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March 4, 2009 The Norton City Council met in regular session Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor David Corns presiding. Council members present were Jeff Otter, Donna Foley, Toby Kuhn, Kim Snyder, Elaine Mann and Wally Burton. Others present were Chris Land, Pat and Linda Donovan, Brandy Leroux, Tim Bashford, Pat Morel, Karen Griffiths, Rob Lawson and Darla Ellis. Motion was made by Elaine Mann and seconded by Kim Snyder to approve the February 18, 2009, council minutes. Vote taken. Motion carried. No demolition or building permits were presented. Chris Land of Murphy International Development Corporation gave a presentation regarding wind energy. He stated wind power development in the US is rising at record rates of 25%-45% per year, and community based wind energy would provide economic development in our community. He said it also promotes energy efficiency and national security, galvanizes support and neutralizes opposition, in addition to many other benefits. It is rapidly expanding across the US, and can be very rewarding both financially and environmentally. The first step in pursuing wind energy development is to sign a letter of engagement which will put a scope on the project so they can project a cost for the studies. They will then present a contract for pre-construction studies. The 3 phase study process includes site assessment, feasibility study and preliminary engineering and cost analysis. He stated the process can be stopped at the end of any of the three phases without incurring additional costs. Then they move into the engineering, procurement and construction stage where things get built. Elaine Mann stated she thinks it is important to look into this energy source. Toby Kuhn asked if it would supplement or eliminate the need for the power plant. Land stated it would reduce the annual demand for electricity, but wind energy is not reliable like the power plant is, because when the wind doesn’t blow, the turbine doesn’t produce electricity. Land stated their legal team is looking at the possibility of getting stimulus money to help communities with green projects, and he should know more in the next 30 days. The Council thanked him for coming to Norton and making his presentation. Pat and Linda Donovan left the meeting at 6:11 p.m. Mayor Corns reported the city sales tax receipts collected in January of 2009 totaled $19,469.57, and the county sales tax receipts totaled $15,676.90, for a total of $35,146.47. The year to date total receipts in 2009 total $73,465.77. Motion was made by Toby Kuhn and seconded by Jeff Otter to waive the formal first reading of Ordinance #1583, allowing for the recovery of costs of collection as to delinquent accounts owed to the City of Norton. Vote taken. Motion carried. Chief of Police Pat Morel stated he has distributed a monthly report of police department activities. Rob Lawson reported on January 21, the council approved a proposal from BRB to furnish and install three Flygt submersible pumps at the sewer plant with the City’s cost not to exceed $20,000; KDHE needs a change order to allow the expense. Motion was made by Elaine Mann and seconded by Kim Snyder to approve change order #4 for the sewer plant motor replacement. Vote taken. Motion carried. Rob Lawson stated the County is considering April 6-8 for county-wide clean-up. Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve the dates of April 6-8 as the City-wide clean-up days, contingent upon the County approving those dates. Vote taken. Motion carried. Rob Lawson also reported that Economic Development has invited everyone to a USDA meeting on March 12, at 12:00 noon, at the Town and Country Kitchen, regarding the benefits of energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems. Kim Snyder stated the Parks Committee met and discussed contract suggestions for future use of the Elmwood Park Speedway, and will meet again to discuss the issue further. Elaine Mann reported the Utility Committee will be discussing the wastewater plant and viewing slides on March 16, at 5:30 p.m. She also stated that the Economic Development Director would like to be kept informed of the City’s discussions on wind energy. Wally Burton stated the Finance Committee met with the department heads and discussed possible budget reductions to consider. He thanked Rob and the department heads for being at the meeting for the discussion. Motion was made by Wally Burton and seconded by Jeff Otter to accept the list of proposed budget cuts presented by City Administrator Rob Lawson, as a plan for consideration if budget cuts are needed at a later date. Karen Griffiths stated that no motion is needed at this time. Motion was rescinded with permission of the second. Donna Foley reported the Public Works Committee met and discussed the trash truck and options on extending the life of the current truck. They will meet again for further discussion. Toby Kuhn reported the Police Chief informed him that the two Chevy Impalas have been picked up and the City should be receiving a check soon. Toby reported the Public Safety Committee discussed upcoming fire training in Topeka which 3 firemen will be attending. Motion was made by Toby Kuhn and seconded by Donna Foley to accept the bid from Municipal Emergency Services, Inc., a sole source provider, for self contained breathing apparatus for the fire department at a cost of $2,388 plus freight, to come from the fund 01.12.463. Vote taken. Motion carried. Toby stated the Public Safety Committee met with the Municipal Court Judge and the Court Clerk and said the court records are up to date. He thanked them for their hard work and hopes the records will be kept up to date from this point on. The City had turned over a number of delinquent court fines to a collection agency, and will be receiving a check for over $1,500 for collections made during the month of February. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve the renewal of the Class A Club License for Harmonson Redd Post #63 of the American Legion. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Jeff Otter and seconded by Kim Snyder to approve Appropriating Ordinance #5. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Elaine Mann to adjourn the meeting. Council adjourned at 6:29 p.m. ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor: David N. Corns |