Unapproved
GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
November 3, 2008 5:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Rick Billinger, with Commissioner Dave Daniels, Commissioner Annette Fairbanks and Commissioner John Garcia responding to roll call. Vice Mayor Dechant was absent.
Mayor Billinger led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES of the October 20, 2008 Regular Commission Meeting were approved ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia, seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4 to 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
1. Chamber of Commerce-Joni Guyer stated, the Chamber of Commerce is requesting to block Main Street from 10th to 12th on November 15th in the afternoon for the Holiday Parade. The floats are going to be displayed on Main Street to kick off the holiday season. Consensus of the Commission to allow the street to be blocked and requests the Chamber of Commerce to work with Rich Simon, Publics Works Superintendent. Chamber is also asking Commission to look at a five to ten percent decrease in electric bill to encourage citizens to decorate their homes.
2. NWKS Vocational College- Investing for the future scholarships- Bill Finley stated, investing in future project from economic development workshop a few months ago. One of the items out of the workshop is to retain youth in the community. I am chairing this task and trying to come up with ways to retain youth in our community. Through research, if a student can get a scholarship for school, many times that dictates where the student stays. I do not feel we can compete with Community College, but can make it a more level playing field. I feel this is a part of economic development if we can get young people to stay in the community.
The program is a scholarship program, which will keep the youth in the community at least one more year. Award $1,000 per year to each Goodland graduate to attract approximately ten graduates. We are seeking the City and County’s support of $10,000 each to fund more graduates. The impact is to retain youth and help local businesses. We know that 2009 budgets are set, but want you to keep this in mind for the next budget session. Mayor Billinger questions the number of Goodland graduates at school? Ken Clouse stated, there is about thirty on our campus. This does not cover all the costs, but it is a start and will help. Goodland needs to be advocate in retaining youth in community. Mayor Billinger questions if can put on tax role at the County? Ken stated, unsure, it would probably have to go before the citizens. We are visiting with them on the 14th of November. Mayor Billinger stated, I feel it is a good idea to keep students in Sherman County and involved in the Vocational College. Bill stated, we are not just talking about high school students, but also the people who have left the community and want to come back. Ken stated, a strong college is based upon a strong community, you cannot separate the two, we have to work together.
PROCLAMATION/MEMORIALS:
PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCES:
1. APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO.’S: 2008-21, 2008-21A, 2008-21B and 2008-P21 were approved ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4 to 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Tree Donation-Sunflower USA- No Rotary member was present at this meeting.
2. US Business 24/Cherry Street Turnlanes-KDOT bids- Wayne Hill, City Manager stated, the last meeting Commission approved the bid from Sporer Land Development. This is the paper work for signature of approval. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Daniels to authorize Mayor Billinger to sign acceptance for project number 91-KA-0144-01 with the State of Kansas, seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4 to 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Board Appointment-Goodland Public Library- Mayor Billinger stated, the Library Board is recommending Melanie Daise to fill Leann Friedrichs unexpired term on the Library Board. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Fairbanks to approve appointment of Melanie Daise to the Goodland Library Board for the unexpired term of Leann Friedrichs, seconded by Commissioner Daniels. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4 to 0.
2. Corporate Membership-Frontier Ag- Brian Linin distributed a summary of how a corporate membership works. A COOP operates on its member’s patronage of business. Brian explained how the membership works, to become a member, purchase first share of stock for a one time fee of $100. Commissioner Daniels questions if this is a conflict of interest for the City? Consensus to have membership as long as there is no conflict of interest for City. Tim Douglas stated, we do have a fuel contract to offer for April through September 2009. The City can lock a price in now for future delivery. Brian stated, there is no guarantee on price for future, but if you have a contract you can lock in said number of gallons for a set price for future delivery. Mayor Billinger stated, I feel staff needs to look at this to buy fuel in future during April through September. The City can look at the price at the pump to see if beneficial to utilize commitment. Mayor Billinger thanked them for coming.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Wayne Hill, City Manager 1. Wayne showed invoice presented by EBH to offset prepaid money on the sales tax project. 2. The lighting at the airport looks nice, was a good job. 3. The school had a cleanup day on October 29, the students did a good job and our employees assisted. Thank you to the students for helping the community.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:
Commissioner Daniels: 1. Are we going to move the sign at the airport closer to the entrance? Wayne Hill stated, Commission needs to address this because it will take money. Mary Volk, City Clerk questions if there is a cost estimate yet? Wayne stated, no, need to look into that.
Commissioner Fairbanks: 1. In previous meeting we talked about sending a thank you to the people who have cleaned up a yard or nuisance that were previously before the Commission. Mary Volk stated, Steve Criswell and I previously discussed this, but not sure where it stands, I will follow up on this with him.
