CITY OF BURLINGTON, KANSAS
GOVERNMENT
Applying for Public Office
Board of Zoning Appeals
Burlington Housing Authority
Burlington Cemetery Board
City Council
Electrician Examining Board
General Information
Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, AGENDA, & PUBLIC
NOTICES
& WATER EMERGENCY
Mission Statement
Planning Committee Members
Plumbing Examining Board
Subdivision Committee
Standing Committees
Tree Board
See also (list of Department Heads) "City Department/Services", "Programs and Services"
Burlington was incorporated as a second class city on December 9, 1882.
The City operates under a non-partisan Mayor/Council form of government. The Mayor is elected on an at-large basis and
serves a four-year term.
The six Council Members are elected by Ward (two representing each of three Wards) and serve four-year terms of office.
An election for Council Members is held every odd-numbered year, with one representative from each of the three Wards
being chosen each election. Ordinance 795 submitted Charter Ordinance #8
to be put on the April 5, 2011 election ballot. Charter Ordinance #8
passed by majority vote of the Electors.
The City Clerk is appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The City Clerk is responsible for the
administration of the Citys finances, personnel, purchasing, budget, correspondence, utility service requests, utility billing and
public relations.
MISSION STATEMENT
of CITY OF BURLINGTON, KANSAS |
The six Council Members are elected by Ward (two representing each of three wards) and serve four-year terms of office. An election for Council Members is held every odd-numbered year, with one representative from each of the three Wards being chosen each election. (For phone numbers, see "Government - City Council Roster".)
Note: Mail may be addressed to the Council Member(s) at P.O. Box 207, Burlington, Kansas 66839.
Mayor and Ward 1 Positions were elected in 2011 & will expire
May 2015.
Ward 2 Positions were elected in 2013 & will expire in May 2017.
WARD 1 |
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Position 1 |
Position 2 |
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WARD 2 | |
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Position 1 |
Position 2 |
| William C. Scott (President of Council) Office: (620)364-5334 Home: (620)364-5663 Fax: (620)364-2996 Email: billscott64@hotmail.com |
WARD 3 | |
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Position 1 |
Position 2 |
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OFFICER and BOARD APPOINTMENTS |
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| CITY CLERK | REGINA R. KEWLEY |
| DEPUTY CITY CLERK / ASSISTANT COURT CLERK | ANNE C. BROWN |
| UTILITY BILLING CLERK / MUNICIPAL COURT CLERK | CAROL L. MAST |
| ZONING & GRANTS CLERK | JIMMY HUGUNIN |
| CHIEF OF POLICE | DOUGLAS L. JONES |
| CITY TREASURER | SHARON S. GUEHO |
| CITY ATTORNEY | THOMAS F. ROBRAHN |
| JUDGE PRO-TEM | REGINA R. KEWLEY |
| MUNICIPAL JUDGE | JAMES R. CAMPBELL |
| SUPERINTENDENT OF ELECTRIC / ELECTRIC INSPECTOR | ALAN SCHNEIDER |
| SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS | KEVIN BOYCE |
| SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS & ALLEYS | DOUG MAST |
| SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER UTILITY / PLUMBING INSPECTOR | DANNY HAWKINS |
To declare candidacy for office of Mayor or Council Member, the following actions must be taken or contact the County
Election Officer at (620)364-2191 or the City Clerk at (620)364-5334.
1. Candidates declaration of intention
2. Statement of substantial interests for local office
3. Affidavit of exemption from filing receipts and expenditures reports by a candidate
4. A $5.00 filing fee must be paid or a nomination petition must be completed with the required number of duly registered
voters from Ward/City of representation.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
(5/2007)
ON MAY 2, 2007, ORDINANCE 757 WAS ADOPTED TO OFFICIALLY DISBAND THE BURLINGTON'S BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, AND ALLOW THE BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION TO ALSO ACT AS THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS., EFFECTIVE WITH PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 757 ON MAY 8, 2007.
(Current 05/2013)
Secretary/Treasurer – Lane Jones
[Jones Funeral Home 620-364-5319
MEMBERS |
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| Daniel Allen |
| Mark Burns |
| Ron Hoover |
| Lane Jones |
| Kent Smith |
| Larry Tice |
| Gene Traylor |
| Gordon Varvel |
(Effective 5-1-2013)
Secretary/Treasurer -
Project Manager
Tim Martin
MEMBERS |
|---|
| Tim Martin - Secretary/Treasurer |
| Bill Walton (Chair) |
| Donna Erbe |
| Ben Gaut |
| Sharon Hall |
| Jodie Mahoney |
ELECTRICIAN EXAMINING
BOARD:
(Mayor's Annual Appointments 5/2013)
| CHAIR | (Inspector) | Alan Schneider |
| MEMBER | (Electrician) | Jim Thweatt |
| MEMBER | (Council Member) | Stan Luke |
Contact:
City Zoning Clerk
301 Neosho St.; P.O. Box 207;
Burlington, KS 66839
(Phone:(620)364-5334/FAX:620-364-2996)
Email: zburlington@mchsi.com
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POSITION(s) |
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| Ken Grate | Chair |
|
Vicki Fry | Vice Chair |
| Dallas Scothorn | City Liaison Representative / Subdivision Representative |
|
Cara Mays |
County Liaison Representative |
|
Jeff Clark | Comprehensive Plan / Subdivision Representative |
| Ken Caudell Jr. | Subdivision Committee Chair / Secretary |
| George Shove | Member |
| Wade Handley | Member |
| Thomas Allen | Member |
| Jimmy Hugunin | Zoning Clerk / Recording Secretary / Subdivision Administrator |
| CHAIR | (Inspector) | Danny Hawkins |
| MEMBER | (Council Member) | Lewis Lenard |
| MEMBER | (Plumber) | Calvin Freeman |
STANDING COMMITTEES | OFFICE | NAME |
|---|---|---|
| ANNEXATION, ELECTION, PLANNING & ZONING: | Chair/Council Member President of Council | Lewis Lenard William C. Scott |
| DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY | Chair
(President of City Council)) Mayor Bank Business Chamber of Commerce | Stan Luke Gene L. Merry Dale Rein Lisa Garrett Polly Epting |
| UTILITIES (Electric, Water, Sewer) | Water
- Chair Electric - Council Member Sewer - Council Member |
Lewis Lenard
Stan Luke Jerilyn Curtiss |
| FINANCE | Chair/Mayor Council Member President of Council |
Gene L. Merry
Jane M. Griffith Stan Luke |
| INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCE | Chair/Mayor Council Member | Gene L. Merry Lewis Lenard |
| PARKS | Chair/Council
Member Council Member |
Jerilyn Curtiss Jane M. Griffith |
| PUBLIC SAFETY | Chair/President
of Council Council Member Council Member | William C. Scott Lewis Lenard Forrest T. Rhodes |
| STREETS & ALLEYS | Chair/Mayor Council Member Council Member | Gene L. Merry Jerilyn Curtiss Forrest T. Rhodes |
Burlington City Hall
(Phone:(620)364-5334)
Email: zburlington@mchsi.com
MEMBERS |
|---|
| Daniel Allen (Chair) |
| Kevin
Boyce Burlington Parks Superintendent |
|
Donna Erbe |
| Matt Moon |
| Nelda Stitzel |
| John Truelove |
| Lila VanHorn |
|
Jimmy
Hugunin (Secretary) Burlington Zoning Clerk |
| Tim McDonnel (Consultant) |
AND CITY CLERK'S NOTES OF PLANNED MONTHLY WORK
NOTE: Council Meeting minutes of at least three sessions will be provided, after Council approval, at one time on this site.
Burlington City Council normally meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE |
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6:00
p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, unless specified otherwise. |
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BUSINESS APPRECIATION PICNIC |
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City of Burlington and City of New Strawn will host the annual Business Appreciation Picnic for Local Business Owners and Managers on between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013 in Kelley Park in Burlington. |
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BURLINGTON CITY HALL CLOSING MONDAY, MAY 17 BETWEEN 11 TO 1:00 FOR AN EMPLOYEE MEETING. |
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CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, MAY 27 TO OBSERVE LABOR DAY
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BURLINGTON CITY ATTORNEYS APPOINTED 5-1-2013 THOMAS F. ROBRAHN and COLLEAGUES, DENNIS D. ROTH and PHILIP D. WRIGHT |
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CHLORINE
TREATMENT
Burlington
Water Department will be doing a chlorine burnout of the water system
and flushing hydrants from Monday, Oct. 15 through Monday, Oct. 29,
2012. Due
to the drought and necessary minimal water usage, chlorine residuals are
low and must be brought up to requirements mandated by the State of
Kansas. Your
water may smell and taste different and may be discolored – just run
it for a few minutes and it will clear.
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PRESS RELEASE for WATER EMERGENCY WATER WARNING DOWNGRADED TO A WATCH For
All Consumers of Burlington Water Please
Use Water Wisely. Conserve water now for future availablity. Conservation
Tips: See
wateruseitwisely.com Your ongoing water conservation efforts are appreciated!
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WATER EMERGENCY WATER WATCH DECLARED For
All Consumers of Burlington Water (MARCH 20, 2013 UPDATE)
Kansas Water Office told Water District #3 the Water Emergency
Stage II Water Warning can be replaced with a WATER WATCH.
In accordance with Ordinance 536, Section 6, Voluntary
Conservation Measures, The
Mayor of City of Burlington hereby declares City of Burlington and all
its water consumers, including Rural Water Districts 2 and 3, and the
Cities of Gridley, LeRoy, and New Strawn to be under a WATER WATCH.
Mayor Gene L. Merry hereby calls on all water consumers to employ
voluntary water conservation measures to limit or eliminate nonessential
water use.
The drought is far from over.
We should all continue to work together to increase our water
conservation efforts – use less, waste none.
Conserve now for future availability.
Updates and conservation tips can be found in the local
newspaper, at City Hall, on Burlington’s Facebook page, Burlington’s
website www.skyways.org/towns/Burlington,
at http://wateruseitwisely.com, and at www.kwo.org.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSERVATION EFFORTS.
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WATER
CONSERVATION TIPS USE
LESS
WASTE NONE Conservation
Tips from wateruseitwisely.com ·
When
washing dishes by hand, fill a container with rinse water instead of
letting the water run. ·
Install
covers on pools and spas to reduce evaporation.
Check for leaks around pumps. ·
Use
garbage disposals sparingly. Compost
Vegetable food waste to save gallons of water. ·
Adjust
sprinklers to water only the lawn and shrubs, not structures, sidewalks,
or driveways. ·
Fill
a container to wash fruits and vegetables; then use the water on
houseplants. ·
Check
indoors and outdoors for water leaks. Fixing one leaky faucet
could save 140 gallons of water a week. ·
Laundry
– match your water level to the size of load. ·
Spreading
a layer of mulch around plants retains moisture. ·
Clean
your driveway and sidewalks with a broom instead of a hose. ·
Save
25 gallons of water a month by shutting off water while brushing your
teeth. ·
Turn
water spigots off tightly after each use. ·
Turn
off the water while you wash your hair and save 300 gallons of water a
year. Turn it off while
shaving and save 150 gallons a year. ·
Wash
your pet(s) outside on a part of the lawn that needs watering. ·
Use
leftover ice in your glass to water a plant. ·
Put
a bucket in your tub or show to catch water as it warms and use it to
water plants, flush the toilet, etc. ·
Don’t
use running water to thaw food. Defrost
food in the refrigerator or microwave. ·
Remember
to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks. ·
Soak
pans instead of letting water run while scraping them. ·
Use
a water-efficient shower head could save up to 750 gallons of water a
month. ·
Run
the clothes washer only for full loads or set the water level for
the load size. ·
For
cold drinking water, refrigerate a pitcher of water. ·
If
water runs off your lawn easily, water for shorter periods to allow
absorption. ·
For
a reminder, set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn. ·
Clean
aerator screens on your faucets. ·
Newer
dishwashers are more efficient; you can reduce rinse time. ·
Cut
utility bills & conserve at the same time: upgrade to more efficient
appliances, shower heads, and toilets. ·
Plant
in cooler weather in the fall. Together we are
all making a difference. Your continuing efforts to
conserve water and get all of our communities through this water
shortage are greatly appreciated.
Thanks for conserving water!
City
of Burlington |
VACANCIES
See Employment Opportunities under 'City Departments and Services' page.
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CITY
OF BURLINGTON SIDEWALK
COST-SHARE PROGRAM City of Burlington has updated the Sidewalk Cost-Share Program and increased the amount of the City’s cost-share to $10 per linear foot. Property owners are encouraged to take advantage of the Cost-Share Program to improve the appearance, safety, and value of their property by repairing or replacing the sidewalks or sections of sidewalk that are in poor condition, or by installing new sidewalk. Ordinance
807 governs the Sidewalk Cost-Share Program. City Council shall
appropriate annually $10,000 from the City/County Infrastructure Grant
for cost sharing of sidewalk replacement within the city.
This program shall be for replacement of old sidewalk and for new
sidewalk along the horizontal front footage in front of residence or in
the case of a corner lot along the side yard. Replacement sidewalk sections can match the width of existing sidewalk on either side of the replacement section. New sidewalk must be five feet in width. Both new sidewalk and sections of replacement sidewalk must be 5 ½ sack cement strength and four inches in thickness. A
positive inspection of the completed project by the city Street
Department Superintendent is required before issuance of authorization
to the City Clerk’s Office to pay the individual property owner the
amount based on running foot of sidewalk. Applications
and the Ordinance
are available at Burlington City
Hall, 301 Neosho Street.
Please take a few minutes to come by and fill out the short
application, which will be submitted to City Council for approval. |
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BURLINGTON
CITY CLERK’S NOTES OF INTEREST for
MAY
2013 NOTICE to City of Burlington water
consumers, including Rural Water Districts 2 and 3, and Cities of
Gridley, LeRoy, and New Strawn. Ø
WATER WATCH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL
FURTHER NOTICE. Although we
have had some rainy days, Coffey County is still in a Water Watch which
puts us under voluntary water conservation measures to limit or
eliminate nonessential water use. Updates
and conservation tips can be found in the local newspaper, at City Hall,
on Burlington’s Facebook page, Burlington’s website www.skyways.org/towns/Burlington,
at http://wateruseitwisely.com,
and at www.kwo.org.
Thank you for your continuing efforts. Ø
The Business Appreciation picnic
for Business Managers/Owners will be Friday, June 14 from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Ø
Closing:
City Hall will be closed for an Employee Meeting on Monday, June
17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ø
Vacancy:
City of Burlington is accepting applications for a Heavy
Equipment Operator for the Street Department, until the position is
filled. Ø
A Come & Go Appreciation
Reception for Stephen J. Smith will be held at Burlington City Hall from
2 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22nd.
Electric
Department Distribution
Change power poles, do customer service requests, read meters, and work
on the Automatic Meter Infrastructure (AMI) project. Electric
Department Production:
General
plant maintenance, monthly reports, RICE/NESHAP upgrades, and attend KPP
meetings, Parks
Department:
Clean Public Buildings & Restrooms, mow, spray weeds, and work on
‘Welcome to Burlington’ signs. Police
Department:
BPD
will work nuisances, trash and junk.
Watch for Children – School will be getting out for the summer. Street
Department:
Will patch and crack fill
streets, weather permitting. Water
Distribution: Normal duties and Plant
projects, clean ¼ of city’s sewerlines, reseed 6th Street
from Niagara to Potomac (weather permitting), do normal duties (locates,
work orders, read meters, safety training, etc.), and
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TO
RESIDENTS AND TAXPAYERS OF BURLINGTON, KANSAS |
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Issues
involving the Mediacom Cable TV franchise, including complaints by
citizens of Burlington, were discussed by Burlington’s Governing Body
in November and December 2011. In
2006, the Kansas Legislature passed Kansas Statutes 12-2023 and 12-2024,
which stripped all Kansas cities of the right to negotiate or have
control over cable television franchises, and delegated authority to the
Kansas Corporation Commission. City
of Burlington does have the right to charge Mediacom a franchise fee,
which has historically been two percent.
Mediacom wrote asking if the City wanted to increase the fee to
five percent, the maximum allowed by law.
On
December 7, 2011, Burlington’s Governing Body unanimously voted NOT to
increase the franchise fee. Please contact your
Kansas State Legislators with your comments, complaints, inquiries, or
concerns.
City of Burlington GENE L. MERRY, MAYOR |
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CITY
OF BURLINGTON CLARIFICATION
ON PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL WORK This
notice is to provide clarification of Burlington City Codes on electric
and plumbing work being done within the City of Burlington’s
jurisdiction. A
homeowner may do plumbing and electrical work only on his/her own
home of residence, not on any other properties he/she owns.
If
not the homeowner’s residence, a licensed plumber must do the plumbing
and an electrician must do the electrical.
Before any electrical or plumbing work is begun, the
electrician or plumber must come to Burlington City Hall to complete and
sign the required permit. All
electrical and plumbing work must be done by the licensee, who will be
liable for the work. Failure
to comply with City of Burlington ordinances and the National Electric
Codes and/or National Plumbing Codes shall result in any or all of the
following: Ø
Denial
of electric service and/or plumbing services. Ø
Loss
of license to perform work in City of Burlington jurisdiction Ø
Notification
to liability company issuing insurance to licensee. Codes
are available at City Hall, 301 Neosho Street, Burlington, Kansas. CITY
OF BURLINGTON Regina R.
Kewley, City Clerk |
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City
of Burlington Utility Customers Delinquent
Utility Account Processing City
of Burlington wants our utility customers to understand how delinquent
utility accounts are handled in a consistent manner to be fair to our
rate payers. All
utility bills are due by the 10th of each month.
When a customer is late paying his/her bill, a Final Notice is
mailed with the following statement on it:
‘Dear Customer: Please
check your records for payment. If
this bill is not paid on or before the above shut-off date, service will
be disconnected. Customers
have the right to request a hearing before the City Clerk regarding this
billing, providing the request is made to the City Clerk no later than
three working days prior to the above termination date.’
If service is disconnected, there is an additional $75.00 charge
per meter if reconnected between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through
Friday, and $100 for reconnection at any other time. When
the City determines the customer has no intention of paying the utility
bill, City of Burlington will send it to the State of Kansas Set-off
Program for collection through attaching income tax refunds or other
means at their disposal. City of Burlington tries to work with customers who are having a difficult time and cannot pay their utility bill. If you are having a difficult time and cannot pay your utility bill, please contact the City Hall before the disconnection date to make payment arrangements and avoid additional charges. |
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES & AGENDA
(Meeting minutes published on the website are prepared by the City Administrative Assistant,
approved by City Council, signed by the City Clerk, and then uploaded to this website.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR JUNE 5, 2013
[AGENDA WILL BE PUBLISHED THE WEEK OF THE NEXT MEETING.]
ROLL CALL
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
MINUTES TO BE APPROVED:
APPOINTMENT: None
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT: Update
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: Update and Water Emergency - Watch: Update
STREET DEPARTMENT: Update
POLICE DEPARTMENT: Update
PARKS DEPARTMENT: Update
CLAIMS ORDINANCE & PAYROLL ORDINANCE
PLANNING & ZONING: Update
COUNCIL BUSINESS:
ZONING PERMITS:
LEGAL UPDATE
CITY CLERK'S UPDATE
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
BURLINGTON
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION MAY 1, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday May 1, 2013.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Yes
Mayor Gene L.
Merry
Council Members present:
Yes William
C. Scott (President
of Council)
Yes Jane
M. Griffith
Yes Lewis
Lenard
Yes R.
Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes Forrest
T. Rhodes
Yes Jerilyn
Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes
Kevin Boyce (Parks)
Yes Alan
Schneider (Electric)
Yes Doug Jones
(Chief of Police)
No Doug Mast
(Street)
Yes Danny
Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes Regina
Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes Jimmy
Hugunin (Zoning
& Grants Clerk)
Yes Thomas
F. Robrahn (Sworn in
as City Attorney)
Yes
Susan Stroh (Administrative
Assistant)
Media Present:
Mark Petterson, Coffey
County Republican
VISITORS: Thomas
Robrahn, Dennis Roth, Philip Wright, Cameron Roth
CITY
ATTORNEY & ASSISTANT ATTORNEYS
Tom
Robrahn introduced himself and his two colleagues, “I will be your new City
Attorney, and I have two colleagues who will be assisting me in this endeavor.
Dennis Roth served in the capacities of Burlington’s Assistant City
Attorney and City Attorney from 1972 to 1987.
He will be our advisor. Philip
Wright is what I consider a civil procedure guru, and he will be dealing with
Municipal Court. The best thing I
like about this setup is that when I’m not able to be here, most likely one of
these two will be here to help you. Whenever
Philip is not able to be at the Municipal Court, Dennis or I will take care of
that. I want to assure you that just
because you will have three attorneys, we will not be double-dipping or
triple-dipping; we all have our duties we will take care of.
The reason these two gentlemen are here tonight is that we have to have
prosecutorial immunity if they are going to act as either an attorney for
Municipal Court or here advising you.”
Oaths of Office:
City Clerk Kewley administered the Oath of Office of Burlington
City Attorney individually to Thomas f. Robrahn, Dennis D. Roth, and Philip D.
Wright.
Appointment
& Contract: Council Member
Griffith, “I move to ratify the
Mayor’s appointment of Thomas F. Robrahn as City Attorney for the City of
Burlington, and to authorize entering into the Contract for Professional
Services of City Attorney, as presented.” Council
Member Curtiss, “Second.” There
being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
AGENDA: Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Griffith, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES
of April 17, 2013:
Council
Member Luke, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session of
April 17, 2013 as presented.” Council
Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Motion
unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution Updates
General Distribution:
Superintendent Schneider reported Electric personnel have been doing the
normal work including work orders, locates, customer service requests, equipment
maintenance, tree trimming. They
hung the sign for Relay for Life on Monday, but took it down six hours later.
Something else will be done. The Electric Department is continuing to
change out power poles and down guys (guywires)that have deteriorated to do
electrolysis.
Sewer
Liftstation Replacement Project:
Electric personnel installed electric service for the new liftstation #8
(LS#8) by the Country Club. They
also installed two poles by the liftstation #6 (by Huff’s) and liftstation #8.
These two poles will have antennas on them for the sewer SCADA monitoring
system.
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production Update
General:
Power Plant personnel have been performing regular Plant duties and
maintenance. They are trying to get
the weeds under control at the substations.
KPP
Training: Superintendent
Schneider will be attending the Kansas Power Pool’s power supply strategy
meeting on Thursday, May 2nd, in Wichita.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
Pump
Station Replacement Project: Superintendent
Hawkins reported the sewer project is still moving along.
As Superintendent Schneider said, they did install the two poles. The
contractor got pump stations #3 & 4 (LS#3 & LS#4) tied into the system.
They did get into our water main, so we had to repair that.
Pump
Station Replacement Project - Cleaning sewerlines:
Superintendent Hawkins reported that they have been cleaning the
sewerlines. He thanked the Street
Department for pulling the equipment out when it got stuck in the mud.
Two pumps had to be pulled out of pump station #2 (LS#2).
Superintendent Hawkins said that we thought we had a major catastrophe on
liftstation #7 (LS#7) and had to run the sewer machine into the forced main.
We found the reason we couldn’t get enough flow was that when we
replaced it when we had the break underneath Rock Creek, it had sheared out by
the street and was packing up stuff on the inside.
We were able to get in there with the sewer machine and get it dislodged.
Superintendent Hawkins said that at the Sewer Project progress meeting
tomorrow he plans to discuss replacing the last 180 feet of pipe.
General:
Personnel have been doing normal duties, including work orders, line
locates, and meter rereads.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Production – Water
Treatment Plant
General:
Superintendent Hawkins reported,
“The Water Plant has been running well. The
water temperature is starting to come up. Water
quality is still the same. We are
doing normal maintenance in the Water Plant, including changing the oils and
grease on the machines, pumps and motors.
CO2
Machine: Superintendent
Hawkins reported, “We have been working on putting in our new CO2 water
line. We are hoping to get the
tiepin done tomorrow night when we shut the plant down.
We should be up online tomorrow night.”
Weir:
Superintendent Hawkins said they will rent scaffolding to go into the
transfer and do a weir install. To
make it as safe as possible, we are getting enough harnesses, tripods, and air
ventilation.
Water Emergency Stage 1, Watch – Update:
Superintendent Hawkins
stated, “For the month of April, we pumped 13,505,000 gallons of water, giving
us a daily average of 450,200 gallons of water.
Usage is still down, and we’ve had some spring rains. We are still in a
drought water watch, which is a Stage 1 water emergency.
Rains are returning. Who
would have thought we would be talking of having snow in May.”
He was hopeful the rains will continue so we could cancel the water
emergency in a short period of time.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
Mayor Merry gave the Street Department update on behalf of Superintendent
Mast who was in Lawrence for a meeting.
Spring
Cleanup 2013: City
personnel hauled twenty-three loads of junk to the Coffey County Landfill,
totaling 70,660 pounds (over 35 tons).
General:
Since the last council meeting, the Street Department has spent most of
its time cleaning ditches and installing driveway tubes for citizens.
They also worked on several alleyways, and added rock to some.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: 2013 6th
Street Sidewalk Improvement Project - Bids
Mayor Merry reported that Superintendent Mast recommended all bids for
the sidewalk project be accepted as submitted and that the bid from Burlington
Construction be accepted as the best bid.
Council Member Curtiss, “I move to accept the bids submitted for the
2013 6th Street Sidewalk Improvement Project as bone fide.” Council
Member Griffith, “I’ll second it.” There
being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Council Member Curtiss, “I move to accept the bid from Burlington
Construction for the 2013 6th Street Sidewalk Improvement Project,
not to exceed their bid of $31,861.40.” Council
Member Griffith, “I’ll second.” There
being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Vacancy for Heavy
Equipment Operator – extend application process
Mayor Merry said Superintendent Mast was not really satisfied with the
response to the advertisement for a Heavy Equipment Operator and would like to
extend accepting applications until the position is filled.
Council Member Rhodes, “I move
to continue to advertise the position of Heavy Equipment Operator for the Street
Department until the position is filled.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second it.”
Mayor Merry called for discussion. He explained there
were not enough applicants and the ones who responded were not qualified. There
being no further discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
Chief Jones reported, “We’ve been staying active from working some
narcotic cases to a pair of search warrants.
Last week, in connection with the Sheriff’s Office we had hit two
trailers/houses at the same time in the same block – a family deal.”
Burlington Police Department worked the spring demolition derby last week
and didn’t have any trouble. Only
about three hundred fifty people attended, which was not near what they were
hoping for.”
Training:
Chief Jones will be doing some training at the Kansas Law Enforcement
Training Center on the 14th and 15th of May.
It is a command level two-day seminar for active shooter and mass
casualty incidents, and will be instructed by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. He figures that over
a two-day timeframe they will get into some training that should be quite
interesting and he is looking forward to the training.
He didn’t anticipate a lot of expenses to be involved since he is
planning to stay with his son.
Animal
Control Shelter – Euthanasia Chamber:
Chief Jones said, “The biggest thing we have is what Jessica Stice
(Animal Control Officer) has been accomplishing at the Animal Shelter.
The euthanasia chamber has been disposed at scrap metal prices.
Bruce Haughton, one of our very prolific donees to the Animal Shelter,
parted the chamber out for about $300. Mr.
Haughton added about $500 of copper pipe to the pile as a donation.”
Animal
Control Shelter – Give A Dog A Home Event:
Chief Jones, mentioning there will be an article in Friday’s newspaper,
said that Animal Control Officer Stice held a ‘Give A Dog A Home 5K/1 Mile Run
in which there were over a hundred participants.
After expenses, over $1,600 was donated to the Animal Shelter.
Chief Jones said City Clerk Kewley took a tour of the Shelter this week.
City Clerk Kewley said, “Jessica has done a great job down there,
cleaning it out and making it nice for the animals.”
Chief Jones, “In the three and a half years Jessica has worked for us
she has successfully adopted about 387 animals; and that is an average of two
dogs she has found a home for every week for three and a half years.”
Everyone thought that was amazing.
Nuisance-Burned
Structure – 416 Miami: Mayor
Merry commented that they started cleaning up after the burnout of the house at
416 Miami. Chief Jones said he’d
talked with Rhonda Gilbert of the Coffey County Housing Authority.
She got the County Commissioners to agree to waive Landfill fees, and
Skillman Construction volunteered to remove the structure.
He said there are a couple of other houses we are working with the owners
on to see if they can get on the CCHA demolition list – if not for this
spring, then for this fall.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Boyce reported personnel have been doing normal duties,
cleaning public building and restrooms, mowing, and spraying weeds.
Last week they spent some time turning water off at the parks because of
freeze conditions. The next day they
turned the water back on.
‘Welcome
to Burlington’ Signs: Last
week, the addition was added to the north entrance to Burlington sign.
Superintendent Schneider said the ‘Welcome to Burlington’ signs are
lit up now on the north and south entrances to town.
Nuisances:
Parks personnel mowed two nuisance yards this week.
4-H
Building – Painting: The
contractor has power-washed and prepared the exterior of the 4-H Building to be
painted, but may have to wash it again after the inclement weather is over.
Hazard
Trees: They have waited
to see if some of the trees would improve and show life.
They didn’t so they had to be removed.
There will probably be quite a few more that will need to be removed due
to the drought.
Flower
Planting on Hold: Due to
the water watch, the Parks Department is waiting to plant flowers.
Conrad
Park – Lighting: Superintendent
Boyce reported having received complaints about the lighting at Conrad Park not
being adequate for kids playing at the playground after dark.
Superintendent Schneider checked the lights that were in the area, and
one more was added. Superintendent
Boyce thanked him.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-09 |
$162,990.67 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-09 |
$
73,307.54 |
|
TOTAL |
$236,298.21 |
CLAIMS
2013-09: Council Member Luke,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-09 in the amount of
$162,990.67 for payment of city bills.” Council
Member Rhodes, “Second.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley said, “We have a couple good sized items.
One item is payment to Landis+Gyr for the Automatic Meter Infrastructure
(AMI) Project, for $41,177. Another
is payment to Midland Contractors in the amount of 73,207.83 for Phase II of the
Sewer Improvement Project.” Hearing no further discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-09 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-09: Council
Member Rhodes, “I move City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-09
in the amount of $73,307.54.” Council
Member Luke, “Second.” Hearing
no further discussion, Mayor Merry
directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor
Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-09 approved.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
Training
– CDBG: Zoning Clerk
Hugunin attended the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) training in
Hutchinson.
Permits:
Several permits have been issued this week for various things, and will
be on the next council agenda.
Arbor
Day, Postponed to May 10: Due
to inclement weather, Burlington’s Arbor Day Celebration was postponed from
April 26 to May 3rd, and has been postponed again to Friday, May 10th
at 5:30 p.m. at Conrad Park at the south end of Skate Park.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Annexation of Payne
Property
Zoning Clerk Hugunin has been
working with Mike and Janet Payne to annex their property adjacent to Pioneer
Meadows. Since the property is not
in our extraterritorial jurisdiction, he prepared a resolution (Resolution
2013-06) to request the County Commissioners to determine annexation will
not hinder or prevent proper growth or development of the area.
OTHER
COUNCIL BUSINESS: Mayor’s Annual
Appointments for 2013
Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to ratify the Mayor’s Annual Appointments for
2013.” Council Member Griffith,
“Second.” Mayor Merry called
for discussion on the motion. Council
Member Scott stated, “I think this is a perfect example of leadership’s
style of arrogance and intimidation.” After
reviewing the appointment lists, Council Member Rhodes said, “I’m
disappointed. I recognize you have
the authority to make the appointments; I don’t like what you’ve done.”
Mayor Merry, “Any other
discussion?” There being none, he
called for a vote. Council
Members Griffith, Curtiss, and Luke voted in favor.
Council Members Scott and Rhodes voted against the motion.
Mayor Merry declared that by a
vote of 3:2, the motion carried.
OTHER
COUNCIL BUSINESS: Business Appreciation
Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to hold the annual Business Appreciation Picnic on
Friday, June 14, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kelley Park; and the Employee
Picnic on Monday, June 17th from 11a.m. to 1 p.m., at Kelley Park.”
Council Member Luke, “Second.” There
being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
OTHER
COUNCIL BUSINESS: Proclamation –
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day, May 11, 2013
Scott Nordstedt, Postmaster of the Burlington Post Office, requested the
Mayor proclaim May 11th to be Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day in
Burlington. Burlington residents are
encouraged to put non-perishable food items beside their mail boxes for the mail
carriers to pick up. Donations will
be delivered to God’s Storehouse. This
is a nationwide event. The
proclamation will be published.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin:
None
ORDINANCE
818, Fix City Attorney’s Compensation and Duties
Council
Member Griffith, “I move to adopt Ordinance 818, An Ordinance Establishing
Compensation for the City Attorney of the City of Burlington, Kansas; and
Updating Chapter I, Article 3, Section 1-311 of the Code of the City of
Burlington.” Council Member Luke,
“Second.” Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry directed
City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote. All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Ordinance 818
unanimously adopted by a vote of 5:0.
RESOLUTION
2013-06, Annexation of Payne Property (adjacent to The Meadows)
Council Member Curtiss, “I move
to approve Resolution No. 2013-06, A
Resolution Requesting the Board of Coffey County Commissioners of Coffey County,
Kansas, Determine that Annexation of A Certain Tract of Land Adjacent to the
City of Burlington will not Hinder or Prevent Proper Growth or Development of
that Area within Coffey County, Kansas.” Council
Member Griffith, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor
Merry called for a vote.
All votes were in favor. Mayor
Merry declared Resolution 2013-06 unanimously approved by a vote of 5:0.
RESOLUTION
2013-07, Financing the 6th Street Sidewalk Improvement Project
Mayor Merry explained, “This resolution needs passed in order to take
the money to pay for improvements out of the General Fund – in this particular
case, the City Infrastructure Fund. This
is a practice we’ve done through the years.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I move to approve Resolution No. 2013-07,
Authorizing
Funding From the City Infrastructure Fund for the 2013 6th Street
Sidewalk Improvement Project, in an Amount Not to Exceed $31,861.40.”
Council Member Griffith, “Second.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor
Merry called for a vote. All
votes were in favor. Mayor
Merry declared Resolution 2013-07 unanimously approved by a vote of 5:0.
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
None
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
General:
City Hall Staff has been busy with normal duties, calls and inquires,
customers paying utility bills, and preparing work orders, payroll, and council
meeting minutes. We have been busy
preparing ordinances and resolution and contracts and various documents and
reports.
Audit
2012: Our auditors (Mize
Houser & Company) were going to be here today, but have rescheduled to next
Thursday and Friday (May 16 and 17).
Rural
Water District #2 – Credit: This
month, we are paying our final payment on credit owed to Rural Water District #2.
Training:
City Clerk Kewley attended the Municipal Judges Conference last Sunday,
Monday, Tuesday in Wichita to get her credit hours.
KPERS
Workshop: City Clerk
Kewley and Deputy City Clerk Brown attended the Kansas Public Employees
Retirement System training workshop on April 25th in Topeka.
Bid
Opening: City Clerk
Kewley participated in the bid opening for the 2013 6th Street
Sidewalk Improvement Project this past Monday.
Sewer
Construction Meeting: City
Clerk Kewley will attend the Sewer Construction Project Meeting at 10 a.m.
tomorrow.
Training
– WebEOC: City Clerk
Kewley will attend the WebEOC training tomorrow at the courthouse at 1:30 p.m.
Business
Appreciation: The
Business Appreciation Picnic will be Friday, June 14th and the
Employee Picnic will be will be the following Monday, June 17th.
Both picnics will be at Kelley Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MAYOR’S COMMENT:
None
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS:
None
Mayor Merry declared the
meeting adjourned.
Approved
by the Governing Body and signed by Regina R. Kewley, City
Clerk
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BURLINGTON
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION APRIL 17, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday April 17, 2013.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Yes
Mayor Gene L. Merry
Council Members present:
Yes William C. Scott
(President of Council)
Yes Jane M. Griffith
Yes Lewis Lenard
Yes
R. Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes Forrest T. Rhodes
Yes Jerilyn Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes Kevin Boyce (Parks)
Yes Alan Schneider (Electric)
No Doug Jones (Chief of
Police)
Yes
Doug Mast (Street)
Yes Danny Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes
Regina Kewley (City Clerk)
No Jimmy Hugunin (Zoning
& Grants Clerk)
Yes Smith (City Attorney)
Yes
Susan Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present:
Mark Petterson, Coffey
County Republican
BOSTON MARATHON
BOMBINGS:
Council Member Scott, concerning the tee-shirt he was wearing, stated,
“I have a story. I have run the
Boston Marathon twice; and in 1998-1999 I helped Mark Barbee prepare for and
run the marathon. He brought me a
tee-shirt in honor of that. I
still have that tee-shirt, love it, and I wear it all the time and it’s
getting kind of ratty. Over spring
break my son, Jay, went to a conference at Harvard University, and I asked him
to pick me up a tee-shirt. So I have a Boston Marathon tee-shirt, which after
tonight it will probably never be seen in public because although I’ve run
there, I’m certainly not going to give anybody the impression that I was
there for this particular marathon. I
am wearing this tee-shirt tonight in honor of the people who got hurt and the
people who died. It may not mean
much to you guys, but the people who trained for that race – there were
something like 5,000 of them who did not get to finish.
You don’t just enter the Boston Marathon; you’ve got to qualify for
that. So these 5,000 people in the
calendar year before had prepared for and run a qualifying time for Boston.
I’m here to tell you as a runner that Boston means a whole heck of a
lot, and they had no chance, they were just told ‘you're done’ – you get
to mile 26 and they say you can’t finish.
I apologize, but it just seemed to all fit together, so I have my shirt
on tonight.” He thought the only
other time he might wear the shirt is if they catch the bombers.
City Attorney Smith, “Just to follow up on that, I was at Topeka all
day yesterday and there were a lot of people in Topeka that are runners and
they were wearing their Marathon shirts in commemoration of that.”
Council Member Griffith, “I think it tells how important our city –
all the people that work for our city and all the first responders, from
everything I’ve read, they have practiced and if it hadn’t been for all of
those people doing their jobs and being prepared, there would have been a lot
more deaths.” Council Member
Scott explained there is a two-block triage set up on the right hand side of
the finish line, so there were already a lot of emergency people there.
Council Member Griffith added that it was also in the middle of four of
the best hospitals in Boston.
ADMINISTER
OATHS OF OFFICE TO ELECTED OFFICIALS
1)
Jerilyn
Curtiss was administered the Oath of Office by City Clerk Kewley for City
Council Ward 1 Position 2.
2)
Jane M.
Griffith was administered the Oath of Office by City Clerk Kewley for City
Council Ward 3 Position 2.
3)
William C.
Scott was administered the Oath of Office by City Clerk Kewley for City
Council Ward 2 Position 2.
VISITORS: Samantha
Tyson, Jennifer Tanha
AGENDA: Council
Member Lenard, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Luke, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES
of April 3, 2013:
Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session
of April 3, 2013 as presented.” Council
Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution Updates
General Distribution:
Superintendent Schneider reported Electric personnel have been doing
the normal work including work orders, locates, customer service requests, and
equipment maintenance. They will
secure the barriers for the Spring Bash Demo Derby for this Saturday.
They are continuing to change out power poles and down guys that have
deteriorated to do electrolysis.
Sewer
Liftstation Replacement Project:
Electric personnel will hook up power to liftstation 4 (LS#4) next
week.
Personnel
– Training: Superintendent
Schneider said he has been working on apprenticeship modules and preparing for
testing on those.
Brush
Pickup: Brush pickup
was last week. Between the two
departments (Electric and Water), thirty-five loads of brush were picked up,
which is less than usual.
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production Update
General:
Power Plant personnel have been performing general Plant duties and
general Plant maintenance. They
have been doing reports, including the Quarterly Knox Report and the annual
Emission Inventory Class II report.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
Pump
Station Replacement Project – LS #3 & 4:
Superintendent Hawkins reported the sewer project is still going, but
they are having a delay with the rain. The
contractors did extend the sewer forced main coming out of pump station number
3 (LS#3) and ran it up to Alleghany Street.
They will punch underneath Alleghany and run it on down behind Mr. Dwight’s
house (920 Alleghany). It is
delayed due to the rain and they will come back as soon as they can and will
dress the area up after the work is done.
The Electric Department will get the power to LS#4 next week, too.
Pump
Station Replacement Project - Cleaning sewerlines:
Superintendent Hawkins reported that they started cleaning the
sewerlines this week. They will do
a quarter of the city’s sewer, so personnel will be out with the sewer
cleaning machine. He explained
that since they are coming close to the end of the Pump Station Replacement
Project, they want to make sure the pump stations we already have online are
getting ready to go offline by pumping out the wet wells.
We are trying to pull grit, sand, sewer coupons, or anything from the
project to those pump stations. Plus,
the State wants us to clean at least a quarter of the town’s sewerlines
every year. If an alleyway is wet,
we won’t get in there and rut up the alley.
They are working on that now.
Flushing
Fire Hydrants: Superintendent
Hawkins reported, “We’ve been flushing fire hydrants because we have been
having brown to red water with the cast iron lines and dead-end lines; so we
will be seen out doing that as the seasons begin to change.”
General:
Personnel have been doing normal duties, including work orders and line
locates. They helped with the
annual brush pickup.
Dodge
Truck sold: Superintendent
Hawkins reported the 2001 Dodge pickup truck was sold to Mark Hegg for the
scrap value of $500.
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Valves:
Superintendent Hawkins reported, “The Water Plant’s been running
well. We’re still working on
some projects and right now we are working on valves.
At the end of this month, the intent is to have Millers and Dezuirk
come in and work on some of those valves.”
CO2
Machine: Superintendent
Hawkins reported, “We are also working on the CO2 machine.
This is something we are excited about.
We have a booster pump that runs inside the Water Plant.
It has always been what we might call our Achilles’ Heel because if
we were to lose that, we would never have the ability to pump water; so
we’ve always had a spare on the shelf.”
We went back through the design plans, and we visited with Charles
Wheeler who deals with Tomco. If
we can – and it appears like we can, and we’re putting in the line as we
speak – we will be doing away totally with using a booster pump.
We’re going to go with the water tower elevations.
Based on the readings that we have, we’re going to be able to totally
eliminate the booster pump; so that is going to help us to where we’re no
longer going to have the ability to be down.
We are going to keep it (the booster pump) online as a precautionary
measure so if we ever get into the situation that for whatever reason we lose
tower pressure or something, we can close that valve and have the booster pump
come on. It will just be kept as a
backup; so now we will finally have a backup to a backup.
We are hoping we’ll see the electric bills come down by not having to
run that pump.”
Water Emergency Stage 1, Watch – Update:
Superintendent Hawkins
stated, “For the month of April, we pumped 7,473,000 gallons of water,
giving us a daily average of 439,588 gallons, which is obviously lower than we
have been seeing. We are coming
into our good rainy season. We are
still in a drought water watch, which is a Stage 1 water emergency.
We have attended some Local Emergency Program (LEPC) meetings with
Coffey County Emergency Management, and we’re still attending the Assurance
District meetings and keeping everybody’s height of awareness up on the
drought and everything.”
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
The Street Department has been working on some alleys around town, and
doing their normal duties.
Spring
Cleanup 2013: Superintendent
Mast reported, “We did the trash cleanup this week in less than a day and a
half, so there was not as much put out as there has been in the past.”
Council Member Scott stated, “I was asked to pass on to you that this
person really appreciated how that got done and the fact that it did get
done.” Superintendent Mast,
“I’ll pass it along.”
Street
Department Sign: Superintendent
Mast reported they have been working on a sign for the Street Department, and
it will probably be ready to put up next week.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Out of State APWA
Training
Superintendent Mast requested permission to attend the APWA’s
International Congress & Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.
He tries to go to the APWA’s convention each year if it is close
enough to drive to it. He
definitely won’t be able to drive it next year because it will be in Canada.
Council Member Curtiss stated, “I
move to approve Superintendent Mast attending
the American Public Works International Congress & Exposition in Chicago,
Illinois from August 25 through 28, 2013, with the City paying the
expenses.” Council Member
Griffith stated, “I’ll second it.” Hearing no discussion on the motion,
Mayor Merry called for a vote. Motion
unanimously carried.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Vacancy
Applications for the vacant Street Department Heavy Equipment Operator
position will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, the 19th of
April. Superintendent Mast is
hoping more applications will come in, and commented that we’re not getting
many, possibly due to the Wolf Creek outage.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: None
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Boyce reported personnel have been doing normal duties,
cleaning public building and restrooms, and attended the KMU safety training..
They started mowing last week and have been spraying weeds.
All of the public restrooms are open now; water is on at the RV camping
spots and RV dumping stations. Parks
personnel also helped with the Spring Cleanup picking up trash/junk.
Mayor Merry thanked all the Water, Sewer, Electric, Street, and Parks
personnel for participating in the city-wide cleanup of brush and junk.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-08 |
$310,865.77 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-08 |
$
68,238.69 |
|
TOTAL |
$379,104.46 |
CLAIMS
2013-08: Council Member Scott,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-08 in the amount
of $310,865.77 for payment of city bills.” Council
Member Lenard, “Second.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley said half of that amount, $162,037.10, would be for the Kansas
Power Pool.” Hearing
no further discussion, Mayor Merry
directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-08 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-08: Council
Member Scott, “I move City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-08
in the amount of $68,238.69.” Council
Member Rhodes, “Second.” Hearing
no further discussion, Mayor Merry
directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor
Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-08 approved.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
City Clerk Kewley informed Council that Zoning Clerk Hugunin is
attending a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) class in Hutchinson today
and tomorrow. She provided his
report.
Annexation – Payne Property:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin has been working with Mike and Janet Payne to
annex their property adjacent to Pioneer Meadows.
Since the property is not in our extraterritorial jurisdiction, he is
preparing a resolution to the Coffey County Commissioners to request the
annexation.
Website
Update: The City’s
new website should be up and running in two to three weeks.
City Clerk Kewley got an email today verifying that our request to the
federal government for the City to have a .gov domain has been approved.
City
Code Update by LKM: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin has been working with the Nichole Proulx Aiken of the League of
Kansas Municipalities on getting our City Code recodified.
They are running behind, but have hired several employees, which will
help expedite the process.
Arbor
Day, April 26: This
year’s Arbor Day Celebration will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Conrad
Park. Mayor Merry signed the Arbor
Day Proclamation, which will be published.
Pizza
Hut Relocation: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin talked with Joe Waugh of Confederate Buildings, Inc., who said
Pizza Hut will be moving to the vacant lots to the west of their current
location. He will be sending a new
site plan.
Riverbank
Fill Permit: In
conjunction with the 6th Street Sidewalk, a U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Riverbank Fill Permit for dumping clean concrete behind the Water
Plant has been submitted.
OTHER
COUNCIL BUSINESS:
Coffey County Economic Development:
The City received an invitation to the 17th Annual
Elected Official Networking Breakfast on April 24. Mayor
Merry will be making some comments at the event.
Election
Results: The City
received the Coffey County Clerks Official Results of the April 2nd
General Election.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin:
2013-009
Joyce Whinery, 1007 Potomac for a shed
2013-010
Michael Abendroth, 1008 Merrimac, for a garage
2013-011
Ron Hoover, 1325 Penobscot, for a fence
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
Municipal
Court: City
Attorney Smith’s retirement is coming up quickly.
He attended his last session of Municipal Court last week, and he said
tonight is the last session of City Council as our City Attorney.
Mayor Merry thanked him and said we would be having an open house
reception for him in May.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
General:
City Hall Staff has been busy with normal duties, calls and inquires,
preparing meter readers for the meter reading, and preparing work orders,
payroll, and council meeting minutes.
Financials:
The first quarter financials were distributed to the Governing Body.
LEPC:
City Clerk Kewley attended the Wednesday, April 10th Local
Emergency Planning Committee meeting.
Budget
for 2014: Next month,
City Clerk Kewley will be working with the Superintendents on their line items
for the 2014 Budget preparation.
KPERS
Workshop: City Clerk
Kewley and Deputy City Clerk Brown will be attending a Kansas Public Employees
Retirement System training workshop next Thursday, April 25th in
Topeka.
Audit
2012: Our auditors
(Mize Houser & Company) will be here May 6th and 7th,
and will be working at the council table.
City
Attorney Smith’s Retirement Reception:
City Clerk Kewley announced that we will be having a Retirement
Reception for Steve from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the 22nd of May;
and Steve was okay with that date and time.
MAYOR’S COMMENT:
None
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS:
None
Approved
by the Governing Body and signed by Regina R. Kewley, City
Clerk
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BURLINGTON
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION APRIL 3, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday April 3, 2013.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Yes
Mayor Gene L.
Merry
Council Members present:
Yes William
C. Scott (President of Council)
Yes Jane
M. Griffith
Yes Lewis
Lenard
Yes R.
Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes Forrest
T. Rhodes
Yes Jerilyn
Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes
Kevin Boyce
(Parks) Yes
Alan Schneider
(Electric) Yes
Doug Jones
(Chief of Police)
Yes Doug Mast
(Street) Yes Danny
Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes Regina
Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes Jimmy
Hugunin (Zoning & Grants Clerk)
Yes Stephen
Smith (City Attorney)
Yes Susan
Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present:
Mark Petterson, Coffey
County Republican
VISITORS: Bill
Stutesman, Martha Newkirk, Sherri O’Keefe, Bobbi Gellhaus, Thyra Davis, John
Evans
AGENDA: Council
Member Rhodes, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Luke, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES
of March 20, 2013:
Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session
of March 20, 2013 as presented.” Council
Member Griffith. “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES
of March 28, 2013:
Council
Member Luke, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session of
March 28, 2013 as presented.” Council
Member Scott. “I second the motion.” Motion
unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT: Martha Newkirk
Martha Newkirk addressed Council, “We are representatives of the Cancer
Support Group. We have fifty members
and we average about thirty-five to forty-members at our meeting every month.
So, it’s a big group within Coffey County, and we have cancer survivors
and care givers represented here tonight. The
reason I am here is because I want to thank the City for waiving the fees for
the 4-H Building for our soup luncheon we had on the 2nd Tuesday in
March. We’re hoping to have that
be an annual event. I also want to
recognize Kevin Boyce because he went to great lengths to make sure the
electrical in the 4-H Building could support 17 roasting cookers and 47
crockpots.” She said it was great
to have a large building to host the luncheon, and people felt comfortable to
sit and visit. The luncheon raised
gross over $4,000; and every dollar of that goes to local people.
After expressing appreciation one more time, Mrs. Newkirk, Sherri
O’Keefe, Bobbi Gellhaus, Thyra Davis, and John Evans departed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution Updates
General Distribution:
Superintendent Schneider reported that since last meeting, Electric
personnel have been doing checks of the hardware and electric connections of the
distribution system and fixing any issues. They
did the annual audit of the pole attachments that CenturyLink and Mediacom have
attached to our structures. Personnel
also worked customer requests and did other normal duties.
Automated
Meter Infrastructure System: Superintendent
Schneider participated in a conference call with the AMI Project Manager on
progress and question.
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production Update
General:
Power Plant personnel have been performing general Plant duties and
attended training. They have been
doing end of month reports and quarterly emission reports for KDHE.
Oil filters on one of the generators were changed.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
6th
Street Sidewalk Improvement Project – Tree removal:
The Water Department personnel finished moving all the water meters for
the sidewalk project on 6th Street.
General:
Personnel have been hauling sludge from the old sewer lagoon out
to the Coffey County Landfill. They
have been doing their normal duties: re-reading meters, doing work orders, doing
line locates, etc.
Sewer
Improvement Project – Inspection:
Superintendent Hawkins reported that the Water Department has been
inspecting alleyways and manhole areas around town from the sewer project.
Any major things they’ve been trying to take care of; but Larry
Williams, Bartlett & West, will visit with contractors with a walkthrough,
too, because we have a two-year warranty with the contractor.
Larry Williams and Andy Wright (Bartlett & West) will be walking the
streets and alleys along with the contractors.
Superintendent Hawkins said, “We just want to be proactive.”
Sewer
Progress Meeting-Pump Station Replacement Project:
Superintendent Hawkins reported the progress meeting on the sewer project
was this morning at the Water Plant. Midland
Contractors had been slow because they had a few concerns with their
subcontractors, so they will be doing a lot of the work themselves.
They were doing a bypass on LS#6; and will be doing backfill around LS#3.
They also finished a 70’ bore underneath 10th Street; and
they did get the tie-in done on it, so it is completed.
Rigid
Camera:
Superintendent Hawkins reported that they now have a new Rigid camera
that was discussed at the council meeting on the 20th of February.
The camera can be used in lines down to almost an inch in circumference.
He said they wanted to be sure they could get it into just about any
tight spot they needed to view. The
longest extension they could get was 325 feet.
The camera is self-setting, so once it is in, it doesn’t matter whether
it’s moving because it’s always self-leveling.
Superintendent Hawkins explained, “It was a good deal.
Three bids came in on it. We
went with Rusty Smart of Reeves-Wiedeman Company in Emporia.
He’s one of our local vendors. The
best part was, they had a spring sale that if you bought a camera, you got a new
locator which is worth $1,500; so we’ve got another locator.
The best part was, we already had the Rigid locator when Doug got me on
the Kansas Surplus. We went up and
bought one for $120 and the Rigid guy said ‘do you already have a Rigid, these
are normally $2,000, and I said, ‘Well shoot, we’ll just go buy them at
Kansas Surplus for $120.’ That
didn’t make him very happy. We did
get a few attachments with it; that was a good thing.”
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Plant - TOCs:
Superintendent Hawkins reported, “The Water Plant’s been running
well. With the rains coming, we did
see a slight drop in the TOCs (Total Organic Compounds), but they didn’t hold.
So, the chemical usage is still up on that.
We are glad to see the rain come.”
Rapid
Mix: Personnel cleaned
out the rapid mix reactor basin. It’s
normal maintenance to clean out the calcium from the blades and walls.
Water Emergency Stage 1, Watch – Update:
Superintendent Hawkins
stated, “For the month of March, we pumped 15,905,000 gallons of water, giving
us a daily average of 513,064 gallons. That’s
very good. I want to thank the
public and everybody. I know it’s
the time of year when we don’t normally use a lot of water, but people are
still being very aware of the drought conditions.
We are still in a Water Watch; it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods
yet. We’re still attending
meetings and being active attending the Assurancy District meetings and Coffey
County Emergency Perparedness, and visiting with them.
Hopefully, the rains will keep coming and we’ll be out of drought
shortly.”
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: Trucks
for Sale by Sealed Bid (Water Dept.: Dodge; Street: Chevrolet)
Bid Received for Water
Department 2001 Dodge,
2500 Series 3/4 Ton V-10:
1)
Bill Stutesman’s bid of $101.00
was the only bid received.
Bids Received for the Street
Department’s 1988 Chevrolet 2500 Series ¾ ton:
1)
Bill Stutesman’s bid of $399.00
2) Harold Reiling’s bid of $149.00.
Accept
Bids as Bona Fide:
Council
Member Lenard, “I move to accept the bids presented for both trucks as bona
fide.” Council Member Curtiss,
“Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Hawkins said he visited with the Water Committee
concerning the bid for the pickup truck. Basically,
we want to accept the bid of $399.00 on the Chevy pickup truck; and rejecting
the bid of $101.00 for the 2001 Dodge pickup truck, and to sell it for scrap
metal price.
Street Department’s 1988 Chevrolet:
Council
Member Luke stated, “I move
to accept Bill Stutesman’s bid of $399.00 for the 1988 Chevrolet 2500 Series
¾ ton pickup truck.” Council
Member Rhodes, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Water Department’s 2001 Dodge:
Council Member Lenard recommended that he would like to leave an open
period of about two weeks prior to the Dodge being taken to recycling to get an
amount equal to recycling value and if we get an offer that we accept it;
otherwise we will take the truck to recycling.
Superintendent Hawkins thought that would be great because if somebody is
interested and comes in and pays the scrap value, it would save us having to
drain the fluids, etc. for recycling.
Attorney Smith advised to put in the motion that it would be at the
discretion of the superintendent.
Council
Member Luke stated, “I move to reject the bid of $101.00 for the 2001 Dodge
pickup truck on the basis it is not in the best interest of the City.”
Council Member Lenard, “Second.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Attorney Smith advised making a motion to dispose of the truck as scrap
with the contingency discussed.
Council
Member Lenard, “I move to authorize Superintendent Hawkins to dispose of the
2001 Dodge pickup truck as scrap if after two-weeks time, no one has purchased
it at an amount equal to what it would sell for if recycled.”
Council Member Rhodes, “Second.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: Bureau of
Water Protection – Sewer System Construction Alternatives
Council Member Lenard stated, “The Water Committee hasn’t discussed
this document, but I wanted to get it to everybody that there are some potential
alternatives to some of our challenges with sewer.
You can look at that, and sometime when we get together with the
Committee, we can discuss this.”
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Mast stated, “We hope we’ve worked our last snow of
the year. We’ve been getting some
late snow. We finished the
barricades we’ve been working on.”
Shop
Storage Building: Superintendent
Mast reported they finished constructing the storage building.
It cost $4,350.63 to put the building up, which he thought was pretty
good for a 30’x60’ building. He
stated, “The guys did a real good job of putting it up; and I appreciate all
the help from the other departments. I
think we got different equipment from the Electric Department and the Water
Department to help us out while we were putting it up.
It turned out really good, so I think that was a good deal for the City.
I told the guys I thought they did a great job there.”
Street
work: Street personnel
have been working on some of the gravel streets in town, trying to get those
bladed and adding a little rock to a few of them.
They have also been doing some patching around town.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Vacancy – Advertise
for a Heavy Equipment Operator
Superintendent Mast requested permission to continue advertising and
accepting applications for a Heavy Equipment Operator though Friday, April 19.
Council
Member Curtiss stated, “I
move to approve the Street Superintendent to continue advertising for a Heavy
Equipment Operator through April 19, 2013.”
Council Member Scott, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Chief Jones reported it has been normal calls and they have been staying
busy.
Spring
Demolition Derby: Chief
Jones, “We’ve been asked to have officers at the Spring Demo Derby on
Saturday, April 20.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Boyce reported personnel have been doing snow and ice
removal. They have been doing some
tree trimming and removed a hazard tree below the RV spots at the City Dam.
They did maintenance on equipment and got the mowers out and ready to
use.
Seasonal
Restrooms: Superintendent
Boyce said they started opening seasonal restrooms yesterday.
The City Dam/Drake Park restrooms are open and the RV spots, too.
The restroom by the playground in Kelley Park is opened up now.
Tomorrow they will be working on the Stadium and livestock barns in
Kelley Park and the restrooms at Jones Park.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-07 |
$310,946.71 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-07 |
$
72,256.73 |
|
TOTAL |
$383,203.44 |
CLAIMS
2013-07: Council Member Scott,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-07 in the amount of
$310,946.71 for payment of city bills.”
Council Member Rhodes “I second the motion.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley explained, “We are paying for the 2013 Ford truck.
One of the big items is the insurance policy through EMC, which is
$168,017.00. We do have an increase
on our policy for the year, but we have added five new vehicles this year.
Our Workman’s Compensation MOD did go down.
It was 9.4 last year, and now it’s 8.1.
I think we’ve been so safety oriented; and with the way we have it set
up with the Medical Center, we really have a good policy set up for all of our
Work Comp claims. Also, we have also
received in the last five years, $80,196.24 back in a dividend check for
participating in our safety program that we are involved in with Kansas
Municipal Utilities (KMU). That has
really saved us through safety. That’s the big ticket tonight.”
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-07 unanimously approved. Council
Member Lenard commented to City Clerk Kewley, “You mentioned the modification
(MOD) going from 9.4 to 8.1. That’s
phenomenal. The Superintendents
ought to take a lot of pride in that because that’s huge for our insurance.
City Clerk Kewley, “Yes, it really worked out well because we have a
process, when they call into the office, we set the appointment with our
doctors, and if there’s any deductible we’ll pay it if it’s something
minimal and then we’ll file a claim if it’s necessary.
So that way, working with the Medical Center really helped us keep our
claims way down.”
PAYROLL 2013-07: Council
Member Scott, “I move City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-07
in the amount of $72,256.73.” Council
Member Luke, “I second the motion.” Hearing no discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-07 approved.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
Spring Cleanup:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin said everything is in place for the Spring Cleanup
week. Republic Waste will be
providing one truck and possibly two personnel to help our crews.
Website
Update: The federal
government is getting everything processed for our .gov url.
They need two dns server names, which Scott with IM Design will take care
of. After that, it shouldn’t be
long before the city’s new website is up and running.
Tree Board – Tree City USA:
Parks Superintendent Boyce and Zoning Clerk Hugunin attended the Tree City USA
Recognition Ceremony in Derby on the 28th of March..
Burlington has been a Tree City USA for twenty years in succession; and
in commemoration of the twenty years, we received a glass plaque, a new flag
which Kevin has flying, and new signs to put up on the outskirts of the city.
Industrial Park #3 Lots: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin has been talking with a couple of people who are interested in
buying some lots in Industrial Park #3.
Riverbank
Fill Permit: The fill
permit for the area behind the Water Plant is still being worked on.
Grant
Writing Training: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin will be attending training on grant writing on the 17th
and 18th of April in Hutchinson.
OTHER
COUNCIL BUSINESS: KMEA Director #1
Appointment
Council Member Luke, “I move to re-appoint Alan Schneider as Director
#1 of the Kansas Municipalities Energy Agency.”
Council Member Scott, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning
Clerk Hugunin:
2013-007
Michael Abendroth, 1025 Cumberland St., for a single family residence
2013-008
Gary Otta, 406 Jason St., for a storage shed
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
Municipal
Court: City
Attorney Smith reported, “Not much has changed since last time.
We are phasing out/processing the outage (Wolf Creek).
Fines collected are up and a lot of people want to pay their ticket(s)
before they leave town. Other than that, it’s been a quiet outage.”
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
Utility
Billing and CCR/WQR – Mailing:
City Hall personnel have been doing normal duties.
The bills were mailed for the month, and customers are already paying
their bills.
Sewer
Charge Calculations: City
Clerk Kewley explained that in the month of April, we will be recalculating for
the new sewer charges, which will be on the next utility bill.
The customer’s average for water usage for December, January, and
February will be used to adjust their sewage charge for the coming year.
Delinquent
Utility Accounts: City
Clerk Kewley reported, “This month we are going to send $628.06 of delinquent
utility accounts to the Kansas Setoff Program.”
Audit
for 2012: Auditors will
be here May 6th and 7th to start on the City’s 2012
Audit.
Sewer
Construction Meeting: City
Clerk Kewley attended the sewer meeting today.
Water
Assurance Meeting: City
Clerk Kewley will attend the Water Assurance Meeting at the Library tomorrow at
1:00 p.m.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Personnel
Evaluations – Executive Sessions
Prior to the Executive Session, Mayor Merry said the supervisors could
leave for the night if they would like to.
Council
Member Curtiss stated, “I move to enter into an Executive Session for
Personnel Matters for five minutes, with Personnel Officer Kewley and City
Attorney Smith.” Council Member
Lenard, “Second.” Hearing no
discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Council entered the Executive Session at 6:25 and exited at 6:31 p.m.
Council
Member Curtiss stated, “I move to increase Kevin Boyce’s salary after a
market adjustment of 2% to a total of $22.81 per hour, effective April 6,
2013.” Council Member Scott, “I
will second that.” Hearing no
discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Council entered the Executive Session at 7:07 p.m. and exited at 7:37
p.m.
MAYOR’S COMMENT:
Budget 2013
City Clerk Kewley referred to a
letter dated April 1, 2013 from the Coffey County Clerk Angie Kirchner, which
stated, ‘Due to an error in valuation for Burlington City’s Budget for 2013,
the levy calculations exceed the requested budget amount.
After consulting with our Auditor, we will need to make adjustments for
the surplus amounts in the following funds:
General Fund $15,959.88; Bond & Interest $3,188.78; Cemetery $350.77;
Special Liability $79.72; Total $19,579.15.
These amounts will be deducted from the May 2013 distribution.
The County Clerk’s Office will create a separate fund for the
Treasurer’s Office to deposit the excess amounts into to hold until 2014.
When the new budget for Burlington City is finalized for 2014, these
amounts will be returned to their respective funds and the 2014 levies adjusted
accordingly. The County Clerk’s
Office will create a journal entry to move these amounts into a temporary
holding fund.’
City Clerk Kewley stated, “It was brought up in the Finance Meeting and
had to do with our pre-evaluation on our Budget.
When I did get back my certified Budget 2013, it was down by about
$500,000. I called the County Clerk
about it, and she checked into what had happened.
They had filed it with the State with the incorrect appraised valuation,
so we were paying more tax on our property values.
They got their auditors involved, and the way they are going to remedy
that is that they will have to collect it because they’ve already filed with
the State; they will put that money in a holding
account;
and in 2014, they will adjust it back to the City.
This notice came in today and I think it is the one they sent to the
County Treasurer and received a City of Burlington was courtesy copy.
If anybody asks, the mil levy is higher on the bills than it should be
– by about a mil. We’re going to
get back $19,579.15, they’re just paying it early – they’re holding the
money.” Mayor Merry, “Actually
holding the money, they’re earning the interest on it.”
City Clerk Kewley said, “It’s the perception of the citizens thinking
our mil levy is that high, when it’s not.”
Mayor Merry, “I didn’t think they were ever going to send a letter to
admit it was their mistake and it wasn’t on our end.”
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS:
Boy Scouts
Council Member Lenard announced
that Ken Roney’s benefit will be on Saturday night, April 6, around 6 p.m. at
the 4-H Building. The Boy Scouts
will help with it. There will be a
dinner, silent auction, a live auction, and dance.
Also, the Boy Scouts have set the date on May4th for their annual fund
raiser at the American Legion.
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS:
Attorney Smith’s Retirement
Council Member Griffith asked if we are planning to do anything for
Stephen Smith’s retirement. City
Clerk Kewley said the Mayor has been talking about having a reception for him.
Mayor Merry, “Have a reception here.
We are thinking about a full-page (in the Coffey County Republican) with
proclamation in the center and several comments surrounding it.
We have several, including the County Attorney, who want to be involved
with a comment.” Council Member
Griffith commented about her brother’s retirement.
It will probably be in May.” Council
Member Rhodes thought maybe it would be better to hold a reception at the
Country Club than at City Hall.
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS:
Andy & Lisa Williams
Council Member Rhodes, “I hope somebody – the bank or somewhere– is going to set something up for Andy and Lisa. He is getting brain surgery.” Council Member Lenard said there is something at the Club. Council Member Curtiss said the Ministerial Association they’re doing some kind of a fundraiser, and they’re holding it out at the Club.
Mayor Merry declared the
meeting adjourned.
Approved
by the Governing Body and signed by Regina R. Kewley, City Clerk
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BURLINGTON
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION MARCH 20, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday March 20, 2013.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Mayor Gene L. Merry
Council Members present:
Yes William
C. Scott (President of Council)
Yes Jane
M. Griffith
Yes Lewis
Lenard
Yes R.
Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes
Forrest T. Rhodes
Yes
Jerilyn Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes
Kevin Boyce (Parks) Yes
Alan Schneider (Electric) Yes
Doug Jones (Chief of Police)
Yes Doug Mast
(Street) Yes
Danny Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes
Regina Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes
Jimmy Hugunin (Zoning & Grants Clerk)
Yes
Stephen Smith (City Attorney)
Yes Susan
Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present: Mark
Petterson, Coffey County Republican
VISITORS: Harry
Huff, Shalena Rohrer, Doug Stewart, Jacy Lenard, Madison Stewart, Brenda Bluma,
Makayla Cole, Kameron Cole, Pamela O’Connor, Merlin Kaufman, Rhonda Gilman,
David Gilman, Anita Kirchner, Summer Kirchner, Jacquelyn O’Connor, Breana
Bluma and two other persons who came after meeting started.
AGENDA: Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Griffith, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES:
Council
Member Luke, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session of
March 5, 2013 as amended.” Council
Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Motion
unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT: BHS Lady Cats Recognition
- Proclamation
Mayor Merry invited Doug Stewart, Coach of the BHS Lady Cats Basketball
Team, to come to the front of the council tables; and at his request, he also
invited the team to come forward. Coach
Stewart explained that some of the girls could not attend because they were away
on spring break and some were in Costa Rica on vacation.
Mayor Merry had given each of the Lady Cats and the Coach the
Proclamation at a function last week. The
week of March 13 through 20 was proclaimed as Burlington High School Lady Cats
Week in recognition of the BHS Lady Cats’ winning the 3A State Basketball
Tournament Championship title. Mayor
Merry presented Coach Stewart and the Lady Cats with a framed Proclamation.
Coach Stewart was congratulated for their success; and Coach Stewart was
congratulated for being chosen Coach Of The Year.
There were several rounds of applause and pictures were taken.
Mayor Merry commented that if it hadn’t been for Salli Stewart putting
a lot of things together, it may not have happened.
There was another round of applause as the team left City Hall.
Mayor Merry stated, “I want to publicly thank Sue (Administrative
Assistant Susan Stroh) for doing all the work on the Proclamation.
There was a lot of research in doing that. Thank you for doing what you
did... I appreciate it.”
Ms. Stroh, “You’re welcome.” City
Clerk Kewley mentioned it will be in the newspaper either on Friday or Tuesday.
APPOINTMENT: Harry Huff – CDBG Loan
for Huff’s Gardens
On January 16th, council approved
Harry Huff’s request to allow Huff’s Gardens, Inc. to pay the
interest on their Revolving Loan (CDBG 2008) on January 17, and to grant an
extension on the loan until April 15, 2013.
Tonight Mr. Huff distributed a statement to the Council, and stated,
“In January I met with you and asked for an extension, and since that time the
situations have resolved themselves, and I am now coming to you asking for an
extension on the principal payment for 2013.
We would be happy to pay the interest that is due, and ask for an
extension so that we just roll over that principal payment to the end.
I would start in 2014 to make principal payments again.”
Mayor Merry, “So it would be 2014, 2015, and 2016 that the principal
payment would be $5,000 each.” Mr.
Huff asked City Clerk Kewley if the payment date is the 7th of July.
She said, “Actually, August 7th, but you can come a month
early if you want to.” He offered
to visit at his greenhouse with anyone who has questions.
Huff’s Gardens has been open this season for almost three weeks.
They are going to start several new programs this year.
They will continue for the third year helping ECKAN by giving away free
vegetables to those who are vested through ECKAN.
They will try to establish a place for nursery containers to be returned
to be recycled; and will promote plants in the community.
Mr. Huff, referring to his distributed statement, said he referred to the
number of persons employed by Huff’s Gardens and mentioned he tries to do
business with local merchants.
Council
Member Scott, “I move to accept Harry Huff’s request for an extension on the
CDBG loan for Huff’s Gardens and allow him to pay interest only on the loan
for 2013, and to resume payments of principal in 2014, with a payment of $5,000
being due on August 7 of 2014, 2015, and 2016.”
Council Member Lenard, “Second.”
There being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a
vote. Motion
unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT: Shalena Rohrer – Relay
for Life on May 3, 2013 - Banners
Shalena Rohrer addressed Council, “This year we are going to have Relay
for Life at the High School track. We
are going to have concessions and laser tag.
A photographer is going to be there.
We have moved it to inside on the track, which is something we haven’t
done for several years; so we’re hoping that will pick up the attendance.
This year, we are also making a banner that will go overhead across
Highway 75; and my co-chair, Jen Plummer, has already checked with KDOT to make
sure we can hang it across the highway. They
said as long as our ‘home plate, which is you guys, approve it we can hang it.
It is just going to say ‘Relay For Life is Friday’, leave the date
open and hang it the week before the event.
Another thing I need to check is to make sure about is the city’s logo
(on the tee shirt). Last year you
had underneath the logo ‘In Honor of Jay Szambecki’.
Do you still want it in honor of Jay Szambecki or just the logo
itself?” City Clerk Kewley stated,
“I talked to Jen. We’re going to
leave Jay on it.” Ms. Rohrer,
“Okay.”
Ms. Rohrer continued, “I’m supposed to pick up a check too.”
City Clerk Kewley, “Yes, tomorrow.
I told Jen to come in tomorrow.” Ms.
Rohrer said the banner will be hung across the highway north of Dairy Queen
where the Wild Blue BBQ banner has been hung.
She said, “Jen talked to Alan Schneider.”
City Clerk Kewley, “When Jen gets that permit from KDOT, have her bring
it in so I can sign it. It will
require that.” Ms. Rohrer,
“Okay.”
Superintendent Schneider said, “It’s kind of a joint-use thing, so I
did get with Lyon-Coffey Electric Coop on it; and of course, they were perfectly
happy to do so. Like I told Ms.
Plummer on the phone, when you get it in and get ready to hang it, just get with
me and we’ll assist in getting it done.”
Ms. Rohrer, “We’ll probably do it the Monday of the last week before
May.”
Council Member Griffith, “With the understanding that Relay For Life
has permission from KDOT and Lyon-Coffey Electric Cooperative to hang a banner
across Highway 75 north of the Dairy Queen, I move we approve Ms. Rohrer’s
request to hang the banner the week prior to the event.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.” There
being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution Updates
General Distribution:
Electric personnel have been doing normal duties, work orders, and line
locates. They have been trimming
trees and getting rid of volunteers before they grow and become problems.
Superintendent Schneider has been meeting with customers as needed.
6th
Street Sidewalk Improvement Project – Tree removal:
The Electric Department helped the Street Department the other day remove
some trees in preparation for the 6th Street Sidewalk Improvement
Project.
Pump
Station Replacement Project: Superintendent
Schneider met with Larry Williams, Bartlett & West engineer, about the sewer
extension that is going in to the Street Department where the new liftstation is
going. He had concerns about the
powerlines and we worked out a solution for that.
AMI System:
Some meters were programmed for the AMI System.
Superintendent Schneider stated, “I’m going to steal Danny’s
thunder. We got a sneak peak at the
new GIS Mapping System that Bartlett & West is building.
It’s amazing. They have done a tremendous job.
He stated that Blake Flannigan said this is the first one like it
they’ve done; and that Kansas City , Lawrence, or Topeka don’t have the
system that we’re going to have.”
.ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production Update
Control
Panel Replacement Project - Corrections:
Superintendent Schneider reported Mid States Energy is here correcting a
few issues we have with the control panels.
We knew this was going to come up and since it was part of the original
project, it is not creating any budget concerns.
Mid States is tweaking the software.
General:
Power Plant personnel have been performing general Plant duties.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
Sewer
Pump Station Replacement Project: Superintendent
Hawkins reported the project is moving along a little faster now.
More crews are coming onsite, and over the next sixty to ninety days,
we’ll be seeing more and more of them. Weather
depending, Charlene Marlow with Midland Contractors will possibly be passing out
road closure notices with her contact information.
Road closings include from 14th and Neosho through 14th
and Hudson, and from 13th to 15th Street on Hudson Street.
Superintendent Hawkins explained that we want to make sure the public
will be able to get into their driveways. If
the public has any concerns, they can call her or call the Water Plant.
The contractors did complete a bore underneath 10th Street
today. The project is still ahead of
schedule and going well.
Superintendent Hawkins said they have been helping Bartlett & West
with Liftstation #1. They took a 90
off the inlet line that goes down into the wet well.
During the rehab of the liftstation, some corrosion was found on the
piping in there and there was concern we would need to go back in.
They have been trying to do the work themselves rather than hire a
contractor to come in; and will hopefully save the city several thousands of
dollars down the road as far as us being able to do it for them (Bartlett &
West).
At the Pump Station on 12th Road by the Country Club, city
personnel have been raising the manholes that are out in the field because when
the pump station maintenance was done there was mud in it from farmers going
over the top of the manholes. The
manholes are being brought up to ground level, and barricades are being put
around them to keep the farmers from getting soil into the mains.
General:
Superintendent Hawkins reported personnel have been installing water
services, reading meters, doing locates and work orders, and regular duties; and
attended safety training. He
finished the personnel evaluations.
6th
Street Sidewalk Improvement Project – Tree removal:
The Water Department got the Kansas One Call line locates called in for
doing two of the water meters for the sidewalk project on 6th Street;
so we should be able to start on them and have them in - weather depending –
by this Friday.
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Water Emergency Stage 2, Water Warning Ended – Stage I Water Watch
Declared:
Superintendent Hawkins stated, “We have great news today – we are no
longer in the Water Warning! I
visited with the Department of Agriculture this morning.
The assurance side – the Chief Engineer saw desirable amounts of water
for fourteen consecutive days at Parsons. The
water flow that’s coming in is good and met all the criteria of our assurancy
water, so they are not having to release assurancy water for us, which is a good
sign. I asked if that was the
official word that we’d be out of the Warning.
Of course, that wasn’t what they told me; so we contacted Galen Biery
with CNRBWAD Water District #3, and they were waiting on the Kansas Water Office
(KWO) to give the official okay. Later
in the afternoon, Toby from the Iola Water Plant called me because he is on the
Board and said, ‘Guess what, you guys are out of the Water Warning.’
It was good news, but we still want to encourage the public to be
conservative on the water because it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods
yet. Everybody is doing a good job
of conserving. We do want to keep
everybody up to date. [CNRBWAD
is Cottonwood Neosho River Basin Water Assurance District #3.]
Water
Plant Production: For
the month of March, the Water Plant pumped 9.958,000 gallons of water, giving us
a daily average of 524,105 gallons. The
weather forecast is calling for a 70% chance of ice/rain for Thursday,
a 30% chance on Friday for rain, a 70% chance on Saturday for snow, and a
20% chance on Sunday for rain.
Other:
Mayor Merry asked, “As much work as we’ve done in the alleys and now
we have snow sitting on top of there, have we had a lot of settling?”
Superintendent Hawkins, “We’ve had two calls that we are going to
address. We’ve got some areas that
we had some digs, too, on water lines and stuff; and we need to go in and do
what we can to fill them in.” Mayor
Merry, “Is any of that in a warranty basis?”
Superintendent Hawkins, “Some can and some can’t.
If it’s a minor issue we fix it ourselves; but we do have a two-year
warranty contract on all sewerline work. If
it’s a major issue, something that can cause maybe losing a truck, we go out
immediately and fix it. It’s just
a case by case scenario.”
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
Training:
Superintendent Mast informed Council, “I sent the crew to Vance
Brothers on the 6th of March for an asphalt seminar, and they all
said they thought it was a great seminar.”
General:
Street personnel have been working on the shop building, patching
potholes, cut down a hazard tree, and did some sweeping of curb and gutter.
6th
Street Sidewalk Improvements Project:
Street personnel, with the help of the Electric Department, took down
some trees in coordination with preparing for the 6th Street Sidewalk
Project. He thanked the Electric
Department for their help.
Work
Hours: Although they
usually change to the summer work schedule of four ten-hour days with the time
change, the Street Department won’t start the summer schedule until the first
of April this year. He explained
that due to the end of March snows, he extended their winter work schedule.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: 6th Street
Sidewalk Improvements Project
Superintendent Mast requested permission to go out for bids for the 6th
Street Sidewalk Improvements Project. He
mentioned that after the bids are opened, they will be presented to Council, as
will a resolution. Council Member Curtiss stated,
“I move to authorize the Street Superintendent to go out for bids for the 2013
6th Street Sidewalk Improvement Project.”
Council Member Griffith, “Second.”
Mayor Merry called for discussion.
Council Member Luke asked, “Is this for all the work?”
Superintendent Mast, “Yes, this will be from Alleghany Street down
south to where Kevin (Parks Superintendent Boyce) did the prior sidewalk
project.” Council Member Luke
asked if all the work would be done by outside labor forces, not by the Street
Department labor forces. Superintendent
Mast replied, “We will be trying to do some of the work ourselves as far as
removing the old sidewalk. We will
try to take that out ahead of the contractors and utilize that for riprap at
Kelley Park where Kevin has a Corps of Engineers /Wildlife & Parks Permit
for riverbank stabilization, so we’ll dump the cement there.
We’re trying to save a little money and will work with the contractor
and will remove as much of the sidewalk as they want us to ahead of time –
without causing a lot of problems and trip hazards.
Hearing no further discussion on
the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote. Motion
unanimously carried.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Chief Jones reported it has been normal calls and they have been staying
busy. They assisted with the parade
last week for the BHS State Champions by providing traffic control.
Personnel:
Police Officer Brandi Charlton returned to work from her maternity leave
on the 9th of March.
Animal
Control Facility – Euthanasia Chamber:
Chief Jones reported, “Our State animal shelter inspector has informed
Jessica Stice (Animal Control Officer) that the State of Kansas intends to ban
the use of euthanasia gas chambers, such as the one we have at the Animal
Shelter, starting next year. We
purchased the chamber about twelve years ago for around $5,000.
I brought this up to the Committee (Police) and the consensus was to see
if we could recover anything out of it. It
may end up with us trying to recoup the metal price out of it; but we may be
able to find an agency in another state that is interested in purchasing it.
Trying to find a new home for the euthanasia chamber will be one of
Jessica’s projects for a while. It’s
really not going to be a hardship for us to lose that particular asset.
Jessica has moved the Animal Shelter pretty firmly into the no kill
facility camp, and we’ve only used that euthanasia chamber once in the last
four years.”
Council Member Rhodes inquired what the State is planning to do.
Chief Jones stated, “Apparently, the general feeling is the use of a
carbon monoxide chamber to euthanize animals is inhumane; so in the event that
we do have to put one down, we would have to take it to the veterinarian and
have it done. We’ve had to put
down only two animals since Jessica came to work for the City.
One had a medical condition and we had no choice.”
Mayor Merry asked how much
space
it takes up. Chief Jones explained,
“The chamber itself is in about a ten-foot by ten-foot room that has to have a
separate lock on it. The gas chamber
is probably about 6’x4’x4’. There
is a lot of stainless steel and metal in there; so it’s pretty substantial.
As it turns out, the man who owned the company that built it died, his
family sold the company, and they don’t make this model or support it
anymore.”
Council Member Lenard asked, “Is
there any value for anybody else in the state for us to try to get rid of it?”
Chief Jones, “That’s what we’re thinking.
According to our State Inspector (Carmen), the State of Michigan and a
couple of others for animal health does still permit the use of these type of
chambers; so we may be able to sell it out of state - or it may be
cost-prohibitive to try to do anything with it other than have it hauled off.
I don’t know; see what our options are.”
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
Downtown
Trees: Superintendent
Boyce reported the trees that were removed in the downtown area have had the
stumps ground out, chips have been removed, and rock has been put in.
Once it starts greening up, there might be a couple more that will be
taken out this year. Others can be
done next year as property owners ask.
Welcome
to Burlington Signs: The
south ‘Welcome to Burlington’ sign’s new addition is installed.
Hopefully, the addition to the north sign will be installed the first of
next week. After that, installation
will begin for the signs at the east and west entrances to Burlington.
General:
Parks personnel are seeding the areas where hazard trees have been
removed.
4-H
Building-Electrical Work: Superintendent
Boyce reported, “We worked with the Cancer Support Group, which had their soup
benefit in the 4-H Building this year. They
had seven roasters and forty-seven crock pots.
We’ve had several issues with electrical, so prior to the Cancer
Support Group using the building, I had Jim Thweatt (Thweatt Electric) go in and
make sure one wall of the building would handle what they needed.”
Superintendent Boyce said he visited with them after the event and
everything went very well; so he thinks the event will probably be held at the
4-H Building from now on.
4-H Building Exterior:
The rock work on the 4-H Building is completed.
While the rock work was being done, the painters worked on the gutter
system to get it ready to paint when the weather permits.
Mayor Merry commented on how the rock changed the look of the building.
General:
Superintendent Boyce attended a Tree Board meeting, and worked on
preparing for the Arbor Day Celebration. Personnel
attended the KMU Safety Training.
Seasonal
Restrooms – Opening: Seasonal
restrooms at the parks will be opened up during the first or second week of
April, depending on the weather. He
had several requests last Friday for them to be opened, but snow is in the
forecast for this week.
New
Fair Building: Superintendent
Boyce said he visited with Dennis Polson. They’re
not going to start construction on their new building until after this year’s
fair season; and although he is not positive, he thinks it’s going to be on
top where the old building is.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-06 |
$336,334.43 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-06 |
$
72,482.58 |
|
TOTAL |
$408,817.01 |
CLAIMS
2013-06: Council Member Luke,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-06 in the amount of
$336,334.43 for payment of city bills.”
Council Member Scott, “I second the motion.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley explained, “The big item is the Kansas Power Pool, the Kansas
Surplus for payment for the two trucks for the Water Department, Phase II of the
Sewer Improvement Project expenses, and Kutak Rock for the bond closing last
time.” Hearing
no further discussion, Mayor Merry
directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-06 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-06: Council
Member Scott, “I move City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-06
in the amount of $72,482.58.” Council
Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.” Hearing
no discussion, Mayor Merry directed
City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor
Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-06 approved.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
Permits:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin reported having just finished a permit for a home
for Mike Abendroth. It will be on
the agenda for the next meeting of Council.
Permits approved so far this year have been submitted to the County
Appraisers Office. Spring cleanup
flyers have been prepared and distributed to various locations in town. People
are starting to come in for permits to do projects.
Tree Board - Arbor Day:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin has been preparing flyers and handouts for this
year’s Arbor Day celebration, which will be on April 26th on Shea
Street just south of Skate Park at Conrad Park.
The Tree Board finalized the plans for Arbor Day at the March 19th
meeting.
Tree Board – Tree City USA:
Parks Superintendent Boyce and Zoning Clerk Hugunin will be going to Derby,
Kansas on March 28th to attend the Tree City USA Recognition
Ceremony.
City’s
new Website: We are
waiting for the government to complete issuing our .gov address.
IM Design has the new website looking good.
Welcome
to Burlington Sign: City
Clerk Kewley gave Zoning Clerk Hugunin a photo of the sign on the south of town
that had the new addition installed on it. He
put the photo on the City’s Facebook page.
Nuisances:
Chief Jones reported several properties are on the Police Department’s
watch list of nuisance properties. He
said they’ve been working with people with health issues and introduced one
gentleman to the Coffey County Housing Authority to see if they have some
rehabilitation money to help him with his place.
Several people have been talked to about taking advantage of the annual
Spring Cleanup.
OTHER
COUNCIL BUSINESS: KMU Voting
Delegate Appointment
Kansas Municipal Utilities has asked that every municipal member of KMU
participate in the Annual Business Meeting of the association.
This year’s meeting will be held in conjunction with the KMU Annual
Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita on Friday May 10.
Each member city has been given the opportunity to appoint a Voting
Delegate and an Alternate to represent the city at this meeting.
Burlington does have a KMEA Director 1, Alan Schneider; and a Director II,
Stan Luke, who also attend the KMU Conference; however, KMU would also like us
to have a Voting Delegate and an Alternate if we’d like to.
Council Member Curtiss stated, ““I move to appoint Alan Schneider
(Electric Superintendent) as Voting Delegate to represent City of Burlington at
the 2013 KMU Conference.” Council
Member Griffith, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin:
None
RESOLUTION
2013-03, KCP&L Environmental Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds Series
2007) $146,500,000
City Attorney Smith said, “This is ongoing.
We’ve been working on it since January.
Traditionally, they have given the City an issuance fee, and I brought
this up a couple of weeks ago. KCP&L
has not agreed to do that, so I adjusted my bill with the City and gave the City
a credit for what I billed them directly because I didn’t feel it was fair for
the City to pay for something they weren’t going to get reimbursed on.
However, I did write a strong letter to KCP&L talking about the
thirty-year history of us doing this and bending over backwards to accommodate
them, and thought they ought to make a donation to the Mayor’s sidewalk fund.
The County is going to pass this by resolution, approving it on Monday;
but they (KCP&L) have to have it done by April 1.
We’ve done this for years and years – every two or three years, and
then suddenly this year they have amnesia and don’t remember giving us any
money to do it. I’m trying to
shame them into it.”
Attorney Smith continued, “This (resolution) authorizes the Mayor to
sign all the paperwork, then we’ll get it sent off special delivery to
overnight it to Chicago.” City
Clerk Kewley, “It should be $20,000 worth of signatures right here.”
Council Member Luke, “What we do doesn’t really go into effect until
after the County does their part, does it?”
Mayor Merry, “They’re pretty simultaneous.
The closing is actually the 1st of April.”
Attorney Smith, “Right, and ours is contingent on that paragraph.”
Council Member Luke, “On the County approving it.”
Attorney Smith, “They tried to do a roundabout around the language; the
County Attorney objected vociferously before he went on vacation, so they
decided to get the County resolution, too.”
Council Member Luke made the motion to accept Resolution 2013-03, a
Resolution of the City of Burlington, Kansas Authorizing the Execution and
Delivery of Fourth Supplemental Indenture of Trust which Further Amends the
Indenture of Trust relating to the City’s Environmental Improvement Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Kansas City Power & Light Company Project) Series 1993A and
Series 1993B; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Policy Cancellation
Agreement, an IRS Form 8038 and Related Documents; and Other Related Matters
Pertaining to Said Supplemental Indenture and Bonds.
Council Member Scott, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
RESOLUTION
2013-04, Declare End of Water Warning and Declare Water Watch
City Clerk Kewley told Council the reference to the Water Watch as a
Stage 2 Water Emergency would be corrected to Stage 1 before the Mayor would
sign the resolution.
Council Member Scott made the motion to approve the modified Resolution
No. 2013-04, A Resolution Declaring the End of a Stage 2 Water Emergency - Water
Warning; and Declaring a Water Watch in Effect for City of
Burlington, Kansas and its Water Consumers, including Rural Water District 2 and
3 and the Cities Of Gridley, Leroy, and New Strawn, Kansas; as Required By City
Of Burlington’s Emergency Water Operations/Supply Plan-Drought/Emergency
Contingency Plan and City Ordinance 536.
Council Member Curtiss, “I second it.”
Mayor Merry called for discussion. Council
Member Luke, “If I read this correctly, this is all voluntary, there are no
penalties for (not conserving water) other than somebody maybe saying you should
do it.” City Clerk Kewley, “Yes,
we’re back to the Watch, like we had prior to the Warning being declared.”
Hearing no further discussion on
the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote. Motion
unanimously carried.
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
Municipal
Court: City
Attorney Smith reported, “Last week when we had City Court, Chief Jones said
we cleared up two and a half months of backlog because of snow days and
everything else. We were there until
about 7:30 at night. We had a
sitting judge from Osage County come down because James (Judge Campbell) was out
of town.”
KCP&L
Bonds: Attorney
Smith has been working on the KCP&L issue.
Industrial
Park Screening - Complaints Attorney
Smith said, “I have also been busy addressing complaints from certain people
of the County that are adjacent to our industrial parks, on behalf of Kevin, the
Chief, and Jimmy. It’s springtime, and the trees aren’t big enough, trees
aren’t enough, the fence isn’t good enough, it’s noisy, it’s.….
We’ve been addressing those; the file just keeps getting bigger.
It’s another thirty-year history. But
anyway, the City is not in violation of anything.
Kevin has mowed and he has replaced trees like he’s supposed to.
We are obligated for only one row of trees, not two or three.
We’ve kept the fence line clean. Kevin
tries to address it, but it’s getting worse.”
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Executive Session for
Non-elected Personnel
City Attorney Smith requested an Executive Session for Non-elected
Personnel with the Council, City Clerk Kewley, Street Superintendent Mast, and
himself present. Mayor Merry asked for a motion to
enter into a ten-minute Executive Session for Non-elected Personnel with City
Clerk/Personnel Officer Kewley, Street Superintendent Mast, City Council, and
City Attorney Smith. Council Member
Luke, “So moved.” Council Member
Rhodes, “Second.” Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry
called for a vote. Motion unanimously carried. Council
entered the Executive Session at 6:44 p.m. and exited at 6:54 p.m.
Council
Member Curtiss stated, “I move to terminate Merlin Kaufman for cause,
effective immediately.” Council
Member Luke, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
(The
City will advertise to fill the position and a recommendation will be presented
at the next meeting of the Council.)
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Executive Session for
Non-elected Personnel
City Attorney Smith requested a
five-minute Executive Session for Non-elected Personnel with Council, City
Clerk/Personnel Officer Kewley and himself present.
Council
Member Luke moved to enter into a five-minute Executive Session for Non-elected
Personnel with City Clerk/Personnel Officer Kewley, City Council, and City
Attorney Smith. Council Member
Scott, “So moved.” Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry
called for a vote. Motion unanimously carried. Council
entered the Executive Session at 6:58 p.m. and exited at 7:03 p.m.
No action taken.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
Utility
Billing and CCR/WQR – Mailing:
City Hall personnel have been stuffing envelopes with utility bills, the
Annual Water Quality Report, and water conservation information and tips.
This will complete our State required distribution of the Water Quality
Report. City Clerk Kewley assured
Council we are going to continue to provide updates and conservation tips
because we are still in a drought, and although it is good we are out of the
Water Warning, we are still in a Water Watch.
This is good, but we still need to conserve water.
General:
City Clerk Kewley reported City Hall Staff prepared meter readings for
the utility billing this month. They
also prepared work orders, vouchers for bill paying, payroll, and minutes from
council meetings; and handled calls and inquiries.
Delinquent
Utility Accounts: City
Clerk Kewley reported, “This month we are going to send $317.95 of delinquent
utility accounts to the Kansas Setoff Program.
Personnel
Evaluations: Employee
evaluations have been completed.
Pictures
for 303 Neosho: City
Clerk Kewley informed Council she has been working with Jim Stukey to get some
city photos matted and framed to be hung in the City’s meeting room at 303
Neosho adjacent to City Hall. Three
more pictures of the city parks will be coming next month.
The Proclamation for BHS Lady Cats Week will also be hung in the meeting
room.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Personnel
Evaluations – Executive Sessions
City Clerk Kewley requested an Executive Session for Personnel
Evaluations. Council
Member Luke, “I make a motion to enter a thirty-minute Executive Session for
Personnel Evaluations with elected officials and City Clerk (& Personnel
Officer) Kewley present.” Council
member Rhodes, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Council entered the Executive Session at 7:07 p.m. and exited at 7:37
p.m.
Council Member Luke stated, “I
make a motion that the personnel and pay increases be as modified.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second it.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
MAYOR’S COMMENT:
None
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS:
None
Mayor Merry declared the meeting adjourned.
Approved by City Council and signed by Regina R. Kewley, City Clerk
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BURLINGTON
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION MARCH 28, 2013
A
Special Session of City of Burlington Governing Body was conducted on March 28,
2013 between 9:55 and 11:50 a.m. via telephone from Burlington City Hall, 301
Neosho Street, Burlington, Kansas. Mayor
Merry opened the Special Session of the Council.
Under the direction of Mayor Gene L. Merry and the advisement of City
Attorney Stephen Smith, City Clerk Regina R. Kewley telephoned each of the
Council Members for his or her vote on Resolution 2013-05.
GOVERNING BODY
MEMEBERS TELEPHONED: Yes
Mayor Gene L. Merry
Council Members participating:
Yes
William C. Scott (President of Council)
Yes
Jane M. Griffith
Yes
Lewis Lenard
Yes
R. Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes
Forrest T. Rhodes
Yes Jerilyn
Curtiss
Also Participating:
Yes
Regina Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes Susan
Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Yes
Stephen Smith (City Attorney)
RESOLUTION 2013-05, KCP&L IRB
Series 1993A&B, Policy Cancellation Agreement
Administrative Assistant Stroh sent the
following email to the Governing Body and the City Attorney prior to the City
Clerk Kewley making the telephone calls.
‘The
attached Resolution 2013-05 was inadvertently missed for approval at the last
meeting of the Council. Steve Smith
emailed it to Gina this morning. Gina has been in contact with the Mayor.
Both the Mayor and Steve have authorized Gina to call Council Members for a
vote.
I
have attached the Resolution and the draft motion so you will have time to
review them before Gina call, which will probably be in a few minutes.’
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Council Member Scott made the following motion, “I move to approve
Resolution 2013-05, A Resolution Of The City Of Burlington, Kansas Authorizing The
Execution And Delivery Of A Fourth Supplemental Indenture Of Trust Which Further
Amends The Indenture Of Trust Relating To The City’s Environmental Improvement
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Kansas City Power & Light Company Project) Series
1993a And Series 1993b; Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Policy
Cancellation Agreement, An IRS Form 8038 And Related Documents; And Other
Related matters pertaining to said Supplemental Indenture and Bonds.”
Council Member Luke, “I second the motion.”
Council Members Scott, Luke, Curtiss, Lenard, Rhodes, and Griffith each
voted in favor of the motion. Resolution
2013-05 was unanimously approved.
The Meeting officially adjourned when the last Council Member voted.
Approved
by City Council and signed by Regina R. Kewley, City Clerk
= = = = = == = = = == = = = = == = = = == = = = = == = = = == = = = = == = = = == = = = = == = = = =
CITY OF
BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 5, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday March 5, 2013.
President of Council William C.
Scott called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
No Mayor
Gene L. Merry
Council Members present:
Yes
William C.
Scott (President of Council)
Yes
Jane M.
Griffith
No
Lewis Lenard
Yes
R. Standley
Luke (Stan)
Yes
Forrest T.
Rhodes
Yes
Jerilyn Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes Kevin
Boyce (Parks) Yes
Alan
Schneider (Electric) Yes Doug Jones
(Chief of Police)
Yes Doug Mast
(Street) Yes Danny Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes Regina Kewley (City Clerk) Yes Jimmy
Hugunin (Zoning & Grants Clerk)
Yes
Stephen Smith (City Attorney)
Yes Susan Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present: Mark
Petterson, Coffey County Republican
VISITORS: None
AGENDA: Council
Member Luke, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES:
Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session
of February 20, 2013 as amended.” Council
Member Griffith, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution Updates
General Distribution:
Electric personnel have been doing shop maintenance, vehicle maintenance,
and preventive line maintenance.
Power Outages:
Superintendent Schneider reported a storm-related outage involving a
fallen tree limb. There was an
outage yesterday morning unrelated to the weather, for which no overtime was
required.
.ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production Update
General:
Power Plant personnel have been performing general Plant duties and doing
generator maintenance.
KPP:
Superintendent Schneider reported Kansas Power Pool has changed the
company that manages their load forecasting and manages our Power Pool supply.
Up until March 1st it’s was Oklahoma Municipal Power
Authority (OMPA). It has been
replaced with Tenaska. The change is
going to have significant financial benefits to the KPP, which should reflect
back to us.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Hawkins reported, “We’ve been pushing some snow due to
the weather.”
Sewer
Pump Station Replacement Project: Superintendent
Hawkins reported the project has slowed down for this month.
The Sewer Construction Meeting scheduled for March 7th has
been canceled.
Backup
Generator: A run was
done on the backup generator; it worked great.
They did a simulation of a power outage at number 1 liftstation.
It started and ran as long as needed; and they did it several times.
Trucks
Purchased: The two Dodge
pickup trucks were picked up. Personnel
have been putting city decals, racks, lights, etc. on them.
Water
Plant Tour: Superintendent
Hawkins reported he and his personnel toured the Paola water plant, and were
looking at their Polymer Feed System. He
said, “They feed the same chemical that we do.
Basically, we can build the system they have with parts through the USA
Bluebook, so we’ll probably just integrate it.
We photographed it, looked at it, and made sure that KDHE was fine with
the application as long as we can test the milligram per liter with it. So, we
are in the planning stages of that.”
Water
District Assurance Meeting: City
Clerk Kewley and Water Superintendent Hawkins attended the Water District
Assurance Meeting. Superintendent
Hawkins told Council Member Scott that Galen Beiry addressed the question he had
at the February 6th meeting of Council about what it will take us
statewide to get us out of Stage 2, Water Warning of the drought emergency.
Mr. Beiry said they think that what could possibly pull us out of the
Water Warning is that if the water conservation pool level reaches 1041 at John
Redmond Reservoir. Superintendent
Hawkins explained, “But that was their speculation.
That wasn’t what the Kansas Water Office was saying as far from the
State.” Council Member Scott
asked, “What is it right now?” Superintendent Hawkins, “We’re at 1035 or
1036 or something like that; so we’ve got quite a bit of water we need to make
up for.” He continued, “There
was a lot of discussion and Water Assurance District #3 wants to have the State
come down and have a meeting to discuss if we can get out of the water warning.
There are other entities that are not as bad off as we are, so why are we
doing it statewide. They want to see
if there’s ways that we can possibly be pulled out of the water warning into a
water watch and address it with our own restrictions.”
Utility
Committee Meeting (Freeman Subdivision #1):
Superintendent Hawkins reported a Utility Committee Meeting was held last
evening. They addressed some issues
with the sewer forced main on the north end of town (Tiffany’s Cabinets at
1261 N. Hwy 75).
Freeman
Subdivision II – Water to 1055 Lynx Lane:
Superintendent Hawkins reported City Clerk Kewley, Zoning Clerk Hugunin,
and he met with Stephen Freeman concerning the waterlines he requested to be run
out along Lynx Lane. Superintendent
Hawkins stated, “He has basically got it all worked out for the meter.
We will continue running the waterline out.
We will run a four-inch main. I
went out today and measured, and we’re roughly around 1,220feet.
I visited with Dan Clair (of KDHE)
this afternoon to see what we need to do as far as permitting.
I contacted Greg Deckit, Bartlett & West, so we can get the
process going. Hopefully, we’ll
get the okay and as soon as the weather clears we can start the process.
I’ve already been in contact with several of my vendors to get parts
for it. In our conversation with Mr. Freeman, the agreement was that we
would run the line out and put a fire hydrant on the end; and for each
additional home he would put up, he would pay the $3,000 per meter; and then we
would try to help him with it going out further, and if he wanted a one-inch
meter, it’s $3,200. We discussed
all that, and he was fine with it. As
soon as we get the okay from the State, we will proceed to get that done.”
Council Member Luke stated, “I
move to approve Stephen and Tiffany Freeman’s Application and Permit for Water
Service Outside the Corporate Limits of Burlington and Related Petition and
Consent to Annexation Agreements and for 1055 Lynx Lane.”
Council Member Curtiss, “Second.”
President of Council Scott called for discussion.
City
Clerk Kewley said, “We all did meet with Mr. Freeman and Tiffany and explained
that to Stephen that since he didn’t have a structure out there, he did need
to get a zoning permit because he is in the city’s thee-mile extraterritorial
area. He did come in today and got
the building/zoning permit for a storage building.” There
being no more discussion, President of Council Scott called for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously.
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Water Plant Efficiency Project - Chlorine System:
Superintendent Hawkins reported they are still working on the problems
within the Water Treatment Plant. The
main things they are dealing with now are the rapid mix valves, the filter
effluent valves, and the altitude valves. The
altitude valve is supposed to arrive here next week.
Water Emergency Stage 2, Water Warning Update:
Superintendent Hawking stated, “We did notice a slight increase in
water usage in the past few days. RWD#3
called in that they found a leak and got it fixed.
We are still in the Water Warning, and there have been no new
restrictions from the State. For the
month of February, we’ve pumped 14,316,000 gallons of water.”
Consumer
Confidence Reports: The
annual Consumer Confidence Report (also referred to as Burlington’s Water
Quality Report) has been received from KDHE.
Letters, with a copy of the report, have been mailed to our customer
water districts and cities: Rural Water Districts 2 and 3 and the cities of
Gridley, LeRoy, and New Strawn. Superintendent
Hawkins said, “We’ve all stayed in compliance with KDHE requirements.
We really try to stay on top of the Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and the
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s), which are a cancer causing agent that occurs; and we
have stayed well underneath the minimum the State requires.”
He added, “I want to thank my guys for doing a good job and staying on
top of it.”
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
Snow
Removal: President of
Council Scott, stating that he knows other departments helped, commended the
Street Department for the excellent job of clearing snow and ice.
Superintendent Mast stated, “I would also like to thank the Water
Department and Electric Department for coming out and helping us.
Their help is really appreciated and helps keep our overtime down.
Hauling all the snow off from downtown takes a long time, and we try to
get the other roads done at the same time. On
both storms, both departments brought guys out and we had them using our
equipment to clear intersections. Overall,
everybody did a great job. I’m
proud of the job everybody did, and I want to thank everybody. We were also
working on equipment that was breaking down during snow removal and changing out
different blades and such on equipment. Street
personnel have mostly been doing snow and ice removal for the last couple of
weeks.”
Drainage
Ditches: The snow is
melting and leaves and debris have gathered in the ditches, so Street personnel
got out today to clean drainage boxes around town.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
Vehicle-Pedestrian
Accident: Chief Jones
reported on this morning’s accident where a seventh grade girl got hit by a
vehicle on Cross Street. She was not
at the crosswalk, and the driver of the vehicle stated she did not see the girl
at all. Apparently, the girl darted
out of the Recreation Center parking lot and the driver of the east bound
vehicle didn’t see her. It is
possible the time change getting close and the sun rising earlier may have been
a factor. The Police Department was
working the school zones at the grade school.
The Sheriff’s Department happened to be right there and is the agency
that will work this accident.
USD
244 Time Change: Burlington
schools will be extending their days another twenty minutes for the rest of the
school year to make up for the snow days.
General:
Chief Jones reported it’s been normal business for the Police
Department – dealing with juveniles and going to meetings.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Parks personnel cleaned public buildings and restrooms and cleared snow
and ice, and did maintenance and cleaning of the equipment after the snow
removal.
Heath
Birk: Superintendent
Boyce reported that the new Parks Maintenance Worker, Heath Birk, started on the
25th of February. On his
second day on the job in the snowstorm, he took right off on the tractor with no
issues. He is already a plus for the
Parks Department.
Banners:
The new banners are in and put up.
4-H Building Exterior:
The contractor is putting the three-foot rock wall on the front of the
4-H Building. The rock is on and
they have some mortar work to do. It
should be finished by the end of the week.
Evaluations/Work
Plans: Superintendent
Boyce worked on employee evaluations and a Work Plan for Heath.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-05 |
$3,524,858.25 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-05 |
$
65,105.42 |
|
TOTAL |
$3,589,963.67 |
CLAIMS
2013-05: Council Member Rhodes,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-05 in the amount of
$3,524,858.25 for payment of city bills.”
Council Member Griffith, “I second the motion.” President
of Council Scott called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley explained, “The big item is the $3,360,000 permanent loan for Phase II of the Sewer Improvement Project.”
Hearing no further discussion, President
of Council Scott directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
President of Council Scott
declared Claims Ordinance 2013-05 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-05: Council
Member Griffith “I move City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-05
in the amount of $65,105.42.” Council
Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.” Hearing
no discussion, President of Council
Scott directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote. Motion carried unanimously.
President of Council Scott declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-05
approved.
FINANCE:
Charloma Annual Tax Exemption Administrative Review
City Clerk Kewley reported that
the Administrative Review Committee met on the 25th of February.
The Committee members are Mayor Gene L. Merry, City Attorney Stephen
Smith, USD #244 Superintendent Cliff Williams, and City Clerk Regina Kewley.
The Committee reviewed information Charloma had submitted including the
Annual Claim for Exemption, the Exempt Real Property Form, and data on the
number of full-time employees working at their Burlington facility.
City Clerk Kewley reported that Charloma continues to employ thirty-six
full-time employees and are requesting an exemption for another year.
The tax exemption will continue for two more years after this year.
The Administrative Review Committee recommends that the Governing Body
extend the tax exemption to allow Charloma, Inc. to receive 20% abatement and
pay 80% of their property tax responsibilities for 2013.
City Clerk Kewley asked for a motion to approve the tax exemption for
2013, and said Charloma has done everything we have asked of them and have
already sent the $100 check for the exemption application fee.
City Attorney Smith commented, “They have always done everything
they’re supposed to and paid their fees.”
Council
Member Griffith stated, “I move to accept the Administrative Review
Committee’s recommendation to extend the tax exemption to allow Charloma, Inc.
to receive 20% abatement and pay 80% of their property tax for 2013.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.”
There being no discussion on the motion, President of Council Scott
called for a vote. Motion
unanimously passed.
FINANCE:
Personnel – Salaries – CPI Recommendation
President of Council Scott reported, “The Finance Committee met on
February 27th. We came up
with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) being 1.5%; and I think we need a resolution
for that.” City Clerk Kewley,
“We do. We pull the CPI from the
same data at the same time every year, and it was reading 1.5%; so that’s what
the Finance Committee is recommending to the Governing Body to set our salaries
for 2013.” President of Council
Scott, “So, if you pass a resolution, it will reflect the CPI in the wage and
salary sheet?” City Clerk Kewley,
“Yes, the Resolution has two attachments: the Wage and Salary Schedule and the
Employee Annual Work Plan & Evaluation Guideline.”
Council Member Luke stated, “I make a recommendation to approve a 1.5%
Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase to City of Burlington employees, beginning
with the first full payroll of April, 2013.” Council
Member Rhodes, “Second.” There
being no discussion on the motion, President of Council Scott called for a vote. Motion
carried unanimously.
Council Member Luke, “I move to adopt Resolution 2013-02, Providing For
and Fixing Salaries and Compensations of Officers and Employees of the City of
Burlington, Kansas pursuant to the Personnel Policies and Guidelines Established
by the City of Burlington, Kansas in 1996, including Exhibit “A”, Wage and
Salary Schedule, and Exhibit “B”, Employee Annual Work Plan & Evaluation
Guideline.” Council Member Rhodes,
“Second.” There
being no discussion on the motion, President of Council Scott called for a vote. Motion
carried unanimously.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
Crotts’ Property on Hudson Street:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin reported he’s been busy working with Larry
Crotts on his property on Hudson Street and steps he needs to take to have the
property removed from the Floodplain, if possible, what steps he has to take to
put a structure there or an R.V. Park, and gave him that contact information.
Freeman Subdivision II – Water to 1055 Lynx Lane:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin said he was at the meeting with Stephen and Tiffany
Freeman concerning the waterlines he requested to be run out along Lynx Lane.
Stephen did come in and get his zoning permit today to build a storage
building on that property.
Spring
Cleanup/Brush Pickup: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin reported getting an email from Coffey County that the County will
hold their Spring 2013 Clean-Up Week and provide free landfill service from
April 15 through April 20th. In
conjunction with that, Burlington’s brush pickup will be the week of April 8,
with brush to be out by the curb prior to 7 a.m. on Monday, the 8th
of April. Trash (junk) pickup will
be the week of April 15th, with trash to be put out by the curb prior
to 7 a.m. on Monday, the 15th.
City’s
New Web Page Design: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin is still working with IM Design on the webpage.
We are waiting on verification that we will have the .gov extension.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin
2013-006 Burlington
Development for a Storage Building at 1055 Lynx Lane
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
City Attorney Smith reported they were snowed out of Municipal Court in
February. He has been doing a lot of
work with a KCP&L Industrial Revenue Bond refinancing that is coming up at
the March 20th meeting of Council.
The City usually receives an issuance fee for all the work involved by
the City Clerk and City Attorney with the documentation.
The issuance fee is put in the General Fund.
An update will be provided at the March 20th meeting of the
Council.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
General:
City Clerk Kewley reported City Hall Staff have been busy with customers
paying utility bills. They prepared
work orders, vouchers for bill paying, payroll, and minutes from council
meetings; and also handled calls and inquiries.
Meetings
Attended: City Clerk
Kewley attended the Administrative Review Committee meeting on Charloma’s
annual tax exemption review. She
attended the Finance Committee meeting last week.
She also met with Stephen and Tiffany Freeman, Water Superintendent
Hawkins, and Zoning Clerk Hugunin and worked out the water situation for 1055
Lynx Lane in Freeman Subdivision II.
Sewer
Improvement Project, Phase II – Financing:
City Clerk Kewley worked on the closeout for the financing Phase II of
the Sewer Improvement Project (IRBs Series 2013A) last week.
Siren/Tornado
Drill: City Hall Staff
participated in the statewide tornado drill.
Employee
Work Plans and Evaluations: City
Clerk Kewley reminded everyone that the Work Plans and Evaluations are due for
the March 20th meeting of Council, from the superintendents for their
employees, and from the committees for the superintendents.
She asked them to be given to her the Monday prior to the meeting.
MAYOR’S COMMENT:
None
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS:
Attorney Smith
City Attorney Smith, “The League of Kansas Municipalities wants all of
you to be very well aware of the bill in the legislature to move all the
municipal primaries and everything to
the fall elections, which will make all the city elections as partisan as the
statewide and nationwide races. The
League is very strongly urging everybody to oppose it, and to tell everybody you
know to oppose it – that they are making city council into a partisan
position. The idea is to marginalize
the voters because they know who’s going to show up and vote every time, and
every election will be a partisan election now.
I don’t what to see that happen in Burlington or any other city that
I’m associated with. The League
doesn’t want it either.” City
Clerk Kewley said she has been passing that on too, from the League to the
Governing Body.”
President of Council Scott declared the meeting adjourned.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
CITY OF
BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday February 20, 2013.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Mayor Gene L. Merry
Council Members present:
Yes William
C. Scott (President of Council)
Yes Jane
M. Griffith
Yes Lewis
Lenard
Yes R.
Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes
Forrest T. Rhodes
Yes erilyn
Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes Kevin Boyce (Parks) Yes
Alan Schneider (Electric) Yes
Doug Jones (Chief of Police)
Yes Doug Mast
(Street) Yes Danny
Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes Regina
Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes Jimmy
Hugunin (Zoning & Grants Clerk)
No Stephen
Smith (City Attorney)
Yes Susan
Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present:
Mark Petterson, Coffey
County Republican
VISITORS: Stephen
Freeman, Calvin Freeman, Donald C. Franklin, Karen Franklin, Darion Freeman,
Mike Stewart, Ken Grate, David Wilson, Betty Hawkins
AGENDA: Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES:
Council
Member Luke, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session of
February 6, 2013 as amended.” Council
Member Griffith, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
Stephen Freeman said his discussion would take more than five minutes, so
Mayor Merry set a 6:05 p.m. appointment for him to speak.
APPOINTMENT 6:05 p.m., Stephen Freeman
on his property (Freeman
Subdivision 1 and Freeman Subdivision II)
Freeman
Subdivision I, 1261 N. Hwy 75: Stephen
Freeman stated, “Last Thursday, I got served papers – a letter from Steve
Smith, along with Danny Hawkins and a Police Officer.
They yanked the meter out of my business north of town (Tiffany’s
Cabinets); no water meter. I’m
here to ask, what events led to that?” After
a long pause, he said, “There had to be an event that led to it.
It didn’t happen on its own.” Mayor
Merry asked, “Do you have an answer to that, Forrest?
Or Danny?” Superintendent
Hawkins answered, “No, I don’t have any comment.
We did corrective action in accordance to the laws of the State of
Kansas. That’s all I have to
say.” Council Member Rhodes,
“That’s the position I am going to take, also.
We operated under the State law.” Stephen,
“That’s what we’re going to do from now on anytime there’s supposable
– there was a thirty-inch diameter of brown paper on the ground; and I got my
water meter yanked for that purpose? Is
that everybody’s opinion?”
Stephen continued, “Stan, was it a public works meeting?
Was it a Sewer Committee meeting? Who
notified you? I’m looking for
answers here.” Council Member
Griffith stated, “I was present. He
called me the night before this happened and asked to talk to me and told me
what this was about. And he had not
got any satisfaction. Calvin
(Freeman Plumbing, Heating & AC) can also address this.
According to him he has done everything, and we get up there and
everybody’s you know (saying), ‘Can’t do anything about it.’
‘I’m not a plumber.’ But he still has a water problem.
I personally feel that we as the city have a responsibility to our
citizens if they have problems. I
know if it were me at my home….. And
then the other thing that I found offensive when I was there is there were two
businesses there; and they were so blatant - just pulled the tube.
You know, these are businesses. These
are our community. What are we
thinking? There was no threat to
anything. I’m sorry, but I felt
like it could have been handled a lot better.”
Stephen, “I still haven’t got an answer to my original question.
What specific event led to it? Did
somebody call? Notify?
Somebody has to answer. No
comments, Stan?” Council Member
Luke, “Well, the comment I’ll have is, you had received a letter over sixty
days before that with respect there had been sewage on the ground and that your
pump didn’t work. The City had
sent you a letter identifying the issues, and at the end of the letter was to
notify us when corrections were made. We
were never notified. Now, you talked
to Jane and notified her. Fine, but
nobody else had been notified. Because
we hadn’t been notified, we went to the site, found the sewage on the
ground.” Stephen, “Who’s
‘we’? Who went to the site?”
Council Member Luke, “The Water Department went to the site.”
Stephen, “Who on the Water Department?”
Council Member Luke, “I cannot answer that for sure. I do not know.”
Stephen, “Danny’s the Supervisor; he should be able to answer
that.” Council Member Luke,
“Danny, did you go?” Council
Member Luke, “Okay, Danny went. The sewage was on the ground.”
Stephen, “What day? The day
before the letter?” Council Member
Luke answered, “Yes.” He then
said, “With Stephen Smith we went through what the State statutes were and
what KDHE required; and since we hadn’t been notified that it was repaired, we
took the action the State requires – terminate the water service until this is
resolved. We went to the site.
Calvin was there, informed us that the pump had been replaced, a brass
valve I think he said was put in, we agreed that if the lime was put on the spot
we would turn the water back on. I
was onsite when the lime was placed on the spot and we turned the water back
on.”
Stephen, “Okay, I’ve got a couple of comments about that.
I carried that lime around to that spot, and I came back around the
building and said it’s been done, turn the water on.
The guys are out– your answer – the guys are out front putting the
water on. Nobody even come back and
saw me dump the lime on the hole.” Council
Member Luke, “I went there and looked at the lime before I told them to turn
it back on.” Stephen, “There
wasn’t time for you to do that. You
were out talking with Jane in her vehicle clear out in the parking lot, Stan.”
Council Member Luke, “And I left there, went up to the front, told them
to wait, went over to the site and looked at it, and went over to the front and
said ‘You can turn it back on.’ I
came back to you because you were still back to the back and told you to check
because the water was on.” Stephen,
speaking to Stan, “Okay, so I’m not..…”
Council Member Griffith, “Well, I’m…”
Stephen, “Well, I’ve got another point.
While we were standing there you, Mrs. Griffith, Calvin, his helper, Jay
Szambecki – local law enforcement, and Danny and myself, Danny made the
comment he hadn’t been there in sixty days.
You just told me he was there the day before with you.”
Council Member Luke, “No, I was not there the day before, he (Danny)
was there, I’m pretty sure at the site.”
Stephen, “So, who’s lying? Who’s
lying then? Was he there or was he
not? He said he wasn’t.”
Council Member Luke, “I know he was there to take the picture of the
site to bring to the meeting the following day; before that, I don’t know.”
Stephen, “So, while we were all out there that day, he lied to us.
Nothing’s ever going to get done if people don’t stand up to their
actions. He was either there or he
wasn’t; he said he wasn’t; now we’re saying he was.
I’m confused.” Council
Member Griffith, “And I’m confused; and I’ll tell you what.
From what I saw standing there, I wouldn’t want to do any business with
Burlington because I didn’t see any integrity anywhere.”
Stephen, “I can tell you this. I’ve
called Danny’s cell phone all the time and never get a response.
Nobody’s ever answered his cell phone number.
I’ve called and left messages on his cell phone and never got a
returned phone call-ever. Calvin,
has he ever answered when you’ve called?”
Calvin Freeman, “Very seldom.” Stephen,
“It’s hard to let him know that the situation’s been corrected when he
won’t even answer his public use cell phone that the City provides.”
Council Member Rhodes, “You know, sewage on the ground is a public
health (issue).” Mayor Merry,
“Glad you brought that up, Forrest. Calvin,
when you called KDHE and asked them what sewage on the ground is concerned with
– what would that be?” Calvin,
“What was that?” Mayor Merry,
“When you called KDHE and you asked them what really had to be on the ground
to really be a violation, and they looked at this as a minor deal that should
have been settled here in Burlington?” Calvin,
“He told me if there’s any solids on the ground, they need to be picked up.
He said, the paper, just throw a little lime on it.
He said it’s no big deal, it happens all over the State of Kansas.
He said KDHE’s main concern is the sewage running out from under a
building, its sludge all underneath –something big like that.
He said this here is nothing but a minor situation.”
Mayor Merry, “I went back and looked at it, and it looked like it was
granules from two or three other times back there; and then there was a brown
color which they were saying was some of your tile renderings which was a
dark…” Stephen, “It was some
form of lime. It was granulated
lime, is what that was; which I had to explain to Danny.
He was telling me that if I’m putting lime through his public sewer
system, I’m paying for the next pump that goes out if he gets a chip in it.
So, I had to take him to the building to prove to him that my drain pit
in the granite room, which is ran and metered by Don Franklin here, is not
hooked up to the city sewer system. It
was installed after the building was put up – years after.”
Mayor Merry, “Calvin, when you asked KDHE about how that needed to be
disposed of, what’d they say?” Calvin,
“He said the excess water in it you’d just pump it out on the earth, let it
evaporate and if there’s granules in it just dispose of them – put them out
in the driveway if you want. He says
there’s no problem with it.” Stephen,
“You know, back to the granite chips, why would I want them going through my
pump to begin with, let alone trouble the city with the chips?
All our granite waste goes into my driveway.”
Council Member Griffith, “Stephen, can I?
From our conversation about the pump, Calvin, you said you’d done
everything you know how to do to get that to pump – correct?”
Calvin, “Correct.” Stephen,
“And right now, it is.” Mayor
Merry, “Do you think we had a plug or something in the line, I mean, it built
up a lot?” Stephen, “I think
there’s been one there for twelve years since the building was erected.”
Mayor Merry, “You had a lot of head pressure, though.
Didn’t you blow the threads out of a pump because there was so much
back pressure?” Stephen, “Terry
Swank and him worked on this, and they’re just behooved on what they need to
do to keep the lines together because something upstream….
And that’s the issue – when the City does come out and blow this line
out, they shut the valve off to me – I no longer exist.
They blow air through their line; the air compressor shoots up on their
machine to an astronomical number; and then boom, it releases; they turn me back
on and I pump free. So, there’s
something in there causing the blockage. At
one point in time last spring, I was informed they were going to blow this line
out once a week until we get a liftstation in down there to expand the city.
I was informed by Mr. Hawkins that that was no longer going to happen.
He didn’t have manpower and didn’t feel like it needed done - burnt
up another pump soon after that. I’m
on pump number eight right now; and it cost me $1,200 to purchase the pump, let
alone with the backflow preventers and the service call - just to let me know.
To buy that pump retail, it’s a $2,400 pump.”
Mayor Merry, “Have you had any problems with the building toward the
south?” Stephen, “I was informed
that they didn’t. Stan had a whole
different answer.” Council Member
Luke, “We met with the woman that manages the Dollar General.
They have an issue inside the ladies restroom within their facility; they
have no problem with the men’s restroom.”
Mayor Merry, “Do they have a grinder pump?”
Council Member Luke, “They have a grinder pump, also.”
Stephen, “I have the identical pump installed that they do.”
Mayor Merry, “Okay.”
Council Member Griffith, “My one question.
When I went up there when we saw it, when we asked what should be done,
Stan said, ‘We can’t tell you, we might be sued’; and Danny said, ‘I’m
not a plumber.’ And you know, we
need to solve problems. We need to
give solutions. I mean, we need to
change this.” Stephen, “Yeah, I
continued to ask during this forty-minute rebuttal – ‘What do I need to do
to turn the water back on?’ ‘Read
the letter.’ The letter says,
‘You know your discharged waste is a public hazard.’
So, what do I need to do? Do
I need to put lime on it? ‘I
can’t answer that.’ So, finally
I said, well when I was dumping into the ditch earlier, anytime I blew a pump up
and we would wait for two or three days for a new one to come in, I would bypass
the system and dump down the ditch – that’s the only option I had.
And I have corrected that, I’ve taken that bypass out; and the answer
was, ‘You need to cover this area with lime.’
That’s what was done; so, my question that day was, okay so if I dump
lime on this, I’ll get a water meter turned back on?
‘I don’t know. I can’t answer that.’ – over and over and
over.”
Mayor Merry, “You know, everything sounds like communication; and the
worst thing was Lewis (Council Member Lenard) didn’t have any idea what was
going on in the Water Committee. That
frustrates me. Calvin, in your
professional opinion, is there a major problem with lime - that forced main
going around there?” Calvin,
“There’s got to be some restriction or something in there or it wouldn’t
be stopping it like that. It’s
either got a kink in the line, or settlement, or something like that in it
because the City shouldn’t have to be blowing it out.”
Mayor Merry, “We have the same kind of system out at Country Club
Heights and I’ve never seen it……….”
Stephen, “You know, when I’m sizing my pipe when my brother
originally built that, we need a half horse pump – blew that; three quarter
horse pump - blew that one; we’re up to a one-horse.
We know there’s a problem. We
can’t get anybody to do anything about it; but we know it personally because
we’re spending thousands of dollars on this pump; so we know there’s a
problem. Dollar General, they come
in and they have everything engineered and they start out with a one-horse power
pump – it won’t work right; so now they’re up to a horse power pump.
They’ve got engineers taking the drawings that Danny can provide you
from when that was installed. They
can take the distances, the ninety degree turns, the uphill flow, the downhill
flow; take all that into consideration, run the numbers, and tell you what size
pump you need. So, we’ve got two
different engineers telling us we need half to one horse power; and we’re both
up to a two horse power now. We’re
just going to continue to have problems because it’s not right.
You’ve got two different engineers telling you the same thing.
Something’s wrong there. Put
a liftstation in down there.”
Mayor Merry, “It’s not a big enough line to run a camera in – a
three-inch line?” Council Member
Luke, “The new camera we’ve ordered, will that run a three-inch line?”
Superintendent Hawkins, “Not thirteen hundred feet.”
Council Member Luke, “Can we run it from one direction and then from
the other?” Stephen, “Will it
turn a ninety (degree)?” Superintendent
Hawkins, “I won’t know until we get it.”
Mayor Merry, “Or even if you went so far.”
Council Member Luke, “In the liftstation sewer program, we have ordered
or are in the process of ordering a new traveling camera that we’ve never had
in the past. When that comes in, we
can camera as much of that line as we possibly can to look for restrictions or
spots that are collapsed or rough edges or whatever we can that’s there, and
address and take care of the situation then.
Right now, we have no way to camera.”
Council Member Curtiss, “How far down the road is this camera
coming?” Council Member Luke,
“Once it’s ordered, it’s a few weeks.”
Council Member Griffith, “I have another question.
If we did have raw sewage out there to any extent, why are we giving them
ninety days? Shouldn’t it be taken
care of immediately?” Council
Member Luke, “We gave them sixty days to solve the problem because at the time
the equipment was not operational, if I remember correctly.
During that time they couldn’t put anything additional out onto the
ground.” Stephen, “It was
operational. It had been worked on
so many times in the past twelve years, the bolts have been lost out of my lid,
the rain water was coming off of my roof and able to enter the pit.
Well, the pit’s an eighteen inch hole, so eighteen inches of roof was
actually of rain water would go into the public sewer system – if my pump
would push it through. Other than
that, that was the big problem, so it has been covered.
That’s all I had to do was put a piece of plastic over it to come in
compliance with KDHE – a piece of plastic took care of that.”
Council Member Merry, “It wasn’t the best design.
I don’t know when that was even put in there.”
Stephen, “We were going to put in a septic system to begin with when we
built the building, and Jack Sowder was the current Wastewater Superintendent.
At the time, him and Martha Newkirk, which was the planning and zoning,
came down and said ‘I think we can put this on the public sewer.’ We were
like, you’re a long ways away, we’re going to have to pump.
Said ‘no, easy, no problem, we do it all the time; we done it up here
south.’” Mayor Merry, “We
do.” Stephen, “Yeah.
I agree. I agree.”
Mayor Merry, “We’re taking it a long ways off west.”
Stephen, “And as soon as they blow air up their line.
They can’t blow air down my line because they shut it off.
They’re only blowing their line out.
As soon as they do that, my pump runs fine.
And the Dollar General thing – I’m always that one that takes care of
whatever the situation is; so who says that I’m not blowing out eventually
their problem before they have a problem because they have a lot more line to
fill than I do. I’m a lot closer
to where we tie on to the city. So,
who knows if that’s not the case?”
Stephen continued, “I think that the way this was handled – to come
out and yank my water meter. We shut
down the granite job that day and we shut down a job that’s going on at Wolf
Creek right now for the day because of a thirty-inch circle of chewed paper on
the ground. That kinda disgusts me,
as a citizen of this town. It’s
ridiculous.”
Mayor Merry, “Calvin, on a forced main like that - I mean, it’s a lot
different than a gravity flow where you have a cleanout in it - is it that big a
deal to put in a cleanout and keep the integrity of the forced main?”
Calvin, “It would be hard to do.”
Mayor Merry, “Just because of the pressure on the line and the
thread?” Calvin, “Right,
especially on metal abrasions that’s there.”
Mayor Merry, “So, what would be your solution if you were to solve the
problem?” Calvin, “For
right
now, I’d go ahead and blow the line out and see if that corrects it every so
often until you get the camera; run the camera in there and look at it; if there
is a bad place in it, dig her up and take care of it.”
Council Member Luke, “Got no problem with that.
If there is, we’ll fix it.”
Mayor Merry, “I wonder if to test it again would be to run some dye
through it and check that main where it goes back in on the south side to make
sure that we’re getting a full cycle through and not just blowing it down the
line. It will handle a lot of waste,
but no more than those two buildings in three months time…”
Council Member Luke, “We did that when we did all the sewer checks,
when we did all the lining and everything to make sure they weren’t blocked
– ran dye through them.” Mayor
Merry, “Not that line.” Council
Member Luke, “No.” Calvin, “It
might be where it hooks onto the main, you know.”
Mayor Merry, “Well, being dry too, have you noticed it more in the past
year? I just wondered if there’s
been some settlement in the line or something; but you’d know that right
away.” Stephen, “Yeah, there’d
be wet spots in the drive, or he would have had ten-foot beans and one-foot
beans.” Council Member Luke,
“We’ll look at it, blow it out if it needs to be blown out, run some dye
through it, run some water through it, and then run the camera through it to
check it out when we get it.”
Stephen, “But my thing is, I don’t want to burn up another pump
because it didn’t get blown out. If
it’s on a weekly schedule like we were doing for a couple weeks – and I
never got informed that they weren’t going to do it anymore.
My pump sits there and just runs, runs, runs and boils sewer until it
burns its bearings and it’s gone.” Council
Member Luke, “We’ll make sure that the line stays clean; and we will run the
dye through it to make sure we’ve got flow; and when we get the camera,
we’ll run through with the camera as much distance as we can from whatever
directions we have to. It records
the data so it’s easy to monitor, save, and look at.”
Stephen, “Can the camera do ninety-degree turns?”
Council Member Luke, “It does turns, but I can’t guarantee you how
much. I know it will do some, but we
may go from one ninety, and we can go at it from another direction and cover as
much of it as we can. I don’t know
if we’ll get all 1,400 or 1,500 feet of it.
I cannot answer that question.” Mayor
Merry, “It’s not wide in some of those corners?”
Stephen, “I didn’t put it in, the City did, I have no idea.”
Council Member Luke, “I don’t have any idea either.”
Stephen, “I would assume they’re probably brass connections; if
they’re compression that is, wouldn’t they be?”
Mayor Merry, “Hard to tell.” Calvin,
“They should be.” Stephen,
“That’s what we put on past compression fitting backflow when we tie on to
them.” Mayor Merry, “You said we
had a drawing?” Stephen, “Well,
I’ve been showed. I think
there’s one.”
Council Member Luke, “I don’t know if we can make the turns or not.
I don’t know the qualifications of the camera.”
Stephen, “It runs straight up to Pamida (Shopko) and then turns east
before it heads back south.” Calvin,
“It depends on the size of the line that’s in there where you make the
radius to turn on.” Council Member
Luke, “Where you make the turn, the size of the camera – there’s a
multitude of things that go into that play, because they’re pretty small.”
Calvin, “I don’t know what size of line is in there on the city’s
side.” Mayor Merry commented,
“It shouldn’t be three inch.” Council
Member Luke, “The camera’s supposed to fit inside a tube.”
Calvin, “How many feet of cable does this camera have?”
Council Member Luke, “We haven’t ordered it, so I don’t know.
Several hundred feet I know for sure, but I don’t know how many.
I can’t answer that. And I
don’t know if there’s - I’m going to use the word, ‘extentions.’
I can’t answer that either. No
comment. It’s something we will
look at when we look at the specs on which particular camera we’re going to
order.”
Mayor Merry, “In the meantime blow it out.”
Council Member Luke said we would blow it out if it needs to be blown
out, run some dye through it, and run some water through it and see if
everything is flowing through. Stephen,
“What’s the dye going to do? If
it’s a squashed line and it’s not plugged the day you run the dye, what will
that tell us?” Mayor Merry, “We
need to run a pig through like you do a pipeline.”
Stephen, “Well, if it’s a solid pig. I mean, if it’s a squished
line some of the pigs could shove through that.”
Council Member Luke, “We’ll see what we can do.
I don’t know.”
Stephen, “Well, next time will somebody give me a phone call instead of
shutting my --- yanking my water meter out of the ground?
Can you tell me that?” Council
Member Lenard, “Let me say this because one thing that appears to not have
happened properly is communication; and it’s been my position that the
Superintendents need to work with the public.
If there is an issue that can’t be resolved, then take it to the
committee and go from there. So, my
expectation would be for the Superintendent and you (Stephen Freeman) to bridge
whatever gap you have in communications and do a better job of getting to where
you guys want to be at the end of the day. I
mean, it’s going to take both of you to do that; so that’s my belief.”
Stephen, “Don’t put this on my shoulders now.
I’ve done nothing but….” Council
Member Lenard, “Everybody needs to do their part.”
Stephen, “I’ve done nothing but communicate.
I have to.” Mayor Merry,
“I’ll verify that.” Stephen,
“I have to. I run too many
businesses not to be a communicator. I
communicate very well.”
Freeman
Subdivision II - Property on Lynx Lane:
(Note:
Shortly after this meeting, the property was assigned a tentative address
of 1055 Lynx Lane. This is in the
Freeman II Subdivision.) Stephen,
“I’ve got another one. I’m
going to come tomorrow and request a water meter be put out on my ground south
of town and to have electric run to the property on Lynx Lane.
Are there going to be any issues there?
It’s $3,000 for a water meter, correct?
And I sign a letter of annexation – a waiver of annexation saying I
won’t….” Superintendent
Hawkins, “The only closest water that I have is a twelve-inch main – if
I’m in the correct place. I’m
assuming you’re talking about where you’re building behind Mr. Hugunin
(South Haven)?” Stephen, “Nope.
I’m talking about on Lynx Lane.”
Council Member Luke, “On the south side of Alan’s (Schneider).”
Superintendent Hawkins, “We’ll just have to make up the
infrastructure and run a line out there. I
don’t have lines out there to the south.”
Stephen, “Well, we ran a line down to Schneiders.
How many feet was that?” Council
Member Luke, “We don’t have anything south of there?”
Mayor Merry, “Right, it stopped at the fire hydrant.”
Stephen, “You didn’t stop where the fire hydrant is.”
Council Member Luke, “It stops at the fire hydrant? Okay.”
Stephen, “That’s why I want to resolve this now so we don’t have to
have another meeting.”
City Clerk Kewley, “Its $3,000 for the water meter if it’s not going
to be in the city limits.” Stephen,
“Right. Are there going to be any
issues with that, is what I’m asking? Unless
I want a waterline out there. I believe we ran a four-inch to Mr. Schneider’s
property. Is that what we’re going
to do?” Superintendent Hawkins,
“I don’t know; we’ll have to address it.”
Stephen, “With who? I’m
here to address it.” Superintendent
Hawkins, “If the City wants to pay for the infrastructure of it, then I guess
the City will pay for the infrastructure. If
not, then the billing will be issued back to you.
I don’t know. The Committee
meets and we talk as a committee as to how we want to do that.”
Stephen, “Well, let me make this comment.
How many feet was it to run it out to the current location of the
hydrant?” Superintendent Hawkins,
“I don’t know.” Stephen,
“Twelve hundred foot? Freeman’s
second addition is 600 foot long. We
went across an eight foot road, so there’s six hundred and eighty feet; and
there’s two other properties before it gets to the hydrant.
I’m guessing about twelve hundred foot.
And that was all put in – okay, I’m going to tell you, it was between
eleven and twelve hundred foot, I’m pretty close – for $3,000.
So what I’m asking is, am I going to get treated the same way when I
request water to go out to my property?”Council Member Luke, “As far as
I’m concerned you’ll be treated no different than anybody else.”
Stephen, “Perfect, that’s what I want to hear.”
Council
Member Curtiss, “You’d have to be.” Council
Member Luke, “I don’t know where we set electricwise.
I know we’ve got high voltage across the street.
I don’t know what we’ve got on that side.”
Superintendent Schneider, “It will depend on where he’s going to want
his service. We’ve already got an
engineer through Allgeier Martin & Associates for the multiple housing.
We will just – wherever he wants, we will go overhead to that point.
I assume you’re going to build a house.”
Stephen, “I’ll come chat with you tomorrow.
I’m not concerned with my electrical.
That has always been the best utility to deal with.
I’m not concerned about that” Council
Member Luke again stated, “You won’t be treated any different than anybody
else.” Stephen, “Okay.
Did everybody hear that?” Mayor
Merry, “It’s on the record. Anything
else?” Stephen, “Nope.”
Mayor Merry, “I want to thank you all for coming down.”
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution Updates
General Distribution:
Superintendent Schneider reported personnel have been replacing poles,
doing work orders and line locates, trimming trees, repairing equipment, and
painting inside the shop.
Lift
Stations: The Electric
Department added services to the new liftstations (LS#2 and LS#6).
They will install services on the other liftstations when they are ready.
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production Update
Generator
#6: Superintendent
Schneider provided an update on issues they have been having with Generator #6.
Generator #6 has been installed since the 1980s and problems have been
there since the 1980s. They had
X-line from Saline come in to do a checkup.
The biggest issue was the main bearing in that motor was just the same as
being gone. If the checkup and
repairs had not been done, we could have had a crank fly out of the power plant.
Everything is working and ready for the summer season.
A few other recommendations for repair were made and will be addressed
sometime in the next two years.
Automatic
Meter Infrastructure: Superintendent
Schneider reported, “As you know we spent some time in Atlanta doing some
training on the AMI; that is complete. The
class was very in-depth; and we came back with some excellent training tools.
The infrastructure was commissioned on the 14th and 15th
of February; so the system is up and working and communicating with the
software. We installed a few of our
fat meters and replaced the 2013 meter order yesterday.”
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
Sewer
Pump Station Replacement Project: Superintendent
Hawkins reported the electrical is complete for the new Lift Station #1; and
Lift Station #2 forcemain has been connected to the new liftstation.
Base rock has also been put in around the new liftstation so personnel
can get in to check the liftstation.
Old
Lagoons cleanup: We are
now working on cleaning up the junk piles down at the old sewer lagoon.
We’ve been hauling some of the trash to the Coffey County Landfill and
hauling some to the steel plant in Emporia.
AMI
Training: Superintendents
Hawkins and Schneider and Utility Billing Supervisor Mast attended the AMI
training in Atlanta, Georgia. He
explained, “We are going to basically piggyback off the Electric meters.
We are kind of at their mercy because our water meters need to have a
signal as close as we can to the electric meters.
We will try to replicate Alan’s; and this year we will install around
359 meters.”
Waterline
Replacement Project: Superintendent
Hawkins has been busy with Bartlett & West concerning our permitting for the
Waterline Replacement Project. He
said, “We want to begin on 6th & Cumberland and go west to 9th
Street, which is a little under 1,300 feet.
We were told that anything over 1,000 feet has to be permitted through
the State of Kansas; so I visited with Bartlett & West before getting that
started.” He continued, “Our
intentions are to move the waterline on the south side of Cumberland Street
versus keeping it on the north side. We’re
intending to do the work ourselves this year.
We budgeted $100,000 this year, so we’re going to try to see if we can
do it ourselves. There will be some
areas where there will be some housing units, so we will do some boring around
these units.We don’t want to disturb a lot of the driveways and sidewalk
areas. We will bore each of the
roads, so we don’t tear up Doug’s (Superintendent Mast’s) roads.”
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Water Plant Efficiency Project - Chlorine System:
Superintendent Hawkins stated, “The Water Department has installed a
new chlorine system. The guys got it
up and running and it’s running good. Tom
Lasser came over and provided our training with it.
Right now we are working with Hydro, a company that is giving us a
ninety-day free trial of their chlorine analyzers.
We’re looking into them versus our HACH analyzers because the reagents
we buy every year are a little more expensive.
We’re hoping to go in that direction because it will save us roughly
about $2,500 for the year in chemicals and reagents.
It will depend on whether it is KDHE permitted.
In other words, when Greg Taylor goes in the Water Plant and checks all
our machines, we want to make sure we meet the criteria of what KDHE has
given.”
Water
Plant Efficiency Project - CO2 Feed System:
Superintendent Hawkins reported, “We’re also having a technician from
Hydro come to look at our CO2 Feed System.
This is the company that installed our Chlorine Analyzers.
Since we have completed our CO2 Basins, we’ve seen a
tremendous change in the PH control of the Water Plant.
We’re getting good control now within the system.”
Water Emergency Stage 2, Water Warning Update:
Superintendent Hawking stated, “We are finally getting some
precipitation. It’s good to see
some rain and snow. We’ve had up
to two inches of rain in the county over the last couple of weeks.
We’ve had no new restrictions placed upon us.
We are still attending any drought meetings that come up and want to keep
the people aware of it. For the
month of February, we’ve pumped 10,548,000 gallons of water, giving us a daily
average of 555,157 gallons; which is pretty good.
It is up a little, but we do have 1,200 to 1,400 people here for the Wolf
Creek Outage, so a little increase of water use is anticipated.”
Council Member Scott, commenting that we’re supposed to get a
significant amount of moisture, asked what it will take us statewide to get us
out of Stage 2, Water Warning of the drought emergency.
Superintendent Hawkins explained, “Actually, the pool levels on the
Neosho River Basin reach above the drought level, the Chief Engineer will notify
all of the assurance districts that we have reached standard pool levels.
Then he will tell us that we don’t need to be addressing it any longer.
Right now we do weekly reports and let the State know how much water
we’re pumping on a weekly basis.” Council
Member Scott, “So the Neosho assurance area could get out of the Stage 2.”
Superintendent Hawkins, “Depending on the rains and how the reservoirs
are; when you have the Marion Lake and Council Grove where we get a lot of our
assurancy water. If we do get some
spring rain, it is a possibility. It’s
mainly what we see go downstream. If
it reaches the level that is above drought, it will release us from the Stage 2
water warning.”
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Purchase two Pick-up Trucks
Superintendent Hawkins mentioned discussion on January 17th
concerning purchasing pickup trucks from Federal Surplus, and referred to quote
sheets on two trucks that have been looked at for the Water/Wastewater
Department. Superintendent Hawkins
said, “We went up to look at trucks and reserved these two.
We don’t have to purchase them, reserving them just gives us the first
opportunity to purchase them. They
are used vehicles; and we did inspect these two trucks.
We budgeted $29,500 this year to purchase a vehicle.
We are basically trying to kill two birds with one stone by replacing our
Chevrolet pickup truck, which we want to transfer to the Street Department –
if they still want it; and the motor has been out of our Dodge for quite some
time, and would put it up for sealed bids. These
two trucks would complete our fleet of vehicles for several years to come.”
Superintendent Hawkins said the total package deal to purchase both
vehicles is $25,006. The trucks
already have the installed toolboxes on them and have overheads.”
Mayor Merry asked about the usual cost of the toolboxes.
Superintendent Mast said they are usually worth a good $8,000 each.
Mayor Merry, “So you’re going to a comparable use truck?”
Superintendent Hawkins said that was correct and that two of the
Water/Wastewater personnel are basically body men and workers in the motor
vehicle field and maintenance is not a major issue.
Mayor Merry asked if Federal Surplus did any kind of check on the trucks.
Superintendent Hawkins referred to the handouts, saying that it shows
where they took the trucks to the dealerships where they were checked out and
some maintenance was done. There is
no warranty and once the trucks are taken off the lot, they will be our
responsibility. Mayor Merry asked,
“Would it make sense to buy one and try it out?”
Superintendent Hawkins replied, “That’s why we’re talking this
evening.”
Mayor Merry stated, “I went down and talked with the local car
dealership. I didn’t want the
local car dealership to think we were buying trucks in Missouri, and said this
is what we’re looking at in used trucks. I
wanted to know what the cost of a toolbox was because they would have to add
that on. I don’t think they can
touch anything like this through a federal program.”
Superintendent Hawkins, “Vehicles purchased through Federal Surplus
have to be retained by the purchaser for three years before you can sell them or
get rid of them.” Mayor
Merry said he went to the Crow Moddie dealership three times to see the owner,
but ended up talking to Brian Steffens and said if they have any issue at all to
give him a call. He hasn’t
received a call back, but Brian didn’t seem too concerned. Council Member
Luke, “We’re fully aware. We’ve
repeatedly bought vehicles through the local dealerships.
Since I’ve been on the Council, we haven’t bought anywhere else
except when we bought the big truck for the Electric Department.”
Mayor Merry, “This isn’t the first time we’ve bought pool cars.
We bought Highway Patrol cars, probably before you were here.
It’s something we’ve done in the past.
I just wanted to make sure I communicated to the dealer that if you’ve
got something on the lot that’s comparable, I don’t think we’d do this.
That’s my two cents.”
Council Member Lenard, “My concern is number one, the warranty.
I understand we’d be under the budget with purchasing the two vehicles;
but my input also is that if we do move forward with two vehicles, we take
potentially the local sale a number of years out of cycle – whether it be two
years, five years. After what
happened with the County, I don’t want to get calls complaining about us
cutting out our local business man. So,
I would be favorable for looking at one vehicle and seeing how it works.”
Mayor Merry, “The other thing is, I assume they’re going to use it
more for a
meter
truck and it wouldn’t be something you’re going to take out on the road to
go to a meeting.” Superintendent
Hawkins, “Right.” Council Member
Lenard suggested keeping in mind that with the installation of the new meters
and the automatic meter reading system, there will be a savings in mileage and
vehicle use.” Superintendent
Schneider agreed. Council Member
Lenard continued, “It will be pretty significant over a period of a year.
So, we may say this is going to save us for five years, but with the
automatic meter reading and reduction of travel time, it could take you even
further into the future before you need to get a new vehicle from a local
dealership. Those are all things
that when we have dialog, they come out.”
Council Member Curtiss asked, “Were you given the price for each one
rather than just a package price?” Superintendent
Hawkins answered, “Yes. They all came in, I believe, from Oklahoma City.
They traded in a fleet of them, and they (Federal Surplus) bought them.
We were really fortunate the way it happened because K-State always gets
the reserve on them, and while we were standing there and wanting to look at the
vehicles, we were told we could reserve them if we wanted to.
It gives us the opportunity to pick and choose which vehicles we want.”
Council Member Curtiss verified with Superintendent Hawkins that both
trucks are the same price and are the same year, but one has more mileage.
Council Member Lenard, “So, we wouldn’t have a vehicle in the budget
for the Water Department for how long?” City
Clerk Kewley said, “Years.” Council
Member Rhodes commented, “It seems to me that's our job, too – to minimize
cost. We make phenomenal savings by
getting two vehicles.” Mayor
Merry, “I think they’ve already worked a trade inside the departments, too.
I don’t have a problem; it’s whatever you say.
I just wanted to make sure we did the ground work.”
Council Member Luke stated, “I
make the motion to authorize the Water Department to purchase two used vehicles
for the package price of $25,006 from Federal Surplus, to transfer the 1997
Chevrolet ¾ ton truck from
the Water Department to the Street Department, and to offer the 2001 Dodge 3/4
ton truck up for closed bid auction.” Council
Member Rhodes, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Council Members Scott, Curtiss,
Luke, Rhodes, and Griffith voted in favor of the motion; and Council Member
Lenard voted against the motion. Mayor
Merry declared that with a 5:1 vote, the motion carried.
Superintendent Hawkins,
“I appreciate it.”
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
General;
Superintendent Mast reported that over the last couple of weeks
personnel have been working on the storage building they are putting up by the
Street Shop. The utility poles are
in, and they started putting up tin. With
the weather, they had to stop and get equipment ready in case we get the winter
storm that is being predicted. They
bladed a few alleys. People put rock
in one dirt alley, and the Street Department spread the rock for them.
Chevy
transfer from Water Department:
Superintendent Mast said, “If we do transfer a Chevy truck from the
Water Department, we would have a truck that we would like to put out for bids
with their old Dodge truck. It is
one we picked up and is an old broken down truck,
and it’s one we would just upgrade with
the Chevy. The old truck still
runs.” (The
1988 Chevrolet truck belonged to the Electric Department before it was
transferred to the Street Department.)
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Chief Jones reported it’s been normal business for the Police
Department – juveniles, suspicious activity, nuisance properties, and some
trash complaints.
In-car
Video System: Chief
Jones told Council the new digital in-car video system from Digital Ally that
was approved a couple of weeks ago has been installed in Unit #10 and the
Officers are pleased with it. He
said, “I am very impressed with it. The
system I took out is what they call the vault system and is in a big steel box
about two feet to a side. This new
system has an external camera, and everything else is incorporated into the
mirror that replaces the rearview mirror. That’s
all there is to it. It records on an
SD card, has an excellent picture, and good quality audio.
I’m quite impressed with it.”
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Parks personnel have been cleaning public buildings and restrooms,
maintaining equipment, and doing other normal duties.
It’s the time of year they do a thorough cleaning of the 4-H Building
and Kelley Hall, including cleaning the tops and bottoms of all the tables.
Parks personnel cut some unwanted trees below the bridge at Veterans Park
in Rock Creek, and burned them. They
also attended the Employee Benefit Meeting.
Banners:
The banners are ordered to extend to the Coffey County Museum and
two each for Veterans Park and Caboose Park.
Caboose
Park – Tower Clock: Superintendent
Boyce reported he had a new clock installed in the Caboose Park restroom tower.
He had to realign the gears to reset the old clock on a weekly basis and
if he was gone, it would be off time until he returned and reset it.
(The clock was purchased from and
installed by Regulator Time Company for $4,225.00.)
4-H Building Exterior:
Superintendent Boyce worked with the contractor on putting the three-foot
rock wall on the front of the 4-H Building.
The weather has caused a delay, but if it is nice next week, the
contactor should be back.
Fair
Board Building: Superintendent
Boyce has heard nothing more about the Fair Board’s plans for location of
their new building.
Training
– Emerald Ash Borer: Superintendent
Boyce attended a tree class in Ottawa on the Emerald Ash Borer.
We do have it in Kansas. He
explained that due to what it would cost, there is nothing we can do about them.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-04 |
$308,691.74 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-04 |
$
73,066.70 |
|
TOTAL |
$381,758.44 |
CLAIMS
2013-04: Council Member Scott,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-04 in the amount of
$308,691.74 for payment of city bills.”
Council Member Luke, “I second the motion.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. Council
Member Luke, “Over half of that is for electric for the month.
City Clerk Kewley, “Yes, Kansas Power Pool; and also a bond payment for
refinancing our debt last year. Hearing no further discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-04 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-04: Council
Member Scott “I move City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-04
in the amount of $73,066.70.” Council
Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Hearing no discussion, Mayor Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a
vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor
Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-04 approved.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
Training
– Emerald Ash Borer: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin attended the training in Ottawa on the Emerald Ash Borer.
Oak
Park – Grant: Superintendent
Boyce had asked Zoning Clerk Hugunin about grants available for getting solar
lights for Oak Park, and he is checking into that.
Riverbank
Fill Permit: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin is working on a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Riverbank Fill Permit
to allow us to dump concrete from sidewalk projects as was discussed at the
December 5, 2012 meeting of Council.
Tree
Board: Burlington Tree
Board met yesterday, the 19th of February.
Zoning Clerk Hugunin reported City of Burlington was once again
recognized as a Tree City USA. We
have received this recognition for twenty years in succession.
The recognition day will be on the 28th of March.
City’s
New Web Page Design: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin talked with Scott of IM Design, and he will be getting the
verbiage to us for the contract so our City Attorney can look it over.
General:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin reported he has been updating our permit log and
getting the permits ready to send to the County Appraiser.
He also attended the Employee Benefits meeting.
Vacating
Alley: At the last
meeting, it was mentioned that Larry Crotts had decided not to proceed with his
petition to vacate an alley. Nancy
Raymer has also decided not to do anything with her petition to vacate an alley
right now, and may get back with us later.
OTHER
BUSINESS: Reschedule Council Meeting
from March 6th to Tuesday, March 5th, 2013
Council Member Luke stated, “March
the 6th is the first night of the State Tournament and it is the
night of the BHS girls play. Since
they are rated number 1 in the State, it is quite possible they will be in the
State tournament. We would like to
move the Wednesday, March 6th meeting of Council to March 5th,
which is Tuesday. That will allow
anybody who wants to attend the games to represent the City of Burlington.
Council Member Luke stated, “I move to reschedule the Wednesday, March
6th meeting of Council to be held on Tuesday, March 5th so
anyone who wishes to can attend the State Tournaments on the 6th of
March to represent the City of Burlington.”
Council Member Rhodes, “I second it.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried. Mayor
Merry stated, “The first Council meeting in March will be on Tuesday, the 5th.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin
2013-004 Gary Parker, 1505
Mohawk Street, for a Garage
2013-005
Coffey County Road and Bridge, 1510 S. 6th Street, for a shop
addition
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
None
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
General:
City Clerk Kewley reported City Hall Staff have been busy preparing for
the utility billing this month. They
prepared work orders, vouchers for bill paying, payroll, and minutes from
council meetings; and also handled calls and inquiries.
Annual reports:
Year end reports are being finished on the state, federal social security
and KPERS.
Sewer
Project: City Clerk
Kewley attended the Sewer Construction meeting on Tuesday, February 12.
Water
Use Report: City Clerk
Kewley worked with Superintendent Hawkins to complete the annual Water Use
Report.
City/County
Funds: City Clerk Kewley
completed the City/County Funds Report showing how funds allocated for Parks and
Recreation and for Infrastructure were used in 2012; and prepared the letters to
the County Commissioners showing what we did last year and what we plan to do in
2013.
Finance
Meeting: City Clerk
Kewley scheduled a meeting of the Finance Committee for 4 p.m. next Wednesday,
February 27th in the meeting room at 303 Neosho.
Withholding
Forms: W-4 forms and K-4
forms were distributed to employees and to the Governing Body to complete and
sign.
MAYOR’S COMMENT: Spending
limits for Department Heads
Mayor Merry said he received an email request from Chief Jones for
permission to purchase batteries. He
asked, “The point is, the Department Heads have a limit of $500 in committing
to something?” City Clerk Kewley
explained, “The Police Department might; but if it’s repair and replace,
Department Heads don’t have a spending limit.”
She continued, “I know the Chief has his own internal policies he’s
had previously.” Chief Jones,
“That I had placed on me, yes.” City
Clerk Kewley, “That’s between him and his Committee.”
Mayor Merry, “So what are the limits on Department Heads?”
City Clerk Kewley, “If it’s repair and replace, you can go ahead and
replace or repair it. If it’s a
completely new item that costs $500 or more, of course they have to ask
Council.” Chief Jones, “I need
Police Committee approval for purchases over $500.
The Police Committee can approve for over $500 and up to $1,000.
Council approval is needed for anything over $1,000.
That is what was put on me.” Mayor
Merry, “On repair.” Chief Jones,
“On any purchase.” Council
Member Rhodes, “Was that put on you by the last Mayor?” Chief
Jones, “The last administration, yes.” Mayor
Merry, “I’d like the Finance Committee to take a look at that, and maybe
make a recommendation back to Council.”
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS: None
Mayor Merry declared the
meeting adjourned.
Approved
by the Governing Body and signed by Regina R. Kewley, City
Clerk
=
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
CITY OF
BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 6, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday February 6, 2013.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Mayor Gene L. Merry
Council Members present:
Yes William
C. Scott (President of Council)
Yes Jane
M. Griffith
Yes
Lewis Lenard
Yes
R. Standley Luke
(Stan)
Yes Forrest
T. Rhodes
Yes
Jerilyn Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes Kevin Boyce (Parks) No Alan Schneider (Electric) Yes
Doug Jones (Chief of Police)
Yes Doug Mast
(Street) No Danny Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes Regina Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes Jimmy
Hugunin (Zoning & Grants Clerk)
Yes Stephen
Smith (City Attorney)
Yes Susan Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present:
Mark Petterson, Coffey
County Republican
VISITORS: Bryant
Presley (Phatal Attraction Car Club); Rural
Water District #2 representatives: Mark
Haas, Rodney Breeze, Dale John; Don Rees, and Lee Hendricks (RWD #2
Counsel).
AGENDA: Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Luke, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES:
Council
Member Luke, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session of
January 16, 2013 as presented.” Council
Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Motion
unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
APPOINTMENT 6:05pm: Bryant Presley,
Phatal Attraction Car Club Cruise Night, June
22, 2013 in Kelley Park
Bryant Presley requested permission for the Phatal Attraction Car Club to
hold their Annual Cruise Night at Kelley Park from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday,
June 22. This will be the fifteenth
year of the Cruise Night event. He
stated, “Kevin, Jerame Hugunin is wanting to know if there’s any way to
build a concrete pad or something for the burnout contest over by the cattle
pens. He said he could get
everything donated for that.” Superintendent
Boyce, “That’s a liability.” Mr.
Presley, “It used to be done in a neighbors lot; but it’s been getting kind
of dangerous because if the wind is blowing in a certain direction, the
smoke/dust hinders driver’s vision.” Attorney
Smith, “As long as the Phatal Car Club provides insurance.”
Superintendent Boyce, “We’re working with the Fair Board right now on
their new building; and Jerame and I had talked about the concrete pad; but that
is where the stage will set, so we won’t have to deal with weeds growing
around it.” The stage could be
pulled out of there during that process (the Cruise-In Burnout).
Mr. Presley, “That would be fine. Then,
I will get with Jerame and see what deal he wants to work out and let you know.
It will be a lot safer down there than up by the highway like it has
been.”
Council Member Lenard stated, “I move to approve
Bryant Presley’s request on behalf of Jerame Hugunin for the Phatal Attraction
Car Club to hold its annual Cruise-In at Kelley Park from 6 to 10 p.m., June 22,
2013, with the proper coordination with the City’ Superintendents, and
insurance.” Council Member Curtiss, “Second.”
Hearing
no discussion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT 6:10 p.m.: Shane &
Vicki Wolford – Fair Board, Derby – April 20, 2013
Shane Wolford, “I’m here tonight representing the Coffey County Fair
Board. We’ve been approached about
having a spring demolition derby this year.
In previous years, this person has held one in Lyon County.
Last year he ran into some difficulties with the Fair Board – security
issues; basically, it wasn’t cost effective for him to have it in Lyon County
any more. He wondered if we would be
interested in doing it in Burlington. The
Coffey County Fair Board spoke with him, and would like to ask the City’s
permission to use the Kelley Park Fair Grounds on the evening of April 20th.
We will probably start inspections around noon; cars will be coming in
most of the day. We do not need any
of the rental buildings, but if we could have quite a bit of parking towards
evening. My wife spoke with somebody
and as of the 5th, the buildings have not been reserved; but like I
said, we don’t need those. Are
there any objections? May we use the
park?”
Superintendent Boyce stated, “I visited with Scot Jeffers (USD #244
Recreation Commission) and he had a big concern about encroaching onto the
ballfields. By normal Fair time,
he’s pretty much done with the kids ball season, and it doesn’t cause much
problem. He’s worried now about if
we do put ruts in the area where we have bleachers on the south side that will
cause an issue.” Mr. Wolford said
he doesn’t plan on moving the bleachers because it is the wet time of year and
the equipment he would use to do that would definitely leave tracks, even if it
didn’t leave ruts. Superintendent Boyce stated, “As far as I’m concerned,
being the first derby, we would not move the south bleachers at all.
At the very most, we might put one on the west side; but if we do, we can
go between the ballfields to set those. One
of the committee members met with Scot, and he (Scot) wanted to be present when
we set up fence.”
Mr. Wolford continued, “The Electric Department – Mike Skillman said
he doesn’t know if there is a need to tie the blocks.
I think it would be safer if we did, but he said being where we weren’t
putting bleachers on the south side that he didn’t see a reason to tie the
blocks together. Would the Electric
Department be interested in working with us to tie them down?
Also, we will be carrying insurance on it like we do the Coffey County
Fair.” Superintendent Boyce
stated, “If you’re not setting the south bleachers, then I don’t have a
problem having the derby.”
Council Member Scott stated, “I move to approve
the Fair Board’s request to hold a Derby in Kelley Park on April 20, 2013.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second it.”
Mayor Merry asked if it was
starting at noon. Mr. Wolford
answered, “Pretty much, let’s just schedule the day for events and stuff.
Mayor Merry called for discussion.
Hearing no discussion, Mayor
Merry called for a vote. Motion
unanimously carried. Mr.
Wolford thanked Council and left.
Suspend Ordinance (discussion): Council
Member Lenard asked, “At this time, we usually ask for suspension of the
nuisance vehicle ordinance?” Chief
Jones answered, “For the regular derby, we usually waive the nuisance vehicle
ordinance for derby vehicles for four weeks before and two weeks after.
It would be entirely up to Council if they want to do something like that
for the month of April for this derby, or do it for the whole summer.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I’d say just for the month of April.”
Council Member Lenard, “The same timeframe around this as we do in
August is what we should consider. We
don’t have to do it tonight.” Mayor
Merry suggested, “Why don’t we wait until they request it.”
Chief Jones stated, “The number of derby builders in town has decreased
each year. Actually, that was going
to be my recommendation – that we wait and see if anybody requests that.”
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution Updates
Council Member Luke provided the
update on behalf of Superintendent Schneider who was in AMI training in Georgia.
General Distribution:
Personnel have been replacing some of the power poles, doing maintenance
on all the trucks, cleaning and painting the interior of the distribution shop,
and doing other normal duties. They
have been doing all the reporting due this time of year, and the inventory is
completed.
AMI:
Personnel set the pole at the Power Plant for the collector for
the automated meter system that is being installed.
All the routers are installed and the software.
Testing of the actual routers and collectors will be done on the 13th
and 14th of this month. It
should be all tested out prior to our next council meeting.
No meters will be ordered until that is ready to operate.
Electric
to Payne’s Property: Council
Member Luke stated, “We met with Mike and Janet Payne with respect to electric
service to their property near The Meadows.
That’s a dedicated underground area, so the service to their property
line if they choose to be annexed will be an underground installation at the
City’s cost.”
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production Update
Generator
#6: Council Member Luke
explained, “We thought we may have had a major issue with Generator #6, which
has been there since the 1980s. There
have been metal filings found in the oil samples.
We had a company come in to do an analysis and they put computers on all
the rotating parts, took all that data back.
They did not think we have a major issue, but they’re doing a check on
all the perimeters to make sure they are all within standards.
If they are, all of our units will be ready for summer peak load testing.
Water
Plant Water Circulation System: Work
is finished on the circulation system for the Water Plant, so it will have
proper circulation and generators will not be kicking off for excess heat.
RICE/NESHAP:
Council Member Luke reported, “There have been inquires with respect to
the R.I.C.E./NESHAP compliances. Those
calls have been forwarded to Larry Holloway at the KPP, as all of our stuff is
being handled through the Kansas Power Pool.
He will have an update at our next KPP meeting on the 21st in
Hillsboro.”
AMI
Training: Superintendents
Hawkins and Schneider and Utility Billing Supervisor Mast are all in Atlanta,
Georgia this week for training for the Automatic Meter Infrastructure system.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
Council Member Rhodes provided the update on behalf of Superintendent
Hawkins who was in AMI training in Georgia.
Sewer
Pump Station Replacement Project & SCADA System:
The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System has been
hooked up to Lift Station #1. Also,
the Water Department received two hours of training for LS#1.
The contractors have installed all of the air louvers for the building.
The sewer project is still on schedule.
Council Member Griffith asked if the little buildings that are being
built are part of the sewer project. She
was told they are and agreed they look much better than what we had and are a
good improvement.
General:
Personnel have been repairing water leaks as needed, along with doing
regular duties of locates, rereads, work orders, etcetera.
Training:
Superintendent Hawkins and City Clerk Kewley attended a Coffey County
Emergency Preparedness meeting on concerns of the ongoing drought.
There are plans to hold another meeting in a couple of months.
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Water Plant Efficiency Project:
Water Department personnel have completed construction of the CO2
baffles. The chlorine system has
been installed and is up and working. The
staff is also working on installing the new Carbon Eductor System.
Water Emergency Stage 2, Water Warning Update:
In January, we pumped 16,104,000 gallons of water.
We are still under the Water Warning, with no new restrictions from the
State; however, we need to get the information out to our consumers that the
water supply is diminishing and conservation is necessary.
Council Member Rhodes referred to a note from Danny that we ought to
consider conserving water, and said, “I hope everyone knows we are at Level 2
right now and Level 3 is painful. That
shuts the valve – people can’t take their cattle to get water, that cuts us
off at the pass. We’re not there,
but when people start talking about it and if we keep going without any rain,
it’s going to happen. I hope it
doesn’t.”
WATER DEPARTMENT:
Rural Water District #2 – Water Billing Credit ($77,194.80)
Rodney Breeze, RWD #2, stated, “Basically, I’m sure you are aware of
what happened over the last six to eight months.
Computer error – we’ve actually been over-paying for water.
Basically, we’re here tonight to make a formal request for a refund of
the overpayment, which comes to the total of $77,194.80.”
City Clerk Kewley explained to Mr. Breeze, “Actually, Carol (Utility
Billing Clerk), Danny Hawkins, and myself set down and visited a couple of
times, and got with you a couple of times after that, visited with our Auditor,
and talked with Steve (City Attorney). Our
policy in the past is that we give refunds in the form of credit on the bill.
This last month, your bill was roughly $14,000; you’ll have it used up
in four or five months. That’s
what I was recommending, and I informed you that it’s going to be a big hit on
our Water Fund; and you know, the credit accumulated over an amount of time, not
quick and instant like you are requesting a check.
So, I believe Steve submitted a letter to Council (dated 1/24/2013)
requesting the recommendation of a credit back on the bill.
I did want to work it out – maybe pay some and put some on the bill,
but nobody wanted to work with me on it.”
Mr. Breeze, “It was just a matter of timing trying to get my Board
together and figure out what we wanted to do.
We can definitely understand that’s a large amount of money and it
might have a negative impact on the City. I
propose maybe meeting in the middle – give us a 50% refund and 50% cash to us.
We’re not here to demand that we get our money right now.
We definitely would like to have some kind of a cash refund, because that
would allow us to take some cash and do projects we are looking to do rather
than have to space our projects out over the next four, five, six months or
whatever it is. That’s basically
what we’re here for. We’ll take
all the money you will give us back.”
Council Member Curtiss inquired, “How much was their bill last time?”
City Clerk Kewley answered, “This month it was $14,765.21 with all
their meters.” Council Member
Griffith asked, “What is it usually that you do?”
City Clerk Kewley explained, “We have done refunds with USD #244, the
cable company, the hospital and everybody had a sizeable credit on different
issues, not necessarily the water - the electric as well.
Our policy is that we put it back on as a credit.
That’s what we’ve done and it had been our policy in the past.”
Mr. Breeze, “Has any of them had a refund this large?”
City Clerk Kewley, “One of them was $12,061.”
She added, “We have mechanisms in place right now, so it won’t happen
again. I guess what happened, is
that Rodney wanted to reroute some water last year, so we took the flag off the
system; and somehow it was corrected for a couple of months and then the flag
got removed again for about a year. That’s
what happened and we’ve taken care of the problem.”
Mr. Breeze, “Like I said, we’re not trying to point fingers and say
you’re to blame.” City Clerk
Kewley, “We’re taking full responsibility, and that’s why I said ‘I’m
so sorry’ when we did meet.”
Council Member Griffith, “My question was, how much credit would you
give; would you spread it out over a year?”
City Clerk Kewley, “Actually with the way their bills are (the amount),
their credit would be used up in about four or five months.”
Council Member Curtiss, “Five and a half months at the most.”
Mr. Breeze gave an example that if you were overcharged at the gas
station, typically you’d want your money back.
City Clerk Kewley, “But it took months for you to accumulate this, and
you want it back immediately. I’m
thinking of the consumers.” Mr.
Breeze, “We want to try to compromise.”
City Clerk Kewley, “It’s up to the Council.”
Council Member Lenard, “What’s the position of your Board?”
A RWD#2 representative said, “We would like to have all or some of it.
I’m not implying we don’t want credit.
It’s a paperwork nightmare for both sides – for the City and for us.
Right now, we’re installing a new system, too; and we’ve got a lot of
headaches with it. We’re hoping
this doesn’t happen to us.” Council
Member Lenard asked, “You’ve already set your budget for the year?”
Don Rees introduced himself as Treasurer for RWD#2 and said, “That’s
a lot of money to your water budget. It’s
a tremendous amount of money. It’s
our operating budget every month; and like you, we have a duty to our customers.
We’re pretty tight on our budget, too, because we’re not allowed to
mark up our water any more than necessary to cover our delivery cost to our
customers; and we do run a pretty tight margin every month.”
Council Member Curtiss, “But if you’re talking $15,000 a month…”
City Attorney Smith, “We are on the same contract with them.
The charges to them are the cheapest we give.
They are the cheapest customers we have.
Our contract with them is our cost of producing the water, and we don’t
make the profit with the Water Districts that we make with other commercial
users or residential users even. We’re
operating on the same budget, the same thing you’re talking about; the same
thing applies to us. That’s the
contract we have. The contract just
doesn’t have any provision for refunding.
It doesn’t address this language other than if they owed the City
money, how they are going to repay us. That’s
it - it’s just entirely at your discretion.
All the light bill tells anybody is that they always use the credit
option because that’s how they do it. Because
they’ve already paid for it, they are not going to have any money going out
for the next four or five and a half months, so if they’ve got a budget,
they’re going to be paying themselves back.”
City Clerk Kewley, "You were talking about wanting to take the check
and get a garage or whatever and I said the money you get back on credit, you
could set that aside for..…” Mr.
Rees, “There’s something else I want to bring up.
I am on the Board, too. We’re
going into the season where we’re going to be using less water, not more with
normal rainfall. I realize we
haven’t been having normal rainfall, but traditionally that $14,000 is not
going to pay half our bill, especially when we go into spring because a lot of
our customers are farmers and ranchers, and if they didn’t have to use the
water, they wouldn’t be using it. They’re
forced to use our water, and that’s why we have such a large use of water
right now. If we get a two-inch rain
Saturday night, this thing is over for a lot of farmers because they will do
anything they can to quit using Rural Water.
So, it might be drawn out for seven or eight months.”
Mayor Merry asked about the history of the bill.
City Clerk Kewley, “They run pretty consistent.
The busy time will be coming up in the next three months.
The consistency when you look back, the refund amount will be used up in
four or five months.” Mr. Rees
discussed the amount and usage and stated, “So, it will be seven or eight
months before we recoup anything.”
Mr. Breeze commented, “My other question is about the water supply in
Burlington. We hear all these rumors
that we’ve got 90 days left. We
can’t afford to let those lines go dry. It
will bankrupt you, and it will bankrupt us.”
Council Member Scott stated, “It’s not going to happen.
I was at the meeting (Coffey County Emergency Preparedness).
If you look at the data they presented to us, they said John Redmond is
at 40%. If we don’t get any rain,
it goes to 0%, in like you’re saying – 90 days; and that looks pretty gloom
and doom. Then they put up Council
Grove and Marion. Both of those are
80%; so, we’re going to have water.” Mr.
Breeze, “That’s different than what we’ve been hearing.”
Council Member Curtiss, “What do the water people think?” Council
Member Griffith, “Where are we on this?”
Council Member Lenard, “This is not necessarily water as a utility
because we produce it and it’s sold – it’s more of a ….”
Council Member Curtiss, “What about the budget?”
City Clerk Kewley, “It’s going to impact our budget.
I talked to the auditors, and they said we’ll have to do a debit as
revenue because it’s cash we’re not going to have.
We have $288,000 in there.” Council
Member Griffith, “What would be the difference if we paid them cash and we
give them credit?” City Clerk
Kewley, “It depends on what you work out.
That’s up to all of you to decide.”
Council Member Luke, “It’s going to be the same total dollars no
matter what whether it’s repaid one time or over six month’s time, part
payment/part credit – it’s a variety of different options.”
Council Member Curtiss, “Sure it is.
It’s going to be $77,000 no matter what.”
Mayor Merry commented, “There are basically a couple of different ways
you can do it: 1) You can do like
our policy has been and do the credit. 2)
The request that half be cash and half spread over credit. That’s your other
option.”
Council Member Griffith, “And your reason for cash is what?”
Mr. Breeze, “Basically, we’ve got some projects we want to do, and so
we’re taking money and basically making payments on the project.
If we had a lump sum – even if it was half, we could put that money
down on the project and make smaller payments.
Like on a house, the bigger the down payment, the less interest you pay
over time.” Council Member Lenard,
“Looking through the water contract, it’s really like Steve Smith summarized
it. It addresses the billing
procedures, but there’s nothing in the contract – it addresses
modifications, but everything else is done with mutual agreement.
In my opinion, since they have a budget and there’re no damages so to
speak, I would suggest that we provide credits and establish a ‘not to
exceed’ date of so many months so they can budget the rest of the year –
whether it be six months, eight months. I
kind of lean back on what Gina’s data shows.”
Council Member Griffith, “What we owe them is about half of what they
use monthly?” City Clerk Kewley,
“The bills range from $12,000 to $15,000 a month on bills; so it will be paid
off in about five months.”
Council Member Rhodes, “It seems to me we made this bill over time, it
kept adding up.” City Clerk
Kewley, “Yes, and that’s what I was saying,
I believe when Rodney came in and wanted to reroute some water, that’s
where the flag came off the system; it got put back on; and then somehow it got
taken back off for quite a few months.” She
added, “It is our fault, and we’ve taken all the responsibility of it, and
we want to make it right; but then we called our auditor and he recommended we
call our lawyer, and Steve has recommended we need to do the credit.
That’s what I was recommending, as well, because it did take a while to
accumulate.”
Council
Member Luke stated, “Let me put a motion on the floor.
I move to authorize City of Burlington to reimburse Rural Water District
#2 the amount of $77,194.80 in four equal payments for their overpayment for
water, commencing with the next billing period.”
Council Member Griffith, “I’ll second the motion.”
Mayor Merry called for discussion on the motion.
Council Member Lenard, “How’s that fit in our….”
City Clerk Kewley, “We’ll make it work/fit in; we’ll just key in
the credit. I’ve already dealt
with the computer programmers (Thomson Reuters), and however you want to set it
up, they can work with us.” Council
Member Luke, “Dale, you’ll have all your money in four months.”
When asked whether it would be cash payment or credit payment, Council
Member Luke answered, “You will get a credit of whatever your bill is and the
remainder of the payment in cash. You
will get everything in four months.” It
was agreed that the total amount of the reimbursement would be divided into four
months, with some being credit and some being cash. City
Clerk Kewley said they will get paperwork every month showing the transactions.
City Attorney Smith stated, “You will get your bill with the credit,
and then you’ll get a check for the difference.”
Council Member Luke summarized, “However that divides out in equal
payments; but for the motion I will use the round numbers of $80.000.
$20,000 a month would be available to the Water District.
Whatever the water bill is will be subtracted from that as a credit; and
the remaining portion will be issued by check to the Water District.
After four months, it will revert back to its normal billing.”
RWD #2 representatives said they understood.
Hearing no further discussion, Mayor Merry called for a vote on the
motion: Council
Member Luke, “I move to authorize City of Burlington to reimburse Rural Water
District #2 the amount of $77,194.80 in four equal payments for their
overpayment for water, commencing with the next billing period.”
Council Member Griffith, “I’ll second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
Contract outdated:
Mr. Breeze stated, “I do have one more item.
The contract is actually out of date.
Basically, we are going to have our attorney draw up some new contracts
and get them to you after we review it; and work out the new contract with
you.” City Attorney Smith, “If
he wants to contact my office and get copies of the contracts we have with
LeRoy, Gridley, and everybody else, he’s welcome to do that.”
Mr. Breeze, “We’ll give him your contact information.”
They thanked Council, and left. Attorney
Smith then commented, “I told them we had litigation back in the 1980s over
the water bills and what we could charge them for it and everything, and we let
them pay us on installments.”
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
Superintendent Mast reported personnel have been sweeping streets,
painting barricades, installing culverts, working on equipment, and doing normal
duties. They built a new pad for the new building.
He thanked the Electric Department for their help to set the electric
poles today.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Sidewalk Application
2013-01, Mike Skillman for 318 S. 7th Street
Superintendent Mast reported Mike Skillman submitted an application at
the end of 2012 and since the work wasn’t done last year, he needed to reapply
for this year. He recommended
approving this one, as he had the previous one. We are starting out a new year,
so there are funds available. Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve Mike Skillman’s Sidewalk Application
2013-01 for 720 St. Lawrence. 318 S. 7th (correct
address).”
Council Member Luke, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Chief Jones reported Officer Riley Morgan and his wife, Meghan, are the
proud parents of a daughter, Reghan. Mother
and daughter are doing fine. Officer
Brandi Charlton and daughter, Olivia, went home from the hospital last night and
are doing fine.
Prescription
Drug Case: Chief Jones
reported the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office has been working on a
case involving prescription drugs. They
did a search of a house in town this morning and ended up arresting two persons
and detained and questioned two other adults.
Pornography
Case: They also issued a
search warrant involving an eighteen year old showing pornography to underage
minors. That report is on his desk
and when he gets the accompanying videos of the interview copied, the report
will be going to the City Attorney.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Equipment – In-car
video Systems, and Tasars
In-car
Video Systems: Chief
Jones told Council that a couple of used Kustom Signal in-car video systems that
were four years old when purchased from Allen County Sheriff four years ago and
are now close to nine years old; and both have reached their end of life
expectancy. One system had some work
done last year for over $600 and the other is not working.
He didn’t think it would be cost-effective to put more money into
repairing the system that is not working. He
stated, “I got costs of in-car video systems; and the best option I found,
which is also the option the Sheriff’s Office is installing and both Lebo and
Waverly are using, is a system from Digital Ally at a cost of $2,795.00.
It will be replacing an existing system, but that dollar amount is
sufficient that I do have to ask Council’s permission to spend that much
money. So, I would like to ask permission to purchase a digital in-car video
system from Digital Ally for $2,795.00.” City
Attorney, “I’d like to really support that request because it’s really
embarrassing to have the defense counsel want the video and I call the Chief and
find out the video system was not working again and they don’t have a video.
We haven’t lost any cases because of it, but we could in the future.”
Council Member Luke verified, “We just need one?”
Chief Jones, “We just need one for right now.”
Council
Member Scott stated, “I move to authorize Chief Jones to purchase a digital
in-car video system from Digital Ally for $2,795.00.
Council Member Griffith, “Second.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Tasers:
Chief Jones informed Council, “The Sheriff’s Office upgraded their
Tasers this year and sold their two-year old Tasers, five of them, to me for
$200 apiece. They are about $900
new. Steve authorized using
Diversion Funds to purchase five Tasers and new batteries and cartridges for
them. We do appreciate that.”
City Attorney Smith commented, “Criminals paying the community back.
We’re taking their money and buying equipment.”
He added, “We really haven’t had to use a Tasers very often.
When it became known Tasers had been deployed, that the officers had them
available, the number of instances involving resistance of subjects has
decreased dramatically. They really
don’t want to find out what the five-seconds are like.”
Animal
Shelter – HVAC: Chief
Jones said the HVAC project is done. Animal
Control Officer Stice has done a little remodeling work.
The new furnace is in and after talking with Calvin Freeman, the gas hot
water tank was taken out and a smaller electric one was installed.
The ductwork and electric upgrades are done.
The forty gallon gas hot water tank that was taken out was only two years
old, so the Police Department asked Mr. Freeman to keep it in his store room and
give it to someone who needs a hot water tank and doesn’t have the means to
pay for it.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Personnel have been cleaning public buildings and restrooms, maintaining
equipment, and doing other normal duties. They
replaced the fluorescent bulbs in the 4-H Building, did normal truck
maintenance, and trimmed trees.
Training:
Superintendent Boyce attended the Dig Safe class on January 29th
in Emporia.
Signs:
Line locates were done for the ‘Welcome to Burlington’ signs.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Banners - Quotes
Superintendent
Boyce presented the quotes below to 1) Extend banners to Coffey County Museum;
2) Put two banners in Veterans Park; and 3) Put two banners in the Caboose
Parks. He requested Council approval to accept the quotes as presented so he can
move forward with the project.
TOTAL QUOTE FOR BANNERS AND BRACKETS IS
$2,938.00
plus shipping on order from Temple Display.
|
Holiday
Banners |
Quantity |
Unit
Price |
Total |
|
|
Temple Display, Ltd. |
French
Horn Christmas Banners |
10 |
$68.00 |
$
680.00 |
|
|
Brackets
|
14 |
$67.00 |
$
938.00 |
|
Shipping
Charges will be added to invoice |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
$1,618.00 |
|
|
Welcome
to Burlington Banner 17”
x 45” |
Quantity |
Unit
Price |
Total |
|
|
Street Décor, Inc. |
Welcome
to Burlington – 1 ink custom on burgundy |
10 |
$63.00 |
$
630.00 |
|
|
Welcome
to Burlington – 2 ink stock Fall design on Jockey Red |
10 |
$67.00 |
$
670.00 |
|
Shipping |
|
|
$
20.00 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
$1,320.00 |
|
Council Member Scott stated, “I move to accept Temple Display’s quote
for holiday banners and brackets in the amount of $1,618.00 plus shipping, and
the quote from Street Décor, Inc. for ‘Welcome to Burlington’ Banners in
the amount of $1,320.00, including shipping.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second it.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion,
Mayor Merry called for a vote. Motion
unanimously carried.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Personnel – Hire Parks
Maintenance Worker
Superintendent Boyce reported that twelve applications were received for
the position of Parks Maintenance Worker. Three
applicants were interviewed on the 24th of January by Council Member
Scott, City Clerk Kewley, and Superintendent Boyce.
Council Member Curtiss was out of town.
Superintendent Boyce made the recommendation to hire Heath Birk at $13.35
per hour.
Council Member Scott stated, “I move to extend an offer of employment
as Parks Maintenance Worker to Heath Birk, at the hourly wage of $13.35.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second it.”
Mayor Merry called for discussion.
He asked, “This is above
entry level and is based on experience?” Superintendent
Boyce, “Right. We feel he will be
able to come right in and use any equipment we use from other departments and
step right in.” Council Member
Curtiss, “I think it will be a great hire.”
Superintendent Boyce said Mr. Birk will need to give his current employer
a two-week notice. Hearing
no further discussion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-03 |
$229,624.02 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-03 |
$
67,214.70 |
|
TOTAL |
$296,838.72 |
CLAIMS
2013-03: Council Member Scott,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-03 in the amount of
$229,624.02 for payment of city bills.”
Council Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley stated, “This big ticket item this time is for Midland
Contractors for $152,208.20 for Phase II of the Sewer Project.
Keep in mind this is three weeks worth of bills and is really not too
large of a price.” Hearing
no further discussion, Mayor Merry
directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-03 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-03:
Council Member Scott “I move
City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-03 in the amount of
$67,214.70.” Council
Member Luke, “I second the motion.” Hearing no discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-03 approved.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
General:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin said
people are starting to build again so he has worked on several permits.
Mike
and Janet Payne property: He
had a meeting with Superintendents Hawkins and Schneider and Mike and Janet
Payne about some land they are thinking about building on.
They looked at utilities and the possibility of annexing, if they decide
to do that. The Paynes are not sure
whether they want a lagoon or sewer, but it is lined out as to what they can do
and how they can do it. He explained
that if they want sewer, they would need to be annexed to the city right away.
Welcome
to Burlington signs: Zoning
was checked for the ‘Welcome to Burlington’ signs and no problems were seen
with the locations.
Web
Design for City: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin completed paperwork to change the City’s webpage domain to
‘.gov’ (burlingtonks.gov), and will get it mailed tomorrow.
(Our emails will be i.e. zoning@burlington.gov).
IM Design has provided us with a mock up of the website, with just the
basic format of the mapping at the moment. He
offered to email the link to the Governing Body if they want it.
Mayor Merry wanted to be sure that the
contract with IM Design contains language that City of Burlington will own every
piece of the website. Zoning Clerk
Hugunin stated, “We will own every piece of it.
Now, if there is a photo we want of theirs to put on the website, they
will probably have a copyright on the photo.
As long as we use our information and photographs, etc., we do own the
website. We haven’t done anything
in writing with them yet for the contract, but I’m sure it will be in there;
because that is one thing that Sue and I did stress – is making sure we own
the content.” Mayor Merry, “I
want to be sure Steve looks at the contract before we sign off because it’s a
nightmare trying to go back and pay all the fees, especially photos.”
Zoning Clerk, “Okay, we will do that.”
Vacating Alley: The petitions for alley vacate discussed
last meeting have been pulled for now. Larry
Crotts has probably decided not to do it.
Coffey County Economic Development Committee:
Zoning Clerk Hugunin went to the Committee meeting yesterday, as did Mark
Petterson. Mayor Merry said they are
deciding whether to have a full-time Director.
Tree Board: Burlington
Tree Board will meet on the 19th of February.
Floodplain: Council
Member Griffith asked, “Jimmy, where are we on the floodplain deal, on getting
new information? Did we hear
anything back?” Zoning Clerk
Hugunin replied, “They haven’t done another study, so there’s no new
information.” He told her we still
operate on what we currently have. He
said, “I think that was done in 1996. I
have had several people ask me questions about it – like Country Club Heights.
I talked to several people on that, and it’s like who paid for it?
There’s been no study done on that.
Fred Walrod’s talked to me several times, and I don’t know if some of
those people down there (CCHTS) would really want to have that done.”
Council Member Griffith, “But doesn’t the Federal Government have
one? Doesn’t the Federal
Government know where the floodplain is?”
Mayor Merry, “They’ll extend it out there and say, ‘Oh, it will be
$3,000,000.” Council Member
Griffith asked, “Why is that allowed to happen?
Where are our legislators? That
could be a real problem.” She was
told, “You don’t want to know.” Mayor
Merry, “They did a national adjustment, when was that?”
Zoning Clerk, “The last one we have was done in 1996.”
Mayor Merry, “Those are in the original floodplain.
We went through this when I was mayor before.
They wanted $2,500,000 to extend it out to Rock Creek and out south.
We don’t have very much to the south.
But they deal in billions of dollars, so to them three million dollars is
cheap.” Council Member Griffith,
“I agree, we don’t need to be spending that; but I kind of wonder what
we’re paying for.” Mayor Merry,
“We’re getting nothing from the Federal Government, from FEMA but headaches.
I’m six inches in the floodplain and pay $1,200; and I could sandbag it
and be out – that’s their philosophy.”
OTHER
BUSINESS: Goals &
Accomplishments and
Proclamation for Peace Day
Goals and Accomplishments:
Council Members were given copies of the 2013 Goals and 2012
Accomplishments.
Proclamation – Peace Day:
Mayor Merry will sign the Proclamation for Rotary Peace Day, February 23,
2013.
ORDINANCE
817, Authorizing Issuance and Delivery of $3,360,000 G.O. Bonds Series 2013A
City Clerk Kewley explained, “This is the Sewer Improvement Project
Phase II permanent financing through Rural Development.
We will be closing on the 27th of February, so to move forward
with the closing, we need to adopt this Ordinance 817.
Council Member Luke stated, “I move to adopt Ordinance 817, An
Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance and Delivery of $3,360,000 Principal Amount
of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2013A, of the City of Burlington,
Kansas; and Providing for the Levy and Collection of an Annual Tax for the
Purpose of Paying the Principal of and Interest on the Bonds as They Become
Due.” Council Member Scott,
“Second.”
Hearing no discussion on the
motion, Mayor Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All
votes were in favor. Mayor
Merry declared Ordinance 817 unanimously adopted.
RESOLUTION
2013-01, Providing Form & Details of and Authorizing Issuance & Delivery
of G.O. Bonds Series2013A
City Clerk Kewley explained that this Resolution tells what we are doing
with the Ordinance. Council Member Luke, “I move to
approve Resolution 2013-01, A Resolution Prescribing the Form and Details of and
Authorizing the Delivery of $3,360,000 Principal
Amount of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2013A, of the City of
Burlington, Kansas, Previously Authorized by an Ordinance of the City.”
Council Member Scott, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll
Council for a vote. All
votes were in favor. Mayor Merry
declared Resolution 2013-01 approved.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin
2013-001
Sandy Lewis, 404 N. 3rd Street, Garage
2013-002 City of Burlington
Street Department, 901 S. 10th Street, Storage
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
City Attorney Smith reported he has been working on the bond paperwork
with the City Clerk and our Bond Counsel, and with Police Department business.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
General:
City Clerk Kewley reported City Hall Staff have been busy with customers
paying their utility bills. They
prepared work orders, vouchers for bill paying, payroll, and minutes from
council meetings; and also handled calls and inquiries.
Kansas
Set-off Program: In
February we will be sending $2,917.27 of delinquent utility accounts for
collections through the State of Kansas Set-off Program.
Sewer
Improvement Project Phase II – Permanent Financing:
City Clerk Kewley said there is quite a list of documentation
that Rural Development requires to close on their loans; so there will be a lot
of additional information we will need to submit to Rural Development by the 27th
of February.
City/County
Funds: City Clerk Kewley
informed Council we received the City/County Street Infrastructure and for the
Parks & Recreation money from the Coffey County Commissioners.
She will be preparing a report to the Commissioners with a brief
statement of what we expensed for 2012 and of what we are planning for 2013.
We received $54,967.50 for Parks and Recreations and $209,864.50 for City
County Street Infrastructure, which comes to a total of $264,832.00.
Interviews:
City Clerk Kewley participated in the Parks Department interviews.
Drought
Update: City Clerk
Kewley attended the Emergency Management meeting on the 30th of
January, along with surrounding water agencies, and the Kansas Water Office to
discuss the drought concerns. Mark
Petterson, mayor of New Strawn was also there.
The main goal is to inform and educate the public on conserving water and
on the potential future drought concerns with respect to Stage 2 and possibly
Stage 3 of our Water Emergency Plan. City
of Burlington will enclose information with the Annual Water Quality Report that
will be mailed by the 1st of July, probably earlier.
We will continue to put drought updates and suggestions for conserving
water on our webpage, on Facebook, and in the newspaper as we have been doing on
a weekly basis. We are doing our
best to get the information out to the public.
Staff
Meeting: City Clerk Kewley attended the Staff Meeting on Friday,
February 1.
Handouts:
Financials for the last quarter of 2012 were handed out, as were the
Goals and Accomplishments.
Employee
Benefit Meeting: City
Clerk Kewley reminded everyone that the Employee Benefit Meeting will be held
from 9 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, February 13.
City Hall will be closed from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
MAYOR’S COMMENT: Goals
& Accomplishments
Mayor Merry suggested the committees and all the employees take a look at
all the goals of 2012 that were accomplished.
He said, “It’s amazing. We
were looking at dollars tonight; and for as the amount of dollars we spend on
different improvements, we’re really not too far from being even with the
total funds year over year. So,
that’s even more amazing. A lot of
these things will fall off now, like the sewer project – start finishing up
and we’ll start seeing the revenue side. We
need to be very thankful - all the staff, including Council – that we’ve
really accomplished a lot.”
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS: None
Mayor Merry declared the meeting adjourned.
Approved by the Governing Body and signed by City Clerk Regina R. Kewley.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
CITY OF
BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 16, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday January 2, 2016.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Yes
Mayor Gene L. Merry
Council Members present:
Yes William
C. Scott (President of Council)
Yes Jane
M. Griffith
No Lewis
Lenard
Yes R.
Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes
Forrest T. Rhodes
Yes
Jerilyn Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes
Kevin Boyce (Parks) Yes
Alan Schneider (Electric) Yes
Doug Jones (Chief of Police)
Yes Doug Mast
(Street) Yes
Danny Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes
Regina Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes
Jimmy Hugunin (Zoning & Grants Clerk)
Yes
Stephen
Smith (City Attorney)
No
Susan Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present: Mark
Petterson, Coffey County Republican
VISITORS:
Larry Crotts, Nancy Raymer
AGENDA: Council
Member Rhodes, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Luke, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES:
Council
Member Scott, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session of
January 2, 2013 as presented.” Council
Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.” Motion
unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
APPOINTMENT:
Harry Huff, CDBG Loan Review
Harry Huff referred to the letter he sent on January 7th
asking for an extension until April 15th on his Community Development
Building Grant Revolving Loan for Huff’s Gardens, Inc.
He stated, “I am still trying to finalize the SBA Loan through his
banker. I would be willing to pay
the interest tomorrow to keep that current with you at least.
I am asking for an extension until April 15th, and if I
haven’t received a loan, you will receive payment in full.”
Council
Member Scott stated, “I move to approve Harry Huff’s request to allow
Huff’s Gardens, Inc. to pay the interest on their Revolving Loan (CDBG 2008)
on January 17, and to grant an extension on the loan until April 15, 2013.”
Council Member Luke, “Second.”
Mayor Merry, “The interest amount is $490.11 through tomorrow?”
City Clerk Kewley, “Yes.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion on the motion and hearing no discussion, he called
for a vote. Motion unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT: Larry
Crotts, Vacate Alley (Hudson & Miami between 14th & 15th)
& Nancy Raymer Vacate Alley (4 lots)
At 6:10, Mayor Merry recognized Larry Crotts.
Mr. Crotts offered to wait until later in the meeting for his discussion.
At about 6:15 p.m., Mayor Merry turned the floor over to Larry Crotts and
Nancy Raymer. Larry distributed
drawings/descriptions of what he and Nancy want done.
He explained that on his property he would like to vacate the alley at
Hudson & Miami between 14th and 15th Streets.
He said, “Yesterday, I had a guy come in and bulldoze this all up and
plant trees, but at least it looks a little bit more decent now; but I didn’t
pay any attention to the alley in the middle of it.
I can’t see any reason why that couldn’t be vacated, but that’s up
to you guys. I’m not telling the
public what I want to do, but I put the reasons on the sheet for you to see what
I want to do with it. I’ll leave
it with you tonight. (City Clerk
Kewley asked him to give the Zoning Clerk a copy.)
I want you to go out and look at it.”
Mayor Merry asked him if he marked property lines and alley.
Larry said he didn’t have time. Nancy
thought it was marked on her side. Larry
explained, “There are two steel posts. Also,
my name is not on any of the maps because I bought the Abendroth place in May.
I fixed the building up and put new siding on it to match my trailer
houses. I bought the Newkirk land
there. It will be where the former
Abendroth and Newkirk land is, and will be ten lots.
Anyway, I’ll flag it out in the alley at Hudson and Miami between 14th
and 15th Streets.”
Nancy Raymer said, “I have eight lots actually, across 15th
Street. My petition is for four lots
across 15th Street, which will finish up our property.
If I remember right, we still have a stake – maybe – in there.
When we had ours surveyed, we had them survey where the alley was.
My property ends right before the creek, and the other side of me is
Billy Moss and Chris Bahr. The way I
understand it, there are no utilities in there.”
Larry agreed. Nancy
continued, “Utilities run up and down 15th Street, so we can never
vacate 15th.” Larry,
“Yeah, that by Newkirk, I’ll probably clean that up and bulldoze that and
make it look good in that part of town.” When
asked about the right-of-way on 14th Street, Superintendent Mast
answered, “Eighty-foot. Most of
our right-of-ways are eighty foot, and our alleys are sixteen foot.”
Larry said, “There’s also eighty foot – there is a liftstation
right in the middle of it.” Council
Member Griffith inquired about the location.
It is east of the Country Club and across from the trailer park.
Larry explained, “I figured in that area, it wouldn’t be interfering
with new homes. Anyway, that’s all
I want tonight is for you to look it over and see what you think.”
Nancy and Larry discussed the petition and signatures.
Mayor Merry asked if anyone had questions for Larry and Nancy.
Council Member Griffith asked Larry, “Are you planning on
developing?” Larry answered, “I
am looking into it, yes. It all
depends on costs, how hard Jimmy (Zoning Clerk Hugunin) is on me over there with
zoning requirements. I’ll have to
get a plat to do this, though, that’s the thing.
I don’t want to go to engineering first and get a plat made, if we
can’t close it out (vacate the alley); so I just need to find out where I’m
at.” Nancy, “I think vacating
the alleys will make the land more useable.
The property - the houses and structures that are sitting on there right
now are grandfathered in where they’re sitting, but they’re not sitting
proper; and so by vacating the alleys, it will help us adjust that and make it a
better building property and to build correctly for setbacks.”
Larry, “Anybody who goes to look at it can call me, and I can show them
exactly what I want. Thank you.
”
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution and
Production Updates
General Distribution:
Superintendent Schneider reported personnel have been doing normal
duties, attended the KMU Safety Training, read electric meters, and installed
new service for a new duplex on Merrimac.
Animal Shelter:
The Electric Department did some upgrading on the Animal Shelter’s
electric service. Installation of an
A/C panel that had to be installed to accommodate the new furnace was done by a
licensed electrician.
Signal Lights at 4th & Cross:
Superintendent Schneider reported that the timing on the signal lights at
4th & Cross got out of sequence somehow for east/west traffic.
After getting some support and running system diagnostics, they were able
to reset the controller; and it is back to normal functioning.
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution:
Personnel
Superintendent Schneider, “We have four Apprentice Linemen who are
ready to advance. J. J. Jasper and
Andrew Lawrence have completed their Second Year Apprenticeship – all their
required testing and skill demonstrations, so we are ready to move them to Third
Year Apprentice. Thomas Hess and
Eric Gifford have completed their First Year Apprenticeship - all the required
testing and skill demonstrations they need to do to move to Second Year
Apprentice.
Second Year Apprentice Lineman to Third Year Apprentice Lineman.
J. J. Jasper:
Council
Member Luke, “I make a motion to move J. J. Jasper from Second Year Apprentice
to Third Year Apprentice at the hourly pay rate of $17.53.”
Council Member Griffith, “I second the motion.”
Mayor
Merry called for discussion. Council
Member Luke, “That is the minimum starting level for the Third Year
Apprentice, and J. J.’s salary currently is $16.50, so it’s $1.03 an
hour increase.” Hearing
no further discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Andrew Lawrence:
Council
Member Luke, “I make a motion to move Andrew Lawrence from Second Year
Apprentice to Third Year Apprentice at the hourly pay rate of $17.53.”
Council Member Scott, “Second.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. Council
Member Luke, “Andrew is also at $16.50 and will be going to $17.53.”
Hearing no further discussion on
the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote. Motion
unanimously carried.
First Year Apprentice Lineman to Second Year Apprentice Lineman.
Thomas Hess:
Council
Member Luke, “I make a motion to move Thomas Hess from First Year Apprentice
to Second Year Apprentice at the hourly rate of $16.50.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.”
Mayor
Merry called for discussion. Council
Member Luke, “Thomas is currently at the rate of $15.47 so that would be $1.03
per hour increase.” Hearing
no further discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Eric Gifford:
Council
Member Luke, “I make a motion to move Eric Gifford from First Year Apprentice
to Second Year Apprentice at the hourly pay rate of $16.50.”
Council Member Scott, “Second.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. Council
Member Luke, “Eric is also at the rate of $15.47 so that would be $1.03 per
hour increase for him also.” Hearing
no further discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent
Schneider stated, “Thank you, the guys will appreciate it.”
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Production
Superintendent Schneider reported Electric Plant personnel have mainly
been busy with normal daily duties.
Generator
#6: The boiler for
Generator #6 burned up the coils after roughly twenty years of service.
It is back in service and everything is back to normal.
We no longer have to worry about a radiator freezing; and should we have
outage event, startup will be much quicker as well.
Generator
#2: The water
recirculation pump for the #2 Generator. It
has been in service for thirty years. It
has been leaking for a long time and did not allow us to have the water pressure
necessary to get the engine running like it is supposed to.
The control panel would sense something was wrong and would shut down.
The pump had to be sent to Olathe for repair, and we should have it back
tomorrow, at which time it will be put back in service.
Control
Panel Project: Superintendent
Schneider reported, “A good note is the Control Panel Project.
When the project was started, $200,000 was approved; and with the final
invoice the cost came in under budget. That
worked out well, and was even with some extras we had to do – the relays were
fixed under that cost, as well.”
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Automatic Meter
Infrastructure (AMI)
Superintendent Schneider provided an update on the AMI project for meter
reading for both electric and water utilities.
He stated, “We had a kick-off meeting yesterday with five Landis+Gyr
representatives who flew in to see us. Kritz-Davis’
representatives were also here. The
purpose of the meeting was to review the project and itemize the process of how
the project is going to be done. There
will be some site visits for routers that had been in our system for getting
that data back. We approved all
those sites and will have those installed. The
command center software that will actually be hosted on the Landis+Gyr server
was installed today. The software
will enable us to read meters from City Hall.
Commissioning date for the outside network will be on the 13th
or 14th of February; so once that’s commissioned and we get the
file transfers from Landis+Gyr to the City Hall software, we will start
installing the meters. We are
looking at seven to nine weeks for most of our meters that we have budgeted for
this year. Things are moving along
very well.”
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
Lift
Station Replacement Project – LS#1:
Superintendent Hawkins the sewer project is still ahead of schedule.
Midland Contractors went through Pump Station #1 on south 2nd
Street and did a great job. They
gutted the building and bypassed around the pump station.
Water/Wastewater personnel help them today with priming pumps.
The contractors epoxied the wet well and epoxied it.
The new Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are installed on the pumps so we
know when they come up and come on line they’ve got even flow instead of
slamming on and slamming off. The
contractors said our check valves were pretty much just junk because of the way
our system was set so they were coming on and off so quickly that the check
valves were wearing out. That is
completed, and employees will have about an hour to an hour and a half of
training on that pump station on January 16 to go through the VFD and title
boards. Superintendent Hawkins
stated, “It is going rather well, and as soon as Midland Contractors take the
bypass off, we’ll take control of the pump station and we will be responsible
for it.”
Hoover
Stores – Warehouse on S. 6th St.:
Superintendent Hawkins reported they did the water service for Hoovers’
Warehouse south of the COF building.
AMI:
Superintendent Hawkins said he’s ready for him and Alan going to the
AMI training in Georgia next week.
General:
Personnel repaired a few water leaks around town.
They completed their 2012 Inventory, and have been doing normal duties.
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Water Plant Efficiency Project:
Superintendent Hawkins stated, “Within the Water Plant, we’ve got a
lot completed, and we’ve got a lot of materials.
I’ll visit with the Water Committee after this meeting to discuss some
big projects that will be coming up in the near future.
We have all the CO2 baffling on site and we have the valves in
place waiting to be installed; but we’re going to need to do those after hours
when we’re shut down, so I am going to visit with them about that tonight.
We’ve completed the awning. The
sludge press room is done. We’ve got all the protective gear and they’ve
welded an awning over the top of it. We
got our eductor in today for our carbon feeder, so we’re going to do some
plumbing on it tomorrow. That will
eliminate electric bills on pumps because we won’t have to buy pumps anymore
because it (the carbon feeder) will be fed with water-fed jets.
It will be a big advantage to not have to continually need to buy pumps.
Water Emergency Stage 2, Water Warning Update:
So far for the month of January we’ve pumped 7,410,000 gallons of
water, giving us a daily average of 529,285 gallons.
We are still under the Water Warning, with no new restrictions from the
State. We have had up to half an
inch of snow/rain/sleet around the county, but there is no precipitation in the
forecast. We know we are getting
some higher usage from the ranchers/farmers, but we can’t discourage them from
watering their livestock.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Mast reported personnel have been installing culverts,
working on equipment, painting barricades, and cutting and burning brush on the
drainage ditch north of Huff’s property on 6th Street, sweeping
streets. They helped the Water
Department with a leak repair.
Supplies
from Federal Surplus: Superintendent
Mast said the Street Department got some good deals on supplies from Federal
Surplus. They got some tin to use to
roof the building they want to put up by the Street Shop to house the rest of
their equipment. It started off at
being $10 a sheet for 37 sheets 32 feet long and 3 feet wide, and ended up
paying only $2 per sheet for 68 sheets. He
said they have vehicles for sale – like pickup trucks with a utility bed; a
2005 Dodge with around 30,000 miles on it was priced at $12,500.
He said he talked with City Clerk Kewley about that because he would like
to get one, but one is not budgeted; so he told Superintendent Hawkins about it
because he does have one budgeted. Next
week, they will have more with fewer miles on them.
Federal Surplus has a lot of things and they have a website, as well.
If the City buys something from the Federal Surplus, we have to guarantee
we are going to keep it for three years without selling it.
Anybody can buy things from State Surplus; and they mostly have office
supplies, furniture, etc. Federal
Surplus has a lot of tools and the Street Department saved a bunch of money on
hand tools. Superintendent Mast
picked up three locaters for the Water Department for about $125 each.
Water personnel told him locaters usually run about $4,000 each.
Superintendent Hawkins said, “When he called me, we needed a locater.
We went up today and looked at equipment and trucks.
It’s amazing what they have and what their prices are.
It’s not open to the public.” Mayor
Merry mentioned that the tin is normally about $50 per sheet.
Superintendent Mast added that they got the deal of only $2 because they
were willing to take a free load of bricks.”
Mayor Merry asked if it is possible to put a truck on a seven-day hold
until a meeting can be held by the City Council.
Superintendent Mast said that is what he did – he put one on hold and a
secondary one on hold with low mileage. If
we
can’t
do it, we just need to call and let them know; and if necessary, we can call and
extend our hold. Mayor Merry
clarified that even with a municipality we have to keep purchases from Federal
Surplus for three years before we can even trade it back into the private
market. Superintendent Mast said,
“Yes, you do.” He added that the
trucks up there are better than trucks we have now.
The utility beds alone are probably $8,000 each; so they’re a very good
deal. When Superintendent Hawkins
found out they were getting four more trucks in, he put a hold on all four until
he gets a chance to go look at them. Superintendent
Mast thought the trucks must be rotated out on years because they don’t have
that many miles on them and the only thing they could see wrong on any of them
was where the driver’s side seat was broken in and worn down; other than that
they looked almost new.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Chief Jones reported it has been normal run of calls for the Police
Department. He got fifty permits
printed at the Electric Department printer for the unconventional vehicles for
this year. Forty-nine permits were
issued in 2012, which shows there was actually quite a response for use of
unconventional vehicles in Burlington.
Stolen
Vehicle Case: Chief
Jones reported they are working a case involving a stolen vehicle.
It came to an officer’s attention when the vehicle with the windows
completly frosted over rolled through a stop sign.
When the officer went to stop it, the people got out and started running,
got away and stole a second car. They
are still at large. We found a
stolen car that came from Lyndon; Lyndon found a stolen car that came from
Shawnee County; Shawnee County found a stolen car that came from Iowa; Iowa
found one that came from Wisconsin; and the culprits are now somewhere in Texas.
Chief Jones said, “We were able to identify one person that was
involved, and Judge Fromme signed an arrest warrant for that individual with a
$25,000 bond on it. We will continue
to work this and see how far we get. A
number of other agencies are involved.”
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Personnel – Maternity
Leave Request
Chief Jones informed Council that Police Officer Brandi Charlton is
requesting a maternity leave of absence for four to six weeks, starting around 1st
of February.
Council Member Griffith, “I move to grant up to six weeks of Maternity
Leave for Brandi Charlton, tentatively to begin on February 1 and end on or
before March 15, 2013.” Council
Member Scott, “Second.” Hearing no discussion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Vehicle
Chief Jones presented the following Bid Sheet of January 14, 2013 for a
new patrol car. Bids were requested
from the local Chevrolet and Ford dealerships as per the bid request sheet.
Option 1
Patrol car. (standard police package equip)
Ford
Chevy.
Base Bid $25,273.00
$27,456.80
With Factory upfit.
$29,265.00
Option 2
Patrol car. Not available in
inventory from either dealer.
Option 3.
Mid size 4wd SUV
Ford
Chevy.
Explorer police package
Traverse (like city hall)
$27,332.00
$25,654.00
With factory upfit
$31,120.00
Option 4.
½ ton 4wd pickup. (same specs as 2011 pickup)
Ford
Chevy.
$30,720.00 $30,802.50.
=
= = = =
= = = =
= = = =
= = = =
We did not request pricing on a trade-in.
Chief Jones would like to keep the 2007 Ford patrol car in service for
one more year. Trade in pricing is usually in the 2K range.
Both vehicles were spec’d for front cloth seats, vinyl rear bench seat,
power drivers seat and front windows, drivers side spotlight, power door locks,
cruise, heated mirrors.
The Ford Factory UPFIT listing adds equipment that is usually purchased
separately and installed by third party equipment upfitters.
This list of equipment includes. POLICE decals already installed,
interior lights in the grille, siren speaker, siren and light control head,
headlight wigwags, tail light flashers, interior lights in back window, rear
window power disconnected. The package also included a service package. (oil and
filter changes, tire rotation and inspection over 100000 miles at 5000 mile
intervals, $965.00 cost)
The cost of the Factory upfitted package appears to be worth the extra on
the bid. We will spend that and more
on purchasing and paying to have equipment installed.
With the factory upfit, a lot of the install and some of the equipment is
already done, making the final install simpler.
What remains would be to install light bar, radio, camera, radar and rear
seat cage.
So it would appear the most cost effective for a car would be the Ford
Taurus, base bid of $25,273.00, and
do the Factory upfit for about $3000.00 (minus the service package cost) and
then have the vehicle finished.
If we keep the 2007 in service, we will need to purchase another lightbar
($1000.00), radio ($1800.00), move the camera and radar from my truck over to
the new car, then purchase a new cage to fit ($900.00).
with installs, that would make the total price to put the Ford Taurus in
service about $5000.00 on top of the bid price, so around $35,000.00.
Option B, would be to put the
2011 truck I’m driving on patrol as is. Upfit
the new truck for me, with interior lights, siren, radio, push bumper and a bed
cover, which would put the price around $35,000.00.
= = = = = = =
Council Member Scott stated, “I move to accept the bids presented for a
patrol vehicle as bona fide.” Council
Member Curtiss, “Second.” Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
Chief Jones discussed the bids received and his statements included in
the bid sheet. He
stated, “My recommendation, based on the amount of space the vehicle has and
the amount of resale value when we get done with it, is to purchase the Ford ¼
ton 4 wheel drive pickup for $30,720.00 (Option 4).
I visited with the Police Committee before the council meeting, so they
are aware of my recommendation.”
Council Member Scott moved to accept Chief of Police Jones’
recommendation to purchase the 2013 Ford 150 ½ ton 4 wheel drive pickup
from Crow-Moddie Ford for the bid price of $30,720.” Council Member Curtiss,
“I second the motion.” Chief
Jones said it would be basically the same specs as the 2011 pickup we already
have.”
Council Member Luke asked if the other patrol vehicles are also
Fords. Chief Jones replied, “We
have three Ford Crown Victorias, but they don’t make those any more; and we
don’t have a Dodge dealership, so we didn’t look at Dodge.
There are concerns with the Chevy Impala – among other things, they put
the gearshift into the center console which really limits where you can put
equipment. When I asked Chevy to bid
an SUV, they gave me a bid for a used Chevy Traverse like City Hall bought last
year. It had 28,000 miles on it, and
I wasn’t pleased with that.” He
really thought the Ford 150 would be the best of the vehicles for the Police
Department. Hearing
no further discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Parks personnel have been doing normal duties such as cleaning public
buildings and restrooms, patrolling the parks picking up trash, and trimming
trees. They have been working in the
Park Department Shop moving things out to the new storage building.
The inventory is completed. Holiday
banners have been taken down and ‘Welcome to Burlington’ banners were put
up. The six concrete flower boxes
that were in the 300 block of Neosho Street are being acid stained those to
dress them up a little.
Chamber
of Commerce Building: To
stop the door at 305 Neosho (Chamber of Commerce) from sticking, they cut some
off the door.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Fair Board Lease
Extension for Kelley Park
The Board of Directors of the Coffey County Agriculture Fair Association
has requested a one-year extension to their Lease for use of Kelley Park for the
annual Coffey County Fair and other events.
The letter also requested to reserve the 4‑H Building for one day
each month from 7 to 9 p.m. for monthly meetings.
[Kelley Park 1991 Lease renewable
for 15 years (per City Code Art.2 12-202), is still honored.]
Council Member Luke, “I
move to approve the one-year extension of the annually renewable Lease
with the Coffey County Fair Association for the use of Kelley Park.”
Council Member Curtiss, “I second it.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-02 |
$491,510.08 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-02 |
$
73,078,72 |
|
TOTAL |
$564,588.80 |
CLAIMS
2013-02: Council Member Scott,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-02 in the amount of
$491,510.08 for payment of city bills.”
Council Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley stated, “This includes the Kansas Power Pool bill, Phase II of
the Sewer Improvement Project, and Mid States Energy Works for finishing the
Control Panel Replacement Project. Actually,
the 2012 Budget, we will be spending $444,926; and then $46,583.45 out of the
2013 Budget.” Hearing
no further discussion, Mayor Merry
directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-02 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-02:
Council Member Scott “I move
City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-02 in the amount of
$73,078,72.” Council
Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Hearing no discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-02 approved.
FINANCE:
Utility Billing Charge-offs for 2011
City Clerk Kewley referred to the agenda attachment, ‘2011
Utility Billing Charge-offs.’ She
stated, “This year the amount we are writing off has decreased to $13,064.28.
In 2012 we wrote off of $20,111.27 for 2010 delinquent bills; and in 2011
we wrote off $28,440 for 2009. So,
utilizing the State of Kansas Set-off Program has really helped us recoop our
delinquent accounts. We also
continue to collect by not allowing people who move back to get utilities turned
on until they have paid their delinquent bills in full.”
Council Member Luke moved to
approve the 2011 Utility Billing Charge-offs.
Council Member Rhodes, “Second.”
Hearing no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
FINANCE:
Employee Insurance – Blue Cross/Blue Shield Renewal
City
Clerk Kewley referred Council to the agenda attachments for employee health
insurance. She reported she met with
Donna Pashman from Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and we do have a 3% increase this
year. We actually have a 5% increase
with the pool, but we had a 2.2% decrease for age gender; so that’s where we
got this 3% increase. Last year we
had a 3.4% decrease; so really with everything that is going on, we are doing
really good with our policy because we get to keep everything (all the coverages),
our deductibles are low. We are in a
good insurance pool, so we are fortunate we can keep our health care cost
down/manageable.
Council Member Griffith, “I move to accept the contract with Blue
Cross/Blue Shield health insurance policy for employees for 2013.”
Council Member Luke, “Second.”
Hearing
no discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
FINANCE:
Close and Consolidate Funds
City Clerk Kewley referred to the agenda attachment (below),
‘City of Burlington Close-Consolidate Funds’, which is a worksheet on the
funds to be closed out. She has been
working with the Finance Committee and Brian Nyp, our Auditor, for over a year
now to close out these very old funds. She
explained, “Essentially, a couple of the funds listed are the same but with
different titles. For easy tracking,
it is better to have fewer funds – it is better bookkeeping; so, our Auditors
have said I need to have you approve this worksheet through a motion so we can
proceed to closeout Funds 501, 518, 519, 701, 715, and 717.
We are going to transfer three of these funds into existing funds.
We are keeping Funds 502, 702, and 716.
They are old funds that we are consolidating.”
City Clerk Kewley asked for one motion for all of the funds and assured
Council the worksheet will be included in the meeting minutes.
CITY
OF BURLINGTON CLOSE-CONSOLIDATE FUNDS
January
16, 2013
CLOSE
& TRANSFER FROM:
TRANSFER TO:
|
FUND |
FUND
NAME |
CURRENT BALANCE |
FUND |
FUND NAME |
CURRENT
BALANCE |
NEW
BALANCE |
|
501 |
ELECT.03-1
REV.BD.DEP/REP FUND |
$99,470.91 |
502 |
ELECTRIC UTIL DEP/REP INV.FUND |
$526,000.00 |
$625,470.91 |
|
701 |
WATER
UTILITY DEP/REP FUND |
$305,993.74 |
702 |
WATER UTILITY DEP/REP INV. FUND |
$165,000.00 |
$470,993.74 |
|
715 |
WATER
2003 LOAN RESERVE FUND |
$58,101.56 |
716 |
WATER LOAN P & 1 FUND |
$181,968.42 |
$240,069.98 |
|
518 |
ELEC.03-1
REV.BD PRIN-INT FUND |
$0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
519 |
ELEC.03-1REV.BD
RESERVE FUND |
$0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
717 |
WATER
PLANT PROJECT FUND |
$0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Council Member Scott stated, “I move to consolidate Funds 501, 518,
519, 701, 715, and 717, as presented in the Close-Consolidate Funds worksheet
dated January 16, 2013.” Council
Member Rhodes, “Second.” Mayor Merry called for discussion on the
motion.
Council Member Scott asked
how the funds are established: City
Clerk Kewley explained, “Funds 518 and 519 are old bond payments.
Fund 717 is the old Water Plant fund.”
Council Member Scott, “I mean, it takes our action to close these, but
you can open up a fund?” City
Clerk Kewley, “I tell you that I am going to open a fund for a project.
Funds are actually established through ordinances and resolutions.”
Hearing no further discussion on the motion, Mayor Merry called for a
vote. Motion
unanimously carried.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
Construction
Permits: Zoning Clerk
Hugunin said he did the first permit for 2013 for a house.
He filled out a form on new construction in 2012 for the Census Bureau.
We did six homes and two duplexes last year.
Vacating
Alley: Zoning Clerk Hugunin is working with Larry Crotts has been
discussing an alley vacate. He is
also working with another landowner purchased property on Mohawk Street and has
either an alleyway or a utility easement and wants to build a garage.
Web
Design: Scott Bolley,
with IM Design Group, will be here on Tuesday to meet with Zoning Clerk Hugunin
and Administrative Assistant Stroh to discuss the new website design for
Burlington.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin – NONE
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update
City Attorney Smith reported he has working with some things with Chief
Jones. At Municipal Court they had a
witness who perjured himself, so the proceedings were stopped and he was charged
on the spot.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
General:
City Clerk Kewley reported City Hall Staff have been preparing meter
readings for utility billing for this month.
They prepared work orders, vouchers for bill paying, payroll, and minutes
from council meetings; and also handled calls and inquiries.
Sewer
Construction Meeting: City
Clerk Kewley attended the Sewer Construction Meeting on Thursday, January 3.
Sewer
Improvement Project Phase II – Permanent Financing:
City Clerk Kewley reported she has been in contact with Dotty
Riley, our Bond Counsel with Kutak Rock, on our permanent financing for Phase II
of the Sewer Improvement Project, which has been completed; and we will probably
have the bond ordinance and resolution ready for the February 6th
meeting of Council. We have to close
on March 8th for that.
Close-Consolidate
Funds: City Clerk Kewley
has been working with our Auditor, Brian Nyp (Mize Houser & Company) on
consolidating funds.
Blue
Cross/Blue Shield: City
Clerk Kewley met with Donna Pashman (BC/BS) to review our 2013 health insurance
policy for employees.
Emergency
Planning; City Clerk
Kewley attended the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting on
Wednesday, January 9.
Automatic
Meter Infrastructure: The
AMI Kick-Off meeting was yesterday with representatives from Landis+Gyr and
Kritz Davis.
Employee
Benefits Meeting: The
annual Employee Benefits Meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday,
February 13th at the 4-H Building.
What this entails is our
benefit providers meet with employees and review what services they provide and
any changes to the benefits or changes being considered.
It is also open enrollment for our employees.
Benefit providers will be BC/BS, KPERS, Security Benefit, ING Financial,
and the Employee Assistant Program.
Closed
January 21: City offices
will be closed Monday, Januray 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS: Stan
Luke – Topeka, January 15
Council Member Luke stated, “Yesterday, I was in Topeka.
We are in deep trouble. There
are so many deep paths that the people up there want to take.
You can herd cattle, but you can’t herd legislators.
It’s interesting there is some leadership that has experience.
In the last two elections, they’ve lost around 750 years of legislating
experience. They lost the three
primary energy environmental and utility people, who together had close to 100
years of utility and energy experience – nationally known experts in that
area. We went to the reception last
night, and it was like….I think we need to check IDs because I’m not sure
these people are old enough to drink alcohol.
The Whip in the Senate is twenty-six years old; he’s been in government
for four years, is an entrepreneur and a Washburn graduate with three degrees.
He is an intelligent individual, but he needs to work seriously on his
communication skills.
Council Member Luke continued, “We are going to be bombarded with items
with respect to finances and budget. They
anticipate 80% of their time is to be spent on establishing a two-year budget.
The only bills they will be working are those bills that were started in
the last session. They don’t
anticipate starting any new ones, at least until near the end of the session.
It’s absolutely scary. I
talked with one of the guys on the Energy Committee – he doesn’t know the
difference between distribution systems and area distribution for homes.
He has never heard of next-day market, and he doesn’t know what the
Southwest Power Pool is; but yet he is partial leadership of the Utility and
Environmental Committee. There are
twenty-one members on that committee. They
split utilities out from Energy; there are twenty-one members on that committee
as well. There are four common
members – four members that set on both committees; that’s the only tie they
have. We asked what the Energy
Committee was going to be looking at, and the comment from the head of the
Committee was, ‘Whatever we’re told,’ because they don’t know how things
are going to be done yet; so , it’s scary.
The municipal bond taxing is going to be a major discussion.
We need to stay on top of that. They
don’t understand it is a multifaceted cost.
Yes, ‘rich’ people buy the bonds with people’s money – investment
groups, whatever – and it’s tax free income; but if you tax it, the rates
are going to go up. They’ll need
to have a higher return; so therefore, when we borrow money our rates are going
to go up for cost of money – which means our cost to our citizens and
constituents are going to go up.”
Council Member Griffith asked, “Are they still trying to do away with
income tax?” Council Member Luke,
“That’s totally in the financial budget area.
If you listened to the presentation last night - I did not, but yes
that’s part of what they are looking at. They’re
also looking at what they call a ‘transparency’ tax, which has to do with
assessments and our ability to raise or lower the amount of revenue we receive
based upon assessments – which I thought we already had the authority to do
anyway. It’s a scary, scary
environment.”
Council Member Griffith, “Are they still talking about putting all the
elections at the same time?” Council
Member Luke, “No, that’s way down the list.”
City Attorney Smith, “That comes after defunding schools.”
Council Member Luke stated, “It’s going to be a matter of watching
and seeing what happens; but they estimate that over sixty days will be spent on
nothing but budget – and they’re looking at an eighty to ninety day
session.” He added, “Watch your
KMU and KMEA newsletters – anything that comes out from the League.”
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS: Coffey
County Economic Development Committee
Council Member Griffith asked the Mayor, “Where did we go with the
Development person in the County? Can
you talk about it?” Mayor Merry,
appointee to the Committee, said he got an email today trying to get dates for
the Committee to meet.
Mayor Merry declared the meeting adjourned.
Approved by City Council. Signed by Regina R. Kewley, City Clerk
=
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
CITY OF BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 2, 2013
City
of Burlington Governing Body met in Regular Session at City Hall, 301 Neosho
Street, Burlington, Kansas at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday January 2, 2013.
Mayor Gene L. Merry called
the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Yes
Mayor Gene L.
Merry
Council Members
present:
Yes William
C. Scott (President of Council)
Yes Jane
M. Griffith
Yes Lewis
Lenard
No R.
Standley Luke (Stan)
Yes
Forrest T. Rhodes
Yes Jerilyn
Curtiss
Superintendents Present:
Yes Kevin
Boyce (Parks) Yes Alan
Schneider (Electric)
Yes Doug Jones
(Chief of Police)
Yes Doug Mast
(Street)
Yes Danny
Hawkins (Water/Wastewater)
Also Present:
Yes
Regina Kewley (City Clerk)
Yes
Jimmy Hugunin (Zoning & Grants Clerk)
Yes
Stephen Smith (City Attorney)
Yes Susan
Stroh (Administrative Assistant)
Media Present:
Mark Petterson, Coffey
County Republican
VISITORS: None
AGENDA: Council
Member Curtiss, “I move to approve the agenda as amended.”
Council Member Lenard, “I second the motion.”
Motion unanimously carried.
MINUTES:
Council
Member Rhodes, “I move to approve the Draft Minutes for the regular session of
December 19, 2012 as presented.” Council
Member Curtiss, “I second the motion.” Motion
unanimously carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
APPOINTMENTS:
None
ELECTRIC
DEPARTMENT: Distribution and
Production Updates
General Distribution:
Superintendent Schneider reported personnel have been doing some much
needed vehicle maintenance, cleaning and waxing all the hotline tools to make
sure they are safe, fixing streetlights, normal duties, work orders, and line
locates. Other work includes
figuring the power cost adjustment for utility billing, and working on KPP
generator status reports. He
explained this is the time of year that (Energy Information Agency (EIA), Kansas
Department of Health & Environment (KDHE), and Kansas Power Pool (KPP) open
the website for all the end of year reports that we are responsible to submit to
keep the permits updated and in effect to keep the Power Plant operating.
The majority of the reports are to be submitted before April, so the next
few months will be busy. They are
working on end of month reports at the Power Plant.
Mid States is still on site to finish up some work on the control panels.
Generator
#4: A line ruptured on
Generator #4 the other day and was repaired.
R.I.C.E.
Upgrades: Parts are
arriving for the R.I.C.E. upgrades.
Kansas
Power Pool: Superintendent
Schneider mentioned Council Member Luke was re-elected to the Board of Directors
of KPP.
WATER/WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Hawkins reported personnel have been doing normal duties
in the field with water and wastewater, doing re-reads, line locates, and things
like that.
Hoover
Stores - Warehouse: They
have been doing several sewer taps around town; and they will be doing a water
service for Hoovers Stores, Inc.’s warehouse on S. 6th Street.
Sewer
Liftstations: Superintendent
Hawkins reported, “We have been working on the sewer lift stations and cleaned
out a couple wet wells to remove some of the grease and grit that gets built up
in them. Since we began the grease
trap inspection plan about a year ago, we haven’t seen near as many problems.
I want to thank the businesses for pitching in and helping reduce
problems with grease.”
Training:
Philip Decker passed his exam for Wastewater Operator Level II.
In February, Norman Foster will re-take the exam for Water Operator Level
III.
Pump
Station Replacement Project: Superintendent
Hawkins reported the sewer project is still ahead of schedule, and with the
holidays being over, the contractors are starting to come back to resume work.
Water
Plant Efficiency: Superintendent
Hawkins said that personnel have spent a great deal of their time on Water Plant
improvements for efficiency and safety. They
have done a fantastic job of plumbing and fabricating.
They have the sludge press air receiver done, moved the receiver and
dryer unit over into the sludge press room, and did re-plumbing.
He stated, “The sludge press is working better than we’ve seen since
the day we got it. That’s a big
plus for us.” The employees got
the catwalk completed within the dry pit; so, that safety part is done.
Storm
Damage: The storm that
came through a couple of weeks ago caused lighting damage by knocking out three
of our turbidometer; and it put down our CV32 valve that controls our activation
to our clearwell. We had the parts
on hand and were able to make repairs. Superintendent
Hawkins, “I want to thank Alan and Stan. We
talked with them about maybe doing
some surge protection to help with the Water Plant; so we’re taking some
advice and will implement it so we don’t lose as much in the future due to
lighting.”
WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
Production – Water Treatment Plant
Water
Emergency/Drought: Referring
to the email letter received on December 21, 2012 from the Kansas Water Office,
Superintendent Hawkins stated, “I called the KWO today and was told the
Governor wants to heighten each community’s awareness to let them know there
is a lack of water, and they want to know if a community is concerned.
Of course, we’re concerned. Water
at John Redmond is at the lowest level we’ve seen since the dam was built.
We are aware that our assurance of water comes from the Council Grove
area; they are aware of that. Wolf
Creek Nuclear Power Plant has water they pull off of too.
We are aware of it, so we went through the criteria today with the KWO
– told them what our water supply is and that we have our Contingency Plan set
up and in place. KWO’s letter is
more concerned with the Rural Water Districts and small towns that do not have
contingency plans in place. They put
us on the website, so they will be sending information to me at the Water
Plant.”
Water Emergency Stage 2, Water Warning Update:
We are still under a Stage II Water Emergency, with the same
restrictions. Within the county, we
have only had up to three-quarters of an inch of precipitation (rain, snow,
sleet). For the month of December,
we pumped 15,707,000 gallons of water, giving us a daily average of 506,677
gallons. Usage is up a little more
than usual. We searched to find
where that extra 80,000 gallons has been going the last few weeks and visited
with Rodney Breeze (RWD#2) because their usage was higher.
He said a lot of farmer’s/cattlemen’s ponds are frozen (or dry), so
they filling their tanks and hauling water to their cattle.”
He explained that the Governor passed it so a farmer with the capability
can pump directly from a reservoir to take water to their livestock.
Also, Burlington and some of the other cities in the county have bulk
water sales set up so farmers can fill up their tanks.
By making this phone call, Superintendent Hawkins has met the requirement
to report to the State by the 8th of January.
STREET
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Superintendent Mast reported personnel worked two snow events.
They have been building new barricades, maintaining equipment, and doing
inventory. It’s business as usual.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Chief Jones reported it was calm for the holidays, with no major issues.
Year-end reports are being done.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: Vehicle
Chief Jones requested permission to go out for bids for the patrol
vehicle that was budgeted for this year. Council
Member Scott stated, “I move to authorize Chief Jones to go out for bids for a
new patrol vehicle.” Council
Member Griffith, “I second it.” Hearing
no discussion, Mayor Merry called for a vote.
Motion unanimously carried.
PARKS
DEPARTMENT: Update
General:
Parks personnel have been doing normal duties such as cleaning public
buildings and restrooms, removing snow and ice from sidewalks, cleaning mowers
for winter storage, and doing inventory.
Welcome
to Burlington Signs: Superintendent
Boyce reported the north and south signs are complete and he will pick them up
on Friday.
FINANCE:
Claims Ordinance & Payroll Ordinance
|
a.
Claims
Ordinance 2013-01 |
$621,694.30 |
|
b.
Payroll
Ordinance 2013-01 |
$
69,364.08 |
|
TOTAL |
$691,058.38 |
CLAIMS
2013-01: Council Member Scott,
“I move City of Burlington pay Claims Ordinance 2013-01 in the amount of
$621,694.30 for payment of city bills.”
Council Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Mayor
Merry called for discussion. City
Clerk Kewley stated, “A big item we are paying for tonight is the first
payment of $250,000 on of Phase I of the Sewer Project; and on Phase II we have
Midland Contractors for $169,305. Another
is ANI Technologies for $132,901. Council
Member Curtiss asked, “Is Kan-Seal the last of our signs?”
City Clerk Kewley, “Yes.” Hearing no further discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
All votes were in favor.
Mayor Merry declared Claims
Ordinance 2013-01 unanimously approved.
PAYROLL 2013-01:
Council Member Scott “I move
City of Burlington pay Payroll Ordinance 2013-01 in the amount of
$69,364.08.” Council
Member Rhodes, “I second the motion.” Hearing no discussion, Mayor
Merry directed City Clerk Kewley to poll Council for a vote.
Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Merry declared Payroll Ordinance 2013-01 approved.
PLANNING
& ZONING: Update
Tree
Board Meetings: Zoning
Clerk Hugunin has been doing normal duties, including updating the permits log
in Excel. He submitted the Tree City
USA application. He has been talking
to someone who is interested in one of the lots we have for sale by Crow-Moddie
in the Industrial Park.
PERMITS:
Zoning permits issued by Zoning Clerk Hugunin – NONE
LEGAL
DEPARTMENT: Update –
City Attorney Smith reported he has been handling normal things and
dealing with the police officers in a couple of cases involving out-of-staters.
CITY
CLERK’S OFFICE: Update
General:
City Clerk Kewley reported City Hall Staff have been busy with customers
paying utility bills, handling work orders, preparing vouchers for bill paying,
preparing the payroll and the minutes for the council meeting, and handling
normal calls and inquiries.
Set-off
Program: In January we
will be sending $1,139.20 worth of delinquent utility accounts for collections
through the State Set-off Program.
Sewer
Improvement Project Phase II – Financing:
City Clerk Kewley reported she has been in contact with Christy
McReynolds of Rural Development to prepare the permanent financing for Phase II
of the Sewer Improvement Project because the Temporary Financing (Temp Note G.O.
Bond Series 2012A) on that loan comes due in March; so we will be getting with
Dotty Riley, our Bond Counselor with Kutak Rock, to work that up.
That will be $3,360,000.”
Sewer
Construction Meeting: The
sewer construction meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Water
Plant.
Elections
in 2013: The deadline to
file for candidacy for the city elections is noon, Tuesday, January 22, 2013.
Burlington City Council Position 2 for all three wards are up for
election. Incumbents of those
positions are: Ward 1: Jerilyn
Curtiss; Ward 2: William C. Scott; and Ward 3: Jane Griffith.
REPORT BY CITY OFFICERS: None
Mayor Merry declared the meeting adjourned.
Approved
by the Governing Body and signed by Regina R. Kewley, City Clerk
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
2
Email: sburlington@mchsi.com
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