08/01/2016-City Commission Special Call Meeting Agenda

CALL FOR A SPECIAL MEETING

OF THE

GOVERNING BODY 

TO:  MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY: 

            A Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt is hereby called to be held in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 01, 2016 the object and purpose of said meeting to be the following: 

1.    Executive Session to Discuss Non-Elected Personnel to Last Five Hours.

                                               

                                     SIGNED:

                                     ___Signature on File__________________

                                     Commissioner

 

                                     ___Signature on File__________________

                                     Commissioner                                                                                  

                                     ____Signature on File__________________

                                     Commissioner 

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

            You are hereby notified that there will be a Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 01, 2016 in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street, for the purpose of:

1.    Executive Session to Discuss Non-Elected Personnel to Last Six Hours 

WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, THIS 30^TH DAY OF JULY, 2016.

 

                         SIGNED: 

                                     ___Signature o File________________
                                     LuAnn Kramer, City Clerk 

TO THE CHIEF OF POLICE, HIS DEPUTY, OR A POLICE OFFICER OR OTHER CITY EMPLOYEE:

You are hereby directed to serve the above notice at once personally to each Commissioner or to leave it at his/her place of residence or business before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016.

08/01/2016-City Commission Special Call Meeting Agenda

CALL FOR A SPECIAL MEETING

OF THE

GOVERNING BODY 

TO:  MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY: 

            A Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt is hereby called to be held in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 01, 2016 the object and purpose of said meeting to be the following: 

1.    Executive Session to Discuss Non-Elected Personnel to Last Five Hours.

                                               

                                                                                    SIGNED:

                                     ___Signature on File__________________

                                     Commissioner

 

                                     ___Signature on File__________________

                                     Commissioner                                                                                  

                                     ____Signature on File__________________

                                     Commissioner 

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

            You are hereby notified that there will be a Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 01, 2016 in the City Commission Room located at 619 South Main Street, for the purpose of:

1.    Executive Session to Discuss Non-Elected Personnel to Last Six Hours 

WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, THIS 30^TH DAY OF JULY, 2016.

 

                         SIGNED: 

                                   ____Signature on File______                                                                                                                   LuAnn Kramer, City Clerk 

TO THE CHIEF OF POLICE, HIS DEPUTY, OR A POLICE OFFICER OR OTHER CITY EMPLOYEE:

You are hereby directed to serve the above notice at once personally to each Commissioner or to leave it at his/her place of residence or business before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016.

08/01/2016-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

AUGUST 01, 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 –   July 18, 2016 Special Call Commission Meeting 

                               July 18, 2016 Regular Commission Meeting      

5.      BUSINESS:

5.1             Update on Circles Program – Jeanette Siemens

6.      OPEN AGENDA (City Matters Only)(3 Minute Time Limit)

7.      REPORTS:

7.1             Interim City Manager

7.2             City Attorney

·        Legislative Updates

7.3             Department Superintendents

7.4             Mayor

7.5             City Commission

8.   ADJOURN

07/05/2016-Approved City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

July 05, 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

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.

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 June 20, 2016 regular Commission meeting and the June 22, 2016 special call meeting.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.  

BUSINESS: 

DISCUSSION CONCERNING SIDEWALK PROJECT ON MAPLE STREET AND GRANT FUNDING: 

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that Public Works Director Rambat and he had been working with Mr. DeWayne Bryant on securing a sidewalk on Maple Street.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he had suggested to Mr. Bryant that he bring any grant ideas to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board before coming to the Commission for matching funds.  Mr. Pinkall commented that Mr. Bryant currently has some secured funds from Wildlife and Parks to connect Sandy Creek Addition up to the additions.  Mr. Pinkall stated that the sidewalk project would cost around $60,000 and was an 80/20 matching refundable grant, which means that we pay for it and then would be reimbursed.   

Mr. Pinkall explained that this would be a serpentine sidewalk that moves around the light poles and the north side of the sidewalk would be next to the curb to avoid maintenance problems.  Mr. Pinkall stated that half or two-thirds could be done in-kind instead of cash.  Mr. Pinkall added that, if Mr. Bryant finds a grant, we could have a plan that we could work towards moving into the budget work session.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if there would be a common fence   Building Inspector Blankenship stated that a fence would not effect this since it was just off the property line of the owner.  

Commissioner Skaggs questioned if the long range plans were to have a connecting link with the older and newer parts of town.  Public Works Director Rambat stated that there was little or no sidewalk in the newer areas, so we would start with Maple Street.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if this was a higher priority than East First Street.  Mr. Pinkall stated that he had not talked to him about that, but added that we did not have to do this project.  Commissioner Meyer asked what the next step would be.  Mr. Pinkall commented that the coalition would meet with the Park and Recreation Advisory Board on why this was so important and what options there were.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would have a different input on what was priority.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if we needed to be worried about money.  Mr. Rambat stated that we would spec it and send out bids, but he was not sure we could cover $12,000.  Finance Director Garten stated that this was a reimbursement grant, which meant that we pay first then get money back.  Ms. Garten reminded the Commission that funds were not as available as they had been.  Commissioner Hlavachick questioned if there were more grants out there.  Mr. Pinkall stated that the Advisory Board would help get that organized as Mr. Bryant funnels through them first.  Mr. Pinkall added that he would keep the Commission up to date on the progress.   

OPEN AGENDA: 

·        Bountiful Baskets: 

Ms. Jan Luttrell stated that she had been asked by the City Clerk to come and talk about a new program that was available in the City.  Ms. Luttrell commented that Bountiful Baskets started in 2006 in Phoenix and it helped them get more fresh fruits and vegetables.  Ms. Luttrell explained that the program was now in sixteen states and certified organic products were added in 2011.  Ms. Luttrell stated that this was all volunteer except for the food purchases and trucking and the contributions go for food at that site.  Ms. Luttrell added that the more contributions, the more money they have to purchase food at better prices. 

Ms. Luttrell informed the Commission that she found out about this program in Nebraska and in Wichita, but she got trained in Hutchinson.  Ms. Luttrell commented that delivery for Pratt is every other Saturday and orders are taken online from Monday noon to Tuesday evening or when they run out.  Ms. Luttrell stated that their first delivery was last Saturday and they had eighty-six baskets.  Ms. Luttrell explained that there were 76 different people participating and thirty-nine had add-on items.  Ms. Luttrell stated that the basic basket aims for six vegetables and six fruits at a cost of $15 and they were all coming straight from the supplier.  Ms. Luttrell commented that you can get add-ons once you contribute to the basic basket.  Ms. Luttrell stated that the add-ons could include corn on the cob, 25 pounds of peaches and the lunch pack for during the school year.  Ms. Luttrell added that the available items were listed on the website and the prices were set.   

Ms. Luttrell stated that this was not a subscription, but you had to sign up and it was not automatically received.  Ms. Luttrell clarified that you had to register each week that it would be available for delivery.  Ms. Luttrell commented that you are asked to volunteer, which requires you to arrive one hour before the pick-up time, unload the truck and distribute the items.  Ms. Luttrell stated that any extra left overs would belong to the coop.  Ms. Luttrell explained that they need around thirty people to volunteer and there was a twenty-minute pick-up window.  Mayor Kumberg questioned if the produce was grown locally.  Ms. Luttrell stated that most of it comes from Arizona and New Mexico.  Mayor Kumberg commented that it was usually very difficult to get this into a community and he thanked her for her hard work.

·        Michael Florez comments: 

Mr. Michael Florez stated that he had just received the letter that the City Attorney had sent him as he was coming into the meeting.  Mr. Florez commented that incidents started happening in 2013; however, he realized that he could not speak on what he had intended on speaking about due to pending litigation.  Mr. Florez stated that he moved here in 2010 and does not cause problems or look for problems.  Mr. Florez commented that he had filed a formal complaint with Chief Myers and he had copies of the letters written to the Chief and other policing officers.  Mr. Florez stated that he was not here to cause problems, but one of the officers continued to have an ongoing problems.  Mr. Florez stated that he would answer for his conduct; however, the officer continues with his conduct.  Mr. Florez handed the City Clerk letters and correspondence that he had given to Chief Myers.

REPORTS: 

Interim City Manager: 

·        Study on drinking water:

Interim City Manager Rambat informed the Commission that he had met with an engineer hired by Wildlife and Parks and they were doing a study on the drinking water supply.  Mr. Rambat commented that the engineer was in gathering information to do a feasibility study.  Mr. Rambat stated that their water system was not quite up to specifications with the well system they had and they were looking at other sources.  Mr. Rambat explained that they were looking at tying into our distribution system.  Commissioner Taylor asked who was on their system.  Mr. Rambat stated that the offices, houses and the museum were on it. 

Mr. Rambat stated that this would be a pricey project and he needed to know if they were looking for drinking water or water for fire protection.  Mr. Rambat commented that we could get them the water, but the problem was the chlorine residual once it got there.  Mr. Rambat stated that he would put the study before the Commission once it was finished.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if this would jeopardize their longevity in Pratt.  Mr. Rambat commented that he did not want to speculate on that.   

Mr. Rambat commented that he had talked to them about routes and, although this would not be the shortest one, they could look at hooking on to the Sports Complex or the wastewater treatment plant.  Mr. Rambat added that this would keep the line from running down the middle of a field.  Commissioner Skaggs questioned if there could be a financial advantage to the City if it ran along Lake Road.  Mr. Rambat stated that it could in theory, but he was not well versed on it.  Mr. Rambat added that we would size it to what fits their needs.  Commissioner Skaggs stated that we provide electricity there and he asked if they would provide for fire security.  Mr. Rambat stated that that would need to be discussed, but that would be a case of running a six or eight inch line, then run half or smaller and put a pump on it or they would have to do chlorine injections.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if this was a one or two year study.  Mr. Rambat stated that he was not sure, but the engineer had said by the end of this month.  Mr. Rambat stated that there would be a significate cost to this, but we wanted to work with them as best as we could.  Mr. Rambat commented that any bigger decisions would be brought to the Commission. 

Public Works: 

·        Pre-construction meeting: 

Public Works Director Rambat stated that he had attended the pre-construction meeting last Thursday for the wastewater treatment plant updates.  Mr. Rambat commented that they were getting started and had a completion date of October 31, 2016. 

·        Silent auction: 

Mr. Rambat informed the Commission that there were several vehicles and various equipment that went up for silent auction today.  Mr. Rambat stated that people could come next week and see what we have and they would be able to pick up a sheet on how to bid.  Mr. Rambat added that he had put a $100 minimum on all items in the auction.  Mr. Rambat commented that the bids would be opened the following Monday at 10:00 a.m.  Mr. Rambat stated that the vehicles and equipment had originally been paid for by the taxpayers.

·        KLINK project: 

Mr. Rambat stated that there would be a pre-construction meeting with APAC on Thursday, July 14^th for the KLINK project.  Mr. Rambat reminded the Commission that the project was a mill and overlay.  Mr. Rambat commented that APAC hoped to get started by the end of July.

·        Sidewalk sale: 

Mr. Rambat commented that the sidewalk sale was this Saturday and he had all the departments lined out for that event.  Mr. Rambat stated that they would attempt to spray for mosquitos before the movie in the park that evening. 

·        Northwest corner of town:

Mr. Rambat stated that there were two dirt streets taken off the map in the northwest corner of town.  Mr. Rambat explained that the two blocks now had coal mix asphalt on them. 

Inspection Department:

·        Old Lutheran Church: 

Mayor Kumberg stated that he had been called by a couple of people concerning businesses being run out of the old Lutheran Church and questioned Building Inspector Blankenship on whether they were violating a code.  Mayor Kumberg commented that the residents in that area were not happy with things being left there and having to wait for someone to pick them up after a weekend.  Mr. Blankenship stated that the church was zoned residential and there should not be any businesses there.  Mr. Blankenship commented that he would send a letter if he could confirm that they were running a business there.  Mr. Blankenship explained that they would have to stop business immediately.  Mayor Kumberg stated that he would appreciate Mr. Blankenship checking that out, because the people living in that area did not appreciate the traffic.  Mayor Kumberg added that he felt the people were doing a good thing, but they should have checked with the City first. 

Electric Department:

·        Thermal imaging camera: 

Director of Electric Utilities Huber informed the Commission that KMEA had loaned the City a thermal image camera and they would be looking for connections that could be a problem.  Mr. Huber stated that they would be starting tonight and should have the whole system done in two weeks.  Commissioner Meyer asked if they anticipated finding any problems.  Mr. Huber stated that he did; however, this was the best time to do this since the loads were high.  Commissioner Taylor questioned the cost of the camera.  Mr. Huber started that it was about $26,000, but was loaned to us as part of our membership.

