December, 2010

December 1, 2010

           

            The Ellsworth City Council held a Special Meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall on the above date at 12:15 P.M.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss land acquisition for the airport runway expansion

 

            Mayor Stephen Bahan called the meeting to order at 12:22 P.M.  The following Council members were present John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.  Council members Pacey and Stefek were absent.

           

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator and Carey Hipp, City Attorney.

 

            Carey Hipp, City Attorney, explained the need to deed a portion of property held by the City of Ellsworth through an IRB to Maico Industries, Inc.  Once the property is deeded to Maico Industries, Inc. and Avigation Easement can be purchased by the City.  The easement is needed for the airport runway expansion.

 

            Following further explanation John Whitmer motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign all documents required to deed the property to Maico Industries, Inc.  The motion was seconded by Mary Wires.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell then motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign all documents related to the purchase of an Avigation Easement from Maico Industries, Inc at a price previously determined.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

 

                                                                        Patti L. Booher

                                                                        City Clerk

 

December 13, 2010

 

            The Ellsworth City Council held a Public Hearing to receive comments and answer questions regarding the proposed 2010 Amended Budget on the above date at 6:55 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

 

            Mayor Stephen Bahan opened the hearing at 6:55 P.M.  The following Council members were present Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

           

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Dustin Avey, Piper Jaffrey; Bonnie Ploutz, Meredith Vargo, Ted Edgerle, Cynthia Edgerle, Roger Roberts, Tommie Cisneros, Sharon Haverkamp, Steve Steinhouse and Kenneth McHenry.

 

           

 

            Timothy Vandall, City Administrator explained the need for the amendments to the 2010 Budget.  No citizens had questions concerning the amendments.  The Mayor closed the hearing at 6:59 P.M.

 

                                                                        Patti L. Booher

                                                                        City Clerk

 

December 13, 2010

 

The Ellsworth City Council met in regular session on the above date at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Mayor Stephen Bahan called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Dustin Avey, Piper Jaffrey; Bonnie Ploutz, Meredith Vargo, Ted Edgerle, Cynthia Edgerle, Roger Roberts, Tommie Cisneros, Sharon Haverkamp, Steve Steinhouse and Kenneth McHenry.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of minutes from the November 22, 2010 meeting and Claims Ordinance #01-1110.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mayor Bahan then opened a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing any and all oral or written objections to proposed assessments in connection with the Streetscape Improvements/Downtown as approved by Resolution No. 23-0209A.

 

            Dustin Avey, Piper Jaffery reviewed the expense for the Streetscape Improvements/Downtown.  The City issued a Temporary Note to pay the costs of the project.  The State reimbursed the City for 60% of the cost.  The property owners in the district will pay 10% of the total expense.  The city at large will pay 15% and local trust funds will pay the remaining 15%.  All monies currently in the 2009 Temporary Note Debt Service Fund will be used as partial repayment of the Temporary Note.  The remaining amount due will be bonded over a period of 10 years.

 

            Cynthia Edgerele inquired what the interest rate for the Special Assessments would be.  Mr. Avey explained the rate had not yet been determined, but will be the same as the City’s bond rate.  He estimated that to be 3.3 %.  Steve Steinhouse, Ellsworth Area Arts Council, then addressed Council.  The Arts Council is concerned with the amount of the special assessment for their portion of the project and inquired if they were responsible for the expense as they are a non-profit Organization.  Mr. Vandall stated non-profit organizations were not exempt from the expense.  Mr. Avey then explained the amount on Exhibit-A1, included with the Notice of Hearing, is the estimated total due on each property.  Several owners were under the impression the amount in the exhibit would be assessed each year.  Mr. Avey went on to explain the estimated amount on Exhibit-A1, along with interest would be assessed over a 10 year period if not paid in full by January 16, 2011.

 

            Bonnie Ploutz inquired if the property owners had been made aware they would be responsible for 10% of the expense.  Mr. Whitmer replied a petition had been prepared for property owner’s signature and the owners were aware of their responsibly since the inception of the project.  Mr. Avey reviewed the schedule for the Bond Issue.

 

            At 7:30 P.M. the Mayor closed the hearing and returned to the regular meeting.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the 2010 Amended Budget.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The following ordinance was presented for action:

 

            AN ORDINANCE LEVYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY TO PAY THE COSTS OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS, AS HERETOFORE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION NO. 23-0209A OF THE CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION OF SUCH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.

 

            Irene Pacey motioned to approve the ordinance.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was numbered 3015.

 

            Bill Gwinner arrived at the meeting at 7:32 P.M.  Mr. Gwinner explained the Immanuel Lutheran Church had had a water leak and requested the City waive a portion of the water/sewer bill.  Council instructed the Clerk to reduce the sewer fee to the Church’s average.

 

            Mr. Avey again took the floor and reviewed the advantages of refinancing the loan with KDH&E for Water Treatment Plant Improvements completed in 2004.  The City would be able to withdraw the authorization, at no cost to the City, for the issuance of the bonds if the refinancing were to become higher than the loan.

 

            The following resolution was then presented for action:

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS, AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THE COSTS OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.

 

            Irene Pacey motioned to approve the resolution.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 13-1210A.

 

            The next resolution presented for action was as follows:

 

            A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OFFERING FOR SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2011-A AND GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS SERIES 2011-B, OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to approve the resolution.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 13-1210B.

 

            Mayor Bahan again noted his pleasure with the work completed in the alleys.

 

            Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, reviewed an RFP for Engineering Services.  The request is for the restoration of E. No. Main Street.  Following discussion Council agreed the request be mailed and published as planned.  Mr. Vandall also reviewed funding for the expense.

 

            Mr. Vandall then noted the City has been awarded a KLINK Grant for the overlay of Douglas Avenue (K-14).  The application was submitted a year ago but due to a budget shortage at the State awards were delayed.  Mr. Vandall was instructed to inquire if parking would be required to be changed to parallel rather than angle if the overlay is done curb to curb.  It may be possible to repair the censor for the stoplight at Douglas Avenue and Third Street at the same time.

 

            The next item Mr. Vandall reported on was the Water/Sewer mapping.  The program should be installed and training completed on December 17, 2010.

 

            Mr. Vandall also informed Council the Economic Development Director is recommending the City consider a TIF district be created to help pay for infrastructure improvements encouraging housing growth.

 

            Other items of note were employee health insurance premiums increased by 15% and all employee evaluations will be completed in January rather than on the employee’s anniversary date.  Mr. Vandall also commented bids for a fairway mower would be submitted in January.

 

            Mr. Stefek inquired why the Christmas decorations in the Streetscape did not have lights.  Mr. Vandall explained he had ordered the decorations and did not realize they would need to have lighting.  He assured Council the decorations will be lit in 2011.

 

            Mayor Bahan noted he made a presentation to the Boys Scouts of the duties of the Mayor.

 

There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until December 27, 2010.

 

                                                                        Patti L. Booher

                                                                        City Clerk

 

 

December 27, 2010

 

The Ellsworth City Council met in recessed session on the above date at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Mayor Stephen Bahan called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, John Whitmer and Mary Wires.  Council member Cole Worrell was absent.

 

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator; David Smith, Chief of Police and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            The Clerk presented 3 requests for extension of the Water/Sewer termination date.  Irene Pacey motioned to approve the requests.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Alan Stefek next motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the December 1 and 13, 2010 meeting and Public Hearing and Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewals for Pizza Hut of Ellsworth, American Legion Paul Aylward Post #174, El-Kan Western Riders, Inc., Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course, KC’s Café, Coach & Four Bowling Lanes, Inc., Kwik Shop #763, Ampride, Jeffrey Gose on behalf of Gene’s Heartland Foods, Casey’s General Store #2562, National Drovers Hall of Fame and Alco Store #252.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Timothy Vandall, City Administrator reviewed the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP).  The plan outlines future improvements at the airport through FY-2022.  Acceptance of the plan does not commit the City to complete the improvements.  The plan is a guide for the FAA.  Mr. Vandall then noted he had been in contact with Wind Capital Group to ensure the proposed wind farm does not interfere with the landing approach at the airport.  The company has been given all information available relating to the expansion of the airport.

 

            Mr. Vandall reported Rob Fillion, Smoky Hill Development Group, will attend the January 10, 2011 meeting to discuss the possible use of a TIF district to develop a housing subdivision.  Mr. Vandall reviewed the procedure for annexation should the property owners south of Avenue JJ on Evans Street request to be annexed into the City.  Mr. Stefek recommended the property owned by the Evangelical Free Church on the north side of Avenue JJ be annexed at the same time.

 

            Mayor Bahan noted there had been several water line breaks around the City.  Mr. Stefek requested patrol officers monitor work areas during the repair of breaks.  He has seen vehicles going around barricades while water department employees are working to repair lines.

 

            Mr. Vandall reviewed the Building Inspector’s Annual Reports.  As in the previous year many permits were issued for roofs damaged by a hailstorm in 2009.  The majority of the other permits issued were for carports, fences and storage sheds.

 

            Mr. Vandall referred to the Administrator’s Report concerning the North Main Project.  A pre-proposal meeting with interested engineering companies will be held on January 4^th.  Mr. Vandall requested Mayor Bahan be on the engineering selection committee.  Irene Pacey volunteered to serve on the committee as well.  Mr. Vandall has contacted KDOT to verify the KLINK program would not require the City to change downtown parking from angle to parallel.

 

            Mr. Vandall also referred to his report concerning conducting a Pine Wilt inventory to include all trees within the City limits.  Currently the City treats its trees to prevent the disease from spreading.  Mr. Vandall will continue to work with the County Extension Officer to identify other trees in need of action.  At this time the Administrator is unsure how involved the City would be with the removal of trees on private property.

 

            Mr. Vandall noted the extra hours the Water Department has been working to repair leaks and receive training on the GIS program.  Mr. Vandall also thanked the Horst-Reiter Foundation for their generous donation for improvements to the infields at the recreation complex.

 

            Mr. Stefek questioned the limited parking on the southwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Second Street.  The resident at that location would like the 30 minute parking space in front of his house be changed to no restrictions.  Chief Smith will review the reasoning for the timed parking and will report back to Council at the next meeting.

 

            John Whitmer motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:35 P.M. for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the acquisition of real property and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 7:40 P.M.  The executive session is required to protect the City’s financial interest and bargaining position.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered Executive Session at 7:35 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 7:40 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:40 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 7:50 P.M.  Te executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Council entered Executive Session at 7:40 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 7:50 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to increase the hourly wage of a Police Patrol Officer and the Inmate Detail Supervisor per their annual review to that recommended by their supervisors and the Administrator.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until January 10, 2011.

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk