ELLIS – In a Jan. 14 meeting filled with reorganization of appointments for the new year, the Ellis City Council unanimously elected Holly Aschenbrenner as Council President. City Clerk Amy Burton administered the oath of office to newly elected council members Steve Ferland, Martin LaBarge, and incumbent Jolene Niernberger.
Mayor David McDaniel announced the consultant updating the Ellis County Comprehensive Plan will hold a meeting in Ellis Thu., January 31 at 8:00 a.m. to gather input for the city.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
January 14, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Steve Ferland, Martin LaBarge, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, and Police Chief Taft Yates. City Attorney Olavee Raub was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS
Personnel: Entry
City Clerk Amy Burton administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Council members Steve Ferland, Martin LaBarge, and Jolene Niernberger.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel requested the addition of consideration of the purchase of vehicles for the Public Works Department.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Sam Pyle, Dan Pyle, Glen Keller, Joleen Fisher, Guy Riedel, Guy Windholz, Nickole Byers (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), Pauleen Edmonds (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), and Travis Kohlrus (arrived at 7:42 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Guy Windholz, representing the Bukovina Society, thanked Council for their support and work on the Campground Expansion Project. The Society receives many visitors that are staying at the campground.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Museum: Special Project
Sam Pyle presented a slide show of the renovations made to the basement of the Railroad Museum for his Eagle Scout project. Council member Jolene Niernberger congratulated Mr. Pyle on earning the impressive Eagle Scout designation.
NEW BUSINESS
Personnel: Position
Council member Bob Redger made a motion to elect Council member Holly Aschenbrenner as Council President. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Policy
Annually, the Council designates the official newspapers and official banks for the City to use. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to designate the Hays Daily News and Ellis Review as official newspapers; Equity Bank and Golden Belt Bank as official banks within the City limits; and Emprise Bank and Commerce Bank as the official banks outside the City limits. Council member Steve Ferland seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Tourism: Contracts
Joleen Fisher, representing the Tourism Committee, presented the 2019 advertising packages for the City. The proposal includes Eagle Community TV, Eagle Radio, Central Brochure Distribution, and the Ellis Review. Council requested that the television advertising be refreshed more often, and for the Committee to possibly look into adding directional signage for the museums and campground. Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the 2019 advertising proposals from Eagle Community TV ($4,200); Eagle Radio ($2,448); Central Brochure Distribution ($600); and the Ellis Review ($1,000) for a total of $8,248, with funds to come from the Tourism Fund. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Financial
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve Resolution No. 552 authorizing employees and City officials to use the City’s credit card. Council member Steve Ferland seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Special Machinery: Acquisition
Council member Bret Andries requested consideration of the purchase of two pickups for the Public Works Department tonight due to the time frame involved. The second pickup is available for purchase at auction on Friday. Guy Riedel, Auto Standard owner, is offering to sell a 2015 Ford F250 at a price of $19,900, or $18,500 if two trucks are purchased. The second truck, a 2012 Ford F250, would be sold at a price of $15,500. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman stated he was not aware of the specifications of the second pickup until late afternoon, and does not believe it is a viable choice for the Department; however, he has looked at the 2015 Ford truck and believes it would be a good fit for the Department. Since Mr. Scheuerman is not interested in the 2012 Ford up for auction on Friday, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested more time to review the purchase of the vehicle. Also, the City’s purchasing policy states that competitive bids must be received for purchases exceeding $10,000. Mr. Riedel feels confident he will be able to find a second pickup to fit the City’s needs and would be willing to sell the 2015 Ford for the reduced price. Council member Jolene Niernberger made a motion to purchase the 2015 Ford F250 from Auto Standard, LLC in the amount of $18,500, with funds to come from the Special Machinery Fund. Council member Martin LaBarge seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Mr. Scheuerman asked if the new Council was interested in continuing the annual street seal maintenance program. The program seals approximately 40-45 blocks a year, encompassing the entire City over the span of six years. It was the consensus of Council to continue the program. Mr. Scheuerman will present cost estimates at the next meeting.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that Officer Kolas began employment on January 7th and has already qualified on the Department’s firearms and taser.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton requested that the Governing Body complete the Authorization to Release Personal Contact Information that was included in their Council packet, and to check available dates to hold Council orientation.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel presented a Resolution declaring the City’s intent to remain in the Kansas PRIDE Program. Council requested the Resolution be inserted into the Council packets for the next meeting.
The consultant updating the Ellis County Comprehensive Plan will hold a meeting in Ellis on January 31st at 8:00 a.m. to gather input for the City.
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner asked if the Council was interested again in sponsoring the meal for the Community Block Party. It was the consensus of the Council to support the event.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
