The Russell County Rural Fire Department has a new grant from the Kansas Pipeline Association.
The KPA gives grants to select first responders in each of Kansas’ Homeland Security Districts who attend pipeline training events.
Russell County Emergency Manager and Rural Firefighter Keith Haberer says the group will use the $1,000 to purchase to new safety gear.
DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL COUNCIL APPROVAL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
June 3, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members John Leiker, Jolene Niernberger, Steve Ferland, Loran Gottschalk and Terry Redetzke. Also present were Public Works Interim Co-Director Danny Wickham, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member John Walz arrived at 8:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor Lyle Johnston asked to remove the appointments to the Senior Citizen’s Advisory Board and the Water Advisory Board under New Business as the appointments have not yet been filled. City Clerk Amy Burton requested the addition of Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, under Special Order and ratification of the hiring of a General Public Works Employee I under the Public Works Department Report. It was the consensus of the Council to approve the amendments to the agenda.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Nancy Wright, Jake Schartz, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Dave McDaniel, Glen Keller, Dena Patee, Dennis Becking, Buck Driggs, Gilbert Kinderknecht, Alan Scheuerman, Jude Gottschalk, Melanie Fischer, Alejandra Juarez, Ken Beran, Jeff Bieker
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting May 20, 2013 and Bills Ordinance #1926. Councilmember John Leiker seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dave McDaniel commented on how nice the cemetery looked for Memorial Day. The Public Works Department did an excellent job getting it ready.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Dennis Becking representing Options – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services requested consideration of funding from the City for the 2014 Budget. In 2013, Options received $600.00 and is requesting that amount or more for 2014. The Council took no action and will consider the request at budget time.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Dena Patee presented the 2014 budget requests from the Ellis Community Foundation, Ellis Alliance and Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home Museum. The Ellis Community Foundation requested $10,000.00; the Ellis Alliance requested $12,500.00; and the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home Museum requested $17,850.00. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
Capital Improvement: Repair/Maintenance
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, provided an update on his progress for the preliminary grant work for waterline improvements for the City. The Environmental Report is approximately 70% complete. Mr. Driggs also reviewed replacement options for each of the three project locations.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Insurance – Property
Public Works Interim Co-Director Danny Wickham recently met with the City’s insurance agent to verify the completeness of the Statement of Values on the City’s business protection insurance policy. Several questions arose due to that property tour. It was the consensus of the Council to have Mr. Romme attend the next Council meeting to discuss the current policy.
Personnel: Benefits – Health Insurance
Alejandra Juarez, representative from Blue Cross Blue Shield, reviewed the City’s health insurance policy for employees. John Walz moved and Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the new rate structure for the City’s health insurance policy effective July 1, 2013. Motion carried unanimously.
Special Machinery: Repair/Maintenance
Jude Gottschalk, Gottschalk Equipment Sales, was present to discuss Hustler mowers and to introduce Council to his product. Council discussed establishing a rotation plan for replacement of the mowers. Mr. Gottschalk recommends replacing the mowers around 1,000 hours of machine time. In his opinion it is better to replace them rather than to constantly repair them and have down time. No action was taken.
General Government: License/Permit
Council again took under consideration an application for a Fireworks Permit from the Ellis Softball/Baseball Association. Ordinance No. 1310 states that the Council shall set the days and hours of discharge of fireworks by resolution prior to June 15 of each year. It was the consensus of the Council to hold a special meeting closer to June 15th in order to review projected weather conditions.
General Government: Special Meeting
Mayor Johnston asked for a special meeting on June 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. to further consider the possibility of allowing the discharge of fireworks within the City limits.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Financial – 2012 Financial Audit Report
Ken Beran and Jeff Bieker, representing Adams, Brown, Beran, and Ball, Chartered, presented the 2012 financial audit report. Mr. Beran reported the City did not have any statute violations nor were there any significant audit findings. Councilmember Niernberger moved to accept the 2012 financial audit report. Councilmember Walz seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Tourism: Financial
Cheryl Kinderknecht spoke on behalf of several non-profit organizations and their need for financial assistance to promote their respective events. Ms. Kinderknecht is requesting $500.00 per event to be paid from the transient guest tax for the following family events held in Ellis: Riverfest (Ellis Chamber of Commerce), Ellis Junior Free Fair (4-H Groups), Haunted Train (Ellis Boy Scouts), and the Polar Express (Ellis Public Library, Ellis Chamber of Commerce and Ellis Recreation). These organizations are also requesting this same funding to be considered for the 2014 budget. The 2014 budget request will be considered during budget preparation. John Walz moved and John Leiker seconded a motion to accept the request to pay $500.00 per each of the events listed out of transient guest tax receipts for event advertising for 2013. Motion carried unanimously.
General Government: Event Request
Nancy Wright spoke on behalf of the “Bliss-ful Weekend” committee and shared with Council some of the events planned for June 29-30, 2013 in Ellis. Each of the weekend’s events are fundraisers for Celeste (Bliss) Johnson to help pay for expenses for her kidney transplant. Ms. Wright is requesting permission for traffic control on June 30, 2013 for a Color Explosion 5K Run. Councilmember Walz moved to approve the permit application for the Color Explosion 5K Run and the corresponding Event Request for Traffic Control. Councilmember Ferland seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Museum: Committee
Dena Patee requested ratification of Terry Redetzke and Dave McDaniel as the City representatives to serve on the Chrysler Museum Board. John Leiker moved and Steve Ferland seconded a motion to ratify the appointments of Terry Redetzke and Dave McDaniel as City representatives on the Chrysler Museum Board. Motion carried 6-0 with Terry Redetzke abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
Personnel: Entry
Mayor Johnston reported that the hiring committee for the Ellis Public Works Director has selected Alan Scheuerman for the position. Loran Gottschalk moved to hire Alan Scheuerman as Public Works Director at a probationary wage of $20.43 per hour effective June 24, 2013. John Walz seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Special Machinery: Acquisition
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that Government Services has made available for a short time the 2014 models of police vehicles. The price has only increased approximately $300.00 from when Council considered the 2013 models two months ago. Chief Yates noted that Government Services does not accept trade-ins; therefore Council discussed possibly putting the 2007 Crown Victoria up for auction or selling through sealed bids. The total estimated cost of the new vehicle (including outfitting) is approximately $45,000.00. John Walz moved to purchase the 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle from Government Services at a cost of $25,950.94 with funds to come from the Special Machinery Fund. Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Upon further discussion, Councilmember Gottschalk questioned the price difference between the Ford Taurus and the Interceptor Utility and the factory warranties on each. Upon a call for a vote by the Mayor, the motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Interim Public Works Co-Director Danny Wickham reported that Layne Christensen plans to just perform maintenance on Well 13 this year. Council asked how much it would cost to have them service an additional well while in Ellis to save on mobilization costs. It was Council’s thought to put the wells on a maintenance rotation schedule to keep them performing efficiently.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Wickham then reported that the computer at the water treatment plant is in need of replacement. Councilmember Ferland will talk with the vendor as he thought the City had already purchased one during his tenure as Public Works Director.
Personnel: Entry
Mr. Wickham reported that Martin Jimenez has been hired to fill the vacant position in the Public Works Department. Steve Ferland moved and Loran Gottschalk seconded a motion to ratify the hiring of Martin Jimenez at a probationary wage of $11.60 per hour effective June 10, 2013. Motion carried 6-0.
Campground: Policy
Mr. Wickham informed Council that in an effort to increase efficiency, the department will be changing out the numerous poly carts at the campground for one dumpster placed towards the middle of the campground. The department will also place a poly cart at each end to help keep litter to a minimum. If the department notices an increase in the amount of trash on the ground, the dumpster will be removed and poly carts will be brought back in.
Public Works: Policy
Mr. Wickham informed Council that June 10th the Public Works Department will be moving to summer hours. The crew will work from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with a half hour for lunch.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the June officer schedule for review. He noted that the schedule will have several changes due to an officer having to be on light duty for the next several weeks. Chief Yates proudly announced that Officer Casey graduated 1st in his class from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. He will continue his training by being placed with an on-duty officer for three weeks. Chief Yates continued by reporting that the Dodge Charger has been in for warranty work to the brakes and rotors. The Crown Victoria has also been out of service for several days due to repairs.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton recently attended the kick-off meeting with FEMA and KDEM. This meeting is the first step in requesting reimbursement of expenses related to the February snow storm. All requested information has been submitted for consideration.
Ms. Burton reminded Council of the Council Orientation work session scheduled for June 4, 2013.
Ms. Burton recently met with staff and to increase efficiencies in the Clerk’s office the new deadline to submit items for Council packets is the Thursday at noon before the Monday meeting.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that she has recently met with Dave McDaniel and Blake Bittel regarding the placement of the Patee memorial in the Cemetery. Several options are being explored and an update will be presented at the next Council meeting.
MAYOR/COUNCIL
Mayor Johnston noted that he heard several positive remarks during the Ellis Alumni weekend on how nice and clean the City looked for the weekend’s visitors.
Councilmember Loran Gottschalk reported that the “Be the Match” benefit dance raised over $6,000.00.
Councilmember Walz noted that the billboard sign west of WaKeeney is in shreds and needs to be replaced. Mr. Walz also questioned if the City should look into some type of drought resistant grass seed.
Councilmember Leiker had a resident ask if they could water down a concrete slab where dogs were kept. It was the consensus of Council that it would be allowed. Mr. Leiker also reported that he will be absent at the next regular meeting. Mr. Leiker suggested the City explore the State insurance pool next year for health insurance for employees.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember John Leiker moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Loran Gottschalk seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:57 p.m.
During their Monday night meeting, Ellis County Commissioners approved the election canvass for the June 4th Ellis USD 388 special election.
The $10 million dollar school bond issue was defeated, with 60 percent of voters against it. Turnout was 40 percent.
Former Fort Hays State University Police Chief Sid Carlile died Sunday in a farming accident.
Carlile retired from FHSU in 2004, after serving 32 years. He started his law enforcement career in Victoria in 1971 as a city marshal.
The 66-year-old Carlile was killed June 9 on the family farm near Fowler.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays; burial in Fowler Cemetery at a later date.
There will be a parish vigil service at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 20th and Pine. Friends can call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Sid Carlile Memorial Fund to be used for youth hunts with Pheasants Forever in his name and memory.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.
Ellis County Commissioners say “Yes” to Invenergy.
During their Monday night meeting, they approved a resolution for a conditional-use permit for Invenergy which was the unanimous recommendation made May 22 by the Ellis County Joint Planning Commission.
The CUP allows Invenergy to construct and operate the Buckeye Wind Project in the northwest quarter of Ellis County.
Ellis County must first approve the development and decommissioning plans for the 28,000 acre project.
A third Ellis County Habitat for Humanity House was dedicated during a Sunday afternoon ceremony in Hays’ Massey Park.
The first house was built in Ellis; the next two are side-by-side in the 400 block of East 17th.
Habitat Board President Louise Reece says finishing the third home has been a four-year process.
Although the owner of the new home doesn’t want to be publicly identified by the media, Reese says the woman is very excited and grateful to be in her new home:
HFHEC co-president Carolyn States says they’re hoping to build a fourth home, which might not be in Hays. “We represent all of Ellis County,” she says. “It’s going to take a lot of research to get it underway, and of course, lots of fundraising.”
The local Habitat chapter is staffed entirely by volunteers.
3:30 Monday Afternoon – Members of the Kansas Bomb squad removed the device and took it East of Russell where it was detonated by the bomb squad.
No injuries were reported and officials have not announced what was contained in the device.
BREAKING NEWS FROM THE RUSSELL POLICE DEPARTMENT: Members of the Russell Police Department and the Kansas Bomb Squad are investigating a suspicious device located on the railroad tracks just north of the Russell High School baseball field.
The device was found by railroad workers just before 1pm on Monday.
Russell Police officers arrived on scene shortly after and the Kansas Bomb Squad arrived around 2:30pm. The Russell EMS and Fire Department are also on scene.
Officials are asking everyone to stay out of the area and residents to remain indoors. They have blocked off the 700 and 800 blocks of East 12th Street and the 1100 and 1200 Blocks of North Culp Street.
Jana’s Campaign Inc. announces it has received a $25,000 recognition grant from the Kansas Health Foundation of Wichita.
Resources will be used to establish the annual Heartland Campus Safety Summit for the purpose of assisting colleges and universities in their efforts to reduce dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
“We are excited that the Kansas Health Foundation has invested in us and the mission of reducing gender-based violence on the campuses of Kansas colleges and universities”, says Curt Brungardt, Jana’s Campaign president.
The Heartland Summit will bring national experts to the region and encourage area college personnel to share best practices on their work to reduce gender violence.
Jana’s Campaign Inc. of Hays is a national anti-violence education and prevention organization developed after the death of KU law student, Jana Mackey, in 2008. Mackey was a Hays native; Brungardt is her step-father.
The new Downtown Hays Market opened Saturday morning.
Twelve vendors were open for business at 7:30 sharp on the 10th Street parking lot between Main and Fort Streets.
Downtown Hays Development Corporation Executive Director Traci Stanford is delighted with the turnout of vendors and shoppers. “It’s too early for produce yet, but we’ve been told to expect some garden herbs for sale next Saturday,” she says. The market will also be open Wednesday evenings from5 to 8.
Saturday morning’s offerings included homebaked goodies ranging from strawberry rhubarb pie to honey wheat bread, handmade soaps, olive oil imported from Italy, handcrafted jewelry, bug jars, quilts, and even free massages. Several booth operators reported selling out of some products.
So far, 16 producers have signed up for the Downtown Market. Stanford encourages customers to check in regularly. “Produce and merchandise will change throughout the growing season, and different vendors will be on site different weeks.”
The archeological dig south of Hays is about half completed.
It’s the site of this year’s Kansas Archeology Training Program Field School, headed by the Kansas Historical Society and the Kansas Anthropological Society.
Professionals are working with about 130 volunteers at the presumed site of the Billy Dixon Trading Post.
Wednesday night, area residents were invited to bring their own archeological artifacts to the Hays National Guard Armory archeologists examined the specimens at no cost.
Bud Eulert, Hays, has been collecting arrowheads and other Indian artifacts for most of his life. Eulert has purchased some of his collection, but his favorites turned up on his own farmland in Russell County:
Artifacts from the dig site south of Hays are being processed at Fort Hays State University.
The public is invited to presentations Friday and Saturday nights about Billy Dixon and buffalo hunters. The discussions start at 7:30p.m. in Albertson Hall Room 169.
A project summary will be given Friday, June 14, by lead investigator Steve Roberts at the KSU Agriculture Research Center Auditorium at 7p.m.
The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce is a finalist for the national Chamber of the Year Award.
HACC Executive Director Tammy Wellbrock says the next phase involves an in-depth interview at the National American Chamber of Commerce Executives conference in July at Oklahoma City.
Hays is a Category 1 finalist.
2013 Chamber of the Year finalists are:
Category 1:
Hays Area Chamber of Commerce (Hays, KS)
Mayfield Graves County Chamber (Mayfield, KY)
Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce (Norfolk, NE)
Category 2:
Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association (Glenwood Springs, CO)
Moore County Chamber of Commerce (Southern Pines, NC)
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce (Palatka, FL)
Category 3:
Christian County Chamber of Commerce (Hopkinsville, KY)
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce (Conway, AR)
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce (Holland, MI)
Category 4:
Cobb Chamber of Commerce (Marietta, GA)
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Lancaster, PA)
Salt Lake Chamber (Salt Lake City, UT)
The Hays Middle School track is undergoing transformation this morning for tonight’s 18th annual Ellis County Relay for Life.
The fundraiser is for the American Cancer Society, most of which goes to research.
Members of the Gemini Juniors 4-H Club and other volunteers are filling white luminary sacks with sand and candles; they’ll be lit at dusk.
More than 2,500 luminaries decorated in honor and memory of those who’ve battled cancer, will line the track, end zones and bleachers.
The Relay starts at 6p.m. tonight and continues until midnight. The public is invited to attend.
The erection of Fort Hays State University’s two 400′ wind turbines is underway southwest of Hays.
Crews have been assembling the base pieces this week. This morning they’re working on the cradle; blades will be going up later today, according to Project Engineer Tristan Shell-Spurling with PNE in Longview, Washington
The turbines are west of the university’s Super DARN radar array, near the intersection of 210th Avenue and Golf Course Road.
They will provide energy directly to campus, and their combined energy output will cover roughly 97% of energy consumption on campus.
The project includes 3.5 miles of underground transmission line from the turbines to the FHSU Akers Energy Center. Fiber will be buried adjacent to the transmission line, allowing FHSU staff to monitor and control electricity production to meet campus needs.
