ELLIS — At Monday’s meeting of the Ellis City Council, city officials heard a presentation from Suzie Lidstrom of Huber & Associates on the Enterpol records management system for the Ellis Police Department.

The system is used by several area law enforcement agencies. Enterpol provides a shared database which will help area law enforcement solve cases faster and keep communities safer by providing critical information at the agency’s fingertips.

Brad Ricke, a member of the high-technology crime unit of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department spoke in favor of the Enterpol system.

The sheriff’s office has used the Enterpol system for years with success. Ricke said the Enterpol system is an affordable and reliable system that will aid the Ellis Police Department and help area law enforcement agencies as data is shared.

In other action, the council tabled until January a proposal to reimburse Ellis County just more than $3,000 for cleanup of large dead trees in Big Creek.

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman said his department will attempt to clean as much of the debris as possible before accepting the county’s help. However, because of the city of Ellis does not own the proper equipment to remove the largest of the trees, help eventually will be needed.

Scheuerman said by having his department remove as much as possible, the cost proposal from the county will be able to be reduced.

Below are complete minutes from the Monday meeting:

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes January 6, 2014

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Jeff Wolf, John Walz, John Leiker, Jolene Niernberger, and Terry Redetzke. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Loran Gottschalk was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Jim Carthew, Joyce Carthew, Ryan Augustine, Dave McDaniel, Glen Keller, Brad Ricke, and Suzie Lidstrom
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Leiker moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on December 16, 2013, Minutes from Special Meeting on December 17, 2013 and Bills Ordinance #1940. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ryan Augustine was present to inform Council that he is now working as a free-lance computer programmer and website developer. Council has discussed in previous meetings the need to revamp the City’s website. If the City chooses to contract out the City’s website, Mr. Augustine would like to submit a proposal.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Personnel: Entry
Newly hired Ellis Police Officer Jon Geiger introduced himself to the Governing Body and provided a background of his work history.
Police: Special Project
Suzie Lidstrom, representing Huber & Associates, gave a short presentation on the Enterpol records management system for the Police Department. The system is currently used by several area law enforcement agencies. Enterpol provides a shared database which will help area law enforcement solve cases faster and keep communities safer by providing critical information at the agency’s fingertips. Brad Ricke, a member of the high-technology crime unit of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department spoke in favor of the Enterpol system. Their agency has used the Enterpol system for years with high success. Mr. Ricke believes the Enterpol system is an affordable and reliable system that will aid the Ellis Police Department and help area law enforcement agencies as data is shared.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
The Council discussed options presented at the December 17, 2013 Special Meeting regarding exploration of additional water sources for the City. It was the consensus of the Council to send Council members Terry Redetzke and John Walz, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, Water Operator Matt Windholz, and Water Advisory Committee Chairman Ron Johnson to meet with Trego County Rural Water District on January 9, 2014 to determine if the District is interested in working with the City of Ellis on providing water to the City. Council member Terry Redetzke added that Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty will be attending the February 17, 2014 meeting to determine if the City is interested in purchasing water from the City of Hays as they are exploring other water sources as well. The Council will continue to explore and consider any options available.
Fire: Financial
During the 2014 budget session, the Governing Body discussed paying off the lease purchase of the 2010 Freightliner Fire truck. The payoff would save the City approximately $19,300 in interest costs. Council member John Walz moved to pay off the existing lease purchase of the fire truck in the amount of $153,935.18 with funds to come from the Old Electric monies, with the understanding that the annual rental payment will be budgeted each year for the remainder of the lease term to replenish the Old Electric funds. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Works: Special Project
The Council discussed the cost proposal of $3,042.38 from Ellis County to help with the cleanup of the large dead trees in Big Creek. It was reported that the County chose to charge the City for their assistance since the City voted to retain the City’s share of the additional half-cent sales tax. The City previously reported that it plans to use the additional sales tax monies to help fund water exploration. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman would like to table this item until the end of January to see how much of the debris his Department is able to remove on its own. The City will still need the County’s assistance as the City does not own the equipment necessary to pull the largest pieces out of the creek bed. However, Mr. Scheuerman feels by having his Department remove as much as possible, the cost proposal from the County will be able to be reduced.
General Government: Grant
City Clerk Amy Burton inquired if Council was interested in submitting an application for the Ellis Thrift Shop Community Grant. The City has until January 31, 2014 to submit an application. This item will be tabled until the next meeting.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented bids for the inspection and cleaning of the water tower. Mr. Scheuerman recommended the bid from LiquiVision Technology Services. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jeff Wolf seconded a motion to approve the low bid from LiquiVision Technology Services in the amount of $2,700.00 for the inspection and cleaning of the water tower with funds to come from the Water Utility Fund. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: City Code – Credit Card Authorization
City Clerk Amy Burton presented a resolution authorizing City employees to utilize the City credit card for necessary expenditures. The resolution has been updated for changes in staffing. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Leiker seconded a motion to approve Resolution #498 authorizing current employees to use the City credit card. Motion carried 5-0.
General Government: City Code – GAAP Waiver
The Council considered a resolution exempting the City of Ellis from GAAP requirements for financial statements and financial reports. Council member John Walz moved and Council member John Leiker seconded a motion to approve Resolution #499 waiving the GAAP financial reporting requirements for 2014. Motion carried unanimously.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for October and November. Mr. Scheuerman talked to Council about possibly investing in an electronic meter reading system that would provide cost savings to both the City and the customer by catching water leaks more quickly and reducing water loss. He plans to have a representative present to Council at a future meeting.
Personnel
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested approval to begin advertising for the two new positions approved in the 2014 budget. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to authorize Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to begin advertising for the two open positions in the Public Works Department. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that she has confirmed that Lakeview Drive was properly dedicated and platted and therefore owned by the City. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported the City has since performed some minor repair work but the street is in very poor condition. The street was very poorly constructed and does not appear to be installed at the specifications reported to the City at the time of the dedication. The City will continue to patch as needed but major construction work was not budgeted for in 2014.
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman also noted that the County provides the City of Ellis with salt and sand for the roads for free, and in return, the City provides loader assistance to the County. The City did encumber overtime holiday pay to provide assistance to the County on New Year’s Day.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the January officer schedule. On January 9, 2014 the Department will be training with EMS and area law enforcement and fire departments on landing zones for emergency helicopters. The training will take place in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. Chief Yates reported that he has started to receive applicants for Officer Casey’s position. He also recognized that it is normal procurement procedure to obtain two bids for purchases over $1,000. He is submitting only one bid for the records management system because it is a specialized product and used by area law enforcement agencies.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton announced the filing deadline for the April 1st election is noon on January 21st. Three council positions are up for election. The City’s holiday party will be held on January 25th at the Ellis Golf Club. The annual rabies clinic will be held January 25th from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the City Shop. Residents will also be able to purchase annual dog tags at the same time.
City Clerk Amy Burton reported on January 27, 2014 the Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a hearing on a special use permit application from Alliance Well Service. The City is required to receive a publication notice as well since the City owns property within 200’ of the proposed location.
The City has also been notified that Tri-Central Office Supply will cease support for the City’s Savin copier in June due to parts no longer being available. Ms. Burton also shared a card of thanks from the Fort Hays State University 310 “Water for the Heartland” Team.
MAYOR/COUNCIL
Council member Jeff Wolf wanted to dispel a rumor that the City has already decided to close the pool for the 2014 season.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Lyle Johnston called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:10 p.m. Mayor Johnston asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Attorney, Public Works Director and City Clerk present. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. The Council returned to open session at 9:20 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member John Leiker moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.