City Council

Regular Council Meeting January 23, 2023 1. Council President Amanda Milne called the meeting to order at 7:00. Present were Council members Kale Dankenbring, Amanda Milne, David Butler, and Larry Finley. Also present were City Superintendent Dan Blair, City Clerk Leann Lee. Mayor Scott Schultz, City Attorney Lauren Reyelts, and Council member Dara Carmichael were absent. 2. Minutes from the January 9th Council meeting were distributed and read. Amanda informed the Council of an incorrect amount previously approved for Options Domestic Violence and for Western Kansas Child Advocacy of $2,500 each that should have been $2,000 each with a $1,000 left in the fund account for any other organization that may request assistance. It was moved by David and seconded by Larry to amend the previous motion to the correct amounts. Motion passed. It was moved by Larry and seconded by Kale to approve the minutes with corrections noted. Motion passed. 3. Sheriff Report – None 4. New Business: a. Library Annual Report - Shaylee Krueger and Pete Davis, gave the Council the Library’s annual Profit & Loss report with additional supporting information and explanations. They presented an overview of the grants they apply for, programs they are looking into, and previous year expenses. The Library is looking to keep only three employees moving forward. The projected budget given did not include any adjustments to personnel salary increases. It was moved by Kale and seconded by David to approve the library’s annual report. Motion passed. b. A motion was made by Kale and seconded by Larry to adopt Resolution 2023-2: (GAAP) A WAIVER OF GENERAL ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPALS. David – yes, Kale – yes, Larry – yes, Amanda – Yes. Motion passed. c. The Council reviewed the Water Emergency Plan. The plan has been updated for current contacts other than listing Vyve and the removal of Sam’s Electric. A motion was made by Kale and seconded by Larry to approve the Water Emergency Plan pending the updated contacts. Motion passed. d. A motion was made by Kale and seconded by David to approve the Mobile Home Park Application for Eldon Zimbelman. Motion passed. 5. Old Business: a. Property Cleanup - None b. Projects Pending - Dan met with Damian from Precision Impressions regarding the Bandshell and informed the Council of the scope of work that Damian would be providing. The Council was presented with two quotes, one for just the bandshell sandblasting and one including the fountain sandblasting. Damian would be providing a contact for another company for the repairs and painting. After a brief discussion, the Council has decided to obtain the other bids and then contact Greg Kite to obtain advisement on how to proceed due to the Historical Society aspect. c. Streets Project – Clayton Kelley with Piper Sandler, and Kevin Cowin with Gilmore & Bell, joined the Council meeting per a conference call. Clayton presented the final interest outcome of the 2023 Series bonds. Three bids were received during the sale and was awarded to Central States Capital Markets with an interest rate of 3.73%. This is for a total of $520,000 in bonds and would be available as of March 1st. Annual payments are projected to be between $35,000 and $40,000 as a result of 20-year financing. Kevin provided the Council a brief insight into the ordinance and the resolution documents and the processes that are being and needing to be done. This meeting is focusing on the ordinance and resolution that authorizes and approves everything, including the results of the sale. ❖ A motion was made by Kale and seconded by David to adopt Ordinance 644: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL  OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2023, OF THE CITY OF ST. FRANCIS, KANSAS; PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF AN ANNUAL TAX FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS AS THEY BECOME DUE; AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; AND MAKING CERTAIN COVENANTS WITH RESPECT THERETO. ▪ David – yes, Kale – yes, Larry – yes, Amanda – Yes. Motion passed. ❖ A motion was made by Larry and seconded by Kale to adopt Resolution 2023-3: A RESOLUTION PRESCRIBING THE FORM AND DETAILS OF AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SALE AND DELIVERY OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2023, OF THE CITY OF ST. FRANCIS, KANSAS, PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED BY ORDINANCE NO. 644 OF THE ISSUER; MAKING CERTAIN COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT AND SECURITY THEREOF; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS CONNECTED THEREWITH. ▪ David – yes, Kale – yes, Larry – yes, Amanda – Yes. Motion passed followed with the signing of the documents by Council President in lieu of City Mayor. 6. Visitors – Shaylee Krueger, Pete Davis 7. Building Permits – None 8. Superintendent Report • The sewer sample that was requested per KDHE was pulled in time to avoid a fine or penalty. • Dan was able to confirm with Terrence Lamb that Travis Jensen would need 120/240v three phase power for his business. The Council had previously discussed, and Lauren recommended, obtaining a letter from the property owner for consent to install the requested power upgrade. Dan presented the Council with the cost estimates of $4,550.01 for all three transformers and cut outs. The Council discussed the options of how to install the requested 200amp power, a letter to Vicki Killingsworth, and the possibility of giving a discount based on how the power is installed. The Council agreed that Dan will present the options to Travis and that Travis would need to obtain permission from the Owner in a written format to have on file at City Hall. • Ward Electric is planning on starting the next phase of the infrastructure upgrades this spring. Ward has given the City an updated list of their rates and estimated project time frame. There was a brief discussion to clarify the mobilization charges. • Dan has brought it to the attention of the Council the number of individuals that are partaking in snow removal and that some are causing more of a hinderance, rather than helping. Amanda summarized the City ordinance regarding removing snow from a private property onto a city street. Many of the piles are being pushed into the water ways and creating ice slabs. The Council discussed all of the issues that have been seen around the city. The Council requested Leann to inquire from other cities to see how they are monitoring or handling these individuals. • Dan requested a 5-minute executive session for non-elective personnel for confidential employee information. • Dan was able to provide additional information regarding the price increase on firm energy by $.68 a kilowatt that was previously $4.12 and is now $4.80. This information was provided to the Council to think about possibly raising the electric rates in the future. A motion was made by David and seconded by Kale to accept and file the superintendent report. Motion passed. 9. Attorney Report – None 10. Clerk Report • Leann shared a Thank You card from Cheyenne County Hospital for the memorial donation made in honor of Lila’s mother.  • Leann also shared the Ellis County EMS Operational Stress First Aid training flyer that came in the mail. The Council has been made aware of this training in the past and invited to attend if they would like. A motion was made by Larry and seconded by Kale to accept and file the Clerk report. Motion passed. 11. Council Comments: David – Was going to bring up the streets but was previously discussed, Kale – None, Larry – Let the Council know that 6/17 is Alumni Weekend and that Jimmy D and the Fabulous Destinations have been acquired for this event, and 8/19 will be the Concert in the Park, Amanda – Thanked the city crew for the snow removal. 12. At 8:15pm a Motion was made by Larry and seconded by Kale for the Council, City Superintendent, and City Clerk to recess into executive session for 5 minutes for non-elected personnel for confidential employee matter. Motion passed. The open meeting resumed at 8:20pm. No decisions were made. 13. Adjournment: It was moved by Kale and seconded by David to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. ___________________________________________ City Clerk