Approved Candidate To Serve As Superintendent
Hamilton City Council members heard a presentation from John Reimer with Viking Industrial Painting on Tuesday, November 15.
After providing members of the council with an introduction to himself and the water tower maintenance company, Reimer also noted that they have a program established with the City of Eureka.
Reimer discussed the assessment completed of Hamilton’s tower in late October. The Hamilton City water tower was built in 1923 and holds 50,000 gallons of water. The exterior was last painted in 2016/2017. It is currently unknown when the interior of the tank was last painted. Reimer told council members that if the proper maintenance were completed, there would be a lot of life left in the water tower.
In his inspection report, Reimer reviewed photos with council members and highlighted deterioration occurring to the tank. Priority items included addressing the hole that is approximately 60 feet up on a tower leg casing. Other deterioration discussed included the screen on the roof vent, gaps in the roof/ holes where rivets were formerly in place at the top of the peak, corrosion to the access hatch, rusting of the tower exterior.
It was noted during discussion of recommended work that if lead were found in samples taken of the tower exterior, it would need to be contained while work to blast the tower is completed. The following estimate for potential timeline was shared: approximately one month to blast the exterior and roughly two weeks for the interior – with the total recommended project estimated for completion in 2 ½ months. Reimer noted that it would not be out of the question for work to begin next year.
More significant items recommended for priority completion were: removing and replacing the frost jacket on the riser pipe, extending the overflow pipe to the ground per Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) requirements and addition of a splash pad underneath (Reimer noted the city could easily complete the pad in-house), interior and exterior coating – blasting, application of zinc primer and painting, address holes where rivets are gone, modifying hand rail to required measurement, replacement of the vent screen and addressing condition of the area around the access hatch.
Reiner purposed the potential for an extended maintenance program. Mayor Dave Harris told council members that he had spoken to a representative from Viking Industrial Painting who is a former local resident and the potential option for a forgiveness bond was discussed. Harris explained that if this were feasible, residents would see some minor fluctuation in property taxes, but would avoid major impact to utility rates. In regards to Viking Industrial Painting, Harris spoke favorably about the assessment completed of the tower, noting that the other company the city had worked with had not been as thorough. City officials also noted the option of scheduling out work needing to be completed so that the project is broken down and priority items are addressed in a timely fashion. Members of the council requested that Viking Industrial Painting return to for the next meeting and asked that maintenance be itemize. The city will be looking at potential funding options.
Applicant review was held for the City Superintendent position. Following introduction of the applicant and an executive session for applicant review for the duration of 10-minutes, with an additional 5-minutes taken for the same subject, Council members offered the position to Chris Campbell. It was shared during discussion that Campbell is willing to serve in the code enforcement officer capacity as well. Campbell began serving in the full-time position Monday of this week at a rate of $18 per hour. Pay and performance will be considered after 90days. Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck will be training Campbell.
Unofficial election results were reviewed. Officials discussed future interviews for the council/mayor seat as Harris won the election for both mayor (write-in) and a council position (filed candidate). Harris must select which position he wishes to serve for January when newly elected and returning candidates begin their term.
In the maintenance update, Clerk Daphne Rayburn shared that community member Randy Drake volunteered to do some carpentry work for the city. She relayed that Drake had expressed willingness to complete needed work including the door frame for fire station with no compensation. Rayburn shared that Drake was also willing to work in conjunction with the superintendent. He asked that he be afforded to submit receipts for materials for reimbursement. Drake had shared that needed wood for the door frame would be $100. He also recommended wrapping this with metal. Drake conveyed that this would be an additional cost and if the city were interested, an estimate could be provided. No opposition was voiced towards Drake donating labor. Following discussion, council members approved spending up to $500 for the building repairs.
City officials discussed weathering at the door to the city office. Moisture had been seeping in at the door seals. This was repaired and is to be monitored to insure it has been stopped. If not, the city will look at installing a storm door.
Councilman Schlotterbeck brought to the council’s attention for consideration the potential for expanding the building that serves as the fire station. Fundraising efforts had been completed with expansion/construction in mind. During this time, it was shared that the county rents the structure for $500 per year. This subject will be revisited again at later date.
A dog complaint received was addressed. The complaint highlighted an ongoing barking issue and noted that previous complaints had been submitted. In the complaint received, the individual noted that the dog is keeping them up at night and they had tried speaking with neighbor in an attempt to resolve the matter. A violation letter will be sent to the dog owner. If results are not experienced from this, the city will have a letter served by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.
In her monthly report, Rayburn told council members that the city had a JUS credit and this was applied toward program renewal. Hamilton Hometown Christmas will be held December 9 and is slated to include a soup supper, Christmas carols and an appearance from Santa. A donation request for the Hamilton Class of 2025 carnival was presented by Rayburn. She reported that this will be held in March to help pay for prom and their senior trip. This was tabled and will be revisited at a later date.
In the Superintendent report, Schlotterbeck shared that he completed the water usage report for October and water loss was at 6%, with the annual average down to 17%. Schlotterbeck noted that he would be reaching back out about obtaining rock for roads. Schlotterbeck reported that a burnout was completed to clean lines out. He noted that this is why water may have smelled like chlorine recently. Schlotterbeck told fellow council members that he had to make an adjustment to the bulk water coin machine so coins would be accepted at the new rate as only ten quarters can be accepted at one time.
Councilman Larry Walford asked if the city had enough salt in preparation for winter weather. Schlotterbeck commented that he would go over this with incoming Superintendent Campbell.
In council concerns, Councilman Joe Beeman noted that he would like to look into adding concrete parking bumpers at the bank. The city will be measuring to see how many would be needed.
In continued discussion of workman’s compensation, Councilman Rodney Dimick reported that he was unable to identify the coverage at a lesser cost than the current provider.
Bills and minutes were approved as presented.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at 7 p.m.
