The
regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Kumberg. The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to note
that all Commissioners were present.
The
Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor
Kumberg led the staff and audience in the invocation and the Pledge of
Allegiance.
MINUTES:
Commissioner
Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2017 regular
meeting. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
BUSINESS:
UPDATE ON YOUTH CORE
MINISTRIES:
Dr.
Sheryl White, Youth Core Ministries Development Coordinator and Mr. Joel
Williamson, Chief Executive Officer for Youth Core Ministries, thanked the
Commission for what they contributed to the success of Youth Core. Dr. White stated that they had opened their
doors to groups such as Horizons, had birthday parties with a donation as low
as $20 and movies by donation for the community. Dr. White explained that the movie industry
had told them that they had to charge, so they now do a charge of $5. Dr. White commented that they were currently
trying to put together a scholarship program.
Mr.
Williamson stated that this group was a ministry and doing movies was out of
the ordinary; however, the ultimate goal was ministry for the kids. Mr. Williamson told a story about a young man
who did not like himself and did not know how to live up to his Dad’s
expectations and needed to get away from pornography. Mr. Williamson commented that Youth Core was
the highlight of this young man’s life and he was now mentoring a younger
person, which gives him a reason to do well.
Mr. Williamson added that his mission was to help kids like him and he
was very grateful for the City’s support.
Mr. Williamson commented that they had seventy-five to eighty kids in
attendance consistently and that they were open three days a week during the
summer and would be open as an after school place to hang out for high
schoolers. Mr. Williamson stated that
they were collaborating with other churches to use the center.
Commissioner
Peters questioned what days they were open.
Mr. Williamson stated that it was Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Commissioner Peters asked if this was another
option to the Teen Center. Mr.
Williamson stated that the Teen Center was for middle school aged kids and they
were hoping for high schoolers. Mr.
Williamson added that their age groups were from 5th to 7th
grade and 8th to 12th after school; however, they had not
gotten with the Teen Center Board about the middle school kids and they did not
want to be in competition with them. Commissioner
Hlavachick stated that it was a great thing they were doing. Mr. Williamson commented that the numbers
were exciting. Mayor Kumberg added that
we were very grateful for them offering this to the young kids and that it was
important and needed. Mr. Williamson
offered an invitation to the Commissioners to visit on Tuesday nights starting
with middle school at 6:15 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. for an
energetic evening with the high schoolers.
UPDATE ON ‘JACK’S RUN’
OCTOBER 14, 2017:
Ms.
Farrah Schmidt stated that Blythe had kicked off Jack’s Back to School Program
this evening with fourteen in attendance and they would be headed to the Barron
on Thursday. Ms. Schmidt explained to
the Commission that our community was 70% free or reduced lunches and that
means that any student that comes through Blythe that are 4th – 8th
grade qualify for Jack’s Program for free, otherwise there was a cost of $20 a
month. Ms. Schmidt commented that they
had applied for a grant through South Central Community Foundation and any
child that qualifies for free or reduced lunches also qualifies for a
scholarship to Jack’s program. Ms.
Schmidt stated that the $20 helps provide snacks, pay for field trips and helps
keep the program sustainable.
Ms.
Schmidt stated that they do one fund raiser, which would be a zombie run on
October 14th this year. Ms.
Schmidt explained that they would start and end in Sixth Street Park and run
the sidewalks only. Ms. Schmidt added
that they would be running down through Lemon Park as well and the run would
start at 8:00 a.m. Recreation Director
Pinkall stated that he would get with Public Works Director Rambat to make sure
things were in place and he added that this was the type of event that we
wanted in the park.
DISCUSSION WITH AMERICAN
LEGION:
Past
American Legion Commander Travis Watson stated that the American Legion would
like to accept the offer from the City to purchase their building for $10 and
they would also like for the City to continue to do the mowing. Mr. Watson added that they would like to
look into a break on the electricity.
City Manager Eckert stated that that had been discussed; however, no conclusion
had been made. Commissioner Peters
commented that we wanted to do something.
Mr. Eckert stated that we should know something this week. After little discussion, City Attorney Goff
stated that she would get a Quit Claim Deed ready. Ms. Goff asked who would be signing the sales
agreement. Mr. Watson stated that it
would be Mr. Paul Bryan. Mayor Kumberg
added that it would have to be done at the next meeting.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
BID FOR AUDITING SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF PRATT:
City
Manager Eckert stated that requests for proposals had been sent out for
auditors and they had gotten a few back.
Mr. Eckert commented that it was hard to find people to audit a City
since it was different accounting principles.
Finance Director Garten stated that there were eight firms contacted
with three returning a proposal, three that did not respond and the two locals
did not respond. Ms. Garten added that
the two local firms typically did not respond, but they were sent the request
out of courtesy. Ms. Garten commented
that Vonfeldt, Bauer & Vonfeldt had been doing the audit about twelve years
ago, but had not submitted a proposal until now due to being short staffed, but
they now had the staff and Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball were our current
auditors. Ms. Garten added that all
three of the returned proposals were qualified.
Mayor Kumberg asked if they had a recommendation. Ms. Garten stated that we had had ABBB for
the last ten years and sometimes it was good to make a change; however, she did
not have a specific recommendation.
Commissioner
Peters asked if this cost included lodging.
Ms. Garten explained that they charge up to their proposal amount and
nothing more than that. Commissioner
Peters asked why we would change auditors.
Ms. Garten stated that Vonfeldt had been with the City for years and had
not returned a proposal when the City went with ABBB. Ms. Garten added that Vonfeldt had not been
equipped or staffed at that time to do our audit. Commissioner Peters commented that we want an
auditor that was going to give us absolute assurance and a plan to expand the
audit to internal controls. Mr. Eckert
agreed and stated that internal controls were extremely important and a
safeguard. Mr. Eckert stated that we
want them to make sure that we have internal controls, which could change with
new laws and other things that were out there.
Mr. Eckert added that the last audit was not as thorough as it should
have been.
Mayor
Kumberg questioned if BKD was out of Wichita.
Ms. Garten stated that they were.
Commissioner Meyer commented that we had gotten the same advice the last
couple of years and that may be the only advice we needed and the procedures
were similar for Vonfeldt. Ms. Garten
stated that they all follow the Kansas Auditing Guide. Commissioner Meyer stated that the most
impressive proposal was from Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball. Commissioner Hlavachick commented that he had
been pleased with ABBB. Ms. Garten
stated that they were familiar with our system, but she was good with whichever
the Commission chose. Commissioner Meyer
commented that there was a difference in price.
Commissioner Peters commented that BKD did look at areas of higher risks,
internal controls and financial risks.
Commissioner Meyer stated that their list of references was
impressive.
Commissioner
Peters questioned if we had to go with the lowest bid. Mr. Eckert stated that they did not. Commissioner Schmidt asked Mr. Eckert for his
recommendation since he had a lot of experience with auditors. Mr. Eckert stated that he agreed with
Commissioner Peters and that they needed to be here four or five days. Mr. Eckert commented that they need to get to
know the staff that first year and that could not be done long distance. Mr. Eckert added that they needed to see the
books and ask questions. Commissioner
Peters commented that BKD had stated in their proposal that they stayed in
contact with the staff and he questioned if our auditors do that now. Ms. Garten commented that they do and they
were open to questions throughout the year.
Commissioner Peters asked if we get charged extra if we call them. Ms. Garten stated that it depended on what we
needed them to do. Commissioner Peters
stated that he liked the fact that BKD did an independent review. Ms. Garten commented that Adams, Brown, Beran
and Ball do that as well.
Commissioner
Meyer questioned if the proposal was for one year or three. Ms. Garten stated that we engage them for
three years. Commissioner Peters
commented that we needed to look at the references they had given us. Commissioner Meyer stated that their list of
municipalities shows they are experienced.
Mr. Eckert stated that we could make a half dozen phone calls. Commissioner Meyer commented that he was good
with them if we find that they get high recommendations. Mayor Kumberg stated that they were more than
qualified; however, he was speaking of them dealing with the health care side. Commissioner Hlavachick stated that he had
had no problem with ABBB, but they had been around for a long time. Mayor Kumberg stated that the need for a
change came from some questions from last year’s audit. Commissioner Schmidt commented that it was
time to let someone else get their perspective on it. Commissioner Peters asked if there was an out
clause if we do a three year agreement.
Ms. Garten commented that we could engage them for one year. Mr. Eckert stated that his recommendation
would be for a one year term with a three year option. Mr. Eckert added that the average was five to
seven years and then making a change.
With
little more discussion, Mayor Kumberg made a recommendation to go with
BKD. Commissioner Meyer agreed and made
a motion to engage BKD as the auditor for 2017 with the option for 2018 and
2019. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
THE APPT. OF CITY MANAGER TO THE KMEA BOARD AS THE ALTERNATE MEMBER:
Mr.
Eckert stated that there was an opening on the KMEA Board with the retirement
of Mr. Kenny Kreutzer and we needed someone on there at their next
meeting. Mr. Eckert commented that Mr.
Kreutzer would be joining in at that meeting in two weeks. With no further discussion, Mayor Kumberg
made a motion to appoint the City Manager as the permanent alternate member on
the KMEA Board. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA:
·
Pinkall Field:
Recreation
Director Pinkall stated that last Wednesday was very exciting and humbling for
him and he had had a hard time talking after the dedication of the field in his
name. Mr. Pinkall stated that seeing the
sign revealed with his name on it brought back names of others such as Jerry
Angood, Smokey Ford, Walter Blake, Wendell Green and L O Dickerson. Mr. Pinkall commented that it takes a whole
group to make things happen and the Complex happened because of many
people. Mr. Pinkall also thanked his
kids and wife for being at the Sports Complex a lot and to his parents who were
there a lot now that they lived in Pratt.
Mr. Pinkall stated that this meant a lot in many ways and he was proud
of being a part of all of it.
Commissioner Peters stated that it took a great leader to make it all happen.
REPORTS:
·
Congratulation to Bruce:
City
Manager Eckert congratulated Mr. Pinkall for a wonderful achievement. Mr. Eckert added that he had tremendous staff
and they always had what was best for the City in mind.
·
Water issues:
Mr.
Eckert stated that we had had a lot of water issues and he explained to the
Commission that we were almost even for this time of year when it was compared
to last year. Mr. Eckert commented that
we were not sure if it was weather or heat related; however, it was consistent
month by month and year by year.
·
Airport water:
Mr.
Eckert stated that we were getting KDHE to do more selected water sampling at
the airport and keeping tabs on the results.
Mr. Eckert commented that he had met with them a couple of weeks
ago. Mr. Eckert stated that we were
monitoring things so that we know if a well goes down. Mr. Eckert added that we were working well
with KDHE.
·
Early fall/Short Winter:
Mr.
Eckert stated that the departments were gearing up for an early fall and a
possible short winter. Mr. Eckert
commented that all the departments would be ready when the time comes and they
were doing very well.
City Attorney:
·
Much of the same:
City
Attorney Goff stated that she continues to work on contract negotiations and
working with the department heads. Ms.
Goff commented that Municipal Court was going along fine and she had court
every week.
·
American Legion:
Ms.
Goff stated that she had contacted KDHE concerning smoking in the American
Legion building. Ms. Goff explained
that, according to the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act, organizations could be
given a one-time exemption. Ms. Goff
commented that she had talked to one of the attorneys that had issued the
original exemption and she had heard back from him via email that stated that
the American Legion was granted the exemption and the sale of the building
would not affect that.
Police Department:
·
August Statistics:
Chief
Myers went over the August statistics for the department and Municipal
Court. They are below.
2017 Crime Stats
|
Feb ‘17
|
Mar ‘17
|
Apr. '17
|
May '17
|
June '17
|
July '17
|
Aug. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Abandoned Vehicle - Towed
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
5
|
2
|
4
|
Animal Bite
|
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
Aggravated Assault/Battery
|
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
Alcohol
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
3
|
Animal/Livestock
|
3
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
|
1
|
1
|
Assault / Battery
|
|
|
2
|
4
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
Assault / Battery - DV
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Assist Fire
|
|
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
Assist Other Agency
|
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
1
|
Burglary - Building
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
|
1
|
Burglary - Vehicle
|
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
2
|
Care/Treatment
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
Child Abuse
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
3
|
2
|
Child in Need of Care
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
8
|
10
|
Citizen Assist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Curfew Violation
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
Death Investigation
|
7
|
4
|
6
|
10
|
4
|
6
|
2
|
Disturbance
|
18
|
14
|
11
|
15
|
11
|
5
|
15
|
DL Violations
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
1
|
5
|
Drug Violation - Felony
|
3
|
4
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
|
3
|
Drug Violation - Misdemeanor
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
|
DUI
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|
1
|
2
|
Forgery / Counterfeit
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
Identify Theft
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
Incident Type Not Listed
|
18
|
13
|
16
|
14
|
13
|
17
|
18
|
Larceny / Embezzlement / Fraud
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
2
|
Lost / Found Property
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Missing Person - Juvenile
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Type Listed
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
Obstruct/Interfere Law Enf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
Offenses Against Fam/Children
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
1
|
Open Door
|
4
|
4
|
9
|
10
|
5
|
10
|
11
|
Other Offense
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Pharmaceutical Theft
|
4
|
3
|
5
|
8
|
|
6
|
7
|
Property Damage
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
|
|
Prowler
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robbery
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Sex Crime - Adult
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Sex Crime - Child
|
|
3
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
Specific Request
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stalking
|
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
|
Stolen Property
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
Theft - Motor Vehicle
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
Threat
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Traffic Accident – Injury
|
10
|
15
|
10
|
18
|
19
|
15
|
13
|
Traffic Accident - Prop. Damage
|
|
5
|
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
Trespass
|
|
1
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
3
|
Violation of PFA/PFS
|
4
|
6
|
3
|
7
|
3
|
8
|
7
|
Warrant Arrests
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weapons/Firearms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92
|
110
|
101
|
131
|
90
|
116
|
127
|
Total Cases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal Court Caseload
|
Feb ‘17
|
Mar ‘17
|
Apr. '17
|
May '17
|
June '17
|
July '17
|
Aug. '17
|
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
Cases Pending
|
1
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
|
DUI
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fleeing a Police Officer
|
115
|
91
|
69
|
155
|
108
|
54
|
126
|
Other Traffic Violations
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
5
|
2
|
5
|
4
|
Crimes Against Persons
|
4
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
11
|
3
|
Crimes Against Property
|
4
|
4
|
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
Other Crimes
|
9
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
Parking Violations
|
|
1
|
|
|
6
|
|
3
|
Dog Violations
|
136
|
110
|
165
|
173
|
127
|
72
|
140
|
Total Filings
|
218
|
192
|
247
|
255
|
209
|
154
|
222
|
Total Case Load
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Cases Disposed
of
|
DUI
|
All Other Cases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
77
|
63
|
67
|
160
|
53
|
65
|
Guilty Pleas
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Bond Forfeitures
|
0
|
13
|
23
|
21
|
32
|
27
|
31
|
Dismissals
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
1
|
Trials (Not Guilty Pleas)
|
0
|
7
|
6
|
4
|
20
|
1
|
15
|
Diversion Agreement
|
0
|
98
|
95
|
92
|
214
|
88
|
112
|
Total Dispositions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
94
|
152
|
163
|
7
|
66
|
110
|
Cases Pending at End of Aug. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
222 Case Load - 112 Cases Disposed)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MUNICIPAL COURT REVENUE
|
JAN. '16
|
JAN. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,347.00
|
$14,544.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEB. '16
|
FEB. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14,467.00
|
$16,809.76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MAR. '16
|
MAR. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$13,793.00
|
$20,131.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
APR. '16
|
APR. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,000.00
|
$15,142.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MAY '16
|
MAY '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$12,678.00
|
$10,108.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JUNE '16
|
JUNE '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$11,834.12
|
$14,798.55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JULY '16
|
JULY '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,274.00
|
$13,421.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aug. '17
|
Aug. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,062.00
|
$15,140.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$93,455.12
|
$120,095.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
Finance Dept.:
·
Sales Tax:
Finance
Director Garten stated that we did gain some ground for June sales; however, we
were still at a 2% deficit.
Mayor and Commission:
·
Joe Wynn Volunteer Award:
Commissioner
Hlavachick stated that it he would like to get the Joe Wynn Volunteer Award started
again. Mayor Kumberg suggested giving
that to the Parks Advisory Board. Mr.
Pinkall stated that he would do that at their next meeting which was the last
Monday in September.
·
Dog Park:
Commissioner
Peters asked where we were on the dog park.
Mr. Eckert stated that he had looked at a couple of areas with Mr.
Pinkall and they were still trying to figure out what area to use. Mr. Pinkall added that Park Superintendent
Eckhoff also had some ideas and they would be running those through the Advisory
Board and then bringing it back to the Commission.
·
Rec Commission:
Commissioner
Schmidt stated that he was reminded of people involved in recreation and that he
was on the recreation commission when he first got here along with L O
Dickerson, Florence Loomis and Wendell Green.
Commissioner Schmidt commented that they were the core group for a long
time and most of them were gone now.
Commissioner Schmidt added that a lot had changed from the 1970’s to now
and the vision had been good.
Commissioner Schmidt stated that Mr. Pinkall had worked out well and we
were very proud of his vision.
RECESS:
Commissioner
Hlavachick made a motion to recess until Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11:00
a.m. to meet with the County Commission.
Commissioner Peters seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
_______________________________
LUCUS
KUMBERG, Mayor
ATTEST:
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LUANN
KRAMER, City Clerk