Recreation Department:

·        Hap Dumont Tournament:

Recreation Director Pinkall stated that the 12 and under Hap Dumont tournament was this weekend and they try to coincide the sidewalk sale with the tournament.  Mr. Pinkall commented that there were thirty-four teams that would start playing on Thursday and be done on Sunday after eight or nine games.  Mr. Pinkall added that they would also play some games at Lemon Park. 

·        Ribbon cutting:

Mr. Pinkall stated that there would be a ribbon cutting ceremony to acknowledge the streetscape project Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Third Street and Main Street.  Mr. Pinkall commented that Ms. Kim DeClue would do this as a Chamber event. 

Police Department: 

·        Bikes: 

Police Chief Myers stated that there had been an article in the paper concerning the burglaries and the people of the night on bikes.  Chief Myers commented that he had asked citizens to report any suspicious activity right away.  Chief Myers stated that a reporter asked him what contributes to the burglaries.  Chief Myers explained that he had stated that it was job loss due to the shutdown of the oilfields.  Chief Myers stated that some oilfield workers took that personally and he felt that he was misinterpreted.  Chief Myers commented that shut downs affect the economy in the community and we had had a widespread job loss. 

Chief Myers stated that the loitering ordinance had been pretty effective even though he was not in favor of it in the beginning.  Chief Myers commented that people of the night were looking for unlocked vehicles and they were taking owner’s manuals, sunglasses, mp3 players, laptops, firearms and coins.  Chief Myers added that people need to be certain that they not leave valuables in their car and to keep their vehicles locked.  Chief Myers added that you need to also close your garage doors as they were taking tools and other items from those they found open.  Chief Myers commented that there was some good news last week that resulted in two major arrests and the police department was able to seize property that had been stolen.  Chief Myers stated that they feel that others were involved so they would continue to work them in teams.  Chief Myers informed the Commissioners that he had officers working on their days off to get this problem curtailed.  Mayor Kumberg commented that you never used to have to lock your car.  Chief Myers stated that, even if there are no valuables, they were going through them and taking owner’s manuals and registrations.  Chief Myers explained that this was random all over town and people needed to call as soon as they find that anything was missing. 

Finance Department: 

·        Budget Work Session:   

Finance Director Garten reminded the Commission about the budget work session on July 26^th and 27^th.  Ms. Garten stated that there was a lot going on so they would probably meet both days.  Commissioner Meyer questioned if the department heads were coming.  Ms. Garten stated that some want to come in and speak; however, we could call them in at any time the Commissioners had questions.  Commissioner Meyer stated that he thought that was a good idea.  Commissioner Taylor commented that we could play it by ear.  Mr. Rambat stated that he would be in the budget work session for what affects his departments.   

Mayor and Commission:

·        KORA amended:

Mayor Kumberg stated that SB22 amended KORA effective July 01, 2016 and it addresses information that is public on electronic devices.  Mayor Kumberg commented that we need to make sure that we are in compliance with this and how we respond to a request for information.  Mayor Kumberg added that we should be using only City of Pratt emails. 

·        Sales tax:

Commissioner Meyer asked if Ms. Garten had any comments on sales tax.  Ms. Garten stated that it was down, but looking better.  Ms. Garten explained that we were down 1½ % from last year, so we were still struggling a little bit.

ADJOURN:

 

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

 

_______________________________________
LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST: 

________________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk

07/05/2016-Approved Joint City/County Commission Recessed Meeting

MONDAY

JULY 05, 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:        

 

LuAnn Kramer             City Clerk

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: 

UPDATE ON YOUTH FOR CHRIST: 

Mr. Joel Williamson, Executive Director of Youth for Christ, informed the Commissioners that Youth for Christ had purchased the Barron Theater.  Mr. Williamson stated that Youth for Christ tries to reach out to unchurched kids and help them become thriving adults.  Mr. Williamson commented that he had been going to a church camp a few years ago and he asked how many of the eleven kids had experienced marijuana and all eleven said they had.  Mr. Williamson added that 80% of the kids had parents that were divorced.  Mr. Williamson shared that Pratt kids were marginal for at risk homes; however, it was amazing to see lives changed.  Mr. Williamson stated that volunteers call the kids to remind them to do their homework; therefore, those kids had come out of a drug situation and graduated.  Mr. Williamson explained that one girl would not have gone to college back in 2008, but the program helped her to come out of poverty, so she went to Barclay College, was involved in the Circles program in Kiowa County and spends time with YFC in Pratt.  Mr. Williamson stated that she had not fallen through the cracks.  

Mr. Williamson explained that he hoped that the purchase of the Barron would help them reach more kids and they planned on showing movies, have overnighters and open up after school and weekends.  Mr. Williamson commented that he thought about having X-Box tournaments and open it up to the public a couple times a month to show vintage movies.  Mr. Williamson commented that there would have to be some fund raising to save the historical feeling, with the lobby and lower theater not changing much, but the upper theater would change to three tiers that would have couches and bean bags for the teens.  

Mr. Williamson stated that they anticipated $20,000 a year for operations and utilities in the building and that did not include staff.  Mr. Williamson stated that they thought about zoning the air conditioning to the middle.  Mr. Williamson commented that there would be offices where the arches in the lobby were and they would know more about property insurance, the marque and roof after a year.  Mr. Williamson stated that they were looking into funding that may be available, whether that be in utility breaks or whatever.   

Mayor Kumberg commended them for doing this and added that his grandfather had been the contractor on it originally.  Mayor Kumberg stated that there would be massive updates to get it to code.  Mr. Williamson stated that it was in pretty good shape and the roof was good, but there would be things to do.  Mr. Williamson commented that they had an investor and they were not going to try to recoup their money.  Mayor Kumberg stated that they would like to hear more about the funding and they could put this on the budget work session agenda to have further discussion concerning utilities.  Mr. Williamson stated that he would be away at summer camp then, but he would send Ms. Sheryl White in his place.   

Commissioner Skaggs commented that their estimate on utilities seemed low to him, so he hoped that it was accurate.  Commissioner Taylor stated that an upgrade on the air conditioning would be more cost effective and a lot was going to be paid by donation.  Commissioner Meyer commented that the City had talked about restriping in front of the Barron and asked if that would cause any problems.  Mr. Williamson stated that it would not.  Ms. White commented that she would like to have access to bike racks.  City Clerk Kramer commented that she had given them Recreation Director Bruce Pinkall’s contact information, because we did not want something that did not go with the new streetscape.  Mayor Kumberg stated that this was a worthwhile endeavor and he was interested in seeing how we could fit this into our budget.  Commissioner Taylor added that they were doing wonderful things and they were also expanding into Stafford County. 

DISCUSSION OF THE REVISED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE CITY OF PRATT REGARDING THE LEC: 

Mayor Kumberg commented that the LEC Committee had reexamined the LEC Agreement between the City and the County.  Mayor Kumberg stated that they had brought the amended agreement into compliance as to what was actually happening today.  Mayor Kumberg added that there was no increase or decrease in funding.  County Counselor Schmisseur stated that the original agreement was done about forty years ago and had been looked at again in 2003.  Mr. Schmisseur explained that the technology aspects had been updated and Chief Myers and Sheriff Chinn were both comfortable with where this was at.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that the agreement would need to be approved by both City and County Commissioners before it was sent to the Attorney General’s office for their approval.  Mr. Schmisseur added that he did not think that they would mess with it; however, he did not know how long it would take.  Mr. Schmisseur explained that they would operate under the old agreement until they got the Attorney General’s approval. 

Commissioner Meyer asked if they were going to expand the evidence room.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that they already had separate evidence rooms and would continue with that.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that Sheriff Chinn had not known anything about the extra 200 square feet for the police department, but it did not have to be run by him.  Mayor Kumberg stated that, in his last discussion with Chief Myers, it was his intention to do some expansion to make an additional evidence room to prevent tampering.  Mayor Kumberg added that he was going to bring bids to the budget work session on that issue.  Commissioner Borho questioned if that was going to be within the police department’s space.  Commissioner Meyer stated that he was not sure, but he thought that Chief Myers had visited with Sheriff Chinn.  Mayor Kumberg commented that he thought it was to expand into the mechanical room and there would have to be some give and take between the entities.  Mayor Kumberg added that we should know more after the budget work session.  Mayor Kumberg stated that the thought was there, but nothing would probably be requested until there was an approval to move forward.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that they should not need the Attorney General’s approval for a future change in the diagram. 

