October, 2011

October 10, 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; Paul Dreiling, Part-time Patrol Officer and Judy Brown, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

Alan Stefek motioned to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of minutes of the September 26, 2011 meeting and Claims Ordinance #A01-0911.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, reviewed the Project Board.  Carey Hipp, City Attorney continues to work on the purchases/easements, etc. for the runway expansion.  Also in Unfinished Business Council reviewed an amended bid from Reliant Roofing for the repair of the Recreation Center north roof.  The new bid includes a 10 year workmanship warranty.  John Whitmer motioned to accept the bid.  Cole Worrell seconded the bid.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Vandall distributed a revised copy of Building Roof Lease Agreement with Cox Communication Kansas, LLC.  Council is concerned the City will not receive franchise fees from Cox Communication.  Mr. Vandall will contact Cox Communication to determine if they are working with Eagle Communications and the franchise fees will be paid though Eagle Communications.   Alan Stefek motioned to approve the lease with a correction made to Item 12 changing the insurance coverage to 30 days rather than 330 days.  Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to approve the KDH&E Third Amendment to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Loan.  The amendment finalizes repayment of the loan.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The following resolution was presented for Council approval:

 

            A RESOLUTION FIXING A TIME AND PLACE AND PROVIDING FOR THE NOTICE OF A HEARING BEFORE THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS, AT WHICH THE OWNER, HIS OR HER AGENT, LIEN HOLDERS OF RECORD, OCCUPANTS AND OTHER PARTIES IN INTEREST OF STRUCTURES LOCATED WITHIN SAID CITY AND DESCRIBED HEREIN MAY APPEAR AND SHOW CAUSE WHY SUCH STRUCTURE SHOULD NOT BE CONDEMNED AND ORDERED REPAIRED OR DEMOLISHED AS AN UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS STRUCTURE.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to approve the resolution and to set the Public Hearing for 6:50 P.M. on November 28, 2011.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 10-1011A.

 

            After reviewing bids for repair and restoration of windows at City Hall, Alan Stefek motioned to award the contract to Don’s Home Repair.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the 2010 Audit.  Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            The bid, ordinance and resolution in reference to the sales of Special Obligation Bonds for the TIF District were tabled until the October 24^th meeting.

 

            Mayor Bahan stated he had attended the LKM Conference.  The work sessions he attended were interesting and informative.  He then inquired if Council members would be opposed to changing meeting times to 5:15 or 5:30 P.M.  Members indicated they would in favor of the change.

 

            Paul Dreiling, Part-time Patrol Officer and technician for NexTech Wireless discussed options for the cameras to protect the downtown streetscape.  Following his presentation and questions from Council the Chief of Police was instructed to price the equipment Mr. Dreiling spoke of.

 

            Mr. Vandall inquired if council members had concerns over a request to construct a gazebo at the airport in memory of Jacob Choitz.  There was not opposition to the request.

 

            Another item Mr. Vandall reported was the City will be receiving the 2012 health insurance premiums soon.  Mr. Vandall will have information for Council at the next meeting.

 

            Mr. Vandall reviewed a proposed policy to help citizens with the expense of demolishing dangerous structures.  Mr. Vandall requested Council review the policy and contact him with any questions.

 

            John Whitmer motioned Council enter executive session with the City Administrator, Attorney and Clerk at 8:05 P.M. for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the acquisition of real property and the Council return to the regular meeting at 8:10 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 8:05 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 8:10 P.M.  Holly Fries motioned to utilize the professional services of Fletcher-Simmons for an initial fee of 15,000 for land appraisals in the Airport Improvement Plan.  Alan Stefek 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 October 24, 2011.

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk

 

 

October 24, 2011

 

            The Ellsworth City Council met in recessed 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; Mike Lamm, Federated Insurance; Adam Larsen, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Annie Hysong.

 

            The Treasurer presented 2 requests for extensions to the water/sewer termination date.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the request. John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the October 10, 2011 minutes.  Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mike Lamm with Federated Commercial Insurance informed the Council on what his company could offer for group health insurance.  Discussion then followed.  The Council then directed Timothy Vandall, City Administrator to go ahead and give all employees the Health Profiles so the City can get a firm quote from Federated Commercial Insurance.

 

            Mr. Vandall reviewed the Project Board and handed out the two review appraisal bids for the proposed airport expansion which he received from Carey Hipp, City Attorney. Discussion then followed. Mr. Vandall reported Mrs. Hipp recommended Shaner Appraisals, Inc.

 

            John Whitmer motioned to approve the Shaner Appraisals, Inc. for the airport expansion appraisal review for $9400.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Vandall handed out a memorandum from Kirkham Michael concerning the North Main Street reconstruction.  The memorandum compared the long-term cost benefits of asphalt pavement versus concrete pavement. Kirkham Michael recommended going with the concrete.

 

            The following ordinance was presented for Council action:

 

            An ordinance authorizing and providing for the issuance of $1,200,000 principal amount of special obligation tax increment revenue bonds, series 2011 (2011 redevelopment project), of the city of ellsworth, Kansas; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing certain other documents and actions in connection therewith.            

 

            Holly Fries motioned to approve the ordinance.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to a vote all vote aye. Motion carried. The ordinance was numbered 3027.

 

            The following resolution was presented for Council action:

 

            A resolution prescribing the form and details of and authorizing and directing the sale and delivery of $1,200,000 principal amount of special obligation tax increment revenue bonds, series 2011 (2011 redevelopment project), of the city of ellsworth, kansas, previously authorized by ordinance no. 3027 of the issuer; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing certain other documents and actions connected therewith.

           

            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 24-1011A.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to authorize the Mayor to sign Notice of Award and Contract to Smoky Hill, LLC for the Carrico Addition Utility Development for $427,417. Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Electronic read meter bids were then discussed.  Adam Larsen, W/S Superintendent then answered questions from the Council.  Mr. Larsen would like to go with the Badger Orion Mobile Meter Reading System.  This system is more expense but is the newer system of the three bids and the meters can detect smaller amounts of water.  These meters have a 10 year warranty but could last for 20 years.

 

            Cole Worrell made a motion to accept the bid from Salina Supply for the Badger Orion Mobile Meter Reading System with 300 meters for $69,564. Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Vandall presented a letter to the Council on behalf of Citizens State Bank & Trust Co.  The letter stated Citizens State Bank & Trust Co. would like to offer the drive in bank building as a gift to the City of Ellsworth.  Discussion then followed.

 

            Alan Stefek would like a ruling to whether or not the alleys in the Kunkle Acres Addition which run all the way from Kunkle Street to Novak Street on the east end are opened.  Discussion then followed.  It was determined the alleys are platted but not opened or vacated.  

               

            Alan Stefek motioned Council enter executive session with the City Administrator at 8:00 P.M.  for the purpose of discussing personnel matters for non-elected personnel and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 8:05 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 8:00 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 8:05 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 8:05 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel and the Council return to regular meeting at 8:15 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 8:05 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 8:15 P.M. Alan Stefek made a motion to approve Mr. Vandall’s request to pay the Recreation Director his unused vacation. Holly Fries 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 November 14, 2011.

 

                                                                                    Angela Mueller

                                                                                    Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer

            City Clerk