Norton City Council Minutes For February 7, 2018

NOTE:  The following minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

February 7, 2018

The Norton City Council met in regular session Wednesday, February 7, 2018, 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.  Mark Dewees was absent.  Others present were Larry Lyles, Robert Bowman, Dana Paxton, Jamie Amlong, Gerry Cullumber, Karen Griffiths, Chad Buckley, and Darla Ellis.

Chief of Police Gerry Cullumber led those present in the Flag Salute.  Larry Lyles gave the invocation.

Motion was made by Ron Briery and seconded by Dennis Gilhousen to approve the January 17, 2018 city council meeting minutes as written.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

The following building permit was presented:

Dollar General  – $ 1,000 – Install 2 storage containers at 309 E. Holme

Motion was made by Dennis Gilhousen and seconded by Chriss McDiffett to waive the formal second reading of Ordinance #1711, amending Article 206 of Chapter 15 of the City Code, as amended, with the clarification that the City is responsible for the maintenance of the water service from the water main to the first valve closest to the water main.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Chriss McDiffett and seconded by Gary Lacy to accept the following reappointments: Sandy Bhatka, Mick Miller, Wendy Reedy, and Toby Kuhn to the Tourism Committee with terms expiring in February of 2020; Jennifer Hendrickson and August Muehe to the Housing Authority Board with terms expiring in February of 2022; and Robert Bowman and Lee Russell to the Planning Commission with terms expiring in February of 2021.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Gerry Cullumber reported the City is still being considered for the computer grant that was applied for.  Six candidates were interviewed for the Police Officer position and a follow-up interview on one of the candidates has been scheduled.  Chief Cullumber also reported the Police Department is hosting a free informational seminar regarding internet fraud and scam schemes at the Public Library on February 28 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  The public is invited to attend.

Motion was made by Dennis Gilhousen and seconded by Gary Lacy to offer the position of Apprentice Lineman to John Renner at a starting salary of 6-B on the city payscale.  He will be available to start on February 12.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Chad Buckley reported a pre-bid meeting will be held Thursday at 11 a.m., for prospective bidders to view the City’s electrical facilities and ask questions regarding the electric grant project.  The engineers will be present with the plans and specifications for the project.  He also reported he plans to replace a few windows each year in the NWKLS building so it is more energy efficient.

Chriss McDiffett reported a public meeting was held Monday at the Library to discuss financing of the proposed street improvements for Valley Vista, Woods, Wilberforce and Brown. The residents in the proposed area will meet next Monday to come to a consensus regarding whether to proceed with the project.  Jerry Jones asked about the timing of replacing West Street if the proposed streets are replaced.  Chriss stated West Street is more of a main thoroughfare rather than a residential street, so he thought the City would use grant funds or other means to replace West Street.

Motion was made by Chriss McDiffett and seconded by Gary Lacy to approve First State Bank’s curb and sidewalk replacement request at State and Main to remove the pod and install new curb and sidewalk, with the City providing the labor and First State Bank paying the cost of 12 yards of concrete.  This project will be done as soon as the weather allows.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Jerry Jones asked what can be done to fix Valley Drive in Westridge Acres.  Chad stated the heavy snow storm created problems; it needs to be dug out and a good base put under it before it can be fixed correctly.  Jerry also asked why there are safety cones in front of Bullseye Media on S. Kansas. Chad stated there is a drop off area and it can’t be redesigned until the transformers on the corner are taken out.

Dennis Gilhousen reported the Utility Committee met with KMEA representatives regarding what they can offer the City and they reviewed the pros and cons of demand meters.  The Utility Committee also discussed the filtering system at the water plant and will be getting more information to discuss further.

Gary Lacy reported the Finance Committee met and discussed financing options for the City’s share of the proposed street improvement project and also discussed the filtration system at the water plant.

Ron Briery stated the Public Safety Committee met and talked about bunker gear for the fire department.  The Fire Chief is getting quotes to present to the committee.  They also discussed the possibility of lease purchasing a new fire truck.

Motion was made by Gary Lacy and seconded by Chriss McDiffett to approve the following 2017 write-offs, and proceed with the collection process, with the collection fee being assessed as an additional cost as authorized by Ordinance #1700:

2017 UTILITY WRITE-OFFS

Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Chriss McDiffett and seconded by Jerry Jones to approve Appropriating Ordinance #3 as a whole.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Ron Briery to adjourn.  Council adjourned at 6:14 p.m.