ELLIS – Two properties in Ellis were officially condemned by city council members during their meeting Monday night. The property owners have 30 days in which to remedy or remove the houses. Fire Chief Dustin Vine requested permission for firefighters to train in the buildings before they are razed.
In other business, the council discussed a possible rebate to water customers after purchase of a high-efficiency toilet. The potential program will be considered further during budget work sessions for possible implementation in 2019.
Mayor Dave McDaniel noted the Water Advisory Committee was scheduled to meet this week to discuss the land survey of tracts in Trego County for use as a possible new water source.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes
January 15, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Dustin Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Glen Keller, Leonard Schoenberger, Nickole Byers, Brian Raub, Karen Ashbaugh, Myles Vine, Westin Vine, Emily Mattheyer, Gary Luea, and Verda Flinn.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 2, 2018, the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 8, 2018, and Bills Ordinance #2037. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Mayor David McDaniel recognized members of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and presented Karen Ashbaugh, Emily Mattheyer, Jolene Niernberger, Brian Raub, and Leonard Schoenberger with a Citizen’s Award for their act of service.
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Report
Fire Chief Dustin Vine reported that Ellis County Fire has donated two ladders to the Department. Chief Vine also asked City Attorney Olavee Raub if the firefighters might be able to train in the two properties set to be condemned by Council before they are removed.
Advertising: Contract
Nickole Byers, Ellis Review editor, presented proposals for the City’s 2018 advertising package. The City would be able to advertise in thirty publications throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska for $450 – $1,000 per month depending on the size of the ad and frequency of publication. Ms. Byers is also willing to customize any type of advertising plan to fit the City’s needs. Mayor David McDaniel suggested the Tourism Committee review the proposals and prepare a recommendation to Council.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Violation
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented two resolutions for consideration. Each resolution states the Council’s findings on why the listed property should be condemned and provides the owner a stated timeframe in which to address the findings. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to apply a 30-day deadline for the property owners to remedy or remove the stated properties. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner then moved to approve Resolution No. 543 condemning the property at 1309 Fauteux Street. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 544 condemning the property at 208 West 12th Street. The motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Special Project
Council discussed the City of Hays’ High Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program. The City would need to implement a permit and inspection fee to ensure the resident purchased an eligible toilet. Council discussed possible rebate amounts, resulting budget implications, and how the City could fund the approved rebates. It was the consensus of Council to further discuss the toilet rebate program during budget work sessions for possible implementation in 2019.
Sanitation: City Code
City Clerk Amy Burton presented an ordinance removing the stated sanitation special pick-up rates and inserting language that would allow Council to set the fees by resolution. Council inquired if the monthly service charges could be removed from the ordinance and set those fees by resolution as well. Council member Dena Patee moved to approve Ordinance No. 1427 as amended to set sanitation service charges and special pick-up fees by resolution. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Streets: Acquisition
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to accept the low bid from PMSI for crack patch material in the amount of $9,975.00 with funds to come from the Capital Improvement-Streets fund. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented a list summarizing the violations cited at 210 E. 11th Street. Flatlander Dirtworks, successful bidder for the removal of the condemned properties at 1309 Fauteux and 208 West 12th St., notified Mr. Scheuerman that their bids may increase due to the County Landfill tipping fees increasing February 1st. Council requested Mr. Scheuerman obtain updated bids from the contractor.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported the new police radios have arrived and are being programmed by the vendor in Great Bend. Both of the Department’s Ford Explorers are at Ka-Comm in Salina for equipment transfer and installation.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the Health Insurance Savings Report for December, the 2017 Catastrophic Sick Leave Summary Report, and the 2017 Safety Committee Annual Report. Council requested a budget orientation work session to be held in late March. Due to a situation involving the City’s Tourism Committee, Ms. Burton suggested the City develop a handbook for all Committee volunteers highlighting the parameters in which to operate. Ms. Burton and City Attorney Olavee Raub will work together to develop the document.
Tourism: Financial
At Ms. Burton’s recommendation, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to create a separate Tourism Fund.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub will meet with Ellis Golf Club representatives this week to discuss the possible sale of land at a potential buyer’s request.
Mayor Update and Announcements
The Water Advisory Committee will meet this week to discuss the land survey of tracts located in Trego County for use as a possible water source. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested the Council discuss holding a Committee Appreciation event at the next Council meeting. Mayor David McDaniel and Council member Jolene Niernberger will attend the League’s Local Government Day on January 24th.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.