March 7, 2011 Minutes

March 7, 2011 LECOMPTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

7:00 P.M. Mayor Paslay brought the Lecompton City Council Meeting to order at 327 Elmore, Lecompton, KS. Council Members Jimmy Wilkins, Christy Mallonee, Mark Tunstall, Tim McNish and Jennifer Smith were present. The following were also present: City Clerk Sandy Nichols, City Superintendent Justin Van Winkle; residents Cyndi Treaster, Sandy Jacquot, Elsie Middleton, and Ron Collette; Student Sean Neavitt; Paul Bahnmaier.

Jimmy Wilkins made a motion to approve the February 22, 2011 Minutes. Mark Tunstall seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.

Christy Mallonee made a motion to approve the bills before them. Jimmy seconded the motion and the voted passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.

Pat Gottstein shared comparative information regarding insurance on the city vehicles. Mr. Gottstein recommended keeping insurance as it currently is. The council agreed with Mr. Gottstein after discussion. Justin stated currently the 2001 Ford truck has full coverage on it, waiting instructions from the council. The council thought liability coverage would be sufficient. Council wanted to know what the blue book value of the Ford truck was. Justin will get this information.

Ron Collette requested a larger tube be placed at his driveway. When it rains hard the water runs out across the road. There was discussion: if a bigger tube was put in the ditch would need to be dug deeper and/or a hump in the drive; Justin stated he had noticed the rock at the east of the tube is taller than the bottom of the tube. This rock possibly could be pounded down and help. The council would like to watch the tube during the rainy season. Tim said 4” – 6” cover should be over a tube. Ron wanted to know if someone could clean out the tube as he is not able to. It was stated the fire department has helped with this in the past. Justin also stated he might be able to clean it out if a fire hydrant was close enough. Jimmy stated some of the scrap asphalt may have gone into the ditch causing some problems. Justin will take a better look at this.

Mr. Sharrone Steele was not present nor did he leave a written request.

Paul Bahnmaier presented information of how the veteran’s memorial might look and location. The memorial will have 915 names. The dedication will be June 25, 2011 at 2 PM. Mr. Bahnmaier stated a large turn out with many seniors and handicap people needing cover are expected. It would be appreciated if any road work on Elmore could wait until after Territorial Days. There are plans to use large tents. One would be located in front of Constitution Hall area on the west side of the street. Plugs would need to be put into the street to erect the tent. There is also a plan to put a tent on the hill for a band from Fort Riley. The Council approved plugs in the street to be used. It was noted that the sign south of town had been broken and Justin had replaced the posts. There was discussion that Justin would change the dates on the signs. Mr. Bahnmaier stated it is still possible the state legislators will meet in Lecompton. Groups from Harley Davidson plan to be in Olathe June 2, 3 & 4 stopping in Lecompton also.

Public Comments: Christy Mallonee, Lecompton Ball Association Treasurer, requested a donation for the Ball Association form the City Council. It was noted the city had donated $500 in the past. It was asked what the money would be used for. Christy said it would cover what the school district charges the ball association. Mark made a motion to donate $500 to the ball association. Jennifer seconded the motion and the vote passed 4 yeas, and Christy abstained.

Elsie said she had received the Community Building measurements from Justin and would be working with the city clerk to get a lot location of the building. It was noted the NW corner of the city office building was missing a down spout and water was running down the side of the building. Justin stated the down spout there is now missing. It seems they have to be replaced often. It was noted there are roll out drains that might work well in this location. Justin will get some drain spouts.

Cyndi Treaster and Sandy Jacquot were present to hear the council’s discussion regarding their high utility bill caused by a leak. The Mayor wanted to know what may have caused the leak. Justin said there was now more pressure on the water lines since the new tower is in service. Justin also reported another leak today in a galvanized pipe. Ms. Treaster shared the cost of the bill if the RWD rate of $8.42 was used. Ms. Jacquot shared that Fort Scott, Derby, and Lawrence all forgave large bills do to leaks. The city clerk noted the city attorney had found cities that forgive large bills do to leaks, some cities do not waive any costs there are many different ways leaks are handled. This issue is tabled until the next meeting and the city attorney is present. Ms. Treaster asked if the water is monitored daily so a leak could be noticed. It was noted do too many variables within the system it would be almost impossible to note a leak. It was noted that there will be a national meeting of the CECO Company and the problems with our building will be discussed.

After discussion Jennifer made a motion to increase water deposits to $150.00. Jimmy seconded the motion and the vote passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.

Justin reported Mr. Neavitt had reported low water pressure. On a Saturday when someone would be home Justin increased the water pressure to 80lbs. Later Mr. Neavitt reported they were still having problems. Justin changed the regulator, they still had problems. There was an inside filter that needed to be changed that was causing the problem. The council requested Mr. Neavitt sign a form that they had requested to have the water pressure increased.

It was noted an inoperable car had been towed onto the Brouhard property on 7th Street. The council would like for this put on the March 21, 2011 agenda.

The council had no input at this time regarding employee pay rates. Justin suggested this be done in January.

Justin reported the following: suggested putting the blue truck on Purple Wave.com, the council approved of this; reported Jones Street needed rock; reported the city has a propane tank with propane in it and would like to get a hose to fill the 2001 Ford truck from the tank; reported many streets needed work after the winter, suggested north side of town needed chip and seal; Elmore Street needs worked but not sure what can be done; It was asked when city money from the KRWA could be transferred. It was noted that money would need to go back into the water fund. Justin reported Halderman Street need something done on it for improvements; Justin is to get costs for chip and seal from the county; Elmore had dusty rock put on it last year before Territorial Days; Might check with Chuck Quinn and Vance Brothers regarding streets.

Communications were noted. The council will not be making a donation to the PLHS After-Prom Party.

CDs are to renew as they are.
Full coverage is to remain on the Ford Truck until the difference between full coverage and liability has been researched.
Corrections were noted for the newsletter and request to remove information regarding water usage during a fire.

9:09 P.M. Jennifer made a motion to adjourn. Mark seconded the motion and the motion passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
Sandy Nichols, City Clerk