ELLIS–Despite recent rains, an estimated 10-11 inches the past 10 or so days, Ellis City Council members voted 4-1 Thursday evening to maintain the city’s ban on fireworks, a resolution which was  passed earlier during the June 2 meeting.  

The vote was one of three items considered during a special meeting June 12.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Minutes
June 12, 2014

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Council members Ron Johnson, Gary Luea, Dave McDaniel, Jolene Niernberger, and Terry Redetzke. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member John Walz was absent.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None

PUBLIC PRESENT
Melissa Robb, William Robb

BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED
Personnel: Entry
City Clerk Amy Burton announced that Alyssa Dawson has been chosen to replace previous Pool Manager Brittany Sheehan, who accepted a full-time position with Salina Parks and Recreation. Ms. Sheehan’s last day was June 7th. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to ratify the employment of Alyssa Dawson as the Swimming Pool Manager effective June 9, 2014 at a wage of $10.50 per hour. Council member Dave McDaniel seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested approval to purchase valves and line stops for a five block area in the vicinity of 12th Street and Washington Street. The recent water main break required the Department to shut down the water tower due to the lack of line stops in the area. During that break, it is estimated the City lost approximately 200,000 gallons of water. Council member Gary Luea moved to approve the purchase of valves and line stops from Municipal Supply Co. in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 with money to come from the Water Depreciation Reserve Fund. Council member Ron Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

General Government: City Code – Fireworks
Council reconsidered whether or not to allow the discharge of fireworks. City Ordinance states the decision whether or not to allow fireworks must be made by June 15th of each year. At the June 2, 2014 meeting Council approved a resolution prohibiting the discharge of fireworks. However, the City has received considerable rainfall since the passage of that resolution. Mayor Lyle Johnston acknowledged a petition that has been circulated around town expressing support for fireworks. Mayor Johnston then asked Fire Chief Denis Vine for his opinion of the fire danger involved in allowing fireworks. Chief Vine felt the City was in the best condition for fireworks in several years and he had no concerns of fire danger. During discussion, it was noted that to their knowledge neither the City of Hays nor Ellis County have lifted their bans on fireworks. After further discussion, Council member Ron Johnson moved to stand by the Council’s previous decision to not allow fireworks. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion for purposes of discussion. City Attorney Olavee Raub noted that a motion to disallow fireworks is unnecessary as the City has already prohibited them; no further action would need to be done to stay with that decision. Mayor Johnston asked Council member Ron Johnson if he would like to rescind his motion based on Ms. Raub’s comments. Council member Johnson declined. Therefore, after a call for a vote, the motion passed 4-1, with Council member Terry Redetzke opposed.

ADJOURNMENT
Council member Terry Redetzke moved and Council member Ron Johnson seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.