05/02/16-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

May 02, 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
Doug Meyer                  Commissioner
          
ALSO PRESENT:        

 

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk

Ken Van Blaricum        City Attorney  
Diana Garten                 Finance Director
Gary Myers                   Chief of Police 
Russell Rambat             Public Works Dir.
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 Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 18, 2016 regular Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.  

BUSINESS: 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A WHEEL CUTTER ATTACHMENT FOR THE SKID LOADER AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT: 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that bids were sent out for a wheel cutter attachment for the street department’s skid loader.  Mr. Rambat explained that there were more mains needing replaced as infrastructure gets older and the method they use now was a jack hammer.  Mr. Rambat commented that there were some long runs that have been worked on and this attachment would allow the department to use fewer people and cut back on injuries.  Mr. Rambat stated that Street Superintendent Sinclair feels that this would be a beneficial piece of equipment for them, as well as finding other uses for it.   

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that three bids were returned with White Star Machinery bidding $14,200; Victor L. Phillips Company bidding $15,824.77 and Foley Rental Company letting us know that they could not meet our specifications.    Mr. Rambat stated that he would like to recommend the approval of the low bid from White Star Machinery in the amount of $14,200.  Commissioner Taylor questioned what Foley Rental Company meant by not being able to meet our specifications.  Mr. Rambat commented that they had not gone into a lot of detail; however, he felt it meant that they could not make one to fit our equipment.  Commissioner Meyer questioned that this wheel cutter goes down 18”.  Mr. Rambat stated that that was correct and he added that the first 8” were the hardest to get started.  Commissioner Meyer commented that he thought that they already had one with all the things they do.  Mr. Rambat commented that the wheel cutter would not totally eliminate the use of the jack hammer that was heavy and hard to work.  

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve the purchase of the wheel cutter attachment to the skid loader from White Star Machinery for $14,200.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously. 

OPEN AGENDA: 

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission. 

REPORTS: 

City Attorney:

·        Legislative News – Tax Lid: 

City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that the report on legislative news was that the tax lid legislation had passed.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the tax lid on Cities would be tied to the consumer price index and, if that could not be done, there would have to be voter approval in an election.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that the law was enacted last year to take effect in 2018 and now it would be effective January 01, 2017.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that the tax lid would be based on a five year rolling average of the consumer price index.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that there were some exemptions that were significant, such as new construction, renovation of an existing structure, Federal mandates, expenditures on disasters and bond and interest payments.   

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was complicated, but we would just play it out year by year.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if there were any other areas that were beneficial.  Finance Director Garten commented that these were big exemptions and the other thing they tried to do was do it from the Municipal price index; however, they had not changed from the consumer price index.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that this legislation was passed on the last day that they met and it passed without discussion.  Commissioner Taylor commented that that may be why they had it go out until 2018, which gave them time to get input.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that this was a big compromise that had been favorable to Cities.   

Mayor Kumberg asked what the consumer price index was for Pratt.  Ms. Garten stated that it was probably 2% or less with a rolling average.  Commissioner Taylor questioned what that would do on what we already collect.  Ms. Garten stated that it would depend on the valuation and whether it goes up.  Commissioner Taylor asked if they could have something to look at by the next meeting.  Ms. Garten stated that she could have something put together.  Ms. Garten added that it was good that the federal mandates were in there in connection with new projects.

·        Executive Session:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that he would need an executive session at the end of the meeting for non-elected personnel to last thirty minutes. 

Public Works: 

·        South Main project; 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that he had been a little worried with KDOT losing funds and whether we would get to do the South Main Street project, but we did get notice to go out for bids.  Mr. Rambat commented that those bids would be opened May 31^st and, depending on who we get, the project should go from June 1^st to mid-fall.

·        Pilot Club Storage Building: 

Mr. Rambat stated that Building Inspector Blankenship and he had lined out a contractor to make repairs to the Pilot Club storage building. 

·        Pool slide: 

Mr. Rambat stated that he had been working with Mr. Adamm Deda concerning the surface issues with the slide at the pool.  Mr. Rambat explained that he had applied different coatings over the years, but the fiberglass was losing its bond and chipping pretty bad.  Mr. Rambat commented that Mr. Deda and his staff would bring a large compressor to sand and ground it out and then do a new gel coat to make it functional again.  Mr. Rambat stated that he would be putting water in the pool in mid to late May and he hoped to have the slide done before the opening.

·        Stop sign by Taco Bell: 

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that someone had run over the stop sign at Taco Bell. 

·        Avenue of Flags: 

Commissioner Hlavachick asked Mr. Rambat about the Avenue of Flags progress.  Mr. Rambat stated that Park Superintendent Eckhoff was waiting to get the lighting from Stanion Wholesale Electric and he had the trees that would get planted.  Mr. Rambat added that he would be taking out the old trees and the concrete work was done.  Mr. Rambat commented that the landscaping work had been done and that would help with any drainage problems. 

·        Park signs: 

Mr. Rambat stated that they were working on the new signage for the Jack Ewing Park and the May Dennis Disc Golf Park.

Building Inspections:

·        Weed letters:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he continues to send out weed letters.  Mr. Blankenship commented that he looks at these properties on Monday’s and there were thirty on the list today and about fifteen of those would be ones that we mow every year.  Mr. Blankenship explained that some of the letters were just reminders and were not sent certified, which gets costly.  Mr. Blankenship added that there would be another twenty-five to thirty letters going out on Wednesday.

·        Abandoned vehicles: 

Mr. Blankenship stated that they were also sending out about eight or nine letters for abandoned vehicles.  Mr. Blankenship commented that most of them would cooperate, but some would not.  Commissioner Meyer asked if these were vehicles that were in yards.  Mr. Blankenship explained that it was for vehicles that had no tag inoperable and immobile. 

·        Arby’s:

Mr. Blankenship stated that he had just received a call from Arby’s contractor and they would starting May 15^th.  Mr. Blankenship added that this was a turn-key project of about one hundred fifteen days.  Mr. Blankenship explained that they would break asphalt, take core samples and then do very little dirt work.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if they were following the landscaping ordinance.  Mr. Blankenship stated that had met that and more with about 7 ½% to 8% of it having landscaping.   

·        Stutzman’s: 

Mayor Kumberg asked if we had heard any comments from Stutzman’s.  Mr. Blankenship stated that he had not, but it makes that a nice looking corner with Stutzman’s, McDonald’s, Casey’s and Tractor Supply.  Mayor Kumberg commented that he had been there and the workers stated that it worked out better for them.  Mr. Blankenship stated that they had taken advantage of the inside stalls for the dry goods and cash register.  Mr. Blankenship added that it was close to the same location so they should not miss a beat on sales. 

Clean-up Week:

Public Works Director Rambat reminded the Commission that next week was the free landfill week.  Mr. Rambat commented that he would be sending four of his staff out on Friday to get schooled on how things were going to work and then again each day next week to help Mr. Winkel.  Mr. Rambat stated that we had already received a few calls and had a few emails about needing help getting stuff to the landfill and he has told them that they had to have their things out at the curb by Monday morning so that the volunteers could pick it up.  Mr. Rambat added that there would probably be some situations where there would be more than the volunteers would want to do, so we would go get those.  Mr. Rambat commented that Recreation Director Pinkall had been working on getting groups together to help out that week. 

Mr. Rambat stated that Mr. Winkel had asked about tires being brought in and he explained that the landfill charges per tire.  Mr. Rambat suggested that the City pick up the first tire charge and the rest would be on them.  Mr. Rambat commented that we wanted to keep this manageable since we were footing the bill. 

Electric Department: 

·        Meeting with KMEA: 

Mayor Kumberg asked Director of Electric Utilities Huber if he had heard from KMEA yet.  Mr. Huber stated that City Attorney Van Blaricum had gotten a call about a meeting next week.  Commissioner Taylor stated that we had gotten their attention and that was what we wanted. 

Recreation Department: 

·        Volunteers: 

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that he had gotten groups to help next week.  Mr. Pinkall added that we would be checking out those locations that need help before we send the groups out so that they would not have to make those choices. 

·        Rained out tournament: 

Mr. Pinkall stated that their tournament had gotten rained out last weekend, but they were fortunate that fourteen to eighteen teams would be able to come back this coming weekend.

