CITY OF BURLINGTON, KANSAS

BURLINGTON
 HIGHLIGHTS NEWSLETTER

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City Hall Hours
City Council Meeting Notes
Community Events

CITY HALL HOURS

P.O. Box 207,  301 Neosho; Burlington, KS  66839
Phone: 620-364-5334   Fax: 620-364-2996
  Email:  sburlington@mchsi.com

REGULAR HOURS

    MONDAY - FRIDAY  8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

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CITY OF BURLINGTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING and PRELIMINARY NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN FLOODPLAINS

The USDA, Rural Utilities Service has received an application for financial assistance from City of Burlington , Kansas .  The proposal consists of new sewer lines and repair and replacement of sewer lines throughout the City.  Burlington City Council will meet in regular session at City Hall at 7:30 p.m. on July 2, 2008; and a public meeting will be held at 8:00 p.m. regarding the proposed project and to provide the opportunity for public comment.  If implemented, the proposal will have portions located within identified floodplains.  The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of this proposed conversion or effect and request comments concerning the proposal, alternative sites or actions that would avoid these impacts, and methods that could be used to minimize these impacts.  Environmental documentation reqarding this proposal is available for review at 202 W. Miller Road , Iola , Kansas or Burlington City Hall , 301 Neosho, Burlington , Kansas .  For questions regarding this proposal contact USDA Rural Development at 620-365-2901 x4. Any person interested in commenting on this proposal should submit comments to the address above by July 17, 2008. A general location map of the proposal is shown below.  The proposed mitigating measures are as follows:  The City of Burlington will develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  Upon completion of the project, disturbed areas, including equipment staging areas shall be stabilized with approved vegetation or other appropriate non-polluting material.  Any future connection to the sewer collection within the 100-year floodplain zone will be prohibited unless evidence of flood insurance is provided.  Plans and specifications will be submitted to Kansas Department of Health and Environment and approved prior to construction. The State Historic Preservation Officer and the appropriate Indian Tribe(s) will be contacted immediately and construction halted if any buried archaeological materials are encountered.  The necessary permits and approvals from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources, and the Natural Conservation Service for the construction of the sewer system prior to the start of construction will be obtained.  Fuels and other substances are to be stored out of low lying areas.

CITY OF BURLINGTON      WATER & SEWER RATE INCREASE On May 7, the Governing Body of the City of Burlington , after much deliberation, adopted ordinances to increase water and sewer rates, effective with the next utility bill.  On May 21, City of Burlington ’s Governing Body approved a 30 day delay of the Water Rate increase. As you are aware, a few years ago the City of Burlington was mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency to build a new water treatment plant to meet the requirements for supplying safe drinking water to our customers.  The new Water Treatment Plant went online in the spring of 2006; and we are meeting all the requirements.  However, as was anticipated, the cost of providing safe drinking water has risen and the Governing Body of Burlington has found it necessary to increase water rates. A comprehensive study has been completed on Burlington ’s sewer system.  Problem areas have been identified and it is time to fix them.  The City of Burlington has begun moving forward with the extensive project which will be very costly, but is absolutely necessary.  Therefore, Burlington ’s Governing Body also approved an increase in the sewer rates to help defray the cost. The Sewer Rate increase took effect on May 13, 2008.  The Water Rate increase will take effect on June13. We regret the necessity to increase the rates; however, it is for the benefit of the community.

 

SEWER RATES INCREASE EFFECTIVE MAY 13. WATER RATES INCREASE JUNE 13, 2008

On May 7, the Governing Body of the City of Burlington , after much deliberation, adopted ordinances to increase water and sewer rates, effective with the next utility bill.  On May 21, City of Burlington ’s Governing Body approved a 30 day delay of the Water Rate increase. As you are aware, a few years ago the City of Burlington was mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency to build a new water treatment plant to meet the requirements for supplying safe drinking water to our customers.  The new Water Treatment Plant went online in the spring of 2006; and we are meeting all the requirements.  However, as was anticipated, the cost of providing safe drinking water has risen and the Governing Body of Burlington has found it necessary to increase water rates. A comprehensive study has been completed on Burlington ’s sewer system.  Problem areas have been identified and it is time to fix them.  The City of Burlington has begun moving forward with the extensive project which will be very costly, but is absolutely necessary.  Therefore, Burlington ’s Governing Body also approved an increase in the sewer rates to help defray the cost. The Sewer Rate increase took effect on May 13, 2008.   The Water Rate increase will take effect on June13. We regret the necessity to increase the rates; however, it is for the benefit of the community.

 

BURLINGTON YARD  OF  THE  MONTH         MAY through OCTOBER   Nominations Accepted at Burlington City Hall    The Tree Board is working toward the Growth Award for 2008 and will be doing Yard Of The Month from May through October.  They will put a nomination box in City Hall so when people come in, they can put suggestions/nominations in the box.  She has a committee of 3 judges who will go out with criteria and judge Lawn Of The Month.  The objective is to encourage people to improve their yardscaping, etc.

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COUNCIL MEETING NOTES

"HEADLINE TOPICS" are listed first.

MOST RECENT MEETING NOTES are next. 
At least the 3 most current meetings will be posted here.

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS IN BURLINGTON

Burlington City Council voted unanimously to donate the budgeted amount of $1,300 for Burlington ’s Fireworks Display which will be held at Kelley Park.

KELLEY MILLER CIRCUS AT KELLEY PARK ON OCTOBER 26, 2008

      Burlington City Council voted unanimously to approve the Rotary Club’s request for the Kelley Miller Circus to hold their circus in Kelley Park on Sunday, October 26, 2008 as they have in the past.

WATER LEAK – REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF PORTION OF BILL

      Duane Smith addressed Council about his daughter’s very large water bill due to a waterline break which was found by the City meter reader.  The records show that 240,000 gallons of water leaked into the basement since the break, and her water bill is almost $1,475.  He said, “As I understand it, the City of Burlington has no policy on that.  I would request the City look at that and forgive part of that cost - $1,475 is an awful lot of money for a water leak she had no control over.”  He said, “It was a meter reader that found this leak.  He turned the water off and notified the City, who called our daughter who lives in Idaho ; and she called us to help.”  Council Member Barb Hoch stated, “I think this is something that probably home owners insurance needs to take care of rather than the taxpayers of Burlington having to take care of the expense.”  Council Member Donald Brinkman, “A leak on the house side of the meter is their responsibility.”  After much discussion of how past incidences were handled, suggested Mr. and Mrs. Smith talk with City Clerk Regina Kewley to set up payment arrangements for the amount of the bill to pay it over a period of time. 

ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION UPDATE

      Council Member Stan Luke reported it has been routine business for the Electric Department for the past couple of weeks.  Personnel did routine maintenance on equipment and are getting all their inventory in place to get things set in preparation of the next storm that comes to Burlington . 

ELECTRIC PRODUCTION UPDATE

      Equipment Testing/Maintenance:  Council Member Luke reported that at the Electric Plant they are getting ready for the summer usage peak by testing all the equipment and making sure it is working and all the controls are working correctly.  They should be ready if there is a need – all the units will be available.

      Engine #5:  The exhaust problem on Engine #5 can be worked on in-house at the estimated cost of $400.  It will be a fall project (November).

WATER/WASTEWATER UPDATE

      Distribution (Water/Sewer Department): Water/Wastewater Superintendent Noonan reported personnel have been doing normal work.  They have been cleaning up the outside areas of both the old and the new water plants to make the area look more presentable. 

      West Water Tower:  The West Water Tower was struck by lightning and blew out the radio and lightning resistors.  They spent the last couple of day with Jason (R.E. Pedrotti Company of Fenton , Mo. ) and Jim Thweatt to get that repaired.   

      Production (Water Plant):  Water/Wastewater Superintendent Noonan reported everything is going smoothly at the Water Treatment Plant. 

      Mayor Raymer asked about communications. Water/Wastewater Superintendent Noonan explained communications were only lost on the West Water Tower.  When that happens, there is no way to judge how much water went out of the tower, so somebody had better manually turn the plant off and on – just from pressure, which is a guess.  It takes more man-hours doing this.  He discussed lightning resisters and their location.  Council Member Luke will talk with Jim Thweatt (Thweatt Electric).  City Clerk Kewley said the insurance company has been notified.

SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

      Council Member Barb Hoch stated, “Last meeting Art Dilione from Bartlett and West gave a very nice presentation and we are at the point where we need to go ahead and make a decision -  Are we doing this sewer project, or are we not?.  Art needs to go ahead and go out for bids on that if we are going to be doing this in 2009.”  She continued, “I would like to see this go through.  We have enough problems with the sewer that it absolutely is going to have to be addressed.  What we’re looking at is an estimated cost of a little over $12,000,000 to be split out into two different years – 2009 and 2010.  If we do the Highway 75 Improvement Project and tie the Sewer Improvement Project in with the Highway Project, we’ll save money.  We are looking at approximately 33% of grant money being available for us.”  Council Member Barb Hoch moved the City of Burlington proceed with the Sewer Improvement Project, with an estimated cost of $12,100,000.  Council Member Donald Brinkman, “I’ll second the motion so we can discuss it.” 

      Council Member Brinkman questioned whether it was for three years, or two.  Council Member Hoch verified that it is for two years – 2009 and 2010.  Rural Develop needs it split into two years because they don’t have the funds available to do it in one year; and we’re also eligible for more grant money if we split it into two years rather than doing it in one.  Council Member Brinkman asked if we have assurances we will be getting grant funds – if there is a possibility we wouldn’t get it.  Council Member Hoch explained that we are actually eligible for 45% grant money. 

      Council Member Brinkman talked about the budget process and that there are a lot of ways to finance the project.  He said, “I’ve been sitting here (on Council) for almost twenty years and we’ve been putting this off and putting this off – and I’m afraid some day if we don’t do it (now), it will cost us a bunch of money anyhow.  This winter, I would like to see this project roll.  It won’t be completed while I’m here, but I would definitely like to see it going along with the Highway 75 project.”  Council Member Scott, “It makes sense to have it built into that project.”  Council Member Kennamore, “We’ve got to maintain the city’s infrastructure.” 

      Council Member Luke asked how we will obtain the city’s portion of the funding.  Do we have to go out for a community vote for bonds?  City Clerk Kewley said it depends on how Council wants to go forward.  Council Member Brinkman said, “I don’t think we can answer that yet because we have to know how much grant money will be available, and then how much we are going to go for – how much will be bonded and how much will be obtained with rates.

      Council Member Luke said, “What we will be deciding tonight if this passes is that we move forward, complete the engineering and get ready, and at the same time figure out how we are going to handle the finances.  Is that what we’re doing?”  Council Member Hoch, “That’s what we are doing; and we’re allowing Bartlett & West to go out for bids on this.  One thing to keep in mind on the financing:  we could do the State Revolving Loan Fund, but it is a twenty-year fund that we would have to pay back within twenty years.  This is a huge amount of money to have to pay back within the twenty years; so that’s why we went ahead and pursued Rural Development.  They have a forty‑year fund payback that we could utilize.  There was a lot more paperwork involved with going that route; they have a lot more requirements than the State does on borrowing money.  Part of it is because Rural Development is able to obtain grant money for us.  If we go with the State, we’re not looking at any grant money at all; so when you put it all together, it makes more sense to go ahead and do all the paperwork and get everything started for the Rural Development Loan in hopes of obtaining the grant money and having the longer payback period.”

      Council Member Hoch continued, “The Water Committee had also discussed the possibility of looking at a sales tax increase to pay this back partly with sewer rate and partly with a half percent sales tax.   The two most complaint areas that I get are the sewer and the streets.  So, one thing we had discussed was to do a half percent tax increase to go toward improving the utilities and toward paying the sewer loan; and a half percent for streets.  That was our intention as far as obtaining the loan and the grant money – and paying all this back. 

      Council Member Brinkman, “The sales tax – that half percent – is yielding a couple hundred thousand dollars in 2009.  That would be used to keep the rates of the sewer down.  We know what the figure would be if we tried to get that all from rates.”  Council Member Scott, “Plus, one of the thoughts we have is that people coming in and out of town could help pay the expenses.”  Council Member Brinkman commented that people would be surprised how much the revenue from the city’s sales tax has gone up, which the State says is partly due to people not driving out of town because of the gasoline prices.  He said, “That was one of the best things we ever did for this community.”  He added, “There’s a lot of ways we could go on the funding for this project, but I think we’re at the point where we’ve got to do it.”

      Mayor Raymer called for a vote on the motion which was: “Council Member Hoch moved the City of Burlington proceed with the Sewer Improvement Project, with an estimated cost of $12,100,000.  A second was given by Council Member Kennamore.”  All Council Members present voted, “Yes.”  Mayor Raymer declared the motion carried.

      Council Member Hoch stated, “If we are going to do the sales tax increase, we need get it on the November ballot.”  It will be discussed later in this meeting.

CITY TAX INCREASE of 1%

½ % for Utilities and Sewer & ½% for Streets

      City Clerk Kewley said, “I want to give you a highlight of what to expect on the sales tax.  Last week I talked with Mr. Brunkin who is with the State Office Center in Topeka .  He is saying that first of all the State is going to need a ninety-day notification for their records to get started.  They start on the first calendar of the quarter.  I talked to Angie Kirchner, the Elections Officer; and she said we can go through the General Election in November, but you will have to come up with a decision for August.  In August, she needs an answer; so once you come up with an answer, we can get the Letter of Hearing to the County and get it in the newspaper and proceed forward.”  Council Member Brinkman, “So, we have to go through the full budgeting process before we make this decision?”  City Clerk Kewley, “Yes, but I feel the quicker you act on this, the more you can advertise on this and get it going.  She said you really need to get jumping to get going for November.”  City Clerk Kewley stated, “If it does pass, the earliest we could start is April so we would get our first payment in June; so we would be getting money next year.”

      Council Member Scott, “Wasn’t there a specific way to earmark this for a specific item, rather than it just going in the General Fund?”  Council Member Kennamore, “You could set a sunset clause on it too.”  Council Member Hoch explained that it would only be for ten years, which would hurt us because we wouldn’t be anywhere near having the sewer paid off in ten years.”  Council Member Brinkman asked about the limits of the ‘limited use’, and said it is really over and above the 2% that you can have.  City Clerk Kewley, “We looked at 3%, we’re at 1%, we have a whole %, and she Sandy Jacquot, LKM, said you could do it however you want – you just have to stay within a quarter.” 

      Council Member Scott, “Part of my thought process in supporting this is that we have studied and raised rates of the water and sewer.  Assuming this passes and is earmarked for the sewer project, at the same time in doing the rates, we have tried to make this a little more self-sufficient.  In other words, there’s money put in here that can help take care of some emergency down the road – a rainy day fund, if you will.  In the past we’ve used about half the City/County money for water/wastewater; and I think that money needs to be earmarked for streets.  At least that way, they’re going to have some money they can count on.  We’ve been tying it up for bridge projects and everything else, and everybody understands the streets need to be taken care of, but the streets are at the mercy of everybody else because they do not produce revenue for the city.  They produce a lot of people being angry because they have potholes and want their streets fixed, but we don’t really have a solution for them.  Again, I think we have an opportunity to set the city up for a lot of years in pretty good shape.  A part of my selling point for this sales tax is going to be that it may be earmarked for the sewer if that’s our intent, but it’s going to ask for residuals in that your streets are improved.” 

      Council Member Hoch, “Well, my whole thought on this was to specifically set aside a half percent for streets and a half percent for the sewer; and that way the streets would absolutely have money coming in, instead of doing the whole one percent for the sewer.”  Council Member Scott, “I think when we talked we just talked about a half percent period, so that’s the reason for what I just went through.  But if you’re talking 1%....” 

      City Clerk Kewley asked, “How do you want to have the question on the ballot?  Do you want one question that says half for the sewer and half for the streets; or do you want to break it up into two questions?  It’s something for you to think about.”  Council Member Hoch, “One thing to keep in mind is that one thing might sell the other part of it.  If somebody is very unhappy about their streets – or about the sewer - he might vote ‘yes’ for the whole package if we did it together; where if we split it up, he might vote for one project and against the other.  I would be more likely to recommend that it all go together because I think it stands a better chance of happening if we do it as one question on the ballot.  It is one issue.  Council Member Brinkman agreed that it is one issue.  Council Member Hoch stated that, “If the citizens of Burlington decide they don’t want to do this (the highway project), then that’s fine – they’re going to have a $42 a month sewer bill and the streets are going to stay much like they are. It is their choice.”

      Council Member Scott asked, “What if you did go just for ½ cent and earmark it for the sewer?”  Council Member Hoch, “Then you’re short-changing the Street Department.”  Council Member Scott, “I don’t think you are.”  Council Member Brinkman, “Actually, Bill, you would not be increasing the revenue at all for the Water/Wastewater that way.  It would be about the same amount of revenue – you wouldn’t be saving any on rates.”  After more discussion between Council Members, Council Member Hoch stated, “You’re still going to have a huge sewer bill if you do it that way.  They will have a half percent sales tax and have a high sewer bill.”  Street Superintendent Mast, “Another thing to consider is that there is no guarantee to that City/County money.”  Council Member Hoch explained the increase would put us at 7.3% sales tax (2% City / 5.3% State) which is not out of line with a lot of cities.” 

      Mayor Raymer, “There are a lot of things to ponder.  Will Council be ready to make some decision next council meeting – unless you’re ready now?”  Council Member Brinkman, “It’s not really our decision – we put it before the voters.  It’s the voters’ decision.”  Mayor Raymer, “We need to decide if we’re moving forward with this so we can get at how we proceed with it.”

      Council Member Hoch moved to put it on the November ballot to raise the City Sales Tax one percent (1%), which will be designated for one-half percent (1/2%) for Utilities to help pay for the Sewer Improvement Project,  and one-half percent (1/2%) for the Street Department; second by Council Member Brinkman.  All Council Members present voted, “Yes.”  Mayor Raymer declared the motion carried.

PERMITS ISSUED BY ZONING CLERK RAYMER

Zoning Permits(s) Issued:

2007-35         Charles Feltner, 728 Neosho Street , for a deck

2007-37     Polly Epting, 313 Miami , for a fence.

Temporary Use Permit

2008-001   David Wooge, 404 Neosho (Music Box Theatre), for a sidewalk display

CITY HALL CARPET

      City Clerk Regina Kewley said carpet for City Hall is in this year’s budget, and she would like permission to go out for three bids.  Council Member Kennamore, second by Council Member Brinkman, moved to authorize City Clerk Kewley to go out for bids for new carpet for City Hall.  Motion carried unanimously.

CHINCHILLA SHOW AT 4-H BUILDING IN OCTOBER

Burlington City Council voted unanimously to allow Mike Lawrence, on behalf of the Heartland Chinchilla Group, to reserve the 4-H Building for October 17, 18 and 19, for a Chinchilla show. 

WCNOC United Way Committee – Garage Sale on August 2^nd

Council voted unanimously to have Street Superintendent Mast work with Cassie Burgio on using a portion of the 4^th Street Municipal Parking Lot for the Wolf Creek United Way Garage Sale on August 2, 2008. 

SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

      The City’s engineers on the Sewer Improvement Project, Art Dilione and Andy Wright of Bartlett & West, provided an in-depth discussion and a video on to Council.   

ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION

      Jim Cole, Acting Electric Foreman, reported electric personnel were called out a few times during the storm on the 31^st of May.  They repaired a ground fault that happened on Potomac Street , and started on their tree trimming.

ELECTRIC PLANT PRODUCTION

      SPCC:  Electric personnel upgraded the Spill Prevention Control and Counter Measures (SPCC). 

      1988 Pickup:  Jim Cole, Acting Electric Foreman, said they have a 1988 pickup truck that needs around $700 worth of repairs.  They are deciding whether to repair it or do something else with it.

      Engine #5:  The exhaust problem on Engine #5 can be worked on in-house at the estimated cost of $400.  The pipe was installed in 1955 and has some rust.  A small section will need replaced and will take only four welds.  They can start that project in November. 

WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT

      Distribution:  Water/Wastewater personnel fixed a couple of leaks, dressed up a couple of areas, moved a meter, and are keeping things cleaned up. 

      Open House:  Water/Wastewater Superintendent Dennis Noonan said, “We’re getting to be quite the tour guides.”  On May 22^nd, thirty to forty people attended the Water Treatment Plant Open House.  Yesterday, ten people from Texas to Minnesota came to see us and we had the engineers and people from the State coming down, so we got to bragging on the Water Plant.”

      Production:  Water/Wastewater Superintendent Noonan said both sides of the Water Plant are running now and it’s running real good - the water is real good.  We are cutting the chemical cost.

STREET DEPARTMENT

      Sanders Street:  Street Superintendent Doug Mast reported working on some ditches and the roadway on Sanders Street between Cleveland and Osborne.  They are trying to get the roads that were done a year and a half ago prepped for asphalt overlay. 

      13^th Street :  Street personnel have been rebuilding 13^th Street – ditches and overlay.  They actually had to take the ditch clear down to Potomac Street .

      Patching Streets:  They have been running the AMZ machine to patch streets.

3^rd STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (16U-2036-01)

      Street Superintendent Mast provided an update on the 3^rd Street Bridge.  Since Council last met, we had our pre-construction conference on May 28; and the day after the conference, they (the contractors) were ready to start work.  There was a gas line that still needed moved at that time and the gas company worked hard and got it moved by that Friday afternoon.  Street Superintendent Mast said, “As you can see, the bridge is nearly gone.  They are making good progress.”  At the pre-construction meeting, KDOT gave us a list of the subcontractors and an outline of the work progress schedule.  He will make copies for everyone and leave a copy at City Hall.  KDOT has said it would be 130 working days, however, the work schedule says 130 calendar days. 

PARKS DEPARTMENT

      General:  Parks Superintendent Randall Brown reported they have been mowing, spraying, trimming trees, sprayed the lagoons, and inspected playground equipment. 

      Skate Park :  Parks Superintendent Brown reported work on the Skate Park is progressing.  They have a design they are going to use.  [Everyone has copies of the proposal from Athco for $38,382, with installation and 8 hour day build supervision.]  They are planning to make a decision on the design at the same time the concrete bids are in (June 12^th).  He explained we don’t go out for bids for the skate park equipment because we are going through U.S. Communities like we did for the playground equipment – they do it for us.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Finance Committee will meet Monday, June 8, 2008, 4 p.m., at 303 Neosho .

PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT

      Strategic Planning Meeting:  Zoning Clerk Nancy Raymer reported she attended a Coffey County Strategic Planning meeting today and got some good information. 

      Flood Elevation / Industrial Park #1:  Zoning Clerk Raymer reported she has been working with the Corps of Engineers on the base flood elevation in Industrial Park #1.  The Corps of Engineers informed her it will take at least another two weeks, and she is keeping Gibson Recycling and another developer out there informed. 

      Zoning Hearing – 10^th and LaMoille:  Zoning Clerk Raymer has been gathering flood and utility information for the upcoming hearing for rezoning of 10^th and LaMoille. 

      General:  Zoning Clerk Raymer has been addressing a variety of zoning questions and working on permits.

      Yard Of The Month:  Jeff and Beth Sloyer, 207 Jason Street , have the Yard Of The Month for June. 

      Planning Commission Hearing:  Following the BZA hearing, the Planning Commission convened on re-zoning five lots at 10^th and LaMoille from R-1 to R-2.  It was tabled until June 19 due to insufficient information provided.

      Nuisances:  Zoning Clerk Raymer stated she has been very busy on grass and weed nuisances.  She is very please with the cooperation she is getting from the community.  She is going to start addressing nuisance structures that are in very bad disrepair; and will also be addressing issues of grass and weeds in ditches.

BUSINESS APPRECIATION

      Mayor Rick Raymer referred to the Proclamation which proclaims the June to be Business Appreciation Month in the City of Burlington and the City of New Strawn .  The annual Business Appreciation Picnic will be on Friday, June 13, 2008 at Kelley Park from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Invitations have been mailed.

PERSONNEL JOB DESCRIPTIONS

      Council Member Stan Luke referred to copies of the Personnel Job Descriptions which were distributed to the Governing Body and Department Heads to review.  They will be presented at the next meeting of Council for comments and approval or modification. 

BOY SCOUT BARBEQUE on June 25^th at the 4-H Building

       Mayor Rick Raymer said City Clerk Regina Kewley said she sent an email from the Boy Scouts and he sent it on to the Governing Body.  Basically, it was a request for help with serving or cooking, or giving a donation.  He will be willing to serve, so they were going to recognize us (the City) for helping.  He asked that anyone interested in helping, contact City Clerk Kewley. 

PERMITS ISSUED BY ZONING CLERK NANCY RAYMER

Zoning Permits(s) Issued:

2007-016   Ivan R. Anderson, 1400 Kennebec , for a house

2008-027   James R. Hughes, 1106 Wilson St. , for a deck

2008-028   Coffey County Housing Authority, 1534 Cumberland , for a house with garage

2008-030   Michael Hoch, 116 S. 9^th, for a house with garage

2008-031   Helen Hull, 126 Juniatta, for a fence

2008-032   Bill Fry, 1011 LaMoille St. , for a fence

2008-033   Daniel and Amy Tompkins, 1016 S. 6^th St. , for a storage shed

2008-034   USD #244 Lower Elementary, 706 Niagara , for an entry way for office space

WATER RATES – ORDINANCE 769, EFFECTIVE JUNE 13, 2008

      Council Member Donald Brinkman, second by Council Member William Scott, moved to adopt Ordinance 769, Water Rates, which repeals Ordinance 766 and will be effective on June 13, 2008.  Mayor Rick Raymer directed City Clerk Regina Kewley to poll Council for a vote.  With a unanimous vote of Council, Mayor Raymer declared Ordinance 769 adopted.

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CITY RECEIVES DIVIDEND

Rick Elliott and Angela Brown, on behalf of Elliott Insurance Group (EIG) and Employee Mutual Insurance Company (EMC) presented the City of Burlington with Safety Dividend check n the amount of $30,357.04.  The city is insured with the EMC Insurance Company, which is the premier writer of (policies for) municipal entities in the state of Kansas .  Mr. Elliott explained that “One of the neat things they do is to take the municipal business that they do and they put their counties in a group, put the cities in a group, and put the school districts in a group.  If that particular group is profitable to the company, they give part of that profit back to the members of that group.  You (City of Burlington ) are part of the municipal safety group.  That group had a very good year with EMC last year, so you are the recipients of a safety group dividend from EMC Insurance Company.  EMC insures over 150 cities in the state of Kansas , which is about 60% of the total cities.  They are giving back about $3,000,000 total to that group; and your part is about $$30,357.04.”

WATER RATE INCREASE DELAYED UNTIL JUNE 13, 2008

      Following lengthy discussion on a request by Burlington ’s wholesale water customers to delay the water rate in crease for thirty days the following action was taken.  Council Member Bill Scott moved to delay implementation of the new water rate increase from the 13^th day of May to the 13^th of June, 2008; second by Council Member Don Brinkman .  Council Members Pete Kennamore , Barb Hoch , and Stan Luke voted, “Nay.”  Council Members Kent Hoyt , Bill Scott , and Don Brinkman voted, “Yes.”  Mayor Rick Raymer ’s vote was needed to break the tie.  He voted in favor.  With a vote of 4 in favor and 3 against, the motion carried. 

ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION UPDATE

      Jim Cole, Acting Electric Foreman, provided an update on the Electric Department activities on the distribution side over the past two weeks. 

      Electric personnel did turn-offs of delinquent utilities.  They took the old service out of the old bowling alley and put a new one in.  They have been moving a lot of meters because of dog issues with the meters (a safety concern).  Took out utility plugs at JEM and buried the lines.  Basically, it’s business as usual.

ELECTRIC PLANT (PRODUCTION) UPDATE

      Jim Cole provided an update on the Electric Department activities on the production side over the past two weeks. 

      Electric personnel finished doing the pilot light replacements on MCC panel #E.  They changed oil in the radiator fan gear box.  They worked on minor cracks on windows and on the roof – soldered it.  Acting Foreman Cole said he has been working on the old log sheets.  He said the exhaust on Engine #5 will probably need replaced next year and will be a major investment. 

NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE CHANGES

      Council voted unanimously to allow the Electric Department to go out for four bids for conducting tests on safety equipment to ensure it meets the criteria of the National Electric Code, and bring those bids back to Council. 

WATER/WASTEWATER UPDATE

      General:  Water/Wastewater Superintendent Dennis Noonan reported personnel read meters, replaced another twenty feet of sewer main, fixed a water leak, mowed at the lift stations, did locates and rechecks. 

      Water Plant:  The chlorine analyzers messed up and were rebuilt.  A CDM representative (Tony) was here.  He went down in our clarifier and double-checked on our recirc lines that we were pretty sure weren’t in there; well, they are in there.  They were plugged up, so we got them unplugged.  We have them running slow today so we can get the right amount of sludge to recirculate.  It is an on-going thing we can do without changing chemicals.  He explained that with different water coming from the river everyday, adjusting the chemicals is an ongoing process. 

      Council Member Hoch stated, “I have to say kudos to the Water Operators.  They are going to cut costs on the chemicals by more than 50 percent; so they are doing a fabulous job.”

      Open House:  Preparations are in process for the Open House of the Water Treatment Plant tomorrow evening.

STREET DEPARTMENT UPDATE

      13^th Street :  Street Superintendent Doug Mast reported they have been rebuilding 13^th Street from Housatonic to Alleghany, and hope to finish the main part of it tomorrow.  There will still be quite a bit of shaping to do, and chip‑sealing will be done later on after everything else is set up. 

      General:  Street personnel cleaned ditches around town and replaced several culverts, bladed gravel streets, and tilled and seeded some ditches.

      Country Club Heights :  They cut out the rock in the alley at Country Club Heights.  The property owners felt the alley was too high, but we shot elevations and the alley was not too high.  However, they were adamant that it needed to be cut down, so we cut it down.  Rock that was put in there during construction was off old roads and put in those alleys.  We cut that out because that was the way they thought it should be. Street Superintendent Mast forewarned the Electric and Water/Wastewater Departments not to go in there when it is wet because they will sink.

3^rd STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Pre-construction Meeting on May 28, 2008

      Street Superintendent Mast provided an update on the 3^rd Street Bridge.  KDOT has decided the pre-construction conference is going to be next Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Kelley Hall.  They asked the contractors when they would like to start work on the project, and they said they would like to start the next day.  That doesn’t give us much notice, but he will try to touch base with all the utilities to make sure we don’t have any issues that we are not aware of that have not been taken care of.  The Electric Department will have to ‘pop’ a couple of street lights out, but that is not a big deal.  As far as he knows, that is all we have to do as a city. 

STREET DEPARTMENT UPDATE

      General:  Parks Superintendent Randall Brown reported they have been mowing, spraying, doing repairs on the 4-H Building front doors. 

      Industrial Park #3:  More of the Cedar trees in Industrial Park #3 have died, so we’ll replant more in the fall.

      Kelley Hall Open House:  Parks Superintendent Brown reported they are preparing for tomorrow’s Open House.

      Skate Park – Concrete Bids:  Bids on the concrete for the pad for the Skate Park are due June 12. 

      Skate Park – Equipment:  Parks Superintendent Brown reported he has been investigating equipment for Skate Park .  We want to go out for equipment like we did the playgrounds through U.S. Communities.  It will save us time and about 6% costs.  We won’t have to go out for bids.  We can just buy them through U.S. Communities.  That’s something we’re looking at.

      East Neosho River Bridge Landscaping:  Council commented on the landscaping on both sides of the East Neosho River Bridge .  It looks nice.

PARKS DEPARTMENT – HIRED ADAM FREERKSEN

      Parks Superintendent Brown reported Adam Freerksen started work two weeks ago as a Part-Time Summer employee for the Parks Department.  He said, “It’s made a lot of difference.  As you can see, the Industrial Parks and other areas are starting to look a whole lot better.  Thank you very much.”

PLANNING & ZONING UPDATE

      BZA Hearing:  Zoning Clerk Nancy Raymer reported that on May 15^th, there was a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on a conditional use on a single family home with steel materials.  It was approved.  That home will be built to look like a residential home and will have a metal roof and metal lapped siding. 

      Planning Commission Hearing:  Following the BZA hearing, the Planning Commission convened on re-zoning five lots at 10^th and LaMoille from R-1 to R-2.  It was tabled until June 19 due to insufficient information provided.

      Flood Elevation (Industrial Park #1 / Gibson Recycling:  Zoning Clerk Raymer reported she is working with the Corps of Engineers on establishing the base flood elevation in Industrial Park #1.  It will take two to three weeks for the Corps of Engineers to get it back to us..  It will help provide flood elevations for future businesses locating there.  They are actually going back to original plat maps and they have the terrain.  When businesses are coming in they will have to shoot the elevation.  Certificates of elevation may be required to be provided as a condition for theR-2 hearing.  Gibson Recycling is waiting on it.  They are moving stuff out there for temporary storage; but they can not put any fencing, utilities, or anything out there until they find out whether or not it is floodplain so they will know how to build. 

      Freeman’s House:  Council Member Scott, “When Stephen Freeman originally built that house right behind us, he put one of those corn fed furnaces next to the alley.  You don’t want those in residential areas – there is smoke in somebody’s house all the time.  I couldn’t say anything because it was already there, but it is gone now and I would like to see us pursue an ordinance or something to ban them.  I didn’t think it would be an issue, but it is.”  Council Member Hoyt mentioned the same type of problem with wood heaters that have pipes sticking out the window with the top of the pipe being below the roofline.  Zoning Clerk Raymer said it could be looked into along with the current reviewing of our regulations. 

      Nuisances:  Zoning Clerk Raymer stated she has been very busy on nuisances.  She has addresses, looked at, taken pictures and monitored 64 properties in the City of Burlington .  She takes notes and documents information on them all along.  Ten of them got mowed before she got the notices out.  She served nine personal services, most of which are grass.  She has two notices going out on junk and several other junk sites to work on.  She sent eleven notices out in certified mail.  Twelve verbal warnings were given, most of which were abated within twenty-four hours.  She has established a notebook with pictures to record the nuisances.  Zoning Clerk Raymer offered to give or email the list to the Governing Body if they want it; and said she is actively and physically working on this.  Council Member Raymer suggested emailing it out once a month so they will be aware of the nuisance properties.

DUCKWALL/ALCO STOCKHOLDER PROXY

      City Clerk Regina Kewley informed Council that Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is holding their Annual Stockholders Meeting on the 4^th of June.  We have two shares of Duckwalls stock, and they are asking us to authorize a proxy for their meeting.  Whether or not we send a representative to the meeting, they ask we sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card.  As a stockholder, we are urged to be present in person or by proxy.  A proxy will vote in our behalf 1) for directors to serve on the Board of Directors; 2) to ratify the appointment of KPMGLLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending February 1, 2009; 3) to amend our Non-qualified Stock Option Plan; and 4) to act upon another business that may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournments of that meeting.

      Council voted unanimously o authorize City Clerk Kewley to sign the Proxy for Duckwalls’ Annual Stockholders Meeting on June 4, 2008. 

PERMITS ISSUED BY ZONING CLERK RAYMER

Zoning Permits(s) Issued:

2007-074     LaVada Reimer, 520 Garrettson, for a storage shed

2008-018     Robert Shoemaker, 1512 Merrimac, for an attached garage

2008-019     Kenan Shafer, 827 St. Lawrence, for a Fence

2008-020     Jim Saueressig, 514 DesMoines, for a fence

2008-021     Andrew Russo, 1122 Neosho , for an attached garage

2008-022     Robin Dorathy, 118 S. 5^th, for a fence

2008-023     Edwin Taylor, 1310 St. Lawrence, for a shed

2008-024     Paul Abendroth, 516 Alleghany, for a home

2008-025     City of Burlington , 716 S. 5^th, for exercis