REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

MARCH 2, 2005                                   7:30 P.M.

 

PRESENT:  Mike Batchelder, Tony French, Jerry Bruns, Donna Parish and Mari Ann Parker.

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Robert Powell, Dick Powell, Artie Lucas, Carol Hopkins, Jeff Riley, Roger Gormley, Shawn Tilton, Ila Spaulding, Charles Baskins, Katie Hargis, Fuzz and Betty Lewis, Russ Karn, Jim Gilmore, Bill Crabtree, Tammie Petrik, Tom Bliss, Ty Parsons, Dorothy Diveley, Ted Collins, Deb Fox, John Petrik, Rachel Williams, Andy Parker, Billy Noll, Gary Connellis, Ken Stewart and Bill Butrick.

 

PRESIDING:  Mayor Janet Tyler.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with all councilmembers present.

 

Tony French moved to approve the minutes of the last Regular Council Meeting held February 2, 2005.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Jerry Bruns moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting held February 9, 2005.  Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Donna Parish moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting held February 16, 2005.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Tony French moved to approve the minutes of the second special meeting held February 16, 2005.  Jerry Bruns 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Tony French moved to approve the bills for the month of February, 2005.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

County Attorney Charles Baskins and First District Commissioner Artie Lucas presented

information and talked of support for  the upcoming 1% sales tax vote.  Baskins spoke of the different county projects that can be funded with the sales tax revenue as well as the benefits the cities in Doniphan County receive from it.  The City announced they had prepared a press release for the county paper as well.

 

Tony French moved to approve Resolution #05-02.  A Resolution of the governing body of the City of Highland, Doniphan County, Kansas, in support of a countywide retail sales tax.  Jerry Bruns 2nd.  By roll call vote:  Batchelder-yes, Parker-yes, French-yes, Bruns-yes, Parish-yes.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Tom Bliss and Ty Parsons from MOKAN Regional Planning Commission presented information for building a community center thru the KANSTEP grant.  They explained the grant funds would come from the CDBG program for materials and the City would provide labor, technical support and equipment for their matching share.  The Community Center may also include other usages such as Day Care Centers, Fire Stations, Food Pantry and Storm Shelter.  Bliss explained that identifying the usage for the building would be key in the pre-grant application. 

 

Councilmember Mike Batchelder informed the Council that the “Spark Plug” Committee for the Community Center consisted of  Fuzz and Betty Lewis, Robert Powell, Beverly Evans and Jim Gilmore at this time.

 

Mike Batchelder moved for the committee to begin work on the proposed Community Center project with the assistance of MOKAN Regional Commission and prepare for the pre-grant application.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Councilmember Donna Parish stated that USD #425 (High School) was allowing use of the facilities on Sundays by adults only.

 

Deb Fox of Highland Community College updated the Council on the progress of the water line installation for the wellness center.  She stated that it should be ready for the bid stage very soon.

 

PRIDE President Betty Lewis talked about the annual PRIDE Clean-up day which has always been held in April of each year.  Mayor Tyler appointed City Superintendent Jeff Riley to meet with Betty and for them to set a date for the Clean-up day.

 

Recreation Commission member Tammie Petrik informed the Council that the Dodge Ball Tournament would be held at the High School this Sunday and that six teams had signed up to participate this far.    Tammie also asked about fund raising money and budgeting for the Commission. 

 

Commission Russ Karn stated that the sign-up sheets for the summer ball program would be passed out within the next two weeks and that a countywide meeting would hopefully be held soon.  Russ also talked of training courses being held that would benefit the kids with pitching skills.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilmember Jerry Bruns reported on a meeting held earlier today with representatives from Bartlett and West Engineers, Inc., Roger Engemann, Jeff Riley, Bill Butrick, Mike Batchelder and himself  to talk about the wiring problem at the new well.   Mike Dunnaway of Bartlett & West stated that the No. 3 wire used should not have been because No. 4 was called for in the specs.  Bruns stated that Bartlett & West would be paying Engemann Drainage Inc., to replace the current wire with the heavier wire and then look into control panel problems and lead wires after the wire was changed.

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

John Petrik voiced his concerns about surveyors involved with the water line installation

driving on his property without asking permission.  John said he was also concerned about the trench being dug across his driveway which would not allow for traffic flow to their day-care business.  The Mayor and Council agreed that City personnel would be watching for any problems that may develop and that Mr. Petrik’s concerns should be treated appropriately.  Mr. Petrik also asked about the road on the N. City limits being made into a full 60 foot street.  City Attorney Ted Collins stated he would put together a proposal for the property owners involved to start the process for making Colorado a full city street.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Mike Batchelder moved to have the City Attorney look into Franchise Ordinances and updates with Westar Energy, Kansas Gas Service and Sprint.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

CITY OFFICERS REPORT

 

City Clerk Bill Butrick said he had talked with BG Consultants today and that a proposal for  their services should be sent out soon.

 

City Superintendent Jeff Riley talked about operating well no. 5 and that a chart meter was in place to check for voltage readings.  Jeff also talked about street repairs and millings on dead end streets.

 

Police Chief Gary Connellis informed the Council he was busy reorganizing the Police Department and that he would be updating the current Police Manual for the City.  He stated that he is starting a “Business Security Check List” for all businesses that may be interested.

 

GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS

 

Councilmember Mike Batchelder told the Council that the Homeland Security Grant applied for had been awarded to the City.  He stated that $153,000 for the purchase of a new fire apparatus would be matched with approximately $17,000 borrowed from the Firemen’s Relief Fund.

 

9:19 p.m.  Tony French moved to go into executive session for five minutes to discuss personnel.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:24 p.m.  Jerry Bruns moved to come out of executive session.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:25 p.m.  Mari Ann Parker moved to go back into executive session for fifteen minutes to continue with personnel discussion.  Jerry Bruns 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:40 p.m.  Mike Batchelder moved to come out of executive session.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:40 p.m.  Mike Batchelder moved to go back into executive session for ten minutes to continue personnel discussion.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:50 p.m.  Mike Batchelder moved to come out of executive session.  Jerry Bruns 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Mike Batchelder moved to accept with regret the resignation of Rachel Williams.  Jerry Bruns 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:52 p.m.  Mike Batchelder moved to adjourn.  Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

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