March 2023 Meeting Minutes

March 1, 2023

The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on March 1, 2023. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was answered by councilmen Jeff Channell, Connie Chavez, Charles Leet and Mike Thornburg. Absent was councilman Kyler Fetters. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort, City Attorney Clayton Kerbs and City Clerk Deb McKivergan.

Councilman Chavez made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the February 1st minutes and Appropriation Ordinance #2023-02. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

John Ewy and Alison Guthrie, representing the Hodgeman County Historical Society, spoke with the council about a grant application they are filling out to move the Mennonite Church to Jetmore and to make improvements to the museum. They are looking for property to set the church on if the grant would be approved.

The meeting was then moved into the hearing for the vacation of the alley in the 200 block between Roughton and Main Streets. No public comment was received in the matter.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT:  ED Director Sailor-Anne Seiler sent the following report from her office – she attended the SPRINT, ABODE, and CDBG informational sessions. She has received the National Entrepreneurship Week grant. She has been seeking housing for the new Doctor that is coming to town. She brainstormed with the school over ways to connect the graphic design class with the community. The final grant meeting with Sunflower Foundation to discuss the remaining HERO funds was held. S&P Catering, HorseThief Reservoir and Rusty Rose will attend the Customer Traction Cohort graduation in mid March. Hg. County ED entered into a five year partnership with KU LIED Across America for cultural musical experiences.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT:  City Attorney Clayton Kerbs reported that municipal court was going well.

CITY CLERK REPORT:  Deb asked the council to fill out and return their golf course and lake permit registrations.

BUSINESS ITEMS:

* Councilman Thornburg made a motion to approve Ordinance #681, an ordinance vacating the alley in the 200 block between Roughton and Main Streets in the city of Jetmore. Councilman Leet seconded the motion; vote unanimous. The regular council meeting was then resumed.

*The KMEA board requires two individuals and an alternate from the City of Jetmore be appointed. Councilman Thornburg made a motion to re-appoint City Administrator Michael Ort to the Director 1 position and Mayor Derek Olson to the Director 2 position. Brian Beil will continue as the alternate. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:  City Administrator Michael Ort presented his March travel/training schedule and staff birthdays and anniversaries.

*Mr. Ort received notice from Dan Clair at KDHE that the PER for the well 12 project has been approved. The city should expect the loan agreement in late March. Rose Mary Saunders would then attend the April 5 council meeting to present the agreement and discuss the next steps with the council.

*Mr. Ort and Brian Beil met with the consulting engineer for the moving of water lines and utility poles associated with the expansion of K-156.

*Allen Nichols came to Jetmore for the every three year inspection of the public water system. There were a few minor violations that will be easily resolved. The city has yet to receive the final report.

*The office staff recently decided that we will begin taking reservations for camping spots at the lake this year. Plastic holders will be added to the campsite posts which will hold a “RESERVED” sign with a name and date on it.

*Midwest Energy has asked us to run our generator on March 9 as they will be making repairs on the transmission line between Jetmore and Hanston. The expected run time is 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS:  The council discussed the removal of the pipe down the middle of the boat ramp and the pipe for the old boat dock. If the water table gets low enough, the staff will remove them both. The contract with the Sheriff’s office was discussed; no action was taken.

Councilman Fetters joined the meeting at 8:11 p.m.

Councilman Channell made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) for 20 minutes with the Mayor, Council and Administrator present. The open meeting will resume in the council chamber at 8:32 p.m. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Fetters made a motion to come out of executive session. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Chavez made a motion to go back into executive session for 10 more minutes, until 8:42 p.m. Councilman Fetters seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Chavez made a motion to come out of executive session. Councilman Fetters seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Channell made a motion to enter into executive session for 5 more minutes, until 8:47 p.m. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Channell made a motion to come out of executive session. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous. No action was taken.

Councilman Channell made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 8:54. p.m.