May 2021 Meeting Minutes

May 6, 2021

The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on May 6, 2021. 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, Michael Hendrickson and Larry Steinbring. 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. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

Rick Lucas met with the council concerning a water leak at 408 Eakin Street on the bill dated March 31. His usage for that month was 633,000 gallons. Councilman Channell made a motion to adjust the bill back to his normal usage and refund him for the payment of his bill. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT:  ED Director Lea Ann Seiler was absent, but Mayor Olson reported that he had attended a housing meeting with her and gave a brief report of that meeting.

BUSINESS ITEMS:  The City Administrator presented a variance request from Ronnie and Rosanne Edwards to place a car port on their property on Edison Street. It was reviewed by the City Administrator and City Foreman and determined that it wouldn’t interfere with any city utilities. Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the variance. Councilman Hendrickson seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

*Mr. Ort presented Ordinance #671, an ordinance amending and replacing ordinances 575 and 619 and authorizing operation of golf carts, micro-utility trucks, all-terrain vehicles and work-site utility vehicles within the City of Jetmore. Councilman Channell made a motion to approve Ordinance #671. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

*The City was once again asked to be a “Welcoming Sponsor” for Horsethief the Festival. Again this year the cost is $3500 for 1160 radio spots, 10 tickets to the event and inclusion of the city in all print and radio advertising. There were several questions from the council and the check will be held until Mr. Ort can get the questions answered.

*It is once again time for appointments. Mayor Olson appointed Deb McKivergan to the position of City Clerk. Councilman Hendrickson made a motion to approve the appointment. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Mayor Olson appointed Brenda Ringle to the position of City Treasurer. Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the appointment. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Mayor Olson appointed Clayton Kerbs to the position of City Attorney. Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the appointment. Councilman Hendrickson seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Mayor Olson appointed Kenton Gleason to the position of City Judge. Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the appointment. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

*Mayor Olson appointed Jennifer Ort to a four year term to the Library Board. Councilman Hendrickson made a motion to approve the appointment. Councilman Chavez seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

*Mr. Ort has visited with Lowel Aberson and the staff at Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism about applying for a grant to gravel the city lake road under the CFAP grant program. They were in favor of the idea and indicated the project would fit within the parameters of their program. The project is estimated to cost $35,000. With a 75% grant from KDWPT, the city’s cost would be approximately $8,750. The Council asked Mr. Ort to complete the process to apply for the grant to gravel the lake road.

*The City is in need of an animal control officer. Derek Weber has agreed to take the position. He will train with Dr, Lou Scott and Jeff Channell. Councilman Hendrickson made a motion to approve the appointment of Derek Weber to the position of animal control officer with a wage increase of $1.00 per hour. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

*A variance for a fence was requested by Zachary Slattery to place his fence closer to the city curb. Councilman Hendrickson made a motion to approve the variance. Councilman Steinbring seconded the motion; vote unanimous.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:  Mr. Ort presented his May travel/training schedule and noted the staff birthdays and anniversaries for May.

*Mr. Ort received word that the grant application has been approved by FEMA and have reached out to our contractor to begin the process of completing the project.

*The funds for the American Recovery Plan will soon be distributed. These funds can only be used for very specific items. The City’s estimated payment is $113,813.54, which is based on annual budget and population. The payments are made in two half payments approximately one year apart.

*An adapter on the liner changed by Farabee was discovered to have a small leak. They will be here this week to make the repair.

*The park bathroom design was presented for an informal poll and the opinions were mixed. After discussion it was determined that Design #1 would be used. Mr. Ort will forward this decision on to the architect.

*All long term camping spaces were spoken for by 8:20 on the morning of April 15th and are full for most of the summer.

*Mr. Ort presented a Capital Projects list for the council to look over and prioritize in preparation for the upcoming budget.

*Mr. Ort received a response from Galen Ludlow at KDOT regarding the speed limit in front of the J.E. Dansel home. Mr. Ludlow indicated that the District Engineer thought the speed limit was appropriate and that it was unlikely that KDOT would consent to a change. Mr. Ort asked if there was any wiggle room in that decision, but hasn’t yet heard back from them.

*The legislature this year passed new laws that change the requirements for municipal budgeting going forward. Mr. Ort gave a description of the legislation and what it would mean for the City of Jetmore.

*No code enforcement letters were sent out in April.

Governing Body Comments:

Mayor Olson asked the City Administrator to look into purchasing embroidered polo shirts for the city council and staff to be worn to official events. Councilman Channell made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Hendrickson seconded the motion; vote unanimous.  Meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

May 18, 2021

The Jetmore City Council met in special session on May 18th, 2021. Mayor Derek Olson called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was answered by Councilmen Connie Chavez, Jeff Channell, Kyler Fetters, Michael Hendrickson and Larry Steinbring. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort and City Clerk Deb McKivergan.

The meeting was called to discuss the park bathroom project. 

After reviewing cost estimates and three options, Councilman Hendrickson made a motion to look into a metal building and authorize the City Administrator to approve the purchase of a building up to $50,000. Councilman Channell seconded the motion, vote unanimous Councilman Hendrickson made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous.