ELLIS–A number of recent complaints from the public about Ellis Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman prompted city council members to consider whether Scheuerman should wear a body camera while on duty. The discussion took place during the July 18 city meeting, with no action taken.
Fire Chief Denis Vine reported the Ellis Fire Department has its first female member. Brianna Witchey is the newest Ellis firefighter.
Council members agreed to approve a change order relocating a fire hydrant on a resident’s property at her request. The fire hydrant was installed in her yard as part of the city’s waterline improvement project. The $5,800 cost will come from USDA funding.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes July 18, 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, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman and City Attorney Olavee Raub were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Larry Parke, Buck Driggs, Sylvia Kinderknecht, Glen Keller, Brandon Tippy, Maysyn Tippy, Aaron White, and Cheryl Kinderknecht.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on July 5, 2016, and Bills Ordinance #2001. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Brandon Tippy spoke to Council regarding a recent code violation he received.
Cheryl Kinderknecht distributed a formal funding request letter on behalf of the Tourism Task Force.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Aaron White provided an update on current Ellis County Coalition projects and developments and also presented the Coalition’s 2017 budget request in the amount of $4,000. Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
Sewer: Petition
Larry Parke asked for Council consideration on extending the City sewer line to his property on Spruce Street. Council took no action being the Public Works Director and City Attorney were both absent.
Fire
Fire Chief Denis Vine gave his monthly Fire Department report. Ellis will host a mutual aid drill on September 17th. The scenario will be a tornado hitting Ellis. Council member Gary Luea inquired about reports of firefighters running stop signs and disobeying speed limits when responding to a fire call. Chief Vine stated firefighters still have to follow all traffic laws.
Fire: Entry
Chief Vine noted that Ellis Fire Department has made history – Brianna Witchey is the newest member of the Department. Ms. Witchey is believed to be the first female firefighter to serve on the Department.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Contracts
Council reviewed and discussed an updated Eagle Communications proposal for the installation of WIFI at City Hall. The latest proposal excludes the City Shop area. After further discussion, Council directed City Clerk Amy Burton to contact Golden Belt Telephone for an additional proposal to consider.
Sanitation: Special Project
Council discussed a special pickup charge in which a volunteer group cleaned up a resident’s property on Maple Street. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman noted in his memo to Council that he visited with the group’s supervisor and the group has no funds to pay the bill, nor does the resident. After additional discussion, Council member John Walz stated he would personally pay the $60 charge for the resident. Council member Bob Redger suggested the City set up a separate fund whereby the City could use funds in that account to help pay special pickup charges in these situations. City Clerk Amy Burton will contact another City that operates such a fund to gather more information on determining qualifications for the resident to be eligible for aid and also how they fund the account. Council reiterated that the volunteer organizations and the residents need to know ahead of time that charges apply to the special pickups.
NEW BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the first Contractor’s Pay Estimate for the Waterline Improvement Project. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve Contractor’s Pay Estimate #1 and authorizing the Mayor to sign the pay document. The motion carried 6-0.
Water: Special Project
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, presented a request from the resident at 13th Street and Dorrance to relocate the fire hydrant placed in her yard as part of the Waterline Improvement Project. The placement of the hydrant was included in the initial project plans with no opposition until now. APAC has quoted $5,800 to relocate the hydrant. Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the change order from APAC to move the fire hydrant to the north side of the property in the amount of $5,800, with funds to come from the USDA funding. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. Council instructed Mr. Driggs to consult with Fire Chief Denis Vine to ensure the hydrant placement will still be accessible for the Fire Department.
Sewer: Special Project
Council reviewed the fourth set of Pay Applications for work performed to date on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to approve Pay Application #4 to APAC in the amount of $243,102.24. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member John Walz then moved to approve the invoice from Northwest Kansas Planning & Development in the amount of $4,000 for work performed to date administering the KDHE loan. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member John Walz moved to approve Payment Request #4 to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment in the amount of $247,102.24. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member John Walz moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary pay documents for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Application for License to Sell Cereal Malt Beverages for the Ellis Volunteer Fire Department, pending successful background check. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Tourism: Committee
Council discussed whether to formally create a City Tourism Committee or to have the volunteer group continue as a task force. By creating a formal committee, Council would have more control of funds and projects, and members would serve under the appointment of the Mayor with Council’s approval. After further discussion, Council member John Walz moved to direct City Attorney Olavee Raub to draft a resolution creating a Tourism Committee with seven members to serve in staggered two year terms. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest and Council member Gary Luea voting opposed.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Council considered two bids for a high service pump for the Water Treatment Plant. Council member John Walz moved to accept the low bid from Layne for a high service pump and installation in the amount of $11,008.11, with funds to come from the Water Depreciation Reserve fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Public Works: Acquistion
In light of recent complaints against Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, Council discussed if Mr. Scheuerman should wear a body camera while on duty. Mr. Scheuerman is in favor of the idea and is willing to cover the $475 cost out of his department budget. Council directed several questions to Police Chief Taft Yates regarding the battery life and effectiveness of the body cameras. Chief Yates stated he wasn’t in favor of Mr. Scheuerman wearing a body camera at first; however, the Public Works Department encounters similar accusations and hostilities as the Police Department, and the cameras do tend to calm people down. Council took no action on the purchase.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Council reviewed the Comparative Water Report for the period May 10th to June 10th. Council expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for keeping the burn pile open over the weekend for residents to deposit limbs and branches after the storm.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates gave an update on the Police Department. Chief Yates reported the individuals responsible for damaging the toilet at Chrysler Park have been located and they are paying restitution and performing community service for the crime.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton noted the Ellis Recreation Commission’s 2015 Financial Statements have been included in the packets as requested. The June Health Insurance Savings report was reviewed. Ms. Burton reminded Council of the budget work session on July 19th at 6:30 p.m.
Water: Financial
Ms. Burton reported that she has been in contact with Gilmore & Bell regarding the issuance of General Obligation bonds for the Waterline Improvement Project. Council should have a bond resolution for approval at the August 1st meeting.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel reminded Council of the KOMA/KORA training in Hays on August 5th.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.