With no more discussion, Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the interlocal LEC agreement as presented.  Commissioner Skaggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.  County Commissioner Ward made a motion to approve the joint LEC agreement as presented.  County Commissioner Borho seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. 

GENERAL DISCUSSION: 

·        Conceal Carry: 

Commissioner Meyer asked Counselor Schmisseur about his thoughts on the conceal carry and employees.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that the State law was uniformly applicable to the City and the County and you could not be opted out.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that the City should check with City Attorney Van Blaricum, but he would discuss this in his absence.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that you could not tell an employee that they could not carry unless the premises were secure and an employee could not be fired for carrying.  Mr. Schmisseur clarified that an employee could carry, but the public could not; however, a City employee coming onto County property was not protected on the City side.  Mayor Kumberg commented that there was a unique relationship with Mr. Van Blaricum being the City and County attorney.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that that would change next January, but attorneys can carry and did not have to take the training. 

Commissioner Skaggs asked what the difference was in concealed carry and open carry.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that he was not sure what the status was to open carry, but he did know that an employee could conceal carry without discipline.  Mayor Kumberg asked if they had to have a permit.  Commissioner Meyer stated that he did not think so.  Commissioner Skaggs asked if long guns were included in the open carry.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that they were.  Commissioner Skaggs commented that a long gun could impede an employee’s job.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that he should discuss this with City Attorney Van Blaricum.  Commissioner Meyer commented that an employee could make some HR directors and superintendents fear them going ‘postal’.  Commissioner Meyer added that a revolver in their back could be intimidating.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that the Topeka folks have a greater appreciation and knowledge than we do, so we would need to change them up there if we were not happy.   

·        Electronic Communications: 

Mayor Kumberg stated that SB22 was concerning electronic communications issues subject to KORA.  Mayor Kumberg commented that it could be an issue when you use a phone, computer or private device from home and conduct public business on it.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that he had some experience with that in the last six or eight months when wind farm stuff was being demanded and it was not uniquely an open record.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that the information had been supplied to those folks for their request, however, no money had been asked for in return for our services, which we could have.  Mr. Schmisseur explained that they had a right to look at emails of the road superintendent or electric utility director if emails had been fired out as to why the power went out.  Mr. Schmisseur added that we should charge for our time and materials.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that the director’s time was valuable. 

Mayor Kumberg commented that this was not retroactive, so it goes from this point forward.  Mayor Kumberg stated that he knew how it was in medical work and they could come in and get records for seven years and then bring them back.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that County Clerk Kruse and he meet with employees once a year to remind them that the computers were the County’s and the County had no control over someone coming in and getting material.  Mayor Kumberg commented that there should maybe be a general use agreement with employees that states that nothing they do on the City’s equipment was theirs and it belongs to the entity.  Mayor Kumberg added that they need to know that you should not do anything that you do not want to see on the front page of a newspaper.

·        Body cameras:

Commissioner Meyer asked if the Sheriff’s Department had looked into purchasing body cameras.  Commissioner Meyer commented that he did not know where we were at, but both departments should have them and he would encourage them.  Commissioner Meyer suggested that we could get a better purchase price if we bought together.  Mayor Kumberg stated that KORA defines that dash cam footage and body footage could be requested and you had thirty days to provide it.  Commissioner Meyer commented that this was an area that we needed to cooperate.  Commissioner Borho reminded the City Commissioners that they had no say in what the Sheriff spends once they approve the budget.  Commissioner Reynolds agreed that he did not know why we would not if we could get a better deal.  Mayor Kumberg commented that the Sheriff and Police Department also had two separate radio systems and the City’s was aged and could only get better.  Mr. Schmisseur stated that the County would not have body cameras until there was a State law that requires it.  Mr. Schmisseur commented that Sedgwick County had to hire two additional employees to go over footage. 

·        Next meeting: 

It was agreed that the next meeting would be on September 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall. 

ADJOURN:

 

A motion by Commissioner Hlavachick to adjourn was seconded by Commissioner Meyer.  Motion and second passed unanimously.

 

_______________________________________
LUCUS KUMBERG, Mayor

ATTEST: 

________________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk