On Thursday, June 13 during the monthly Hamilton City Council meeting, the subject of needed maintenance and repair to the water tower was revisited. After considering cost and weighing options, the quote from Viking Industrial Painting for replacement of the frost jacket was approved. The total bid amount for the protective layer surrounding the standpipe was $17,500. The city plans to use remaining COVID dollars for this project. City Clerk Daphne Rayburn and Treasurer Cindy Hardin were slated to meet this Tuesday to complete all the necessary steps for these dollars to be utilized to cover this expense.
A letter of resignation was received from the City of Hamilton’s legal Counsel, James Watson. When this was shared with members of the city council, Mayor Dave Harris noted that they would not only be needing someone who could serve as advising counsel for the city, but as prosecuting attorney as the city moves through the process of establishing court. Following the announcement, members of the council met with a lawyer who expressed interest in filling the roles. William McClendon, who is from Severy, expressed willingness to work with the city and noted flexibility in regards to fees. The following were numbers quoted: City counselor position, $150 a month; legal research and ordinance revision, $150 an hour and prosecution/appearing for court, $150 an hour.
In addition to his work as an attorney, McClendon also serves as Treasurer for the City of Severy.
Hamilton Treasurer Hardin was in attendance in regards to the approaching budget season to discuss the council’s plans for the next fiscal year and items to be considered as she drafts the budget proposal. Thoughts of addressing a portion of the needed maintenance items for the water tower were noted as a potential project to budget for. Mill levy rates were also considered. After weighing options for increasing the mill levy versus increasing utility rates, city officials reached a consensus for Hardin to draft sample figures based on the potential increase of 8 mills, with interest expressed in dollars collected for 5 mills aiding in city general costs (it was noted that they would have to have room in the budget for staffing expenses including provision of KPERS) and 3 mills to the Fire Department which has been getting .5 a mill. The proposed budget will be presented in July. Hardin noted that if officials were not satisfied with figures, changes could still be made.
It was reported that APAC had come to Hamilton and created a proposal for surface work to Lincoln Street and W Road leading to the school. The total for the assessed linear feet of roadway was $60,881.52. This figure was drafted based on mobilization from Eureka. Consideration of road conditions and available funds was made in conjunction of taking advantage of APAC while present under the set mobilization fee. The subject was tabled and will be brought for continued discussion Tuesday during a special meeting where the council will consult their treasurer as they look at drafting a project.
An updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pertaining to storm sirens was presented to council by Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson. This serves as formal documentation reflecting the responsibility/roles involved with items such as maintenance and activation of storm sirens. Changes reflected within the updated document include times for testing sirens. Under the updated MOU, activation for testing will now be moved to Tuesdays at 1 p.m. so that each city within Greenwood County that owns a siren(s) has a worker present to hear whether or not they are working. Members of the council approved the MOU. This will not take immediate effect. Tuesday testing is slated to begin in August.
The final item presented by Vinson last Thursday evening was the resolution for the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Vinson explained that this has to be renewed/updated every five years and gives municipalities/school districts access to seeking hazard mitigation funds. Council members approved to adopt the resolution. A resolution number was unavailable at meeting time. This was to later be reflected on documentation with the official signature.
While Vinson was present, Councilman Joe Beeman asked that he provide Hamilton City Council members with the same explanation of emergency alert operations that he had presented during a previous County Commission meeting. Vinson first noted that the county alerts are a great technology, but noted that operation off of phone towers is not without flaws. He explained that the National Weather Service determines the area under threat of severe weather and if someone is within this zone, but their phone is operating from a tower outside of the given area, they will not receive and alert. Alternatively, if someone outside of the given zone has a phone operating off of a tower within the given area, they will receive an alert.
Council members revisited the subject of the city tornado siren. An amplifier had been added to the siren to see if this improved the volume level. It was reported that this did not have much impact, but the siren had sounded within the suggested parameters. Another option was then presented. It was shared that the siren formerly located in the City of Reece (Reece Township officials elected to remove the siren rather than make needed repairs) could be obtained.
To make the siren operable, it was believed it would need new speakers and amplifiers. Estimated cost for needed work was shared at $10,000, however the siren is still being assessed. The council will wait to hear what exactly is wrong with it and the final bid cost. Plans were to return the amplifier slated for purchase for their current siren and express interest in the Reece siren.
The scout building and proposed purchase of a structure to serve as the city shop were brought to the floor under old business. Needs were again discussed in conjunction with concerns over budgetary constraints and the city utilizing a structure which could potentially house a business if an interested party should arise. As the opportunity for the zero-interest purchase offered was discussed, a motion for acquisition was made by Councilman Christopher Ray. Following a second by Councilman Larry Walford, the motion failed in a 2-3 vote, Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck, Beeman and Councilman Rodney Dimick voting no.
The sewer line for the Schlotterbeck Machine Shop was revisited in old business. Mayor Harris reported that he had spoken with Freund Plumbing. The issue was determined to be on the property owner’s side of the line. Barbie Schlotterbeck was to be contacted and relayed the following options: option one, she contacts the state to see if they can dig up the highway to address the line; option two, comes off building to north, crosses Garfield Street and ties in to the main on 4th Street at the city easement and option three, she puts in a septic system.
Clerk Rayburn shared a question she received from a community member. The individual inquired in regards to the no parking signs installed and asked if this applied solely to semi-trucks or if personal vehicles were also included. Rayburn noted that she had told the individual that she believed the intention was directed towards semis to avoid access obstruction for residences along the stretch of road. Research into the addition of a small semitruck sign to add to the no parking sign posts was planned.
It was reported that a good response has been received from grass reminders, for properties needing to be mowed. It was shared that there was only one property the city had to mow and it was again getting close to the 8-inch maximum reflected in city codes. City Superintendent Randy Knight recommended that the individual hire someone to mow, however they had noted disinterest in this. The individual also questioned about whether or not the city would accept payments for the fine assessed for them mowing the yard. Members of the council reached a consensus not to accept payments. In relation to the subject of code violations, it was noted that officials still needed to set an official location for court to be held.
Clean-up of the city lot was revisited. A bid was presented for removal and disposal of debris including rock and cement. The $1,800 bid was approved. This also included leveling of the area once debris is gone. City officials also discussed getting signage to reflect that only household trash can be dumped within the dumpster. Materials and trash are not to be dumped on the lot.
During the regular City Clerk report, Rayburn told council members that 80 households were still needing to submit a lead and copper survey. Discussion was held in regards to a representative going door-to-door to complete this.
Rayburn shared that flyers had been completed for Hamilton’s Party in the Park for the 4th of July.
She noted that the number of donations had increased from last year. Officials are hoping to have park restrooms operational for use during the event.
Superintendent Knight reported on regular operations. In his overview of work being completed, Knight noted that he has been mowing and weed eating, with goals for trimming brush before Hamilton Days. In upcoming work, Knight shared that hydrants need to be flushed. When asked if there were any tools he needed, Knight noted that he could use his own. Dimick commented that he shouldn’t have to do so. Knight will soon be receiving water and sewer operator training from Kansas Rural Water.
Concerns about a large number of buzzards sitting on the water tower were shared. Discussion was had in regards to contacting Kansas Wildlife and Parks.
Harris presented a concern shared with him by Walford in regards to water running in the road in front of the former Zimmerman shop. This was noted to be a culvert issue, washing out the street. At this time, concern for grass height on the property was also voiced.
It was reported that Johnson Realty and Auction had photographed items/equipment the city was considering to list for auction. A consensus was reached to proceed with the sale.
Bills were approved. Minutes were approved as written.
Councilman Walford left the meeting at 9:49 p.m. before the presentation of such items as: discussion of road bids, no parking signs, storm sirens and reports by city staff.
A special meeting of the city council will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. The agenda will feature two items: street repair and the attorney position.
The next regular meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m.