·        KSHSAA:

Mr. Pinkall informed the Commission that KSHSAA had moved the 4A tennis tournament away from Pratt the last couple of years.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he had visited with Ms. Cheryl Gleason about getting back in the rotation.  Mr. Pinkall commented that, in place of that, we would be the host town for the 3-2-1A boy’s tennis with South Barber being the host school.  Mr. Pinkall added that people like this facility and the quality lodging.

 

·        People’s Bank ice cream social:

Mayor Kumberg stated that he had gotten a call from the People’s Bank and they had changed the date of their ice cream social to May 31^st., which will also be the dedication to Mr. Jack Ewing.  Mayor Kumberg explained that the entertainment had not been available on the 24^th.   

Police Department: 

·        Miss Kansas parade: 

Police Chief Myers stated that he had sent out a letter to KDOT requesting a permit for the Miss Kansas parade on June 10^th at 6:30 p.m.  Chief Myers commented that the route would be the same as last year; however, the contestants would be meeting at the Municipal Building at 5:30 p.m. to meet the public. 

Finance Department: 

·        Sales tax info: 

Finance Director Garten commented that the sales tax information was in the packet for April.  Ms. Garten stated that April looked a little better, but we were still down 7% from last year or around $50,000.  Ms. Garten added that there were pages for prior years for them to look at that showed that we were up from 2013, but down from 2014 and 2015. 

Executive Session: 

Mayor Kumberg made a motion to enter into executive session to last no more than one hour 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.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

 

RECESS:

 

Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to recess until Monday, May 16^th at 11:00 a.m. to meet with the County for the joint meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously. 

________________________________
LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

05/16/2016-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

May 16, 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 –   May 02, 2016 Regular Commission meeting                          

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1          Consideration and Approval of the KDHE Loan Amendment No. 4 Application – Alan Luttrell, EBH Engineering

·        Loan Amendment No. 4 Application to Increase Loan Amount to  $4,397,038.00

·        Equipment Purchase:

o   Air Capital ($199,204)

o   Allwater Supply ($10,242.80)

·        Change Order No. 2 with APAC ($547,128.00) for Installation of Equipment, Etc.

·        Contract Amendment No. 2 with EBH Engineering ($265,000.00)

5.2          Consideration and Approval of the Appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector

5.2          Consideration and Approval of Low Bid on a Pick-up for the Meter Readers – LuAnn Kramer, City Clerk/Utility Billing Supervisor

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

05/16/2016-City/County Joint Meeting Agenda

     MONDAY 

MAY 16, 2016

PRATT CITY COMMISSION – JOINT CITY/COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

 

COMMISSION ROOM – 11:00 a.m.

1.        CALL RECESSED MEETING TO ORDER 

2.     ROLL CALL

3.     DISCUSSION TOPICS:

      3.1       Counseling Center Presentation – Tracy Green

32          Update on City Clean-Up Week – Jason Winkel, Pratt County Landfill; Russell Rambat, Public Works Director   

      3.3         General Discussion         

4.   ADJOURN

04/18/16-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

April 18, 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:        

 

LuAnn Kramer              City Clerk

Ken Van Blaricum        City Attorney  
Diana Garten                 Finance Director
Gary Myers                   Chief of Police 
Russell Rambat             Public Works Dir.
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 Taylor who would be arriving shortly.

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

 

Commissioner Meyer 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 April 04, 2016 regular Commission meeting, the April 07, 2016 Special Call Commission meeting, the April 12, 2016 Special Call Commission meeting and the April 15, 2016 Special Call Commission meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Skaggs and carried unanimously.  

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FEDERAL-AID FUND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the City had been involved with the Federal Fund Exchange program for the last four or five years and we had the opportunity to do it again this year.  Mr. Rambat explained that the State hands out money to Cities that are doing Federal funded projects.  Mr. Rambat stated that the funds to be exchanged this year are $80,479.73 and we have the option to exchange these dollars and bank $.90 on each dollar.  Mr. Rambat added that that was what we had been doing for the last several years and we now had $261,459.57 available.  Mr. Rambat commented that he would like to continue doing that this year and add to that total.  Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that the money could be incorporated into a project that fits into the regulations of the agreement.  Mr. Rambat stated that it could be used for streets or bridges within the City and he had considered using some of it on resurfacing the Maple Street bridge.  Mr. Rambat commented that this would help by not affecting the annual budget.

Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve the Federal Fund Exchange Agreement for $80,479.73.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.  Mayor Kumberg asked if the money was banked at the State.  Finance Director Garten stated that it was.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF PATROL CAR REPLACEMENT/PURCHASE:

Police Chief Myers stated that he was looking to replace a 2005 Chrysler 200 that had been seized in a 2013 drug investigation.  Chief Myers commented that Detective Bennett had been using that vehicle; however, it had a lot of miles on it and was having mechanical problems also.  Chief Myers explained that he had purchased used highway patrol vehicles before and had good success with them.  Chief Myers added that the highway patrol maintain their vehicles very well and they go out of service at 50,000.  Chief Myers stated that we had purchased one for Detective Ward in 2012 and any additional miles would be minimal.

Chief Myers stated that the vehicles that were available for sale were the 2014 Dodge Charger all-wheel drive for $19,250.  Chief Myers added that they have the remaining five year limited power train warranty.  Chief Myers explained that he would ask that the Commission approve this purchase using forfeiture funds.  Mayor Kumberg questioned what they were going to do with the Chrysler.  Chief Myers stated that they would auction it off in the future.

After little more discussion, Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the purchase of the patrol car purchase for $19,250.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE KMEA POLICIES:

Director of Electric Utilities Huber reminded the Commission that the City strongly believed that we should not participate in the KMEA policies and it had been discussed in the Special Call meeting the other day.  Mr. Huber stated that the General Marketplace Participation and Risk Control Protocol and the Transmission Congestion Cost Management Protocol were not the best for the City and the financial transactions were not the best as well.  City Attorney Van Blaricum pointed out two letters that were in the packet that communicated that we were taking this action and putting the ball in their court.

 

(Commissioner Taylor arrived at 5:15 p.m.) 

Mayor Kumberg clarified that this dealt with our participation in a market place for buying and selling energy and we did not feel that we were obligated to do these policies where we would not have adequate control over our assets.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if KMEA speculated that this was coming.  Mr. Huber stated that he did not think so.  Commissioner Skaggs made a motion to approve that the City not participate in the General Marketplace Participation and Risk Control Protocol and the Transmission Congestion Cost Management Protocol.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE TO TERMINATE PARTICIPATION IN THE EMP PROJECT #2:

 

Director of Electric Utilities Huber informed the Commission that EMP2’s original contract was written up in 2007 and everything had changed and was no longer needed.  Mr. Huber stated that there was a three year out as he had discussed with the Commissioners during a Special Call meeting on April 07, 2016.  Mr. Huber commented that Energy Agent Kenny Kreutzer had previously brought this to the attention of the KMEA Board.  Mr. Huber stated that it was time to submit the City’s withdraw from EMP2.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if there was anything they could do.  Mr. Huber stated that we would find out, but we would talk small steps and hope good things come from this.  Commissioner Hlavachick asked if it would change things if they rewrote the contract.  Mr. Huber stated that things could change when they get our termination letter.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if other Cities would follow suit.  Mr. Huber commented that there could be.  Commissioner Taylor asked if we were a big player in the project.  Mr. Huber stated that we were and they started out with seven Cities and they were at twelve now.  

Mayor Kumberg commented that Mr. Huber and Mr. Kreutzer had asked for modifications and they were not obliged.  Commissioner Taylor asked what their reason was for that.  Mr. Huber stated that they feel that they had it all down and did not need to change.  Commissioner Taylor commented that this was a situation that worked in 2007.  Mr. Huber agreed and added that we bought power as a group but then the market changed.  Commissioner Meyer questioned what the worst case could be.  Mr. Huber stated that it would be that we had to wait the three years to get out.  Commissioner Skaggs added that the best case would be that they said to go ahead and leave.  Mr. Huber stated that that was correct.

Mr. Huber explained that we want to continue to stay as members of KMEA.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that they had changed CEO’s and there were still no changes.  Mr. Huber commented that they had changed when City Manager Howard was on the board and we wanted to see how their new boss handled it.  Mr. Huber added that it was best that we did not drag our feet.  Mayor Kumberg commented that the ultimate goal was to save money.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned how much it was costing us to be a member.  Mr. Huber stated that he was not sure, but we probably spend around $200,000 with them for administrative fees.  

