Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on November 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Gabby Gire, CHCSEK, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Gabby Gire, Tobacco Program Manager– here to introduce herself and the tobacco program. She is conducting a survey of the county on tobacco issues and starting a coalition to address those issues.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. October written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $339,187.45, Receipts $71,384.70, Transfers Out $19,026.00, Expenditures $41,331.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $350,214.68. Bank Statement Balance $351,061.91, including Checking Account Interest of $29.58, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $847.23, Reconciled Balance $350,214.68. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,009.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,467.30, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,298.34, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $417,990.22. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $312.18 and Utility CDs $242.63 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $554.81. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $3,523.50, Expenditures $3,327.75, Ending Balance $195.75. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500.00, from Sewer Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00, from Water Utility Fund $750.00, from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $19,026.00. Net Income for the month of October $11,027.23, Year-to-Date Net Loss $50,883.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $93,904.59 (94.1%), Expenditures $93,148.69 (75.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,022.57 (89.3%), Expenditures $30,413.06 (69.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $127,500.65 (98.7%), Expenditures $235,478.85 (71.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $126,203.02 (110.2%), Expenditures $125,758.08 (76.6%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $11,678.90 (78.2%). The November 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $27,107.72 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 12, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich informed the council that he picked up the culverts today and they are stored in the warehouse.
The repairs of the bulletin board are almost finished.
Only one quote was received for the shop insulation. He requested quotes from Gage Chiartano, Murphy Roofing, Abernathy Roofing, and Restoration and Waterproofing Contractors Inc. Quote from Gage Chiartano is for $5,000, Abernathy chose not to submit a quote due to travel distance.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to accept quote of $5,000 from Gage Chiartano to insulate the shop ceiling
He reported that KDHE was here last week to inspect the water system. No deficiencies were found and they will be back for the next inspection in three years.
The cost of the gas valves to be replaced have doubled since this time last year. He would like to also remove a service line at 405 Washington, a vacant lot. It has a low cathodic protection reading. Clerk Johnson will contact property owner to see if they want to retain service to that lot.
He reported that CDL Electric did the fall inspection of the storm siren and two batteries and two chargers are bad. CDL has ordered chargers. Rich will get the batteries locally.
He contacted Traveling Trees to price new trees for the park and/or pond. Most of the trees except for oak are $250 to plant a 12’ tree with ball, stake and mulch. Clerk Johnson will contact the school and Park Committee to see if they will contribute either funds or people to water the new trees. Placement of new trees was discussed, leading to a discussion concerning the proposed splashpad.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 201 Washington said they no longer had pets but still receiving sporadic complaints about dogs; 306 Union moved to 104 Washington but dog still running at large; 303 Washington dogs running at large, but no reports of aggressive; Animal Control Officer Binford is relocating stray cats out of town; 202 Third have registered three adult dogs, but haven’t supplied rabies certification; owner of 401 Sherman has moved back in, renter moved to 301 Second #2; 202 Fourth, 201 Fulton, and 204 Fulton are no longer vacant; 306 Washington ditches have been mowed/trimmed; 505 Washington has been mowed.
Clerk Johnson updated Council on the response from insurance agent regarding the Building Code Effectiveness Grading.
A letter requesting a donation to the Send Off Seniors after graduation party was received.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2022 Send Off Seniors after graduation party
Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting a client authorization addendum in order to be compliant with new federal Regulation F, requiring a specific date for the final bill and track payments/adjustments from that date. Option 1 is to allow CBK to send final statement once they receive the file from us. Option 2 we would send final statement and have to notify CBK of the date of the final statement and any payments/adjustments to the final statement balance to date and in the future.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to adopt option 1 of the client authorization addendum for implementation of Regulation F with Collection Bureau of Kansas
She visited with Mr Kite regarding the legal description of the property he is donating to the City – Lot 58 less east 22’, Lot 59, Block 11, Original Town, Uniontown, commonly known as 112 Second St. She will contact the attorney to get the warranty deed drawn up and the title insurance company.
The realtor for HB Salon inquired as to whether that building could be residential. Clerk Johnson sent minimum housing standards ordinance to realtor and to her knowledge there is not an ordinance that does not allow a commercial building to become a residential building.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
HBCAT – Health in All Policies Partner Pledge – after discussion, no action was taken.
Pond Improvement Project – The contractor for the walkway turned in a timeline for getting it fabricated and installed. Should be installed by end of November.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – As of October 31, City has collected $50,527.25 principal and interest and has paid $43,335.51 principal and interest. Unpaid principal is $36,740.36. 57.6% of gas customers have paid their gas surcharge in full.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Some cities chose not to accept ARPA funds. Those funds were then divided up among the cities that did accept funds. We received an additional $119.14. The second payment will go up by that amount also.
FEMA project update – We have received 75% reimbursement from FEMA and 10% reimbursement from KDEM for approved repairs. We have also received $195.75 from FEMA for approved management costs.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:37PM
Open meeting resumed at 9:37, no action taken
Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.