REGULAR MEETING
Monday, February 19, 2007 – 7:00 p.m.
The governing body of the City of Coldwater met in regular session with the following present: Mayor Ethan Hauptman, presiding, Council members Penny Bruckner, Chuck Salisbury, Tony Smith, Tiffany Sowa and Richard Thompson, Public Works Director Danny Shaw, Water Operator, Joe Ceballos, City Attorney Skip Herd, City Clerk, Kristal Sherman, Lake Manager, Ron White and City Marshal Doug Storie.
Guests present included Elin Bryant.
Mayor Hauptman called the meeting to order and led the flag salute.
Minutes were approved as written, motion by Penny Bruckner, seconded by Tiffany Sowa. Motion carried.
Elin Bryant told the council she had received another letter from Leonard Kiehl concerning a code violation on the property she owns at the old elevator on South Philadelphia Street and wants to know why. She said they worked hard last year cleaning that place and couldn’t see where they were violating any codes. Mayor Ethan Hauptman said it would be researched and someone would get back to her.
Marshal Doug Storie gave a report of his activities for the past month. He reported that he has had the windshield replaced in the patrol car, and because of the new windshield has had to order a new video camera system antenna for the windshield. He also purchased new lapel microphones. Doug also informed the council that Kansas law requires that he obtain 40 hours of police-related continuous education each fiscal year and he is scheduled for several training classes in the coming months. He also reported that the City should be receiving the check from the state grant for 75% of the new computer cost sometime this week.
City Attorney Skip Herd reported he has the paperwork ready for the Mayor to sign for the property along the railroad for tax exemption. He also told the council he has reviewed the contract between the City and Osborn Disposal, and if the city decides to pick up the trash in the future, they shouldn’t have a problem getting out of the contract. Skip also reported he reviewed a bankruptcy notice from Wes-Kan Oil (Convenience Plus) and explained that their monthly water/sewer/trash bills will be paid by their bankruptcy trustee and they can’t always guarantee it will be the full amount. Skip reported to the council that the condemnation hearing on Roseann Sullivan’s trailer will be held February 27th at 1:30.
Water Operator Joe Ceballos reported he had received 2 different bids for $7,500.00 on extending the overflow pipe on the old water tower. He also received a bid of $14,500.00 to tear the old water town down, the only requirement would be to have dumpsters available and for the City to remove the insulation from the tower. Joe also said that Pixius Communications was interested in buying the old water tower, but he wouldn’t know their decision until after their meeting they were to have in the near future. After discussion was held, the matter was tabled until the March meeting. Joe reported he has received two bids for inspection of the new water tower. One bid was for $1,825.00 and will require an inspection every two years, the other bid was for $4,410.00 for an annual inspection. After discussion, the matter was tabled until the March meeting. Joe also reported he received a letter from the State of Kansas that all water wells were to have meters and we have one well that does not have one. He thought he could buy a meter for it at the upcoming water convention in March.
Public Works Supervisor, Danny Shaw reported he would like to send Ronnie Brosius to a 2-day hydraulic school in Salina at a cost of $299.00, the council agreed. Danny also informed the council of the upcoming rural water convention the end of March, telling that Ronnie Brosius needs to go, Ryan might go and he was needing to go also. The council agreed to them attending the convention, but splitting up the time they are gone so all of them are not gone at the same time. Danny also discussed plans for the gun range, with council member Tiffany Sowa telling there may be a change with the insurance coverage. The insurance company did not realize the City wanted to make it a “public” gun range, they are waiting to hear back from the insurance company. Danny also told the council he would like to get the lake committee together with the City Marshal to discuss who is to enforce ordinances at the lake.
Lake Manager, Ron White, reported to the council he has six camp hosts lined up at this time and that two more people may be interested. He also reported on the projects he has been working on at the lake.
Mayor Ethan Hauptman brought to the attention of the council that there have been complaints for discontinuing the three-day lake permits and would like to have a discussion on the topic. After discussion, Tiffany Sowa made a motion to reinstate the three-day permits with the lake committee to decide on the price and the color schedule, the motion was seconded by Chuck Salisbury. Motion carried.
Mayor Hauptman presented a letter from Sunflower RC&D, they are asking for their annual donation of $200.00. Chuck Salisbury made the motion to donate $200.00 to the Sunflower RC&D. Penny Bruckner seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Discussion was held on adding Martin Luther King Day as an added holiday for city personnel. After discussing the matter, it died for lack of a motion.
Council member Tiffany Sowa explained she has gotten involved in the Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance and would like to see the city pay $100.00 for the membership fee. Penny Bruckner made a motion to pay the $100.00 membership fee to join WKREDA, the motion was seconded by Richard Thompson and the motion carried.
Mayor Hauptman told the council that the bid from CMS voted on last month by the council to heat the south east room of the Veteran’s Building needs to be discussed once again, he explained that it was only an estimate in the amount of $1,915.10 and he brought a bid to be voted on in the amount of $2,399.03. Tony Smith made a motion to accept the bid from CMS for $2,399.03, seconded by Tiffany Sowa and the motion carried.
Discussion was held on the request by Pat Puderbaugh to work for the City for 36 hours to pay his April camping rent at the lake. After discussing the matter, Tiffany Sowa made the motion to hire Pat Puderbaugh for 36 hours to pay his camping rent, seconded by Tony Smith and the motion carried.
Bills in the amount of $86,279.97 were presented for payment. Richard Thompson moved to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Penny Bruckner. Motion carried.
Penny Bruckner, on behalf of the SCHS junior class, asked the council for use of the council meeting room during the upcoming prom in helping with food preparation and serving. After discussing the matter, the council decided to stay with the original policy that the room could not be used in connection with preparing or serving food.
No further business was presented. Tony Smith moved the meeting adjourned, seconded by Penny Bruckner. Motion carried.