ELLIS–Similar to many communities across the nation, the city of Ellis is dealing with the costs of complying with stricter effluent standards for water treatment plants imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ellis is also upgrading its waterline system.
To help pay for the waterline improvement project, city council members authorized $567,000 in General Obligation bonds at its Aug. 1 meeting. They also conducted the first readings of proposed ordinances to increase the sewer utility rate beginning in November and to automatically increase utility rates two percent each year.
A third first reading was held of the proposed ordinance amending sanitation rates effective November 1, noting that sanitation rates have not increased since 2009.
In other business, the establishment of a new 10-member Tourism Committee was also approved.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes August 1, 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 Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler. City Attorney Olavee Raub was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel noted several amendments to the agenda. Luke Karlin will not be present under Special Order, consideration of the purchase of chlorine will be deleted, and an executive session will be added. Council approved the amendments to the agenda by consensus.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Brandon Tippy, Larry Parke, Glen Keller, Doreen Timken, Dena Patee, Margie Mickelson, Dustin Mattheyer, Charlene Weber, and Nan Brown.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on July 18, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2002. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dustin Mattheyer expressed concerns about the drainage channel north of his residence at 11th Street and Spruce. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman will contact Union Pacific to see if there is a possibility of increasing the culvert.
Brandon Tippy talked to Council about perceived inequalities in residences receiving code violation notices on his block.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire
Fire Chief Denis Vine read the article that Volunteer Fireman Chris Cline submitted for the Town Crier regarding the recent house fire on West 12th Street.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Sewer: Special Project
Council discussed Larry Parke’s request to extend the City’s sewer line to his residence on south Spruce Street. Mayor David McDaniel referenced the City’s Policy on Guidelines for Infrastructure noting that it would be the property owner or developer’s responsibility to pay 100% of the costs. No action was taken.
Tourism: Committee
Council considered a resolution establishing a Tourism Committee. The committee would consist of ten members with each member serving for a staggered term of two years. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 528 establishing the Tourism Committee. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest and Council member Gary Luea voting opposed.
NEW BUSINESS
Water: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the bond resolution for the Waterline Improvement Project. Council member John Walz moved to approve Resolution No. 529 authorizing general obligation bonds in the amount of $567,000. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Water/Sewer/Sanitation: Accounting/Billing
Council performed a first reading of the proposed ordinance providing for automatic annual increases in utility rates. Under the proposed ordinance, the utility rates would increase 2% automatically each year to maintain sustainability of the utility funds. Council could decline the percentage increase, or adjust the percentage as necessary, by approving a resolution prior to the automatic increase date as stated in the ordinance.
Sewer: Accounting/Billing
Council performed a first reading of the proposed ordinance amending sewer rates effective with the November 1, 2016 billing. The rate increase is primarily due to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment’s mandatory improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment plant. City Clerk Amy Burton noted that two cities close to Ellis experienced much higher rate increases due to their required KDHE plant modifications.
Sanitation: Accounting/Billing
Council performed a first reading of the proposed ordinance amending sanitation rates effective with the November 1, 2016 billing. Sanitation rates have not increased since 2009 and the increase is necessary to maintain solvency in the fund. The City purchased a new sanitation truck in October 2015 with no rate increase at that time.
Personnel: Policy
Council reviewed a memorandum from City Attorney Olavee Raub regarding a draft of the proposed Citizen Complaint Policy. Council discussed who could be the third person to join the Mayor and the City Attorney on the investigatory panel. Council also questioned if a timeframe should be stated as to when an investigation should be completed. It was the consensus of Council to table consideration of the proposed policy until Ms. Raub was present for guidance.
General Government: Training
Council member John Walz has visited with Gina Smith, Director of the Fort Hays State University Kelly Center, about presenting a workshop to the City governing body members and all staff on conflict management resolution. Council discussed various topics to cover and scheduling dates. Mr. Walz will obtain more information from Ms. Smith and update Council at the next Council meeting.
General Government: Special Project
Council discussed holding a Community Forum event whereby citizens could meet with governing body members and staff in an informal setting to discuss not only City happenings, but also to learn about the residents’ concerns and wants. It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with the event.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Council inquired on the large tree that fell into Big Creek. It is the City’s responsibility to remove the tree. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman explained why the City may be required by KDHE and the EPA to publish public notice on the excess THM levels in the water supply samples. Bromides are causing a reaction with the free chlorine in four of the eight wells, causing the THM levels to rise.
Water/Wastewater: Training
Council member John Walz moved to approve Wastewater Operator Steve Homburg and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman’s attendance at the Kansas Rural Water Association’s training event in Hoisington on August 9th – 10th. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Report of Activity for July and the August Staff Calendar. Officer Krom will attend a Glock armor course on August 11th.
Personnel: Position Change
Chief Yates announced that effective August 13th Officer McCollam will be promoted to Sergeant. The probationary wage rate for that position is $19.45.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton noted the draft minutes from the recent Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals meeting are included for review.
The last day of the 2016 Municipal Pool season is August 12th. The Pool will host a Dog Days of Summer event where residents may bring their dog to swim on August 13th from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Burton provided information regarding a donation fund discussed during the budget work sessions to help individuals who are unable to pay when volunteer groups come help with special cleanup projects.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel offered a final reminder about KOMA/KORA training in Hays on August 5th. He also reminded everyone to vote on Tuesday for the election primaries.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 20-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:00 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Prosecutor and Public Works Director present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 9:20 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member John Walz moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.