February 13
CITY OF HIAWATHA
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2006
5:35 P.M.
HIAWATHA CITY HALL
723 OREGON ST.
The Hiawatha City Commission met in regular session February 13, 2006 at 5:35 p.m. at City Hall with Mayor Trant, Commissioner Shamburg, Commissioner Gamble, Commissioner Collins, and Commissioner Schmitt in attendance.
1. Pledge of Allegiance/ Call to Order
2. Approval of minutes of the Feb. 6 and Feb. 7, 2006 city commission meetings.
Mayor Trant would like the wording on page two, third paragraph, below item six changed where City Administrator Slaugh stated that there are only two auto repair shops in the proximity that are certified. The wording should state that there are two fire truck pump repair shops in the proximity.
Commissioner Shamburg made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Schmitt to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2006 special city commission meeting. Motion carried, 4 ayes, 1 abstain. Commissioner Collins abstained.
Commissioner Gamble made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Collins to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2006 city commission meeting as amended. Motion carried, 3 ayes, 2 abstains. Commissioner Shamburg and Commissioner Schmitt both abstained.
3. Presentation of petitions, public comments, memorials
Consider a citizen request regarding noise from railroad engines left parked and running.
Citizen Don Ingram was present to ask the commission to do something about the train being left on the tracks and continuously running. He would like to see the city pass a law or an ordinance to prevent this noise problem. He stated that it is a real monotonous noise listening to that train all night long.
Mayor Trant asked Mr. Ingram if this problem recently started.
Don Ingram stated he has lived in the house for two and one half years. He has heard the train since he lived there. Mr. Ingram stated he has talked to Union Pacific workers many times and asked them to move the train.
Mayor Trant stated the commission appreciated Mr. Ingram taking the time and putting forth the effort to approach them. The commission could ask the city attorney to see if the city can do anything. Mayor Trant stated if the train blocks the railroad crossing, the city can cite them for blocking the crossing.
Don Ingram stated that he was in law enforcement for ten years, and acknowledges that there is a law against disturbance of the peace. This law covers anything that is disturbing somebody else’s peace.
Citizen Phyllis Shaw stated that the trains are getting better with their whistles. However, if the air is heavy, the diesel smell comes down to the ground and can be very strong.
Mr. Ingram explained that when the train is shut off, the engineers will leave it on standby mode. This causes the train to beep constantly and make a noise every 20 minutes.
Citizen Dean Tollefson stated if one can hear a noise from 50 feet away, it is in violation of a city ordinance.
Mayor Trant explained that the ordinance specifically addresses electronically amplified noise.
Commissioner Gamble stated he would like something to be done about the train situation. He personally would not want to listen to that noise all the time either.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that he had talked to two individuals from the railroad last week. The individuals said if the city was willing to pass on the number of the engine that is running, and if the city could find another place that is farther away from homes and still close to the operation’s facility, they would be able to assist the city. The main issue is in the winter time because of the cold temperatures.
Don Ingram volunteered the two engine numbers which were #818 & #820.
4. Old Business - None
New Business
5. Consider an agreement for an interim city administrator.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that there are two designated range riders in Kansas that contract with people who need interim services. Tom Armour is available. Mr. Armour’s proposed fees include $200 per day, plus lodging, meals, and travel. Lodging costs are approximately $50-55 per night and travel expenses are $191.97 for round trip. The total would be approximately $1,000 a week for three days of work.
City Administrator Slaugh wanted the commission to be aware of another individual who has 16 years of administration experience. Administrator Slaugh solicited a proposal from this individual and his fees are higher. This individual requested $1,500 per week including travel for three days of work per week. The decision is up to the governing body to decide now or during the interim period how much the city might need the services of Mr. Armour.
Commissioner Schmitt inquired of Mr. Armour’s experience.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that Mr. Armour is a retired city administrator. Mr. Armour is a native of Kansas, however, has spent most of his administrative time in Alaska.
Commissioner Schmitt inquired if Administrator Slaugh has talked with anyone from other cities where Tom Armour has served on as an interim basis.
Administrator Slaugh stated that he has not.
Mayor Trant stated that he has contacted the City of Goodland. They were pleased with his work. Mayor Trant also talked with the City of Sterling. They thought he did a good job also and is a good team player.
Commissioner Schmitt inquired as to what time the service would begin.
Administrator Slaugh stated that Mr. Armour would be available the middle of March. This would provide a one or two day overlap to go over everything.
Mayor Trant stated that his job would be to make sure that we do not drop the ball on any of the things we have started.
Commissioner Schmitt inquired how much time Mr. Armour would really need to be here before City Administrator Slaugh leaves, and if two or three days is enough time.
City Administrator Slaugh felt this would be enough time.
Mayor Trant stated that he would prefer that Mr. Armour come the preceding week.
Administrator Slaugh stated he could have Mr. Armour come the week of the March 13-15, 2006. If there are additional questions, he could come back the following week.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shamburg, to approve an agreement to provide for an interim city administrator using the services of Tom Armour to begin on March 13, 2006. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
6. Consider approval of pay request #5 to AHRS Construction for construction of the Schuneman Addition to the Fisher Center.
City Administrator Slaugh showed the commission a slideshow of the project at the Shuneman Addition.
Administrator Slaugh stated that substantial completion should be reached by February 21, 2006. He is still working on $75,000 to be financed through Citizens Bank.
Mayor Trant stated that it appears the Schuneman estate money ran out half-way through this month’s pay request.
