September 4, 2024
The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on September 4th, 2024. Mayor Bill Goebel called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll wall was answered by Councilmen Cole Buffo, Jeff Channell, John Neeley & Mike Thornburg. Charles Leet arrived at 8:01 p.m. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort, City Clerk Casey Dansel, City Attorney Clayton Kerbs, & Sheriff Jared Walker.
Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the August minutes & Appropriation Ordinance #2024-08. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
SHERIFF REPORT: Sheriff Walker presented a copy of the warning ticket they are giving citizens with untagged golf carts. He informed the council that they have picked up several dogs and taken them to the pound since they took over animal control. The Sheriff’s office has been short staffed and had to do a lengthy hospital observation therefore we will see a decrease in city tickets this week. Officers have been giving warnings to folks speeding in the recently posted 20 mph zone on Park Street.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: Attorney Clayton Kerbs gave an update on the Gil Burns property. Determination of descent has been filed with the district court. Once the judge rules, the sale of the property to the city will be complete.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
Councilman Channell made a motion to adopt resolution 2024-02 stating intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Councilman Leet seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken. Councilman Buffo-Yes, Councilman Channell-Yes, Councilman Leet-Yes, Councilman Neeley-Yes, Councilman Thornburg-Yes. Motion carried with 5 yes votes.
Councilman Buffo made a motion to adopt the 2025 Budget. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Mr. Ort informed the council that every year we nominate a league voting delegate. Councilman Buffo made a motion for Administrator Ort to be the league voting delegate with Councilman Leet as the alternate. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Council discussed the current transient business ordinance. No action was taken.
Councilman Leet expressed concern about the speed limit on city streets. Council discussed possibility of lowering speed limits and determined to leave them the same as they are for now. No action was taken.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:
*Mr. Ort presented his travel and training schedule and the staff anniversaries and birthdays for September.
*Mr. Ort shared information from KMEA that has been mentioned in recent EMP3 meetings about a solar project currently being constructed that would be a potential offset to higher baseload contracts when they are resigned in a few years. More information will be forthcoming, and contracts may be presented in the next few months.
*Mr. Ort informed the council that Cody Lampe had recently inquired about reserving the shooting range for a church affiliated men’s retreat on September 7th from 1-5pm. Others would be welcome to use the range but the group is asking for almost exclusive use of the range. Mr. Ort gave permission to the group and Cody will make signs for the entrance.
*Mr. Ort made the council aware that our financial software, Simple City, is going away soon and we will be transferred to GWorks’ new cloud-based software. The price for the cloud-based solution will be $12,500 annually whereas Simple City has cost the city approx.. $6,000 for annual subscription. We are inquiring to find out what other cities are using and see if we can find more favorable pricing.
*Mr. Ort informed the council as well that we recently encountered a glitch with our meter reading software, Itron, after meters were read for the month. Support was able to help Casey and Connie with the problem, however they informed us we are using an outdated version of software as well as the meter reading equipment and that we will need to purchase new equipment in the next few years as the current equipment will be unsupported.
*Mr. Ort let the council know that Aaron Rome with Midwest Energy notified us recently that they will be placing an ad in the paper informing the public of the project to move poles on the transmission line and the impact it will have on travel.
*Lastly, Mr. Ort informed the council that after our recent struggles with the city phones and ongoing concerns with very slow internet we have recently reached out for pricing from United and will seek other quotes to see about transitioning to more reliable phone and internet systems.
GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS:
Mayor Goebel expressed his concerns regarding the city cell phone. He would like to see that whoever has the cell phone on the weekends has it available and can take calls after hours for emergencies. It was discussed that City Administrator Ort does have his city phone on him at all times and that the city council will call him after hours and on the weekends if problems arise and he will muster city staff if necessary.
Mayor Goebel shared with the council the information regarding the charity golf game Jim Shiew and Rob Tassett are playing and raising money for, Tunnels to Towers. It was suggested that the city consider donating $100 to the effort. No objection being raised Clerk Dansel indicated to the mayor and council that she would do so.
Councilman Buffo made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Leet seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.