December, 2011

December 12, 2011

           

            The Ellsworth City Council held a Public Hearing to receive comments and answer questions regarding the Proposed Amendment to the 2011 Budget on the above date at 5:25 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

 

            Mayor Stephen Bahan opened the hearing at 5:25 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, Carey Hipp, City Attorney, David Smith, Chief of Police; Billy Kryger, Smoky Hill Baptist Church Pastor and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            The City Administrator and Clerk reviewed the funds and why they needed to be amended.

 

            There were no citizens present having questions in regards to the 201 Budget Amendment.  The Mayor closed the hearing at 5:29 P.M.

 

                                                                        Patti L. Booher

                                                                        City Clerk

December 12, 2011

 

The Ellsworth City Council met in regular session on the above date at 5:30 P.M. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Mayor Stephen Bahan called the meeting to order at 5:30 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; Billy Kryger, Smoky Hill Baptist Church Pastor and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

John Whitmer motioned to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of minutes of the November 28, 2011 meeting and Claims Ordinance #A01-1111.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

There were no updates on the Project Board.

 

A policy concerning incentives for demolition of dangerous structures and abandoned buildings was tabled and will be submitted at the December 27^th meeting with changes made as instructed by the Council.

 

Holly Fries motioned to approve the 2011 Amended Budget.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

John Whitmer motioned to appoint the City Clerk as the 2011 Special Obligation Bond Compliance Officer.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

The following resolution was presented for action:

A RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE STRUCTURE LOCATED AT THE NORTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (N/2 SE/4) OF BLOCK FOUR (4) AND THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (S/2 SE/4) OF BLOCK FOUR (4) OF MINNICK’S FIRST ADDITION TO THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, ELLSWORTH COUNTY KANSAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AND REFERRED TO AS 1001 WEST 11^TH STREET, ELLSWORTH, KANSAS IS UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS AND DIRECTING THAT THE STRUCTURE BE REMOVED AND THE PREMISES MADE SAFE AND SECURE.

 

This is the same resolution passed on November 28^th with the addition of the persons appearing on behalf of the homeowners.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the resolution.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 12-1211A.

 

The next item for Council action was the following resolution:

 

A RESOLUTION SETTING A SCHEDULE OF SERVICE, LICENSE, AND PERMIT FEES FOR USE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS AND SERVICE AREA OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS.

 

Mr. Vandall reviewed the changes made to fees.  Holly Fries motioned to approve the resolution.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 12-1211B.

 

The following ordinance was then presented for Council approval:

 

BEING AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO THE COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, ELLSWORTH COUNTY, KANSAS.

 

Mr. Vandall explained why the changes are needed.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the ordinance.  Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The ordinance was numbered 3030.

 

Mayor Bahan praised the Street Department for the curb and gutter work at the Presbyterian Church.  Mayor Steve Bahan also said he had received numerous compliments regarding the Water/Sewer Department.

 

Chief Smith requested an Executive Session following the regular meeting.  Chief also reported his department is still working with Dr. Williams to place a camera on his building.  Also Crime Stoppers will be donating $1,500 towards the purchase of the cameras.

 

Mary Wires reported she had received a complaint concerning the trailer behind Ranker’s property in the 300 block of W. Fifteenth St.  Currently the trailer is not in violation of City Codes.

 

John Whitmer asked if the Council members should attend a meeting hosted by the County Commissioners to discuss the renewal of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.  The County does not want to have different plans for each of the taxing entities within the County.  Following discussion the Administrator was instructed to attend the meeting and relay the City’s commitment to the renewal of the plan as it currently is.

 

Mr. Vandall reviewed the Capital Improvement and Municipal Equipment Plans.  The Plans will be on a future agenda.  Mr. Vandall requested members contact him with any question or suggestions.

 

The Airport Advisory Board recommended an increase of $5.00 per month for rent of the City hangar.  Mr. Vandall and the City Attorney will review leases to determine if they need to be changed.

 

            John Whitmer motioned Council enter executive session with the City Administrator, Attorney and Chief of Police at 6:20 P.M. for the purpose of discussing matters involving consultation with an attorney for the Council which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship and the Council return to the regular at 6:30 P.M.  The executive session is required to protect the attorney-client privilege, and the public interest.  Holly Fries seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered executive session at 6:20 P.M. and returned to the regular meeting at 6:30 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until December 27, 2011.

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk

 

December 27, 2011

           

The Ellsworth City Council met in recessed session on the above date at 5:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

 

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

 

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; David Smith, Chief of Police; James Zamrzla, Street Superintendent and Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter.

 

            The Clerk presented 4 requests for extension of the scheduled water/sewer termination date.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the requests.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the minutes of the December 12, 2011 meeting 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; K.C.’s Café; Coach & Four Bowling Lanes, Inc.; KwikShop #763; Ampride; Jeffrey Gose (Gene’s Heartland Foods); Casey’s General Store #2562 and Alco Discount Store #252.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            There was no update of the Project Board.

 

            Following review of changes to the Policy Granting Incentives for Demolition of Dangerous Structures and Abandoned Buildings within the Boundaries of the City of Ellsworth, Kansas Alan Stefek motioned to approve the policy.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Carey Hipp, City Attorney, explained the reason for the agreement with Post Rock Rural Water District for the City to serve Western Electric Coop with water at their new location on the Carrico Parcel.  Cole Worrell motioned to approve the agreement.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  Currently the Administrator and Attorney are in discussion with the manager of Post Rock Rural Water District concerning the City servicing the area.

 

            Mayor Bahan questioned James Zamrzla, Street Superintendent about the removal of snow following a recent snowfall.  Mr. Zamrzla explained it was a judgment call.  He did not feel the amount of snow warranted the expense of manpower and fuel to push it to the center of the street and remove it from there.  Mr. Zamrzla said if Council wanted him to do anything differently to let him know and they would.

 

            Cole Worrell reported someone had broken a leg while sledding at the Golf Course.  Parking at the location was discussed also.  No Parking signs will be posted on the bridge crossing Highway 156.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to increase the rent for hangars owned by the City to $30.00 and $50.00 as agreed with the Airport Advisory Board.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Mr. Vandall will have the Capital Improvement and Municipal Equipment Plans for action at the next meeting.  Mr. Vandall also reported he had been in contact with the Karlton Place, District Engineer for K.D.O.T. concerning pedestrian traffic in northeast section of town.  The hospital/clinic and grocery store are already established and several businesses are moving to the area.  Mr. Place said a bridge across Highway 140 would be extremely expensive.  Grants may be available but not to the extent necessary to construct a bridge of that size.  Mr. Place also said he didn’t believe the amount of traffic in that location warranted a stoplight.

 

            The Golf Course Superintendent position opening will be in the paper one more week.  There has been a good deal of interest in the opening.

 

Cole Worrell motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator and Attorney at 6:05 P.M. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel and the Council return to the recessed meeting at 6:35 P.M.  The executive session is required to protect the privacy interest of identifiable individuals.  Mary Wires seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Council entered executive session at 6:05 P.M. and returned to the recessed meeting at 6:35 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve merit increases for employees as recommended by the Administrator and Department Heads to be effective for the January 6, 2012 pay date.  Cole Worrell 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 9, 2012.

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk