ELLIS – After considerable discussion Monday evening, the Ellis city council agreed to purchase two new outdoor storm warning sirens.
Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the city’s seven storm sirens, all more than 40 years old.
The new sirens, which cover a larger area, will be purchased from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems for $47,009.12. The monies will come from the Capital Improvement Fund.
Midwest Energy will remove the existing poles and sirens.
In other business, City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
August 20, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members 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, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Bret Andries was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Darin Myers, Sam Polifka, Verda Flinn, Glen Keller, Barbara Perkins, Steve Ferland, Glenn Kohl, Dustin Mattheyer, Chad Pritchett, Gary Luea, and Nickole Byers (arrived at 7:45 p.m.).
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 13, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2051. Council member Susan Eaton seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dustin Mattheyer questioned if it was in the City’s best interest to participate in the FEMA Community Rating System program.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Capital Improvement: Acquisition
Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the City’s storm sirens. The City currently has seven small storm sirens that are all over 40 years old. Council reviewed maps illustrating the coverage provided by the various siren options. After extensive discussion, Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the purchase and installation of two large storm sirens from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems, with Midwest Energy removing the current poles and sirens, for the total amount of $47,009.12, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement Fund. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Police Chief Taft Yates has been designated as the City liaison for the joint project.
Fire: Report
Fire Captain Dustin Mattheyer presented the monthly department report in Chief Dustin Vine’s absence. He informed Council that during the storm on July 25th, which resulted in considerable damage to St. Mary’s School, emergency responders had difficulty securing a perimeter in order to perform their duties. Residents disregarded cones and barricades that were set up to ensure their safety and the safety of the responders. Chief Vine has submitted an article to the Town Crier reminding residents to “Respect the Cones.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Special Project
Chad Pritchett, Ellis Community Foundation, once again spoke on the proposed project to construct a shed to store and protect the miniature train at the Railroad Museum. The Foundation has received donations and a grant for the shed, and is requesting Council approval to move forward with construction. Council questioned if the Foundation has yet secured written approval from the Union Pacific Railroad to construct the shed, as they own the ground. Mr. Pritchett and Council member Dena Patee stated the Foundation has not yet submitted the project to the Railroad. Council voiced support for the project, but to have the Foundation obtain written approval from Union Pacific before granting their approval to proceed with the project.
General Government: Contract
Council reviewed a map showing an aerial view of the land at the subject of the lease currently under consideration. It was the consensus of Council to keep possession of the land to use for storage of street materials. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to reject the bid from Dean and Julie Gottschalk for lease of the land south of the sewer plant, however, the lessee is allowed to make a final cut of the alfalfa currently planted. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Zoning
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1434 rezoning 808 Washington Street from Central Business District (C-1) to Single Family Dwelling District (R-1). Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
None
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period June 10th – July 10th and the current well level chart. Mr. Scheuerman reported that the cost estimates to repair St. Mary’s School are within the limitations set out by FEMA and the project has been properly permitted.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman reported that 100’ of base repair work has been performed on the north truck route on 2nd Street. Mr. Scheuerman will contact Ellis County to request the area be sealed this fall.
Mr. Scheuerman also noted he would like to request assistance from the County to help with leveling Washington Street from 5th Street – 6th Street. A quote of $3,500 has been received for asphalt material. It was the consensus of Council to proceed with the additional repair work. The additional cost is within the original approval of $28,000 for the Washington Street project.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that interviews will be conducted on August 25th for the vacant position in the department.
City Clerk
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Council member Dena Patee reminded Council of the ribbon cutting on August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. for Shear Heaven Beauty Nook.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:10 p.m. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:25 p.m. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:30 p.m. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
POST EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel issued an apology to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman for misspeaking at the last Council meeting by addressing Mr. Scheuerman regarding an issue without him being present.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.