Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

City Council Meeting Minutes

2009 Third Quarter

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CITY OF COTTONWOOD FALLS
MEETING MINUTES – September 21, 2009

MINUTES--September 21, 2009 - The City Council of Cottonwood Falls met at 7 p.m. on September 8, 2009 at the USD 284 office.

In attendance were Mayor Mike D. Swartz, council members Adam Turner, Bob Sturms, Jim Zeiner and Buddy Sisson, City Attorney William North and City Clerk Deb Zeiner.

The first visitor was Kitty Frank, representing the Drug Free Action Team. Frank presented a Resolution on Stopping Underage Drinking to council, asking for their support by signing the document.

The Resolution states:

Whereas, alcohol is the number one drug of choice among Kansas youth and youth begin drinking as early as age 14; and

Whereas, recent research on adolescent brain development suggests that early heavy alcohol use has negative effects on the actual physical development of the brain; and

Whereas, 33% of Kansas 12th graders reported binge drinking (consuming 5 or more alcoholic drinks in a row) in the last 2 weeks*; and

Whereas, among10th and 12th graders in Kansas, 37% of the 10th graders and 50% of the 12th graders reported drinking alcohol at least once in the past 30 days*; and

Whereas, Kansas youth report easy access to beer or alcohol from social sources such as older family members or friends and report it is also easy to obtain from them*; and

Whereas, alcohol is a contributing factor in the three leading causes of death for teenagers – accidents, youth suicides and homicides; and

Whereas, research-based policies that influence access and consumption of alcohol by minors such as keg registration, the social hosting law, restrictions on furnishing alcohol to minors, and restrictions on alcohol sales in public locations are effective approaches to reducing underage drinking;

Therefore, be it resolved that: City Council, City of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas supports the above-mentioned efforts and pledges to promote educational programs designed to reduce underage drinking in Kansas.

Sisson moved to pass the resolution. Turner seconded and the motion passed 4/0.

There was no report from the city attorney.

Swartz gave the Utility Supervisor Report, as the new supervisor, Randy Talkington, has not yet begun to work for the city. His first day will be Sept. 28.

Swartz said that since the last meeting, the city crew had been working on the list of repairs needed at the swimming pool, spent three days working on helping install a drinking fountain in Swope Park, hauled millings, sprayed for pests, trimmed limbs, picked up limbs, begun to train Rick Batemon on the back hoe, shut off water meters for non-payment, winterized equipment, exposed sewer covers, ordered sewer risers, exposed water lines at the water tower in advance of installation of a new altitude valve system and inventoried city equipment that will be entered in the computer system at the shop.

Sturms said he would like for Batemon to attend water school with Talkington.

City Clerk presented a final version of Ordinance 912, Golf Cart Ordinance, to council. Sisson moved to accept the ordinance. Turner seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Clerk also told Council that a building permit application from Richard Dorneker for construction of a new kitchen at his home at 116 Sycamore had been approved by the Planning Commission. North said it was not necessary for council to approve building permits now that an active planning commission is in place in the city. Once the Planning Commission approves an application, the app is officially approved and needs no council vote.

Zeiner reminded council that at their last meeting she had passed out information on Dangerous Structures that she and Sheriff Dorneker have inspected. Council took no action.

Swartz reported that a contractor will be putting a new roof on 315 Broadway, and also gutting the inside of the building.

After showing council information on Cintas Uniform Service, Sturms moved to contract with Cintas for weekly uniforms for four city crew employees. Turner seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

During the Mayor’s Report, Swartz reported that the contract for construction of the Dollar General was signed on Sept. 17.

Then he reported that he had met with Steve Bechtel of Steve’s Trash Service. In the past, Cottonwood Falls had paid Steve’s for “ … all collected funds.” Bechtel’s expected revenues have fallen short when the city has not collected fees. Swartz has agreed to change the verbage in the contract with Steve’s to read that Bechtel will be paid for all billed accounts. Clerk is looking at the history of collections from the beginning of 2009 to try to ascertain of Bechtel was shorted.

Sturms asked if the Planning Commission could work on Cottonwood Falls having its own trash service.

Then Council discussed the proposed annexation plan.

North said that CWF could not annex an area unless one of several criteria are met. The proposed area does not meet most of the criteria, but north suggested that if the city annex the airport first, the additional area would meet the criteria. The land for the airport was given to the city and remains city property as long as it is used as an airport.

Swartz reported that he had talked to the landowner of most of the land in the proposed area and that she wants to protect her property from trailer house development.

North will check with the FAA to make certain the city proceeds properly. He told the council the next step in the process would be to set a date for a hearing on the proposed annexation. He will bring all of the information to the next meeting.

Zeiner moved to add the airport property to Planning Commission proposal #2 –

2. “We recommend the City Council annex 20 acres south of Eighth Street, west of 177 and east of the airport. This property should be rezoned as residential only. We highly recommend that mobile homes not be allowed in this area. This area will need to be rezoned, as part of it is zoned R3.”

Sturms seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Sturms reported for the Street, Alley and Property Committee. He had an extensive list of streets that had been worked on, are being worked on or will be worked on.

Sturms made a motion for the city to work on ditches on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh from Cedar to Vine. Sisson seconded and the motion carried..

Then Sturms moved to purchase millings for $14/ton; a total of 800 tons from APAC for a cost of $11,200. Turner seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Sturms asked if weight tickets were being obtained when the city purchases millings and Swartz reported that the city crew will be working on replacing a broken bridge railing.

Sisson and Zeiner reported on Parks & Recreation. Zeiner said that at the last meeting, Council had voted to replace grass around the flag pole on the bridge. He asked if the grass could be moved somewhere when the bricks are put down around the pole.

Sisson will get a quote from Ron Love to remove a large tree that is wedged on the bridge.

John Maddox met with council to discuss the importance of using a chemical wash as part of the restoration of the shelter house in Swope Park.

After Maddox spoke, Sisson moved to include the entire amount of the quote Maddox had made on restoring the shelter house. At the Sept. 8 council meeting, Council had approved $4450 of the proposal. Sisson moved to approve the entire bid, approximately $9,000.

Zeiner seconded the motion, which carried 4/0.

Maddox also presented a bid for restoration of the entrance to Swope Park – to replace crumbling bricks with limestone, restore the footings and caps. The bid was $3,350.

Sisson moved to accept the bid. Sturms seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Zeiner reported for the Economics, Taxation and Finance Committee. He said that he had been researching city worker’s compensation losses, discussing them with insurance administrator Kirk Engle. The two had found several claims, dating back to 2005, that were never brought before council. In the future, Zeiner said, such claims should be brought to council.

Zeiner reported that he knows someone with the League of Kansas Municipalities who would be willing to visit with council about Worker’s Comp.

Zeiner also talked about a letter Martin Garrison had asked be given to council members.

Then Zeiner moved to approve time cards. Turner seconded and the motion carried.

Zeiner moved to approve bills #17867 – 17912. Sturms seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

The meeting was adjourned.

CITY OF COTTONWOOD FALLS
MEETING MINUTES – September 8, 2009

MINUTES--September 8, 2009 - The City Council of Cottonwood Falls met at 7 p.m. on September 8, 2009 at the USD office.

In attendance were Mayor Mike D. Swartz, council members Adam Turner, Brian Groh, Bob Sturms, Jim Zeiner and Buddy Sisson and City Clerk Deb Zeiner.

Swartz opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Council member Brian Groh moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Sturms seconded and the minutes were approved 5/0.

There was no report from the city attorney.

Swartz told council that city crews had been working placing millings on Fifth Street and will begin the process of sealing Fifth Street as soon as the weather cooperates. Crews have also been working on repairing drainage on Spring Street, replaced and repaired electrical outlets on light poles downtown and on the bridge, trimmed trees and repaired broken water lines.

Council discussed a proposed golf cart ordinance, making suggestions of requirements they would like to see included in the ordinance that include a $50 - $75 annual registration fee, requiring head/tail lights, flag poles on the back of each cart, turn signals and brake lights. Clerk will make additions to the proposed ordinance for the next meeting.

Clerk presented Council with six suggested properties for placement on a dangerous structures list. Sheriff Dorneker and the clerk have inspected the properties and taken photos of each. Council will discuss the properties at the next meeting to decide the next step.

Zeiner made a motion to add Earlyne Mercer’s name at Exchange National Bank to allow her access to the safety deposit box and to be able to cash CDs. Sturms seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Sturms moved to add Jim Zeiner’s name to the safe deposit box and to be able to cash CDs for transfer. Groh seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Those authorized by council to have access to city accounts are: Checking – Earlyne Mercer, Cindy Kelsheimer and Mike D. Swartz; Safe Deposit Box – Mercer and Jim Zeiner and approved to cash CDs for transfer – Mercer and Jim Zeiner.

Groh moved to allow Mercer follow the recommendation of auditors Aldrich & Company to transfer funds as she reallocates city accounts per the auditors. Turner seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Sturms moved to approve $50 in cash for water receipts and $100 for petty cash at the office. Zeiner seconded and the motion carried.

Zeiner moved to approve Gordon Watts joining the Planning Commission. Groh seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Visitor Ron Scott, representing the Chamber of Commerce, told council that Oct. 10 would be the date of the Fall Clean Up. At this point, Scott is hoping Lyon Co. will waive dumping fees that day. As in the past, this will be a “Haul Your Own’ opportunity, or residents can call City Hall and ask to be on a list of those who need someone to pick up their trash. The cost will be $275.00.

During his Mayor’s Report, Swartz and Council discussed the recommendations made by the Planning Commission at the last meeting. Swartz said he is not in favor of annexing the airport, recommendation #1 - “We recommend that the City Council annex the property owned by the city known as the airport property. This will help future annexation of properties in the area,” but was supportive of the other recommendations.

Sturms moved to accept recommendations 2, 3 and 4:

2. “We recommend the City Council annex 20 acres south of Eighth Street, west of 177 and east of the airport. This property should be rezoned as residential only. We highly recommend that mobile homes not be allowed in this area. This area will need to be rezoned, as part of it is zoned R3.”

3. “We recommend that any mobile home that is currently outside of the R3 zone in the City of Cottonwood Falls, if removed for any reason, should not be allowed to be replaced with another mobile home. Once removed, the property should revert to residential zoning.”

4. “In the future, any mobile home which is installed in the current R3 zoned area shall not be more than 15 years old.”

Turner seconded and the motion carried 5/0 in favor of accepting Planning Commission recommendations 2, 3 and 4.

Swartz requested that council meet in executive session at the request of Sturms for the purpose of discussing Dollar General. The session lasted from 7:32 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. Council returned taking no action.

Then Council discussed the Utility Supervisor vacancy . Swartz, Turner and Groh interviewed two applicants on Sept. 4. The ad has run in the Leader-News two weeks to date.

Both applicants were asked 24 questions, Turner said.

Sturms moved that Council move into Executive Session for non-elected personnel for 15 minutes from 7:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Groh seconded and the motion carried.

When Council returned at 8 p.m., Turner moved to offer the position of Utility Supervisor to Randy Talkington at a starting wage of $15/hr. Groh seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Swartz then updated Council on the Dollar General project, saying that bids on the project will be awarded to general contractors this week and that hopefully area businesses will be hired as subcontractors.

There were no Staff Policy & Relations or Utility Committee reports.

Sturms reported for the Street, Alley and Property Committee. He said that Chad Bledsoe with Seal Tight of Kansas is going to be slurrying one block of Fifth from 177 to Sycamore and that he had asked Bledsoe for a bid to slurry all of Fifth Street. The bid was for $5500 for six additional blocks. APACs bid was $11,092 to do the same area.

Sturms moved to contract with Seal Tight. Sission seconded. After a discussion, the motion carried 5/0.

Sturms said that Seal Tight had presented a bid of $1100 to use city bricks to fill in the grass area at the flag pole on the Cottonwood River Bridge and a bid of $2,000 to seal the cracks on the bridge to prevent further deterioration.

Sturms moved to accept the bids on the bridge. Turner seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Groh asked if there was any sort of agenda for the roads. Sturms and Swartz replied that the recent rains had made it difficult for Harold Steadman to proceed with the project.

