August, 2011

August 8, 2011

 

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 at 7:00 P.M.  Council members present were Holly Fries, 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, Adam Larsen, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Brian Spano, Wilson & Co., Jon Halbgewachs, Kirkham Michael Engineers; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Frank Toman.

 

Alan Stefek motioned to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of minutes of the July 25, 2011 meeting, Claims Ordinance #A01-0711 and a CMB License for National Drovers Hall of Fame.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Frank Toman approached the Council.  Mr. Toman was in attendance to raise awareness of a grant received from the Smoky Hill Charitable Foundation.  The grant is to establish the Ellsworth County Healthy Living Fund.  Mr. Toman is trying to get the information about the grant disseminated.  The grant is matching and $600,000 would need to be raised to receive the $300,000 that has been awarded.  The funds need to be raised within 5 years of the grant award.  Prior to leaving Mr. Toman stressed he was not requesting funding from the City, only trying to inform more people about the grant.

 

Brian Spano, Wilson & Company distributed a map showing the proposed water and sewer line locations at and around the Ellenz Real Estate property.  Mr. Spano also presented information regarding the lift station required to service the area.  Mr. Spano will have a formal bid prepared for the equipment for Council action at the August 22^nd meeting.

 

            Tim Vandall, City Administrator gave an update of FAA grants.  Currently the department that administers the grants are laid off for several weeks.  Carey Hipp, City Attorney, recommended Council delay taking any action to acquire property or easements for expansion of the runway.  Ms. Hipp will relay more information, if available, to Council at the next meeting.

 

            Mr. Vandall reported his findings in reference to land leases and hangar rent.  He had contacted airports in the surrounding area and determined the City’s current hangar rate is lower than most.  But also noted the occupants of the hangars help maintain the property at the airport.

 

Jon Halbgewachs, Kirkham Michael Engineers, presented a revised Agreement for Engineering Services between the City of Ellsworth, Kansas and Kirkham, Michael & Associates, Inc. Ellsworth, Kansas.  Following discussion Cole Worrell motioned to approve the agreement for engineering services for resurfacing of Douglas Avenue from the Smoky Hill Bridge north to K-140 Highway.  Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

 

Mayor Bahan reported Mark Parsons, Child Care Center Chairman will attend the next meeting to address concerns voiced pertaining to traffic flow where the facility will be located.

 

Holly Fries requested an update on the investigation of the trespassing and criminal damage at the pool.  Chief Smith answered Officer Willey had completed work on the case and has submitted to the County Attorney.  Chief Smith and Council praised Officer Willey for his prompt and complete investigation.

 

John Whitmer requested the Street Department add curb and gutter repair at the Catholic Church to their list.  Cole Worrell requested the water to the planters on the east side of the south block of Douglas Avenue be checked.  A business owner in that block reported water is not getting to the planter in front of his business.

 

Mr. Worrell questioned Mr. Vandall as to when the next Golf Course Advisory Board meeting would be held.  Mr. Vandall replied he is not on the board and only attends meetings as a liaison for the City.  The board should set the date.

 

Mr. Worrell then asked if trailers can be left on City streets.  Chief Smith answered trailers must be attached to a vehicle and cannot sit independently.

 

Mr. Vandall reported the northwest corner of the Recreation Center roof is leaking.  He has requested a quote for repair.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until August 22, 2011.

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk

 

 

August 22, 2011

           

            The Ellsworth City Council held a Public Hearing to receive comments and answer questions regarding the 2012 Proposed Budget on the above date at 6:50 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

 

            Mayor Stephen Bahan opened the hearing at 6:50 P.M.  The following Council members were present Holly Fries, Alan Stefek, John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

           

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            There were no citizens present having questions in regards to the 2012 Budget.  The Mayor closed the hearing at 6:59 P.M.

 

                                                                        Patti L. Booher

                                                                        City Clerk

August 22, 2011

 

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

 

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

 

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; Josh Webb, Golf Course Superintendent; Billy Kryger, Smoky Hill Baptist Church; Drs. Jeff and Kim Torkelson, Torkelson Chiropractic and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.  Chief David Smith arrived at the meeting at 7:32 P.M.

 

            The Clerk presented 1 request for an extension of the water/sewer termination date.  John Whitmer motioned to approve the request.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the August 8, 2011 minutes.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Dr. Jeff Torkelson addressed the Council.  Dr. Torkelson’s building was damaged recently by a fire in the building adjacent to his.  The Torkelsons retained the services of a structural engineer and his report indicated the shared wall is structurally sound.  But the engineer also made recommendations to improve the strength of the wall.  Dr. Torkelson requested Council consider adopting the universal building codes for the downtown area only.  Dr. Torkelson recommended the City contract with a building inspector should a similar situation arise.

 

            Timothy Vandall, City Administrator noted the only item on the board to discuss was land acquisition at the airport.  Carey Hipp, City Attorney requested an Executive Session following the completion of the meeting’s agenda to discuss the matter.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to accept a bid in the amount of $68,080 from JCI, Industries, Inc. for a Packaged Submersible Non-Clog Pump Station.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to a vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The following ordinance was presented for Council action:

 

            AN ORDINANCE ATTESTING TO AN INCREASE IN TAX REVENUES FOR BUDGET YEAR 2012 FOR THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to approve the ordinance.  Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was numbered 3022.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the 2012 Budget as presented.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mayor Bahan appointed Carol Panzer to the Library Board to replace a vacancy created when Stephanie Loudon moved.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the Mayor’s appointment.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mayor Bahan inquired what the City’s involvement is with the property north of the American Legion.  The City owns the property but it is leased to Clausen, Inc.  Mr. Vandall will contact Clausen, Inc. and request the property be mowed.

 

            Josh Webb, Golf Course Superintendent addressed a recent issue of sprinklers running during a heavy rainfall.  The workers had sprayed greens the day of the storm.  If the spray does not get watered into the greens it will evaporate.  It was unfortunate the storm passed through while the sprinklers were running.  Mr. Webb also reported the control board for the sprinkler system needs repair and a water leak at St. Francis Boys Home only made the situation worse.

 

            Cole Worrell asked if the irrigation to the east side of Douglas Avenue between E. No Main and First Streets had been repaired.  Mr. Vandall replied it had been checked but will request an update from the Water/Sewer Superintendent.

 

            John Whitmer inquired if the Street Department would be working on the curb/gutter at the Catholic Church.  Mr. Vandall answered they had started work there this morning.  Alan Stefek commended the Street Department for the exceptional job they did to help prepare for the Cowtown Days.  The department was shorthanded yet was able to meet the needs of the committee.

 

            Holly Fries asked if the City can include the Elementary School in the curfew ordinance for the parks and cemeteries.  The U.S.D. 327 Board would need to implement the curfew since EES is owned by the School District.

 

            Mr. Vandall reminded Council the League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference will be held October 8 – 10.  Mayor Bahan expressed interest in attending the conference.  Mr. Vandall also reported he had not received a bid from Reliant Roofing for the Recreation Center roof.  The County has indicated they may help pay for the repair.

 

            Discussion was then held concerning dilapidated buildings and tipping fees at the landfill.  The County waives $1,000 in tipping fees per year for the City and we have not utilized any this year.  The discussion centered on whether to pass the waiver on to property owners and if so the development of a policy regarding the fees.

 

            Mr. Vandall informed Council the City was awarded a grant for a walking trail.  The application was written for the area near ECMC.  Council indicated they would like the Administrator to inquire if the path can be located at Kreizek Park.  Mr. Vandall will check and report back with his findings.

 

            John Whitmer motioned Council enter executive session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 7:50 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 8:00 P.M.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interest of an identifiable individual.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered executive session at 7:50 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 8:00 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned Council enter executive session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 8:02 P.M. for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the acquisition of real property and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 8:07 P.M.  The executive session is required to protect the City’s financial interest and bargaining position.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered executive session at 8:02 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 8:07 P.M.  John Whitmer motioned Council enter executive session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 8:07 P.M. for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the acquisition of real property and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 8:15 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 8:07 P.M. and returned to the recessed meeting at 8:15 P.M.  Council instructed Ms. Hipp to seek more information before determining if they would like to proceed with land acquisition at the airport.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until September 12, 2011.

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk