The owner of the proposed Ottley Addition in northwest Hays, Mark Ottley, wants a portion of his property to be annexed to allow for development of the property and connection to city services.
Assistant Hays City Manager Jacob Wood says city staff is recommending approval of the request. “This is a property that’s located just to the west of Walmart, just behind Walmart. This is a standard annexation that the property owner’s requested that a portion of his property become a part of the city,” said Wood.
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The property is surrounded by existing Commercial (C-2) zoning, Walmart, Carrico Implement, and Mid-Kansas Auto Auction. Ottley is the owner of Mid-Kansas Auto Auction.
According to P.I.E. Superintendent Curtis Deines, all public utilities are abutting the property allowing for development once the utilities are extended.
Ottley’s request will be heard during Thursday’s Hays city commission work session. The preliminary plat of the Ottley Addition was approved November 20.
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A public hearing for rezoning the property from Agricultural to Commercial General District will be held December 18 by the Hays Area Planning Commission.
Commissioners will also hear an update of improvements to the 911 dispatch center and emergency radio communications, as well as a recommended bid award to replace the back-nine cart paths at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.
Wind gusts up to 48 miles an hour roared through Hays Monday.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
The month of December began with temperatures decidedly un-winterlike in Hays.
Sunday’s official high was 69 degrees as recorded at the KSU Agricultural Research Center south of town. That was considerably warmer than it was one year ago on Dec. 3 when the high was a more normal 52 degrees. The daytime highs in Hays since Friday, Dec. 1, have been in the low 60s, still above average for this time of year.
On Monday, the workweek started with a cooler high temperature and lots of wind coming behind a cold front.
The wind blew steady at 30+ mph out of the northwest with gusts as high as 48 mph recorded at the Hays Regional Airport. Just before 12 p.m., the temperature had reached 56 degrees at the airport and then began slowly falling throughout the day.
Russell and Barton counties were included in a Red Flag Warning Monday afternoon for critical fire weather conditions, complicated by a combination of the strong winds, low humidity and relatively warm temperatures.
The weather forecast from the National Weather Service in Dodge City calls for Hays temperatures to be in the mid-40s the rest of the week, dipping as low as 38 degrees for a high on Thursday.
ELLIS – Members of the Ellis Fire Department (EFD) will soon have new air packs to replace the existing equipment, some of which are 35 years old.
City council members approved two bids for $69,036.07 during their Nov. 20 meeting. EFD received a $35,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to help fund the purchase. Chief Dustin Vine also noted the Hays Fire Department has donated 200 feet of 1 ¾” water supply line to the Ellis Fire Department.
In other business, Mayor Dave McDaniel was called on to break a tie vote regarding the 2015 International Building Codes (IBC).
Ellis currently operates under the 2003 IBC. Future adoption of the 2015 codes would improve the rating issued by the Insurance Service Office (ISO) which sets flood insurance premiums, and keep the city current with the Community Rating System (CRS) for floodplain regulations. The 4-3 vote directed City Attorney Olavee Raub to draft the required ordinances to adopt the 2015 International Building Codes.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
November 20, 2017
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, City Attorney Olavee Raub, and City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel requested adding consideration of a resolution to hold a public hearing on unfit structures under New Business, and ratification of an invoice from Bruckner Truck Sales under Old Business. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the additions to the agenda. The motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC PRESENT
John Walz, Verda Flinn, Barbara Perkins, Brandon Pfeifer, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Gary Luea, Ronald Julian, Dustin Mattheyer, Denis Vine, Cody Nichols, Nickole Byers, Tim Kohlrus, Charlene Weber (arrived at 7:40 p.m.), and Travis Kohlrus (arrived at 7:55 p.m.).
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 6, 2017, Bills Ordinance #2033, and the October manual journal entries. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Committee: Award
Mayor David McDaniel recognized members of the Water Advisory Committee and presented Gary Luea, Bob Redger, Alan Scheuerman, and John Walz with a Citizen’s Award for their act of service. Member John Leiker was unable to attend.
