ELLIS–A public apology was read by Ellis Mayor Dave McDaniel to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman during Monday’s Ellis city council meeting.

Following a 20-minute executive session, McDaniel read a prepared statement apologizing to Scheuerman regarding comments made by council members at the July 18, 2016 council meeting in his absence. During that July 18 meeting, council members discussed whether to require Scheuerman to wear a body camera while on duty. The discussion came following a number of citizen complaints about Scheuerman’s interaction with the public. No action was taken.

Coincidentally, Monday’s next agenda item following the public apology called for presentation of awards and proclamations. McDaniel then presented a plaque to Scheuerman recognizing him as a Certified Floodplain Manager. The certificate is issued by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a $3,900 change order to the waterline improvement project. At 12th Street and Cottonwood, a four inch hydrant will replaced with a six inch hydrant to hook onto a six inch service line. According to the project consultant, the change should alleviate some of the problems with water pressure in that area.

The complete Oct. 3, 2016 meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes October 3, 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, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel requested the addition of an Executive Session after Public Comments.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Buck Driggs, Doreen Timken, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Avery Smith, Dena Patee, Glen Keller and Martin LaBarge
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 19, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2006, with the exception of the voucher for Hays Fire & Rescue which will be considered under New Business. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Doreen Timken, PRIDE Committee representative, discussed the first phase of the cleanup of Memorial Park. Following the recommendations from Holly Dickman, KSU Horticulture agent and others, the bushes have been trimmed back and paths cleared. The committee intends to add natural landscaping with the second phase of the project this spring. Ms. Timken praised the efforts of the Stockton Correctional Facility inmates and the Public Works Department for their help with the project.
Officer Avery Smith, recent graduate of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, expressed his gratitude to the Governing Body for supporting him during his training at the Academy and for giving him the opportunity to serve the City of Ellis.
Cheryl Kinderknecht, Tourism Committee member, reminded Council of the Coffee and Calendars event on October 4th at 7:00 a.m. at the Alliance office. Organizations are invited to share event dates to develop a comprehensive community calendar for residents.
Dena Patee praised the Public Works Department for their efforts in removing the large tree from the creek.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session under attorney-client privilege. A 20-minute executive was proposed starting at 7:37 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to recess to executive session under attorney-client privilege with the City Attorney present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 7:57 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
POST EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel read a prepared statement apologizing to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman regarding comments made by Council members at the July 18, 2016 Council meeting in his absence.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Mayor David McDaniel presented a plaque to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman recognizing him as a Certified Floodplain Manager. The certificate is issued by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
SPECIAL ORDER
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Street: Repair/Maintenance
City Attorney Olavee Raub provided an update on the several drainage issues brought before Council recently. Ms. Raub stated that the drainage channel on Cedar Lane was created prior to land development; therefore, homeowners bought the property with the channels already established and would likely be the party responsible for correcting. At 10th Street and Spruce, Mr. Scheuerman reported that a representative from the Natural Resources Conservation Service would review the topography of the area and offer an opinion on correcting the drainage issue in that area. Regarding the drainage on 21st Street, Ms. Raub explained that normally the developer or homeowner would be responsible to correct; however, she is researching the TIF documents to determine if drainage infrastructure planned for that area just hadn’t been completed yet. Ms. Raub will try to have more information for the next Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, discussed several change orders on the Waterline Improvement Project. The first change order involves the property at 606 W. 10th Street. That meter connection has always been in the alley with a long service line leading to the property. The owner of the property would like to move the connection from the alley to the front of the property. The owner is willing to donate an easement to move the meter. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to move the meter to the front of the property at 606 W. 10th Street at a cost of $121.90, contingent on approval of the easement. The motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Driggs then proposed a change order at 12th Street and Cottonwood replacing a 4” hydrant with a 6” hydrant to hook onto a 6” service line. This should alleviate some of the problems with water pressure in the area. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the change order installing a 6” hydrant at 12th Street and Cottonwood at a cost of $3,900.00. The motion carried 6-0.
At the June 20, 2016 Council meeting, Council approved the purchase of valves up to $25,000.00. Five valves were added at a total cost of $28,779.00. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to ratify the purchase of five valves at a total cost of $28,779.00. The motion carried 6-0.
Fire: Repair/Maintenance
Council member John Walz moved to ratify the invoice from Hays Fire and Rescue Sales & Service in the amount of $1,050.00 for the annual pump tests on the fire trucks. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Special Machinery: Financial
Council reviewed the proposed 6 month lease agreement with Ellis County for the 1999 Mack truck. The monthly lease payments of $3,087 will be applied to the total purchase price of the truck. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Motor Vehicle Lease agreement with Ellis County for the 1999 Mack truck. The motion carried 6-0. City Attorney Olavee Raub will begin drafting the purchase documents.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water: Training
Council member John Walz made a motion to allow Operator-in-Training Brad Leiker and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to attend the Kansas Municipal Utilities training on water and wastewater systems from October 12th – 14th in McPherson. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Water: Violation
The required public notice of noncompliance with KDHE requirements for TTHM levels in the water system has been published. Although the levels are decreasing, the chemical levels are calculated on a rolling average, therefore, the City will need to publish a notice for the 3rd quarter as well.
Mr. Scheuerman informed Council of talk that the Environmental Protection Agency could issue more stringent rules on the lead and copper levels in the drinking water systems. The City could face significant financial obligations if EPA requires replacement of lead and copper service lines.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for September and the October Staff Calendar. The Department will participate in several training events in the coming weeks.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented an updated roster of City committee appointments and the August health insurance savings report. Minutes from the Tourism Committee, Safety Committee, and Planning Commission were included for review. City Hall will be closed on October 20th for annual inventory.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub noted she will be absent for the October 19th Council meeting. City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler will attend in her absence.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel announced that the League’s Regional Supper will be held October 19th in Oberlin. Mayor McDaniel and Council members John Walz and Jolene Niernberger will attend the League’s Annual Conference October 8th – 10th. The Campground Committee will meet on October 10th at 7:00 p.m. Mayor McDaniel acknowledged a note received from Chris Rorabaugh thanking the Public Works Department for their help during his recent water leak. Due to a perceived conflict of interest, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner will replace Council member Gary Luea as one of the City representatives to meet with the Ellis Golf Club investors.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.