ELLIS–The city of Ellis is considering a change in the fire department’s policy regarding responses to automated alarm systems. A draft of the proposal was reviewed during the May 16 city council meeting.
Renewal of health insurance for city employees is forthcoming. Lori Miller, Solid Financial Solutions, presented the city policy increase of approximately 6.25 percent. Miller said many municipalities are experiencing increases of 10 to 15 percent.
It was also noted the council will have a special meeting June 25 at 1 p.m. for a tour of the city’s public works facilities prior to the 2017 budget work sessions.
The complete May 16, 2016, minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes May 16, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Bob Redger was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Fire Chief Denis Vine is unable to attend the meeting; therefore, his monthly report will be moved to the June 6th Council meeting.
Mayor David McDaniel requested the addition of an executive session to discuss property acquisition.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Lori Miller, Glen Keller, Joy Fischer, Millie Karlin, Jessica Shank, Travis Kohlrus, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Guy Windholz, Dena Patee, Pat Bieker, Janeen Cox (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), and Tim Kohlrus (arrived at 7:50 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 2, 2016, Bills Ordinance #1997, and the January manual journal entries. Council member Gary Luea seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Mayor David McDaniel read a proclamation declaring May 15th – 21st National Public Works Week. The governing body expressed appreciation for the employees of the Public Works Department and the work they do for the City.
SPECIAL ORDER
Tourism: Special Project
The Tourism Task Force presented an update of their advertising campaign for the Planes, Trains & Automobiles event to be held June 4th. Many free activities are planned including the Chrysler Car Show, Eagle AirMed Helicopter Landing, Operation Lifesaver, among others. The Task Force shared radio and television spots airing in the region highlighting the June 4th event and also the Boarding Pass promotion for discounted admission to the museums. Punched Boarding Passes may then be turned in for a chance at a prize pack valued at over $1,250. The Task Force thanked the City for their donation to the prize pack.
Personnel: Benefits
Lori Miller, Solid Financial Solutions, presented the City’s renewal for employee health insurance premiums. The City’s renewal increase is approximately 6.25%; much less than the 10 – 15% many municipalities are experiencing. Ms. Miller reviewed the plan’s performance for the year. The City has saved approximately $47,500 in health insurance costs since last July. The City will further discuss at the next Council meeting.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Jessica Shank, representing the Senior Companion program at Fort Hays State University, thanked the Council for past support and presented the Senior Companion 2017 budget request. Ms. Shank requested consideration from Council for $4,086, the annual support cost of one senior companion volunteer. Joy Fischer presented the budget request for the Foster Grandparent program. Ms. Fischer requested consideration from Council for $1,000 to partially support one foster grandparent to serve in Ellis. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Fire: Policy
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented a draft of the Fire Department policy providing procedures for responses due to automated alarm systems. Ms. Raub also presented a proposed corresponding ordinance stating provisions for automated alarm systems. Council will consider this a first reading of the proposed ordinance. The policy and ordinance will be further considered at the next Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Fireworks Permit Application from the Ellis Softball/Baseball Association to sell fireworks at the Ellis Fairgrounds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1 with Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, and Jolene Niernberger voting in favor of the motion, Council member Gary Luea voting opposed, and Council member John Walz abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
General Government: Zoning
The proposed locations for the two fireworks stand applications are in zones which do not allow the sale of products of a combustible nature. The City’s Zoning Ordinance provides the ability for Council to approve a Temporary Use Provision in any zone for seasonal sales events. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to approve the Temporary Use Provision for the two proposed locations for the seasonal sale of fireworks by the Ellis Baptist Youth Group/Ellis Soccer Group and the Ellis Softball/Baseball Association. The motion carried 4-1 with Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, and Jolene Niernberger voting in favor of the motion, Council member Gary Luea voting opposed, and Council member John Walz abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
Cemetery: Policy
Council considered a policy regarding the collection of cemetery decorations found in unauthorized places throughout the cemetery. There will be a collection bin on the premises where decorations will be temporarily placed for owner retrieval. The policy was approved by the consensus of the Council.
General Government: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel discussed the annual appointments to the various City committees. Most of the committees are advisory only – often making recommendations to Council for consideration. Many are set by State statute and others are internal committees only. Mayor McDaniel then reviewed the list of committee appointments and offered recommendations for approval. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to approve the recommended appointments as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
Sewer: Special Project
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the second set of Pay Applications for work performed to date on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve Pay Application #2 for APAC in the amount of $57,852.21. The motion carried 5-0. Council member Jolene Niernberger then moved to approve Payment Request #2 to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment in the amount of $57,852.21. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Acquisition
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to ratify the purchase of twelve AED replacement pads, with funds to come from the various departments with AED equipment. The motion carried 5-0.
Cemetery: Repair/Maintenance
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to purchase 3-4 loads of rock for Mount Hope Cemetery at a cost not to exceed $5,000. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported the pump at Lift Station #1 needs to be repaired or replaced. Only one company makes this type of pump, therefore, only one bid was obtained. Mr. Scheuerman presented a cost comparison to repair the pump or purchase a new pump. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to purchase a new pump from Enviro-Line Co. in the amount of $4,434 plus freight, with funds to come from the Sewer Depreciation Reserve Fund. The motion carried 5-0.
Special Machinery: Acquisition
Mr. Scheuerman presented three bids for a new backhoe for the Public Works Department. All three machines were demonstrated by the vendors and provided comparable trade-in value of the old machine. The City had budgeted $86,500 for purchase in 2016. Mr. Scheuerman recommended the low bid from Foley Equipment. Council member John Walz moved to approve the purchase of the Caterpillar 416F2 backhoe from Foley Equipment in the amount of $84,232.53, net trade-in of the 1998 John Deere 310SE, with funds to come from the Special Machinery Fund. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Gary Luea suggested the City look at a mini-excavator to help dig grave spaces. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 5-0.
Streets: Special Project
Spruce Villa has asked the City to seal their parking lot. The City performed a seal several years ago. Council inquired of Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman of the cost of materials and labor to perform the request. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to seal the parking lot at Spruce Villa at a cost of materials not to exceed $2,000, with funds to come from Capital Improvements – Streets. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion, Council member Gary Luea voting opposed, and Council member Jolene Niernberger abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
Streets: Special Project
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner reported a resident has requested the City’s assistance in spreading millings on West 14th Street. The area is a private drive but is used by emergency service vehicles and the City does remove snow off of it as well. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to assist the property owner on West 14th Street spread millings that the property owner has purchased. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Ms. Aschenbrenner asked Mr. Scheuerman approximately how long it would take to spread the millings. Upon a call for a vote the motion failed 1-4, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner voting in favor, and Council members Bret Andries, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz voting opposed.
Parks/Cemetery: Special Project
Spruce Villa has asked the City to mow the grassy area between the apartments and the cemetery wall. The Ellis Golf Club has mowed the area in the past, but is unable to this year. Discussion began on which entity owns the property in question. It was the consensus of Council to table further discussion until the property owner can be determined. However, if the City owns the property, then the City will mow it without further discussion. City Attorney Olavee Raub will research which entity owns the property.
Tourism: Committee
One of the items noted in the PRIDE Committee’s First Impressions report was that the east entrance into town on Old Highway 40 was unwelcoming. The Public Works concrete stockpile is close to the road and the stack of tires for the Police Department tire house have been sitting there for a long period of time. Council member John Walz asked for suggestions to make this entrance into town more pleasing for visitors. Mr. Scheuerman noted the concrete stockpile is in a convenient location due to the project work on Old Highway 40. Eventually, the concrete is crushed for use in City projects. The concrete pile could be moved back by the well house but the Department would need to build an access road. Police Chief Taft Yates explained the lack of volunteers available to help complete the tire house. He stated he could call Stockton Correctional Facility to check the availability of the inmates to finish the project. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner suggested planting a tree row to make the area more attractive and to decrease visibility to the sites.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works: Water
Mr. Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period March 10th – April 10th. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner inquired of the legality of residents pumping water out of Big Creek. Mr. Scheuerman requested more direction in soliciting engineers for the water exploration project.
Public Works: Special Meeting
Council will meet on June 25th at 1:00 p.m. for a tour of the City’s facilities prior to the budget work sessions.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that Fathers, Sons and Daughters with Guns was canceled due to weather. Officer Smith is close to completing his Field Training Program. Chief Yates also shared pictures of Union Pacific clearing the log jam in Big Creek.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the January Financial Statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report, and the Security Deposit Worksheet. The April Health Insurance Summary was included for review. Ms. Burton noted that the filing deadline for City Council is noon on June 1st.
General Government: Financial
Ms. Burton reported that Standard & Poors have rated the City’s bonds as “AA-“ which is excellent. The Council will need to approve the bond resolution documents at the June 6th meeting and the bonds are set to close July 6th.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub provided an update on pending environmental code cases.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel attended the Ellis County Commission meeting and reported that the City’s request for County assistance with the annual street rehabilitation project has been approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session to discuss property acquisition. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:57 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to recess to executive session to discuss property acquisition with Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The motion carried 5-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:07 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
LPKS
HUTCHINSON— A Kansas man made a first appearance before a judge Wednesday on five counts of making false writing and theft.
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
