August 2, 2023
The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on August 2nd, 2023. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll wall was answered by Mayor Olson, Councilmen Jeff Channell, Connie Chavez, & Mike Thornburg. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort, City Attorney Clayton Kerbs, and City Clerk Casey Dansel.
Councilman Chavez made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the July 5th, 2023 minutes, July 10th special meeting minutes and July 26th special meeting minutes and Appropriation Ordinance #2023-07. Councilman
Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Councilman Charles Leet joined the meeting at 7:14 p.m.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: Danny Herrmann addressed the council regarding the city lake pasture lease agreement with the City of Jetmore. He expressed that they would like a chance at making a bid or re-negotiating the lease agreement. They would like to continue renting the pasture or at least have a chance at bidding on it.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Sailor Anne Seiler presented the following report:
Sailor presented MIH application for Bill Goebel’s new duplex being built. It will be built the same as his first one. Read across Kansas will be coming in October. Working on a grant for new windows at the Legion building. OK Kids Day at Horsethief Reservoir had a great turnout and they are excited for next year.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: City Attorney Clayton Kerbs reported that things are going well with court with a slight uptick in number of tickets.
CITY CLERK REPORT: City Clerk Dansel reported council will receive pay for the two special meetings in July on their next check. Dansel then presented the council with the option of the city joining the Hodgeman County Booster Club as a business sponsor. Council agreed this was a good idea and instructed the City Clerk to take care of the membership.
BUSINESS ITEMS: Council reviewed the MIH application for Bill Goebel. Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the MIH Application. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
David Mendez presented the council with the new bathroom design for the bathroom project at the city park. The new design would include a longhorn design in one of the windows. He also informed the council the new design includes materials that are available now and there won’t be a delay in items like the first design, and that the new design would be at a much lower cost. Council indicated that they would like to see high quality commercial toilets added to plan. Councilman Leet made a motion to accept the new design plans. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Administrator Ort presented to the council a request by the League of Kansas Municipalities for them to designate voting delegates for the upcoming annual meeting, October 7th-9th. Councilman Thornburg made a motion for Administrator Ort to be the league voting delegate with Mayor Olson the alternate. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Administrator Ort presented the health insurance renewal for the upcoming year with Blue Cross Blue Shield. The renewal comes with an increase in premiums of 15.9%. Councilman Channell made a motion to renew the health insurance plan. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Council discussed a new pick up for the golf course. Staff will begin looking for one. Councilman Thornburg made a motion to authorize staff to purchase a pick-up for a price not to exceed $30,000. Councilman Leet seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Administrator Ort presented the budget for the Land Bank. Councilman Chavez made a motion to move the budget to a public hearing as written. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Administrator Ort presented Ordinance #682 per the council’s discussions the prior month, increasing the customer charge for electric customers from $13-$19. After some discussion, no motion was made and the item was tabled.
Mr. Ort presented Ordinance #683 increasing the minimum charge for water customers from $10 to $15 per the councils discussion the prior meeting. After some discussion no motion was made and the item was tabled.
Mayor Olson called for a 5-minute recess at 8:14 p.m. Meeting resumed at 8:19 p.m.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:
* Mr. Ort presented his August travel and training schedule.
* Mr. Ort presented the August staff birthdays and anniversaries.
* Mr. Ort presented his findings on hours fireworks are allowed in other communities and the council discussed. Administrator Ort was asked to draft an ordinance for the next meeting changing the dates and hours for discharge of fireworks in Jetmore.
* Mr. Ort presented the council with a copy of the current fees the city charges for various things for council to review. The recommendation was made that a fee resolution be adopted each year after any desired adjustments were made so that all fees and charges by the city are easily available to all residents and visitors in one document.
* Mr. Ort presented an update on the status of the Well 12 project. Word was recently received that the project has been moved to the 2024 funding year and is “above the green line”, meaning that it will be funded by the KDHE.
* Mr. Ort reported on the recent wheat harvest at the airport farm.
GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS:
Council discussed changes to the proposed budget and asked Mr. Ort to make certain adjustments prior to the public hearing, with no adjustment to be made to the mill levy exceeding the revenue neutral rate previously published for public hearing.
Council discussed the pasture lease at the lake as a result of the conversation with Mr. Herrmann. The conversation revolved around the possibility of leasing the ground to a local farmer, but no decision was made.
Council discussed concerns with current tenants in long term camping spot #1 at city lake. Numerous complaints have been made concerning the upkeep of the camp spot. Mr. Ort will visit with them about cleaning up the site. Councilman Channell made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Leet seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.