Commissioner Hlavachick stated that it was a big step, but we needed to do what the guys think is the right thing.  Commissioner Hlavachick added that EMP2 was not what it was, so it was best to back out.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that getting the notice just starts the clock.  Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the notice to terminate our participation in the EMP2 project as presented by Mr. Huber.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.  

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF DIRECTOR #2 ON THE KMEA BOARD:

Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that City Manager Howard had asked that he take over the Director #2 spot on the KMEA Board that he currently holds.  Mr. Huber added that Energy Agent Kreutzer would then be the alternate member on the KMEA Board.  Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to approve Mr. Huber as Director #2 on the KMEA Board and Mr. Kreutzer as the alternate board member.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and carried unanimously.

 

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS:

City Attorney:

·        Filing Deadline:

 

City Attorney Van Blaricum reminded the Commission that the filing deadline for Commissioner was June 1^st.  Mr. Van Blaricum stated that with the election changes, the primary would be August 2^nd and the general election would be in November and newly elected officials would take office in January.

 

·        Legislative Report:

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that legislature was in recess right now, but they would be back on April 27^th to work more on the budget.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that the Governor had said that he would not veto the LLC and partnership issue if somebody were to submit it again.  Mr. Van Blaricum added that that would be significant revenue for the State.

Mr. Van Blaricum stated that there had been a bill promoted by the League and larger Cities concerning abandoned property and how to deal with that.  Mr. Van Blaricum explained that they had been working on that for two or three years and it passed the Senate and the House and the Governor vetoed it.  Mr. Van Blaricum commented that it may go back into committee next year, but there was word that they would not try to override the veto.

Public Works:

·        Truck sign:

Public Works Director Rambat stated that the truck sign at the Wal-Mart entrance had been taken out a week ago.  Mr. Rambat commented that it severely injured the motor home and we would send them a bill for the repairs.  Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that he added a solar powered flashing barricade light on it.  Mr. Rambat stated that the intersection had functioned well and the project had been a good thing.

·        Downtown Park:

Mr. Rambat stated that he had been busy running new water lines at the park east of the Parrish Lofts.  Mr. Rambat commented that he had abandoned some newer lines due to changes in the parking lot, but he was finished now.

·        Pool:

Mr. Rambat commented that he had been working to get the pool ready.  Mr. Rambat stated that there were issues with the inside finish of the slide and he had talked to Mr. Adamm Deda about stripping it down.  Mr. Rambat added that Mr. Deda was looking at options to do the project on site.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if we were going to have the same manager this year.  Mr. Rambat stated that we were and that last year was one of the best years as far as the pool functioning.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if we had had any problems with the liner.  Mr. Rambat stated that the concrete had aged and failed in places, but it could be patched and painted.  Mr. Rambat commented that the pool had been a great babysitter since the late 1930’s; however, we needed to be looking down the road as to what we want to do.

Inspection Department:

·        Weed Letters:

Building Inspector Blankenship stated that he had started sending out the weed letters.  Mr. Blankenship commented that there were the habitual ones that know that the letters were coming.  Mayor Kumberg asked what an estimate would be of the percentage that comply.  Mr. Blankenship stated that we probably mow about 90% of them, but the rest get mowed.  Mayor Kumberg asked if we got paid for the ones we were mowing.  Mr. Blankenship stated that we put a lien on the property if they did not pay, but we do get paid for some.  Commissioner Taylor asked how many habitual ones we had.  Mr. Blankenship stated that it was around twelve, but the lawns were costly to mow.  Mr. Blankenship commented that there were some that were able to mow, but refuse to do it.  Commissioner Taylor commented that those were probably the ones that live by someone who takes care of their lawn.

Electric Department:

 

·        New Banners:

Director of Electric Utilities Huber commented that there were new banners on Main Street and they looked nice.  Mr. Huber stated that the only problem had been that a couple of business owners did not want the guys to take up a parking spot to change them out.  Mr. Huber added that it only takes a couple of minutes to change them.  Recreation Director Pinkall stated that we have four different banners that will be put up at different times of the year.

