Monthly City Council Meeting Unofficial
Draft/Copy
Council Meeting March 9, 2020
Council Chambers:
ROLL CALL: The City Council of Lincoln Center convened in regular session at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Travis Schwerdtfager presiding. Councilmembers present: Angela K. Corpstein, Lisa S. Feldkamp, Brennan Johnson, Elijah Keever, and Melodee K. Larsen. Official present: Clerk Heather N. Hillegeist. Also present: Superintendent Jesse C. Meyer.
VISITORS: Visitors in attendance for all or portions of the meeting: Robert White, Galen Liggett, Art Howell, Jyll Phillips, Konnie Budreau, Kelly Larson, Danielle Hollingshead, Jessica Kobbeman, Adam Boyd, Clay Haring, Debora Zachgo, Jim Metz, and Nikki Flinn.
AGENDA AMENDMENT: There were no amendments to the agenda.
MINUTES: Upon motion by Keever, seconded by Johnson, minutes of the February 10, 2020, regular meeting were approved as written.
PAYROLL VOUCHER: Payroll Voucher No. 20-02, for February wages and salaries in the amount of $59,455.87, was presented. A motion by Keever, seconded by Corpstein, to approve said Payroll Voucher, carried.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Accounts Payable listings were reviewed, including prepaid invoices in the amount of $28,592.80, and unpaid invoices totaling $72,292.03. Upon motion by Feldkamp, seconded by Larsen, all said invoices, in the amount of $100,884.83, were approved for payment.
DELINQ. ACCNTS.: Two (2) accounts, totaling $315.25, were on the list of delinquent utilities reviewed.
2019 AUDIT REPORT: Danielle Hollingshead reviewed the City of Lincoln Center Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2019 with the Governing Body. She thanked the City management and staff for its cooperation with the audit process. She then reviewed the “City of Lincoln Center’s Primary Government Financial Statement with Independent Auditor’s Report” document, making note of any significant changes. Hollingshead warned that the sewer fund is operating in the red and has been for years. There followed a motion by Feldkamp, seconded by Keever, to approve and accept the 2019 Audit Report and Financial Statements, as presented. Motion carried.
PROPERTY REHAB GRANT: Kelly Larson, business owner, asked the Governing Body to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for building rehab on her behalf. She explained her business plans for the building are to make a fitness center. Larson assured that the City would not be responsible for any of the financial match, but would be for the paperwork and grant documentation. Larson said that there would be an agreement between herself and the City as well. Larsen moved to allow for Kelly Larson to moved forward with the CDBG grant application as requested, seconded by Johnson. Motion carried.
REC COMMISSION: Rec Commission board member Jessica Kobbeman said they accepted Chelsea Meyer’s resignation on February 12th. The board discussed plans on a new approach to hire a Rec Director. The board is considering the possibility of hiring two part time employees with no benefits. One part time position would focus on administrative while the other focused on sports facilitation. The Governing Body thanked the board for keeping them up to date.
AIRPORT FARM LEASES: Airport Operator Clay Haring shared his concerns of the safety at the airport with the farm lease changing tenants. Haring suggested the City needs to get the airport surveyed and he doesn’t want the runways crossed with equipment. Superintendent Meyer was instructed to talk to the County about adding culverts for property entrances if necessary.
CASH RENT/FARM LEASES: Clerk Hillegeist reported to the Governing Body on behalf of Attorney Metz in his absence. She explained at the February meeting a motion was made to accept Tim Meier’s bid. Meier wanted all or none of the properties he bid on, therefore an offer was made to the next highest/only other bid. That bidder also declined the offer. A decision was made to offer the tract to Duane Helus who bid on the adjacent property and received the bids. After discussion, Larsen moved to accept the verbal bid of $30/acre from Duane Helus for Tract #4 for five acres of brome grass. Motion was seconded by Keever, carried.
SEWER RATE ORD #726: There came next for consideration an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING NEW RATES FOR SEWER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF LINCOLN CENTER, KANSAS.” Said ordinance called for a sewer rate increase effective April 15, 2020. The increase would cover the annual operating costs and help provide funds necessary to make infrastructure repairs. This increase will make the city’s rate to the current state-wide average. It is necessary to be close to the state average to qualify for grants and loans. Keever moved passage of said ordinance. Motion seconded by Feldkamp. Upon call for vote, the following Councilmembers voted Aye: Corpstein, Feldkamp, Johnson, Keever, and Larsen. Nays: None. The Ordinance was declared passed, was assigned No. 726 by the Clerk, was approved and signed by the Mayor, and ordered to be published once in the Official City Newspaper.
MUNICIPAL POOL: The City Council authorized the placement of advertisements for swimming pool manager and pool lifeguards in the Lincoln Sentinel, schools, City’s website and on the Live Lincoln County website. Applications will be accepted until April 9th.
Councilmember Feldkamp explained that the city has been reimbursing the lifeguards at the pool for the expense of obtaining certification to help retain returning employees. She explained the initial certification cost is $250 and it is valid for two (2) years, after that guards must pay $135 to recertify for an additional two (2) years. Feldkamp recently found out not all places charge the same. After discussion, Feldkamp moved to reimburse the guards accordingly, up to $125 to the guards that are in the first two years, up to $67.50 for guards that are past the first two years with the guards providing proof of payment. Seconded by Corpstein, carried.
Councilmember Feldkamp presented her list of bid repairs to the Governing Body. After discussion, it was agreed to add an alternate option on the bids to remove all tile and repair as necessary.
NUISANCES: Superintendent Meyer explained we are on the second round of vehicle notices.
RESIDENCY: Councilmember Keever questioned if the Governing Body would like to consider allowing Appointed Officials to reside outside the limits set by K.S.A. 14-205 which states appointed employees must live within two miles of the official city limits. After discussion, Clerk Hillegeist was instructed to assist Attorney Metz with a drafted ordinance for next Council meeting. Said Charter Ordinance would allow for all appointed positions except City Clerk and Fire Chief to live within Lincoln County or an adjacent county. City Clerk and Fire Chief would be required to live within fifteen (15) minutes response time. Preference would be to a city resident.
DEMOLITION REPORT: Clerk Hillegeist reported on her findings from contacting other cities regarding contractors to demolish buildings. It was agreed to wait and see what happens at the tax sale on March 18th.
CONVENTION OF STATES: Art Howell requested the Governing Body support Article 5 and discussed the importance of reducing the national debt.
ADJOURN: There being no further business, Keever moved to adjourn. Motion seconded by Larsen, carried. Council adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
/s/ Heather N. Hillegeist
City Clerk
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