A standpipe update was provided by Hamilton City Superintendent Randy Knight, during their recent monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Installation of the standpipe itself was reported as having went well. Knight noted communication could have been better and commented that he did voice disappointment to Viking office staff about an issue faced where a bacteria reading had failed following installation. This was referenced as being an issue associated with the disinfection process and was immediately addressed. Tests were repeated and came back clean. Following the receipt of the clean reading, the tower was then ready for use. Backfilling was noted as the remaining work needed and was to be completed in-house. Councilman Rodney Dimick later offered to move the pieces of the old standpipe from the park. Council members approved maintaining the two longer sections of standpipe and auctioning the three small pieces in a 4-0 vote. Councilman Larry Walford abstained from voting. This was later rescinded and a new motion was brought to the floor. Members of the council approved auctioning all small pieces of pipe and selling the two large pieces at $20 per foot.
During review of bills, officials discussed the proposal term for standpipe project payments. Dimick requested that a clearer record of items completed within the invoice be made so that future council members are able to look back and see what exactly was completed. Members of the council spoke in favor of seeking reimbursement from Viking for them having to drain the water tower a second time. Following discussion, bills were approved as presented.
Knight shared plans for clean out of the pressure valves from Madison to Hamilton. He noted this would be done in December and any needed repair would also be completed.
Knight reported the city had failed a recent acid test and notice of this was to be sent out to residents. It was noted that this sometimes can occur due to a reaction created between chemicals used for the drinking water and nothing can be done to prevent this from occurring. Water can still be utilized and consumed, but a notice must be sent out.
Knight discussed beginning preparations for the salt spreading season.
Discussion was held in regards to Christmas and end-of-year planning. Looking for the Main Street tree base was noted as something needing to be done.
Clerk Daphne Rayburn shared that on Nov. 24 the Hamilton Days committee would be putting up city Christmas lights. Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck commented that lights will be in place to be turned on the day following Thanksgiving.
Hamilton Hometown Christmas will be held on Dec. 14. Plans for getting a tree for Main Street were voiced and the event will feature a parade. In regards to the city contribution, $312 remained in their donation fund. Two events were noted as remaining for the year: Hamilton Hometown Christmas and the Hamilton school Christmas.
Council members approved a contribution of $200 to go towards materials for Santa to make presents which will be handed out at the Hamilton Hometown Christmas event and $100 will be contributed for the school.
A 10-minute executive session was held for discussion of employee performance pertaining to employee December yearend bonuses. Following the session, the bonus amount of $500 for the City Clerk, City Superintendent and City Treasurer was shared.
Mayor Dave Harris brought back to the floor his interest in the City Superintendent having an indoor work space and room to store tools. Harris told council members that, with the recent relocation of Zevi Ashlock’s shop, the former location on Main Street near the city office is available. Ashlock also conveyed they could discuss a payment plan. Harris commented he felt this was something that could greatly benefit the city. He noted that though this was not something the city could achieve in this year’s budget, it was something worth considering to keep tools and materials out of the weather. This was discussed for future consideration. The option of getting a carport and outfitting it for a work space was also noted.
A question was posed in regards to the new siren. Harris shared that there is a rotation board in the siren and it was rotating at will. This was noted as being addressed. Once done, Harris discussed doing another test on this. He added that if they wanted to maintain the old siren, $800 would be added to their cost to deduct the trade in value received.
In regards to the dog nuisance, Clerk Rayburn noted the City Attorney is going to be looking into this issue to work towards a resolution.
The legal process of property clean up was discussed. If the proper channels have been taken and a property owner has not addressed the issue/ item, the city can abate the condition and add any cost incurred to the property owner’s taxes. Codes in regards to trees were to be reviewed. Access limitation is created on roadways due to overhanging branches.
Knight reported he had grazed a pole with the back of the city truck while turning too sharply. He noted he had replaced the lens of the tail light which had been broken in the accident. Clerk Rayburn shared she had spoken with their insurance provider and the deductible would be $1,000 if they wanted to submit a claim. Knight offered to pay this and council members declined. During this time, officials discussed putting running boards or a step on the truck to aid with access. The city will be checking into this.
In public comments, Clerk Rayburn discussed Allen Tom, who was slated to visit with council members in regards to his offer to paint the city fire hydrants, if the city supplied the paint. Rayburn shared that Tom had requested specific paint colors for the job. Tom later entered into the meeting, sharing that he was going to paint a fire hydrant for Snyder’s and was told to check with the city to see if they would like him to paint all of them. When he commented on colors, Mayor Harris noted they may need to research this as certain colors signify pressure levels. Tom expressed willingness to do this, potentially for $10 a hydrant. He also expressed interest in painting the railings around the hydrants safety orange. This item is to be considered.
Mayor Harris provided the library report. Harris shared that the November meeting had been rescheduled from the regular date due to lack of quorum. They are now scheduled to meet this Wednesday, Nov. 20. Applications are being sought for substitutes.
Two grants have been sought; a technology grant through South East Kansas Library Systems (SEKLS) and the second through the Emporia Community Foundation. Awards will be announced in December.
Questions were posed during the October council meeting in regards to the annual accounting firm review of balances/ accounts. At that time, members of the council questioned if this must be conducted annually. Clerk Rayburn reported last week she had checked into the item and they did not have to hold this every year. This was noted as being at the discretion of the council.
An offer was received from a resident to straighten culverts that have been pinched in at the ends. This was offered as a volunteer effort, with no cost to the city for labor or equipment use.
In operations and responsibilities, it was clarified that things to be sold should come to the council for determination.
Trunk-or-treat was reported as a success. Councilman Joe Beeman expressed interest in playing music for the event next year. He commented that Bluetooth speakers would be advantageous.
Minutes of the October meeting were approved.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.