Recreation Department:

·        Good Tournament/Turf Discussion:

Commissioner Meyer stated that there was a good tournament this past weekend and the Complex was packed.  Recreation Director Pinkall stated that it was, except for the rain on Sunday.  Mr. Pinkall commented that they hoped to have most of the teams back this Saturday.  Commissioner Meyer questioned how many paid admissions there were.  Mr. Pinkall explained that that would be calculated with the gate revenues, so he did not have that yet.  Mr. Pinkall stated that the teams took responsibility for the umpires, score keepers and the trophies and we supplied the venue and equipment.  Mr. Pinkall commented that that helps draw them to our facility for other tournaments.  Mr. Pinkall stated that we had added the fourteen year olds this year and most of them had been here before and liked our facility.  

Mr. Pinkall informed the Commission that it was becoming competitive with Great Bend, Wichita, Hays and Oklahoma all having nice facilities.  Mr. Pinkall stated that it works well here with the hotels having indoor rooms, pools and being close to the ballfield.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if we should be looking at something to enhance our facility.  Mr. Pinkall stated that turf would be one upgrade.  Mr. Pinkall explained that there were no dirt issues with turf and that was what the State was looking at for softball.  Mr. Pinkall pointed out that there was turf on the field at Zerger Field.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if you put turf on the outfield also.  Mr. Pinkall stated that you could, but the infield would be the first choice.  Mr. Pinkall commented that you would not have to drag the infield or chalk the lines with turf.

Police Department:

·        Brain Train:

Police Chief Meyers informed that Commission that he had been contacted by Pilot Club President Kay Sewell about a Brain Train event on April 23^rd.  Chief Meyers stated that they had asked him to contact emergency services and have them bring their equipment to the park from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Chief Meyers commented that he had been in contact with Fire Chief Kramer and he would have a fire truck there and he had also contacted Chief Mark McManaman who would have a fire truck and ambulance at the park.  Chief Meyers added that he was also sending a police vehicle.  Commissioner Taylor questioned if they wanted the park closed.  Chief Meyers stated that they did not.  Mr. Pinkall commented that this was a safety project for the Pilot Club and it was to benefit kids with brain injuries.

Finance Department:

·        Audit:

Finance Director Garten informed the Commission that the auditors would be here this Wednesday and Thursday.

Mayor and Commission:

 

·        People’s Bank event:

Mayor Kumberg commented that he had been talking with the People’s Bank concerning the tribute to Mr. Jack Ewing.  Mayor Kumberg stated that they had a tentative date for an ice cream social on May 24^th and that would be the date that Centennial Park would be named in honor of Mr. Ewing.  Public Works Director Rambat questioned if they were thinking of changing the name of Centennial Park to the Jack Ewing Centennial Park or just Jack Ewing Park.  Mayor Kumberg stated that he was thinking the Jack Ewing Park.  Mr. Rambat commented that he would get with Park Superintendent Eckhoff and get a sign made.

·        City Manager search:

Commissioner Skaggs asked what the next step was in search for a City Manager.  City Attorney Van Blaricum stated that he would get in contact with the League to get some pointers.  Commissioner Taylor commented that we needed to get a job description and a pay scale.

·        Disposal week:

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the special pick-ups for the clean-up week would be determined on whether a person was physically unable to do it themselves or whether they did not have the proper transportation.  Commissioner Skaggs also asked who would make that determination.  Mr. Rambat stated that it would probably be the staff up front who take the calls.  Mr. Rambat commented that they had tried to make the flyer brief and he knew that we would be doing some of it.  Mr. Rambat stated that Mr. Pinkall would be lining up some volunteers and have them do the special pick-ups and we would pick up the pieces.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if Mr. Pinkall had some volunteers organized.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he had some show interest and he would get business and civic groups also.  Mr. Pinkall explained that the college was usually good about helping with projects, but that was finals week.  Mr. Pinkall added that we would be focusing on the elderly that were not able to physically do it themselves.

 

·        Stutzman’s location:

Commissioner Meyer commented that the new location for Stutzman’s was working well.  

 

·        Arby’s:

 

Commissioner Meyer questioned where we were with Arby’s.  Building Inspector Blankenship stated that they had been asking for permit prices and he had received one call from a general contractor.  Mr. Blankenship commented that this was routine for them.

·        Buster’s Saloon:

Commissioner Skaggs commented that Buster’s Saloon had cleaned up that area a little bit.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if we had an ordinance on banners or signs that were fixed.  Mr. Blankenship stated that we have nothing for banners; however, most signage were pole signs.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that a banner was better than a dirty plate glass window.

ADJOURN:

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

 

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LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

 

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LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk