JUNE 15, 2009 LECOMPTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
7:00 P.M. Mayor Paslay brought the Lecompton City Council regular meeting to order at 327 Elmore, Lecompton, KS. Council Members Jimmy Wilkins, Christy Mallonee, Mark Tunstall, Tim McNish, and Jennifer Smith were present. Also present were the following: City Superintendent, Justin Van Winkle, City Clerk, Sandy Nichols, and City Attorney Lee Hendricks. Visitors present were: Elsie Middleton, Jay Robertson, Bill Leslie, Pat Gottstein and Kevin Newman.
Jennifer Smith made a motion to approve the June 1, 2009 minutes. Christy Mallonee seconded the motion and the vote passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
Christy Mallonee made a motion to approve the bills before them. Jennifer seconded the motion and the vote passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
Brian Kelley was not present.
Elsie Middleton was and shared information from the June 8, 2009 Planning Commission meeting. Elsie reported the Planning Commission had reviewed a request from the Lecompton Township to build a new township building on property located on Diagonal Road and found it fit within the rules of acceptance.
Jay Robertson, Lecompton Township Trustee presented a building permit request and a request to waive the application and building permit fees. The township will pay for all inspection fees. Jennifer made a motion to approve the building permit request, waiving the fees, with the understanding the township will pay for all inspections. Christy seconded the motion and the vote passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
Pat Gottstein was present to discuss insurance for the new water plant. Mr. Gottstein is suggesting the new water plant structure be insured for $156,000 and the personal property in the plant be insured for $1,355,000. This would increase the personal property insurance approximately $3900. Mr. Gottstein will continue to study this project. Blanket coverage insurance was discussed. When new council or appointed people are elected or appointed, Mr. Gottstein needs to be informed. No additional action will be necessary for council members. Coverage on the old water tower is $135,000 – $140,000.
Kevin Newman was present to request a building permit for a deck. After discussion Jennifer made a motion to approve the building permit for a deck. Tim seconded the motion and the vote passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
The council requested Lee to check on city’s he works with regarding auditors.
Lee presented a Mutual Release and Waiver of Claims regarding a billing discussed with Mr. John Cooper. Mayor Paslay signed the form. The agreement and a $3000 check are to be mailed to Mr. Cooper for signature and the original returned to Mr. Hendricks.
Justin requested policy direction for downed trees during a storm. The council instructed him to clear the street. The tree is the property owner’s responsibility. A list of driveways washing was presented. After discussion the council requested a letter be sent to Mr. Kelley stating the erosion of the driveway could create a hazard on the road and he could be held responsible. The council would like to suggest the following could be done to help with the driveway erosion: slit fence, straw bales, hay bales, or plant grass, and large rock on the driveway. The council is requesting a status update on the progress being made on the erosion of the driveway.
Justin has a dual tank that he would like to trade for the single tank on the city truck. The council approves provided the tanks are locked. Justin discussed painting of the truck. He is to get estimates for painting and undercoating of the truck. Justin gave the council information regarding a pressure washer available at the Federal Surplus for $1200. It was stated approximately $200 per year is spent on tokens. After discussion, Jimmy made a motion to purchase the pressure washer and a wand. Mark seconded the motion and the vote passed 5 yeas, 0 nays. Justin requested approval to ask the county if the speed sign coming up the hill on West Woodson could be moved down the hill. Vehicles are speeding when reaching the top of the hill creating a dangerous situation. Council approved with possible discussion Wed June 17 when meeting with the County Commissioners. Other items the council would like put on the agenda if possible: mowing aground the guard rails at Woodson and 1029 intersection; discuss the ditch north of the church; fading signs along Woodson Ave. Justin has plans to work on the tubes on Elmore and do some asphalting on Elmore before Territorial Days.
Items for Dave Bogner to consider for the 2010 budget: work that will need to be done to Clark Street when the new water plant is completed, the council is considering asphalt and not chip and seal; Whitfield will need extensive work when the new water tower is completed. The council is considering asphalting streets instead of chip and sealing in the future. The council would like a 2010 budget for both a .7 mill levy increase and a 1.0 mill levy increase. With lower property evaluations the council believes it could be necessary to raise the mill levy to maintain the same amount of money coming in. The council would like to discuss utility rates and possibly need for additional increases at the July 6th meeting with Mr. Bogner.
It is okay to provide the Farmer’s Market with a key to the Community Building weekly. A letter of recommendation for SM Ball was signed. Council was informed of a letter sent regarding horses within the city limits. After discussion and the attorney’s input, a letter is to be sent stating rabbits in the city limits is a violation of the city codes. City Clerk is to have tea and cookies at the June 17 meeting.
Alley drainage is to be added to the long range budget items. The council would like to have an evaluation of the alleys done during slower work schedules. Staff is to inventory new equipment.
8:45 P.M. Mark made a motion to adjourn to June 17, 6:35 combined meeting with Douglas County Commissioners. Christy seconded the motion and the vote passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
Sandy Nichols, City Clerk