Licensed Operator Dean Hermesch attended last week’s Hamilton City Council meeting after being contacted by an official. Hermesch was requested to attend to afford for discussion of him covering responsibilities associated with water/sewer while the city superintendent position remains unfilled. While present, Hermesch shared that he had retired from a similar capacity with the City of Olpe a year ago and has since been filling in parttime as needed. Following discussion of mileage, as Hermesch resides near Olpe, and compensation, members of the council approved hiring him as a contract laborer. A rate of $25 for one weekly visit for an hour, 45 miles round trip at .67 cents per mile and $20 an hour if additional hours are required were included in discussion. Estimated pay per month was shared at $220. The position of City Superintendent remains open for application submissions.
A .50 cent per hour raise was approved for Amber Woodie for her work reading meters in the absence of a superintendent. Officials discussed establishing a stipend to serve as reimbursement for use of her personal vehicle and phone while doing so. Following discussion, officials approved a $20 monthly reimbursement for personal equipment.
Before officials voted to approve the bills last Tuesday, Clerk Daphne Rayburn discussed issues being experienced with the city printer. A needed part has been ordered and the repairman is anticipated to return to put this in at a later date. Rayburn was asked to bring a quote for a new unit to the next meeting as well as provide a report on what has been spent in the past year for repair of the current machine. Mayor Dave Harris also asked that a maintenance program be looked into. Later in the meeting after consulting records, Rayburn shared that it was a 2006 printer and the last quote for a new machine, which was received in October 2023, was $1,795.
Kara Nutsch with the Hamilton City Library provided a report. Nutsch shared plans for the year and reported that the grant obtained by the county had greatly aided the facility. The annual Easter egg hunts are being planned for March 29 with the kids hunt in the morning and the teen hunt in the evening. In addition to seeking the council’s consent for use of the park and city property along Main Street, Nutsch noted that they were open for donations for candy and goodies to be hidden. Members of the council approved donating $100 for the Easter egg hunt. Mayor Harris personally matched this donation. Nutsch next discussed work being done to build Hamilton history records at the library. After sharing that this would be a long-term project, Nutsch explained that history records are minimal at the facility and they are wanting to provide a research option to patrons. Councilman Rodney Dimick advised that a previous librarian has a good historical collection he has been hoping to digitize.
Treasurer Cindy Hardin was present last Tuesday night to discuss investments and an interest rate opportunity. After noting that the city currently has CDs, Hardin shared that she had just learned of municipal money market account which would come with a 3.33% interest rate. Hardin explained that money in this account would be liquid so it can be transferred for payment of bills as needed and recommended this be established. Members of the council approved creating the account with Citizen’s State Bank.
The subject of gravel was revisited. Previously, the city council had approved up to three loads from an area provider, however it was noted that additional road rock was needed. Cost of approximately $22 per ton including delivery was shared. Council members approved purchase of the following: two loads of ab3 – end-dump loads and five loads of clean 1 inch end-dump loads.
March CPR and AED training will be held March 6 at 7 p.m. Organizers are still looking to determine an official location. Cost for the class is $40 per person. City Council members voted to pay for up to 10 people for certification for community members who sign up. Available sign up was to be included on bills and flyers.
The sewer machine was revisited. During discussion of operational issues, it was shared that the machine floods itself out and is getting too much fuel. Officials discussed assessing the machine once more and looking to find parts to complete the needed work to repair the unit.
No Parking sign installation was discussed. Purchase of signs was approved during a previous meeting and these have since been received. Members of the council will be looking to complete installation Saturday, March 2. Call Before You Dig is to be contacted.
Options for marketing the vacant City Superintendent position were again discussed. Councilman Dimick provided an update, reporting that he had spoken with a digital marketing representative at his place of work and looked into Facebook advertising. Dimick explained that a radius for reach of the ad could be set. Linked-in was also noted as a potential option to look into.
Members of the council approved advertising through Facebook, allocating $200 per month for this. If this balance is not spent prior to filling the position, the city will get remaining dollars back. This will be revisited next month.
City officials approved a donation to the Hamilton Junior Class Carnival in the amount of $100.
In discussion of maintenance items, it was reported that sewer clean out had been completed to a section of line and was done well. Officials are looking at making sure the mower is ready for the coming mowing season. In council concerns, Councilman Larry Walford noted that the city needs to look at replacing the electrical boxes for Christmas decorations.
Officials discussed looking to clean up the area near the city dumpster. Interest was expressed in disposing of materials laying on the lot.
Clerk Rayburn presented an Evergy Ordinance for considered approval. Rayburn shared that this had been reviewed by Treasurer Hardin and was similar to the previous ordinance which is about to expire. The new ordinance number needs completed by May 8 as this franchise agreement must be renewed every 20 years. The document will be further reviewed and revisited during the next meeting. Rayburn brought to the floor scheduling of dates for roll-off dumpsters for 2024 through Waste Connections. No official dates for this were shared.
In regards to banking and the city Business Visa Card, officials approved authorizing Mayor Harris and Clerk Rayburn as users and removing the former individuals.
The bulk house and city shop were discussed in conjunction with potential work/repair and needed equipment storage.
Minutes of the January meeting were approved.
Councilman Joe Beeman appeared via phone conference.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
