July 5, 2023
The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on July 5th, 2023. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was answered by Mayor Derek Olson, Councilmen Jeff Channell, Connie Chavez, Kyler Fetters, Charles Leet and Mike Thornburg. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort, City Attorney Clayton Kerbs, City Clerk Casey Dansel.
Councilman Chavez made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the June 7th, 2023 minutes and Appropriation Ordinance #2023-05. Councilman Leet seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Rachael Thooft with Dirks, Anthony & Duncan, LLC presented the 2022 audit to the council. Councilman Channel made a motion to accept the 2022 audit and submit to the state. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Kellan Schafer visited with the board about the current ordinance regarding fireworks during the week of the 4th of July. She expressed concerns about the length of time allowed and the hours fireworks are allowed to be shot off. She requested the council re-visit the ordinance before next year and consider making some changes. Council discussed the concerns and asked Administrator Ort to visit with surrounding cities to see what they allow for ideas going forward.
David Mendez met with council to discuss an alternate idea for the park bathroom project. He has concerns with the current plans and would like to have his architect draw up an alternate idea. Council agreed to see what the new architect can design and see if it better suits our needs.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT: ED Director Sailor Anne Seiler presented the following report: Met with Lied Across KS to plan 2023 visit. She has been working with Dane Little on the MIH project. Met with Susan Nuss of Black Dragon on the CDBG CVR grant application. Met with the extension office to discuss assisting with the Hg County fair. Attended the Network KS FY24 Planning Retreat. Attended YEC Summit for this year’s changes and best practices. Attended Jim Richardson’s marketing training for rural communities. Continued work with NEXTUS, narrowing down the selection of companies for potential partnerships. Served as guest judge for Camp Destination Innovation. Helped with United Wireless’ Fiber Fest Celebration.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: City Attorney Clayton Kerbs reported that things are going well with court. Reported there has not been much of an increase in traffic tickets.
CITY CLERK REPORT: City Clerk Dansel reported things are going well in the office. Clerk Dansel and Assistant Clerk Olson handed out ice cream to kids at the Big Bang, but didn’t have a great turnout. Have a lot of leftover ice cream and will donate the extra to the swimming pool to hand out.
BUSINESS ITEMS: Council reviewed the final MIH application for Dane Little. Councilman Fetters made a motion to approve the MIH Application. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Council discussed continuing concerns with traffic control on Main Street. Councilman Fetters offered to discuss the concerns with the Sheriff and commissioners if needed.
Administrator Ort reported that he polled the main street businesses in writing on whether they would like to see the parking changed to parallel or left as is. Majority preferred to leave as is so council agreed to go with the majority and not make any changes.
Administrator Ort informed the council that with the appointment of Casey Dansel as City Clerk she is no longer eligible to serve on the housing board and suggested Assistant City Clerk Connie Olson as a replacement. Mayor Olson then appointed Assistant Clerk to the housing board. Councilman Fetters moved to approve the appointment. Councilman Chavez seconded; vote unanimous.
A letter of support for a Safe Streets For All (SS4A) grant that Hodgeman County Road and Bridge supervisor Darrin Boger is working with the county engineer was presented. The grant application being developed is a regional effort in which the city would be a participant. If the grant application is successful, the city could use the funds for the planned paving of all dirt and gravel roads in town. Councilman Thornburg made a motion to sign the letter of support. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: City Administrator Michael Ort presented his July travel and training schedule.
* Administrator Ort presented the quarterly fund health report.
* Administrator Ort reported that he had completed work on the 2024 budget and discussed date options with council for the upcoming budget meeting. Budget meeting will be held Monday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss 2024 budget.
* Administrator Ort reported that work on the drainage ditch behind the Bowman property has been planned and work will begin within the next week.
* Administrator Ort reported that the bank basement leaking issue had been resolved.
* Administrator Ort informed the council that there will be a long-term camper at the lake beginning in August who has work on a project in Dodge for the next 14 months.
* Administrator Ort let the council know that the roof on the water building on the west side of the city shop has several leaks and that staff is planning to do the work themselves with the guidance of Dan Shuler. That work is planned for the coming weeks.
*Administrator Ort informed the council that per a recent conversation with Farabee Mechanical, that the cooling tower project is delayed a bit further as work on an installation elsewhere continues. Mr. Ort said that he would keep the council apprised.
* Administrator Ort informed the council that he had received notice of violation from the Division of Water Resources regarding the overuse of water from the city lake well last year. The fine imposed by the Division was set at $1,000. That payment was included among the bills before the council this evening. Councilman Channell made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Chavez seconded; vote unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
July 10, 2023
The Jetmore City Council met in special session July 10th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for annual budget meeting.
Mayor Olson called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was answered by Mayor Derek Olson and Council members Jeff Channell, Connie Chavez, Kyler Fetters & Charles Leet. Also in attendance were City Administrator Michael Ort and City Clerk Casey Dansel.
Councilman Thornburg arrived at 7:05 p.m.
Administrator Ort presented the 2024 budget and budget options were discussed. Councilman Fetters made a motion to send notice of exceeding revenue neutral rate to the Hodgeman County Clerk. Councilman Leet seconded; vote unanimous.
Councilman Channell moved to adjourn. Councilman Fetters seconded; vote unanimous. Meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
July 26, 2023
The Jetmore City Council met in special session on July 26th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was answered by Mayor Derek Olson, Councilmen Jeff Channell, Connie Chavez, Kyler Fetters, Charles Leet and Mike Thornburg. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort, Attorney Glenn Kerbs.
At 6:33 p.m. Councilman Channell made a motion to recess into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception, K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the city council chamber at 6:58 p.m. Councilman Fetters seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Councilman Channell made a motion to come out of executive session at 6:58 p.m. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the termination of employment of city employee Jimmy Eagan. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Channell made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.