NOTE: The following minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.
December 20, 2017
The Norton City Council met in regular session Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Jim Miller presiding. Council members present were Jerry Jones, Dennis Gilhousen, Chriss McDiffett, Gary Lacy, and Ron Briery. Jeff Urban was absent. Others present were Karla Reed, Mark Dewees, Robert Bowman, Dana Paxton, Cynthia Cullumber, Jamie Amlong, Dan Bainter, Dan Sisk, Jan Maley, Gerry Cullumber, Jody Enfield, Crystal Richard, Amanda Dreher, Derek Hoskinson, Karen Griffiths, Chad Buckley, and Darla Ellis. Chief of Police Gerry Cullumber led those present in the Flag Salute.
Motion was made by Ron Briery and seconded by Dennis Gilhousen to approve the December 6, 2017 council meeting minutes. Vote taken. Motion carried.
The following building permit was presented:
Herbie Johnson – $ 1,200 – Reroofing at 403 E. Washington
Karla Reed stated she needs a little more time for the cleanup of her property located at 814 N. Grant. City Administrator Chad Buckley reported the following issues have not been completed which were itemized in Resolution #13-2017: removing the tree on the northwest corner near the house; treat or replace the boarded up window on the northwest side of the house; repaint and repair around the doors, windows, eaves and trim; get glass installed in window on the south side of the garage; finish replacing the garage siding on the north, south and west side of the garage; finish repairing the roof of the garage; and paint the garage doors on the east side. Karla stated the tree cannot come down until this spring. She stated she would have things done within 90 days if she could get a 90 day extension. Motion was made by Ron Briery and seconded by Jerry Jones to grant Karla Reed a 90 day extension to get the remaining items listed above completed. Vote taken. Motion carried. Karla left the meeting at 5:34 p.m.
Chad Buckley stated Ed Berlier plans to have the house at 514 N. Second Street torn down between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Karen Griffiths reported she is composing a letter to Norton County, requesting that the terms of the Agreement for Communication and Jail Services be renegotiated.
Chief of Police Gerry Cullumber stated he asked Officer Amanda Dreher to attend tonight and report on the Blue Santa project which she organized. Officer Dreher reported Blue Santa raised $1,683.67 to purchase gifts for children in need. The Police Department and Sheriff’s Office worked together with the Lion’s Club and the Norton Chamber of Commerce this year. Gifts were delivered on December 16, with help from the Norton Legion Riders. Amanda stated they were very pleased with the turn out and have big plans for next year.
Chief Cullumber stated Officer Amanda Dreher and the Police Department were complimented for their involvement in the community at a recent Lion’s Club meeting. He presented a Letter of Commendation to Officer Dreher, to acknowledge the significant contributions she has made to the Police Department and the community over the past year. Amanda represented the department to promote “Blue Santa” as well as “Trunk or Treat”. He stated a goal of the Police Department is to strengthen ties with the community while delivering a professional level of service. He thanked her for her dedication and hard work.
City Administrator Chad Buckley reported the short power outage on Friday allowed the City to change over to the new transformer. Only one airport hangar remains to be numbered. The handicapped parking stall at the Post Office has been painted and a sign has been installed. All but two directional signs have been installed. The new bucket truck and the new Public Works pickup have been delivered. Chad also reported that Gerry Beiker with KMEA would like to meet with the Utility Committee on January 24, 2018.
Chad Buckley stated he is giving his 60 day notice as required in his employment contract and resigning as the City Administrator of the City of Norton. He will be assuming the responsibilities of City Administrator of the City of Lyons as of March 1, 2018. He asked that the Council respect, trust and honor the service of the employees, especially the department heads, and also asked that he be allowed to finish strong as the City Administrator.
Motion was made by Jerry Jones and seconded by Ron Briery to adopt Resolution #16-2017, making a determination that there will be no automatic escalator for sewer service charges for the year beginning January 1, 2018. Vote taken. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Jerry Jones and seconded by Ron Briery to adopt Resolution #17-2017, making a determination that there will be no automatic escalator for solid waste collection charges for the year beginning January 1, 2018. Vote taken. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Jerry Jones and seconded by Ron Briery to apply a 2% cost of living adjustment to the city pay scale for 2018. Vote taken. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Jerry Jones and seconded by Ron Briery to contribute $5,000 from the water fund to the Secure Sebelius Lake Fund. Vote taken. Motion carried.
Jerry Jones stated the City has made $11,545 from the sale of vehicles this year through PurpleWave. He also stated he read that the County Commissioners are applying for money for the repair of Washington Street. He asked Chad to look into this and see if the City could apply for some of these funds also, to repair W. Washington Street inside the city limits, or put money aside so the City could fix it at the same time the County is making repairs. Jerry also asked Chad to communicate with Total regarding their water leak and find out when they plan to fix the leak.
Dennis Gilhousen stated he has heard positive comments about the new street signs and they are a great addition to the community. He also has heard positive comments about the City’s work to increase the amount of Christmas lights this year.
Dennis stated he has worried about getting the City Administrator’s resignation for several months now, and thinks there are some things that could have been done to avoid it.
Jamie Amlong stated there are a few issues at the wastewater plant that need discussed and asked if the Utility Committee could meet. A Utility Committee meeting was scheduled for December 21 at 3 p.m.
Motion was made by Ron Briery and seconded by Jerry Jones to approve Appropriating Ordinance #24 as a whole. Vote taken. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Ron Briery to recess, to reconvene on Thursday, December 28 at 5:00 p.m. Council recessed at 5:58 p.m.
