April, 2009

April 13, 2009

 

The Ellsworth City Council met in regular session on the above date at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order.  All Council members were present.

 

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator;  David Smith, Chief of Police; John Kerschener, Water/Sewer Superintendent; James Zamrzla, Street Superintendent; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Sharon Haverkamp. 

 

            Irene Pacey motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the March 9 & 23, 2009 meeting and Claims Ordinance #A03-0109.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, gave the following updates on the Project Board; the fence at Alco should be complete within 2 weeks.  The fence is part of the TDD project.  Construction of the City of Ellsworth sign near Gene’s Heartland Foods should begin over the summer.  The sign is also part of the TDD project.

 

            Mr. Vandall then reported construction at the WWTP will begin in early May and should be completed approximately in approximately a year later and progress continues to be made on the Streetscape.  The bid process should begin in May.

 

            The Clerk read the proclamation naming April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Ellsworth.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the proclamation.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Jim Zamrzla presented ordinances and the platted map relating to an alley located in Blake’s Addition to the City.  The alley is open but there is no access to it.  Council reviewed the materials and Mrs. Pacey requested Floyd Kempke be contacted concerning access to the alley.

 

            The Chief of Police reported a citizen has been towing a plane from the airport to a shop on State Street to perform maintenance on the aircraft.  The Police Department has informed the individual it is illegal to tow the airplane on City streets.  The owner of the aircraft has requested documentation on the violation and the Chief of Police will provide the information.

 

            Jon Halbgewachs arrived at the meeting at that time and explained to the Council the importance for support of a new state wide comprehensive transportation program.  The following resolution was then presented for Council action:

 

            A RESOLUTION ENDORSING TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH, KANSAS CONCERNING THE ENACTMENT BY THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE OF A NEW STATE WIDE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.

 

            Cole Worrell motioned to approve the resolution.  Alan Stefek seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.  The resolution was numbered 13-0409A.

            Alan Stefek inquired if it is required by ordinance the City Administrator act solely as City Inspector or if others are permitted to assist with the responsibilities of the position.  Following discussion it was determined the Street Supervisor will work with the Administrator on future Inspector duties.

 

            Mr. Vandall reported an Employee Retreat is scheduled on April 15^th from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M.  The 2010 Budget will be discussed.  Mr. Vandall also noted Department Heads have been preparing requests for their departments for the 2010 budget.  Mr. Vandall’s goal is to keep a stable mill levy for the City.

 

            Mr. Vandall will be meeting with the Streetscape architect, Bill Morris on April 14^th to review and become better informed on the project.  Mr. Vandall reported Ellsworth Family Connections Center has received notification their State Funding has been cut by $11,000.  Mr. Vandall will be meeting with a member of their board later in the week to determine what help, if any, the City will be able to provide.

 

            The airport apron project continues to make progress.  John Whitmer inquired if are any developments on other projects be planned at the airport.  An Executive Session will be held following other business to discuss the proposed plans.

 

            The Clerk reported the 2009 Budget is being closely monitored and should a budget amendment be required it will be presented in November or December.

 

            John Whitmer motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:33 P.M. for the purpose of discussing preliminary matters relating to the acquisition of real property and the Council return to open session at 8:05 P.M.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion. The executive session is required to protect the City’s financial interest and bargaining position.  When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.

 

            Council entered in Executive Session at 7:33 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:03 P.M.  No action was taken.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was recessed until April 27, 2009 at 7: P.M.

 

 

 

                        Patti L. Booher

                        City Clerk

 

 

April 27, 2009

 

The Ellsworth City Council met in regular session on the above date at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Mayor Robert Homolka called the meeting to order.  Council members present were Irene Pacey, Alan Stefek, John Whitmer, Mary Wires and Cole Worrell.

 

            Also in attendance were Timothy Vandall, City Administrator; Carey Hipp, City Attorney; Linda Denning, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter and Sharon Haverkamp.  Chris Cain arrived at the meeting at 7:05 P.M. and Harold Waymaster arrived at 7:10 P.M.

 

            The Clerk presented a request for an extension of a pending water/sewer termination.  Alan Stefek motioned to approve the request.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

Cole Worrell motioned to approve the consent agenda consisting of minutes of the April 13, 2009 meeting.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            A review of the Project Board included Timothy Vandall, City Administrator, informing Council progress continues to be made on the test wells.  Mr. Vandall inquired if any Council members had any recommendations for additional/different uses for the Recreation Center.  It is currently used for storage.

 

            Mr. Vandall reported the final Downtown Streetscape plans have been submitted to the State for approval.  Once approved bidding will begin.

 

            Mayor Homolka requested Building Permits include a disclaimer similar to “the City is not responsible for determining property boundaries.  It is recommended for new construction of buildings you consult with a survey company.”  The language will be added.

 

            Chris Cain requested an extension until May 31^st on his water/sewer termination.  Irene Pacey motioned to approve the request.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            Cole Worrell requested the emergency siren at Ellsworth Correctional Facility be tested.  Mr. Worrell was unable to here the siren during a recent tornado warning.  Mr. Vandall will have the Fire Chief check the siren for proper operation.

 

            Mr. Vandall reported he and the Chief of Police have met with Darrell Choitz concerning towing aircraft on city streets.  Mr. Choitz has received copies of ordinances and state statutes regarding the issue.

 

            The next item Mr. Vandall reported on is the condition of a cart shed at the municipal golf course.  The shed is close to collapsing.  The shed is owned privately but is on City property.  Mr. Vandall then inquired the reasoning behind closing the golf course on Mondays.  Mr. Vandall will contact the Golf Course Superintendent concerning these matters.

 

            Alan Stefek motioned to enter Executive Session with the City Administrator and City Attorney at 7:35 P.M. for the purpose of discussing preliminary matters relating to the acquisition of real property and the Council return to open session at 7:45 P.M.  Irene Pacey seconded the motion.  The executive session is required to protect the City’s financial interest and bargaining position.  When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.

 

            Council entered Executive Session at 7:35 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 7:45 P.M.  John Whitmer motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:46 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to the open session at 7:56 P.M.  Cole Worrell seconded the motion. The executive session is required to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual.  When put to vote all vote aye. Motion carried.

 

            Council entered in Executive Session at 7:35 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 7:46 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned Council enter Executive Session with the City Administrator at 7:46 P.M. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel and the Council return to open session at 8:05 P.M.

 

            Council entered Executive Session at 7:46 P.M. and returned to recessed meeting at 8:05 P.M.  Alan Stefek motioned to increase the Golf Course Superintendent to a step 5 on the City of Ellsworth approved pay plan.  John Whitmer seconded the motion.  When put to vote all vote aye.  Motion carried.

 

            There being no further business on proper motion the meeting was adjourned until May 11, 2009.

 

 

 

                                                            Patti L. Booher

                                                                                    City Clerk