Allemang to serve as legal counsel to represent the city
On Tuesday, July 9, members of the Hamilton City Council were presented with a breakdown of estimated costs for road work to various streets throughout the community. Numbers were reviewed as officials drafted a proposed plan for a surfacing project. As members of the council referenced a map of streets while reviewing figures, it was shared that APAC would complete skim work on Lincoln Street from Highway 99 to First Street for free, if the city were to approve a project. While discussion unfolded, council members were advised that the APAC employee they are in contact with had notified them that a project exempt form could be submitted which would result in some cost reduction. Following extensive consideration, members of the council approved spending up to $61,000 for construction. Work to be completed is as follows: W Road from Main to 260th Street and Second Street from Main to Washington Street. If the final block of Second Street extends the project beyond budgeted funds, the city will instead complete work to Jackson Street from Second Street to W Road. It was shared that work should begin this August/ September.
Members of the Hamilton City Council met with attorney candidate Clark Allemang to discuss the vacant city attorney and municipal court attorney positions. After explaining work to clean up the community and ongoing development of a municipal court system, attorney fees were discussed. A rate of $195 per hour for legal services was quoted by Allemang. Following the interview, council members approved hiring Allemang for the city attorney and municipal court attorney positions.
City Clerk Daphne Rayburn will begin training on the Jayhawk legal software in final steps towards establishing court.
Members of the Hamilton City Library Board were present to participate in budget discussion as well as provide their regular report. Board member Keila Sherman told council members that they were seeking an increase in city allocated funds and noted they want to keep the library in the community. It was also noted that payroll takes up a large portion of the library’s overall budget. The library budget is made of city dollars and an allocation from the South East Kansas Library Systems (SEKLS). Criteria must be met for libraries to receive SEKLS dollars. An additional list of criteria would have to be met for the library to increase funding received. Approximately $17,000 goes towards payroll. It was shared that they had just been able to move the Library Director to $9 an hour. The facility is open 24 hours per week, which was noted as the minimum operating hours required for SEKLS funding. Insufficient funding is available for provision of programs and purchase of new books. It was noted that board members often donate needed craft materials for children’s projects.
Officials notified board members that the valuation increase anticipated for 2025 would impact the amount received from the city and the library will see increase from this.
It was shared that the library was hoping to receive as close to a 5 mill increase as feasible.
When fundraising was suggested, Library Board member Kara Nutsch noted this has been done in the past and was not very successful, but added that this was slated for future board discussion. Mayor Dave Harris offered an idea for a fundraiser, suggesting that they host a Photos with Santa event this winter.
When asked what the increase would go towards if received, it was noted that they would like to purchase new books and would further support payroll. Nutsch added that she would like to see more events hosted by the library. Before concluding, library representatives noted that any increase would be appreciated.
Treasurer Cindy Hardin was present to go over the proposed budget. During this time, numbers for the library were further reviewed. It was noted, as budget figures were reviewed, that each mill is estimated to be worth $750 for Hamilton this year. Council members approved a total increase of 8 mills for 2025: 5.5 for the general fund (2.5 directed to the street line item) 1.5 to fire and 1 to the library. Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck abstained because of his affiliation with the fire department and Councilman Larry Walford also abstained from voting.
Progress towards replacement of the water tower frost jacket was reported by Clerk Rayburn. Needed items have been ordered and work is pending.
Auction of unneeded materials and equipment has started with old storm sirens. Another auction is planned for September.
A credit limit increase was on Tuesday evenings agenda. It was shared that the limit total is divided between staff cards so instead of each employee card having a limit of $1,000, each card has a $500 maximum. Council members approved increasing the limit so each card has a maximum of $1,000. It was recommended that the city set a business limit in conjunction with this, which also received approval last Tuesday evening.
The subject of no dumping signs was revisited as the city clerk presented options with pricing. The quote presented for a 18x24 sign was shared at approximately $50 each. Intended use for signage is to prevent materials from being disposed of on the lot where city dumpsters are located. As sign options were reviewed, a consensus was reached to purchase four signs, to be posted next to the dumpsters.
Creating mobile home guidelines was purposed. A suggestion was proposed for the addition of a regulation which would no longer permit mobile homes older than 10 years of age being brought onto a lot within the city limits. Discussion was also had in regards to requiring mobile homes to be inspected and approved before placement is allowed in the city. Future consideration is planned.
Following an inquiry posed to her by one of the council members, Clerk Rayburn got bids for the potential addition of an awning over the entrance to the city office. The bid received for a metal awning came in over $7,000, a sum noted as being much higher than anticipated. No action was taken on this item.
Clerk Rayburn reported that the Kansas Water Office Grant was once again open for the submission of applications. Hamilton is once again looking to submit the remainder of work needed on the water tower in hopes of receiving a grant award.
Trees with branches that overhang city streets was an issue brought to officials’ attention by citizens. The ordinance book was reviewed last Tuesday, and according to Ordinance 67, lot owners are responsible for keeping trees on their property with branches hanging over streets properly trimmed. If it came to the city having to trim trees, cost for this would be added to the property owner’s taxes.
Discussion was had in regards to the Party in the Park event. As this is coordinated by a committee of community members and channeling donation dollars through the city creates added steps for organizers, it was proposed that the they hand this over. Members of the council approved for the Party in the Park committee to be responsible for event funds and the city will officially release related responsibilities once they have set up their own account.
During the library report, Nutsch shared that they were a month into summer reading and had been averaging 13 kids for attendance each week.
In his brief report, Superintendent Randy Knight shared that he has seen good response from properties where grass reminders have been left. Needed work to get the park restrooms functional was completed prior to the 4th of July Party in the Park event.
Councilman Joe Beeman reported that he was recently approached by a Hamilton business owner in regards to putting a sign on his property. He then proposed the city putting a sign up on their lot where local businesses could display their own signs. Also noted as an option was contacting the local 4-H club to see if the business could add to their existing sign.
During council concerns, Councilman Walford proposed that officials hold their meetings with an earlier start time or begin having two regular meetings per month to abate convening for such lengthy sessions. Beginning meetings at 6 p.m. as needed was referenced. Council members later reached a consensus to hold the August meeting with a 6 p.m. start time, rather than the typical 7 p.m.
Minutes of June regular meeting and special meeting were approved.
Bills were approved. The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Thursday, August 15 at 6 p.m.
