November 2, 2020 LECOMPTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
7:00 P.M. Mayor Jimmy Wilkins brought the Lecompton City Council Meeting to order at 327 Elmore, Lecompton, KS. Council Members Tim McNish, Mary Jane Hoffer, Stephanie Confer, Matt Roberts and Owen Mallonee were present at roll call. The following were also present: City Clerk Lynley Sanford, City Superintendent Rance Roberts and City Attorney Jeff Heiman. Residents or township members attending included Troy Clark, Brad Goodrick and Elizabeth Burger. Meeting was streamed on Facebook live.
Mary Jane Hoffer motioned to approve the meeting minutes for the October 19th, 2020. Stephanie Confer seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5 yeas, 0 nays
Tim McNish motioned to approve the bills before the City Council. Owen Mallonee seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
Elizabeth Burger and Brad Goodrick spoke with the council regarding the Fire Fighter relief act fund. When our district unifies with the other 4 districts, our Volunteer Fire Dept. current members will keep their coverage and benefits (that have met the 10 year term) new members will be accepted at the 20 year benefit term. There is a balance of $66,000 in the benefit account for our volunteer department. If the volunteer department doesn’t match a calculated amount, those funds will transfer into a big pool of funds that will no longer be specifically for our volunteers. The calculated matching amount to release those funds is $12,000.00. The Lecompton Fire Dept. has raised approximately $4,000 so far. The council discussed with the representatives that the City had provided an $8000 donation the year before, and were told at that time it was a 1 time donation. They aren’t opposed to supporting, but would like to see how much money can be raised independently before offering more. The council asked the representatives come back to the next City Council meeting on 11/16/2020.
Troy Clark with Empty Nesters Winery came in to provide an update regarding his business to the City Council. Basically construction is done, they are waiting for wine to age to fully open the doors. They have been able to do a few “pop up shops” where they have provided wine samplings. They look forward to doing that a little more in the future.
Troy asked if the council thought there would be a conflict if his business was open the same night as the park lighting/Santa event. He would offer apple cider for kids/adults and mulled wine for adults. The council said it would be fine if he was opened, but to ask those with mulled wine to stay on his premise until they have consumed that wine beverage.
Lynley Sanford
– Jayhawk Utility Software contract renewal to provide up to 15 hours of software assistance and to provide updates.
Owen Mallonee motioned to renew the annual contract with Jayhawk Utility. Matt Roberts seconded.
Motion passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
Old Business
– Updates regarding 339 Halderman property. Mayor Wilkins has spoken with property owner Greg Trendel. No new updates, the individuals that were interested have not proceeded with purchase. Council plans on moving forward with next steps for health dep tor county inspection and possible condemnation.
– Sidewalk concerns as expressed in a letter from a local resident. Jason Hoskinson with CDBG helped answer some of the questions. Many things we do not know until or if the Grant is awarded. The concern regarding increasing property values for property that are not well kept, the general consensus of the council is that the benefit and safety to the community was more important.
– Sidewalk funding – put on next agenda – have some options to look at
New Business –
– Lecompton exit from I70 – Mayor Jimmy Wilkins spoke with Robyn Arthur with HNTB and she indicated that they were very sure the exit would not be renamed. She could not say 100% at this time, but felt 99% sure.
– Thoughts on re-locating the council meeting due to topic and attendance concerns? Kelsey Heavin with HNTB will be here to discuss updates regarding the 170/farmer turnpike and K10 intersection and the updates to K10. The council agreed if the auditorium in the PRIDE building was available that we should use it. Limited seating available to those who are 1st come first serve. Will provide every 3rd seat in the auditorium seats, and paired seating in audience chairs. Will try to live stream. We would also like to use sound equipment if possible.
Stephanie Confer motioned to move the City Council meeting on 11/16/2020 to the Lecompton Community Pride Building at 620 E. Woodson Ave. Mary Jane Hoffer seconded the motion. Motion passed 5 yeas, 0 nays.
– Newly platted Visser Estates. The City office received a phone call concerned about where the private sewer lines ran, the general consensus of the council is that is a matter to be handled between the purchaser and seller and between property owners.
– Santa Event – with COVID 19 concerns, the City would still like to hold the park lighting and have the kids meet with Santa, but is thinking to do the event outside and do a walk through, instead of hanging out to do crafts, provide a craft kit to go, candy canes, chocolate milk and a moment with Santa.
8:17PM – Mary Jane Hoffer motioned to adjourn. Stephanie Confer seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5 yays, 0 nays
Lynley Sanford, City Clerk