Groh suggested that Steadman measure the streets he will need millings for so the city can purchase millings in advance. Sturms will check with Steadman prior to the next meeting.

Brenda Wessel, pool manager, had made a list of requests/repairs for the swimming pool for Council. Copies of the list were in each council member’s file. Her requests, Sisson said, include repairing a crack in the 2 ft. pool, repairing a crack in the floor of the pool that needs to be sealed, repairing cracks around blue tile, painting the baby pool, painting the pool and keeping weeds sprayed inside and along the fence area in and around the pool.

Sisson also recommended repairing/replacing lights in the pool to allow night time swimming and using epoxy paint on the pool.

Sisson also had received two bids on repairing the shelter house – from Luke Koch for $5025 for repair to stone and to repair the grill and from John Maddox to repair joints in the rock, replace missing stones, build a fireplace, clean and stain the concrete caps and seal all stones for $9,000.

Sisson recommends contracting with Maddox to do the repairs this fall. Koch is unavailable until sometime in the Spring of 2010.

After discussion, Sisson moved to accept portions of Maddox’ $4450.00. Sturms seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Sisson asked if city crews could trim the tree at the entrance to Swope Park. It is blocking the Swope Park sign. He also asked that the weeds growing on the fence at the pool could be removed. He also asked if the city could spray for mosquitos. Clerk will write a work order for these situations.

There was no report from the Economics, Taxation and Finance Committee.

Carl Studer, representing the Planning Committee, invited members of the Parks and Recreation Committee to attend the Sept. 9 meeting at City Hall.

Zeiner moved to approve time cards. Groh seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Zeiner moved to approve overtime. Groh seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Zeiner moved to approve paying bills #17809 thru 17866. Sisson seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

Sturms moved to adjourn the meeting. Sisson seconded. The motion carried at approximately 8:35 p.m.

CITY OF COTTONWOOD FALLS
AUGUST 17, 2009

MINUTES--August 17, 2009 - The City Council of Cottonwood Falls met at 7 p.m. on August 17, 2009 at the Community Building.

In attendance were Mayor Mike D. Swartz, Council members Adam Turner, Bob Sturms, Jim Zeiner and Buddy Sisson, City Attorney Bill North and City Clerk Deb Zeiner.

There were an estimated 40 and 50 members of the public in attendance.

Swartz opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Council member Brian Groh was absent.

Sturms moved to approve minutes of the August 3 meeting, with minor corrections. Sisson seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Mike Holder and Steve Mermis were the first visitors to meet with council. They reported that the Chase County Development, Inc. group has approved the Chase County Revitalization Plan and that USD 284 and Strong City have each approved the plan.

Sisson moved that Cottonwood Falls adopt the plan; Zeiner seconded and the motion carried. The resolution will be published twice prior to a public hearing.

Next, James Adkins and Carl Studer representing the Planning Commission presented four recommendations regarding mobile home placement in Cottonwood Falls.

The recommendations Adkins read were:

1. “We recommend that the City Council annex the property owned by the city known as the airport property. This will help future annexation of properties in the area.”

2. “We recommend the City Council annex 20 acres south of Eighth Street, west of 177 and east of the airport. This property should be rezoned as residential only. We highly recommend that mobile homes not be allowed in this area. This area will need to be rezoned, as part of it is zoned R3.”

3. “We recommend that any mobile home that is currently outside of the R3 zone in the City of Cottonwood Falls, if removed for any reason, should not be allowed to be replaced with another mobile home. Once removed, the property should revert to residential zoning.”

4. “In the future, any mobile home which is installed in the current R3 zoned area shall not be more than 15 years old.”
   

Swartz asked if recommendation #1 includes the airport. Adkins responded that it does.

Council will respond to the recommendations as soon as possible, Swartz said.

Studer invited members of the Parks and Recreation Committee to the Planning Commission meeting on Sept. 9.

Carol Coirier, representing the Chase County Chamber of Commerce, asked the Council for permission to borrow 90 chairs from the T-Building for the Wranglers on the River on Sept. 7. The Chamber also asked for 4 barricades to be set up downtown and for permission to use plug-ins on the street lights on Broadway.

Council will check with Utility Supervisor Ron Lake to determine whether or not all of the light poles are usable.

Coirier also asked if a covered wagon can park in the lot behind the Municipal Building on Sept. 7. Vendors will be set up downtown on the sidewalks in front of businesses that give permission for the vendors to be set up there.

Shirley Lincoln reported that the Chamber has asked the vendor bringing exotic animals to the event to provide the city for a proof of insurance.

Then Swartz addressed the members of the public attending the meeting.

He welcomed everyone to the City Council meeting and said he would address the Council’s consideration of selling the Municipal Building, and asked for minimal input from those who had not asked to be on the agenda.

Swartz said the Council is exploring possible interest in selling the building and would be getting a value on the building in case the council decides to list it for sale. He said the council would remain open to input from the community and promised no action would be taken without giving the community an opportunity to address Council.

In response to a question, Swartz responded that the possible sale of the Municipal Building would be to liquidate city assets, not to make money or generate income for the city.

Swartz told the audience that the Council will hold a Town Hall meeting prior to any sale of the Municipal Building.

Then Council moved on to hold the 2010 Budget Hearing. There were no questions, so Sturms moved to accept the budget; Sisson seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

City Attorney North reported that he approved of the proposed Parks Ordinance #910 and that the proposed Golf Carts Ordinance would need some tweaking.

Since Lake was not at the meeting, Sturms asked to talk about the $93,216.04 bid received from APAC and accepted by Council on July 20. Sturms had made the motion to accept the bid.

He asked why there had never been any competition on bids – that APAC always received bids from the city. He then asked to rescind the APAC contract so the Council could evaluate other proposals, particularly an offer from a contractor who offered to put slurry down on one city block to demonstrate his product.

North replied that a signed contract could not be rescinded and recommended keeping the other contractor in mind for future projects. Sturms will ask the contractor to slurry one block of Fifth Street.

Next, Sisson moved to adopt Ordinance 910 – the Parks Ordinance; Zeiner seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Then Swartz gave the Mayor’s Report. He said that the plans for the new Dollar General had been received. The Planning Commission will have the opportunity to review the plans for the next week.

Council went into Executive Session for 10 minutes from 7:40 to 7:50 p.m. for reasons of non-elected personnel. When they returned, they took no action.

Then, Turner moved to accept the resignation of Ron Lake, Utility Supervisor. Sturms seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

There were no Staff Policy & Relations, Utilities or Parks & Recreation Committee reports.

Sturms gave a Streets & Alleys report, talking about the “history” of the current drainage project which Council has approved $35,000 for completion.

Sturms reminded Council of the current projects and expenses to date:

Project 1 is the drainage project – a cap of $35,000.

Project 2 is Fifth Street – moving dirt, crowning the street.

Project 3 covers Fourth and Sycamore at the empty lot of the Alta Ward house – which cost $450.00

Project 4 is the ditches at the Keener Project on Vine - $1,180.00

Project 5 is the Butter driveway - $1,550

Sturms then made a motion that $8,630 of funding be allotted to the 2009 street projects. Turner seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Sturms reported that the driveway project at the home of Chris and Yvonne Passmore was ‘moving along.’

Sisson then asked if an altitude valve had been purchased.

Sisson also asked for a vote on repairs at the shelter house in Swope Park. He will get bids and bring them to the next meeting for discussion.

Council requested that the city crew clean the kiosk in Bates Grove Park and replace the broken Plexiglass. Clerk will make a work order.

Sisson reported that the water fountain installation in Swope Park is still not complete. Swartz had spoken with Jim Redick who said the project would be finished soon.

Economic, Taxation and Finance Committee member Jim Zeiner invited members of the audience to submit information for the www.cottonwoodfallskansas.com website.

Swartz asked the council to approve Sturms working with the new contractor’s slurry process. The contractor had offered to do one block for no cost.

Sturms moved to continue with the APAC contract. Sisson seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Zeiner moved to approve time cards; Sisson seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Zeiner moved to approve overtime expenses, which included work at the water plant, the swimming pool and on water leaks. Sturms seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Zeiner moved to approve bills 17751 to 17808; Sisson seconded and the motion carried 4/0.

Sturms moved to adjourn. Sisson seconded. The motion carried 4/0 and the meeting was adjourned.

CITY OF COTTONWOOD FALLS
AUGUST 3, 2009

MINUTES--August 3, 2009 - The City Council of Cottonwood Falls met at 7 p.m. on August 3, 2009 at the USD 284 office.

In attendance were Mayor Mike D. Swartz, Council members Bob Sturms, Jim Zeiner and Buddy Sisson, Utility Supervisor Ron Lake, City Attorney Bill North and City Clerk Deb Zeiner.

Swartz opened the meeting at 7 p.m. Sturms moved to accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Sisson seconded and the motion carried 3/0.

The first visitors were Elena Rettiger Lincoln, Steve Mermis and Mike Holder, representing Chase County Development, Inc. Lincoln presented council members with copies of the proposed Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for Chase County. She explained that the starting point of the plan is to stimulate economic growth in the county, Cottonwood Falls, Strong City and USD 284.

To participate in the rebate program, applicants will pick up applications at the city office and return them to the county appraiser’s office with a $25 application fee. Rebates will be based on improvements to a property of $10,000 minimum, but should a property only be deemed to have, for example, an $8,000 increase in value, then the property owner will receive the rebate for $8,000.

Swartz asked if Chase County Development, Inc. has approved the plan yet, saying the city would not approve a resolution agreeing to participate in the program until it has been approved by CCDI. The three will return to the Aug. 17 council meeting and Lincoln will email a copy of a proposed resolution adopting the plan to the clerk and North.

Next, the council met Amy Allen, auditor with Aldrich and Company. Allen had recently audited the city and presented the results to council.

Then Janis Meyer of Pool & Wright presented a proposed 2010 Budget for Cottonwood Falls. She said she believes Cottonwood Falls could begin to back down somewhat on the amount of mill levy assessed, but kept the levy at the same level (80.74) as 2009 at the request of Mayor Swartz as well as a limit of $180,000 on streets.

Should the city raise utility rates, the budget can be amended, Meyer said.

The public budget hearing will be Aug. 17, 2009. Aug. 25 is the date to take the budget to the county treasurer.

Steve Schlup and Carl Studer, representing the Planning Committee, clarified the group’s annexation recommendation. The amount of land annexed at one time cannot be more than 21 acres. They recommend first annexing 21 acres of land from the south side of Eighth Street, between the airport and Kansas Highway 177.

Council member Zeiner asked Schlup about the placement of mobile homes in Cottonwood Falls. Schlup responded that no mobile homes are allowed in the city except in the designated area in the south end of town referred to as R3.

Utility Supervisor Lake reported that since the last meeting, he and the crew had repaired a water leak at Sixth and Oak, the swimming pool, installed culverts on Pine, painted stripes downtown, put millings down on Cherry, Mill and other streets, placed fire rings in Bates Grove Park, mowed and weed-eated, hauled limbs, read water meters and performed other duties.

He also reported that John Maddox had quoted repairs to the shelter house for $9,000.00. Sisson asked that the bid be itemized.

Lake also brought his wish list for the budget process. His list included a trailer to use to haul lawnmowers, a new ditch mower, a paint striping machine, a wacker packer and a vac truck.

Bill North reported that he had sent members a copy of the agreement with Galaxy Cablevision.

City Clerk reported that the city had been double charging for garbage collection at the Senior Center since the 1990s. Two different entities had been paying the city each month for garbage at the center, and the overcharge had not been noticed by the previous clerk.

Sturms moved to reimburse Chase County $2,507.46; Zeiner seconded and the motion carried 3/0.

Council requested that “No Weapons” signs be placed in city parks, per Mr. North from H.B. 2528..

Zeiner moved and Sturms seconded to go into Executive Session for 10 minutes from 8:50 p.m. to 9 p.m. The motion carried 3/0.

Upon returning, Swartz announced that the city is going to stop the use of city trucks being by employees to return home or on personal business after or during business hours, except when they are on call for the Water Department, for the supervisor only.

Zeiner moved and Sturms seconded that effective Sept. 1, 2009, this policy would be implemented. The motion carried.

Swartz then reported that while Cottonwood Falls was not awarded a CDBG Stimulus grant, he has asked for bids on the project so Council can see if part or all of the project could be undertaken any way.

Sisson asked why the grant was rejected and Swartz explained that it was because KDOT defined the project as a multi-stage project and not valid for application.

Then Council agreed by concensus to explore the possibility of putting the Municipal Building on the real estate market, to try to bring the building 100% on to the tax rolls, hopefully generating sales tax revenue for the city.

Swartz said if the building would sell, the city could purchase another building in downtown Cottonwood Falls.

He then said that the city needs to correct a drainage problem in Swope Park. A large part of the drainage problems in the south end of town are because the drainage ditch that runs behind the park is dammed up with trees, weeds, rocks, etc., blocking water from running west to the creek.

Swartz proposed working with the Fair Board and the County to clean the ditch and put a maintenance program in place.

This needs to take place to help solve potential drainage problems with the proposed construction of a Dollar General at the intersection of Union and Walnut (K177) in Cottonwood Falls.

Mayor Swartz met on August 3 with Phyllis Rausch, Kay Lauer and Sheriff Dorneker to inspect Lauer’s building in downtown Cottonwood Falls at 315 Broadway. The roof has failed, the interior is deteriorated and black mold is growing in the building. Swartz asked if the city council would give Lauer 45 days to make repairs to the building.; however, the roof will be repaired immediately.

Zeiner made a motion to give Lauer 45 days to repair the building. Sturms seconded and the motion carried.

During Committee Reports, Sturms reported that Harold Steadman is moving ahead with the street/culvert project in the south end of town. He recommended that some of the extra dirt that has been generated from the project be used to crown Fifth Street. Council approved by consensus.

Sturms also asked about a lot at 401 Sycamore that needs to be cleaned. He wondered if the city could purchased such lots around town.

Sturms said the street project has cost approximately $24,000 to date.

In the Parks and Recreation report, Sisson asked when the swimming pool will close for the season. He wants to be able to begin repairs and improvements this fall in anticipation of next season and would like Brenda to make a list of suggestions she might have of things that need to be done to the facility.

Zeiner asked about electrical service to the pool, T-Building, pads, refreshment stand, barns, etc. in Swope Park. He’d like to see the electrical charges broken down to try to determine usage by different groups. At this time, charges for the pool may inaccurately reflect usage by the pool.

Swartz agreed, saying it isn’t right for the city to be paying for everything when another group like the Rec Commission is paid from a mill levy and gets free utilities.

In Old Business, Sisson asked about the Keener residence and the status of the ditch in front of the property. Swartz said he had spoken with Keeners and told him that his ditches will be worked on soon. When the ditches are reworked, Keener has agreed to cooperate with the city, maintain his property and no longer pile limbs in the street.

Then Sisson asked if an altitude valve had been purchased. Lake said he would order it.

Under New Business, Sisson asked if Fire Chief Howard Simpson could purchase new batteries for cell phones, for $35. By consensus, Council approved.

Zeiner moved to approve time cards. Sisson seconded and the motion carried 3/0.

Zeiner moved to approve checks 17710 through 17750. Sisson seconded and motion carried 3/0.

NOTE: With Council approval, the check numbers to be approved need to be amended to read #17693 through 17750. The check numbers highlighted on the print out presented to council did not include the proper sequence of check numbers.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

CITY OF COTTONWOOD FALLS
MINUTES – JULY 20, 2009

MINUTES--July 20, 2009 - In attendance were Brian Groh, Buddy Sisson, Adam Turner, Ron Lake, Jim Zeiner, Bob Sturms, Mayor Mike D. Swartz, City Clerk Deb Zeiner, City Attorney Bill North, Jim Adkins, Steve Schlup, Carl Studer, David and Evangeline Talkington, Martin Garrison and Jerry Schwilling.

Mayor Swartz called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Sturms moved to approve the minutes of the July 6 meeting, with one change to the spelling of the month ‘July’ on page 2. Turner seconded and the motion carried 5/0.

The first order of business was to meet with Adkins, Schlup and Studer, members of the Planning Commission. Schlup explained to Council that the group had three recommendations for the city.