Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

City Council Meeting Minutes

2009 First Quarter

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CITY OF COTTONWOOD FALLS
MINUTES---MARCH 16, 2009
 
MINUTES---March 16, 2009 - The regular meeting of the City Council of Cottonwood Falls was held at the USD #284 Conference Room at 7 p.m. on March 16, 2009.

Those present were Mayor Dan Riggs, Council Members Charles Klamm, Buddy Sisson, Bob Sturms, Jim Zeiner, City Attorney Bill North and Supervisor Ron Lake.  Council Member Brian Groh was absent.

Sturms made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting with the addition of sewer drains at the sewer ponds, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Ron Kelsheimer, representing the Rec Committee met with Council to inform them that they had 2 bids for repairing the concession stand at the ball field.  Klamm made a motion to approve the bid from T&M Construction for $4360.00, Sturms seconded and motion carried.  The other bid was from Cross River Construction for $6500.00.  Kelsheimer stated that T&M were donating the labor and the color would be the same as the shed.  He also stated that they have had one bid for the canopy.  They had tabled this and he'll report back to the Council when they do decide on a bid.

Lake reported that the sink is installed and all plumbing complete at the pool.  The pipe inside the pool in the 3 ft is fixed.  They installed a new toilet in the women's bathroom; they just need to hook it up to water.  They pumped out the pool and removed all the leaves and debris.  It's ready to start cleaning.

Lake reported that the company that made the floor covering that was installed in 2008 in the shower house has gone out of business.  Another company sells a covering that is similar, but not the same so there wouldn't be complete continuity if we were to use it.  Samples are coming.  Lake stated they could take the old out of the shower room to finish the other room and use the new on the other rooms.  Sturms asked how it compares to the old and was told that it's thicker but still slip resistant.

Lake stated that he'd spoken with Jim Peterson of Peterson Water and Wood out of Hutchinson who could install a new diving board for $2685.00 and would also look at the old board and drains.  He will be here on Tuesday.  After discussing Larry Arlan's estimate of $1000, there was no action taken.  Lake did state that Larry Arlan suggested using Jim Peterson for installation of the diving board.

Lake showed Council a price of $22482.00 for an Altitude Valve Box for the old tower.  It includes the altitude valve, check valves and everything needed.  Zeiner made a motion to approve this purchase, Sisson seconded and motion carried.  This enables switching towers and having 100,000 gallons more water accessible.  The crew will install it and it will be delivered to the shop.  The crew will have a dig a hole for the concrete base and put in gravel for drainage.

Clerk informed Council that we have 9 applicants for summer hire and equipment operator and asked if they want to run the ad for the third time.  By consensus Council said no.  The closing date is 5:00 p.m. April 6.  Mayor Riggs stated that Zeiner, Groh and Lake need to conduct the interviews.

Clerk informed Council that we would be having an airport inspection in the near future.  She'll contact Klamm when she gets the call.

Clerk showed Council a thank you from CCES for donation to the carnival.

Sisson made a motion to transfer $1468.54 from the River Bridge Fund to General, Klamm seconded and motion carried. 

Clerk asked if we could start the Limb List again.  After discussion, Lake stated that we could start it next week.

Sturms made a motion to table Frank Matson's building permit and putting in a tube in for a driveway until Matson gets a survey of the property. Mr. North had questions about the property line. Sisson seconded and motion carried.     Klamm stated that he had stopped Matson over the weekend as he was breaking up the curbing.  He told him that he had to get approval from Council to do that.

Zeiner moved to approve a Resolution of Support to apply for grants for a Welcome Center (bathroom/visitor information building) in downtown Cottonwood Falls and also rehabilitation of Pearl Street. Sturms seconded; motion carried.

Zeiner discussed that we don't have speed limit, city limit or speed zone ahead signs at the city limits on Lake Road.  By consensus Council agreed that signs are needed.

Discussion was had concerning people passing stopped school buses and tickets that have been issued lately.  Sisson asked if we could put those monies in a special fund like the County has the Crime Prevention Fund.  Zeiner asked where it is put now and was told in General and as North stated we can spend that on whatever we want.  To have a special fund, we would have to contact our accountant first.

Zeiner made a motion to approve time sheets, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to pay overtime, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to pay bills #17200 to #17263, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Sturms made a motion to adjourn, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

MINUTES---March 2, 2009 - The regular meeting of the City Council of Cottonwood Falls was held at the USD #284 Conference Room on March 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

Those present were Mayor Dan Riggs, Council Members Charles Klamm, Buddy Sisson, Brian Groh, Jim Zeiner, Bob Sturms, City Attorney Bill North and Supervisor Ron Lake.

Klamm made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting with corrections, Zeiner seconded and motion carried.

Brenda Wessel, Pool Manager, met with Council to discuss things for the pool. She stated that she had run an ad in the school paper and has 3 guards signed up. She will run an ad in the paper in April to hire guards. CPR will be scheduled after guards are hired. She recommended guards get minimum wage, whatever it is at that time. The guards will be going to Emporia Rec. Center for certification which will cost them $150.00 each. Sturms made a motion to reimburse them the full amount ($150.00) if they work the entire season, Groh seconded and motion carried.

Wessel's repair list is as follows:
1. Pipe inside pool in the 3ft needs repair before painting and filling
2. Crack in wall in 2ft needs repair before painting and filling.
3. Cracks underneath the blue tile inside pool needs filled before painting and filling.
4. Outside restrooms need repaired.
5. Need sink so we can get licensed to serve cheeseburgers.
6. Pool paint and chemicals
7. Pool and baby pool painted.
8. New stool lid in girl's shower room
9. Spray weeds around fence in spring.
10. New diving board.
11. Flexi-deck for both shower rooms.

Brenda stated the outside men's bathroom hasn't worked in a couple years.

Mayor asked if we can get both outside bathroom's working. Lake was instructed to purchase two new stools for the outside bathrooms. These bathrooms are open 24-7 during the summer. Sturms asked Brenda if there was much vandalism on them and she stated not very much and her guards clean them every morning

Lake stated that they will lose 2 lower shelves when the sink is installed.

Brenda stated that the Rec Committee has visited with her concerning a sizeable amount of money they donated to the pool and why it hasn't been spent. Brenda requested that we purchase a new diving board as the old one is worn and the railings are loose, plus it's rusting out and not safe. Sisson made a motion to purchase a 14 ft board complete with installation, Sturms seconded and motion carried. There was a lengthy discussion concerning whether the old board is removed or can be made safe and left in. The new board needs a slope and as Groh stated the crew has enough work without installing the board. Sturms stated that we need expertise in installation which is why Council voted to pay the extra and have Larry Arlan and his crew install it as well as examine the old board to see if it can be repaired.

Groh made a motion for Brenda to purchase Flexi-deck to finish covering the bathrooms, concession area and walkway, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner stated that he thought the chlorinator building and railings around the pool could be painted, summer help could do that.

Mayor Riggs showed Council some of the baskets from the pool. Brenda stated that they get rust on clothing. Mayor thought they could be renovated by cleaning and painting rather than paying $22.00 each for new ones. Brenda stated that if the crew or summer help couldn't get that done, her guards could do it along with cleaning the rust off the shelves with guidance from Lake. By consensus, Council approved all this.

Ron Kelsheimer from the Rec Committee met with Council to let them know that they are taking bids to put a metal roof and exterior of the concession stand at the ball fields and will come back for permission. They also want to put up a shelter house south of the stand and are still working on the By-Laws.

Sisson asked Lake if they had installed the drinking fountains at the field and was told no.

Lake discussed the drain cover at the pool. He said it was not mandatory as of yet and they don't make one that would fit the drain. Council agreed to wait until one is made that would fit.

Lake showed Council price quotes for Pearl Street. One was $363,232.00 for just reconstructing Pearl including sewer and water lines. The other price was $405,196.00 for reconstructing Pearl, plus widening the street, curb and guttering, driveways, sewer and water lines removed and replaced. No action was taken.

Lake informed Council that he had purchased a new Chlorinator for $1000.00. He also purchased repair kits for the injector.

The crew removed a dead tree at 8th & Mulberry, removed all the dead branches, etc. at the Vet Memorial. The sewer drains were plugged and they removed 4 turtles and 3 muskrats. The bracket is up for the sink at the pool and the drain in the same area does work.

Sturms stated that it's a good time to think about summer hire. Lake stated that last year we had 2 workers, but could use 3. Lake stated that Gordon Watts has told him that he would help out with the grader. Sturms made a motion to run an ad 3 times for 2 Seasonal and 1 Equipment Operator, Groh seconded and motion carried. Council agreed that Lake should be present during the interviews.

Mayor Riggs informed Council that we have submitted an application for a grant for a public toilet. He has talked to Dave Croy about the area south of the Library and also to Don Evans about the area north of the Masonic Temple.

Sturms made a motion to approve $15,000.00 towards a grant for
overlay on Main Street from the highway west to the city limits, Groh seconded and motion carried. Mayor stated that we stand a better chance of approval if we put up some money. Klamm asked what budget this would be in and was told 2010. Sisson asked about water/sewer lines and Lake answered there are lines on both sides.

Mayor told Council the Interlocal Agreement has been signed and should have an answer in 3 to 6 months.

Mayor requested Council members attend the Economic Development meeting at the Community Building on March 4 at 7:00 PM. They will discuss Tax Abatement.

Zeiner made a motion to approve $96.09 petty cash, Groh seconded and motion carried.

Groh asked Lake is there were any ideas on water lines from 5th to 7th. Lake told him nothing so far. Discussion was had of the cost effective of someone else doing this. Groh stated that APAC does have a utility crew. Sisson want three bids on it. They decided the crew can do number streets with chip seal. Lake will check as to which streets.

Groh asked if we pay the school anything for using their building and was told no.

Zeiner made a motion to approve time sheets, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to approve overtime, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to pay bills #17171 to #17199, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Sturms made a motion to adjourn, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

MINUTES---February 17, 2009

The regular meeting of the City Council of Cottonwood Falls was held at the USD #284 Conference Room on February 17, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

Those present were Mayor Dan Riggs, Council Members Charles Klamm, Buddy Sisson, Jim Zeiner, Bob Sturms and Supervisor Ron Lake. Council Member Brian Groh and City Attorney Bill North were absent.

Klamm made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Bruce Boettcher of BG Engineers met with Council to answer any questions. Mayor Riggs announced that the Economic Development Group has offered to pay the $23,565.00 needed for the engineering study. Sturms asked why Strong City was listed first on the agreement and was told it could be that Strong City is handling all the paperwork and finances of this project. The next meeting will be Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Strong City Office at 7:00PM. Mayor questioned Boettcher of what happens if we don't get the grant and was told that everything stops.

Sisson made a motion to approve the Interlocal Agreement, Zeiner seconded and motion carried with all aye votes. Boettcher stated that they need two board members. Sturms made a motion to appoint Sisson and Zeiner as board members for the study portion, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Sisson asked Boettcher about the Stimulus Package. Boettcher stated he could only talk about KDOT. If we have projects that we want done in the next five years, we need to get "our name in the pot". He stated that we could possibly get Pearl Street repaired, water lines, etc. He also stated that KDHE is asking for loan applications.

Lake reported that he has no information on the drain trap for the pool as of yet. He said that Shears would be looking at Pearl Street next week and will submit a price quote.

Lake hasn't received any information for the valve at the tower.

The city crew has repaired the roofs on both shelter houses in the Park and trimmed a dead tree at 8th and Mulberry.

Lake stated that the Rapid Mix quit and they're installing a new one.

Sisson made a motion for Tapp Enterprises be allowed to have an auction of new household items, tools, computers and accessories at the Community Building, Klamm seconded and motion carried. They would handle it like they do the tool sales where the purchaser picks up the item at their truck outside the building and things won't be dragged across the floor damaging it.

Clerk gave Council information that sewer fees will be waived if you have 2 meters. Lake stated the Ordinance reads the customer pays for the installation of the 2nd meter and R3-Energy only paid half price for their 2nd meter installation, so they need to pay the other half if we're not charging sewer fees for the 2nd meter. Clerk will contact R-3 Energy.

Sturms made a motion for R3-Energy to pay the other half for the meter installation and they be refunded the sewer fee they paid, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Sisson made a motion for Mayor Riggs to sign a letter to the National Flood Insurance Program requesting a change from Emergency to regular phase. This would give better insurance and benefits.

A letter from Martin Garrison was tabled until more information is available concerning a Resolution for the Planning Committee.

Mr. North will write up a new notice to be mailed to John Cox at his new address for the Alta Ward Dangerous Structure house at 401 Sycamore.

Zeiner suggested that Bookkeeper Earlyne Mercer call the Sales Tax office about sales tax issues with temporary vendors.

Lake was informed by County Health Nurse Cheryl Jones that we could have any size sink at the pool as long as it has hot and cold water. Lake will purchase a sink. The crew will install shelves here and there as the sink will cover the space of the existing shelves. By consensus, Council approved this.

Zeiner asked what the Economic Development letter was about and Mayor Riggs explained they are having a meeting to discuss Tax Abatement.

Zeiner asked how the Library is funded and was told the Township supports it. There was discussion about people not being able to use the bathroom at the Library

Discussion was held concerning a public bathroom in the downtown area. Deb Zeiner will check prices on prefab toilets for the next meeting.

Zeiner asked if Tallgrass National Park was moving from their offices. Mayor Riggs stated that the soonest that could happen would be 5 years when they get the information center built.

Zeiner made a motion to approve time cards, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to approve overtime, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to pay bills #17124 to #17170, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Klamm made a motion to adjourn, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

MINUTES---February 2, 2009

The regular meeting of the City Council of Cottonwood Falls was held at the USD #284 Conference Room on February 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

Those present were Mayor Dan Riggs, Council Members Charles Klamm, Buddy Sisson, Jim Zeiner, Bob Sturms, City Attorney Bill North and Supervisor Ron Lake. Council Member Brian Groh was absent.

Klamm made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, Zeiner seconded and motion carried.

Carol Coirier, President of the Chamber of Commerce met with Council requesting several considerations for the River Suite which will be held June 12, 2009. She requested the use of the bridge from mid morning to late evening, trash cans, metal folding chairs and fold up tables from the T-Building, and use of the Community Building with the fee waived in case of inclement weather. Coirier stated that Josh Hoy would be catering the hot meal. Tickets may be higher priced than last year. A sponsor bundle will be available ($1000.00 donation and get a free table). Sturms made a motion to allow the requests, including the use of the bridge and Community Building fee waived, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Michael Schrater met with Council requesting the sewer charge of $108.75 be waived at his property at 300 Elm. The water was believed to be shut off since September 2007, but on January 2, 2009, a passerby noticed water flooding the neighbor's yard and ditches and notified Supervisor Lake who then shut it off.

Mayor Riggs stated that it's been the policy of the City in the past to not waive sewer charges for leaks, filling pools, etc. and if it happened now, people from the past would request refunds for their sewer charges. Schrater stated that he felt that he would at least ask. Clerk will take the bill to the bank for it to be taken out of his account as is customary for his account.

Sturms made a motion for a 20-minute executive session for Attorney/Client Privileges, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Returning to regular session, Klamm made a motion to deny the request by R-3 Energy to waive the $212.50 sewer charges, Sturms seconded and motion carried with Sturms and Klamm voting yea, Sisson and Zeiner voting nay. Mayor Riggs broke the tie with a yea vote.

Lake stated that they drained the Clarifier and found it wasn't the bearing which cost approximately $14,000.00. It was a Lime build up in the bottom. They cleaned it and replaced a broken sprocket at the cost of $185.00.

Lake has filled out a questionnaire for Larry Arlan and is waiting for an answer about the anti-trap at the pool.

Lake has a request for Mark Witherspoon to give an estimate to repair Pearl Street, but hasn't received an answer as of yet.

The crew have been cleaning curbs and gutters, reading meters and moving paperwork from the shop to the Commissioners room at 220 _ Broadway.

Mr. North hasn't received an answer from R-3 Energy as Mr. McCalla is still out of the country.

He discussed the Lease Agreement draft for Sue Smith of the Emma Chase Café for 220 _ Broadway. North stated that there is nothing in it about the City using a room for storage. Zeiner asked about Section 7 on use. It was decided to add retail sales and group events. Zeiner then asked about Section 9, liabilities. Mayor Riggs stated that he had spoken with Smith and she has called her insurance company and should have an answer by Tuesday.

Mayor Riggs stated that the vehicle auction was held January 31, 2009 with the purchaser being Larry G Meyers of 209 Union, Cottonwood Falls for a price of $500.00. Meyers has removed the vehicle from 401 Sycamore. Jay Scott will be razing the residence.

Zeiner made a motion for a 15-minute executive session for non-elected personnel, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Returning to regular session, regarding overtime hours during the week at the water plant, Klamm made a motion to only pay 1 hour per trip made to the water plant after working hours. Time between trips will not be paid as overtime. Sturms seconded and motion carried. Weekend and holiday overtime hours remain as is (6 hours per day).

Klamm made a motion to name Cindy Kelsheimer as Treasurer for the City, Zeiner seconded and motion carried.

Discussion was had concerning stopping putting out the door hangers for late paying residents each month. After a lengthy discussion, the matter was tabled for now and Clerk will continue writing out the door hangers and the crew will deliver them to residences.

Klamm made a motion to give $25.00 for the CCES Carnival, Zeiner seconded and motion carried.

Clerk reminded Council that the next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 due to the holiday on Monday.

Zeiner questioned about the LMI Survey. Clerk informed Council that she had spoken with Laura Moore and was told the majority of the North end of the City had been covered. She will send letters to the ones they missed and also the South end of the City. She would come back on a Saturday and visit those that didn't return the letter to her. She told Mayor Riggs that they should be done by the end of the month.

Zeiner suggested on the Joint Water Project that Elmdale pay their percentage and the other 3 entities pay 1/3 each as it was originally stated. Sisson made a motion for this but it died for lack of a second. Zeiner stated that we need to know what monies are out there. Mayor stated that we know the City will have to put up something. Deb Zeiner stated that in one of the first meetings it was stated that we'd have a better chance as a group applying for grants rather than individuals.

Zeiner made a motion to approve time sheets, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to approve overtime, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to pay bills #17096 to #17123, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Klamm made a motion to adjourn, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

MINUTES---JANUARY 19, 2009

The regular meeting of the City Council of Cottonwood Falls was held at the USD #284 Conference Room on January 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

Those present were Mayor Dan Riggs, Council Members Charles Klamm, Buddy Sisson, Brian Groh, Bob Sturms, Jim Zeiner, City Attorney Bill North and Supervisor Ron Lake.

Klamm made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Bruce Boettcher of BG Engineers met with Council to discuss the Stimulus Package and possible funding to agencies. He suggested that if we had something we wanted or needed done that we need to make up our wish list right away. Mayor Riggs stated this might be a good thing to explore for our water lines. Beottcher stated this could be separate or used with the Interlocal Project. He mentioned this could be sewer, pool house, community building, etc. Groh asked is this could be used on Pearl Street repair, Boettcher said it's possible.

Sue Smith of the Emma Chase Café met with Council again to see if they agreed to rent her 220 _ Broadway. She stated she would increase her offer per month to $431.41 to cover taxes and insurance. Sturms made a motion to rent the building to her, Klamm seconded and motion carried. Riggs asked if the City could use the Commissioners room for storage. Smith agreed to this request. She also stated that the Courtroom would be available anytime the City needed it for Council Meetings. Smith asked about moving the wooden fold up chairs and tables from the T-Building to 220 _ Broadway so she could use them and there wouldn't be a problem if someone else needed to use them. Mr. North will draw up a contract.

Deb Teter representing the CCHS Alumni Association met with Council requesting use of the T-Building (in case of rain), Veterans Memorial Gazebo, permission for the Parade and block off Broadway from Cottonwood Mercantile to the Courthouse for a street dance, all on the weekend of June 25th thru 27th. Zeiner made a motion to approve her requests, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Martin Garrison met with Council with complaints about the contractors and individuals starting projects before they apply for a Building Permit. Mayor Riggs stated that for years we didn't demand permits and now we have to educate the contractors and individuals. Zeiner made a motion to run an ad for 2 weeks reminding people and contractors to get permits prior to the starting of a project, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Sturms made a motion for a 20-minute executive session for attorney/client, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Returning to regular session, no action was taken.

Zeiner made a motion for a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Returning to regular session, Klamm made a motion for city crew to check the contents of the house at 401 Sycamore, Sisson seconded and motion carried. If anything is worth salvaging, it will be boxed up for a sale or auction at a later date.

Groh made a motion to hire Jay Scott to demolish the house at 401 Sycamore for $3000.00, Sturms seconded and motion carried. It won't be demolished until after the vehicle auction is completed on January 31, 2009.

Lake stated the scraper on the basin broke last Wednesday. General Filters told Lake it could possibly be the bottom bearing. Lake stated that they will have to drain the clarifier and see if they can turn it, if so, it's not the bearing. Lake will start draining it at 4:00 AM on Tuesday. The price of a new bearing kit is not known at this time. If it is the bearing, we'll have to hire someone to fix it.

Lake reported the Golf Cart now has turn signals and they've been cleaning curb and gutters.

Klamm thanked Lake for filling the ruts at the RV Park.

Sturms requested that possibly some cement be put in the hole at the entryway at the Elementary School. The crew puts in gravel and the busses turning drags it back out. Lake suggested possibly using hot mix.

Sturms suggested a plan be made as to street work that needs to be done. Lake also mentioned sewer lines that need work. He suggested a manhole be put at 1st & Vine and new lines ran from Mulberry to Vine on 1st Street.

Deb Zeiner suggested that Lake make up a 5 year plan as to what he feels needs to be corrected. It was suggested to have APAC Shears look at Pearl Street from Elm to the Highway for repair of the brick street along with curb and gutters.

Groh asked if the pool was equipped with a safety guard on the drain. Lake explained the drains, but didn't know if they had safety guards. He will check on that. Sisson asked if we were installing the new diving board and Lake stated that the last thing he knew was the Pool Manager didn't want it as it wasn't high enough.

Klamm made a motion to approve Exchange National Bank as the Official Depository, Groh seconded and motion carried.

Groh made a motion to approve the Chase County Leader News as the Official Newspaper, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Groh made the motion to approve Bill North as the City Attorney, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to name Judge Doug Jones as the Municipal Judge, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Sturms made a motion to name Barb Davis as the Municipal Court Clerk, Zeiner seconded and motion carried.

Groh made a motion to approve Shirley A Lincoln as City Clerk, Sturms
seconded and motion carried.

Klamm made a motion to approve Resolution 2009-1 (GAAP), Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Sturms made a motion to approve a Building Permit for Ruth Childs garage and rebuilding a porch at 127 Pearl, Groh seconded and motion carried.

Klamm made a motion to approve Ordinance #908 (Identify Theft Program), Zeiner seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner mentioned that Governor Sebelius is trying to get bills passed that would take away several different taxes the city collects and wants all to contact their representatives and let them know that they should vote against this.

Sturms made a motion to approve Zeiner attending a Personnel Management Meeting if he can in Salina on February 7 for a price of $75.00, Groh seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner gave Council a list for the Cottonwood Falls Web site and stated that he wants more to put on it.

Sturms attended the MIMS meeting and said there were 16 in attendance.

Zeiner stated that James Grizzard has resigned from the Planning Committee due to family health problems and his year was up also.

Zeiner made a motion to approve time sheets, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to approve overtime, Groh seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to pay bills #17051 to #17095, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Klamm made a motion to adjourn, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

MINUTES---JANUARY 5, 2009
The regular meeting of the City Council of Cottonwood Falls was held on January 5, 2009 at the USD #284 Conference Room at 7:00 PM.

Those present were Mayor Dan Riggs, Council Members Charles Klamm, Brian Groh, Buddy Sisson, Jim Zeiner, Bob Sturms, City Attorney Bill North and Supervisor Ron Lake.

Klamm made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting with a spelling correction of Groh instead of Grog, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Sue Smith of the Emma Chase Café met with Council to answer questions concerning her proposal to rent the building at 220 _ Broadway. Sturms stated to Smith that he was very impressed with her proposal she presented at the November 17, 2008 meeting. He asked if she'd decided on a name for the business. She named several ideas but had not decided as of yet.

Sisson stated that someone else has asked about the building. Zeiner suggested that we advertise to give others a chance. Clerk will run an ad for 2 weeks, with closing date at 5:00 PM on January 19, 2009.

Mayor Riggs asked Smith about the city using the courtroom for Council meetings. Smith wasn't sure as they would be keeping musical instruments in there. She suggested the City use right in front of the front door, and there would be tables and chairs available.

Smith stated that she would only rent the building out if she were going to be there. She had no problem letting the prom be there in April as the vendors booths wouldn't be put in until May. The matter was tabled until the next meeting.

Terry Porter met with Council to volunteer to serve as the Dangerous Structure Officer. Mayor Riggs stated that we'll have to run advertisement for this position also. He also stated that it's not imperative that we pick one right now, but Porter would be included on our list of applicants.

Martin Garrison, representing the Planning Committee, met with Council to discuss concerns of the Committee. He stated that no one knows how to be on this committee and we have no authority. Mayor Riggs discussed the Dan's Electric Building Permit that the Council has approved. He told Garrison that we have another one for Ruth Childs who wants to build a garage and replace the back porch at 127 Pearl that they could look at and check the setbacks, etc. He also stated that if they don't want to do it, then disband and we'll go our separate ways. Zeiner stated that the Planning Committee needs to add 3 new members to bring it to full capacity. Clerk was instructed to run an ad for the open positions.

Mayor Riggs adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM so Council could go to 220 1/2 Broadway to look at the ATV/Golf Cart that Lake had gotten from Michael Swartz. Returning to regular session, Sisson stated that he doesn't see any reason to purchase this for one job. Lake stated that it could be used for fogging, patching streets, meter reading, etc. Sisson also stated that he couldn't see any reason for the City to own 2 backhoes and 3 trucks. Lake stated that it was nice if one of them broke down and there are times that both or all are used at the same time.

Sturms made a motion to have a discussion and purchase this golf cart/atv for a price of $3500.00 from Michael Swartz. It would have to include all lights be working properly and the turn signals fixed, Zeiner seconded and motion carried. Lake stated that an enclosure would cost $900.00 and Swartz would not pay for that.

Lake reported that they have fixed the crossing light so it won't turn in the wind. The City is required to maintain the lights.

Lake gave Council a list of streets that he thinks should be on the "fix street" list. Council will discuss it at the next meeting.

Mr. North stated that he has spoken with John Cox, owner of 401 Sycamore. Mr. Cox stated that Alta Ward (his grandmother) gave him all the real estate and also gave him the title to the 1966 Chevrolet 4S, but didn't sign it.

North stated that Alta Ward had 6 grandchildren but don't know their names or their whereabouts. Cox can sign a Claim of Affidavit. North stated that they can issue a title if the car is auctioned off. Klamm stated that it would solve the City's problem if an individual would clean up the property. Cox had stated that he would sign everything over to a local individual, but never has.

Sisson made a motion to hold the vehicle auction on January 31, 2009 at 10:00 AM at 401 Sycamore. Purchaser has one week to remove the vehicle. Ads will run in the Chase County Leader News, Emporia Gazette and the Shopper once each week for 2 weeks.

Sturms made a motion to change $50.00 Gift Certificate for employees at Christmas to $50.00 Meat Bundle, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Klamm made a motion to allow Rural Water to make up the City's Consumer Confidence Report for a price of $50.00, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner asked about the Interlocal Agreement and was told nothing was decided as of yet as we haven't had the LMI Survey completed. Clerk will contact Laura Moore of Pittsburgh State University as to when she'll be doing the survey.

Groh asked about Pearl Street as to if grants were available to fix it from the Historical Society. Deb Zeiner volunteered to check for grant money.

Zeiner made a motion to approve time sheets, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to approve overtime, Klamm seconded and motion carried.

Zeiner made a motion to pay bills #17004 to #17050, Sisson seconded and motion carried.

Klamm made a motion to adjourn, Sturms seconded and motion carried.

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