June 2023 Meeting Minutes

June 7, 2023

The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on June 7th, 2023. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll wall was answered by Councilmen Jeff Channell, Connie Chavez, Kyler Fetters, Charles Leet, and 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 May 3, 2023 minutes and Appropriation Ordinance #2023-05. Councilman Fetters seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

Larry Steinbring met with the council regarding his concerns with moving the Hanston Mennonite Church building to Sunshine Park. He is concerned the size of the building will cover too much of the mural on the side of the lumber yard building that is a historical mural in Jetmore. Lance Ziesch was also in attendance to represent the historical society and Haun Museum regarding this matter. He explained why they would like to move the building to Jetmore and how it could benefit the community. Council discussed finding alternate locations for the church to go as they are supportive of this project but would like to find a location that best fits the community.

Sharon Bowman met with the council to address concerns with the drainage ditch behind her home. She discussed that it has been a problem for a while and wondered if there is anything the city could do to help prevent further erosion and possible damage to her fence.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT:  Sailor Anne Seiler was not in attendance but presented the following written report: Interviewed potential NEXTUS partners. Part 2 of process approaching mid-June. Assisted school with basketball plaques and senior gifts. Forwarded potential grant opportunities to four entities within the county. Prepared MIH application. Did not submit for 2nd round but will submit for 3rd round. Sent additional brochures to Schukman for distribution. Not awarded SPRINT grant. Waiting for feedback and will look for future opportunities.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT:  City Attorney Clayton Kerbs reported that things are going well with court. Reported there hasn’t  been a lot of tickets.

CITY CLERK REPORT:  City Clerk Dansel reported things are going well and excited to get a new assistant in office soon.

Councilman Chavez made a motion to enter into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception, K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) with the council, Mayor, and administrator in attendance. The open meeting will resume in the city council chambers at 8:13 p.m. Councilman Fetters seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Channell made a motion to come out of executive session. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

BUSINESS ITEMS:

*Councilman Fetters made a motion to hire Connie Olson as the Assistant City Clerk with a pay of $16/hour. Councilman Thornburg  seconded; vote unanimous.

*Councilman Chavez made a motion to allow the Mennonite church building to be placed at Sunshine Park. Councilman Channell seconded. Councilman  Thornburg-No, Councilman Channell-Yes, Councilman Leet-No, Councilman Fetters-No, Councilman Chavez-Yes. 3 no’s , 2 yes. Motion failed.

* Council revisited the issue of the Main Street parking. After mixed reviews from business owners, the council instructed the administrator to repoll the business owners and gather their responses in writing. Issue was tabled until next month. Concerns with main street traffic were also discussed. Council would like to see traffic slowed down and speed laws obeyed. Administrator will work with local law enforcement to see if a solution can be reached on this matter.

* Councilman Channell made a motion to approve resolution 2023-03 lease purchase agreement for cooling tower. Councilman Leet seconded. Vote unanimous.

* Administrator Ort informed council that Rocking M Media had reached out to the city to see if we would be interested in sponsoring the Horsethief Festival at Horsethief Reservoir. Council decided they aren’t interested in sponsorship of the event but would like to look into the possibility of purchasing some radio ads in the future. Administrator Ort will check with radio station on pricing and report back.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:  City Administrator Michael Ort presented his June travel and training schedule.

* Administrator Ort reported that the Cans for Kabooms program brought in another $600 to be donated to the Big Bang.

* Administrator Ort informed the council that he is working on 2024 budget. He presented some possible projects to include in the 2024 budget and discussed the next item to be replaced on the five year plan, a new pickup for the city foreman.

* Administrator Ort notified the council that the street sealing project planned for the year was not feasible due to a lack of funds, but that the option could still exist due to a grant that was being pursued jointly with the county. Administrator Ort will keep the council informed as that effort continues.

* Administrator Ort discussed the new pickup to be bought this year for the golf course superintendent.

* Reported construction will begin soon on the park bathroom project. Contractor is waiting for it to dry out a bit before digging footings.

Governing Body Comments:

Mayor Olson asked about the lake pasture lease.

Council discussed plans for Big Bang hot dog feed. City Clerk will order supplies for the event and we will provide a free hot dog feed at the fairgrounds on July 4th.

Councilman Channell made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 9:36 p.m.