REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

 

                             MAY 3, 2006                                         7:30 P.M.

 

PRESENT:  Tony French, Mike Batchelder, Ken Stewart, Mari Ann Parker and Donna Parish.

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Larry O’Bryan, Russ Karn, Ted Collins and Bill Butrick.

 

PRESIDING:  Mayor Janet Tyler.

 

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

 

Mike Batchelder moved to approve the minutes of the last Regular Council Meeting held April 5, 2006.  Ken Stewart 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Donna Parish moved to approve the bills for the month of April, 2006.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

Mari Ann Parker stated that a reception for Ila Spaulding will be held May 17, 2006 between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Recreation Commission member Russ Karn discussed the scheduling, concessions and fields where games would be played for the upcoming summer program.  Karn also informed the Council that there would be a need to add red clay to the infield dirt areas at the ball park sometime after the college fall season to allow it to break up.  He stated that the cost would be equally divided between the college and city according to the contract and that the cost would probably be between $5,000 and $6,000.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Tony French moved, seconded by Mari Ann Parker,  to approve Ordinance #453.  An Ordinance granting to Westar Energy, Inc. an electric franchise.  By roll call vote:  Batchelder-yes, Parker-yes, French-yes, Stewart-yes,  Parish-yes.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

A brief discussion was held concerning the purchase of a new storm siren.  Since no bids had been received at this time, Mike Batchelder stated he would call the companies involved and try to have bids in place before the next meeting.

 

Mike Batchelder moved to accept the bid of  $2875 from Bob Jeffers for the purchase of the old police car.  Ken Stewart 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

A general discussion was held concerning the list of derelict structures, abandoned vehicles and nuisances within the city limits.  Code Enforcement Officer Mike Batchelder stated that he had several lists but no complaint letters had been sent out yet.  The Mayor and Council asked that copies of these lists be given to each of them so they could add any other violations that may not be listed and then  a decision could be made from there what properties actually are violators of city ordinances and that complaint letters be sent out after that is determined.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

City Clerk Bill Butrick asked about updating the Ordinance that involved water connection fees.  It was agreed that City Attorney Ted Collins and Butrick look into the

Old Ordinance and bring back a recommendation on amending the Ordinance at the next Regular Council Meeting.

 

Lions Club member Larry O’Bryan was present to discuss the contract with the city about the concession stand at the ball park.  Ken Stewart moved to have City Attorney Ted Collins re-write the contract stating that there would be no charges involved to the Lions Club for the operation of the concession stand.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried 3-0-2 with Batchelder and Parish abstaining.

 

Mike Batchelder moved to approve and have the Mayor sign a proclamation declaring May 14-20 as National Nursing Home Week.  Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Tony French moved to allow the Kiwanis Club to hang their banner and charter in the Community Center since the club had disbanded.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried 4-1 with Parish voting no.

 

Mike Batchelder moved to appoint the Kansas Chief as the official city newspaper for 2006.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Tony French moved to appoint the Farmers State Bank of Highland as the official city depository for 2006.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Mari Ann Parker moved to appoint Ken Stewart as Council President for 2006.  Tony French 2nd, motion carried 4-0-1 with Stewart abstaining.

 

Ken Stewart moved to appoint  the current city committees for 2006 as they were in 2005.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Ken Stewart moved to appoint Robert Powell to the Board of Zoning Appeals for 2006.

Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

 

Mike Batchelder  moved to appoint the Board of Zoning Appeals for 2006 as presented.

Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

Tony French moved to appoint all employees to their current positions for 2006.  Donna Parish 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

City Attorney Ted Collins gave a brief update on the proposed Rural Water District.

 

CITY OFFICERS REPORT

 

Mari Ann Parker moved to contract Dave Grimm for the city’s  water and wastewater licensed operator at $100 per month and to pay an additional twenty dollars per hour for any emergencies or problems that require his time.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

A discussion was held concerning the operation of four-wheelers.  An agreement was reached to ask Law Enforcement to strictly enforce the operation of these vehicles at this time or an ordinance may be considered to ban these vehicles from city streets.

 

City Clerk Bill Butrick stated that 2007 budget preparation will start this month.

 

The Finance Committee was appointed to look into investment options and bring their recommendation to the next regular council meeting.

 

9:33 p.m.  Ken Stewart moved to go into executive session for five minutes to discuss personnel.  Mari Ann Parker 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:38 p.m.  Ken Stewart moved to come out of executive session.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

9:39 p.m.  Donna Parish moved to adjourn.  Mike Batchelder 2nd, motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

_______________________________                 ______________________________

 

                       Mayor                                                               City Clerk