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July 1, 2009 The Norton City Council met in regular session Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor David Corns presiding. Council members present were Jeff Otter, Donna Foley, Toby Kuhn, Kim Snyder, Roberta Ryan and Joe Leroux. Others present were Tom Breit, Deena Wente, Pat Morel, Karen Griffiths, Rob Lawson and Darla Ellis. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Roberta Ryan to approve the June 17, 2009, city council minutes. Vote taken. Motion carried. The following building permits were presented: Motion was made by Toby Kuhn and seconded by Kim Snyder to waive the formal second reading of Ordinance #1584, amending Section 15-204 of the City Code relating to utility service water tap fees. The fees were last adjusted in 1992. Vote taken. Motion carried. Mayor Corns reported the city sales tax receipts collected in May of 2009 totaled $19,643.07 and the county sales tax receipts totaled $14,856.40 for a total of $34,499.47. The year to date total receipts in 2009 total $211,915.27. Mayor Corns stated he has signed a proclamation, declaring July 25, 2009, as “Kansas All-Star Football Shrine Bowl Day”. Zac Dreher of Norton Community High School will be representing the community at the Shrine Bowl. Karen Griffiths has been working on the Uniform Building Code and the Residential Building Code, and will be updating the National Electric Code. Chief of Police Pat Morel stated he has distributed the statistics for his department’s activity for the year. He also stated the officers have been enforcing the regulations regarding shooting of fireworks. City Administrator Rob Lawson reported he has prepared a work list for summer projects with projected deadlines. The crews have put up the fair rides so they are ready to be inspected prior to the Norton County Fair. He commended the crews for doing a good job. The block has been laid on the restroom project, and the roof and plumbing will begin next week. The horse arena electrical plugs will be completed soon. The crews are spraying for mosquitoes each week. Rob Lawson also reported that Chris Frack is now certified as a Class II water operator. Wastewater Plant Operator Jeff Urban will be testing for his wastewater certification in September. Kim Gallentine has been hired as the new Account Clerk and began employment on June 15. He also reported that Michael Coffey has been hired as the new power plant trainee, and began employment on June 22. John Haas with Ransom Financial will be at the August 5th City Council meeting to present the utility rate study information that he has completed, and answer any questions the council might have. Jeff Otter stated the Public Safety Committee met and discussed a jail detention fee. The City Attorney prepared an Ordinance amending the court costs for the committee to review, and had information regarding charging inmates for their jail time. The committee is still reviewing this issue. The committee also discussed the regulations and requirements for licensing a taxi for larger vehicles and limousines. Kim Snyder reported the Public Works Committee discussed an informational sign for the community that the Methodist Church is erecting. It will be used to post events and other announcements for the community. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Joe Leroux to allow city crews to dig and pour the base for the installation of the new informational sign for the Methodist Church. Vote taken. Motion carried 4-0 with Toby Kuhn and Roberta Ryan abstaining from the vote. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Roberta Ryan to approve the Andbe Home’s alley improvement agreement to chip and seal the alley for Bieber Cottages, south of Armory Drive. The Andbe Home will pay the cost of the chip and seal, which is estimated at $3,920, and the City will provide the labor. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Toby Kuhn to approve Charles Hadley’s sidewalk replacement request at 312 S. Wabash Street, with the City providing the labor and the property owner paying the cost of materials directly to the concrete provider, contingent upon it meeting the city’s requirements. Vote taken. Motion carried. Karen Griffiths stated she attended a Kansas Open Meetings Act training which was presented by the Attorney General’s Office and the League of Municipalities. The notice requirement for an open meeting has been changed to the majority of the council, instead of the majority of a quorum. Joe Leroux stated the Public Works supervisor reported that totally redoing the tennis courts would cost $80,000 to $100,000. The committee discussed the options, and crews will be filling the cracks to make it safe to use for another season, and the school will help pay for the repairs. Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve the temporary beer license for the Norton American Legion to have a beer garden during the 2009 Norton County Fair. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Jeff Otter and seconded by Roberta Ryan to approve Appropriating Ordinance #13 as a whole. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Jeff Otter to adjourn. Council adjourned at 6:00 p.m. ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor: David N. Corns
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