added that FEMA did not have any leverage and this was just part of their audit.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that he had not heard from anyone in the County that they wanted to start zoning.  Mayor Kumberg asked if the Planning and Zoning Board was aware of this.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that they were.  Mayor Kumberg stated that it would be better off given to them to see if they want to do anything with it.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that FEMA has developed the floodplain and he was not against zoning rules to put a shed in that area; however, it would be the owner’s fault if the insurance company would drop him.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that FEMA made sure that the City was covered after the tornado and we continue to comply with their requirements.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that the City needed to let them know if we were going to consider this situation farther or not.  Mr. Schmisseur stated the owner was not violating zoning issues, but the issue was that the County does not require permits and the City stops at the City limits.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if the City should stop at the City limits.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if there should be a special permit that pertains to the floodplain.  Commissioner Borho commented that we could have a free for all in that floodplain.  Mayor Kumberg suggested that the Planning and Zoning Board review this particular issue further to see what the plan of action should be.  

CITY CLEAN-UP: 

Mr. Jason Winkel, landfill supervisor, commented that we needed to figure out what we were going to do for the City wide clean-up and he suggested that there be an open week at the landfill.  Mr. Winkel stated that he was scared of what they could get in regards to HHW or toxic items.  Mayor Kumberg stated that, after thinking about this, there were a lot of risks in terms of getting something that may be excessively expensive to dispose of and he was not in favor of a specific day for the HHW items.  Mr. Winkel stated that they were open every day for people to bring those things in so we did not have to do it during clean-up week.  Commissioner Taylor commented that we would have to pay for it if it does show up during that week.  Commissioner Taylor added that we need to make it clear when we do advertising.  Mr. Winkel stated that the guys at the landfill would have a staging area with a trailer so that any toxic items could be brought back into the recycling center.

Mr. Winkel clarified that it would be a free week for City residents at the landfill.  Mr. Rambat stated that that was what had been discussed.  Mr. Winkel commented that it costs the County to dispose of it, so he questioned some type of tipping or tonnage fee.  Commissioner Reynolds commented that we had talked about where they could dump their stuff.  Mr. Rambat explained that, if they were capable of loading it in a vehicle, they should take it on out to the landfill.  Mr. Rambat stated it had also been discussed to ask some of the civic groups and churches to help get stuff to the landfill for those that were unable to do so themselves.  Commissioner Reynolds commented that people hide stuff in their trash and then chemicals get in the landfill.  Commissioner Reynolds added that that has cost the County a lot of money.  Mr. Winkel stated that they have to visually look through stuff now and they would have the staging area.  Commissioner Reynolds suggested that we let people know not to put everything in one pile and that would help once it gets to the landfill.  Mr. Winkel stated that they would need help looking through the waste coming in and to help direct traffic so that they could get everybody in and dumped.  

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we had City staff to loan to them for this.  Mr. Rambat stated that that was discussed and also help for the weekend.  Mr. Winkel stated that they would be on summer hours, so they would be there until 6:00 p.m.  Mr. Winkel questioned what we should charge for this week.  Commissioner Reynolds stated that the County could give the City a break from normal fees.  Commissioner Taylor commented that the City did not mind paying something, but he added that the County did it for nothing the last time it was done.  Commissioner Borho stated that that was when the City did all the hauling.

Mr. Winkel questioned what would be done if there was a big rain.  Mr. Rambat stated that we would have to get several roll offs and get something large enough where it could be sorted out.  Commissioner Taylor suggested having it another week if there were weather issues.  Mr. Winkel stated that he could get a plan to get things ready.  Commissioner Reynolds stated that the County could decide what they were going to charge them and the City could plan the dates and the advertisement.  Commissioner Borho suggested that the County charge the City $41 a ton rather than the regular $61 a ton.  Commissioners Reynolds and Ward were fine with that.  Commissioner Meyer questioned how many tons we could end up with.  Mr. Winkel stated that it could be pretty big if the City set trailers around and they were full.  Mr. Winkel added that it would also depend on whether this was just City or if the County was included.  Commissioner Ward questioned if this was worth the effort.  Commissioner Taylor stated that the City staff may say that it was not, but it had been a long time since we did one.  Mayor Kumberg commented that he did not see why we could not do it if other communities could.  Mr. Winkel questioned what they should do to make sure that this was only City residents’ trash.  Mayor Kumberg stated that they should have to give proof of address.  After little more discussion, the Commissioners agreed to have Mr. Rambat and Mr. Winkel work on the details.

GENERAL DISCUSSION:

·        Critical Incident training:

Mr. Schmisseur stated that the flyers were out concerning the April 14^th Critical Incident training.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that there would be fifty participants and the lunch would be free.  Mr. Schmisseur reminded the Commissioners that they had talked about splitting the cost of the training between the Sheriff’s office and the City.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that the attendants would receive four hours credit for the training and they may also do some type of non-lethal weapons activity called ‘Shoot Don’t Shoot’.

·        New adventures:

Commissioner Reynolds asked how things were progressing on the new Arby’s.  Mr. Rambat stated that we had the paper plan, but he did not know a start date.  Commissioner Reynolds questioned if Casey’s was going to go in where Paso Junction was.  Mr. Rambat commented that he had not heard anything about that yet. Commissioner Reynolds commented that he was told that by someone at Paso Junction.  Mayor Kumberg commented that Ampride would be the only place a truck would have access to pumps if Paso Junction closed.

Commissioner Meyer asked how the wind farm was going.  Commissioner Borho stated that they were in the thirty day period for the ‘nay sayers’ to speak up.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if it was about six months out.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that it was going to happen quickly if it was going to happen due to some Federal laws changing.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if they anticipated any trouble.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that they would find out, but it had been threatened.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if their income was based on electricity generated.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that their guarantee was $4,600 a year per turbine.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned how many different property owners were involved.  Commissioner Borho stated that there were 119 owners and 21,000 acres.  

NEXT MEETING DATE: 

The City and County Commissioners agreed to May 16^th for their next joint meeting. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

Once the County Commission adjourned from the meeting, Mayor Kumberg made a motion to go into executive session for fifteen minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously. 

Mayor Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and the motion and second passed unanimously. 

ADJOURN: 

Upon proper motion and second, the recessed meeting was adjourned. 

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LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor
 
ATTEST:

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk