April 2019 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes for April 4th and 12th

April 4th

 The Jetmore City Council met on April 4, 2019. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order. Roll call was answered by Councilmen Jeff Channell, Jesse Pitts, Orval Shewry and Larry Steinbring. Absent was Councilman Michael Hendrickson. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort, City Attorney Clayton Kerbs and City Clerk Deb McKivergan.

The meeting was opened for citizen comments.

*Alison Guthrie announced that funding in the amount of $14,000 had been received for outside exercise equipment. Danny Briggs expressed his concern over the large feral cat population in the city and asked the council to consider how this problem could be addressed.

*Lou Ann Abbott and Kim Shewry presented a proclamation for Poppy Day. Mayor Olson proclaimed Saturday, May 25th, 2019 as Poppy Day in Jetmore.

*Alexis Schrubbe, with The University of Texas at Austin, met with the council and presented the results of the survey regarding the use of our library that was sent out in the fall. She also told about the library’s hot spot lending program and emphasized the importance of a community library.

*James Nusser met with the council and asked about the bidding process for purchasing the city’s fuel and suggested that we implement a bidding process.

Paulette Knobbe, library board president, along with board members Annette Geier, Sheri Roth, Theresa Burns and Kim Shewry, presented the proposed 2020 budget. Councilman Steinbring made a motion to accept the proposed budget to be worked into the city budget. Councilman Pitts seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Holly Mercer, with the Southwest Kansas Library Association also visited with the board about our library.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: City Attorney Clayton Kerbs reported that court continues to go well and he is working with Earles Engineering on the water tower project and will have a proposal and a report by the next council meeting.

CITY CLERK REPORT: City Clerk Deb McKivergan reported that a luncheon will be served for Nick Goebel on April 24th, in appreciation for his years of mowing at the golf course. She reminded the council that Hg. Fest will be held Memorial Day weekend. Election will be held this year and need to be certified to the County Clerk by May 1st.

ACTION ITEMS: Rocking M Radio once again asked the City to partner with them for advertising and promoting Horsethief the Festival. The Welcoming Sponsor package is the same as before; placement in all advertising and 1,166 advertising spots to be used throughout the year and 10 tickets to the festival, for the price of $3500. Councilman Pitts made a motion to accept the proposed sponsorship. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

Two bids were received for the summer mowing contract. David Danaher presented a bid of $10,000 for work as the contract is set out; and Dan Shuler for $8,540, but without maintaining the irrigation system in the park and not stocking and cleaning the restrooms at the park. Councilman Channell made a motion to accept the bid of David Danaher. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

Two library board positions are open; Julene Wilson who has served two consecutive terms, and Annette Geier who has completed her first term. Mayor Olson appointed Kyler Fetters to fill the position vacated by Julene Wilson. Councilman Shewry made a motion to approve the appointment. Councilman Pitts seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Mayor Olson appointed Connie Chavez to the position vacated by Annette Geier. Councilman Pitts made a motion to approve the appointment. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; the vote was 3 in favor, with Councilman Channell abstaining.

The hiring of summer help was discussed. We are looking for a replacement for the golf course superintendent who will retire after one more season. The administrator will interview candidates and will also visit with Dan Shuler about continuing on as summer help.

The golf course board asked about again offering ½ price memberships for first time members of single or family memberships, through April 30. The board will allow this again this year.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: City Administrator Michael Ort presented his April travel schedule.

*The power plant ran through the outage on Tuesday. The engine was able to maintain the city’s load for the full day with no problems. During the outage Midwest completed their work near Hanston and Mid-States Energy completed their work at the substation. The city staff replaced cables that go from the CCVT’s to the separate phases of the 69KV line coming into the substation from Midwest. We are still not able to run under a full load. The Farabee crew and the Mid-States Energy crew are working on the problem. Mr. Ort will keep the Mayor and Council informed as to what measures are being taken to correct the problem.

*The shooting range insurance premium was reduced from $2,279 to $1,484 for the same coverage.

*Jason Pelton intends to begin the lake bathroom project within the next week or two. We are hoping the work can be completed by Memorial Day Weekend.

*The Family Outdoor Recreation group intends to do more at the shooting range and lake this year. Possible events are a 22 shoot, a kids fishing day and a cleanup day or two throughout the year. He would request that the range be closed to the public for the 22 shoot; he will approach the council when he has a date and time set.

*Mr. Ort has approached Jason Causey, Stewart Plumbing, and Jeff Herrington to give an estimate on work that needs done in the city park watering system.

*A controlled burn was conducted at the golf course Tuesday, April 2nd.

*No code letters were sent out in March.

Councilman Shewry made a motion to install a security system at the King Center and Library, similar to the ones at the city office and the power plant. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

The council and staff continue to look into tornado sirens and their placement after the old tower is removed.

The blending instructions for Well #13 are in place and will soon go to KDHE for approval.

Councilman Channell made a motion to go into executive session for 20 minutes with the Mayor, Council, Attorney, Administrator and City Clerk pursuant to the attorney-client exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the council room at 10:25. Councilman Pitts seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Pitts made a motion to come out of executive session. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous. The council instructed the Attorney to seek collection of the past due utility account.

Councilman Steinbring made a motion to go into executive session for 10 minutes with the Mayor, Council, Administrator and Attorney present to discuss nonelected personnel pursuant to the nonelected personnel exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the council room at 10:40. Councilman Pitts made a motion to come out of executive session. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous. No action was taken.

Councilman Steinbring made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

 

April 12th

The Jetmore City Council met in special session on April 12, 2019. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order. Roll call was answered by Councilmen Jeff Channell, Mike Hendrickson, Jesse Pitts, Orval Shewry and Larry Steinbring.

The meeting was called to discuss the hiring of a golf course employee.

Upon the recommendation of City Administrator Michael Ort and Golf Course Superintendent Russ Hunt, Councilman Channell made a motion to hire Jared Borger. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

Councilman Pitts made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Hendrickson seconded the motion; vote unanimous.