ELLIS–New city council member Holly Aschenbrenner was sworn in to office during a special meeting of the Ellis City Council April 29. Aschenbrenner was unable to attend the April 27 regular meeting.

Council members also discussed funding for waterline improvements and subsequent street improvements. Areas targeted for waterline replacement are those that historically have been the site of the costliest water main breaks because of the age of the infrastructure.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES April 29, 2015

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Heather Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
City Clerk Amy Burton requested the reference to Kansas Department of Health & Environment loan documents be amended to read United States Department of Agriculture loan documents.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Buck Driggs, Dave Barber, and Margie Mickelson
Personnel: Entry
City Clerk Amy Burton administered the oath of office to newly elected Council member Holly Aschenbrenner.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, presented information on the background of the Waterline Improvement Project and the subsequent Street Improvement Project. The intent is to obtain USDA funding for the waterline replacement and then to follow with Community Development Block Grant funding to replace the streets in some of the same areas. The areas targeted for waterline replacement are those that historically have been the sight of the costliest water main breaks due to the age of the infrastructure. The USDA grant was submitted in November 2013 and funding has finally become available.
Water: Financial
Dave Barber, USDA Area Specialist, reiterated to Council that as the interest rates dropped, the affordability factor on the loan/grant percentage decreased to where the only funding available from USDA will be the 40-year low interest loan to the City. Mr. Barber again asked Council to adopt a Resolution approving various forms related to the application for financing, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the documents. By adopting the Resolution, the City is able to lock in the maximum interest rate of 2.75% and the funds become obligated to the City, but the City is still not committed to accept the funding. If the City chooses not to proceed, the City would just need to send a letter to USDA withdrawing the funding obligation. Council discussed possibly expanding the project to see if the City would again be eligible for grant funding. Mr. Barber will calculate different scenarios to see if expanding the project would qualify the City for grant funding. City Attorney Olavee Raub noted she has reviewed the documents and they appear to be sufficient. Council member Gary Luea moved to adopt Resolution #509 approving the USDA loan application documents and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and execute the documents. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Personnel: Training
City Clerk Amy Burton then reviewed and discussed with the Governing Body procedures and duties pertinent to those holding public office.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Councilmember Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.