Vice Mayor Dechant: absent
Commissioner Garcia: 1. We attended League of Kansas Municipalities meeting in Colby. They talked about upcoming changes. Limited funds available for highway dollars. They also talked about bringing back LAVTR next year. LKM is opposing any legislative in favor of collective bargaining. 2. We talked about ten percent discount for Christmas, I feel a good idea, means of showing cooperative spirit during the holiday season. It has been done in the past. Mayor Billinger stated, I am not against it, but most people who can afford to decorate do decorate and those that do not will not decorate, I guess it is a Christmas present. I feel the surplus can take care of it without adjusting transfers. Commissioner Fairbanks questions how are we going to encourage the utilization? Commissioner Garcia stated, the Chamber of Commerce will promote it. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to give a ten percent discount for electric usage during the holiday season to be reflected on the January billing, seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4 to 0.
MAYOR’S REPORT: 1. Colby is raising their electrical rates. Commissioner Garcia stated, at one time we were going to have a workshop on OCA, are we going to do that? Mayor Billinger stated, with new machine, we want to see where we stand with billing verses Sunflower Electric. This is our first true test. Commissioner Garcia stated, we also need to schedule a meeting with County Commission on different issues as discussed previously. 2. Invitation on energy in Great Bend on December 3, if interested.
Tom Betz stated, the Commission needs to think about ordinance regarding the derby cars, you have a few months before the cars are back.
ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia seconded by Commissioner Daniels. MOTION carried by unanimous VOTE.
________________________________
Rick Billinger, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Mary Volk, City Clerk
Approved
GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
October 20, 2008 5:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Rick Billinger, with Vice Mayor Joshua Dechant, Commissioner Dave Daniels, Commissioner Annette Fairbanks and Commissioner John Garcia responding to roll call.
Mayor Billinger led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING: Open at 5:05 p.m. MST
1. Unsafe or Dangerous Structures-625 Washington- Steve Criswell, Building Inspector stated, in September the property was determined to be an unfit structure. The owner has purchased a demolition permit for house and has put new roof on the garage. The owner has asked for more time to proceed.
2. Unsafe or Dangerous Structures- 524 W 11th – Steve stated, also in September this property was determined to be an unfit structure. The property owners are present tonight. He has done work on the structure but has not pulled a permit. He tried to hook up electric last week and I denied the request because electric service is inadequate. James Boyles distributed pictures of the property before repairs and pictures showing progress and after work. Mr. Boyles stated, we have been working on the property, the electrical in the house is good. We are snowbirds and I have cancer. I do not know how he checked the electric service inside the house as the house is locked. Mayor Billinger stated, I appreciate all you have done. I feel property needs to be brought up to code and you need to make an appointment with Steve to make a list of what needs to be done on the property. The electric service on the inside may be up to code but he needs to verify because service outside is not to code. We want structure to be up to code. Commissioner Garcia stated, the pictures do show progress, I feel Commission needs to be sensitive to Mr. Boyles health issues. Mr. Boyles distributes a written complaint regarding issue to the Commission.
Vice Mayor Dechant stated, I agree but he needs to pull permit for the work. Mayor Billinger stated, we are granting you time to work on the structure. James pulls out a recorder and tape of the previous conversation between him and Mr. Criswell. Mayor Billinger told him that is not necessary. Jeff Mason, City Attorney, requested Mr. Boyles to know the Mayor is in charge of the meeting. James stated, I do not feel I need time as feel the house is legal based on time structure was built. It has a grandfather clause and it does not need to be up to current code. Mayor Billinger stated, we agree to give you time, but you have to make an appointment with Steve to make a list. We will work with you, even if you have to have time to address health issues. James stated, I feel we will not be back until August. Mayor Billinger stated, we will give you until August when you get back, but the property does not meet code. It does not matter if you do the inspection before you leave or when you come back in August.
Hearing closed at 5:40 p.m. MST
James Boyles asks the Commission to review the information he distributed to them.
MINUTES of the October 6, 2008 Regular Commission Meeting were approved ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia, seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5 to 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
1. Penny Nemechek- Nu Phi Mu- Penny requests permission to block Arcade Street in front of the Max Jones from 6:00am to 4:00pm on November 22 2008 for annual craft fair. Consensus of the Commission is to allow the closure.
PROCLAMATION/MEMORIALS:
PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCES:
1. APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO.’S: 2008-20, 2008-20A and 2008-P20 were approved ON A MOTION by Commissioner Daniels seconded by Vice Mayor Dechant. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5 to 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Tree Donation-Sunflower USA- No Rotary member was present at this meeting.
2. US Business 24/Cherry Street Turnlanes-KDOT bids- Darin Neufeld of EBH stated, the State opened bids on October 15, there were two bidders APAC and Sporer Land Development. The apparent low bid is Sporer. The State is asking concurrence from the City. Sporer is the main contractor and Grasser Construction is their sub contractor for the asphalt. Vice Mayor Dechant questioned difference in price with estimate? Darin stated, you will notice with project submission date it was submitted four years ago. Keep in mind EBH contracts are maximum not to exceed amounts and we do not anticipate using the maximum. Commissioner Daniels stated the local share increased approximately $29,000. Vice Mayor Dechant questions the number of days to complete? Darin stated, this is a State project so I am not aware of the number of days. The entire highway will not be shut down as they will use a flag person or pilot car. Mayor Billinger questions the beginning date? Darin stated, they anticipate next spring. Consensus of the Commission to concur with the bid.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Resolution No. 1292- Directing that the structure be repaired or removed and the premises be made safe and secure – Steve Criswell, Building Inspector stated, I plugged in ninety days to the resolution as the Commission has done in the past. I do not feel ninety days is adequate because of winter setting in. The property owner has asked for more time. ON A MOTION by Vice Mayor Dechant to adopt Resolution No. 1292 with the time period changed to 180 days seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5 to 0.
