June 6, 2005

The Moran City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 6, 2005. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Jackman, James Mueller, Warren Johnson, and Chryll Ginn. Also present were Bret Heim, City Attorney; Shane Smith, Police Chief; Loretta Roberts, Ambulance Director; Mike Stodgell, City Superintendent, and Lynn Heskett, Assistant City Clerk. Lee Roberts, Connie Booth, Mike Endicott, and Jason Botts were visitors attending the meeting.

Councilmember Mueller moved to approve the June 2005 consent agenda consisting of: May regular council meeting minutes, June pay ordinance totaling $52,955.65 and corporate resolution for purchase of a $25,000.00 certificate of deposit (CD) to replace a CD maturing June 11, 2005. Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

VISITORS

Mike Endicott, Moran Ball Association President, thanked City employees and the Council for their efforts and support working to resolve the problems that have arose after the concession stand was damaged by a Coca-Cola delivery truck May 27th. Mr. Endicott then presented the following suggestions for improvements at the Ball Park:
1. Resurface the ball fields with red clay, with the Ball Association willing to hold fundraisers to cover ½ the cost
2. Build a T-ball field in the grassy area east of the main field
3. Install a chain link fence around the batting cage to help prevent damage to batting cage netting, from children climbing on the netting
4. Install underground electric at the practice field for use in pitching machine games.
5. Expand the concession stand, requesting that the City provide the slab and the Ball Association covering the cost of the building.

Council stated that the City would look into the cost of each improvement, and keep them in mind, but that any improvements would need to be budgeted out over time.

Connie Booth, Concession Stand manager, stated that her immediate concern regarding the condemnation of the Snack Shack is storage. Currently, she and others are using personal vehicles to transport the popcorn machine, coolers of ice, pop, crock pots for chili and nachos, plus all candy, chips, and condiments to the field and back to her home nightly. A locking storage facility is desperately needed so these items can be kept at the ballpark. Councilmember Holman suggested contacting Eastside Tire in Humboldt, to inquire of rental fees for their portable storage buildings, then volunteered to contact Eastside Tire to inquire about pricing.

Officer Smith informed the Council that he had been in contact with Coca-Cola of Fort Scott and asked if they could provide a pop-stand for the ball season. A Coca-Cola representative informed Chief Smith that they no longer had portable stands to lend to communities, but suggested they might try to provide a storage building for the ball association's use. Additionally, Coca-Cola's insurance company has started the claims process and will be speaking with contractors.

Mayor Merkel assured the Ball Association that Officer Smith would relay any new information from Coca-Cola to Mr. Endicott. Merkel also suggested the Association possibly file a claim with Coca-Cola's insurance company for loss of revenue. Councilmember Mueller suggested that the City contact a masoner to get an estimate on repairs or rebuilding costs for the Concession Stand.

Jason Botts informed the Council that they would again like to have a Sunday night Men's Softball league, if Council would approve use of the field and lights. Council agreed to the league's use of both.

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH WESTAR

Westar representative Bill Howgill presented an overview of the City's current contract, which expires November 2007, and provided information regarding current rate analyses and new regulatory contract requirements. Howgill stated that new contracts would be set up for five or possibly ten years. He assured the Council that he will keep in close contact throughout the negotiation process and will be available to answer any questions they may have.

2004 AUDIT - Daryl Eagon

Mr. Daryl Eagon, of Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred & Bledsoe accounting firm, presented the auditor's report for 2004. Mr. Eagon advised the Council to contact him at the Fort Scott office if they have additional questions.

OLD BUSINESS

Fencing Estimates for Water Tower - The topic was tabled indefinitely.

Request to Rename Moran City Park - Council determined the park name will remain Moran City Park.

Contract Renewal with Copy Products - Councilmember Johnson moved to renew the annual maintenance contract with Copy Products for the Konica 7020 copier, Ginn seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

NEW BUSINESS

Jail Housing Agreement with Allen County - Sheriff Tom Williams submitted a new agreement between Allen County and the City for housing individuals arrested by the City. The agreement basically remains the same except the cost of housing an inmate will raise from $15.00 to $20.00 per inmate per day. Councilmember Mueller moved to accept the new agreement, Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed all approving.

Iola Animal Clinic - Iola Animal Clinic advised that under their new contract with the City of Iola, euthanasia will rise from $17.50 per animal, to $22.00 per animal.

Councilmember Mueller moved to recess to executive session at 8:25 PM for 30 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel matters, Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving. The Council returned to open meeting at 8:55 PM. Mayor Merkel stated the Council approved for Clerk Evans to work from home, if the need arises over the next few months.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Fire Chief - Chief Merkel reported there were no problems or expenditures for the month but the department may purchase boots next month.

Ambulance Director - Director Roberts informed the Council of the need for six new tires for the ambulance, costing approximately $100-$110 per tire from J-D's Automotive of Iola. Councilmember Johnson moved that six new tires be purchased for the ambulance from J-D's Automotive and that the tires be balanced, have the front end aligned, and that mileage be noted on the sales ticket. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Police Chief - Chief Smith stated that Ford has issued a safety recall on the 2003 police car for the outer dash insulator, and that he will contact Ford about repairs. Smith also stated he will adjust his hours for the summer by working more during late afternoons and evenings.

Chief Smith said that an individual has admitted to the water tower vandalism, and that person will be providing a written statement. Should no statement be offered, Smith will pursue an arrest warrant. Officer Smith cleaned and painted over the graffiti, with the assistance of City Superintendent Stodgell and Assistant City Superintendent Miller. Council thanked them for their efforts.

Smith will keep in contact with Coca-Cola and inform the Ball Association of any new developments regarding the Snack Shack. Smith has issued a notice to appear for the driver, but is holding the notice until we hear from the insurance company. Councilmember Mueller suggested the Ball Association prepare other arrangements should the offers of assistance from Coca-Cola fall through.

Chief Smith reported that reserve officers Derek McVey and Chris Ericson have participated in patrols at least once over the last month.

Chief Smith reported that he, Superintendent Stodgell, and Jack McBride attended Defensive Driving training in Yates Center in May. Smith reported that it was very informative.

Councilmember Mueller inquired of Officer Smith if he currently responds to local ambulance calls. Smith indicated that he occasionally responds to calls, depending on his duty schedule or location at the time of the call. After some discussion, Smith agreed to respond to local emergency calls while on duty, if he is in the vicinity.

Superintendent - Superintendent Stodgell reported the following activities by the City crew for the month of May:

  • Trimming trees at 110 S. Elm, in the alley behind 212 S. Elm, and at City Park
  • Trimmed trees around three phase, north of the water plant
  • Cut cedar bushes away from underground electric and water pit at 544 N. Spruce
  • Changed out oil switch on lights at Ball Park
  • Removed stump from yard at 407 W. Franklin
  • Investigated water leak at Cedar and Second Streets, no leak was found; will possibly look further south from dig
  • Two water samples sent to the State, both passed
  • Tapped 4" main and installed new water service at 211 N. Pine
  • Repaired water leak on 8" main, between High and Park Streets
  • Officer Smith painted over graffiti on water tower
  • Replaced check valve at water tower
  • Filled in potholes
  • Hauled dirt to the landfill
  • Spoke with Mr. Mann about making repairs to Maple and Second Streets; work will begin on June 6, 2005
  • Cleaned up from water project at Front and Cottonwood Streets
  • Cleaned out culverts around town
  • Planning out the school crossing; hope to begin work on June 13, 2005
  • Painted windows at old water treatment plant
  • Repaired swing at Troxel Park
  • Checked air conditioning malfunction at City Library; breaker was off; working properly now
  • Repaired cabinet at Park and painted floors
  • Used bush hog to clear many lots around town
  • Serviced mowers and weed-eaters
  • Installed underground electric service/plug-in, behind the pitcher's mound on main ball field, to provide electricity for pitching machine
  • The Snack Shack received major structural damage when it was hit by a Coke delivery truck; the building is unsafe and has been condemned Superintendent Stodgell advised the Council that city-wide cleanup is Tuesday June 7th and that Buddy Mann will begin road repairs on Wednesday, June 8th.

    Stodgell also advised the following: 20 gallons of mosquito spray was ordered and spraying will begin soon; the last spare oil switch has been installed for the ball field lights, and a manual switch will be installed for easier use.

    Councilmember Johnson informed the Council that the '97 GMC truck has damage to the seat, and after discussion, the Council agreed that Superintendent Stodgell should have the seat repaired. The Council also requested that Stodgell investigate prices for the Ball Association's requests.

    The Council discussed with Stodgell the possibility of expanding the budget for street repairs for next year.

    City Clerk - Asst. Clerk Heskett reported income for the month of May as follows:

    General Fund   Water Fund
    Charges For Services 23.98   Sales To Customers 7,828.80
    Dog Tag 113.00   Penalties 230.45
    Court Fines/Dog Tag Penalty 3,073.00   Water Protection Fee 40.09
    Building Permit 5.00   Bulk Water Sales 113.98
    KS Sales Tax 3,217.48   Connect Fees-Water 75.00
    Reimb Exp-General 202.78   Sewer Fund
    VIN Inspection 10.00   Sales To Customers 4,718.84
    NSF Check Redemption 121.30   Reimb Exp-Sewer 149.25
    Interest Earned Checking/CD 435.41   Ambulance Fund
    Electric Fund   Charges for services 15,077.00
    Sales To Customers 29,359.17   Sales Tax Fund 948.70
    Fuel Adjustment 1,465.37   Refuse Fund    1,191.28
    Lieap Payments 106.79   Gross Receipts 72033.48
    Overpaid-Electric 56.81   Lieap Credits 48.42
    Special Highway   Water Credits 5.86
    State Payments 3,470.00   Electric Credits        95.62
      Net Receipts 71883.58

    There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 9:55 PM. Ginn seconding the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

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    • This page was prepared

    July, 2005