FEBRUARY 19, 2008 LECOMPTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
7:00 P.M. Mayor Paslay brought the meeting to order. Council Members Mark Tunstall, Tim McNish, and Christy Mallonee were present. Council Member Ed Smith was absent. 8:26 P.M. Council Member Bruce Liese arrived. The following were also present: City Attorney, Lee Hendricks; City Superintendent, Justin Van Winkle; City Clerk, Sandy Nichols. Residents present were: Jimmy and Lori Wilkins, Earl Bayless, Doug Wingfield, and Jennifer Smith.
Tim McNish made a motion to approve the February 4, 2008 minutes with correction to the third from the last paragraph, change the 200 gallons to 250,000 gallons. Mark Tunstall seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas 0 nays.
Mark made a motion to approve the bills before them. Christy Mallonee seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas and 0 nays.
Jennifer Smith reported the Planning Commission would like to mail post cards to city residents requesting volunteers for the Planning Commission. It would cost approximately $65.00 for the mailing. Information will also be placed in the city spring newsletter. Tim made a motion to send the post cards. Mark seconded the motion and the vote was 3 yeas and 0 nays. Jennifer also presented information regarding property by the Farmer’s Turnpike and K-10 bypass that is being considered for annexation into the City of Lawrence.
Discussion regarding water tower location: residents Bayless, Wingfield and Wilkins’ all expressed concern of a water tower being built where homes are already built. They believe it would be better to locate the tower where homes would not be so close. There were concerns of what the fall zone would be, height of the tower, would property value be affected. These residents requested the council to consider locating the tower so as to not be within back yards of current homes. The council requested the City Attorney contact the City Engineer and Grant Writer regarding the consideration of locating the tower west of the location currently being considered, possibly west toward the tree line along Seventh Street.
Jennifer Smith discussed planting of four trees by the Lecompton Volunteer Corp on the NEKESC property. Donations have been pledged for two of the trees. Mark made a motion to donate $80 for a tree and to send a letter to NEKESC stating the city’s approval to plant the trees. Christy seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas and 0 nays. LVC will try to raise funds for the fourth tree.
Jimmy Wilkins requested a donation from the city for the Lecompton Ball Association. After discussion regarding past amounts for donations, Tim made a motion to donate $500 to the LBA. Mark seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
A request to pass a Fair Housing Proclamation was sent by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. Christy made a motion to pass a Fair Housing Proclamation claiming April as Fair Housing Month. Tim seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
After reviewing the treasurer application, Mayor Paslay appointed Jeanne Fries to be the City Treasurer. Tim made a motion to approve the Mayor’s appointment. Mark seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
There was sharing of information and discussion regarding the location of the new water plant. Discussion of what would be best now and in the future was discussed. Mark made a motion to locate the new water plant on the city owned T-shaped property at 300 BLK #1 Clark Street, Lecompton, KS. Christy seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, and 0 nays. The engineer and grant writer are to be informed and needed processes started. Special Use Permit request is to be made.
There was discussion regarding parking in the vicinity of the fire department station on Elmore. The council asked Lee to present two ordinances regarding signs; one for the area at the fire department, the other for the west side of Elmore in front of the church.
There was discussion regarding the fee being charged by RWD #3. No additional action was taken.
Signature papers were presented for a new bank account at Douglas County Bank for the CDBG tower grant.
The Mayor appointed Tim McNish to be on the signature page along with City Clerk and Mayor. Mark made a motion to approve the appointment. Christy seconded the motion and the vote passed 4 yeas, 0 nays.
It was noted Douglas County would be letting bids for painting to take place on the bridge between mid May to mid August.
The Mayor signed papers from Bogner accounting regarding the 2007 audit.
It was noted there were a couple of residents that requested numerous extensions for utility payments each year. After discussion it was decided to put a notice in the spring newsletter stating four extensions per year could be approved by the mayor if he perceived needed. After that, the individual would need to attend a city council meeting for approval.
It was noted a Charter Ordinance was passed in 1999 exempting out of the state statue for residency of appointed employees requirement.
It was suggested Justin check on an alternative product instead of chlorine gas.
Justin reported a wood frame building with a steel skin was now being planned for the water plant do to cost.
Kenneth Shetlar, Donna Crawford and Lee Hendricks are requested to attend the March 3 council meeting.
9:12 P.M. Mark made a motion to adjourn, Christy seconded, and the vote was unanimous.
Sandy Nichols, City Clerk