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July 15, 2009 The Norton City Council met in regular session Wednesday, July 15, 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 Jerry Jones, Jerry Bantam, Rick Schwab, John Kaus, Erica Bradley, Deena Wente, Dan Bainter, Jeremy Hartwell, Karen Griffiths, Rob Lawson and Darla Ellis. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Roberta Ryan to approve the July 1, 2009, city council minutes. Vote taken. Motion carried. The following building permits were presented: Jerry Jones stated the August 9 motorcycle races which were previously scheduled have been cancelled, and so that date is open if someone else wants to use the Elmwood Park racetrack on that day. Jerry Bantam and Rick Schwab were present on behalf of MBM Motor Sports to request that the city pay for the cement for the installation of a wheel fence at the racetrack. They have all of the materials, including the pipe, cable, pump rod, and 75 poles. They also have obtained use of the necessary equipment and will provide the work force to complete the project. They asked if the City would pay the cost of cement to secure the 75 poles at an approximate cost of $3,500. They would like to start this project as soon as the fair races are over, and expect the project to be done in about 3 days. Bantam stated this is a prelude to moving the pit area from inside the racetrack to outside the racetrack, to improve the grandstand attendance. Toby Kuhn stated this would make it difficult to change the track from a ½ mile track to a 3/8 mile track in the future. They were asked to attend the Parks Committee meeting on July 20 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss this further. Jerry Bantam stated the racetrack was started in 1884, so this is the 125 year for the racetrack. John Kaus asked what the status of the portion of land owned by the City adjacent to his property on Park Street is. Karen Griffiths stated a request for an appraisal of the property has been made, and the City is waiting to see how the appraisal comes back. Motion was made by Toby Kuhn and seconded by Jeff Otter to waive the formal third reading of Ordinance #1584. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Toby Kuhn and seconded by Kim Snyder to adopt Ordinance #1584, amending Section 15-204 of the City Code relating to utility service water tap fees. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Roberta Ryan to approve the Mayor’s reappointment of Karen Griffiths to serve on the Governing Board for Northwest Kansas Juvenile Services and Northwest Kansas Community Corrections, with said term expiring in September of 2012. Vote taken. Motion carried. Karen Griffiths stated she is still trying to work on the codification of the Norton City Code and would like to meet with the Finance Committee at their earliest convenience. Mayor Corns asked if there have been any comments regarding the no parking and 2-hour parking zone signs that have been placed. Rob Lawson reported there have been no official complaints regarding either sign, and the Public Safety Committee will discuss these two areas. Donna Foley reported the Economic Development Committee met and renewed Diane Becker’s contract as Economic Development Director for 3 years. The Committee will be developing a long-range strategic plan. Motion was made by Toby Kuhn and seconded by Kim Snyder to waive the first reading of Charter Ordinance #11, exempting the City from the provisions of K.S.A. 14-201, only as it relates to specification of certain salaries by ordinance, and providing substitute and additional provisions on the same subject. Toby Kuhn stated this has been occurring since 1984 through the Personnel Manual, but the ordinance needs to be adopted to be in compliance with State Statute. Karen Griffiths stated salaries for the City Attorney and Municipal Judge will be adopted by a separate resolution each year, since their positions are not included in the Personnel Manual. Vote taken. Motion carried. Toby Kuhn stated the 2010 budget hearing will be scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, at 5:45 p.m. for consideration of the 2010 city budget. The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m. to review the preliminary 2010 budget. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Toby Kuhn to approve Annette Puent’s sidewalk replacement request at 507 N. Second 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. Roberta Ryan stated the Chamber of Commerce was very happy with the results of the July 4th fireworks display. The Lenora Jubilee Committee was also very pleased with the turnout at the Lenora Jubilee this year. She also reported the Teachers Welcome will be held in the near future. Mayor Corns thanked the crews for getting the fair rides up for the fair. The roof is on the new restroom, and the sides for the roof are ordered. The City is waiting for the plumbing and heating to be completed, and is hopeful that the new facility will be usable in time for the Norton County Fair. Motion was made by Jeff Otter and seconded by Kim Snyder to approve Appropriating Ordinance #14 as a whole. Vote taken. Motion carried. Motion was made by Kim Snyder and seconded by Roberta Ryan to adjourn. Council adjourned at 6:05 p.m. ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor: David N. Corns
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