Limitations now in place for mobile homes
Officials for the City of Hamilton convened on Tuesday, Oct. 8 for their regular meeting where subjects of discussion included an update to trash rates under the new service provider and the passage of an ordinance placing limitations on mobile homes.
Following the recent transition to Republic Services for provision of trash receptacles and disposal, temporary rates were previously put into place to afford officials time to review numbers. Figures were decided on following extensive consideration last Tuesday evening. After approving to rescind Ordinance 366, which outlined former rates, council members approved Ordinance 367 establishing new rates. Trash Rates for services through Republic Services will be as follows: curbside service, rental of one poly cart, $21.45; addition of second poly cart, $9.90; 2-cubic-yard dumpster (one customer), $101.75; 2-cubic-yard dumpster (shared by two customers), $52.25; 4-cubic-yard dumpster (one customer), $134.75 and Rural trash customer, $25.10. A full list of trash rates can be found within the legal notice, printed elsewhere in this week’s edition. Rates will be effective beginning Monday, Oct. 21.
A revised draft of the proposed mobile home ordinance, placing limitations on such structures which can be moved into the city limits, was presented to council members. Location and use limitations include age specifications. Under the new ordinance, mobile homes brought into the city cannot exceed 15 years of age. Section 3, referring to existing structures which are non-conforming, stipulates that mobile homes be registered with the city. To register, owners will fill out a form with the city to provide such information as the manufacture date of the mobile home. Failure to comply with the ordinance could result in penalties outlined within the document which allows for a fine of $100-$500 per violation. In verbiage within the ordinance, it is stated that “each day shall be considered a separate offense.” Ordinance 368, defining guidelines for mobile homes, was approved.
A full copy of Ordinance
368 is included elsewhere in this week’s edition.
Pertaining to water tower stand pipe repair, City Superintendent Randy Knight anticipates use of pressure relief valves as the tower is emptied for pending rehabilitation work. It has been estimated that it will take three days to replace the stand pipe. The water tower will be out of service until samples have been collected and tested twice.
City cleanup efforts were discussed. Mayor Dave Harris explained the city can start moving forward with enforcement in relation to vehicles on properties.
He also noted that the Superintendent has a lot on his plate with training and general responsibilities, which impact this. Harris expressed interest in reviewing codes pertaining to vehicles and abandoned structures to pick up enforcement of these. A mock run of court was noted as something the city may look to hold. Harris commented that the city has seen some results in efforts to date, but added that they have areas that need attention. In an effort to take a little off the plate of the City Superintendent, a lawn care business was contacted in regards to conducting mowing on behalf of the city. Harris commented that though they had expressed interest in doing the job, the company had not communicated further on the subject. Harris noted that the ultimate goal is to clean up the city and noted if this could be done without legal action, that would be great. Knight noted that items such as mowing should be slowing down with the changing season and this could create time for focus on vehicles.
Harris told council members that during regular superintendent operations, Knight has found equipment needs which include a trailer. This was noted as something that, in the future, the city may consider looking to budget for. A trailer was noted as having potential benefit in hauling brush in cleanup efforts. This would help expedite and maximize such efforts.
An update was provided on the pending auction of unused equipment. The tractor and attachments are to be sold next month.
During council concerns, Harris referenced efforts made to find a pole for the new storm siren. Harris explained that as they hadn’t heard back from Evergy, he had given up on them and made a call to another resource/contact. Harris shared that he had gotten a pole through this contact free to the city and it was slated for installation last Thursday. Invena’s Emergency Fire Equipment was to aid with instillation of the siren.
Facility work to the library was included during meeting proceedings. Cracked flooring at the library was discussed. Vinyl plank flooring was noted as an option to explore. Front posts/pillars on the library were revisited. Plans were made during a previous meeting to address the condition of current posts. Last Tuesday night, conversation included looking to complete this project.
Bills were approved. Minutes were reviewed and approved.
A bill from S&L Hardware was received late Tuesday and as such, not included with bills presented for payment. In order to avoid having to wait a month until the next meeting to approve this for payment, a consensus was reached for a check totaling approximately $361 to be printed that evening for the total owed. This was to be included on the check detail for November.
Hamilton Trunk-or-Treat will be held Thursday, Oct.
31 from 6-7 p.m. on Main Street. Officials reached a consensus for a $100 limit for purchase of goodies to hand out.
Construction of an awning for the city building was revisited. A lesser bid of $1,200 was received. This item was noted as something for consideration next year in the spring.
Forms for KPERS were presented for signature to council members. In related items, officials approved for Clerk Daphne Rayburn to serve as Designated Agent for KPERS and to add Treasurer Cindy Hardin as an authorized user.
The annual accounting firm review of balances/accounts was brought to the floor by Rayburn. She noted that this has been a decision by the city for this to be conducted each year. Price for the service was shared at roughly $2,700. Rayburn asked if officials were wanting to have it done again this year. This would be for the 2023 fiscal years. Councilman Joe Beeman noted he believed the city has an ordinance for this to be done annually. Officials briefly discussed the prospect of moving to every other year, but asked that the clerk see if it must be conducted annually.
Homecoming was reported as a success by councilman Beeman, who noted that the event had been well attended.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
