Rescheduled from the regular Tuesday date, members of the Hamilton City Council convened on Wednesday, May 16 for their monthly meeting.
In discussion of new business, council members were presented an issue pertaining to the Storm Siren. Mayor Dave Harris reported that the city’s siren had not went off recently. In efforts to resolve this, new batteries were put in. Harris explained that, though the siren had then worked, it was not as loud as it should be. It was recommended that the city put in an amplifier. Harris noted that if this were to be installed and volume issues were to persist, Emergency Fire Equipment would take the part off and there would be no charge for this. Members of the council approved to purchase the amplifier in the amount of $972.85
Discussion returned to needed repair of the water tower. An updated quote was sought from Viking Industrial Painting, which came in at the same figure originally estimated for addressing the frost jacket of the stand pipe. This totaled $17,500. It was noted that the city has reached out to other companies to inquire into additional quotes, but most have wanted to perform their own inspection or have not responded. During discussion of the subject, it was noted that remaining COVID funds amounting to roughly $13,500 would be expiring and could be applied towards this within the designated use parameters. A consensus was reached to obligate the COVID dollars towards this. Representatives of the city are planning to contact Viking to further discuss the price.
Code violations, including nuisance and safety concerns in relation to three separate dog cases, were brought to the floor. The first violation was noted as a persisting issue. Two violation letters were sent by the city and a law enforcement officer spoke to the dog owner. The individual’s attorney then reached out to the city, notifying officials of the steps that were going to be taken to remedy the nuisance issue/ continual disturbances. Ultimately, however, nothing was done. It was noted that there are at least five dogs living on the property. After city code was reviewed and considered, members of the council ultimately moved to afford for Mayor Harris to contact the City Attorney and take the action deemed fit in accordance with codes 2-111 and 2-112. More specifically, Harris will be conferring with the City Attorney in regards to appropriate impounding procedures. Plans were discussed for sending the property owner a letter to surrender the dogs and designating the date when the animals will be collected. Plans for impounding the dogs at the expense of the owner were shared as intended action to be taken. City code affords for “removal/disposal,” however council members noted intent to provide the owner the opportunity to get the animals out of the pound, however they must pay the set fee associated with that given pound. Harris was to reach out to the attorney and plans for area cities/dog catchers to be contacted as well as the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office were noted.
Following previous expressed concerns and a complaint from citizens, a second dog issue was brought before the council. The complaint outlined an incident where the given dog had attacked someone while it was atlarge, noting that no one had been hurt, but citing concerns for safety. A consensus was reached to send a letter giving the dog’s owner/caretaker 24 hours to remove it from the city limits or it will be impounded. The Sheriff’s Office was to be contacted to deliver the letter.
The final dog issue discussed was another issue with a vicious dog running at-large. It was shared that a party had been taking a walk and the dog had attempted to bite them. A consensus was reached to send a letter in regards to violation and safety issue.
In old business, council members revisited sewer line issues pertaining to Barbara Schlotterbeck’s shop, (located off of Highway 99 in the structure that previously served as the Hamilton Baptist Church). In the update shared, a camera was run through the line to assess the issue and it was determined that the last few feet of line on the property owner’s side, running underneath the highway, is collapsed. The proposal to abate the issue and avoid closure of the highway was to branch off the main that runs through the alley and cut through the alley, running a main and setting a clean out. Anticipated cost for this was shared as $3,500 in labor and roughly $1,500 for 6-inch sewer pipe. Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck noted that the tap where the line has collapsed could not be left open and needed to be plugged. Councilman Larry Walford voiced concerns as the line was there prior to construction of the highway. City Superintendent Randy Knight noted that he could contact the state, if the council wanted him to do so. Staff was asked to get a locate on the site, from the intersection of West Garfield and Fourth Streets, half a block north on Fourth Street. More information will be gathered, including quotes for pipe, and discussion is slated to be picked up at the next meeting.
A request was presented on behalf of the new owners of the Holmes Sundries building. Due to a waterline issue, the owners requested permission to cut the sidewalk in front of the building to access and address the line issue. They also shared hopes for removing the stump and unlevel concrete on the west side of the building and putting gravel down after this is completed.
After reviewing ordinances/ codes, council members approved for the owner to remove the concrete and stump and replace it with gravel. Approval was also received for the sidewalk to be cut as needed for the water line project. Owners must put the sidewalk back in after this is completed.
Hamilton City officials further considered the prospects of acquiring a building to serve as the city shop. It was noted that, in addition to the purchase price, there would be cost associated with installation of a shop door and removal of a trailer house on the property. Benefits of the space included being able to store all equipment in the same location, having an indoor place to perform needed work and having space to store materials that need to be house in a dry location.
Councilman Joe Beeman noted that if the city were to purchase the structure, this would result in loss of tax revenue for the property. Councilman Walford recommended that they look to sell Greenwood County their building being utilized by the fire department. C. Schlotterbeck noted that this would have to be budgeted for by the fire department. Worries were expressed in regards to other expenses anticipated by the city, with it being noted that significant work was needed to the water tower. It was noted that the city had been offered no interest and payments for the building purchase, with it being added that an opportunity of this nature was not likely to come around again should they decline the purchase. Council members will look at the numbers and revisit this matter at a later date.
Library Board member Kara Nutsch was present to provide their report along with the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Nutsch told council members that two current members were up for reappointment: Jane Long and Keila Sherman. Members of the council approved both reappointments. After sharing that there had been good attendance to recent events, plans for Summer reading were shared. Nutsch told members of the city council that this year’s theme is Adventure Begins At Your Library and they would be focusing on adventures in Kansas. There will also be Saturday morning movies held twice a month. Kids who come to story time on Fridays can earn points or book bucks, that can be used to buy snacks to enjoy at the movies. As she discussed upcoming activities planned for the summer, Nutsch noted that donations are always accepted.
In presentation of the proposed budget for 2025, Nutsch allocation criteria pertaining to funds received from the South East Kansas Library System (SEKLS) and noted that they anticipate receiving roughly the same amount as they did for this fiscal year. As she discussed expenses and future needs, including aging computers, Nutsch noted that they would love if the city were able to increase funds allocated to the library. The library is applying for, and hopes to obtain, a technology grant to aid with the purchase of updated computers. Nutsch shared that the idea of creating a community bulletin board in front of library was purposed to her. She noted this as an item to consider for potential community benefit, to provide a place for information to be accessed in regards to events and happenings.
Due to a recent issue experienced with the trash service provider, Harris suggested that the city request an audit.
Bids will be sought for a resurfacing project to include W Road.
Harris will be looking to contact Johnson Realty and Auction in regards to the potential sale of equipment no longer utilized.
Councilman Walford suggested having dumpsters delivered for future cleanup dates on a more suitable day for people who work, so they are able to utilize them.
Bills were reviewed with one correction to a dollar amount that was listed incorrectly, and approved as amended.
Minutes were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m.
