Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Council Minutes: February 10, 2009 Regular Meeting

LUCAS CITY COUNTIL MEETING
LUCAS CIVIC CENTER
FEBRUARY 10, 2009
7:00 PM
PAGE 1

MAYOR: Jennifer Bates
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kay Marshall, Alvin Barta, Barry Maupin, Trent Leach
EMPLOYEES: Kay Mettlen, Julie Bretz, James Rezabek, Gary Bretz, Bill Harlow
OTHERS ATTENDING: Tammy Hower, Connie dougherty, Alicia Seirer, Kenny Cain, Tammy Seirer, David Urban, Linda Brant, Jessica Rhudolph, Dawn Bricker, Lyn Leach, Lynn Schneider
OTHERS BRINGING BUSINESS BEFORE THE COUNCIL: Max Barrett - Russell Councy Undersheriff, John Fletcher - Russell county Sheriff, Chris Leach, Rosslyn Schultz - Director Grassroots Art Center, Craig Kressley and Chris Kressley, Luray, Doug Kressley, Lucas and Cindy Wallace - Russell County Economic Development Director.
7:05 PM: Mayor Jennifer Bates called the meeting to order. Under changes and additions to the agenda Kay Marshall asked that under new business Item F: appointment to fill vacancy on council be tabled until the April 14, 2009 regular Council meeting after Charter Ordinance #9 is in effect. Mayor Jennifer Bates that Amanda Steinle be added under Citizens bringing business before the Council. Purpose of Executive Session is discussion of non-elected personnel.
7:09 PM: Ken Cole arrived at the meeting.
7:10 Pm: Kay Marshall moved to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2009 meeting as corrected. Trent Leach seconded. Moiton carried 4 yes votes.
7:12 PM: Rosslyn Schultz offered to answer any questions the council has on the Bowl Plaza project. Members of the Kansas Arts Commission that visited Lucas on January 30, 2009 stated that Lucas is in the top-teir of Kansas art communities and informed representatives of the community that there is a Communtiy Arts Center Support Grant in the amount of $7,500.00 for which the City could apply. It is a 50/50 grant and the money and in-kind donations the city has pledged to the Bowl Plaza project could be used for matching funds.
7:17 PM: Dwight Thacker arrived at the meeting.
7:19 PM: Jessica Rhudolph left the meeting. Rosslyn Schultz informed the Council construction material for the Bowl Plaza will be agri-board, a green product and a $2,000.00 discount on shipping will be given if material is ordered in February.
7:21 PM: Jessica Rhudolph returned. A $3,000.00 payment on the agri-board is due at the time the order is placed with the remainder of total $12,200.00 due before product is delivered. The Council asked who will be responsible for maintaining the public restroom and suggested that local clubs and organizations be asked to assist with maintanance. The City will provide electricity and water to the restrooms. Rosslyn Schultz said she would contact local organizations to see if they would offer assistance in maintaining the restrooms. Trent Leach moved to authorize the Grassroots Art Center to place an order for the Agri-board in February to receive the discount of $2,000.00. Barry Maupin seconded. Motion carried 4 yes votes. The Council instructed the City Clerk to work with the Art Center on applying for the Kanas Community Art Support Grant.
7:40 PM: Rosslyn Schultz left the meeting. Craig Kressley addressed the Council about his interst in purchasing lots from the City. The two parcels Craig Kressley is interested in are the railroad right-of-way properties that the City obtained on Quick Claim deeds from Firman Davis and Ruby and John Cowan. City Attorney Ken Cole said the City could sell the interest they have in the property but that the City cannot guarantee clear title to the property. Attorney Ken Cole said the City could pursue getting Quiet Title to the properties beginning with having a survey of the property to determine boundries. The cost to the City could be serveral thousand dollars and the action would take a minimum of 4 months to complete. Dwight Thacker informed the Council and Craig Kressley that he owns plotted lots west of Wolf Street. Carson Street would have to be extended to the North before the lots could be developed. Craig Kressley said he would consider purchasing the railroad right-of-way lots if the City would have them surveyed and would sell them to him with a Quick Claim Deed. Trent Leach moved to have Ted Bean survey the lots. Alvin Barta seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
8:10 PM: Craig Kressley, Chris Kressely, Doug Kressley and Dwight Thacker left the meeting.
8:11 PM: Chris Leach presented the City Council with a resume and letter of intent to work for the City of Lucas in the position of City Marshall. Any applicant for City Marshall would be required to attend the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. Full time adcaemy is a requirement for Officers working over 1000 hours per year. Academy training for full time officer is a 14 week course, part time officers must attend a 2 week course. Sheriff Fletcher advised sending an officer to the 14 week course. There is no charge for the academy training but the City would have to pay the officers salary and travel expenses for time spent in training. Councilman Alvin Barta said he would like to have an employee that would work part time as a member of the City Crew and part time as City Marshall. Sheriff Fletcher questioned whether the time working as a City employee would count towards the 100 hour limit since it would be the same entity paying the salary. The next full time academy session begins March 16, 2009. No decision was made.
8:37 PM: Mayor Jennifer Bates read a letter from Amanda Steinle a Representative of the Russell County Youth Advisory Board regarding welcome signs to be put along the entrance to the City of Lucas promotiong school pride and involving the youth in the community. Amanda Steinle was requesting assistance from the City crew to help erect the signs. The signs would be designed with help from the Lucas-Luray High School art teacher and constructed with help from the LLHS shop teacher. Barry Maupin moved to offer the equimpent and labor to install the signs. Kay Marshall seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
8:41 PM: Chris Leach, Sheriff john Fletcher and Under Sheriff Max Barrett left the meeting. Council discussed the Golden Living Center insurance coverage, listing contract length and whether an exclusive contract with an agent should be signed.
8:47 PM: Tammy Hower left the meeting.
8:48 PM: Jessica Rhudolph and Dawn Bricker left the meeting.
8:55 PM: Lois Cooper arrived at the meeting. Cindy Wallace, Russell County Economic Development Director asked the Council to promote the 1/2 percent sales tax that goes to economic development and infrastructure improvements. In 2008 Lucas received around $19,700.00 from the county wide 1/2 perecent sales tax. Yearly dues to Russell County Economic Development for 2009 are due. Barry Maupin moved to pay the dues of $1975.35 plus a voluntary contribution of $987.68 for a total of $2,963.03. Kay Marshall seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
9:01 PM: Connie Dougherty left the meeting. Cindy Wallace will continue to help promote the sale of the Golden Living Center facility and will keep it listed on the Economic Development website and will put it on Location One a free listing that covers Kanas and several adjoining states.
9:08 PM: Tammy Hower returned to the meeting. Lois Cooper asked that the City pay a portion of advertising for sale of Golden Living Center. If advertising that is paid for by the city results in a sale she will reduce her commission by 1/2 percent.
9:30 PM: Linda Brant left the meeting. Kay Marshall moved to sign a 6 month exclusive contract with Lois Cooper to serve as realtor for the City in selling the Golden Living Center. Price to be set at $320,000.00 if sold with the generator and $300,000 if sold without the generator. All kitchen and laundry appliances are to sell with the building. Commission to be paid will be 2% or less based on the selling price and advertising expenses. Alvin Barta seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
9:42 PM: Questions regarding items inventoried at the rest home and insurance coverage of the property were discussed. Shelving will be moved from the Golden Living Center and taken to the basement of the Civic Center for storage to be used by the City and Boy Scout Troop. Lois Cooper asked for permission to put up a for sale sign on the existing sign in the yard at the Golden Living Center. Council granted permission.
9:45 PM: Mayor Jennifer Bates asked the council to table the discussion of the State Plan for employee insurance until the march meeting. Council approved the request.
9:46 PM: City Clerk Julie Bretz asked the Council for policy changes to include trash billings and utility shut off's. Trash charges will apply if a residence has water hook up regardless of water usage except in cases involving rental properties. In addition to usage charges, minimum service charges will apply if disconnects are made between monthly meter readings.
9:55 PM: City Clerk Julie Bretz questioned signing the Kansas Municipal Energy Association Mutual Aid Agreement because the City has Mutual Aid agreements with Kansas Municipal Utilities and the Kansas Power Pool. Council instructed Clerk to return signed paper work to KMEA. Trent Leach moved to pay yearly dues to Kansas Municipal Utilities in the amount of $551.00. Kay Marshall seconded. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
10:00 PM: Lynn Schneider left the meeting. There was no financial review. Mayor Jennifer Bates pointed out to the Council that there will be 6 meetings in 2009 where the meeting date will fall before monthly closeouts are done to the City books. Mayor Bates asked the Council if they wanted to consider changing the Council's meeting date. Publication of the Treasurer's Report was discussed.
10:03 PM: Employee hours were discussed. The Treasurer's hours were questioned.
10:18 PM: Mayor Jennifer Bates asked the Council for a list of goals they have for 2009. Among items suggested were : selling Golden Living Center, making repairs to the streets, hiring an additional employee, hiring an electrician and finishing the WYE system.
10:21 PM: Tammy Howerleft the meeting. Employee Gary Bretz reported they have been crack sealing the airport, the State came to inspect the dog kennel, an impounded dog was taken to the Hay's Humane Society, five cats have been caught and relocated to the country, a new thermostat has been installed at the shop and the Broska well heater went out and has been replaced.
10:22 PM: James Rezabek reported the water levels in the wells are up approximately 3 foot. The samples the State requires by taken from the sewer lagoons are on hold until water is released.
10:24 PM: Bill Harlow said there is no work being done on the Wye system at this time because assistance crews are busy making repairs following ice storms in surrounding states. Bill Calloway of the Kansas power Pool said there was an over charge on the billing from Clay Center Public Utilities in the amount of $2,100.00 for trucks used in September and October for Wye System conversion. Amount will be credited to future charges of assistance in finishing the Wye system conversion. There will be a need for 35 poles to replace and extend service withing the City. Cost per pole will be approximately $300 each. Bill Harlow also commented regarding Carson Street extension, stating that usually the developer of a property is responsible for road construction and utility hookups.
10:31 PM: City Clerk Julie Bretz presented the Council with information on the insurance claim for Ray and Rita Sharp. Trent Leach moved to pay $2061.74 out of the Electric Fund to cover depreciation on replaced items, due to the fact that the accident was the City's fault. Barry Maupin seconded. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
10:35 PM: Barry Maupin moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 09-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF LUCAS, KANSAS EVIDENCING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY TO UNDERTATKE A CERTAIN PROJECT, FINANCE THE SAME WITH GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY AND BE AUTHORIZED TO APPLY PROCEEDS OF SUCH BONDS TO CERTAIN ORIGINAL EXPENDITURES ON SUCH PROJECT. Kay Marshall seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 yes votes. Barry Maupin moved to send Julie Bretz to a free Risk Management Class on February 20, 2009 in Hays that will be put on by Employers Mutual Casualty Insurance. Kay Marshall seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 yes votes. Julie Bretz will attend the class with Lois Cooper at no cost to the City. Council gave permission to bring shelving units from the Golden Living Center to the basement of the Civic center to be used for storage by the Boy Scout Troop.
10:47 PM: Kay Mettlen reported on sending several old debts to the Kansas Setoff Program for collection. A dog and cat clinic has been scheduled for
Saturday, march 28, 2009 from 9:00 AM to noon. Dr. John Thouvenelle will conduct the clinic. State Stature requires that an adoption fee must be set for persons adopting dogs from the city Kennel to cover costs of spaying or neutering the animal. The fee must not be less than the charge set by local veterinarians to spay or neuter. Barry maupin moved to set the adoption fee at $75.00. Trent Leach sseconded. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
10:50 PM: Kay Marshall moved to approve the bills as presented. Alvin Barta seconded. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
10:51 PM: Concilman Alvin Barta asked that the gate to the Ctiy burn pile be unlocked. Coucil instructed the City Clerk to put a notice in the paper stating tht the burn pile will be open at all times.
10:54 PM: Alvin Barta reporting on personnel stated the City Crew has been doing a good job. Barry Maupin reporting on parks said he has not looked into locked gates for the ballfield. Trent Leach reporting on streets said that Larry Hight of Russell County Highway Department will visit and help establish priorities and give advice on street repairs. Kay Marshall reporting on Industrial Development said concentration is being given to selling the Golden Living Center facility.
10:55 PM: Alvin Barta moved to enter into Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel for 10 minutes beginning at 11:00. Barry Maupin seconded. Motion carried 4 yes votes.
11:00 PM: Council entered Executive Session.
11:10 PM: Council exited Executive Session. Postion of City Marshall was discussed. No action was taken. Ken Cole left the meeting.
11:15 PM: Alvin Barta moved to adjourn. Trent Leach seconded the motion. Motion carried 4 yes votes.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Agenda for February 10, 2009 Regular Council Meeting

CITY OF LUCAS
AGENDA FOR COUNCIL MEETING

DATE FEBRUARY 10, 2009
1. Call to Order 7:00 Lucas Civic Center
2. Reading and apporval of minutes from the January 13, 2009 regular Council meeting.
3. Citizens bringing business before the Council.
4. Other scheduled persons present for City business: Rosslyn Schultz -Lucas Grassroots Art Center/Bowl Plaza, Craig Kressley, Chris Leach & Russell County Sheriff John Fletcher
5. Old Business
a. Golden Living Center - Real Estate agent agreement/etc.
b. Blue Cross/Blue Shield-joining the State Plan
6. New Business
a. Cindy Wallace - 1/2 cent sales tax and Dues
b. Policy changes on trash service and utility shut off
c. KMEA Mutual Aid Agreement
d. Financial Review
e. Employee Hours
f. Appointment to fill vacant Council position
g. Goal setting for 2009 and beyond
7. monthly report from City Employees
a. Gary Bretz b. James Rezabek c. Bill Harlow d. Julie Bretz a. Kay Mettlen
8. Approval of expenses presented for payment
9. Other Business, if any
10. Committee Reports: Utilities, Personnel, Streets, Parkss, Industrial Development.
11. Executive Session
NOTE: CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND