MONDAY
AUGUST 21, 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
Jamie Huber Director of Electric Utilities
Bruce Pinkall Recreation Director
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:
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 August 07, 2017 regular
meeting. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
BUSINESS:
2018 PROPOSED CITY OF PRATT
BUDGET – MAYOR AND COMMISSION:
·
Open Public Hearing:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to enter into the public hearing on the proposed 2018
City of Pratt budget. Commissioner
Hlavachick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
·
Discussion:
Mayor
Kumberg asked if there was any discussion on the proposed 2018 budget. Finance Director Garten stated that the
budget had been published a couple of weeks ago and the total budget was
$23,059,477. Ms. Garten added that that
levies taxes in the amount of $2,153,585 and, after the neighborhood revitalization
rebate is taken out, the City would receive $1.9 million, which was additional
taxes of $144,500 over last year. Ms.
Garten stated that a mill was worth $39,297, which was a small three mill
increase and was well within the tax lid limits.
·
Close the public hearing:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Schmidt and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
THE 2018 PROPOSED CITY OF PRATT BUDGET:
Mayor
Kumberg stated that this budget was difficult; however, the Commission and
staff had stayed within their means and had no extravagant purchases built
in. Mayor Kumberg commented that they
had raised the mill levy by three mills; however, the number of the mill was
not what we needed to pay attention to.
Mayor Kumberg continued stating that it was the dollar value of the
mill. Mayor Kumberg commented that this
decision had not come lightly.
Commissioner
Hlavachick made a motion to approve the 2018 proposed budget as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Peters. Commissioner Meyer stated that
the Commission did not want to raise taxes, but it had been the advice of the
auditors for the last couple of years.
Commissioner Meyer commented that they were doing the right thing;
however, it was hard to do. Mayor
Kumberg explained that we had been pulling money out of reserves for earmarked
projects; therefore, our reserves were $20 million but were dwindling
down. Mayor Kumberg added that we had
not had to pay interest and were very responsible. With no more discussion, the motion and
second passed unanimously.
UPDATE ON THE CIRCLES PROGRAM:
Ms.
Jeanette Siemens thanked the Commission for their support of the Circles
program and she wanted to give them updates periodically. Ms. Siemens stated that they had completed
their first two years last January and several of the leaders had moved
on. Ms. Siemens commented that the fifth
class was going to start in September and the Circle leaders were asked to make
a two year commitment. Ms. Siemens
explained that Circles gives them the support they need and teach them
budgeting, etc. Ms. Siemens stated that,
after the twelve weeks of basic training had been completed and they graduate,
they are matched with two allies in the community. Ms. Siemens stated that an ally was a friend
who listens and helps them work through issues and they meet every Monday
evening. Ms. Siemens commented that they
have a meal every Monday by someone in the community and everyone has the
chance to say something good after the meal.
Ms.
Siemens explained that they have programs and budgeting classes and are taught
how to stretch a meal, how to do car maintenance and how to think about doing
something that they would not normally think about doing. Ms. Siemens stated that they had one Circle
leader enroll at the college to get a business degree, another wants an
apartment of their own so they started saving for the deposit and rent with a
goal to be in before the end of the year and another started a retirement
plan. Ms. Siemens commented that
progress was different for each one and sometimes it was one step forward and
two steps back but they keep going. Ms.
Siemens stated that it had been an experience getting it going; however, it was
rewarding.
Ms.
Siemens introduced Ms. Mary McCune and stated that she had been on board since
the beginning and also Ms. Billie Blair, who was new to the community, but
would become the coordinator of the program starting October 1st. Ms. Siemens explained that she would continue
coaching along with Ms. McCune. Ms.
Siemens thanked the Commission again for their support and let them know that
it had made a difference. Ms. Blair
commented that she was retired clergy and delighted to be in Pratt. Ms. McCune stated that she had worked with
finance for years, but when she came to be a part of Circles, she gets it
now. Ms. McCune commented that we forget
how poor poor is and she works with people and their finances and teaches them
how to do a budget. Ms. McCune
encouraged the Commission to continue their support. Commissioner Peters stated that he had
participated as an ally and had met people who were reaching out and looking
for hope and Circles gave them a way to get started. Commissioner Peters added that it gave them
some spark of positivity that they could take with them. Commissioner Peters commented that Ms.
Siemens and Ms. McCune’s work with those people give them hope and we were
blessed to have them in this program.
