12/03/2018-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY 

DECEMBER 03, 2018

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular Session in the Commission Room located at City Hall.

PRESENT:  

 

Doug Meyer  Mayor
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner
Gary Schmidt  Commissioner
Jason Leslie  Commissioner

 

ALSO PRESENT: 

 

Roy Eckert  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Regina Probst  City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Nate Humble  Police Chief
Russell Rambat  Public Works Director
Brad Blankenship Building Inspector
Bruce Pinkall  Recreation Director                                             

CALL TO ORDER: 

The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Meyer.  The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Peters. 

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

AMEND THE AGENDA: 

Mayor Meyer made a motion to amend the agenda to allow USD #382 Superintendent Suzan Patton to visit with the Commissioners after the public hearings.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

Commissioner Leslie led the staff and audience in the invocation and Mayor Meyer led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

CONSENT AGENDA: 

·        November 19, 2018 City/County Jt. Commission Meeting

·        November 19, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting 

Commissioner Leslie made a motion to approve the consent agenda.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS:

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 120318 DECLARING STRUCTURE UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS – ORDER FOR REPAIR OR REMOVAL HEARING: 

Upon proper motion, the public hearing for the unsafe structure at 510 South Jackson Street opened.  Mayor Meyer asked if there was anyone in the audience that represented that address that would like to speak.  Hearing no one, Mayor Meyer made a motion to close the hearing.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously.  

City Attorney Probst stated that this public hearing was scheduled about thirty days ago and Building Inspector Blankenship had been attempting to contact the owner.  Mr. Blankenship stated that he had had no luck and the letters had been sent out certified.  Mr. Blankenship reminded the Commission that this was in the back yard at 510 South Jackson Street and he did not think that they would want to fix it up.  Mr. Blankenship added that he had money in his budget to take it down.  Ms. Probst stated that the resolution setting this hearing date had been properly published twice in the local newspaper and the Building Inspector would like to see Resolution 120318 approved which gives the owner until January 05, 2018 to take care of the property.

Ms. Probst stated that the City would cause the property to be repaired or removed after the January 05, 2018 date and the cost would then be assessed to this property.  Mr. Blankenship commented that the utilities had been off since 2008 and it had been deteriorating since then.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned if there was a lien holder on the property.  Mr. Blankenship stated that there was not and it was owned outright.  Ms. Probst stated that this was a hazard to the public’s safety. 

The following Resolution 120318 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  RESOLUTION DECLARING STRUCTURE UNSAFE, DANGEROUS, AND UNFIT; ORDER FOR REPAIR OR REMOVAL.  A motion by Commissioner Kumberg to approve Resolution 120318 declaring the structure at 510 South Jackson Street unsafe and dangerous and for the repair or removal to  commence on December 05, 2018 and be completed by January 05, 2019.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt.  Mayor Meyer asked once more if anyone was in the audience for 510 South Jackson Street.  Hearing no one, the motion and second passed unanimously. 

PUBLIC HEARING – INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS FOR TRACK AND FIELD COMPLEX:

·        Open Public Hearing: 

Mayor Meyer made a motion to open the public hearing for the IRB’s for the track and field complex.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

·        Discussion: 

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission. 

·        Close Public Hearing: 

Mayor Meyer made a motion to close the public hearing.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

(Amended Agenda Item) DISCUSSION ON PIANO AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING:

USD #382 Superintendent Patton stated that her fine arts instructor, Mr. Brandon Wade, had approached her when he had discovered a Steinway piano at the Municipal Building and thought it would be neat if the school district could use it.  Ms. Patton commented that she had approached City Manager Eckert and he had said that he would look into it.  Ms. Patton explained that their idea was that we would trade one of the school’s pianos for the Steinway; however, the City would maintain ownership.  Ms. Patton added that they would repair and tune it and the school would also keep the insurance on it since it would be on their property.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that since we were not using it and had not for many years, he felt that the City should just trade straight over as long as there was a piano at the Municipal Building to play if we ever needed it.   

Commissioner Schmidt commented that this could have been a gift from a family that wanted it to stay at the Municipal Building.  Recreation Director Pinkall stated that it had been boxed up and locked since the recreation office moved to the Municipal Building.  Mr. Pinkall commented that he thought that Dr. Van Blaricum had been in on ordering it and would check in once in a while and wanted proof that it was in the covered box and locked.  Commissioner Schmidt commented that Dr. Van Blaricum was probably on the Commission at that time.  Commissioner Leslie stated that we should wait six months or a year before making it permanent and that would give anyone time to come forward with any information they might have.  Mayor Meyer asked that the paper put something in there to get people’s attention and maybe we would hear something.  

Commissioner Kumberg stated that he would visit with some of the JC’s members to see if they remember anything since they used to help with the pageant.  Ms. Patton commented that they were involved with the Community Concerts also and it could have been joint groups that funded it.  Mayor Meyer stated that we would wait to see if we hear from the public.  City Manager Eckert commented that it would mean a lot to kids to play on a true Steinway that understood the quality of the piano.  Ms. Patton stated that it would mean a lot to the vocal music teachers to have a Steinway.  Commissioner Schmidt asked if the piano coming to the Municipal Building would be an upright.  Ms. Patton stated that it might be a baby grand piano.  With no more discussion, it was left that the Commission would wait to see if we get any public feedback on how they acquired the Steinway piano. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE LOW BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF STEEL POLES FOR LEMON PARK: 

Director of Electric Utilities Huber informed the Commission that he had gone out for bids for six steel poles for Lemon Park and two bids had been returned.  Mr. Huber explained that the poles in Lemon Park had been cut down and removed and the transformers had fallen over; however, they knew that this was coming and had been budgeting for it in capital equipment reserves.  Mr. Huber commented that they had $36,000 in the budget, but part of this was damage done by the flood.  Mr. Huber stated that he wanted to get the poles ordered to get the big diamonds done.

Mr. Huber stated that Stanion Wholesale Electric submitted a bid for $24,476.28 and Border States Electric (formerly Kriz-Davis) bid $20,639.85.  Mr. Huber commented that both companies had bid the same pole manufacturer; therefore, he recommended the low bid from Border States Electric in the amount of $20,639.85.  Commissioner Leslie made a motion to approve the recommendation from Mr. Huber to purchase the six steel poles for Lemon Park from Border States Electric for $20,639.85.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg.  Commissioner Schmidt asked about the lights for the poles.  Recreation Director Pinkall stated that they would have new lights, but they would not need as many.  Mr. Pinkall added that they might be able to use some of the old ones, but the main ones would be new and come out of the recreation budget.  The motion and second passed unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2019 CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS: 

Police Chief Humble stated that he had reviewed the 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage applications and all but three had turned theirs back in to be processed.  Chief Humble commented that Pizza Hut had chosen not to renew their license to sell, El Trancazo’s application would be on the next agenda since it was late coming in and we had not heard from the Sushi Steak House.  Chief Humble stated that all the applications had met the requirements for the City code and he recommended the Commission’s approval.  With no further discussion, Commissioner Leslie made a motion to approve the 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage applications as presented by Chief Humble.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF 2019 PRATT AREA HUMANE SOCIETY AGREEMENT: 

City Attorney Probst stated that this agreement for the Humane Society was identical to last year’s respective to dates.  Ms. Probst reminded the Commission that the City pays them $3,000 monthly and gives them a $6,000 utility credit in return for them housing non-dangerous animals and being in compliance by sending in reports of their activity.  Ms. Probst stated that the Commission had amended the vicious animal ordinance in 2018; therefore, the Humane Society could now house those animals and were no longer tied to a breed that was not allowed in the City of Pratt.  Mayor Meyer asked if the vicious animals go to a veterinarian.  Chief Humble stated that they were taken to Dr. Skaggs’ clinic.  Mayor Meyer commented that this may need more discussion and Chief Humble agreed.  Mayor Meyer stated that they would have an executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss attorney/client privilege.   

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 120318A REGARDING LINEMEN SALARIES: 

City Attorney Probst stated that there had been some discussions regarding the current market value of linemen and how the City of Pratt would train them and they would leave to go elsewhere.  Ms. Probst commented that Commissioner Schmidt had the desire to make sure that a salary change for linemen be incorporated into a resolution since we were deviating from the code.  Mayor Meyer stated that the resolution spells that out.  Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that he had no problem with it and that he just wanted to hire and keep linemen.   

Commissioner Kumberg asked for clarification on Section 2 of the resolution.  Ms. Probst stated that it was her understanding that this would be a regular budgetary process to analyze the direction it was going.  Mayor Meyer asked if we were not doing it this year. Ms. Probst stated that it was not her understanding.  Commissioner Schmidt commented that they had talked about this being a separate item and not a part of the regular salary increases.  Mayor Meyer clarified that the linemen would not get the cost of living increases in the same manner it was given across the board.  Ms. Probst stated that the cost of living increase would be in their salary adjustment. 

With no further discussion, the following Resolution 120318A was presented to the Commission for their approval:  RESOLUTION CONFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE VARIANCE IN THE SALARY INCREASE FOR ELECTRIC LINEMEN SALARIES.  Commissioner Leslie made a motion to approve Resolution 120318A regarding linemen salaries as presented.  Commissioner Schmidt seconded the motion.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that this was not the typical way the City usually did business; however, it was very necessary to keep our employees.  Commissioner Kumberg commended Mr. Huber for bringing this to their attention.  The motion and second were voted on and passed unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1813 AMENDING COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS:

City Attorney Probst stated that this was the ordinance that would allow for the 3% cost of living raise and would be effective January 01, 2019.  Ms. Probst reminded the Commission that they had wanted to do this ordinance the same time as the linemen resolution.  Commissioner Leslie commented that he would like to see an increase in the $25 fee paid to the firemen per fire call due to the amount of time spent at a call.  Mayor Meyer agreed and added that they would see what they could do.  With no further discussion, the following Ordinance 1813 was then presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1803; CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES AND SALARIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Ordinance 1813 concerning the classification and compensation of hourly employees and salaries of elected and appointed officers and employees of the City.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously. 

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ORD. 1814 ANNEXING LAND TO THE CITY OF PRATT: 

City Attorney Probst stated that this property had not been annexed into the City at the Sports Complex and had come to our attention while working on the IRB issue for the track and field complex.  Ms. Probst commented that there were two parcels that had been donated to the City and they had been annexed by Ordinance 2009.  Ms. Probst explained that this parcel mentioned in tonight’s ordinance had been donated to the City in 2012, but was never annexed and it was important that it was part of the City with the IRB issue moving forward.  Ms. Probst stated that there were typically a number of steps that had to be taken when annexing property; however, the City was the title owner of this property so those formalities did not have to be followed. 

With no further discussion, the following Ordinance 1814 was presented to the Commission for their approval:  AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING LAND TO THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS.  Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to approve Ordinance 1814 annexing land to the City of Pratt.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously. 

OPEN AGENDA: 

No one wished to address the Commission. 

REPORTS: 

City Manager:

·        Local Agreement:

City Manager Eckert stated that they were still working on the local agreement with the college concerning the track and field complex, but they were getting there.

·        Windows:

Mr. Eckert commented that he would be meeting one of the vendors on December 05, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. about the windows at the Municipal Building and Recreation Director Pinkall would also be there.

Building Inspections: 

·        Ashley Corner Sub-Division: 

Building Inspector Blankenship commented that the Planning and Zoning Board had met last month and approved the preliminary plat for the Ashley Corner Sub-division.  Mr. Blankenship explained that that was the land east of Hibbets and Maurices and this would replat it to go east and west with two front facing lots.  Mr.  Blankenship commented that the one by the drainage ditch was going to be a Dollar Tree.  Mr. Blankenship stated that the Planning and Zoning Board would be meeting again this Thursday and he would have the final plat to present to the City Commission at the next meeting.  Mayor Meyer questioned if we had transformers for this.  Director of Electric Utilities Huber stated that we did.  Mr. Blankenship added that it was set for the utilities.  

·        Heavy Metal: 

Mr. Blankenship stated that Heavy Metal was moving down the road on Pedigo Drive and had purchased land from Xtra Factors.  Mr. Blankenship commented that the concrete guy was there and they would be building a new building which would give them rail connections.

·        Lemon Park bathroom: 

Mr. Blankenship stated that he had met with the Park and Recreation Committee and they had approved the provisions proposed for the bathroom at Lemon Park.  Mr. Blankenship commented that EBH had staked out where it would go and they would have a bid opening before the next meeting. 

Electric Department: 

·        Solar Farm:

Director of Electric Utilities Huber commented that the invertors and transformers had been set at the solar farm last week and the line crew had terminated the line going to them Thursday and Friday morning of last week.  Mr. Huber stated that Integreen would be finishing up on the wiring in the next couple of weeks.  Mr. Huber explained that some of it would be online the first of the year, but a majority would be mid-January.  Mr. Huber explained that Inovateus had asked about the road and Public Works Director Rambat and Street Superintendent Sinclair would be working on that in the next couple of weeks.

 

·        November 25^th Storm:

 

Mr. Huber stated that the line crews were out all day Sunday during the storm.  Mr. Huber commented that there was not a whole lot that they could have done to prevent what happened and they had to just let the ice on the lines and the high winds do their thing.  Mr. Huber explained that the lines would slap together as soon as they got power back and it happened over and over.  Mr. Huber stated that some areas were without power all day Sunday and they took care of those with no power or half power on Monday.  Mr. Huber commented that they did not have any wires burn down and explained that a circuit tripping saved the wire and protected the public.  Mr. Huber added that everything worked like it should have.

Mr. Huber commented that the Christmas lights on Main Street took a beating; however, he was surprised that there was not more damage.  Commissioner Leslie stated that he thought that they did a fantastic job and that we were pretty fortunate.  Mr. Huber agreed and added that their tree trimming program was paying off.  Mr. Huber commented that people should turn their porch lights on when there were outages during a storm so the line crew would know where they still had work to do.

Recreation Department:

·          Christmas dinner:

Recreation Director Pinkall reminded everyone about the employee Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 12^th.

Police Department: 

·        Back to work:

Police Chief Humble stated that the three police officers that were on leave were back and he was glad to have them.  Chief Humble commented that they all appreciated the prayers.

 

·        Snow storm:

Chief Humble commented that he had come out and assisted during the snow storm Sunday.  Chief Humble stated that the streets in the City were as good as they could be and most of the accidents were out in the County.  Chief Humble added that he also helped in dispatch and the department had helped with traffic control to shut down traffic at the City limits so accidents could be taken care of on Highway 54.

·        Drug dog: 

Mayor Meyer asked if the K-9 was working out.  Chief Humble stated that he was doing a great job and would be going for more training on the 6^th.

 

Finance Department:

·        Sales tax:

Finance Director Garten stated that sales tax was up over last year and it was better than she had anticipated.

·        FEMA Reimbursement:

Ms. Garten stated that she would be meeting with FEMA in a week to work on the flood reimbursement.  

EBH:

·        Drainage Improvement:

Mike Youngers, EBH Engineer, explained to the Commission that they had put together an Opinion of Probable Cost on the South Fincham Street drainage improvements.  Mr. Youngers stated that they kept in mind ways that would benefit the City and the Complex and one of those ways would be to extend the box culvert and build a parking lot over it.  Mr. Youngers commented that the preliminary estimate with construction costs was $410,000, which was a sizable investment.  Commissioner Leslie questioned if this would be the responsibility of the City.  Mr. Youngers stated that it would be; however, it was a trade to extending Sixth Street.  Mr. Youngers commented that, depending how far they wanted to extend Sixth Street, this option could be cheaper.  Mr. Youngers stated that he had showed this to go from the college far enough to access their drive, but a new proposal was that you would be able to drive straight south on Fincham Street to get in the parking lot.  Mayor Meyer stated that that was a substantial amount of money.  Mr. Youngers stated that it was pretty early and he would continue to work with Public Works Director Rambat and Recreation Director Pinkall.

Mayor and Commission:

·        Legislative Forum:

Mayor Meyer stated that there would be a legislative forum on December 10^th at the college from noon to 2:00 p.m.  Mayor Meyer commented that Senator Mary Jo Taylor and Representative Greg Lewis would be there and the City had about thirty seconds to do an intro into municipal issues that we have.  Mayor Meyer commented that we did not want the State to take any more than they already were and the tax lid, which was not working.  Finance Director Garten stated that employee benefits being extended was another topic.  Mayor Meyer stated that we should be at the college around 11:30 a.m. for lunch and the meeting would start at noon.   Mayor Meyer requested that Ms. Garten also attend.

 

·        Logo contest:

Mayor Meyer commented that he had visited with the three principals of the schools with Inovateus representative Mr. Jordan Richardson about doing a logo contest that we were sponsoring.  Mayor Meyer stated that there would be a $500 prize for each school’s winner and a graphic designer would modify the winning logo.  Mayor Meyer added that this was a great way to work together with the community.

Executive Session #1:

Mayor Meyer made a motion to enter into executive session for attorney/client privilege to last thirty minutes.  Mayor Meyer added that he would like for the City Manager, City Attorney and the Police Chief to be present.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously. 

Mayor Meyer made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously.

Executive Session #2:

Mayor Meyer made a motion to enter into executive session for attorney/client privilege to last forty-five minutes.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.

Mayor Meyer made a motion to return from executive session with nothing to report.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Leslie and carried unanimously.

ADJOURN:

Upon proper motion, the meeting was adjourned.

 

_____________________________________
DOUG MEYER, Mayor

ATTEST:

______________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk 

12/17/18-City Commission Meeting Agenda

MONDAY

DECEMBER 17, 2018

PRATT CITY COMMISSION – REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

COMMISSION ROOM – 5:00 P.M.

1.      CALL TO ORDER (Remind the audience that meeting is being recorded and/or taped.)

2.      ROLL CALL

3.      INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4.   CONSENT AGENDA:

      4.1 Minutes:          December 03, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting

                                    December 10, 2018 Special Call Commission Meeting

                                                              
5.   BUSINESS:

5.1 Update on the Circles Program – Jeanette Siemens   (No information for the packet)

5.2 Consideration and Approval of Reappointments to the Travel and Tourism Committee – Kim DeClue, Chamber Director

5.3 Consideration and Approval of the Nomination for the 2018 Joe Wynn Volunteer Award – Mayor, Commission and Staff

5.4 Consideration and Approval of the 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage Application – Nate Humble, Police Chief

5.5 Consideration and Approval of the Ashley Corner Sub-division Final Plat – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector

 

5.6 Consideration and Approval of Res. 121718 Providing for Uniform System of Fiscal Procedures, Accounting and Reporting for Municipalities – Diana Garten, Finance Director; Regina Probst, City Attorney

 

5.7 Consideration and Approval of Bid for the Bathroom in Lemon Park – Brad Blankenship, Building Inspector    (Information to be sent out Monday morning)

5.8   Consideration and Approval of Resolution 121718A Defining the Boundaries of the City – Regina Probst, City Attorney

5.9   Consideration and Approval of 2019 Agreements:

·        Public Defender Agreement

·        Senior Citizens Organization Lease Agreement

·        Municipal Judge Agreement

·        Pratt Area Humane Society Agreement 

5.10 Consideration and Approval of Interlocal Cooperation Agreement the Pratt Community College    and the City for the Track and Field Complex – Regina Probst, City Attorney

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

7.   REPORTS:

7.1      City Manager 

7.2      City Attorney

7.3      Department Superintendents

7.4      Mayor

7.5      City Commission 

8.    ADJOURN

12/10/2018-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 located at 348 NE US Hwy. 61 (PCC) at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 with the object and purpose of said meeting to be the following: 

1.     Discussion on Pratt County Legislative Priorities.

                                                                       

SIGNED:

________________ __________________
Commissioner

________________________________
Commissioner

________________________________
Commissioner

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

A Special meeting of the Governing Body of the City of Pratt is hereby called to be held in the City  located at 348 NE US Hwy. 61 (PCC) at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 with the object and purpose of said meeting to be the following:

1.     Discussion on Pratt County Legislative Priorities. 

WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF PRATT, KANSAS, THIS 10^TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2018.

SIGNED:

___________________________________                                                                                            

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 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018.

11/19/2018-Approved City Commission Meeting Minutes

MONDAY 

NOVEMBER 19, 2018

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in Regular Session in the Commission Room located at City Hall.

PRESENT:  

Doug Meyer  Mayor
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner
Gary Schmidt  Commissioner

 

ALSO PRESENT: 

 

Roy Eckert  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Regina Probst  City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Nate Humble  Police Chief
Jamie Huber  Dir. of Electric Utilities
Bruce Pinkall  Recreation Director         

CALL TO ORDER: 

The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Meyer.  The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Peters and Commissioner Leslie. 

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 

Mayor Meyer led the staff and audience in the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

CONSENT AGENDA: 

·        November 05, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting 

Commissioner Schmidt made a motion to approve the consent agenda.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kumberg and carried unanimously. 

BUSINESS: 

PRESENTATION OF 2018 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS (15 EMPLOYEES = 275 YEARS OF SERVICE: 

Mayor Meyer stated that Commissioner Kumberg had told him that this was his favorite meeting while he was Mayor and he knew why now.  Mayor Meyer commented that the service awards this evening were for employees who had been with the City anywhere from ten years to thirty-five years for a total of 275 years and that was really saying something about the City’s employees.  Mayor Meyer then greeted each employee with their award and thanked them for their service.   

CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 111918 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CITY OF PRATT’S IRB’S FOR THE TRACK AND FIELD FACILITY: 

City Attorney Probst stated that this agenda item would be tabled until the December 3^rd meeting after a meeting between the Bond Council, City Manager, Finance Director and herself.  Ms. Probst commented that there would actually be an ordinance at the next meeting authorizing the bonds. 

OPEN AGENDA:

No one in the audience wished to address the Commission.

REPORTS:

City Manager:

·        Mission Statement: 

City Manager Eckert stated that he had been working on the vision and mission statement and he would bring that to the Commission soon.

Public Works:

·        Street Department: 

Public Works Director Rambat wanted to commend the street department for treating the streets, because they sand them late and nobody ever sees them out there. 

·        Christmas in the Park: 

Mr. Rambat stated that the street department also helped out at the Municipal Building Saturday when the Christmas in the Park event was moved due to the cold weather. 

·        Lemon Park Restroom: 

Mr. Rambat stated that Street Superintendent Sinclair would be starting to build the pad for the new restroom in Lemon Park.  Mr. Rambat explained that Park Superintendent Eckhoff had marked off the corners and Building Inspector Blankenship would be back tomorrow to approve the design and size of the prefab bathroom and to let them know where to rough in the plumbing. 

·        Entrance sign: 

Mr. Rambat stated that the new sign was at the entrance of Lemon Park and the mason was waiting for limestone, which should be coming in the next week or so. 

Electric Department:

·        Main Street lighting: 

Director of Electric Utilities Huber informed the Commission that he should be getting the costs to bore the Main Street lighting project.  Commissioner Schmidt questioned if we were going to keep the poles.  Mr. Huber stated that they were getting different ideas. 

·               Solar Farm: 

Mr. Huber stated that Integreen was pulling wire at the solar farm and they were shooting for December 4^th to heat it up.

Recreation Department: 

·        Christmas luncheon: 

Recreation Director Pinkall informed the Commission that the employees’ Christmas luncheon would be on December 12^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or so.  Mr. Pinkall stated that there would be flyer in the next payroll so that everyone would know. 

·        Municipal Building:

Mr. Pinkall stated that the historic timeline for the Municipal Building looks to be around April 2019 to early May 2019.  Mr. Pinkall commented that we might have to look at doing something with cooling the gym before we know any results.

·        Interlocal Agreement: 

Mr. Pinkall stated that the City Attorney was getting with Gilmore and Bell to set up a meeting to discuss an Interlocal Agreement for the college’s track and field complex.  Ms. Probst commented that she had sent out an email that we would meet twice next week.

Police Department:

·        Introduction:

Newly appointed Police Chief Nate Humble introduced his wife, Nikki to the Commission and staff.

·        Shooting Incident: 

Chief Humble stated that all questions concerning the shooting incident on North Main Street were being directed to the KBI and the County Attorney.  Chief Humble reported that the officers involved were doing well and the thoughts and prayers were appreciated.

·        K-9: 

Chief Humble informed the Commission that the K-9 officer was back at work.  Chief Humble stated that they had been through extensive training and had done very well with that.  Chief Humble commented that they had been called out a couple of times and, even if there was nothing there, the dog was doing what he was meant to do.

·        Staff:

Chief Humble stated that the staff was doing well and some were getting a lot of overtime.  Chief Humble commented that everybody had stepped up and he was proud of his staff.

Mayor and Commission:

·        Thankful:

Commissioner Kumberg stated that he was finding things to be thankful for and he was thankful for everybody that comes to work and does their job.  Commissioner Kumberg added that he was thankful for skilled employees and commented that it was very odd to find tenure as long as the City employees.

·        Commissioner Peters:

Mayor Meyer commented that Commissioner Peters was back in the hospital and could use our prayers. 

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Kumberg made a motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schmidt and carried unanimously.

 

_____________________________________
DOUG MEYER, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

______________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk  

11/19/2018-Approved City/County Joint Meeting Minutes

MONDAY

NOVEMBER 19, 2018

The Governing Body of the City of Pratt met in a Recessed City/County joint meeting in the Commission Room located in City Hall.

PRESENT:      

Doug Meyer  Mayor
Lucus Kumberg  Commissioner
Gary Schmidt  Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT: 

Roy Eckert  City Manager
LuAnn Kramer  City Clerk
Regina Probst  City Attorney
Diana Garten  Finance Director
Nate Humble  Chief of Police
Glenna Borho  County Commissioner
Bob Schmisseur  County Counselor
Jimmy White  Pratt County Sheriff                                           

CALL TO ORDER:

The recessed meeting was called to order by Mayor Meyer.  Mayor Meyer instructed the Clerk to note that all Commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner Peters and Commissioner Leslie. 

BUSINESS: 

DISCUSSION ON THE DRUG AND ALCOHOL SITUATION IN PRATT AND PRATT COUNTY:

Commissioner Kumberg commented that he had been at a Kansas Hospital Association State meeting and he had the opportunity to visit with the Vice-President of Valley of Hope facilities.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that he had asked him what it would take to have a conversation about the possibility to have a Valley of Hope facility in Pratt.  Commissioner Kumberg added that he had informed him what Pratt currently had and how we refer people to them.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that he had indicated that it did not hurt to have a conversation and that the closest drug and alcohol treatment center was in Moundridge.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that they see a lot of people from this part of the State; however, there were not a lot of treatment options in central and western Kansas.  Commissioner Kumberg explained that the longer someone had to wait and the longer they had to think about it, they could decide that they did not want to go.   

Commissioner Kumberg questioned if we would even be interested in having a conversation with Valley of Hope and what some examples would be of what we would envision in Pratt and surrounding communities.  Commissioner Kumberg informed the Commission that Congress had passed legislation for funding drug and alcohol treatment, so this would be a good time to start the conversation.   Commissioner Kumberg stated that there were a couple of private agencies that did drug and alcohol treatment and we could be part of the solution.  Commissioner Kumberg added that there were so many moving parts, such as the State agencies, courts, law enforcement, people like DCCCA and Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous.    

Pratt County Sheriff White stated that he felt it was worth looking at because they transport people all over the State.  Commissioner Borho stated that there was Federal legislation for treatment facilities.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that they had thirty day stays for patients.  Commissioner Borho stated that thirty days did not cure someone.  County Counselor Schmisseur asked if there was still a facility in Dodge City.  Sheriff White stated that it was still there, but it was strictly a thirty day stay and you were out.  Sheriff White added that there was a faith based facility, but the family had to take action.   

Mayor Meyer asked about the referrals to Dodge City.  Sheriff White stated that they get orders to transport for the thirty days, but they laugh about it because they know that it would not work.  Counselor Schmisseur stated that a thirty day program was geared for someone who had an alcohol dependency and they felt that you could dry them out in that thirty days.  Counselor Schmisseur added that they would not be past the physical aspect of it in thirty days.  Counselor Schmisseur explained that a CAT scan shows the different brain levels and, for someone addicted to methamphetamines, it was probably two years before they showed signs of a non-addictive chemical base to their brain.  Counselor Schmisseur stated that someone  who was not highly addicted might be able to get over the physical part and only deal with alcohol in a thirty day program.  Counselor Schmisseur commented that he had no idea what Valley of Hope would say or how much money you would put into a facility here.  Counselor Schmisseur added that we could not save them all, but you had to celebrate your successes and still make an effort.   

Mayor Meyer commented that thirty days did make a difference when he was in Dodge City thirty years ago, but they were not dealing with the drugs like today.  Mayor Meyer stated that a gentlemen from Norton had told him that Valley of Hope was a God send to that town for economy and was doing well.  Mayor Meyer stated that, if there was a facility in Pratt, he felt that Pratt people would go north and others would come here.  Mayor Meyer added that there used to always be family support back then, but now that aspect was pretty fractured.  Sheriff White stated that they were just expanding the business when they shuffled people from town to town and that was frustrating.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that some agencies only do outpatient treatment, but Valley of Hope was strictly inpatient.  Commissioner Borho questioned if we would keep DCCCA here.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that DCCCA would stay here and we would rely on those people.  Commissioner Kumberg questioned whether they could help with transporting if there was not a facility here.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that we had a really good base of support in the community and this was one of those things that nobody had any idea of what the end game would be.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that we could look at economic development and the short term solutions while keeping things that were functioning well.  Commissioner Kumberg added that we would continue to work with the resources that we had.  Commissioner Borho commented that people that get clean in a community sometimes stay in that community.  Commissioner Borho stated that Valley of Hope was not ready to expand six years ago; however, there were the older motels that could be used as a facility and that was worth a conversation to see what could happen.   

Commissioner Kumberg commented that all the conferences dealing with health care that he attends and they know he is from Pratt say ‘Oh you are from Pratt’.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that nobody has said that we did not have a drug issue, because it was all across America.  Counselor Schmisseur questioned whether our Sheriff and Police departments had gone through limited training and carry narcan.  Chief Humble stated that they had not; however, he had been in contact with a representative in Topeka and there was funding for that.  Counselor Schmisseur commented that some folks believe that narcan had made people be more aggressive in their drug use.  Counselor Schmisseur stated that, when a public health community puts out the app that there are bad drugs being sold in some park somewhere, people actually go there to get that drug.  Counselor Schmisseur added that they had the mind set of no fear and no care.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that, to some, narcan was one shot up the nose and everything would be fine, but everything was not fine and it wears off.  Commissioner Kumberg added that they were unintentionally glorifying it.  Mayor Meyer stated that, with a true opiate overdose, the person goes from being in a comatose state to being right with you.  Mayor Meyer explained that they could become comatose again if there was a lot on board and he added that the cost of this drug was ridiculous.   

Commissioner Kumberg commented that he did not have any preconceived notion what we would want here or what we would want this to look like.  Commissioner Borho stated that there would be comments that people did not want it in their back yard and that would be one big drawback.  Sheriff White commented that they had a hard time knowing they had drug users in their neighborhood that they see every day; however, somehow it was more offensive seeing them in a facility where they were trying to deal with the issue.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that we stereotype people who have drug and alcohol addictions, but some were decent people that you would never think were alcoholics and were terrible people at home.  Commissioner Kumberg added that addiction affects everybody and nobody wants to have this issue.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that we had a great opportunity to say that we were trying to do something and he added that he understood that there would be financial pieces that go along with that.   

Mayor Meyer stated that he did not think what Commissioner Kumberg was talking about would hurt DCCCA and it might even help them.  Mayor Meyer questioned if there was anyone other than Valley of Hope that does this.  Sheriff White stated that there were facilities in Wichita and Dodge City.  Commissioner-elect Deeds stated that DCCCA Director Tracy Green had contacted him about purchasing an apartment building and it would have been similar to an Oxford House.  Commissioner-elect Deeds explained that they would graduate to that for long term care and they were taking the angle of support from each other and how they got into this situation and they make each other accountable.  Commissioner-elect Deeds questioned if that had stalled out.  Commissioner Borho stated that it had, but they had converted their home into an Oxford House type facility and the problem was that a person had to be six months sober, which was a long time for an addict.  Commissioner Borho added that they also had to be employed and there were strict rules to live there.  Commissioner Borho commented that hers did not work out either because of those rules.

 

Commissioner Borho stated that she felt that we needed the treatment first.  Commissioner Borho commented that the Oxford Houses in Hutchinson had expanded and now they had five for men and three for women.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that they could not co-habitate.  Commissioner Borho stated that that type of facility was better in a bigger community like Hutchinson and she personally would rather have a treatment facility here.  Commissioner Borho commented that a drug addict should get out of Pratt, because they get back with the same friends and go right back to where they were.  Counselor Schmisseur asked if the women’s facility was still in Hoisington, because they could bring their children to that one.  Sheriff White stated that he was not sure, but that was a tremendous thing when they had to give up their kids to go to treatment. 

Counselor Schmisseur questioned where we would find seed money if Valley of Hope would want half a million bucks.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that he did not know, but there could be a Federal grant out there for this type of thing.  Commissioner Borho asked if Commissioner Kumberg had visited with anyone at Valley of Hope.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that he had a short conversation with a Vice-President of an area of Valley of Hope and he was not sure if they operated in any other states.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that a larger issue here would be finding employees that would be paid very well and be very educated to do the mental health issues.  Commissioner Kumberg explained that his concern about that was that if a person was not from a rural area they probably would not be interested in coming to a rural area.  Commissioner Borho questioned if he had had any further contact with the Vice-President.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that he had not, because he wanted to come here first.  City Attorney Probst stated that she had visited with County Attorney Beverlin and she was very clear that the primary issue regarding County prosecution was methamphetamines.  Ms. Probst commented that the cases in the City that were multiple were clearly methamphetamines.  Ms. Probst added that meth was prevalent in Pratt.  Sheriff White stated that there was heroin here also and we were centrally located.  Mayor Meyer stated that there was a demand and we had the supply.  Mayor Meyer commented that he hoped that the drug dog would help put a dent in it.  

Sheriff White stated that we had to make it hard on them or we were never going to defeat the problem.  Sheriff White commented that a community that makes a stand was different.  Chief Humble stated that there were no standout success stories in any community, but it was a problem and he added that he was speaking for Cities of our size.  Chief Humble clarified that the problem was just having the drugs here and there was no decrease in drugs across the board.  Commissioner Borho stated that no one was immune.  Mayor Meyer stated that Sheriff White had commented that you had to have compassion for people, but still be able to put them in jail.  Sheriff White stated that they respect that.  Chief Humble commented that they would do what they had to do to get out, but they come back.  Chief Humble stated that they had to say that they need help.  Sheriff White agreed and added that it was up to the individual and most people were weak.  Chief Humble stated that they had to get out of town if they wanted any type of success, because thirty seconds back in their comfort zone gets them back with old acquaintances.  Ms. Probst stated that SB123 addresses first or second time felony drug offenders that were non-violent and ones that you could send to treatment as opposed to a correctional facility.  Sherriff White stated that there was a difference between a drug addict that does criminal acts and a criminal who uses drugs.  Counselor Schmisseur stated that they were antisocial in every aspect of their lives and you need to start addressing it at the middle school level.  

Commissioner Kumberg commented that there were relatively new areas of study and they were finding new things all the time about addiction and mental health.  County Commissioner-elect Jones asked if Valley of Hope had the mental health part as well as addiction.  Commissioner Kumberg stated that he thought they were the whole package.  Commissioner Schmidt stated that his wife was a teacher for years and the problem just got worse as time passed and it sometimes started with first graders talking about their home life and the family was just dysfunctional.  Commissioner Schmidt questioned what we were doing and what was available to help those family situations before someone was taken to jail.  Chief Humble stated that that was exactly where it needed to start.  Commissioner Schmidt commented that this could be an opportunity for us to develop something within the area and we had the center with teachers and churches to get together to solve some problems.  Finance Director Garten stated that the teachers were trained to watch for trauma and for things that might trigger something.  Sheriff White stated that you could look a kid in the eye and tell what type of life they had.  Commissioner Kumberg commented that one of the bad things was that they get lost once they get into DCF.   

Ms. Probst stated that she sees good in Pratt with the Hope Center and Barron Theater that keeps youth from going down the wrong path.  Sheriff White stated that we were blessed with basic family core values. Ms. Probst stated that strengthening those things that were working was doable.  Commissioner Schmidt commented that the Circles Program involves a lot of people in the community and we could use a program like that for people who were users that also involved community people to mentor them.  Commissioner Schmidt stated that we might be trying to solve something that was not solvable, but we could do something to prevent it.  Commissioner Borho stated that there was a mentoring program through the Presbyterian Church and she was hoping that it was helping, even though it was only one hour a week. 

DISCUSSION ON WATER ISSUES: 

Mayor Meyer informed the group that the City was in the process of getting our water rights extended and we had been in contact with Jeff Lanterman, Water Commissioner for the Kansas Department of Agriculture.  Mayor Meyer explained that Mr. Lanterman had misplaced a response letter that we had written to answer their questions, but it was now moving up the line.  Commissioner Borho questioned if it was his decision.  Mayor Meyer stated that he thought it was or he had considerable input.  

Counselor Schmisseur asked what size line was being put in going out to the Fish and Game.  Ms. Garten stated that the City did an 8” line and they did a 4”.  Mayor Meyer commented that he was disappointed with ED, because they turned down Public Works Director Rambat’s request for a small amount of money.  Mayor Meyer stated that that request could help keep eighty jobs in Pratt and he just wanted a little assistance extending that line.  Commissioner Borho questioned if the City already had the line in.  Mayor Meyer stated that we did, but the funds would help with boring.  Ms. Garten added that the City had their portion done and the rest was Fish and Game’s responsibility.  Mayor Meyer explained that the rest was left to the engineers and would be a private line.   

Mayor Meyer commented that he hoped Wildlife and Parks would stay here with the recent election results.  Commission-elect Jones stated that he had asked the new Governor that and she was not aware that that many had left, but she would not promise anything.  City Manager Eckert stated that we would not only lose those jobs, but school aged children.

GENERAL DISCUSSION: 

·        Recycle Center:

Commissioner Borho stated that they were just about done with repairs and construction at the Recycle Center after the flood damage.  Mayor Meyer commented that he was amazed at the amount of water going through there.

·        Next Meeting Date: 

After a little discussion, the next meeting was scheduled for February 4, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall. 

·        Bypass discussion: 

Mayor Meyer stated that the City had a conflict on support of the bypass and the testimony that was given that the City was in favor of Pratt going before Kingman.  Commissioner Borho stated that that was a State issue.  Mayor Meyer explained that the City had nothing in the budget to support taking over 54 Highway once the bypass was complete and the testimony said that the City was in support of Pratt over Kingman.  Commissioner Borho stated that this was formulating the Comprehensive Plan for the next T-Works Program for the next ten years starting in 2020.  Commissioner Borho commented that you did not have to worry about it from a budgetary standpoint, because KDOT was having these meetings around the State in different communities and hearing testimonies from Cities and Counties.  Commissioner Borho stated that the City could have come and made a testimony.  Mayor Meyer stated that Mr. Eckert and Mr. Rambat went to a meeting in Great Bend and we were just surprised that we were supporting something that we did not know we were supporting.  Commissioner Borho questioned if the City had to redo that every time a new Commissioner was elected.  Commissioner Borho stated that the City had been involved in those meetings since 2000 with KDOT on the bypass and she apologized that she did not know you had to go back and do that.  Commissioner Borho added that she was speaking on behalf of Pratt County and just thought that we should get the bypass first.  Mayor Meyer stated that evidently things had changed since then.   

Commissioner-elect Jones questioned if the City would be in favor of the bypass in Pratt County being first if it was okayed by the State and why we care what happens to Kingman.  Mayor Meyer repeated that somebody gave testimony on our behalf without our permission.  Commissioner Borho stated that she did not know that she had to have permission.  Mayor Meyer commented that we never said that we would abandon the highway, because we were not ready for that.  Commissioner Borho commented that we did not have to be ready.  Commissioner-elect Jones asked what part of the highway.  Mayor Meyer stated that they had said that we not were ready to assume the responsibility for 54 Highway and we were not budgeted for that.  Commissioner Borho stated that it was not a budgetary standpoint until 2020 and the City could have come and given testimony.  Mayor Meyer stated that we were just surprised that we were supporting something that we did not know we were.  Commissioner Borho again repeated that she did not know that you had to go back and redo that since we had been involved since 2000, but she had been speaking on behalf of Pratt County.  Commissioner Borho stated that we need the bypass first.  Mayor Meyer repeated that things had changed.  Commissioner Borho apologized.  Mayor Meyer commented that we were quoted and we had never as a group talked about that or about this stretch of highway.  Commissioner Borho commented that KDOT rules.  Mayor Meyer explained that there was a stretch of the highway that needed improvements before we take over the responsibility.   

City Attorney Probst clarified that the City was quoted that we were supporting something and that they saw quoted and the current City Commission and City Manager had not currently taken that position.  Mayor Meyer commented that we did want the bypass; however, we want Kingman to be first.  Mayor Meyer agreed that the City would grow and expand and that was logical progression.  Commissioner Borho stated that, if the City wanted economic development to happen, they better get the four lane highway first. 

ADJOURN:

A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Kumberg and seconded by Commissioner Schmidt.  The motion and second passed unanimously.

 

_____________________________________
DOUG MEYER, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

______________________________________

LUANN KRAMER, City Clerk