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CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2008
7:30 P.M.
The Council of the City of Augusta, Kansas met in regular session on June 16, 2008, with Mayor Kristey Williams presiding. Council present were Holly Harper, Michael Huddleston, Douglas Marr, Tom Leffler, Mike Rawlings, Robert Griffith, and Roger Chrislip. Councilman Michael Wallace was absent. Also present: City Manager Bill Keefer, Assistant to the City Manager JJ Allen, City Attorney David All, Airport Manager Tyler Setchell, and City Clerk Erica Jones. Visitors present were: Michael McDermott, Ross Etter, Kim Sumner, Martin Goedecke, and John Black.
Prayer: Reverend Terry Deaver, First Baptist Church gave the invocation.
Minutes: Minutes of the June 2, 2008 council meeting were reviewed. Harper made a motion to approve the Minutes of the June 2, 2008 council meeting. Marr seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Appropriations:
June (6): Council considered appropriations in the amount of $481,866.21. Marr inquired about the payment to Dave’s Tow Service for the Street Department. Keefer stated that a vehicle broke down and had to be towed to the Street Department. Huddleston asked if the payment to Cami Baker for professional services for the court is under the new agreement. Keefer stated that it is. Keefer stated that it rose to $200 this year, and based on the amount of the bill there must still be one or two from last year at the $185 rate. Huddleston inquired about the payment to Goedecke. Keefer stated that it was for the balance of the design for the Streetscape project. Marr made a motion to approve Ordinance 6 in the amount of $481,866.21. Harper seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Old Business:
Cereal Malt Beverage License: Council considered approval of a cereal malt beverage license for Bubba’s Smoked Meat, Inc. for consumption on the premises at 519 State Street. Griffith made a motion to approve a cereal malt beverage license for Bubba’s Smoked Meat, Inc. Marr seconded the motion. Motion carried with Rawlings opposing.
New Business:
Temporary Notes: Council considered approval of a Resolution authorizing the sale of $500,000 in Temporary Notes for internal improvements to Belmont Place 3rd Addition and Stone Lake Estates 3rd phase. Chrislip made a motion to approve Resolution 2008-13 authorizing the sale of $500,000 in Temporary Notes for internal improvements to Belmont Place 3rd Addition and Stone Lake Estates 3rd phase. Rawlings seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Surveying Services: Council considered approval of a Surveying Services Agreement with Goedecke Engineering for the levee enhancement project. Marr asked if there was a budget for this. Keefer stated that there has been money put aside in a project fund for this. Rawlings made a motion to approve a Surveying Services Agreement with Goedecke Engineering for the levee enhancement project. Leffler seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Fuel Trailer Bids: Council considered bids for a fuel trailer at the airport. Williams stated that we no longer have a regular jet fuel customer, and asked how much in jet fuel sales can be expected. Allen stated that there are some transient sales of jet fuel. Allen stated if we do not purchase the new trailer we will continue sinking money into a 1960’s truck or quit selling jet fuel. Allen stated that the goal is to make it more attractive and increase jet traffic. Leffler asked if this is a tandem axle trailer and if this is a stainless steel tank. Setchell stated that it is a tandem axle with a 1000 gallon double hull tank. Leffler made a motion to approve the bid from Hull Welding in the amount of $13,395 for a fuel trailer. Huddleston seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Zoning: Council considered approval of an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 903 State Street from Residential R-1A to Assembly district. Griffith inquired about parking. John Black stated that there will be an issue with parking and that Superintendent Lentz and Keefer are discussing parking options. Keefer stated that continued discussion on the parking issue needs to take place. Griffith asked why the Council should consider changing the zoning if there are still issues with the parking, and asked what would happen if the Council did not approve the zoning change at this time. Keefer assured the Council that a building permit would not be issued until the parking issue has been addressed. Huddleston stated that once the zoning change is approved it will not be brought back to the Council. Keefer agreed. Marr asked Staff if they have seen a site plan. Keefer stated that he has seen a very preliminary site design plan. Mr. All stated that there is a certain amount of time that the Council has to answer their request. All stated that the zoning does not factor into the parking issue. All stated that the zoning specifies how many parking spaces there must be and a building permit cannot be issued until those specifications can be met. Chrislip made a motion to approve Ordinance 1966 changing the zoning classification for 903 State Street from Residential R-1A to Assembly district. Leffler seconded the motion. Motion carried with Griffith opposing.
Cereal Malt Beverage: Council considered approval of an ordinance amending Section 202A of Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances as it pertains to license application procedures for cereal malt beverage license. Williams stated that Item E states that a new applicant must attend the governing body meeting and asked if this is always done or if it is a necessary item. Huddleston stated that he does not see a problem requiring them to come to the meeting. Williams asked if they weren’t present, would the governing body deny their application. Huddleston said yes. Huddleston stated that the Governing Body should be kept in touch with who they are approving licenses for. Allen stated that as he understands the ordinance, even if the application did not show up, the Governing Body would not be violating the ordinance but the applicant would be. Mr. All stated that if they fulfill the requirements then they cannot be turned down. Huddleston made a motion to approve Ordinance 1967 amending Section 202A of Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances as it pertains to license application procedures for cereal malt beverage license. Leffler seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Water Supply Project: Council considered a request from the City of Andover to participate in a Phase 2 study for the South Butler County Water Supply Project. Williams stated that she would like to ask the Council what their objective is for this, whether there is a shortage of water or what it is we are trying to fulfill. Leffler stated that he does not think we have the money to do this now. Huddleston asked if by not participating now, does it forego us from participating in the future. Huddleston stated that he wants to make sure we are not opting out of any future involvement.
Keefer stated that Rose Hill also believes that there will need to be involvement from other entities or cities to make this feasible. Chrislip stated that he would like to see this happen and the City keep involved to make sure the discussion keeps going. Williams stated that with the amount of debt that is already on our County, she would hate to see the price of water be more than what our citizens can afford to pay. Huddleston asked if anyone has approached Wichita about their participation.
Huddleston agreed with Chrislip and stated that if we drop out now we might be excluded from future discussions. Huddleston asked what happened to change our mind on this since the last preliminary study. Rawlings stated that this same kind of thing happened before and we lost out on ownership rights with regard to the water in El Dorado. Rawlings stated that Wichita’s goal is to obtain water rights at El Dorado. Rawlings stated that they have plans that show a water treatment facility at Ohio and Highway 254. Rawlings stated that he thinks for the future of the City and the County we need to continue to push forward with this.
Williams asked Staff what the County Commission’s position is on this. Keefer stated that he could not answer that. Leffler asked if by participating up to this point if we have committed to anything or if we have been guaranteed anything based on our participation. Keefer stated that we have not. Keefer also stated that the Corp of Engineers will not be involved in this, but that the State will be.
Griffith asked how many years are left on the contract with Mulvane. Keefer stated that the contract is through 2030. Griffith asked if Rose Hill could purchase water from Augusta. Keefer stated that they could, but not until we are able to secure sufficient water supply from El Dorado Lake. Keefer stated that Rose Hill is more than willing to pay a decent price for us to provide them water.
Williams asked how much this type of project will cost. Keefer stated that it will be $200 million plus for the dam and that the proposed cost did not include the purchase of land. Williams asked if it is just the four major cities that have shown an interest in the project or if there has been interest by other parties. Keefer stated that there will probably be other interested parties, but that he cannot say for sure. Keefer stated that it could include Winfield, Mulvane, and Derby but that original discussions a number of years ago about a Douglass reservoir with Mulvane and Derby had died off.
Griffith asked if there will be several more studies necessary. Keefer stated that this study will answer a lot of the questions. Keefer further stated that this will be a very long term project. Rawlings asked Keefer when he is talking long term if he means a ten year, twenty year, or thirty year projection. Keefer stated that there will be a lot of permitting and regulatory things and that it could be 5-10 years or longer before turning dirt. Keefer stated that they are looking at acquiring a lot of land and that there will be some legal challenges.
Williams asked if we currently have enough water for a growing metropolitan area. Keefer stated that a study has stated that El Dorado Lake would be able to provide adequate water for Butler County through 2040. Chrislip asked if demand increased what will they do with the price. Keefer stated that the price of water has continued to be an issue. Keefer stated that if El Dorado is really serious about selling water to Mulvane and the Rural Water Districts, then there needs to be a serious discussion about the value of those contracts. Keefer stated that regardless of what El Dorado says, there is value in those contracts. Williams asked if doing the second part of this study would be a hindrance or help with dealing with El Dorado. Keefer stated that they are aware that we are part of this study. Keefer stated that loosing us would be a big blow, but that they also know how expensive it is going to be to build a new reservoir.
Huddleston stated that he thinks we would be remiss to not take every step available to us to guarantee a water supply for our citizens. Chrislip made a motion to participate in a Phase 2 study for the South Butler County Water Supply Project. Rawlings seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Leffler asked if there would be any problem coming up with the money for our participation in the study. Keefer stated that it will be split between the Capital Improvement and Water funds. Leffler asked if we will receive a copy of the study. Keefer said yes. Williams told the Governing Body that it might be worth our while to join the REAP Water Committee.
Budget Work Session: Council considered scheduling Budget Work Sessions for 7 p.m. on July 14th and July 28th. Leffler made a motion to schedule a Budget Work Session for 7 p.m. on July 14th and July 28th. Harper seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
Informational Memorandum & Questions:
Huddleston – Huddleston inquired about the information provided regarding the Power Pool. Keefer explained that the Governing Body approved an agreement with KMEA. Keefer explained that electric transmission is overseen by entities such as the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to make sure we get four mega watts from Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA). Keefer stated that SPP requires use to do this study and estimates the cost will be $10,000, but that SPP has stated historically that it would cost approximately $200.00. Huddleston stated that we buy power from KPP through SPP, so we can get GRDA and asked who exactly we are paying money to. Keefer stated that this agreement is with SPP and further explained the process of how the City purchases power and who it purchases it from. Huddleston asked if the study is actually going to cost $10,000. Keefer stated that they are estimating it will, but that in all likelihood it will probably only be a couple hundred dollars up to one thousand dollars. Huddleston asked when we would know how much it will cost. Keefer stated that he did not know.
Huddleston stated that the memo mentions the CTB’s month end revenue is 20% over budget, but that their expenses are under budget. Keefer stated that when we originally started the CTB projected revenue was $15,000 but actually ended up only being $12,000. Keefer stated that the revenue has gone downhill every year since to around $7,000. Keefer stated that traffic at area hotels/motels have increased due to all the construction work that is taking place in the area. Huddleston asked if there is greater use then why are they considering increasing it. Williams stated that all cities in our area have a 5% guest tax where ours is only 3%. Williams further stated that the CTB has looked at branding our city which will help draw in visitors. Williams stated that another option is that some cities provide revenue back to the owners of hotels/motels for improvements to their property. Keefer stated that there have previously been marketing opportunities available to the CTB, but that participating in them would have wiped out of the CTB budget. Keefer stated that representatives of the CTB will be present at a future meeting to make their formal request.
Marr – Marr thanked Pro Kleen for their sponsorship of the 4th of July Fireworks display at the City Lake. Marr asked for listing of properties that have been identified to date as needing to be in need of repair and or clean up. Keefer stated that we will probably have a Resolution at the next meeting to set a public hearing date for a commercial property that has been identified.
Marr asked if the letter the Governing Body received in regard to signage has been passed on to the Inspection Department. Williams stated that we should have something more on the sign ordinance before long. Keefer stated that staff has a second section of the sign ordinance to review, but that with the budget process beginning and trying to complete the codification as well as other projects, he couldn’t estimate when it would be completed. Keefer stated that it is being worked on.
Williams – Williams stated that she was wondering about looking for potential grant writers to talk to with regard to the Frisco Depot project. Williams asked if there are known alternatives for us and if not, is there any other opportunity available to us. Keefer stated that there are a couple of other options that he is aware of, but they will not come anywhere close to the funding we need. Williams asked if this will be on the Capital Improvement Plan. Keefer stated that it is and that he understands it could be two more years before we could re-apply to KDOT for funding. Williams stated that we could be looking for someone to direct us to other resources that are unknown to us.
Final Comments:
Williams – Williams thanked Steve Cannaby and the Kansas Museum of Military History for their work on the Flag Day Parade downtown. Williams stated that the Quality of Life taskforce will be meeting on June 26th at 6:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building. Williams stated that she, Keefer, and Superintendent Lentz will be getting together to discuss the joint meetings between the School Board and City officials. Williams stated that she has been appointed as the REAP Legislative Chairman. Williams stated that there are two restaurants opening downtown that have been approve for grants for their facades. Williams stated that she attended the open house at Augusta Family Dentistry and that Paul Mitsch mentioned the alleys and the possibility of creating a benefit district for the alleys. Williams stated that she received a call from Ledgerwood about the alley by the Christian Church.
Huddleston – Huddleston stated that the gas company is doing a lot of work in the alleys and asked when they are going to go back through and patch it all up. Huddleston asked if they have given a timeframe and who is responsible for monitoring this. Keefer stated that they have been touching base with the Inspection Department. Keefer stated that he could not say when the work will be all completed. Keefer stated that he will have to follow up on this.
Huddleston inquired about the intersection of 12th Street and Dearborn. Goedecke stated that it will be started in two weeks and will take a month to six weeks to complete the work. Goedecke stated that there are two more utilities left to be moved out of our way. Goedecke stated that the work should begin around July 1st.
Huddleston stated that he is still concerned about whether or not the water department will get the water meters installed downtown before the Streetscape project is set to begin. Keefer stated that they will start on the 400 block of State Street again tomorrow and that they have 17 meters left.
Marr – Marr asked if there was any more discussion on the dog park. Williams stated that it was mentioned that there would be a petition at the Grasshopper Festival. Keefer stated that he has not had any discussion with the person who made the inquiry. Williams asked if she should be invited to attend the Park Board meeting. Keefer stated that this has been put on the agenda before, and that they did not show up for the meeting. Williams stated that she could call her. Marr stated that there is a lot of interest in a dog park.
Marr stated that he has received a lot of positive feedback on the Grasshopper Festival. Marr asked if there is a plan for the water coming out of the manhole at 5th and Osage. Keefer stated that we have been working on manhole rehab, but that the Council has directed staff to consider the Streetscape project so that the streets are not torn up twice to fix these. Huddleston stated that there is water running out at 2nd and Oak. Keefer stated that it has been checked out and is storm water moving from point A to point B.
Keefer stated that there are several members of the governing body who have not set up their email yet. Keefer stated that there is information that is attempting to be sent out to them, but that until they get set up they may not receive it.
Adjourn: At 9:55 p.m. Rawlings made a motion to adjourn. Marr seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.
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