Administrator Slaugh stated that funding for portions of this project would come from reserve and portions would be financed.
Commissioner Collins asked where the money will come from for this pay request.
Administrator Slaugh stated the payment will be from the balance on the estate and about $30,000 out of reserve.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Shamburg to approve pay request #5 to AHRS Construction for construction of the Schuneman Addition to the Fisher Center. Motion carried, 3 ayes, 2 nays. Commissioner Collins and Mayor Trant voted nay.
Mayor Trant explained he voted nay because according to his numbers, this request would pull the city’s reserve down by $55,000.
7. Consider approval for purchase of tables and chairs for the Schuneman Addition.
Administrator Slaugh stated that Terry Smith has solicited bids from various companies for tables and chairs at the Schuneman Addition.
Terry Smith stated that he has looked at plastic tables which are pretty durable, but more expensive. He asked seven different places to give bids, and has received bids from four companies. Kreueger Industries gave him the lowest price. The total cost would be $10,602.45 with laminate tables. Adirondack submitted no bids, but their list price would be $9,149.40, and the shipping charge would be calculated at the time of order. The tables and chairs in the Fisher Center have lasted for twelve years. The Fisher Center now has the room to store these with the storage rooms that have been added on with the Schuneman Addition.
Commissioner Schmitt inquired if either Krueger or Adirondack made a quote to have freight added on with their bids.
Mayor Trant inquired as to the proposed delivery dates.
Terry Smith stated it would be approximately two to six weeks for delivery. Mr. Smith also stated that he asked Rod & Alice’s to submit a bid, however he did not receive anything from them.
Mayor Trant asked when the first event is scheduled for the Schuneman Addition.
Terry Smith stated that there is a Turkey Federation meeting in April. If nothing else, Mr. Smith stated he could move the chairs from the Fisher Center into the new addition.
Commissioner Schmitt stated that she would like Mr. Smith to check on the freight at Adirondack before making a decision.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Appropriation Ordinance #1081 in the amount of $143,224.20
b. Municipal Judge report for January 2006
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried, 5 ayes.
9. City Administrator Slaugh
City Administrator Carl Slaugh stated that he had left off one item in regards to the Schuneman Addition.
Terry Smith stated that the Kiwanis Club Foundation has agreed to purchase a pair of basketball backboard adaptors for the Schuneman Addition in amount of $664.55. This is no cost to the city. He wanted to thank Kiwanis for doing this, and explained that he has another individual interested in purchasing basketballs and basketball racks for the Schunman Addition. Mr. Smith is willing to accept donations whenever presented to him.
Commissioner Schmitt would like to thank Kiwanis for the purchase.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that the Planning Commission meeting is on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 6 p.m.
The sealed bids due on city farm properties are cancelled and deferred until 2007. The city attorney advised the city to not accept bids this year. The notices were not sent by certified mail to the original farmers, therefore the city cannot legally change this year.
The tree board meeting is scheduled for February 28, 2006.
The Main Street/Post Lantern Street Light meeting is on March 7, 2006 at 4 p.m. Brian Kinsley from BG Consultants will be available.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that he would like permission from the city commission to solicit bids for a replacement copier. The city hall has two copiers; one for utility billing and one other. The one for utility billing has been in operation since 1993. It is experiencing problems with the rollers. The last repair work done indicated rollers were worn to the point that they would all need to be replaced. Administrator Slaugh felt like this machine is at the end of its service life. City Administrator Slaugh stated that he has solicited some proposals to gather information on specs to put together a bid sheet. Administrator Slaugh would like to get the commission’s approval to submit proposals for copiers. He anticipated it will be somewhere in the $6,000 range or $1500 more for a color copier option.
Commissioner Schmitt inquired if we have a maintenance agreement for the copiers.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that we do not a maintenance agreement. It was purchased out right. This machine will have added features.
Commissioner Schmitt stated that she would be in favor of putting it out for bids.
Commissioner Gamble inquired if the city would have the money in the budget to purchase a new copier.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that the city does have the funds in the budget.
The commission gave their approval to solicit bids for a new copier.
Commissioner Gamble made motion, seconded by Commissioner Shamburg, to recess into executive session for approximately 15 minutes for the discussion of non-elected personnel. Motion carried, 5 ayes. 6:35 p.m.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble, to return to open session. Motion carried, 5 ayes. 6:50 p.m.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that he would like to continue the Municipal Code review. He has been trying to think of a different process to expedite the updates. He proposed that the commissioners view changes and summarize their concurrence or non-concurrence, and bring it to the meeting to cover more ground and expedite the process.
Commissioner Collins stated that he does not have a problem with doing this, and if they could get their notes together, they could expedite the process.
City Administrator Slaugh would like the next work session to be on February 21, 2006 immediately following the commission meeting, if the agenda allows.
Mayor Trant reminded the commission that the next item to discuss would be Chapter 8.
City Administrator Slaugh stated that the Brown County Historical Society has asked for an endorsement letter for grant applications for window replacement in the memorial auditorium. It is due this Friday, February17, 2006. If the commission is willing, he would draft the letter and send it around to have it signed by tomorrow. The commission concurred.
10. Mayor Leon Trant-none
11. Com. William Collins-none
12. Com. Curtis Gamble-none
13. Com. Marianne Schmitt-none
14. Com. Steffen Shamburg-none
Commissioner Shamburg made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gamble, for adjournment at 7:02 p.m. Motion carried, 5 ayes.