February 22, 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 and Mark Tunstall were present. Council Members Tim McNish and Jennifer Smith were absent. The following were also present: City Clerk Sandy Nichols, City Superintendent Justin Van Winkle; City Attorney Lee Hendricks; residents Cynthia Treaster, Sandy Jacquot, Elsie Middleton, Lori Wilkins, and William Klemme; Kirk Kaberline with SCI Cable.
Jimmy Wilkins made a motion to approve the February 7, 2011 Minutes. 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 voted passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
Doug Winfield presented a drawing for location of a pole shop/barn. After review Mark made a motion to approve the building permit when the application and payment were made with approval from the Mayor. Christy seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays. Mr. Winfield submitted his building permit and payment before leaving.
Pat Gottstein was present to discuss the April 1 renewal of the city’s insurance. The council requested not to renew the road grader as it is being sold. The council would like to keep full coverage on the dump truck. Pat will compare $500 liability and $1000 comprehensive difference in policy cost with what the city currently has and report back for the next council meeting.
Cynthia Treaster was present to discuss payment of a very large water bill caused by a water leak. Ms. Treaster stated there was no sign of erosion that might have been caused by loss of a large amount of water over a short period of time. Ms. Treaster was concerned that the meters were not read in January and possibly a leak would have been noticed if the meters had been read. Reading the meters electronically might be considered. It was suggested possibly a notice could be put on the sign when the meters are estimated. Ms. Treaster asked if she could pay ½ of the bill instead of the full amount since it was so large. Ms. Treaster said she had been checking the meter frequently since the break. Justin said not to open the meter pit if the temperature was 20 degrees or below. At this time the council requested Ms. Treaster to pay for 2300 gallons of water which is the average amount of use. The council will discuss this issue further at the next meeting. The council asked the city attorney to check and see how other cities handle situations like this.
William Klemme was present to ask if he needed a building permit to build a 12’ x 16’ shed on poles that he would be able to cut off and move. The city attorney read the definition of a building that would need to have a building permit. The shed fit requirements to need a building permit. There was discussion of the sewer right-of-way and that he could not build within that 7.5 feet right-of-way and that he would need to be at least 6 feet off the property line. Jimmy made a motion to approve the building permit when submitted, fees paid, and approved by the Mayor. Christy seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
Kirk Kablerline was present to discuss the franchise contract between the city and SCI. The city attorney shared information that he and the attorney for SCI had discussed. A hold harmless clause should be in place until the new contract is approved. Mr. Kaberline is working with the state regarding a new state statue. The city attorney will continue to work with Mr. Kaberline and his attorney regarding this issue.
(OVER)
It was noted the fire rating for the city possibly will be reduced once the ISO reports are completed. The new water tower and plant were instrumental in the new rating. It was suggested the residents should be notified when this information is available.
Elsie stated she is still working to get the Community Building on the Kansas Historical register. The state has waived the need for a survey as they have one on file. The Community Building will qualify to be on the register. Elsie would like to have the dimensions of the building with and without the addition. Justin said he would get those. Elsie asked if the council wanted to request the building include 10 feet or 20 feet around the building. The council requested 10 feet.
Elsie is trying to learn when the addition was added to the building. It was suggested Howard Duncan or Earl Sanford might know. When the spring newsletter is distributed an article could be placed in it to see if anyone might know when the addition was put on. Also a request of people interested in being on a committee could call the office to be added to a list.
After discussion the council approved Lee’s utility delinquent letters. The city attorney discussed and presented two ordinances in regard to the delinquent account notifications. Christy made a motion to approve Ordinance #804. Jimmy seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays. Christy made a motion to approve Ordinance #805. Mark seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
There was no additional discussion regarding Phoenix Fabrication.
Lee stated the third part architect’s report on the water plant was one of the most interesting reports he had read in a long time.
Justin: reminded the council something needs to be decided regarding the use of the old water plant building; reported the blue pick up truck is still having problems and is a monthly cost trying to keep it running, maybe it should be sold on Purple Wave also; during the extremely cold weather a resident believed his water meter was frozen. When the line on his side of the meter was disconnected there was water flowing from his side of the meter. After letting the cold air in to check the meter, the meter did freeze and had to be replaced. There was discussion how to prevent the freezing of the meter pit once opened. Justin thanked Jimmy Wilkins for the information. Lori Wilkins stated Justin had done a great job clearing the streets during the snow storms. Justin mentioned the council should consider possible chip and seal work on some streets. There are several streets in town that are in need.
The City Attorney discussed a drug free resolution that was needed for the CDBG project. Christ made a motion to approve the Drug Free Resolution. Jimmy seconded the motion and the vote passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
Sandy: after discussion the council approved renewal of BCBS health insurance; the council approved using social security to check names with social security numbers when necessary; renewal of LKM literature was tabled until material has been updated; council approved the City Clerk or the City Superintendent to pick up the empty deposit bag from Douglas County Bank; there was discussion regarding benches at government surplus. The benches are $75 each. The council approved Justin spending $300 to purchase benches.
9:15 P.M. Christ made a motion to adjourn. Mark seconded the motion and the motion passed 3 yeas, 0 nays.
Sandy Nichols, City Clerk