Rehabilitation work in regards to the town’s water tower has been an ongoing subject of discussion for the Hamilton City Council.
Approved during the June 13 meeting was replacement of the frost jacket, which serves as a protective layer over the tower’s standpipe. As the outer layer was removed and the pipe was assessed, needs were soon identified and recently conveyed to the city. Options and corresponding pricing were provided. The city could opt to just replace the frost jacket, however, based on conditions found, additional work was recommended. Superintendent Randy Knight provided council members with a bid to replace the bolts on each flange of the water tower standpipe. This came in at $10,000 for approximately 30 bolts. A second bid of approximately $24,000 a year for three years for replacement of the standpipe was also provided. Inquiry was posed to a Viking representative, who noted possibility for a 4 or 5-year term. The price option of opting for total standpipe replacement would include the frost jacket in the sum. The approximate total noted with interest factored in would be $4,000. The representative called by the city explained that, though there was potential for reusing a new frost jacket- putting a new one on now and waiting to complete additional work at a later date, then removing and re-installing it after work is completed- was affirmed, however the representative shared that if the jacket got damp from the pipe or was damaged when they removed it, a new one would be needed. A strong likelihood of the jacket being wet was noted. If the city went with the new standpipe, a layer of protective coating would be applied to prevent corrosion.
As options were weighed, Treasure Cindy Hardin noted that the total for replacement would be manageable given the $17,500 they have set aside for the frost jacket. This total would be a large portion of the first payment, and if a longer term were possible, could come close to covering the first year’s payment amount. She told members of the council they could look at a 4 or 5-year term and if funds are available, pay it off in three. Ongoing grant application was also noted as the item was discussed. Knight requested additional figures from Viking. The council is slated to look at payment numbers for 4 and 5-year terms when these are available. At the conclusion of discussion, a special meeting was to be anticipated so the city can look at moving ahead with needed repair. Date and time were later established in meeting proceedings. Viking was slated to have numbers compiled Friday of last week and noted if the city were to pay off the sum early, there would be no pay-off penalty and interest would be waived.
It was announced that the road surfacing project was slated to begin last Friday, Aug. 16. Roads to be addressed are as follows: W Road from Main Street to 260th Street, 2nd Street from Main Street to Washington Street, Washington Street from 2nd Street to W Road and Lincoln Street from Highway 99 to 1st Street. The project total came in at $61,460.
Mobile/manufactured homes were revisited. Following a request, the City of Eureka provided Hamilton with a copy of their ordinances on the subject for review and consideration. These include stipulations that manufactured homes brought into the city limits can’t be over ten years old. Members of the council reviewed Hamilton’s existing codes and ordinances and nothing applicable was found. Plans for having a special use permit – for temporary/ short-term residence in an RV- were also noted. Existing trailer houses would be grandfathered in. Following discussion, council members approved drafting Ordinance 366 pertaining to manufactured homes. This is being drafted based on language in ordinances numbered 3940 and 3557 for the City of Eureka. This is planned for further discussion during a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.
During her regular report, Clerk Daphne Rayburn told council members that Waste Connections had recently reached out to inform them of an upcoming sizeable increase. It was shared that the city’s end would be increasing from $18.03 to $30. Rates also saw an increase last year, but not as substantial as this. New pricing was to take effect September 1 and the city was only notified two weeks prior to this. Options discussed included looking at alternate companies, having large dumpsters available for shared community use to avoid the sizeable increase with residents going to a community dumpster and maintaining the current rate being paid or elect to pay the increased rate for a personal poly cart. This was slated for further discussion at the special meeting so pricing from alternative companies could be sought.
Three-month evaluation was conducted for City Superintendent Knight. After members voiced that he was performing well, an executive session for 10 minutes was taken for discussion of employee evaluation. Following the return to open meeting, city officials stated that, based on performance, they had reached a consensus to give Knight $1 per hour raise. It was also shared that when Knight completes certifications, pay level will again be considered.
Treasurer Hardin presented two resolutions on Thursday evening. Resolution 2024-2 for KPERS was approved. The city will join as of Jan. 1, 2025. This benefit is to be provided for full-time employee Knight. Resolution 2024-3, for life insurance, was presented. Hardin noted that they would be putting this in place if it were to be wanted by the superintendent. Council members approved to add optional life insurance through Resolution 2024-3.
Hardin presented the drafted 2025 budget. Members of the council approved this for publication. Budget hearing is to coincide with the September regular meeting.
During review of bills, members of the council present discussed no longer utilizing contracted services through Dean Hermesch for water and sewer. It was noted that Knight has been an OIT, operator in training, for two months. Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck commented that maintaining Hermesch was an expense they did not need to continue with. When asked his thoughts, Knight stated he has gotten pretty comfortable with the position and if he were to have a question, Jason Solomon with Kansas Rural Water Association (KRWA) and Schlotterbeck were resources he could call. Councilman Joe Beeman voiced support for thanking Hermesch for his aid and letting him go. At this time, four councilmen were present and opinions were divided; with two council members thinking they should maintain Hermesch temporarily in the event aid is needed and two thinking it was time to conclude services. As such, no action was taken on this item. Conversation then turned to water and an issue experienced on Madison’s end. A test of levels/ samples was conducted.
Following discussion, bills were approved.
City financial CDs were discussed. It was shared that the city has two CDs, one of which they don’t have paperwork for. The bank recommended the city take and transfer dollars in the CD, into their money market account. It was shared that two board members would need to go to the bank to facilitate this. Members of the council approved to transfer the CD to the money market account. Councilmen Schlotterbeck and Christopher Ray were slated to provided needed signatures at the bank.
Approved was also given for the Clerk and Treasurer to move money between any city account as needed.
Updates were provided in progress towards establishing a court system. It was shared that the new City Attorney was to stop by and look at codes. Rayburn noted that she has completed all hours of training she can before the system is established and running. Once court is going, the last of her training remaining will be completed.
Schlotterbeck announced that the Hamilton Fire Department has begun saving for construction of a new station. He noted the issue is securing an appropriate property for this to be built on. Money is being set aside into CDs to further save towards this. Potential for the city donating ground was noted in discussion.
Council members approved donating $50 towards Bulldog Nation shirts again this year.
Clerk Rayburn advised that the Flu Shot Clinic would be held in Hamilton at the community building on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 10:4511:30 a.m.
An update was provided on the storm siren available for potential purchase. Ray reported that purchase would be approximately $7,500 for the former Reece siren which was repaired. No action was taken on this item.
Knight presented a public concern on behalf of citizen Allen Tom in regards to the cross-road pipe at his property. Knight noted that this appears to be a grading issue.
Minutes were approved as presented.
During his Superintendent report, Knight shared that among other items being completed, he has been conducting work flushing hydrants.
During council comments and concerns, Rodney Dimick noted that the Nation turns 250 years-old in 2026. He noted that it would be a cool goal to have the Veterans Memorial, proposed for consideration at a previous meeting, constructed.
The city is looking to send the owner of the former Senior Center a grass notice to see if they receive a response. Additional needs related to the building were noted and are slated to be discussed with the owner, should the letter be successful.
Councilman Dimick entered the meeting at 6:49 p.m.
Coverage of the Aug. 20 special meeting will be included in next week’s edition.
The next regular meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
