On Monday, September 13, truck parking along west Main Street was revisited by Hamilton City Council members. This concern was originally brought to the floor due to semis blocking driveways. Clerk Daphne Rayburn shared that she had talked to the county about the prospects of putting up signs, and was told that the city could put some up as this is within the city limits. Members of the council approved for the purchase of 10 no parking signs to be placed on Main Street west of Highway 99 to the scales and 7th Street to the intersection of 260th Street.
Discussion continued in regards to the construction of a Veterans’ memorial. Clerk Rayburn shared that she had spoken with a couple of area communities and provided members with some information on their project cost. After discussing potential funding options, including looking into grants and donations, discussion concluded with members reaching a consensus to consider locations and sizes and begin exploring funding options.
Councilman RoDimick provided an update on his research into provision of employee health and workers compensation insurance. He noted having spoken with a provider out of Wichita, who he explained could provide a quote on workers compensation coverage. In regards to health insurance coverage, council members had begun exploring the prospects of offering this for the superintendent as they look to hire for this position. The provider out of Wichita told Dimick that the city would be looking at approximately $1,000 per month for a single insurance plan and $2,000 per month for family. The city will continue looking into options.
A quote was received for needed repairs to the city office. The quote received outlined that approximately $300 would be charged for needed work within city hall. After noting interest in adding replacement of rotting trim around the garage door, members of the council approved spending up to $1,000 for needed repairs for the city office and fire station.
During a previous meeting, council members approved to spend $1,000 for repair of the skid steer at West Creek Repair. After noting that the bid received for needed work had come in just over this figure, officials approved proceeding with the bid for repair and service of the piece of equipment, affording for up to $2,000 to be spent.
Treasurer Cindy Hardin was present for scheduled presentation of the Budget for final approval.
Hardin noted that this had previously been approved for publication and explained that they next needed to approve the resolution and budget. Resolution 135 for the RNR was approved.
Members of the council voted to adopt the 2024 budget. Note: Although inadvertently excluded from last Tuesday’s agenda, the date for this hearing/approval of these items was published in the August 16 edition of The Eureka Herald.
Mayor Dave Harris shared that an updated letter had been drafted in regards to the persisting dog issue. He told members of the council he believed they should pay to have the Sheriff’s Office deliver this letter. As the subject of code enforcement was on the floor, Harris told members of the council that all they were missing for the court system was a code enforcement officer. Ordinance 363 raising the bulk water rate for 100 gallons was approved. This increase will be effective January 1, 2024.
Ordinance 364, reflecting an increase to trash rates was approved.
Grass ordinances were discussed, with no action taken. Harris is to discuss this matter further with the city attorney.
Grants were discussed by the clerk. She noted that as they look to apply for funding for items such as a storm siren, grant writing services may be needed. Members of the council discussed contacting the Greenwood County Emergency Management Director to see if he could provide aid with this. A quote was to be sought from Emergency Fire Equipment/Invena.
Rayburn shared a public concern received in regards to upkeep of city property in the absence of a superintendent. Members of the council have been aiding in covering responsibilities as they look to fill the position. In regards to the concern for mowing/maintenance, Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck noted that they could be referencing a property near the bank which is privately owned.
Following a 5-minute executive session for discussion of personnel pertaining to performance, members of the council approved increasing the city clerk’s pay to $20 an hour effective immediately. During discussion, members of the council commended Rayburn on her performance in the position.
During the City Clerk report, Rayburn shared that the auditor was slated for their meeting on Monday, September 18.
Rayburn reported that the Greenwood County Health Department would be holding their Flu Shot Clinic October 5 in Hamilton.
City Clerk Rayburn will be looking to schedule fall citywide cleanup for October 6-13.
During a previous meeting, an annual budget of $1,000 for annual donations was approved. Clerk Rayburn shared that the city had received a request from the Madison school district, asking that the city aid in sponsoring shirts for athletes to attend games with no charge. Concern was expressed in regards to the wording of this document, which specifically referenced Madison Elementary and High School athletes. In a 3-2 decision, members of the council approved a $50 contribution. Voting in opposition were Dimick and Councilman Larry Walford, who noted that wording within the letter didn’t seem to reflect Hamilton students.
Schlotterbeck provided the superintendent report. Schlotterbeck noted that the last reported month was at 9% water loss, a decrease in recorded loss from previous months.
Lead and copper survey was revisited. Members of the council discussed potential incentives to offer to entice residents to submit these. This subject will again be discussed at a later date.
In council concerns, Councilman Joe Beeman asked that the city look to address cracks in roads in the future.
Schlotterbeck will be calling to get gravel. It was noted during discussion that he would be looking at getting three loads.
Officials discussed members of the council scheduling a time to mow around the sewer ponds.
Bills were approved. Minutes of the prior meeting were approved. Beeman abstained from the vote as he was absent from that meeting.
Officials briefly discussed access to the community building and the need for a sign on the door reflecting who should be contacted for a key.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 7 p.m.
