Official Minutes

March 3, 2010

The Norton City Council met in regular session Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor David Corns presiding.  Council members present were Jeff Otter, Donna Foley, Roberta Ryan and Joe Leroux.  Toby Kuhn and Kim Snyder were absent.  Others present were Diane Stiles, Jerry Bantam, Chris Frack, Erica Bradley, Deena Wente, Pat Morel, Karen Griffiths, Rob Lawson and Darla Ellis. 

Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve the February 17, 2010, council minutes.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

No building permits were presented.

Economic Development Director Diane Stiles was present to give a semi-annual report regarding Norton City/County Economic Development.  She reported on the projects that have been undertaken in 2009, and grants that have been obtained.  She asked if the City has any specific goals for their Strategic Plan.  Roberta Ryan stated a new swimming pool would be a goal for the City. The Council thanked Diane for her update.  Donna Foley said she feels that the money the City contributes to Economic Development is money well spent.  Joe Leroux stated he agrees.

Mayor Corns reported the city sales tax receipts collected in February of 2010 totaled $19,573.29, and the county sales tax receipts totaled $14,472.54, for a total of $34,045.83.  The 2010 year to date sales tax receipts total $68,537.25.

Mayor David Corns reported the Library Board met and discussed installing 2 panic buttons at the library.  They would like the City to pay for the installation at a cost of $212.50, and then the library would pay the monthly charge.  The Finance Committee will discuss the request.  Roofmasters has been contacted and will come to look at damage to the building at the Library as a result of recurring leaks.

Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Jeff Otter to adopt Resolution #3-2010, authorizing the City of Norton to enter into, execute and deliver a lease purchase agreement with the Almena State Bank for a refuse truck.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Jeff Otter to waive the first reading of Ordinance #1599, authorizing and providing for the codification of the general ordinances of the City and the publication of such codification in loose-leaf book form.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Jeff Otter to waive the first reading of Ordinance #1600, adopting the codification of ordinances of the City of Norton.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Roberta Ryan to authorize Mayor Corns to sign the agreement and contract addendum with Thomas Outdoor Advertising, Inc., for the advertising sign on property owned by the City located near 120 S. State Street.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Roberta Ryan to authorize the Mayor to sign the lease purchase agreements with Almena First State Bank for the refuse truck. Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Rob Lawson reported the county is sponsoring a spring clean up on April 26-28.  Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Roberta Ryan to schedule the city wide spring clean up days for April 26-28, 2010.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Rob Lawson reported the City received the reimbursement from KDHE for a portion of the sludge truck purchase and the sewer plant project is now 100% complete.

Rob Lawson stated Corina Cox with Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission will be at the next city council meeting to present information on two grants that the city might want to pursue.  One would be for the purchase of a new fire truck and the other for curb, gutter and street work in the city. 

Betty Mickey of Atwood will meet with the Finance Committee and other interested individuals on March 22 at 5:15 p.m. to discuss their inmate work crew.

Donna Foley stated the Utility Committee discussed the plans for the cooling system at the electric plant and will be discussing the matter further. 

Donna Foley stated the Utility Committee also discussed the meter calibration tests at the water plant, which are required annually by KDHE.  Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve hiring the Hach Company to perform the required meter testing for water quality at the water plant for the 2010 year for a cost of $6,268.00, to be paid from budget line item 43.44.278.  This amount includes all repairs and replacement of parts for the 2010 year.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Roberta Ryan reported she was out of town and unable to attend the Chamber of Commerce meeting.  They are getting ready for the annual Chamber Banquet and Fred White will be the guest speaker.

Joe Leroux stated the Parks Committee met with Jerry Bantam regarding the 2010 Elmwood Park Speedway.  Motion was made by Joe Leroux and seconded by Jeff Otter to approve the cost of the materials for repairs and improvements to the timing tower at a cost not to exceed $1,365 to be paid from budget line item 16.16.499.  Jerry Bantam said they will provide the labor.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Joe Leroux and seconded by Roberta Ryan to advertise for the positions of summer maintenance help, swimming pool manager and swimming pool guards.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Joe Leroux and seconded by Jeff Otter to advertise for a part time seasonal cemetery maintenance position for 6 months from mid-April to mid-October.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Mayor Corns stated the American Cancer Society’s 2010 Relay for Life will be held June 25 to June 26 at the Norton Courthouse Square. 

Donna Foley stated the Utility Committee has discussed the purchase of a truck for the utility department.  Two bids were received.  Chris Frack also contacted the State Surplus.  They have two 1999 pickups; one has 199,000 miles and one has over 200,000 miles.  Motion was made by Donna Foley and seconded by Joe Leroux to approve the low bid and purchase the 1994 Ford XLT extended cab ½ ton 4x4 pickup from Jim Frack; half of the cost will be paid from both the sewer and water funds.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Joe Leroux and seconded by Roberta Ryan to approve Appropriating Ordinance #5 as a whole.  Vote taken.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Jeff Otter and seconded by Joe Leroux to adjourn.  Council adjourned at 6:30 p.m.