MONDAY
NOVEMBER 06, 2017
The
Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular session in the Commission
Room located in City Hall.
PRESENT:
Lucus Kumberg Mayor
Doug Meyer Commissioner
Bill Hlavachick Commissioner
Gary Schmidt Commissioner
Don Peters Commissioner
ALSO PRESENT:
Roy Eckert City Manager
LuAnn Kramer City Clerk
Regina Goff City Attorney
Diana Garten Finance Director
Gary Myers Chief of Police
Russell Rambat Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Jamie Huber Director of Electric Utilities
Bruce Pinkall Recreation Director
CALL TO ORDER:
The
regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Kumberg. The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to note
that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner
Hlavachick.
The
Mayor reminded the audience that this meeting may be taped and/or recorded.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner
Peters led the staff and audience in the invocation and Mayor Kumberg led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES:
Commissioner
Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2017 City/County
Joint Commission meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
Commissioner
Schmidt made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2017 regular
Commission meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.
Commissioner
Peters made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 23, 2017 special
call Commission meeting #1. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 23, 2017 special
call Commission meeting #2. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION AND
APPROVAL OF THE INVOICE FROM SERVPRO OF NORTHWEST WICHITA ON SEWAGE CLEAN-UP:
Public
Works Director Rambat informed the Commission that this invoice was for the
clean-up of a sewer backup in the west part of town. Mr. Rambat stated that he had reviewed the
invoice and everything was accurate. Mr.
Rambat commented that they had done a good job cleaning up. Commissioner Peters questioned if this was
their final bill. Mr. Rambat stated that
it was. Mayor Kumberg stated that this
magnitude of a sewer back-up does not happen very often. Commissioner Schmidt asked if our insurance
company was going to help pay for anything.
Mr. Rambat stated that they were not going to pay for anything physical;
however, they would help if it goes to litigation. City Attorney Goff clarified that the
insurance company had found that the City was not at fault; therefore, was not
financially liable. Ms. Goff added that,
if the City were to get into litigation on the part of the homeowner to pay for
damages, the insurance company would pay for the lawyer.
With
no further discussion, Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the invoice
from Servpro of Northwest Wichita in the amount of $18,033.13. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Schmidt and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND
APPROVAL OF THE SANITARY SEWER BACK-UP POLICY:
City
Manager Eckert stated that this policy was a result of the recent sewer
back-up. Mr. Eckert commented that he
had looked at different policies around the State to see what they had and they
were all pretty standard from the draft that was sent to the Commissioners late
last week. Mr. Eckert explained that
this was very simple and based on recommendations from insurance
companies. Mr. Eckert commented that the
City of Cheney had the best one and it fit Pratt well, with a few modifications. Mr. Eckert stated that this policy states
what a homeowner can and cannot be reimbursed for and how to prevent
back-ups. Mr. Eckert added that it also
lets a homeowner know that they should check with their insurance company so
that they have a policy in place to cover a sewer back-up.
Commissioner
Peters questioned if this limits the liability of the City if it was not our
responsibility. City Attorney Goff
stated that the City is not liable if they were not negligent. Mayor Kumberg asked about the phone number on
the policy for weekends and holidays.
City Clerk Kramer stated that that was for the power plant since they
were there 24/7 and had the list of employees that were on call. Mayor Kumberg questioned how this was going
to be distributed. Mr. Eckert stated
that the flyer in their packet would be going in the bills. Commissioner Peters stated that this was very
well written and asked that the Tribune put something in the paper about
this. Mr. Rambat also stated that there
were several companies that have a first alert device that you set by your
floor drain that would go off if water was detected. Building Inspector Blankenship stated that
the City has a code that states that you had to have a back water valve if the
upper man hole was lower than the drain receptacle. Mr. Blankenship added that this was for new
construction and needed, especially if there was a basement.
With
no further discussion, Commissioner Meyer made a motion to approve the Sanitary
Sewer Back-up Policy. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL
OF THE GENERAL GUIDELINES REGARDING SEWER BACK-UPS:
Mr.
Eckert stated that this was an informative pamphlet with guidelines to know
what happens in case of a back-up. Mr.
Eckert commented that it was a back-up to the sewer policy and he had been
impressed with what a lot of Cities had done in Kansas. Mr. Eckert explained that this was not an
ordinance or resolution, but something to put on the counter. Mayor Kumberg made a motion to approve the
General Guidelines Regarding Sewer Back-ups.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND
APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION POLICY FOR MUTUAL AID:
Director
of Electric Utilities Huber stated that this was a policy that he had just
found out we needed in place after he had attended a mutual aid conference. Mr. Huber explained that it states that
travel to and from a mutual aid event would be paid time and a half, City
employees would be paid time and a half and work time would be double
time. Mr. Huber commented that FEMA
would want to see this if we were ever audited.
Commissioner Peters asked if this followed FEMA guidelines. Mr. Huber stated that it did. Commissioner Peters questioned if the bill
was sent to FEMA after our crew went to Florida. Mr. Huber stated that we actually bill OCU
and they turn their paperwork into FEMA.
Commissioner Peters asked if we get a check from FEMA. Mr. Huber stated that we get a check from
OCU. Commissioner Meyer questioned if
our guys had been paid. Finance Director
Garten stated that they had been paid.
Commissioner
Meyer asked if the guys freely volunteer.
Mr. Huber stated that they always volunteer; however, he could only take
half of the guys to Florida and the other half had to stay. Mayor Kumberg asked if this would be a policy
that would be in the employee handbook.
Ms. Goff stated that it would be.
Commissioner Peters questioned if this was for labor only. Mr. Huber stated that that was correct and
that they keep track of their fuel costs, use of the trucks, etc., which we
bill them for. Commissioner Meyer stated
that we have good people on staff. Mr.
Huber agreed and added that all the departments had some that were young. With nothing further, Commissioner Peters
made a motion to approve the Compensation Policy for Mutual Aid. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Schmidt and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA:
No
one in the audience wished to address the Commission.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
·
Solar farm:
City
Manager Eckert stated that we were still looking at the potential of bringing
in a solar farm, which would bring in revenue for the City.
·
ED Director:
Mr.
Eckert stated that we continued to get applications for the ED Director
position. City Clerk Kramer stated that
we had gotten about twenty-five at this point and that we would accept
applications up to November 10th.
·
Regional Water Meeting:
Mr.
Eckert commented that he had attended the water meeting for our region and it
was very informative. Mr. Eckert added
that the Governor’s Water Summit was Wednesday; however, he would not be
attending. Mr. Eckert stated that they
send out minutes to all their meetings so he would find out what was discussed.
·
Cooper Street:
Mr.
Eckert stated that he was still working on Cooper Street and had made calls to
representatives to see what could be done.
·
Christmas lights:
Mr.
Eckert commented that the electric department had started working on the
Christmas lights downtown.
City Attorney:
·
January meetings:
City
Attorney Goff stated that she had an ordinance that would amend the City code
Chapter 2 Section 2.04.040 making sure that the City was in compliance with
K.S.A. 25-2120. Ms. Goff explained that
all newly elected officials take their oath of office on the second Monday in
January. Ms. Goff commented that we have
an election every year; therefore, the ordinance provides that the January
meetings would be on the second and third Monday’s of the month rather than the
first and third. Ms. Goff stated that we
would not be in compliance if this was not voted on.
With
no more discussion, the following Ordinance 1710 was then presented to the
Commission for their approval: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY
OF PRATT, KANSAS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE SCHEDULING OF REGULAR CITY COMMISSION
MEETINGS. Mayor Kumberg made a
motion to approve Ordinance 1710 relating to the scheduling of regular City
Commission meetings. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
Public Works:
·
Avenue of Flags sign:
Public
Works Director Rambat stated that the new sign was up at the Avenue of
Flags. Mr. Rambat commented that it had
reflective lettering and the names of all the parks. Mr. Rambat added that this was the cherry on
the top of a project the Park Superintendent Eckhoff was a big part of. Mr. Rambat commented that it was a nice
center piece off the highway.
·
Street Department:
Mr.
Rambat stated that the street department had been repairing a few alleys and
broken curb inlets. Mr. Rambat informed
the Commission that they had worked on alley improvements behind the Art Museum
to help get the water away from the building.
·
Water Department:
Mr.
Rambat commented that the water department was down to their last valve that
would be replaced. Mr. Rambat stated
that the last one caught some bad guys and the accident knocked the valve box
off, but missed the water main. Mr.
Rambat added that the barriers and light were in place.
Building Inspector:
·
Construction:
Mr.
Blankenship stated that the construction around town was going forward with
Casey’s getting the walls up, a sign at McDonald’s about their new construction
and the dental office probably pouring concrete this week.
Electric Department:
·
Unit 7:
Director
of Electric Utilities Huber stated that they had had no luck finding parts for
Unit #7 at the power plant. Mr. Huber
commented that they had been making phone calls and emailing with no luck. Mr. Huber added that it would be a few months
before anything comes up.
·
Executive Session:
Mr.
Huber requested an executive session after the meeting for confidential data
relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to last thirty
minutes.
Recreation
Department:
·
Christmas activities:
Recreation
Director Pinkall stated that Christmas in the Park was in two weeks and they
were finalizing mailers that would go out to those that live on Pine Street
about the one way traffic. Mr. Pinkall
commented that Mr. Rambat had a map that would go along with the mailers so
that it would be clearer about the traffic changes that day.
Mr.
Pinkall commented that the employee Christmas dinner was set for December 13th
from noon to 2:00 p.m. Mr. Pinkall
stated that they would get the invitations out to the County, the boards, the
advisory boards and former Commissioners.
Police Department:
·
Drug Take Back Program:
Chief
of Police Myers stated that the take back program was successful again this
year. Chief Myers shared that they had
had four cartons weighing 101 pounds. Chief
Myers commented that other communities did well also. Chief Myers stated that he had extended the
hours to 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. so that it would allow more in the community to
come by.
·
October stats:
Chief
Myers informed the Commission of the stats for October. Those stats are as follows:
2017 Crime Stats
|
Feb ‘17
|
Mar ‘17
|
Apr. '17
|
May '17
|
June '17
|
July '17
|
Aug. '17
|
Sept. '17
|
Oct. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Abuse/Dependent Adult
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
Abandoned Vehicle - Towed
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
5
|
2
|
4
|
|
|
Animal Bite
|
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
1
|
|
Aggravated Assault/Battery
|
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
Alcohol
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Animal Bite
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
Animal/Livestock
|
3
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
|
1
|
1
|
5
|
3
|
Assault / Battery
|
|
|
2
|
4
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
|
3
|
Assault / Battery - DV
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
Assist Fire
|
|
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
|
|
Assist Other Agency
|
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
1
|
|
4
|
Burglary - Building
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
Burglary - Vehicle
|
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
Care/Treatment
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
Child Abuse
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
Child in Need of Care
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
8
|
10
|
1
|
3
|
Citizen Assist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Curfew Violation
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
3
|
2
|
Death Investigation
|
7
|
4
|
6
|
10
|
4
|
6
|
2
|
6
|
7
|
Disturbance
|
18
|
14
|
11
|
15
|
11
|
5
|
15
|
26
|
14
|
DL Violations
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
1
|
5
|
1
|
6
|
Drug Violation - Felony
|
3
|
4
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
|
3
|
8
|
5
|
Drug Violation - Misdemeanor
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
|
1
|
1
|
DUI
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Explosives
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
Forgery / Counterfeit
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
Identify Theft
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
1
|
Incident Type Not Listed
|
18
|
13
|
16
|
14
|
13
|
17
|
18
|
11
|
16
|
Larceny / Embezzlement / Fraud
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
Lost / Found Property
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
Missing Person - Juvenile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Motor Vehicle Theft
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Type Listed
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Obstruct/Interfere Law Enf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
Offenses Against Fam/Children
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Open Door
|
4
|
4
|
9
|
10
|
5
|
10
|
11
|
8
|
6
|
Other Offense
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
Pharmaceutical Theft
|
4
|
3
|
5
|
8
|
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
6
|
Property Damage
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
Prowler
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robbery
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Sex Crime - Adult
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Sex Crime - Child
|
|
3
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
|
Specific Request
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Stalking
|
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
|
Stolen Property
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Theft - Motor Vehicle
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
Threat
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Traffic Accident – Injury
|
10
|
15
|
10
|
18
|
19
|
15
|
13
|
13
|
14
|
Traffic Accident - Prop. Damage
|
|
5
|
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Trespass
|
|
1
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
3
|
|
|
Violation of PFA/PFS
|
4
|
6
|
3
|
7
|
3
|
8
|
7
|
8
|
3
|
Warrant Arrests
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weapons/Firearms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92
|
110
|
101
|
131
|
90
|
116
|
127
|
129
|
120
|
Total Cases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal Court Caseload
|
Feb ‘17
|
Mar ‘17
|
Apr. '17
|
May '17
|
June '17
|
July '17
|
Aug. '17
|
Sept. '17
|
Oct. '17
|
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
Cases Pending
|
1
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
DUI
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fleeing a Police Officer
|
115
|
91
|
69
|
155
|
108
|
54
|
126
|
113
|
97
|
Other Traffic Violations
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
5
|
2
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
Crimes Against Persons
|
4
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
11
|
3
|
3
|
5
|
Crimes Against Property
|
4
|
4
|
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
13
|
Other Crimes
|
9
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
1
|
2
|
Parking Violations
|
|
1
|
|
|
6
|
|
3
|
|
2
|
Dog Violations
|
136
|
110
|
165
|
173
|
127
|
72
|
140
|
124
|
123
|
Total Filings
|
218
|
192
|
247
|
255
|
209
|
154
|
222
|
206
|
205
|
Total Case Load
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Cases Disposed
of
|
DUI
|
All Other Cases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
77
|
63
|
67
|
160
|
53
|
65
|
67
|
84
|
Guilty Pleas
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Bond Forfeitures
|
0
|
13
|
23
|
21
|
32
|
27
|
31
|
25
|
29
|
Dismissals
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
Trials (Not Guilty Pleas)
|
0
|
7
|
6
|
4
|
20
|
1
|
15
|
11
|
6
|
Diversion Agreement
|
0
|
98
|
95
|
92
|
214
|
88
|
112
|
104
|
119
|
Total Dispositions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
94
|
152
|
163
|
7
|
66
|
110
|
102
|
86
|
Cases Pending at End of Sept. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
205 Case Load - 86 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. '16
|
Aug. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,062.00
|
$15,140.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept. '16
|
Sept. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$8,840.00
|
$14,848.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oct. '16
|
Oct. '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$9,653.00
|
$14,631.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$111,948.12
|
$149,574.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
Mayor
Kumberg questioned if this was actual revenue for Municipal Court. Chief Myers stated that it was.
·
Vacancy:
Chief
Myers informed the Commission that he had one vacancy in his department. Commissioner Peters questioned why he
left. Chief Myers commented that he was
going to Ottawa where he had been offered a job before he took this one.
·
Speed signs:
Commissioner
Meyer questioned Chief Myers about the speed signs and if they were still working. Commissioner Meyer stated that the big trucks
pass him like he is going nothing heading west on First Street. Chief Myers stated that he could put them
back up there; however, they were solar powered and they did not get charged if
the sun was not out.
Commissioner
Peters questioned where the end of the school zone was going west towards
Skyline. Commissioner Peters commented
that the first speed limit sign you see was the 45 mph one. Commissioner Peters asked if we could get one
that says end of school zone. Chief
Myers stated that that was a State road.
Public Works Director Rambat stated that he would get with KDOT. Mr. Rambat added that it may be on the back
side of the flashing light sign and could have worn off so it was no longer
readable.
Finance Department:
·
Sales Tax:
Finance
Director Garten stated that sales tax continues to decline and we were at a 4%
deficit from last year.
·
ED Board:
Ms.
Garten stated that the ED Board would have two going off in December. Ms. Garten explained that one was the City’s
appointee and one was the County’s. Ms.
Garten added that, if Mr. Jason Leslie was elected as City Commissioner
tomorrow, the City would need to come up with two appointees.
·
Budget report:
Commissioner
Schmidt asked if the Commissioners would get a budget report for year-end
business that shows accounts, including reserves, and the balances for
each. Commissioner Schmidt stated that
that would be nice to have that information before they made any decisions.
Mayor and Commission:
·
Vote:
Mayor
Kumberg reminded everyone to go out and vote tomorrow.
Executive Session #1:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to enter into executive session for confidential data
relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to last thirty
minutes. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to
report. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.
Executive Session #2:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go back into executive session for confidential data
relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to last ten
minutes. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to
report. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.
·
Motion:
Commissioner
Peters made a motion that the City make an offer to purchase the land discussed
in executive session for the authorized amount also discussed in executive
session. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.
RECESS:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to recess until Wednesday, November 15th at
10:00 a.m. for the Rate Study work session.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.
________________________________
LUCUS
KUMBERG, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
LUANN
KRAMER, City Clerk