Document Actions
July 14, 2008
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
July 14, 2008
7:00 p.m.
The Governing Body of the City of Edwardsville, Kansas met in regular session on Monday, July 14, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The following Councilmember’s were present with Mayor Heinz Rodgers presiding:
Chuck Adams Craig Crider Doug Danner
John Eickhoff Patrick Isenhour
The following staff members were present:
Michael Webb, City Administrator
Reed Walker, City Attorney
Phyllis Freeman, City Clerk
Mark Mathies, Police Chief
Cliff Lane, Fire Chief
Councilmember Crider announced that he had had three heart attacks causing the necessary 5 way by-pass surgery. He is feeling better and plans to continue to actively participate in his official capacity.
MINUTES OF JUNE 23, 2008
Councilmember Danner moved to approve the minutes of June 23, 2008. Councilmember Eickhoff seconded.
Mayor Rodgers requested a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
PAYMENT OF BILLS - $121,369.42
Councilmember Isenhour moved to approve payment of the statement of bills. Councilmember Crider seconded.
Mayor Rodgers requested a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
REQUESTS OR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rebecca Carter, 629 S. 4th Street asked why the flag and flagpole was missing at the community center.
Administrator Webb reported that the flagpole was worn at the base and broke off. The pole will be replaced.
Mrs. Carter indicated that there was a warranty on the flagpole and would provide the information.
Richard Carter, 629 S. 4th Street thanked the City Council for allowing the flyer to be printed for the benefit for Councilmember Crider. Mr. Carter stated he was told that two of the Councilmember’s had stated they would donate their monthly pay from the city and asked if they would consider doing that to help offset the medical bills incurred by Councilmember Crider.
Councilmember Crider asked that if they wished to donate he would prefer that the donation would go to the children the need medical help not to him. He thanked all those for their cards and prayers.
Gary Carpenter, 11030 Riverview asked about the high weeds on Riverview. Mr. Carpenter feels it would be dangerous to cut the weeds on the right-of-way; the resident should not be responsible. The Unified Government should be more helpful.
Administrator Webb stated that he had spoken with Commissioner Tom Cooley and was told the county could not assist with the cutting of the weeds.
Mayor Rodgers stated the easement and right-of-way is the owner’s responsibility.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 2008-14
REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO PERSONNEL MANUAL
Councilmember Isenhour moved to adopt Resolution 2008-14. Councilmember Eickhoff seconded.
Mayor Rodgers requested a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 2008-15
REGARDNG CIFI FUNDING
(COUNTY INITIATIVE FOR FUNDING INFRASTRUCTURE)
Mayor Rodgers stated that he plans on attending the Wyandotte County budget sessions; this affects the city budget approximately $149,000 for work on city streets.
Councilmember Adams moved to adopt Resolution 2008-15. Councilmember Isenhour seconded.
Mayor Rodgers requested a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 2008-16
REGARDING ISSUANCE OF INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS
AND TAX ABATEMENT FOR THE OK EDWARDSVILLE WAREHOUSE
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP PROJECT
(OKONITE WAREHOUSE IN MID-POINT CORPORATE CENTRE)
Scott Anderson, representative of Gilmore & Bell bonding counsel stated this application for tax abatement is the same percentage as was provided on the other projects in this development.
After further discussion Councilmember Eickhoff moved to adopt Resolution 2008-16. Councilmember Danner seconded.
Mayor Rodgers requested a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER ORDINANCE #870
REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO CODE OF ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 11, ANIMAL CONTROL AND REGULATIONS
Administrator Webb stated the proposed ordinance establishes guidelines for livestock operations, which are permitted in the Agricultural-Residential district. No one property owner is grandfathered.
Councilmember Eickhoff moved to adopt Ordinance #870. Councilmember Isenhour seconded.
Mayor Rodgers requested a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSIONS RELATING TO GOVERNANCE OF
A CITY OF 2ND CLASS
Administrator Webb stated that one of the items that need to be addressed is the number of Councilmember’s. Also establishing “Wards”; if it is decided to establish Wards then each Ward will have two Councilmember’s that are elected. Each Ward has to have an equal number of residents.
After further discussion it was determined to stay with the current number of Councilmember’s and to keep representation of the citizens with voting for Councilmember’s “At Large”. This is the way it is currently.
There was also discussion regarding the term of office for the mayor. To possibly consider changing the term to four years instead of two years as it is currently. It was questioned as to what other cities do concerning the term of office of the mayor. It was stated to change the term of office would show stability and that no changes would take place until the next election in 2009.
Discussion regarding the hiring and the authority given to the City Administrator. The City Administrator is hired by the City Council and works directly for the City Council and serves as an “at will” employee. Hiring or firing policies is a goal to achieve; recognizing the recommendation of the department head was also discussed; focus on carrying out policies; removing annual appointments; appointed employees shall hold office until resignation, retirement or termination; taking the time needed to make serious decisions for the future of the city. See Attachment “A”.
More discussion may take place during a work session.
DISCUSSION RELATING TO WASTE POLICIES
Administrator Webb stated this is a big issue city wide. Information for billing the trash service was provided by the Board of Public Utilities. If a resident requests to be excluded from the service provided by Deffenbaugh then the city still pay because the billing is based on the number of residential units in the city.
After further discussion Councilmember Adams requested that Administrator Webb contact other cities to see how they handle the process of paying for the same service.
ADVISORY REPORTS
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator Webb presented items regarding the 2009 budget. No changes in the mill levy rate; sales tax revenue may increase 3%; no staffing changes; no new programs and trash & sewer payments will remain the same. In the General Fund it is anticipated that the revenue will remain the same; building permits are down from last year; fuel and utilities have increased; leaving the fund $150-200,000 in the red. Debt Service this year will be in the hole $100,000. By the county eliminating the CiFi funds we expect a $100,000 lose in the street budget. Additional information will be provided.
CHIEFS REPORTS
(FIRE & POLICE)
No report at this time.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Walker reported that under City Code 1-310 (i) provides the duty of appointing the assistant prosecutor for municipal court. Mr. Walker recommended the appointment of Amy Mitchell.
CITY ENGINEER
John Bayless, Cook, Flatt & Strobel reported on:
Eastside improvements
Woodend Road improvements
Plaza West
110th Street & Edwardsville Drive
COUNCIL AND MAYOR COMMENTS
Councilmember Eickhoff stated Administrator Webb has worked very well answering citizen complaints.
Mayor Rodgers stated the League of Municipalities conference will be held October 10-13, 2008 causing a need to change the council meeting to October 14th. That will take place at a later date.
Councilmember Crider asked if residents are double paying; to BPU and the city?
Administrator Webb stated BPU is the billing agent for the treatment plant. The city rate is due to the debt incurred by the city.
Councilmember Crider asked what has been done to bring more sales tax into the city. Any fast food restaurants or grocery store?
Administrator Webb stated he had a conversation with a Subway franchise and may possibly be coming to Edwardsville. Met with IGA for a possible grocery store.
Councilmember Adams asked if there was a franchise agreement with BPU if not was there on going discussion for a franchise agreement. He also asked for an update on the Special Use applications being considered by the Planning Commission.
Administrator Webb stated he has been working with the BPU to establish a franchise agreement. The Special Use applications are being considered July 16th by the Planning Commission. It appears that Anderson & Sons do have a non-conforming use in place. Perry Parks will be given one year to relocate Parks & Sons Trucking with added restrictions during that period. Terry Loftis, 1621 S. 104th Street application has been recommended for denial.
Councilmember Adams stated he felt it was a good opportunity for Edwardsville to establish a “hub” to the metropolitan area and having the trains going through the city. We should let any one know that we are interested in moving forward.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Crider moved to adjourn at 9:29 p.m. Councilmember Eickhoff seconded.
Mayor Rodgers declared the motion passed.
Phyllis Freeman
City Clerk
City Council Meeting