Mayor Kumberg added that the things that Ms. Siemens and her crew do
were pretty amazing.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
YOUTH CORE MINISTRIES EVENT ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH:
Core
Life Director Tyler Bousman informed the Commission that Youth Core would like to
have a dodge ball tournament on September 17th from 5:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. Mr. Bousman stated that they
would request closure of Jackson Street from Third Street to Fourth
Street. Ms. Bousman added that the First
Southern Baptist Church and Reach Church would also be participating in the
event. Public Works Director Rambat
stated that that should not be a problem with parking since it was a
Sunday. Mr. Rambat commented that we
would set out barricades that Friday before and they could set them up and take
them down themselves. Mr. Bousman stated
that they could do that. Recreation
Director Pinkall stated that Dirks Office Products parks their vehicles on
Jackson Street, but we could get hold of them and ask them to park elsewhere
that weekend. Mr. Rambat added that we
would get some extra polycarts from the Municipal Building or the Sports
Complex for them to use. With no further
discussion, Commissioner Peters made a motion to approve the Youth Core event
on September 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and to close Jackson
Street from Third Street to Fourth Street.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
RESOLUTION 082117 ENDING THE WATER WARNING FOR THE CITY OF PRATT DECLARED BY
RESOLUTION 080717A:
City
Attorney Goff stated that the Commission had passed Resolution 080717A at the
last Commission meeting that allowed the City Manager to ask for voluntary
measures for water restriction due to water leaks. Ms. Goff commented that the water shortage
situation had been remedied and tonight’s resolution ends that warning. Mr. Rambat stated that people took notice and
responded voluntarily and that does not always happen. Commissioner Schmidt questioned if the towers
were stable. Mr. Rambat stated that they
were. City Manager Eckert stated that he
had received some information from Water Superintendent Clay and there had been
eighteen leaks as of August 21, 2017 and there were nineteen leaks this time last
year. Mr. Eckert added that this runs
pretty close to our history for this time of year. Mr. Eckert stated that there was possibly a
small earthquake earlier in the evening that caused six wells to fire up. Mayor Kumberg asked if we knew how much water
we lost. Mr. Rambat stated that it was
hard to quantify, but it could have been around 1,600 gallons per minute. Commissioner Peters questioned where the
water goes and if we could see street damage.
Mr. Rambat stated that we could, but that usually happens with slower
leaks and a rupture blows hard to get to the path of least resistance.
With no
further discussion, the following Resolution 082117 was then presented to the
Commission for their approval: A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE END OF THE WATER
WARNING ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION 080717A FOR THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS. Commissioner Hlavachick made a motion to
approve Resolution 082117 ending the water warning. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyer
and carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF
BID FOR THE 2017 CHIP SEAL PROJECT:
Public
Works Director Rambat stated that he had not elected to do a chip seal project
last year, but had gone out for bids for one this year. Mr. Rambat explained that the project would
be from Tenth Street to Iowa Street going west to the City limits, Stout Street
from First Street to School Street and the two main streets at the Business
Park. Mr. Rambat informed the Commission
that he had sent bids out to three companies; however, only one was returned. Mr. Rambat commented that he had done some
homework and the price per square yard was about the same as it was in 2015 so
he was not uncomfortable receiving only one bid. Mr. Rambat stated that Heft and Sons LLC out
of Greensburg had bid $152,659.24 and that was $1.94 per square yard for 78,046
square yards in the project. Mr. Rambat
added that Heft and Sons had a plant on the north end of Pratt; therefore, they
were considered a local business. Mayor
Kumberg questioned if they had done work for us before. Mr. Rambat stated that they had about four years
ago on Fincham Street and East Sixth Street.
A motion by Commissioner Meyer to approve the bid from Heft and Sons LLC
in the amount of $152,659.24 for the 2017 chip seal project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA:
·
Thank you:
Mr.
Nelson Burrell took a moment to thank Director of Electric Utilities Huber and
Street Superintendent Sinclair for promptly cutting out a tree that was causing
a lot of destruction at Haskins School.
·
Yield Signs needed:
Mr.
Burrell also requested yield signs for the east and west traffic at Second and
Third Streets. Mr. Burrell commented
that he rode a motorcycle and had encountered a high schooler that did not
yield; however, he was not hurt but there was the potential for a serious
accident to happen. After little
discussion, Public Works Director Rambat and Police Chief Myers stated that
they would take a look at it.
REPORTS:
City Manager:
·
Budget:
City
Manager Eckert commended the staff for the job done on the budget. Mr. Eckert stated that they had gone to the
wall on some things, but he was glad that we got a balanced budget.
·
Dog Park:
Mr.
Eckert stated that they were still looking into a dog park and there were a
couple of options on where to put it.
Mr. Eckert commented that it was going to go to the Parks Advisory Board
and that Park Superintendent Eckhoff had some good suggestions. Mr. Eckert commented that they should have
more information next month. Mr. Eckert reminded
the Commission that the fence had been donated at no cost to the City.
·
Airport water issues:
Mr.
Eckert stated that they had been working on some water issues at the airport
and it was getting ramped up with a lot of discussion with KDHE.
·
Electric Issues:
Mr.
Eckert commented that there were some significant electrical issues that would
be discussed during an executive session after the meeting.
·
Bids for Auditors:
Mr.
Eckert stated that we were going out for bids for auditors for the next budget
year and that it was time for a change since we had had the same one for the
last ten years.
City Attorney:
·
Contract negotiations:
City
Attorney Goff stated that it was a busy season with contract negotiations, but
things were going well.
Public Works:
·
Pool:
Public
Works Director Rambat stated that we were at the end of the pool season and the
last day it would be open would be September 4th. Mr. Rambat explained that there were adult swims
during the week and full on weekends until then.
·
Sidewalk and Curb project:
Mr.
Rambat stated that Arensdorf Construction had started on some of the sidewalk
and curb project on the north side of town and he should be starting on the
south end of Ninnescah Street soon.
·
Mill and Overlay project:
Mr.
Rambat stated that he had mailed the contract to APAC for the mill and overlay
project by the hospital. Mr. Rambat
explained that he did not have a time or date of when they would be starting;
however, he felt that we were next on their list once they get done in Kingman.
·
KDOT email:
Mr.
Rambat commented that he had gotten an email from KDOT and he had put the
City’s name in the hat for two different projects that were KLINK or GEO;
however, we did not get it this year.
Mr. Rambat stated that he would submit it again next year.
·
Railroad crossing on Country Club
Road:
Mr.
Rambat informed the Commission that he had had a phone conversation with the
railroad concerning the crossing on Country Club Road and they were not
interested in replacing it; therefore we would be trying to smooth it up
again. Mr. Rambat stated that he would
continue to work on a more permanent solution.
Electric Department:
·
Testing units:
Director
of Electric Utilities Huber stated that both departments had been busy and the
power plant had been testing all of their units.
·
Circuit feeders:
Mr.
Huber informed the Commission that the distribution guys were replacing two
circuit feeders from the inter-substation out to the main line poles. Mr. Huber explained that one was up and
operating and the other one would need to be terminated. Mr. Huber commented that they would be firing
up the new breaker soon, but there was a lot of work to do yet. Mr. Huber added that this would get some of
the load off of the southeast rural circuit.
·
Storm:
Mr.
Huber stated that there was only one outage during the storm last night;
however, the lightning had hit several poles.
Mr. Huber commented that only one would need to be replaced.
·
Shorthanded:
Mr.
Huber stated that electric production was shorthanded by one or two and
distribution had hired a new intern today.
Commissioner Peters asked if those leaving were leaving Pratt. Mr. Huber stated that two of the guys went to
truck driving and some did not like the shift work. Mr. Huber added that the power plant was
24/7, but he would never hold anyone back.
·
Mapping:
Commissioner
Meyer questioned how mapping was going.
Mr. Huber stated that it was going well and that they had gotten a paper
copy last week.
Recreation
Department:
·
Gym Floor:
Recreation
Director Pinkall stated that the maintenance staff had finished resurfacing the
gym floor.
·
Community Center:
Mr.
Pinkall commented that they were working on the bathroom on the senior side of
the Community Center and would continue doing stair step projects.
Police Department:
·
Oktoberfest:
Police
Chief Myers stated that he had met with Mr. Dakota Haltgrieve and Mr. John
Beverlin. Chief Myers commented that
they had talked about the security plans and it continued to be a work in
progress. Chief Myers informed the
Commissioner that they had great ideas on how to make sure no minors consumed
alcohol.
·
July Statistics:
Chief
Myers went over the July 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
Abandoned Vehicle - Towed
|
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
5
|
2
|
Animal Bite
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
Aggravated Assault/Battery
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
Alcohol
|
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
Animal/Livestock
|
|
3
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
|
1
|
Assault / Battery
|
|
|
|
2
|
4
|
3
|
4
|
Assault / Battery - DV
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Assist Fire
|
|
|
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
Assist Other Agency
|
|
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
Burglary - Building
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
|
Burglary - Vehicle
|
|
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
Care/Treatment
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Child Abuse
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
3
|
Child in Need of Care
|
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
8
|
Citizen Assist
|
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
Death Investigation
|
|
7
|
4
|
6
|
10
|
4
|
6
|
Disturbance
|
|
18
|
14
|
11
|
15
|
11
|
5
|
DL Violations
|
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
1
|
Drug Violation - Felony
|
|
3
|
4
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
|
Drug Violation - Misdemeanor
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
DUI
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|
1
|
Forgery / Counterfeit
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
Identify Theft
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
Incident Type Not Listed
|
|
18
|
13
|
16
|
14
|
13
|
17
|
Larceny / Embezzlement / Fraud
|
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
Lost / Found Property
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Missing Person - Juvenile
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Type Listed
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
Obstruct/Interfere Law Enf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Offenses Against Fam/Children
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
Open Door
|
|
4
|
4
|
9
|
10
|
5
|
10
|
Other Offense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Pharmaceutical Theft
|
|
4
|
3
|
5
|
8
|
|
6
|
Property Damage
|
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
|
Prowler
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
Robbery
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sex Crime - Child
|
|
|
3
|
3
|
2
|
|
|
Specific Request
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stalking
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
1
|
Stolen Property
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
Theft - Motor Vehicle
|
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
Threat
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Traffic Accident – Injury
|
|
10
|
15
|
10
|
18
|
19
|
15
|
Traffic Accident - Prop. Damage
|
|
|
5
|
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
Trespass
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
Violation of PFA/PFS
|
|
4
|
6
|
3
|
7
|
3
|
8
|
Warrant Arrests
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
Weapons/Firearms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92
|
110
|
101
|
131
|
90
|
116
|
Total Cases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Municipal Court Caseload
|
||||||
|
Feb ‘17
|
Mar ‘17
|
Apr. '17
|
May '17
|
June '17
|
July '17
|
|
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
82
|
Cases Pending
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
DUI
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fleeing a Police Officer
|
|
115
|
91
|
69
|
155
|
108
|
54
|
Other Traffic Violations
|
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
5
|
2
|
5
|
Crimes Against Persons
|
|
4
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
7
|
11
|
Crimes Against Property
|
|
4
|
4
|
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
Other Crimes
|
|
9
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Parking Violations
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
6
|
|
Dog Violations
|
|
136
|
110
|
165
|
173
|
127
|
72
|
Total Filings
|
|
218
|
192
|
247
|
255
|
209
|
154
|
Total Case Load
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Cases Disposed
of
|
|
DUI
|
All Other Cases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
77
|
63
|
67
|
160
|
53
|
Guilty Pleas
|
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Bond Forfeitures
|
|
0
|
13
|
23
|
21
|
32
|
27
|
Dismissals
|
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
Trials (Not Guilty Pleas)
|
|
0
|
7
|
6
|
4
|
20
|
1
|
Diversion Agreement
|
|
0
|
98
|
95
|
92
|
214
|
88
|
Total Dispositions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
94
|
152
|
163
|
7
|
66
|
Cases Pending at End of July '17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154 Case Load - 88 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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JULY '16
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JULY '17
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$10,274.00
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$13,421.00
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$83,393.12
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$104,955.05
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Totals
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Finance Department:
·
Signature page:
Finance
Director Garten stated that she had a signature page for the budget that needed
to be signed by all of the Commissioners so that she could get it submitted to
the County Clerk by Friday.
Executive Session #1:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go into executive session for twenty minutes to
discuss the acquisition of real estate.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlavachick and carried
unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to
report. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go back into executive session for an additional
twenty minutes to discuss the acquisition of real estate. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Peters and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to
report. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
Executive Session #2:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go into executive session for twenty minutes for
confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second
parties. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to
report. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go back into executive session for an additional
twenty minutes for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade
secrets of second parties. 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 Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
Executive Session #3:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go into executive session for twenty minutes for
confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second
parties. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to
report. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go back into executive session for an additional
twenty minutes for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade
secrets of second parties. 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 Hlavachick and carried unanimously.
Executive Session #4:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to go into executive session for twenty minutes for
non-elected personnel. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Meyer and carried unanimously.
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to
report. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Peters and carried unanimously.
ADJOURN:
Mayor
Kumberg made a motion to adjourn.
Commissioner Hlavachick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
______________________________
LUCUS
KUMBERG, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
LUANN
KRAMER, City Clerk