2. Resolution No. 1293- Directing that the structure be repaired or removed and the premises be made safe and secure- Mayor Billinger questioned are we tabling this resolution until August? Commissioner Fairbanks questions if the structure is sound, is the structure going to fall over in the wind this winter? Steve Criswell stated, no it will not fall, my concern is the shed falling down, but he propped it up. Commissioner Fairbanks questions if property is habitable? Steve Criswell stated, not legally, it is locked up and we will not allow electricity turned on until it is inspected. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Garcia to table Resolution No. 1293 until August 2009, seconded by Commissioner Daniels. Tom Betz stated, with Roberts Rules of Orders, not sure you can table a resolution for that period of time. After further discussion, Consensus of Commission is to not address Resolution 1293. Commissioner Garcia rescinded his motion and Commissioner Daniels rescinded his second to the motion. No action taken on Resolution 1293.
3. Bid for Tractor- Rich Simon, Public Works Superintendent stated, the tractor bids are from Yost Farm Supply in the amount of $18,907 for bid one and $19,600 for bid two; Goodland Greenline in the amount of $20,580 and Witzel and Rhea in the amount of $19,744. Cochran Farm Supply bid was received after the bids were due so it was not opened. Only the tractor bid by Goodland Greenline met specifications we asked for. All other bids had deviations to the bids. Vice Mayor Dechant stated, it is nice to have so many good local dealers bid on the tractor. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Daniels to accept tractor bid from Goodland Greenline in the amount of $20,580, seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4 to 1. Mayor Billinger abstained because he wanted to flip a coin since the local bids were so close.
4. Power Plant Office Roof- Rod Blake, Electric Distribution Supervisor stated, the roof over the control room and offices at power plant was installed in 1992. The rubber fully adhered roof is pulling away from parapet wall and cannot be patched any more. The recent rains showed numerous leaks. We have two bids from Weathercraft in the amount of $18,194.58 and Roofmaster’s in the amount of $15,189.00. Mayor Billinger stated, I do not like flat roofs, can we put a pitched roof on it? Rod stated, it is leaking now, we need to have masonry work done to get a pitch roof. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Daniels to approve bid from Roofmaster in the amount of $15,189.00 to repair roof at power plant, seconded by Vice Mayor Dechant. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 4 to 1. Mayor Billinger stated he did not like flat roofs.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Wayne Hill, City Manager 1. Motel 7- Steve Criswell, Building Inspector stated, copy of the zoning ordinance is in your binders. I checked with my constituents and they have same code, one sign per property. Commissioner Daniels stated, for most businesses one sign is adequate but with his location I understand his need for a high-rise sign. Steve stated, I can have Planning Commission look at this section of the code to see if this is appropriate. Commission agreed to have Planning Commission review section of code. 2. October 29 is fall clean up sponsored by high school. 3. Did quarterly sample for waste water treatment plant, results were fine and once we get information in writing I will talk to the State to get permit changed before I leave.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:
Commissioner Daniels: 1. Nothing to report
Commissioner Fairbanks: 1. Nothing to report
Vice Mayor Dechant: 1. Many people have been discussing ten percent reduction on December electric bill to encourage Christmas lights. I feel we should look at what would have cost City last year.
Commissioner Garcia: 1. I am encouraged by USDA representative Coran Sulter, he has an answer to the pigeon problems. He is asking the City to be liaison to contact businesses to assist in getting rid of the pigeons. He will place chemical on the roofs of businesses. He indicated that if some other animal or individual gets in contact with the chemical there is no harm. 2. I called Eric Oelschlager in Atwood regarding striping of Highway 27 in front of Wal-Mart. He said not going to do anything this winter because of the weather. Also indicated EBH working on third phase of project and want to see how budget comes out on project before do much more work.
MAYOR’S REPORT: 1. Why did we eliminate international tractor from bid process? Rich Simon stated it did not meet specifications? 2. The water appears to be stale last few days.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
1. Mayor Rick Billinger made a motion at 6:52 p.m. to recess into executive session under the authority of KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) for a preliminary discussion relating to Personnel Matters of non-elected Personnel for a period not to exceed ten minutes, I request only Commission be present in the executive session. Vice Mayor Dechant seconded the motion. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5 to 0. Commission resumed meeting at 7:02 p.m.
ON A MOTION by Vice Mayor Dechant to approve contract to assist in search of a City Manager between City of Goodland and League of Kansas Municipalities in the amount of $4,484.40, seconded by Commissioner Fairbanks. MOTION carried by a VOTE of 5 to 0.
ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION by Commissioner Daniels seconded by Vice Mayor Dechant. MOTION carried by unanimous VOTE.
________________________________
Rick Billinger, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Mary Volk, City Clerk