Members of the Hamilton City Council met on Tuesday, Dec. 10 where concerns were expressed with a portion of the water tower standpipe project.
Officials described gapping along the seam of the jacket around the pipe. It was noted that banding over the layer of covering is too far apart. Officials expressed concerns about moisture getting in and the need for attention to this. City Superintendent Randy Knight is slated to follow up with Viking Industrial Painting on the issue.
The council discussed sending a letter and bill to Viking Industrial Painting, seeking reimbursements for water in relation to the issue experienced in the standpipe installation process. The city had to drain the tank and refill it an additional time, due to disinfection insufficiency by the company. Consensus was reached to send the letter to the company.
Council members met with their legal counsel, Clark Allemang, on Tuesday evening in regards to the persisting dog issue on East Greenwood Street. Allemang, who appeared by Zoom, reviewed correspondence between the city’s former attorney and the dog owner’s legal representation. After noting that preliminary correspondence had occurred over a year ago, Allemang questioned what had happened since then. Council members noted there had been no change, citing incessant barking at all hours and issues with them being tied out in the yard with the ability to reach the street.
Mayor Dave Harris explained he had historically, as a neighbor, went over and offered to purchase bark collars or aid in some way, but this had been fruitless. It was then commented that the property owner hasn’t done anything his attorney had conveyed in their correspondence would be action taken towards resolving the issue. After commenting that the city’s previous attorney had not conveyed this in follow-up letters, Allemang suggested that they proceed with him reaching out to the individual’s attorney in regards to the matter. The individual in question owns six dogs. It was indicated that, if they get off their tether, the dogs have aggressive tendencies. It was also shared that the owner did not purchase city tags for the dogs this year. Allemang asked that the council send continued observations to him in writing, so he may begin a dialog and look to reach a resolution that is agreeable to both parties.
Ongoing issues with disposal of inappropriate items in the dumpsters on the city lot was brought to the floor. Unknown individuals have been dumping household furniture into the receptacles.
In addition to this, individuals who do not pay for the service utilize them for disposal. As the issue of policing this was discussed, the options of putting a gate up and limiting access was proposed. Key access would then solely be held by the city and those paying for the service. In regards to people disposing of furniture, it was shared that the trash collection service did take those items, but this is a concern not only because these items are not accepted, but also due to potential impact on the city’s relationship with the new service provider.
City council members discussed Knight’s use of his personal phone for city business. Mayor Harris noted that Knight had previously lost his phone and there had briefly been no way to contact him. It was commented that the city has not been reimbursing Knight for use of his personal phone for the duration of his employment with the city to-date and it was believed they had formerly offered quarterly compensation for use of personal phones. Councilman Larry Walford suggested issuing compensation. A consensus was reached to offer this quarterly and the city will be back dating this to his start date.
Siren testing was conducted in Hamilton on Tuesday. Councilman Joe Beeman noted he could hear it sounding in his residence with ease. Councilman Rodney Dimick echoed this, noting he could tell it was rotating.
During her regular clerk report, Hamilton City Clerk Daphne Rayburn told members of the council that the office printer had died and she was now utilizing a loaner from their service company. Over the past few years, the printer has experienced issues and age was noted as a factor. Rayburn presented options including a proposal provided for purchase of a new machine through monthly payments, out-right purchase or the city could wait and see if the old printer is repairable. Purchase cost of $1,595 was quoted. It was noted, should the city choose to wait, price was expected to see an increase. The monthly payment option would see interest added to the overall cost. Members of the council approved purchasing the new printer in one payment.
Rayburn shared that the annual Hamilton Hometown Christmas event would be held Saturday, Dec. 14. Festivities will include a hay rack ride and a visit from Santa as well as some familiar holiday characters such as the Grinch.
Rayburn read the library report. Alongside Greenwood County libraries including the Eureka, Madison and Fall River Public Libraries, the Hamilton Library was presented an excellence award for the countywide project which was spearheaded by Eureka Librarian Connie Mitchell. An overview of the library’s events for the year was provided, which included a listing of activities and programs as well as inclusion of the fact that the Dollar General literacy grant had been received.
Councilman Walford reported that a resident had brought a water pressure issue to him. Walford explained that the individual has had issues with having no water pressure ever since work was performed to the tower. Knight noted he had spoken with the resident earlier that day and commented that all pressure hasn’t been lost. Uncertainty to the cause was expressed however, potential factors noted were: this could be an issue on the resident’s end in relation to a water softener, a pressure valve issue at the meter or a slow leak. Knight was slated to check the pressure valve on the meter. Though a slow leak was not indicated on the meter, officials noted that property elevation could be a factor.
A total of $3,552 was received from the equipment auctioned off. City officials discussed applying this towards a future trailer purchase.
City clean-up efforts were brought for discussion. Tree limbs which hang over roads or prevent alley access have been discussed in relation to limitations and potential safety concerns. It was noted that if the tree is on the property of a resident, it is their responsibility to trim it. In regards to alleyways, Knight noted the city has a right-of-way and, though this is also the responsibility of the property owner, the city has the right to trim these. Council members mentioned discussing this item with their Attorney and looking to send out notices in the future.
Councilman Dimick revisited discussion about moisture issues and mold in the jamb of the doorway into the city office. Work had been previously done to the jamb and the interior of the connecting walls. Interest was expressed in finding a more fitting material to prevent the issue. Council members also discussed future installation of a mini-split to provide a more controlled temperature for reducing moisture. Discussion is slated to be continued in the January meeting.
In his regular superintendent report, Knight shared that ice melt was ordered and the company will bring it over, but the city has to unload it. Discussion in regards to borrowing equipment for unloading followed. Knight also shared that he had gotten the rock spread out at the city lot. There are plans in the future for moving stuff back further in the lot.
Knight told council members that he could officially take his water certification test in January, noting that this will be offered in Hayes at that time. Another testing opportunity will be available again in March and exam preparation would be available before then. The fee is $25 for the test. Knight spoke in favor of taking the test in January. Should he not pass the exam, he will be able to take it again. The city shared plans for reimbursing for fuel and mileage, but will discuss this again during the first meeting of 2025.
The former monthly stipend offered to staff in lieu of not providing health insurance was discussed. It was noted that this was not being paid to the current superintendent. During discussion, it was clarified that the city had increased pay and hours and had worked to begin offering the benefit of KPERS, thus electing to not offer the stipend to the superintendent.
During council comments and concerns, appreciation was voiced to city staff for their hard work. In addition to extending praise to city staff, Harris also voiced appreciation to members of the council as he noted a lot had been accomplished this year including work to streets, the water tower, strides taken in clean-up efforts and savings/avoidance of a sizeable increase for trash service. “We are fortunate to have the staff we do,” stated Harris. Members of the council echoed this sentiment.
Bills were approved. Minutes were approved as written.
The City of Hamilton will hold their year-end meeting on Monday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. This will be a brief meeting to conduct final pay-outs.
