Regular meeting of the mayor and council was held June 19, 2017, 5:00 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Jennifer Brush presided. Council members present: John Bisnette, Devin Renken, Tonya Kuhn, John Cary, Teri Cordill. Also in attendance: Terry Gradig, Bruce Berkley, Vickie Oviatt, LaRhea Cole, and Jim Cary.
Mayor Brush called the meeting to order and led in the flag salute.
Devin moved, seconded by Tonya, to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2017 and June 9, 2017 meetings. Carried.
Jim Cary was present to address issues regarding street maintenance. He said that he had some good discussions with Rob Allen, Midway Co-op, about the trucks running the side streets. Jim noted that there are other options, so that side streets are not used. Jim recommended signage prohibiting truck traffic, and holding the Sheriff’s office to the fire for enforcement. In addition, Jim had talked to Doug Lantz, The Scoular Company, about the possibility of opening up Clark Street so that trucks from Midway could circle around that way. Jim suggested Mayor Brush also visit with Doug about opening up the street. Jim also would like to see the city crew get back to the basics of maintaining the streets as well. Following discussion, John C. moved, seconded by John B., to allow the city superintendent to erect signs stating, “No Trucks Allowed”, at the following intersections: Clark and Railroad; 1st and Railroad; 2nd and Railroad; and the 700 block of Delay. Carried.
Terry reported for code enforcement that he had one complaint on trash buildup at a residence; however, they fill up their trailer and then take it to the landfill.
Regarding unsafe structures, Bruce reported that Chris LeCuyer hopes to have the trailer house moved any day now.
Bruce reported that he had attended two courses for continuing education.
Terry reported that the city crew has sprayed the streets. They continue to do street sweeping and mowing. The concrete repairs are completed on Railroad Avenue by Co-op. The city office curb and gutter will be completed as time allows. Alley entrances are being patched, and he requested that council take a look at the one on Morgan and east Division where a tree is stopping the flow of water. Devin suggested doing one to two alley entrances a year. Terry will obtain prices for comparison of concrete vs. asphalt. Terry estimated $1080.00 for each alley entrance. Street work to be completed in 2017 includes the north east section. Mayor Brush encouraged keeping current with street work.
A special meeting was tentatively set for July 19th, 6:30 p.m., to meet with Wilson & Co. regarding water concerns. Representatives from Cawker City will also plan to attend.
City Clerk distributed the budget report showing the current percentages expended for each fund. The 2016 audit review and 2018 budget preparation is scheduled for July 17th. Mayor Brush mentioned possible expenses to include in the budget for next year, including sewer upgrades, the nitrate plant, and replacing the tractor. Terry mentioned pool repairs.
Devin moved, seconded by Teri, to approve special use permits #17-26, #17-27, #17-28, and #17-29. Carried.
Tonya moved, seconded by Devin, to approve a builder’s license #17-43. Carried.
John B. moved, seconded by Devin, to approve a solid waste license $17-44. Carried.
Devin moved to approve Loren Sprick to be the temporary pool manager on June 14. Teri seconded the motion. Carried.
At 6:00 p.m., John C. moved to recess into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss matters of non-elected personnel with the mayor, council, city attorney, city superintendent, city clerk, and applicants present. John B. seconded the motion. Carried.
At 6:19 p.m., regular session resumed.
Unsafe structures were discussed. Terry suggested that the council take a look at the properties on Hadley as they are a visible eyesore from the highway.
Bruce reported that there was some interest shown in the city lots for sale.
Mayor Brush had received proposals and agreements from Union Pacific Railroad Real Estate Department. They were asking that the sale agreement be signed and returned by June 20th. City Attorney had reviewed the agreement and had several reservations, issues, and questions. Following discussion, John C. moved that the council not approve the agreement as presented by Union Pacific Railroad for the purchase of the Whiteway property. Devin seconded. Carried. John C. moved, seconded by Devin, to send a counter offer to Union Pacific Railroad for the purchase of the water well #9 property for $1,000.00. Carried.
John B. reported that he has contacted Ron Eberle about the medical clinic regarding needed repairs.
Teri questioned Terry about the water leaking at the pool. Terry doesn’t think it is as bad as it was earlier. Pool expenses, payments, and credit limit on the VISA were discussed. It was also mentioned that the pool showers and inside restrooms are for patrons use only.
Mayor Brush reported that she had submitted a final report to the Greater Salina Community Foundation on the Beautification Grant which included the new cemetery flag poles.
Payroll and vouchers were reviewed and signed. Devin moved, seconded by John B., to approve the vouchers and payroll as submitted. Carried.
At 7:23 p.m., John C. moved, seconded by Devin, to recess into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel with the mayor and council present. Carried.
(Remaining minutes taken by Jennifer Brush)
7:51 p.m. council resumed regular session. Tonya made a motion to offer the full-time city crew position to Kent Sullivan at $13/hr. and make the wage retroactive to his hire date June 9. John Bisnette seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Tonya made a motion to offer a seasonal part time position, no more than 20 hours per week as needed, to Kyle Alflen at $10/hr. to help with mowing. Devin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7:54pm John Cary made a motion to adjourn. Teri seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