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Report
Fire Chief Dustin Vine reported the City of Hays Fire Department has donated 200’ of 1 ¾” supply line to the Ellis Fire Department. The Department has started a Facebook page under “City of Ellis, Kansas Fire Department.” Chief Vine then discussed at length the importance of testing the fire hydrants regularly as several hydrants have been spot checked and tested well below the gallons per minute on record. Currently, the Fire Department has been testing the hydrants, but they would like the Public Works Department to take over the testing. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman will propose an annual hydrant testing schedule at the next Council meeting.
Personnel: Entry
Fire Chief Dustin Vine announced that Zach Dinicola and Sydney Dinicola have joined the Fire Department. The Department is now fully staffed.
Tourism: Committee
Travis Kohlrus and Dena Patee, members of the City Tourism Committee, presented proposed billboard designs illustrating the “Visit, Play, and Stay” themes. The billboards highlight the various attractions in town and will replace the City’s five existing billboards. The City will also utilize one of the Chamber’s billboards to give the City three billboards to the east of town and three billboards to the west of town. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the billboard designs as presented by the Tourism Committee. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member Dena Patee abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
The Committee continued by presenting the 2018 advertising packages from Eagle Radio and Eagle Community TV. The package from Eagle Community TV increased $50 per month for a total annual investment of $4,200 for 375 thirty-second ads; and the Eagle Radio package remained at $2,448 per year for 34 commercials per month. Council will consider approval of the advertising packages at the December 4th Council meeting.
The Committee also has plans to place banners in Love’s Travel Stop and the Days Inn highlighting the museums, churches, medical clinic, parks, as well as other attractions in the City. The banners will be funded through a grant.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Campground: Special Project
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the elevation measurements for the proposed campground expansion project. The rocked camper pads will need to be approximately 4” higher than the grass to aid water runoff. Water will travel west to east, so the roadway will need to be slightly elevated to avoid puddling. Regarding concerns of covering up the old Roundhouse foundation, Mr. Scheuerman stated very little of the foundation would need to be covered up for the project to continue. Council asked for cost estimates to just install primitive camping sites for the first year of the five year plan. Committee Chair Charlene Weber will refigure the cost estimates and present at the December 4th Council meeting.
Public Works: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman reported that when Bruckner Truck Sales started the repairs on the Mack truck, they found two cracked brackets in addition to the previously approved repairs. Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the additional repairs to the Mack truck in the amount of $2,827.87. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire: Contract
Fire Chief Dustin Vine presented an addendum to the mutual aid agreement between the City and Ellis County Fire Department Company 6. The agreement documents procedures already taking place between the two Departments. Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the Addendum to the Ellis County Fire Rescue Mutual Aid Agreement as presented. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Fire: Policy
Chief Vine then presented the proposed Standard Operating Procedures manual for the Department. The first paragraph on page A-3 needs to be deleted as the Department does not inspect buildings for fire hazards. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures manual as amended. The motion carried 6-0.
Fire: Acquisition
Chief Vine presented bids to replace the Department’s air pack system. Some of the current air packs are over 35 years old. The Department received a $35,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in September to help fund the purchase. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the bid from Municipal Emergency Services for eight SCBA air pack systems and 20 cylinders and valve assemblies in the amount of $64,871.92, and the bid from Matheson for 4 – 6,000 PSI air cylinders in the amount of $4,164.15, for a total purchase price of $69,036.07. The purchase will be funded by the Hansen Foundation Grant ($35,000.00) and the Special Machinery Fund ($34,036.07). Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Sewer: Acquisition
Council member Dena Patee moved to approve the purchase of a 3,000 lb. tote of aluminum chlorohydrate from Brenntag in the amount of $1,170.00 plus freight and material fees, with funds to come from the Sewer Utility Fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Council member Bob Redger was absent for the vote.
Public Works: Building Code
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman discussed the 2015 International Building Codes (IBC’s). The City currently operates under the 2003 IBC’s. The City will need to adopt the 2015 Codes in order to improve the rating issued by the Insurance Service Office (ISO) which sets flood insurance premiums, and also to stay current with the Community Rating System (CRS) for floodplain regulations. The Codes will be adopted through a series of ordinances. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to direct City Attorney Olavee Raub to draft the required ordinances to adopt the 2015 International Building Codes. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. Upon a call for the vote, Council members Bret Andries, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger voted in favor of the motion, and Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, and Dena Patee voted opposed. Mayor David McDaniel broke the tie by voting in favor of the motion; therefore, the motion carried 4-3.
City Attorney: Contract
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested discussion on the contract between the City and Raub & Zeigler, LLC. Ms. Aschenbrenner expressed concerns that the City did not budget for the large overages on the contract and questioned how the costs could be reduced. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated the City receives a large discount on their hourly rate and the recent workload has been heavier than normal with numerous trials, code violations, and work related to dilapidated buildings. The Council discussed possible ways to reduce the attorney’s billable hours.
City Attorney: Violation Hearing
City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler presented a proposed resolution declaring a public hearing for three unfit properties in town. The hearing will allow the owners of the properties to come before Council and explain why the properties should not be condemned. If the properties are declared condemned and set for demolition, the City would pay for the demolition costs up front, but could then assess the costs to the owner through the property tax roll. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 541 setting a public hearing for January 2, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. for the following properties: 210 E. 11th, 208 W. 12th, and 1309 Fauteux. The motion carried 6-0.
Executive Session: Security
Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session at the request of Police Chief Taft Yates. Council member Dena Patee moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss security measures at City Hall pursuant to the matters relating to security measures provision exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b) (13) with Police Chief Taft Yates, City Attorney Olavee Raub, City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler, City Clerk Amy Burton and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting resumed at 9:53 p.m. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. No action was taken in executive session.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman thanked Golden Belt Telephone and Midwest Energy for hanging the City’s Christmas stars on the light poles. Mr. Scheuerman visited with Chrysler Museum Board President Chad Pritchett regarding several repairs to be completed by the City at the museum. Mayor David McDaniel directed Mr. Scheuerman to only discuss needed repairs with Mr. Pritchett or Glen Keller. Mr. Scheuerman stated it is not financially feasible to get every City hydrant to over 500 gallons per minute, as requested by Fire Chief Dustin Vine. Mr. Scheuerman believes it is important to have both departments involved with the fire hydrant testing. Council congratulated Mr. Scheuerman on passing his Certified Building Inspector’s exam.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that officers have recently attended firearms and situational awareness training sessions. Chief Yates also attended an emergency preparedness meeting at the Good Samaritan Center.
City Clerk: Training
City Clerk Amy Burton requested approval to attend the IIMC Annual Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. The City will be reimbursed by the City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association for Ms. Burton’s expenses since she serves on the Association’s Executive Board. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to allow Ms. Burton to attend the IIMC Annual Conference in Norfolk, Virginia from May 20th – 23rd. The motion carried 6-0.
The Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission annual meeting will be November 29th in Hill City.
Ms. Burton reviewed the October Health Insurance Savings Report and the October financial statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report, and Security Deposit worksheet.
The City’s application for extension of appropriation of water rights has been approved by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m.
ELLIS – Ellis City Council members will discuss an upgrade of police radios during their meeting tonight. Addressing the council will be Darin Myers, Ellis County Emergency Manager and Det. Scott Braun, Ellis County Sheriff’s Department.
In other business, council members will review revised cost estimates for the proposed campground expansion project. They will also consider approval of a holiday bonus for employees, the 2018 Personnel Policy Manual, and write off of utility bad debts.
The complete agenda follows.
AGENDA December 4, 2017
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
PUBLIC HEARING – CDBG STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CLOSEOUT
a) Consider Approval of Request for Payment of CDBG Funds No. 7 and Invoice from Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission, and Authorize Mayor to Sign Related Documents
b) Consider Approval of Grant Close-Out Documents and Authorize Mayor to Sign
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on November 20, 2017
b) Bills Ordinance #2034
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
a) Presentation of Award from the Ellis Community Foundation
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Discuss Upgrade of Police Radios – Darin Myers, Ellis County Emergency Manager and Detective Scott Braun, Ellis County Sheriff’s Department
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Review Revised Cost Estimates for Campground Expansion Project
b) Discuss 2018 Advertising Opportunities
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of 2018 Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses
b) Consider Approval to Write-off Utility Bad Debts
c) Consider Approval to Hold City Holiday Party
d) Consider Approval of Employee Holiday Bonus
e) Consider Approval of 2018 Personnel Policy Manual
f) Consider Approval of Manhole Repairs
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Discuss Fire Hydrant Testing Procedures
(2) Department Update
2) Police
(1) November Monthly Activity Report
(2) December Staff Calendar
(3) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Draft Committee Meeting Minutes
(2) Department Update
4) Attorney
(1) Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT
City commissioners postponed a vote and discussion of opting out of PEERA until Dec. 7.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Hays city commissioners voted 4-1 to postpone Tuesday’s vote on opting out of the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA) and union negotiations.
Commissioner Lance Jones, who originally requested discussion of the matter, voted no.
Jones doesn’t like negotiating with the three employee unions consisting of 61 members instead of the entire group of 178 city employees. “The city’s Wage and Benefits Committee already represents all employees,” Jones said during last Thursday’s work session discussion. “They give staff general direction on what employees want to see regarding wages and benefits, which is primarily what the unions are seeking.”
Last night Jones thanked the union members present in the commission chambers, noting the emails he and the other commissioners received were “both for and against opting out of PEERA. To take the time and energy to do that and represent your unions and your point of view, I appreciate that.”
The commission’s decision to postpone the vote and further discuss the issue was taken prior to hearing from union representatives in front of a standing-room-only crowd.
Hays firefighter Brandon Woods, president of International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 2119, urged the city commission to keep continued coverage of PEERA.
“There have been no strikes or interruptions of service to the public,” Woods noted. He continued reading from a prepared statement saying “employee grievances have been resolved in a fair manner. Public employees in these jurisdictions know they have a method for resolution of disputes.”
Firefighter Brandon Woods, IAFF #2119 president
Woods also had suggestions for shortening the negotiation process and utilizing a system of time limits. “Parties can begin negotiations early, negotiate more often, and set schedules for reaching the various phases of negotiations,” said Wood. All 18 employees eligible for the firefighters union are members.
The city spends about $20,000 annually during the negotiation processes, according to Asst. City Manager Jacob Wood. “That includes all the meetings, staff time, and city attorney time.” When the city and unions are at an impasse, “there are more meetings and the more it costs the city” to hire an agreed-upon mediator or another third-party fact finder, if necessary.
HPD Cpl. Phillip Gage, FOP Lodge #48 president
Corporal Phillip Gage of the Hays Police Department is president of Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 48, the city’s biggest union. Of the 43 eligible employees in the police department, 27 are union members.
“Our group would really like for us to stay under PEERA,” Gage emphasized, “so we can still have that communication between the employees’ elected representative when it comes to speaking on their behalf at the city when it comes to wages and other benefits so can still have that conversation through negotiations. We’ve been doing that for over 40 years. I think it should still continue.”
Esau Freeman, Wichita, SEIU #513 business representative
Esau Freeman, Wichita, is the business manager of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). There are 52 eligible employees of whom 16 are SEIU members.
“While I will agree with you I think it was a great idea to form the Wage and Benefit Committee, my concerns are that the union is an organization that has elected officials based on what the employees themselves choose,” Freeman said. “While we do have dues that people pay, our union has always been very open to take input from anyone, member or non-member, as long as they’re in the bargaining unit,” he added. Dustin Anderson, an employee of the Public Works Dept. Service Division, is president of SEIU Local 513.
Members of the city’s Wage and Benefit Committee are volunteers, 8 to 10 employees, from across all city departments, according to Asst. City Manager Wood. He is a member, along with Human Resources Director Erin Giebler.
“I support what you guys do as a union,” Hays Mayor Shaun Musil said after the three representatives spoke. “I don’t think it’s a 100 percent must to have the unions, but I don’t have a problem that we do. We’ve had some back and forth negotiations but I think it’s all been pretty civil.”
Musil is more concerned about the impact of declining sales tax on the city’s overall budget.
“We can’t always give you what you want because we have to go with what we have. As we see sales tax dollars continue to decline, my opinion is, that’s a bigger issue than what we’re dealing with today,” Musil said.
All 178 Hays city employees, including the 61 members of the three unions, received a four percent pay increase for 2018.
Assistant City Attorney Todd Powell told commissioners last week “the governing body does have the final decision” on employment wages and benefits.
The city of Hays has been under PEERA since 1972.
Commissioners will discuss the issue again at their Dec. 7 work session.
Commissioner Lance Jones wants the city of Hays to opt out of PEERA, the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Hays city commissioner Lance Jones has one major concern he’d like to see addressed before his term ends. He wants the city to opt out of the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA).
Jones believes the Wage and Benefits Committee along with the Human Resources Department, should be responsible for all salary discussions.
“It’s just one big group of people. I never have liked that we negotiate with just certain groups and not the whole employee group.”
Asst. Hays City Attorney Todd Powell
“It’s the set of statutes that govern the relationship between employee organizations and state and local governmental units,” Todd Powell, Asst. Hays City Attorney told commissioners last week. “The state is automatically part of it in terms of the statute but other local governing bodies such as cities and counties can elect to come under it.”
The city of Hays has been under PEERA since 1972.
“The city is required to negotiate, to ‘meet and confer’ (called collective bargaining at the federal level) with your public employee organizations over terms and conditions of employment, such as salaries and hours,” Powell said. “It also contains prohibited practices of both the city and the union employees, and has a scheme for resolving impasse during negotiations.”
According to Powell, there was no impasse for the 2017 employment contract. “Last year there was an impasse, but it did not go to fact-finding. Fact-finding did occur the year before.”
Powell pointed out “the governing body does have the final decision” on employment wages and benefits.
“The city’s Wage aind Benefits Committee already represents all employees,” Jones said. “They give staff general direction on what employees want to see regarding wages and benefits, which is primarily what the unions are seeking.”
Asst. City Manager Jacob Wood said it costs the city about $20,000 a year “to bargain with three separate units. That includes all the meetings, staff time, and city attorney time.” When the city and unions are at an impasse, “there are more meetings and the more it costs the city” to hire an agreed-upon mediator or another third-party fact finder, if necessary.
“I believe the city and commissioners value all employees and should not be negotiating with certain groups when it comes to wages and benefits. We should be doing what’s best for all employees,” Jones emphasized. “We have to compete with other organizations for employees. A lot of Hays employees choose to work for the city because we are a good employer.”
There are 61 employees in three unions representing some of the police, firefighters, and service employees, about one-third of all Hays city employees.
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There are currently 178 city employees. Of those, 113 are eligible to become union members and 61 have joined.
All 18 eligible firefighters are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); 62.79% of eligible law enforcement employees are members of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); and 30.77% of other eligible employees are members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Out of 534 cities in Kansas, Hays is one of just 12 using PEERA.
“I think we have a pretty good relationship with the employees,” Mayor Shaun Musil said. “I don’t know what this would do.”
Commissioner Sandy Jones agreed. “It’s difficult for me to understand why we want the unions.”
“I’m extremely proud of the great benefit and wages packages we have for employees and that’s proven by the long-term employees we have in place. Only a third of our employees choose to work with the unions. I don’t think that’s bad, but I think we take care of everybody.”
Powell told commissioners the governing body can choose to opt out of PEERA with a majority vote.
Vice-Mayor James Meier had no comment about the issue. Commissioner Henry Schwaller was absent from the Nov. 16 work session.
Commissioners are scheduled to vote tonight on whether to opt out of PEERA.
The complete agenda can be seen here. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.
Marvin Honas, Solid Waste Div. Superintendent and Jesse Rohr, Public Works Dir.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will meet in regular session Tuesday, Nov. 21, rather than Thursday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Agenda items include purchase of a 3-yard solid waste stationary compactor for the recycling facility. Commissioners are expected to approve the low bid of $18,375.00 from Ace Equipment Company, Antigo, Wisconsin.
The current 2-yard compactor, located on the south side of the building, has been in use for 17 years, according to Public Works Director Jesse Rohr.
The compactor is used by Solid Waste staff to compact all co-mingle recyclable materials which includes glass, aluminum and grade 1-7 plastics. The materials are debagged, fed onto a conveyor belt, and continue on into the compactor where they are compacted and fed into a 6-yard roll-off container.
Once full, which takes seven working days, the roll-off is hauled away by Waste Connections, Hutchinson, and an empty container is left in place.
Stutzman Refuse Disposal in Hutchinson processes the recycling for Hays.
“They’ve had our contract since 2008,” Rohr told commissioners last week. “They are actually one of the only centers in Kansas, in the area at all, that will accept the co-mingled material the way Hays recycles.”
“When it comes to recycling or composting operations by the Solid Waste Division, Hays is ranked right up there near the top, if not the top, in the state,” he added.
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs thanked the employees for keeping the compactor in good working condition for so long. “Any time we take our equipment past its’ expected life, is really appreciated. So taking it beyond the 15 years we thought we’d have, is a good deal.”
ELLIS – The Tourism Committee will update Ellis City Council members on a couple projects during the city’s meeting tonight.
Council members will consider approving signage on the billboard promoting Ellis and will look at changes to the city’s website.
Other agenda items include more information about the proposed expansion of the Ellis Lakeside Campground.
The complete agenda follows.
AGENDA
November 20, 2017
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on November 6, 2017
b) Bills Ordinance #2033
c) October Manual Journal Entries
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
a) Presentation of Citizen’s Awards – Water Advisory Committee
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Fire Department Monthly Report – Chief Dustin Vine
b) Consider Approval of Billboard Signage – Tourism Committee
c) Update on City Website – Tourism Committee
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Update on Potential Campground Expansion Project
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of Addendum to Ellis County Fire Rescue Mutual Aid Agreement
b) Consider Approval of Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures Manual
c) Consider Approval of Purchase of Air Pack System for Fire Department
d) Consider Approval of Chemical Purchase for Wastewater Treatment Plant
e) Consider Approval of 2015 International Building Codes
f) Discuss City Attorney Contract
g) Discuss Security Measures at City Hall
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Department Update
2) Police
(1) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Consider Approval to Attend IIMC Conference
(2) Invitation from NWKP&DC
(3) October Health Insurance Savings Report
(4) October Financial Statements
(5) Department Update
4) Attorney
(1) Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT
Friday was a warm day in Hays with a new record high set for Nov. 17.
According to official statistics from the KSU Agricultural Research Center, the temperature reached 83 degrees, breaking the old record high of 81 degrees set in 1943.
There was also a a little bit of rain and drizzle overnight, just 0.03 inches, which brings the year-to-date moisture total to 28.06 inches.
Saturday’s high was considerably cooler at just 52 degrees, with gusty winds out of the northwest up to 38 miles an hour as recorded at the Hays Regional Airport. Sunday warmed up to 60 degrees.
Today’s weather forecast is calling for an even warmer day with a high of 70 degrees.
The Hays Area Planning Commission will meet Monday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1507 Main.
Agenda items include a rezoning request for a tract of land located in the SE/4 of Section 21-T13S-R18W of the 6th Principal Meridian at West 48th Street to change the zoning classification from “A-L” Agriculture to “C-2” Commercial General District (30.89 acres) (Case #17-02Z).
(Click to enlarge)
The Planning Commission will also consider accepting the preliminary plat of the Ottley Addition on a tract of land in the S/2 of Section 21-T13S-R18W of the 6th p.m. consisting of 63.32 acres. (Case # 17-01P)
Hays City Commissioner Sandy Jacobs sits in the driver’s seat of the new HFD fire truck Thu. night.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Although they agreed it would be “an awesome view,” none of the Hays city commissioners accepted the invitation Thursday night to climb the 78-foot ladder on the city’s new fire truck.
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs and Vice-Mayor James Meier did however, climb up into the driver’s seat of the double cab which seats six firefighters. Jacobs likened it to “an airplane cockpit” and declared “it’s cool.”
The commissioners, along with Asst. City Manager Toby Wood and Finance Director Kim Rupp, were given a tour of the truck by Hays Fire Department Lt. Tyler Brungardt and several other on-duty firefighters.
The 2016 Rosenbauer America pumper-ladder truck was purchased from Hays Fire and Rescue Sales and Service a couple months ago. It has a lighter duty ladder, no front bucket, and is more compact than the 2002 pumper-ladder truck it replaced, Brungardt explained.
The other truck had four outriggers with a 20-foot spread; the new truck has two stabilizing jacks with a 15-foot spread. “They also deploy a lot faster,” noted Brungardt. “The aerial ladder also raises and extends more quickly.” The other truck had a 104-foot ladder, but Brungardt believes that’s not a big loss.
“Today’s street construction is more narrow with more cul-de-sacs, and we’ve got to have better placement. If people are parked on both sides of the road, we can still get access in. It turns tighter and is more maneuverable.”
The new truck is also more environmentally friendly and meets newer emission standards, according to Brungardt. “It burns a little more cleaner than the old trucks.”
“Aside from the fact that it looks sharp,” Brungardt told the group he’s most excited about the quiet cab.
“The old trucks, the cabs sit right over the engine compartment so it makes it hard for me to communicate with my driver. This one, we’ve got the built-in headsets and communicate with each other through those. It used to be that I had to talk loudly and almost shout across the cab. I like to talk to the guys when we’re en route to an emergency scene and start prepping on what we’re going to do. This makes a difference in that aspect.”
Brungardt pointed out the specialized tools the truck carries, along with its 300-gallon water tank. “It can handle car fires. We can get started on a fire while we’re waiting on a water supply if we have to.
“We’re well-equipped to handle emergencies,” he said. “People call us for all sorts of emergencies. This truck allows us to perform fire-fighting activities, basic rescues, automobile accidents, and medical emergencies.”
“We’re proud that you’re able to have this,” said Jacobs.
HFD sold its 2002 pumper-ladder truck for $125,000, resulting in a final cost of $476,850 for the current truck.
CORRECTED Nov. 21, 2017 at 4:50 p.m. to reflect Lt. Brungardt’s first name is Tyler, not Travis.
The city of Hays is looking for ways to increase sales tax collections which support the city’s General Fund.
Sales tax collected was at an all-time high of $7,433,103 in 2015. The total collected in 2016 was down by 3.34% or $248,377. Collections for 2017 are on pace to remain flat or slightly below 2016 amounts.
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Assistant Hays City Manager Jacob Wood presented a Retail Gap Analysis and Recruitment Request For Qualifications (RFQ) to Hays city commissioners during their work session Thursday night. The purpose of the RFQ is to obtain the services of a qualified firm to provide assistance with a Retail Market Study and Gap Analysis that would aid in retail attraction and development in Hays.
The city hasn’t been sitting still when it comes to “development across the board,” Wood noted.
“Some things we’ve done recently, not necessarily specifically for retail development, include adoption of the UDC (Unified Development Code), updating our development policy trying to make things a little easier for new developments.
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“We also updated our economic development policy, streamlined everything so that the application is an easy process. That’s resulted in a couple of approved CIDs (Community Improvement Districts) the past couple of years–north of the JT Travel Plaza and TownPlace Suites (north of I-70). JT Travel Plaza has been open for over a year. The TownPlace Suites will be open in the next couple of months. “We also have a CID that’s sitting in place north of the Home Depot (also north of I-70) for 73,000 square feet of retail space.
“We have done some things trying to be pro-development and I do think we’ll see some additional requests for incentives in the near future,” said Wood.
“But with declining or stagnating sales tax we’re always looking for methods and ways to increase that retail base.”
Once the retail analysis is complete, the hired firm would represent the city in a retail recruiting effort.
“There’s no downside sending this RFQ out,” said Vice-Mayor James Meier. “We’re just going to listen to what people have to say.”
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs agreed, adding “I think there’s a lot of discussion once we get the information back.”
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“We’ll have a lot of work to do to vet these firms to see who’s the right fit with our community,” Wood admitted. He told commissioners there’s no firm in the region which does this kind of work.
As far as Wood knows, Hays is the only city in Kansas to do this type of recruitment. “I used a couple models from a rural town in Iowa. I found one in Wyoming and in Oregon. I’m not aware of anyone in Kansas who has gone through this exact process.”
Commissioners Thursday night approved sending out the RFQ. Commissioner Henry Schwaller was absent from the work session.
