City Council

Regular Council Meeting December 26, 2018 1. Mayor Scott Schultz called the meeting to order at 5:08. Present were Council members Amanda Milne, Roger Jensen, Dara Carmichael and Larry Finley. Also present were City Superintendent JR Landenberger and City Clerk Lila Whitmore. Council member Kale Dankenbring, City Attorney Mike Day and Police Chief Darrell Thomas were absent. 2. Minutes from the December 10 meeting were distributed and read. There were two spelling corrections noted. It was moved by Amanda and seconded by Roger to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion passed. 3. New Business: a. A motion was made by Larry and seconded by Dara to approve the Cereal Malt Beverage License for Majestic Service. Motion passed. Flatiron Restaurant has not submitted their application for renewal of their license for 2019. b. A motion was made by Amanda and seconded by Larry to approve a tree trimming license for Second Chance Ranch. Motion passed. c. Clerk Whitmore explained that in 2017 the tax allocations received for the library were $619.67 more than the budget authority. These funds were carried over to 2018. The budget authority in 2018 is sufficient to allow disbursement of the funds. A motion was made by Dara and seconded by Amanda to pay to the library the remaining available funds of $619.67. Motion passed. d. The Council discussed the transfers and encumbrances. The Council approved an encumbrance of $27,000 for the amount that is owed to KMEA for the power allotment issue that was discussed at the October 8 meeting. A motion was made by Roger and seconded by Amanda to approve the following year end transfers: $265,000.00 from the Utility Fund to the General Fund; $85,000 from the Utility Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund; $20,000 from the Utility Fund to the Equipment Reserve Fund; $20,000 from the Sewer Fund to the General Fund. Motion passed. 4. Old Business. a. The Council discussed the status of the Empire Motel. The deed has been cleared. As soon as we receive the asbestos permit from KDHE the demolition can begin. Cahoj Earthmoving has indicated work could begin mid-January. There was discussion regarding the back taxes. Amanda indicated that only the board of tax appeals can waive the penalties and interest. The Council talked about payment under protest of the taxes owed. No decisions were made. Payment of the taxes will be discussed further when Attorney Day is present. 5. Adjournment: A motion was made by Larry and seconded by Amanda to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. ___________________________________________ City Clerk