REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

 

April 9, 2008                                        5:00pm

 

PRESENT:  Mike Batchelder, Tony French, Ken Stewart, Donna Parish, Mari Ann Parker (5:05 p.m.)

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Nathan Idol, Joe Florence, Dennis and Carrie Blevins, Jeff Watts, Brent Henry, Wendy Simmons, Julie Speer, Russell and Joann Karn, Ted Collins, Robert, Gavin and Gabe Powell, Steve Gaul, Teresa and Kaleb Ridout, Jackie Sisk, Michel Scott, Jeff and Kim Riley, Angie Idol, Norma Jean Henry and Bill Butrick.

 

PRESIDING:  Mayor Marty Allen

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

 

Donna Parish moved to approve the minutes of the last Regular Council Meeting held March 12, 2008.  Tony French 2nd. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Tony French moved to approve the bills for the month of March, 2008.  Ken Stewart 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

CITY OFFICERS REPORT: 

 

Code Enforcement Officer Steve Gaul gave a brief report on recent activities concerning dogs and property clean-up. 

 

City Superintendent Jeff Riley asked the council for approval of overtime pay for the maintenance department to finish up debris removal.  Tony French moved to amend the overtime policy for one month to allow city maintenance to complete debris clean-up.  Ken Stewart 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Jeff Riley stated that Pride Clean-up is scheduled for April 18, 2008.  It was agreed by the Council that city maintenance continue with debris removal and for volunteers to help with clean-up day.

 

Ken Stewart moved to offer the part-time maintenance position to Nicholas Dickerson at $8.50 per hour.  Donna Parish 2nd. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

The Mayor and Council asked Jeff Riley to obtain bid proposals to begin a preventive maintenance program for the city’s sewer system and to have bids ready for the next Regular Council Meeting. 

 

Jeff Riley asked that the two parking spots on Main Street where the storm drains are located be abandoned due to deterioration of the foundation.  The Council agreed to discuss this matter later in the meeting with other parking issues. 

 

Recreation Commission Board Member Russ Karn announced his resignation from the Board effective immediately.  He thanked the Council for their support and the opportunity to be a part of the program.  The Council in turn thanked Russell and Joann for all their hard work that helped make the program successful.

 

Russ Karn also asked if the city could find someone to maintain the city website.  The Council asked Robert Powell if he would be interested and he said he would let them know at a later date. 

 

Recreation Commission Chairman Nathan Idol reported that after a second sign-up there would probably be nineteen K-ball boys and ten K-ball girls.  Other age groups, both boys and girls, were joining other teams outside of town due to the small number of kids that signed up. 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST:

 

Carrie Blevins asked if the Recreation Commission overseen any other activities besides baseball and softball.  She stated that she would like to see other activities added for summer recreation for the kids.  Tony French told her that the initial formation of the Commission did provide for any activities, but any activities added would require someone to basically be in charge of the activity they would like to see implemented.  Nathan Idol said that ads had been placed in the news papers for 3 on 3 basketball and other sports in the past with minimal response.  After further discussions, those present were encouraged to attend upcoming Recreation Commission Meetings held on the last Wednesday of each month. 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Ken Stewart of the Street and Alley Committee said he was still waiting for a Westar Energy Representative to report on the removal of the pole in the alley of the 300 block of West Main. 

 

The Council reviewed a copy of a letter from Brenda Hines concerning “No Parking on One Side” on South Genesee Street.  Ms. Hines letter asked that the street be left as is.  Michel Scott and Jackie Sisk, who were in attendance, asked that no changes be made as well.  The Council agreed that a full review of parking on all streets should be considered, before taking any action.  

 

Mari Ann Parker moved that no parking be allowed on West Main Street where the two storm drains are located and to have these changes added to the traffic map.  Ken Stewart 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Stewart presented bids from Herzog Construction and Goodman Construction for development of the West Avenue road.  The bid from Goodman Construction for a concrete street that included curb and gutter was $226,766.25.  The bid from Herzog Construction for an asphalt street ranged from $63,375.00 to $97,020.00 depending on the size of the roadway.  Curb and guttering only, bid by Goodman Construction, would cost approximately $54,000.00.  After a brief discussion, it was agreed that these bids be presented to Highland Community College for their review and to also look into road preparation and base rock before making a final decision. 

 

 

Fire Chief Joe Florence stated his concerns about emergency vehicles having access to college dormitories since North Prairie Street was being closed.  Joe said he would meet with Dave Reist to discuss his reservations. 

 

 

Ken Stewart talked about expected cost over runs concerning the new Fire Station/Community Center.  At this time, he stated, that figure is approximately $7,000.00. 

 

 

Mari Ann Parker reported that the appraiser that looked at the Old Depot building said there would be an extreme high cost to fix the building and recommended it be torn down.  Mike Batchelder moved to place an ad for tearing down the building and to build a structure over the concrete slab for street salt and sand storage.  Ken Stewart 2nd. Motion carried unanimously. 

 

NEW BUISNESS:   

 

The next item on the agenda concerning the passage of a Tree Ordinance and appointing new Tree Board members was tabled until more information could be gathered. 

 

Donna Parish moved to pay $20.00 to the Tree Organization to allow Jeff Riley to attend the training session.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Tony French moved to accept the proposal of Michael D. Peroo, CPA, to perform the 2007 City Audit and prepare the 2009 Budget.  Ken Stewart 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

City Attorney Ted Collins reviewed the revised Law Enforcement Cooperative Agreement with the Doniphan County Sheriff which provided certain changes and dealt with the vacation time issue.  Ken Stewart moved to approve the revised agreement with the Doniphan County Sheriff.  Donna Parish 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Mayor Marty Allen informed the Council of a letter he had received from the Kansas Historical Society stating that the First National Bank building was being considered for nomination to the register at the upcoming May 3, 2008 meeting in Topeka.

 

Recreation Commission Co-Chairman Nathan Idol asked about pay for the field maintenance position and about the Lion’s Club Concession Stand for the upcoming ball season.  The council asked Nathan to contact Pat Lackey about the concession stand and for the Commission to bring back recommendations for field maintenance pay, umpire pay and shirt costs.  They also asked for a schedule of ball games if one is available by the next Regular Council Meeting. 

 

Ken Stewart moved to purchase a plaque for Russell and Joann Karn in recognition of all their work involved with the Summer Recreation Program and maintaining the City’s website.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

6:36 p.m.  Ken Stewart moved to adjourn.  Mike Batchelder 2nd.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mayor                                                        City Clerk