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January 21, 2009 The Norton City Council met in regular session Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor David Corns presiding. Council members present were Jeff Otter, Donna Foley, Kim Snyder and Elaine Mann. Toby Kuhn was absent. Others present were Diane Becker, Tim Bashford, Carolyn Applegate, Jerry Jones, Joseph and Brandy Leroux, Wally Burton, Dan Bainter, Deena Wente, Pat Morel, Karen Griffiths, Rob Lawson and Darla Ellis. Motion was made by Elaine Mann and seconded by Kim Snyder to approve the January 7, 2009, council minutes. Vote taken. Motion carried. No building permits were presented. Diane Becker was present to give the semi-annual report for Norton City/County Economic Development. She stated 15 taxing districts adopted the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and 9 are still considering the adoption of the plan. She also reported on the Demolition Program which was created to offer cities up to $2,000 for their demolition projects. She stated there is a limit of $1,000 per project and the money can be used in numerous ways, including as an incentive program, to hire people to demolish structures, or to offset landfill fees. Becker also stated Buy Local week will be February 1-7, 2009. Mayor Corns will sign a proclamation declaring February 1-7 as Buy Local week. She also reported on the Store-front renewal project, and stated applications are available online or in her office. She stated Economic Development has applied for a grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to renovate the inside of the Moffet station, and Bob Yeager renovated the stain glass window. She also offered to have orientation for new council members to familiarize them with the history of Economic Development. Mayor Corns authorized staff to have a light installed by the light pole in front of City Hall, so that the flags can be flown at all times. He also announced that a retirement party will be held for Kay LeBeau on February 10th, from 2:00-5:30 at the Library. She has worked at the Library for 33 years. He stated an awards program for International Motor Contest Association will be held at O’Briens on Saturday, January 24th at 7 p.m. Mayor Corns stated 4 people have applied for the vacant council position in Ward III, but one of them did not live in the correct ward. He stated he would like to appoint Wally Burton to fill the unexpired city council term in Ward III, which was vacated by the resignation of Ron Briery. Motion was made by Elaine Mann and seconded by Kim Snyder to approve the appointment of Wally Burton as Council Member of Ward III. This term will expire in April of 2009. Vote taken. Motion carried. Mayor Corns thanked Joseph Leroux and Tim Bashford for their interest in the Ward III City Council position, and wished them good luck in the general election. Rob Lawson reported KDHE has reviewed the city’s 2007 audit report, and is concerned that the current water rates are not sufficient to make the required loan repayments. Rob stated the Committee will need to discuss this at some time in the near future. Rob Lawson gave an update on the Washington Street sewer lift station. He stated parts have been ordered and will be installed as soon as possible. He stated KDHE has approved using State Revolving Loan funds left from the sewer plant project to cover the costs. He also reported that KDHE recommends upgrading the lift station to a pitless unit to eliminate personnel from having to work in a confined space. He stated he will be meeting with Miller & Associates on Friday to discuss a sludge thickener and/or a belt press for the sewer plant. KDHE strongly suggests installing one or the other, and a drum thickener was specified in the original plans they designed. Rob Lawson also reported that a proposal has been submitted from BRB Contractors on the sewer plant pumps, and the remaining contingency funds could be used for this. BRB is offering to furnish and install three Flygt submersible pumps built with special internal components to better withstand the abrasive effect of the grit. They are estimating the total cost to be about $40,000, and have agreed to pay half the cost. The Flygt pumps were included in the original project plans, and KDHE has approved the proposal. Motion was made by Elaine Mann and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve BRB’s proposal at a cost not to exceed $20,000. Vote taken. Motion carried. Kim Snyder stated the City Code needs to be updated and recodified. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Elaine Mann to have the City Attorney prepare the legislative updates and statutory changes which need to be incorporated into the City Code, so staff can prepare the recodification of the Norton City Code. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Elaine Mann to approve the following 2008 utility write offs, and have the City Attorney send collection letters to the people on the list:
Vote taken. Motion carried. City Attorney Karen Griffiths will prepare the necessary ordinance so that the collection fee can be passed on to the debtor, rather than being paid by the City. Elaine Mann stated she will not be re-filing for the Council position due to personal reasons, and has enjoyed her time on the city council. Wally Burton thanked the Mayor and City Council for his appointment to fill the vacancy in Ward III. He stated he does not plan to file for the new term in April. Donna Foley stated the City still has a few recycling containers to give out to the public. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve Appropriating Ordinance #2. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Jeff Otter and seconded by Kim Snyder to adjourn. Council adjourned at 6:02 p.m. ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor: David N. Corns
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