February 27
CITY OF HIAWATHA
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2006
5:35 P.M.
HIAWATHA CITY HALL
723 OREGON ST.
The Hiawatha City Commission met in regular session February 27, 2006 at 5:35 p.m. at City Hall with Mayor Trant, Commissioner Schmitt, Commissioner Collins, Commissioner Gamble, and Commissioner Shamburg in attendance.
1. Pledge of Allegiance/ Call to Order
Mayor Trant requested that the agenda be modified to include item #4, a report from USD 415, and to add the administration of the oath of office to Vivian Constable at the beginning of the meeting.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shamburg, to add the oath of office and item #4 to the agenda. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
Jeanette Ward, Acting City Clerk, administered the oath of office to Vivian K. Constable.
2. Approval of minutes of the Feb. 21, 2006 city commission meeting.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Collins, to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2006 city commission meeting. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
3. Presentation of petitions, public comments, memorials - None
Old Business - None
New Business
4. Report from USD 415 Superintendent John Severin on issues of concern to the school district and potential items of collaboration with the City of Hiawatha.
John Severin, Superintendent of USD 415, gave a report on the status of the school district. He expressed appreciation of the good working relationship between the school and the city. He presented population trends and projections for Brown County and enrollment history, trends, and projections for Hiawatha USD 415. He mentioned three items for future consideration between the city and the school district: renovation of the old tennis courts, improved walking trails in the outdoor classroom, and a bus unloading area at the elementary school. He also mentioned three projects the city could do for the school district: replace portions of the curb on Red Hawk Drive, change the flashing yellow light so that it is working during the time students are going to school during professional learning communities, and change the time for the speed limit to be followed to reflect the entire school day.
5. Consider approval of a lease/purchase agreement with Citizen’s Bank for financing of a portion of the Schuneman Addition.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that at the July 11, 2005 city commission meeting, the decision was made to take a portion of the project cost from reserve, approximately $126,690, and to finance $75,000 of that amount for a period of four years. He stated that the lease purchase arrangement requires deeding the Fisher Center building and property to Citizen’s Bank for the duration of the agreement, planned for a period of four years at 4.0% interest. He stated that a correction needs to be made to the quick claim deed. City Clerk needs to be changed to Assistant City Clerk. He also stated that we could have bond counsel review the deed for $500. The first payment would be April 1, 2006. It would be for a four year term at 4% interest.
Commissioner Collins stated that if there is any other funds that we could take the money from, he would prefer that.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that the money could be safely taken out of the general fund. We are also planning on taking about $100,000 out of the general fund for the Main Street Project.
Commissioner Collins stated that he would not like to escalate any expense. If it really does not affect the budget, he would approve of using the general fund. He stated that he does not like mortgaging city property.
Commissioner Gamble stated that when the commission first discussed a loan from the bank, it seemed that the $75,000 was going to put the city in a bind.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that he could give a rundown of trends in the general fund balance.
Commissioner Gamble stated that if we have the money, he agrees with Commissioner Collins.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that he could give the commission an estimate on the main street project and this project compared to what is in our general fund right now.
Mayor Trant stated that it never hurts to look at the numbers but we should take into account all of the things we have already made commitments for.
Commissioner Schmitt stated that she would like to hold off one week to look at the numbers.
Commissioner Shamburg stated that he would also like to look at the numbers.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that Ron Grove’s release of easement for the water line extension project needs a signature.
Commissioner Collins stated that we need to make sure that there is nothing conflicting with this easement. The information should be provided at the next meeting.
6. Consider approval of a notice of intent letter to KDHE regarding a stormwater pollution prevention plan for the Main Street project.
Mayor Trant stated that it appears that all construction projects are now requiring a stormwater pollution prevention plan.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that this is a requirement for any major construction project that goes through the State. It needs to be approved and sent with a $60 fee.
Commissioner Collins made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble, to approve the Notice of Intent letter on stormwater runoff to KDHE for the Main Street project and authorize the mayor to sign the required document. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
7. Consider approval of an agreement for an interim city administrator.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that the city attorney reviewed the proposed contract and it is fine as is. Don Cashman could add more of the detail that is in the regular city administrator contract. City Administrator Slaugh stated that it is not necessary to detail this information. Tom Armour has reviewed the contract, signed it, and returned it.
Commissioner Collins made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble, to approve the agreement for the interim city administrator and authorize the mayor to sign the necessary documents. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Appropriation Ordinance #1083 in the amount of $14,079.01
b. Utility Deposit Refunds in the amount of $103.17
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Collins, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
9. City Administrator Slaugh
City Administrator Slaugh stated that there is a Tree Board Meeting tomorrow at 4 p.m. and on March 7 there is a Main Street/Post Lantern Street Light meeting at 4 p.m. at the Fisher Center.
City Administrator Slaugh asked whether the next Municipal Code work session would be tomorrow night or March 7.
Commissioner Collins stated that he will be out of town tomorrow.
Mayor Trant set a tentative work session for March 7 at 5:30 p.m.
10. Mayor Leon Trant
Mayor Trant stated that it is getting down to the time when Carl is departing and there are several things he would like his assistance on before he leaves. Health insurance and pay increase issues are on the docket for March 13.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that he did have it on the 6th but it will now be on the 13th.
Mayor Trant stated that the commission approved a schedule of awards in July for recognition of employees but nothing has been done with it yet.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that he had planned on doing that on March 6th but he will also move it to the 13th.
Mayor Trant requested a quick overview of the 2006 budget. He stated that last year we did a presentation to several of the deserving volunteers of the community in April because of National Volunteer Recognition month. Mayor Trant stated that he would like to do this again this year and requested any information we have on this. Mayor Trant asked if we had an update on the downtown historic district.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that we have not had an update.
Mayor Trant reminded everyone to vote in the primary tomorrow.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that this is a non-partisan election.
Mayor Trant stated that all city officer positions are non city partisan elections and everyone is elected at large.
11. Com. William Collins
Commissioner Collins stated that he noticed that the train is moved south of Iowa Street. He stated that he hopes everyone goes out to vote tomorrow.
12. Com. Curtis Gamble
13. Com. Marianne Schmitt
14. Com. Steffen Shamburg
Commissioner Shamburg made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble to adjourn at 6:27 p.m. Motion carried, 5 ayes.