City Council

MINUTES TOWN COUNCIL MEETING February 12, 2019 The Town Council meeting was called to order by Ron Troyer at 4:00 p.m. February 12, 2019 with the following persons present: Ron Troyer Ray Folk Carl Stoltz Jeff Carlisle Naomi Miller Stewart Bender Bill Eberhard Rick Pharis, Triad Adam Lambright Harold Gingerich Stan Strater Mark Yoder Brad Hooley Tom Watson Abdwlwali Alyahiri Cyndi Sadewasser Bill Bradley Fritz Helmuth Unrecognizable Name (see sign-in sheet) Minutes Jeff moved that the minutes for the last council meeting be approved. Ray seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Clerk-Treasurer The board approved the claims as read. Pete made the motion, Ray seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Naorni updated the Council of Bonnie Miller's resignation effective January 15, 2019. A new Deputy Clerk has been hired and introduced to the council, Cyndi Sadewasser. Naomi and Stewart would like a review of the Park Board to determine if needed for Town of Topeka and if so, how often. Attendance for the Park Board is also an issue. Council requested Bill and Naomi to review and present at the next council meeting. The TIF CD matures on the 16th. Rates were called and Horizon is offering 2.84%; Lake City is offering 2.88%; Farmers State Bank is offering 2.56% and Interra Credit Union is offering 2.88%. With the matching rates, a recommendation was made to go with Interra that is local and already in possession of the CD. Ray made a motion to approve the recommendation, Pete seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. The dental coverage the town procures for the town employees is expired. Naomi requested to stay with Best Life for the rest of 2019 and shop for pricing at the end of 2019. Ray made a motion to approve staying with Best Life for the remainder of 2019. Pete seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Bill Bradley was introduced to the council to give a review of tax abatements. A presentation was given and documentation for review.  Town Manager The hearing for the bid opening to lease the 51 tillable acres of farmland the town just purchased. Four bids were received on time and one was received post-closing. $200 per acre from Kenny Miller $205 per acre from Kent Simmons $175.99 per acre from Jed & Jim Fought $202 per acre from Craig & Matt Helmuth Jeff made a motion to accept the bid from Kent Simmons at $205 per acre. Pete seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Ray abstained. Fritz Helmuth wanted to know why he needed to connect to the town septic system. A discussion was had, Fritz was recommended to get with the County Health Department to allow independent septic system. He also wanted to know about the Sewer Use ordinance and another discussion was had. Stewart will work with Fritz to try and coordinate testing for Freedom Steel. Brad with Foremost followed up with the council on a permit request from the previous meeting. Pete made a motion to allow the permit, Ray seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Aquatic is up for renewal and Stewart requested to table the quote until he can obtain a few more quotes also for a new fountain. Police Department The council was emailed the December 2018 Activity Reports. The Marshal shared with the council the termination of Nathan Wilz and would like to recommend hiring Ed Flowers as an officer. Stan was requested to share a resume' with the council and a discussion will be had at the next Town Council meeting. Two quotes for computers in the 2016 Dodge Ram truck and 2014 Charger. Cost is $6026.21 each. Ray made a motion to purchase these computers, Pete seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Other Harold Gingerich passed out the Mile146 newsletter to council and shared a bit of history on Babcock Street and invited everyone to the Historical Society Meeting. Commissioners were discussed. Jeff made the recommendation, Ray for the Fire Department, Pete for the Police Department, and Carl for the Town employees, Ray seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.  Next Meeting The next Town Council meeting will be held at Topeka Town Hall on February 25, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. There being no other business to be brought before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm. ATTEST~ O O \J {\~ J\A~ ~ Naomi Miller, Clerk-Treasurer