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CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 5, 2007
7:30 P.M.
The Council of the City of Augusta, Kansas met in regular session on March 5, 2007, with Mayor Ross Rountree presiding. Council present were Holly Harper, Douglas Marr, Michael Huddleston, Ken Bratton, Paul Oliver, Mike Rawlings, Robert Griffith and Roger Chrislip. Also present: City Manager Bill Keefer, Assistant to the City Manager JJ Allen, City Attorney David All, City Clerk Erica Jones, and Park Department Superintendent Cy Ricker. Visitors present were: Michael McDermott, Willis Wilson, Shirlene Jacobs-Burleson, Scott Cheslic, and Thomas Leffler.
Prayer: Pastor Ken Becker, First Southern Baptist Church gave the invocation.
Minutes Council: Minutes of the February 20, 2007 council meeting were reviewed. Marr made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2007 council meeting. Harper seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Appropriations:
February (2A): Council considered appropriations in the amount of $290,995.74. Marr inquired about the payment to the City of El Dorado in the amount of $1,774.85 for raw water. Jones stated that the payment was the outstanding amount due on the 2006 take or pay agreement. Harper asked about the payment to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $50.97. Keefer stated that it was for a garnishment. Huddleston asked if the payment to the Wichita Eagle was for an ad for the open position at the Wastewater Plant. Keefer stated that it was. Chrislip made a motion to approve Ordinance 2A totaling $290,995.74. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
New Business:
Dump Site Clean Up: Council reviewed and discussed the KDHE Dump Site # 1 Clean Up Feasibility Study with Willis Wilson from Aqua Tech Engineering. Wilson explained that this dump site was used in the 1950’s through 1968. Wilson stated that there is exposed metal along the bank of the river that caught KDHE’s attention. KDHE has requested that the exposed metal be pulled back and re-covered with dirt and native grasses so it will be returned to a wildlife habitat. KDHE has a program that is funded by tipping fees that allows for 100% reimbursement for cleaning up these dump sites. Wilson stated that this area is a bald eagle habitat and therefore the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will provide input and clearance on how the project is completed. Wilson also stated that there are restriction on what trees and how many can be removed. There will also be other permits required for erosion control. Wilson stated that the budget of $140,000 allows for the rental of equipment as well as reimbursement to the City for use of its equipment and for the salaries of the City employees providing the labor. Wilson stated that the Parks Department Superintendent has stated that his staff could assist in this project from Thanksgiving to January 15th. Oliver asked if it would be feasible to allow citizens to obtain a permit to cut down or remove the trees instead of the City renting the equipment to remove them itself. All stated that it would be necessary to check with the City’s liability carrier. Wilson stated that the City would have to have someone at the site to ensure that the wrong trees or too many trees are not cut down and removed. Chrislip asked who would be responsible for any future cleanup. Wilson stated that the City will always be responsible for the cleanup of this site. Chrislip asked what the total expense will be to the City for this project. Wilson stated that there will be no expense to the City except for some employment costs that are not covered, such as workers compensation insurance. Wilson stated that the Study portion of the project is about 99 percent complete. He stated that he has one out of four deeds left to locate. He stated that the portion of the property he has been unsuccessful at locating a deed for was owned by Mr. Watts in 1939 and that the City may have received the property from Mr. Mullins at some point. Wilson stated that he had spent one day at the County Courthouse unsuccessfully trying to locate the deed. Wilson stated that he may have to go to a title company to have the deed located. No action was necessary. If KDHE approves the feasibility study, the funds will be included in their 2008 budget and they will prepare an agreement for the Clean Up Project.
Augusta Municipal Airport: Council then considered approval of the FAA Five-Year ACIP Program for the Augusta Municipal Airport. Marr made a motion to approve the FAA Five-Year ACIP Program for the Augusta Municipal Airport. Bratton seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Access Agreement: Council considered approval of an Access Agreement with Kaneb Pipeline to take soil borings and groundwater samples on city owned property. Huddleston stated that item eight in the agreement states that the owner of property is responsible for any damage to the licensee’s equipment on site. All stated that it is standard contract wording that states if their equipment is damaged on City property, the City is liable. All stated that if the licensee damages City equipment or property the licensee would be liable. Keefer stated that there will be another agreement forth coming as this agreement only allows access to remove the samples. Huddleston asked if the wells will be plugged when they are done. Keefer stated that the wells will be plugged when the sampling is no longer required. Marr stated that the agreement is open ended. Keefer agreed, stating that the agreement is in place until they are finished taking the samples and that this agreement only covers this sample project. Marr asked if the City has any vested interest in the results. Keefer stated that he feels it is a concern due to the property’s proximity to the levee, as the results could have an impact on the levee enhancement project. Rawlings made a motion to approve an Access Agreement with Kaneb Pipeline to take soil borings and groundwater samples on city owned property. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Mowing Services: Council considered approval of a Mowing Services Agreement with Williams Petroleum Services. Marr asked how this agreement would affect the long term mowing after the levee project. Keefer stated that the questions that were raised before about the mowing around the ponds after the levee project will not be affected by this agreement. Keefer stated that would be discussed at a later date. Huddleston asked how many City employees will be attending the HAZWOPER training course. Keefer stated that at least three City employees will be attending the training. Chrislip made a motion to approve a Mowing Services Agreement with Williams Petroleum Services. Griffith seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Resolutions of Advisability: Council then considered approval of Resolutions of Advisability for internal improvements within the Belmont Place Third Addition. Marr made a motion to approve a Resolution of Advisability for water system improvements within the Belmont Place Third Addition. Rawlings seconded the motion. Resolution 2007-01 was approved without opposition. Marr then made a motion to approve a Resolution of Advisability for sewer system improvements within the Belmont Place Third Addition. Rawlings seconded the motion. Resolution 2007-02 was approved without opposition. Rawlings made a motion to approve a Resolution of Advisability for street and storm sewer improvements within the Belmont Place Third Addition. Harper seconded the motion. Resolution 2007-03 was approved without opposition.
Informational Memorandum & Questions:
Rountree – Rountree stated that there is a pothole on Parklane at Highland Drive.
Bratton – Bratton stated that he appreciated Staff providing the comparison of what other cities are doing with regard to special assessments. Bratton asked Allen if he has any written plans on how he wants to move forward at the Airport. Allen stated that he does not currently, but that he does intend to have a Strategic Plan for the Airport.
Huddleston – Huddleston asked Keefer if he knew who had been appointed to the Planning Commission sub-committee. Keefer stated that the sub-committee consists of Connie Thurman, Dave Bisagno, David Berndsen, Bill Keefer, JJ Allen, Nancy Turnage and Dan Allen.
Marr – Marr asked where the Butler County Board of Commissioners will be locating the new South Central Mental Association building in Augusta. Keefer stated that it would be off of Smiles Drive on Whitaker’s property. Marr asked Staff to clarify the Spring Clean Up schedule with regards to Easter and Palm Sunday. Keefer stated that the Spring Clean Up will run from March 31st to April 14th, but will be closed on April 8th for Easter. Marr requested that Staff come up with a tip sheet or handout regarding the tax benefits for the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Keefer stated that he thought the Inspection Department does have information to hand out, but that he would look into it further.
Harper – Harper asked when the street project on Osage, south of Columbia, will be completed. Keefer stated that he would follow up with Staff on this.
Keefer reminded citizens that Ordinance requires that garbage be placed in bags prior to being put in trash containers. Keefer stated that as windy as it has been, loose garbage has been blowing out of the containers and is littering yards. Keefer stated that the City would continue to work with residents, but would appreciate the citizen’s help in keeping trash from blowing around and making a mess.
Adjourn: At 8:20 p.m. Harper made a motion to adjourn. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
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